October 16, 2019
Harrisburg − October 16, 2019 – To spur citizen engagement on whether Pennsylvania should legalize marijuana, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) is renewing his call for passage of legislation authorizing a statewide vote on the issue.
“My proposal (Senate Bill 527) would put the issue of legalizing marijuana on the ballot,” Brewster said. “A referendum would give statewide voters the chance to express their opinion on marijuana legalization.”
Earlier this year, Brewster sponsored the measure authorizing the vote. If recreational marijuana is eventually legalized, he proposed that revenue generated from legalization should be used for mental health funding and constructing substance abuse treatment facilities.
State Auditor General Eugene DePasquale last year released a report indicating that legalization would produce an estimated $580 million.
“It is critically important that citizens have a chance to let lawmakers know their views on the legalization of marijuana,” Brewster said. “If marijuana is approved and significant funds generated, we must ensure that the dollars are put to good use.”
Brewster’s legislation was referred to the Senate State Government Committee for consideration in May.
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February 21, 2019
Harrisburg – February 21, 2019 – To provide lawmakers with more information about how Pennsylvanians view the legalization of marijuana, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) is calling for a statewide non-binding referendum.
“Citizens should have an avenue to express their opinion on whether marijuana should be legalized,” Brewster said. “Putting marijuana on the ballot will serve as an information tool that can help lawmakers gauge the views of all citizens.”
Brewster said he will soon introduce legislation to put the referendum question on the ballot for the general election this November.
The state Auditor General estimates that legalization would generate $580 million in revenue. Brewster said he would target revenue proceeds to establish statewide substance abuse treatment facilities and address drug overdose and addiction.
Nationwide, 130 people die from drug overdoses every day.
The lawmaker added that the revenues would be sufficient to construct new facilities to help those struggling with mental health issues. Brewster said this would not only aid families and save individuals, but it could help prevent random mass shootings and other crisis situations involving individuals with mental health disorders.
The referendum would likely be a precursor to the General Assembly’s consideration of whether marijuana should be legalized. Brewster said he realizes this is an extraordinary step, but a necessary one given the issue.
“Lawmakers need to focus on how we can best consider legalization. One of the best ways is to ensure that members are well-informed about the views of their constituents,” Brewster said.
Brewster said a simple question posed to voters for informational purposes will give lawmakers a sense of the level of public support. The referendum would also provide a breakout of regional differences.
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