Robert Celt
New Member
As the budget deadlock in Harrisburg approaches the eight-month mark, the lack of movement on any significant legislation, even that with broad support, adds to growing level of disappointment outside the midstate.
Gov. Tom Wolf is less than two weeks away from announcing his 2017 spending plan, despite no 2016 budget. In his first year in office, Wolf signed 96 bills into law, the fewest since 2009 – another year mired in a budget impasse – and 108 fewer than the year before.
Among legislation bogged down in the Capitol is realistic and appropriate action on medical marijuana. The commonwealth is one of a dozen states without a form of legalized medical marijuana and it has twice stalled close to completion. The state Senate passed a bill in 2014, but it died in the House before the legislative session ended. Last spring, the Senate again overwhelming passed a bill – 40-7 in support – and the House has yet to take action, its focus instead on passing – or not – a state budget.
Advocates for medical marijuana in Pennsylvania are frustrated because it has been on the verge of passage for several years. Gov. Wolf said he will sign any bill legalizing medicinal usage, but it has to get to his desk first.
"I'm not optimistic," said local advocate Christy Harding, whose son has Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a form of epilepsy. "It's been 2 1/2 years. Meanwhile, my son keeps seizing."
Lawmakers must not allow their inability to come to a reasonable compromise on a state budget to block other legislation from moving forward.
As we've said before, the Pennsylvania legislature ranks among the most well compensated in the nation. Passing a budget is job No. 1, and to date they have not met that constitutional requirement.
That lack of movement, however, should not create a logjam for meaningful legislation which could offer aid and comfort those who have been waiting long enough.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Pennsylvania: Time To Move On Medical Marijuana
Author: Editorial
Contact: The Daily Item
Photo Credit: None found
Website: The Daily Item
Gov. Tom Wolf is less than two weeks away from announcing his 2017 spending plan, despite no 2016 budget. In his first year in office, Wolf signed 96 bills into law, the fewest since 2009 – another year mired in a budget impasse – and 108 fewer than the year before.
Among legislation bogged down in the Capitol is realistic and appropriate action on medical marijuana. The commonwealth is one of a dozen states without a form of legalized medical marijuana and it has twice stalled close to completion. The state Senate passed a bill in 2014, but it died in the House before the legislative session ended. Last spring, the Senate again overwhelming passed a bill – 40-7 in support – and the House has yet to take action, its focus instead on passing – or not – a state budget.
Advocates for medical marijuana in Pennsylvania are frustrated because it has been on the verge of passage for several years. Gov. Wolf said he will sign any bill legalizing medicinal usage, but it has to get to his desk first.
"I'm not optimistic," said local advocate Christy Harding, whose son has Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a form of epilepsy. "It's been 2 1/2 years. Meanwhile, my son keeps seizing."
Lawmakers must not allow their inability to come to a reasonable compromise on a state budget to block other legislation from moving forward.
As we've said before, the Pennsylvania legislature ranks among the most well compensated in the nation. Passing a budget is job No. 1, and to date they have not met that constitutional requirement.
That lack of movement, however, should not create a logjam for meaningful legislation which could offer aid and comfort those who have been waiting long enough.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Pennsylvania: Time To Move On Medical Marijuana
Author: Editorial
Contact: The Daily Item
Photo Credit: None found
Website: The Daily Item
