By Rep. Sharon Greef, HD88, Florence
The mail has come and we have our ballots. Finally, the election is here. In a few weeks, we will know who will lead our country and our state. In a few weeks, we can claim our mailboxes as our own. In my lifetime, I don’t recall ever feeling the angst I do with this election. What will happen after the election? Will there be more rioting and looting? Will there be a peaceful transition? What can I do to make a difference?
One of the issues on the ballot that we need to really take a careful look at is I-190. This would legalize recreational marijuana in our state. The supporters of this bill are touting the needed tax dollars that legalized marijuana will bring in. It would be taxed at 20% and those in favor of the bill are almost giddy as they talk of the benefits to the state. But let’s look closer at those benefits. According to Steve Zabawa of Wrong for Montana, for every dollar in revenue brought in, it’s estimated by the Centennial Institute of Colorado that it takes $4.50 to handle other issues such as more traffic accidents, ER visits, social costs. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety looked at police reports and insurance claims, finding crashes rose between 5.2 and 6 percent in states with legalized recreational marijuana. Do you agree with me that this is too high a cost… too much of a risk to take… that it warrants the tax dollars brought in? The Montana Contractors Association opposes the passage of this initiative. They say they have to have a work force not compromised by drug use and it will become harder and harder to get employees to pass a drug test! Is this sad, or what? The Montana State Chamber of Commerce is also opposed. Pepper Petersen, spokesman for New Approach Montana, the committee running the legalization campaign, dismissed these opponents. He said legal weed may benefit contractors. Really, Pepper? One comment I read that made me laugh… legalization of recreational marijuana could support other industries, like marijuana cooking classes and weed friendly bed and breakfasts, like it did in Colorado. Our state, known for its natural beauty, bringing visitors to enjoy our national parks, will now advertise nationally to bring tourists to smoke weed? Heaven help us.
One more thing. Recreational use of marijuana is illegal in the United States! This presents a problem for the poor pot distributors since banks are licensed by the feds and so the new entrepreneurs are stuck without access to modern financial services.
PLEASE join me in voting NO on I-190.