HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf posted on social media Tuesday that he supports legalizing marijuana in the state with the money going toward small business grants and “restorative justice programs.”
I'm calling on the legislature to legalize recreational marijuana, with the revenue going to:
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) August 25, 2020
🔹 Small business grant funding
🔹 Restorative justice programs
At the same time, we must pursue policies that restore justice for individuals convicted of marijuana-related offenses.
According to the Associated Press, some of the tax revenue from the marijuana would to a program to help with “the harm done to crime victims and communities as a result of marijuana criminalization.” About half of the proposed marijuana tax would go to help historically disadvantage businesses.
The social media post was part of a series of tweets in which Wolf announced parts of his fall legislative agenda. The agenda included:
- Hazard pay and PPE for more frontline workers
- Expanded childcare access
- Paid parental leave for all Pennsylvanians
- Support for educators
- Financial help for utilities and rent
Wolf Calling on Legislature to Take Action on Relief and ReformJoin me as I announce my fall legislative agenda to provide relief for Pennsylvania families, recovery for Pennsylvania businesses, and reform for government.
Posted by Governor Tom Wolf on Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Additionally, Wolf said he wants forgivable loans and grants to small businesses, including hospitality, leisure and service industries.
He said he wants to cancel or reduce the alcohol tax for six months as well. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, liquor sold by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is subject to an 18% tax, which is tacked on to the price customers pay. Additionally, the state’s Malt Beverage Tax comes out to about 1 penny per pint. The Associated Press reports Wolf wants to slash the tax to let businesses buy alcohol at cost from the state, and he said it would help restaurants and bars.
>>>RELATED: Pennsylvanians still paying hidden alcohol tax that was supposed to be temporary
Wolf said the state has $1 billion in CARES Act money from the federal government to help fund these initiatives.
“I don’t think we want grants. What we want to do is come back to work,” Owner of Al’s Cafe, Rod Ambrogi said. “I don’t know exactly when this proposal’ll go through and if we’ll still survive.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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