Editorial: NJ Marijuana Legalization Comes with Serious Downsides
Senator Jim Holzapfel’s editorial on concerns regarding the legalization of marijuana in New Jersey was published by the Asbury Park Press on March 19, 2019:
Sen. Jim Holzapfel’s Asbury Park Press editorial on concerns regarding the legalization of marijuana in New Jersey. (Pixabay)
As a state senator and former county prosecutor, I oppose efforts by Gov. Phil Murphy and Democrats in the state Legislature to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in the Garden State.
The claims made by supporters of legalization don’t tell the full story, including the negative impacts on our neighborhoods and our children that can be expected should this proposal become law.
Proponents of legalization often cite a variety of anticipated benefits, ranging from large streams of new tax revenues for governments to anticipated “social justice” gains that they say would level the playing field for minorities.
The reality, however, is far less rosy. That’s clear from the example set by Colorado, where legalization occurred in 2014.
Cardinale Statement on Marijuana
Senator Gerald Cardinale (R-39) issued the following statement regarding his opposition to marijuana legalization:
Senator Gerald Cardinale (R-39) issued the following statement regarding marijuana. Sen. Gerald Cardinale’s statement on his opposition to marijuana legalization. (Pixabay)
“In Colorado and Washington State pre-legalization, there were a number of marijuana related traffic fatalities. Post-legalization there was an immediate spike in marijuana related traffic fatalities. It is now a 100% increase per year.
Bateman on Marijuana Legalization
Longtime member of the State Senate Judiciary Committee notes that Republican members have yet to see a final copy of the bill they will soon be asked to vote on to legalize marijuana in New Jersey.
Sen. Kip Bateman urges bill sponsors to make the details of a bill to legalize marijuana public before the Judiciary Committee vote, noting that with minutes to go, Republicans still haven’t seen a final copy of the legislation. (Pixabay)
“With minutes to go, Senate Republican members of the Judiciary Committee still haven’t seen a final copy of legislation to legalize marijuana for recreational use.
“Legalizing marijuana would have an enormous impact on all of our communities. Asking us to form an opinion without seeing the full details of the bill is an incredibly irresponsible way to govern,” Senator Kip Bateman (R-16) said.
Gov. Signs Bucco’s School Security Bill
Expands Eligibility Requirements to Allow More Retired Law Enforcement Officers to Protect NJ Schools
Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) to expand the categories of those who are eligible to serve as Class Three officers, a special class of retired-in-good-standing law enforcement officers who provide security at New Jersey’s schools and county colleges.
Gov. Murphy has signed Sen. Anthony Bucco’s school security bill expanding the categories of those who are eligible to serve as Class Three officers, a special class of retired-in-good-standing law enforcement officers who provide security at New Jersey’s schools and county colleges. (Flickr)
Bucco was the sponsor of the 2016 law that created class three officers, vastly expanding opportunities for local municipalities to increase school security.
“There is nothing more important than keeping our children safe,” Senator Bucco said. “Over the past several years, we have worked on a bipartisan basis to find ways to protect every classroom in New Jersey, without overburdening taxpayers. Allowing retired law enforcement officers to guard our schools was a great step forward, but we need to do more. This expansion will ensure that our schools can choose from a larger pool of qualified candidates who have the training and experience to effectively meet our school security needs.”
Doherty: Marijuana Legalization Is “Deal with the Devil”
Senator Michael Doherty (R-23) is voting “no” on legislation to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in New Jersey, saying the proposal represents “a deal with the devil” that will sacrifice children and communities for short-term political gain.
Sen. Michael Doherty is voting ‘no’ on legislation to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in New Jersey, saying the proposal represents ‘a deal with the devil’ that will sacrifice children and communities for short-term political gain. (Pixabay)
Doherty made his comments as the Senate Judiciary Committee was set to begin consideration of S-2703, which would legalize the recreational use of cannabis by adults.
“This legislation to legalize recreational marijuana use is a deal with the devil,” said Doherty, a member of the Judiciary Committee. “It’s a gateway drug that will destroy thousands of lives, starting with our kids. Nobody is talking about the real, measurable impact that can be seen today in places like Colorado where car accident rates have risen and youth marijuana use has skyrocketed since legalization.”
Bateman Bill Requiring Witnesses to Immediately Notify Child Protection Agency of Child Sexual Abuse Signed Into Law
Senator Kip Bateman’s (R-16) legislation requiring witnesses of child sexual abuse to immediately report it to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency has been signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.
Sen. Kip Bateman’s legislation requiring witnesses of child sexual abuse to immediately report it to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency has been signed into law on March 18, 2019. (WikiMedia)
Bateman originally introduced the bill in 2011 in the wake of the Penn State football scandal. Recent attention was brought to the legislation when multiple videos were made public of top New Jersey teacher union officials discussing their efforts and willingness to conceal teacher sexual misconduct.
“Anyone who witnesses child sex abuse has to speak up immediately. Silence is not an option,” Bateman said. “Mandating immediate reporting will help survivors get justice as soon as possible, and help ensure the perpetrators quickly face the full wrath of the law. ”
Bateman’s bipartisan bill, S-641, requires that sexual abuse against a child be directly reported to the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. It also makes failing to report an act of sexual abuse a crime of the fourth degree.
“From the Penn State football scandal to the undercover videos exposing officials conspiring to sweep sexual assault claims under the rug, it’s a sad reality that sometimes people don’t do the right thing, even when a child’s life is in jeopardy,” Bateman added. “This law will save children from perpetual abuse, hopefully giving them a chance to heal and have a successful life.”
Now Law: Kean Bill Creates Driverless Car Task Force
Legislation Will Invigorate NJ’s Innovation Economy
Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean to establish an autonomous vehicle task force has been signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tom Kean to establish an autonomous vehicle task force has been signed into law on March 18, 2019. (WikiMedia)
“Driverless cars will be part of America’s transportation system future,” Kean (R-21) said. “Autonomous vehicle innovations are sparking a new career field with endless possibilities for our workforce. Establishing a multifaceted task force to study and recommend the best policies for driverless cars will lead to new jobs and high consumer safety standards, so that we can prevent injuries and save lives.”
Advanced: Pennacchio/Bucco Bill Dedicating Morris Plains Rail Station in Honor of Local Mayor & Freeholder
Legislation ceremoniously renames station: “Frank J. Druetzler Station – Morris Plains, New Jersey”
Legislation sponsored by Senators Joe Pennacchio and Anthony Bucco to pay tribute to former Morris Plains Mayor and Morris County Freeholder Frank Druetzler for his 38 years of laudable public service, by ceremoniously renaming a local rail station in his honor, has passed the Senate Transportation Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio and Sen. Anthony Bucco to ceremoniously designate the Morris Plains rail station as the “Frank J. Druetzler Station – Morris Plains, New Jersey” passed the Senate Transportation Committee. (SenateNJ.com)
“I have had the pleasure of working with Frank for more than 20 years,” Pennacchio said. “Frank is a pillar of the community, and his numerous accomplishments in Morris Plains are a testament to his hard work. He always put people before politics. Renaming the train station in Frank’s honor is a fitting way to pay tribute to his legacy.”
Oroho Bill to Modernize and Standardize Bidding Procedures for Public Works Projects Passes Senate
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) to update and streamline the electronic bidding process for public works projects of significant value passed the New Jersey Senate.
The “Electronic Bidding Construction Act” applies to entities subject to the “Public School Contracts Law,” the “State College Contracts Law,” and the “Local Public Contracts Law.”
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sen. Steven Oroho to update and streamline the electronic bidding process for public works projects of significant value passed the State Senate. (SenateNJ.com)
“Our state contracting agencies must better utilize 21st century technology to increase competitiveness, enhance accountability, and lower risk,” Oroho said. “Electronic procurement has proven to cut time and costs. Updating our e-procurement process will help our local boards of education streamline the bidding process and save the taxpayers of New Jersey money.”
Oroho Bill Renaming State Park to Honor NJ Veterans Passes Legislature
Senator Steven Oroho’s bipartisan legislation, S-542, to pay tribute to veterans by renaming Sussex County’s High Point State Park to “High Point State Park and New Jersey Veterans Memorial” has passed the full Senate and is now headed to the governor for final approval. The Garden State is home to more than 400,000 veterans.
Sen. Steven Oroho’s bipartisan legislation to pay tribute to veterans by renaming Sussex County’s High Point State Park to “High Point State Park and New Jersey Veterans Memorial” has passed the Senate. (©iStock)
“Renaming High Point State Park to honor New Jersey’s veterans is an appropriate memorial,” Oroho said. “High Point Park in Sussex County was made possible by Colonel Anthony R. and Susie Dryden Kuser, who generously donated the 10,500 acres that encompasses New Jersey’s tallest point. These generous patriots also sponsored the 220-foot war memorial that towers over that land. My hope is that the park’s new name will serve as a reminder to all park-goers of the valiant sacrifices our military members make at home and abroad to preserve our nation’s freedom.”
