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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 9, 2016 04:16 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jordan A. Harris |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Marijuana Legalization |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation that will legalize marijuana in Pennsylvania for recreational use by allowing it to be sold in our state liquor stores. There are currently four states – Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington – that have legalized the sale of marijuana. In Fiscal Year 2014-2015, Washington generated close to $70 million in tax revenue, and in 2015, Colorado generated $135 million in marijuana taxes and fees. Keep in mind that Colorado’s population is around half the size of Pennsylvania’s population, meaning the Commonwealth should receive much more than Colorado’s $135 million in tax revenue. During this difficult budget time, we are desperately trying to balance the budget by fixing our structural deficit, in addition to making critical investments in education and other essential programs. I believe my legislation could provide the much-needed tax revenue to help with our funding issues. Please note that marijuana would be sold legally only in our state liquor stores, and it would be a regulated product, similar to liquor, by the Commonwealth. I ask you to join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation. |