Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Trenton - In 1976, New Jersey citizens voted to give Atlantic City the sole authority to operate casinos, a decision that saved the famed but fading seaside resort from collapse.
Now 40 years later, a state Assemblyman wants the public to decide whether Atlantic City - once again in economic peril - ought to be the only community in the state where the sale and consumption of marijuana is permitted.
State Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer) said a bill he plans to introduce Thursday would place a question on the ballot that asks voters to permit the commercial cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana by adults 21 and older within city limits.
The Attorney General's Office would regulate AC's pot market like it oversees the gaming industry, according to the bill. Half of the proceeds from the 20 percent sales tax would go to the city's coffers; 30 percent would fund road projects; and 10 percent each pay for women's health programs and drug enforcement efforts.
Although he is a supporter of legalizing and decriminalizing pot, Gusciora said the chief aim of this bill is to generate cash for Atlantic City, which has seen half of its tax ratable base evaporate with the closing of four casinos.
A two-bill rescue package Gov. Chris Christie signed into law last month demands city officials develop a five-year plan for budget solvency by late October or face a state takeover.
"It's a challenge if they can even meet the milestones the state has set up," Gusciora said. "The thing they need is to generate real dollars - something Atlantic City can't do on its own, and generate more tourists. Right now, there are too many tourists who decide to go to Delaware, the Poconos and New York."
Nevada voters will decide on Nov. 8 whether recreational marijuana should be legalized. Gusciora hopes his bill pass the legislature before the summer recess begins June 30, "to keep Atlantic City competitive with Las Vegas," he said.
Atlantic City Councilman Frank Gilliam said he hopes Gusciora's bill gains traction.
"I and other councilman have voiced our support of such an endeavor, realizing that there isn't many revenue streams to help fill our shortfall. We also realize that we must think outside the box in order to achieve our goals in making our city relevant and self-sustaining," Gilliam said.
"This is necessary especially if the state has no intentions on giving us our luxury, parking or room tax," he added.
New Jersey's election ballot is already crowded with questions on raising the minimum wage and funding public employee pensions, Guiscora said. Plus, the legislature must approve the state budget by the end of the month and decide whether to raise the gas tax and abolish the estate tax.
"I would hope they would find room for this," Gusciora said. "There is tendency to declare that everything that could be done for Atlantic City has been done. I would argue we need to make sure there is an AC in the future."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Legal Recreational Marijuana Can Help Save Atlantic City: Lawmaker
Author: Susan K. Livio
Contact: slivio@njadvancemedia.com
Photo Credit: John Munson
Website: New Jersey Local News
Now 40 years later, a state Assemblyman wants the public to decide whether Atlantic City - once again in economic peril - ought to be the only community in the state where the sale and consumption of marijuana is permitted.
State Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer) said a bill he plans to introduce Thursday would place a question on the ballot that asks voters to permit the commercial cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana by adults 21 and older within city limits.
The Attorney General's Office would regulate AC's pot market like it oversees the gaming industry, according to the bill. Half of the proceeds from the 20 percent sales tax would go to the city's coffers; 30 percent would fund road projects; and 10 percent each pay for women's health programs and drug enforcement efforts.
Although he is a supporter of legalizing and decriminalizing pot, Gusciora said the chief aim of this bill is to generate cash for Atlantic City, which has seen half of its tax ratable base evaporate with the closing of four casinos.
A two-bill rescue package Gov. Chris Christie signed into law last month demands city officials develop a five-year plan for budget solvency by late October or face a state takeover.
"It's a challenge if they can even meet the milestones the state has set up," Gusciora said. "The thing they need is to generate real dollars - something Atlantic City can't do on its own, and generate more tourists. Right now, there are too many tourists who decide to go to Delaware, the Poconos and New York."
Nevada voters will decide on Nov. 8 whether recreational marijuana should be legalized. Gusciora hopes his bill pass the legislature before the summer recess begins June 30, "to keep Atlantic City competitive with Las Vegas," he said.
Atlantic City Councilman Frank Gilliam said he hopes Gusciora's bill gains traction.
"I and other councilman have voiced our support of such an endeavor, realizing that there isn't many revenue streams to help fill our shortfall. We also realize that we must think outside the box in order to achieve our goals in making our city relevant and self-sustaining," Gilliam said.
"This is necessary especially if the state has no intentions on giving us our luxury, parking or room tax," he added.
New Jersey's election ballot is already crowded with questions on raising the minimum wage and funding public employee pensions, Guiscora said. Plus, the legislature must approve the state budget by the end of the month and decide whether to raise the gas tax and abolish the estate tax.
"I would hope they would find room for this," Gusciora said. "There is tendency to declare that everything that could be done for Atlantic City has been done. I would argue we need to make sure there is an AC in the future."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Legal Recreational Marijuana Can Help Save Atlantic City: Lawmaker
Author: Susan K. Livio
Contact: slivio@njadvancemedia.com
Photo Credit: John Munson
Website: New Jersey Local News
