I. State Issues
a. COVID-19 Update
Covid cases in the Garden State continue to rise with Governor Murphy announcing today 3,635 new cases for a total of 297,370 cases to date, 23 new confirmed deaths for a total of 14,900 confirmed deaths to date, and the rate of transmission at 1.4%. Governor Murphy and his administration continue to use a scalpel approach to address the growing number of cases, encouraging those to follow CDCs guidelines and engage in social distancing. For all Covid-19 updates and information please visit the New Jersey Department of Health’s website.
Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x116
b. Legalization of Marijuana Legislation
Differences remain between the State Senate and General Assembly on A-21/S-21, the enabling legislation to legalize cannabis pursuant to the voter approval of Ballot Question #1. The pending legislation still contains local tax options as well as a 180 day opt-out for municipalities. Among the issues to be resolved between the two chambers include the degrading of the criminal offense of mushrooms to disorderly person offense, whether there are – and how many – or are not cultivation caps, and separate decriminalization legislation. For a brief overview, please see the League’s November 10 presentation.
Contact: Michael Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x. 120.