Marijuana Legalization, Algae Blooms, and Moms Demand Action
/Marijuana Legalization, Taxation and Regulation
On Thursday night at the County Board meeting, I introduced an advisory referendum to be placed on the ballot in Fall 2018 to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana. The specific question is:
"Should marijuana be legalized, taxed and regulated in the same manner as alcohol for adults 21 ears of age or older?"
Channel 3000 provides a good summary of the referendum here:
States all across the country are legalizing, taxing and regulating cannabis. Wisconsin could use this tax revenue to help fund our crumbling infrastructure and public education. Legalization and regulation would also provide people who are suffering the medicine they need while allowing critical research into the medicinal benefits of cannabis.
The stats are clear that African Americans are disproportionately arrested for use and possession and the consequences of this have a life long impact. It is time for sensible cannabis reform in Wisconsin.
The full referendum is available here for you to read:
https://dane.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=6295168&GUID=CDDEAA9C-2C6C-41D9-9820-1EC132F1FB35
I am also in contact with other counties across Wisconsin as we make a concerted effort to get this on the ballot in as many counties as possible. I want to give a special thanks to my colleagues Heidi Wegleitner, Jeff Pertl, and Bob Salov for their mentorship, guidance and advise. Also big thanks to Brian Seamonson from Wisconsin NORML and Gary Storck from Cannabadger.
Blue Green Algae Blooms
Heavy rains in May washed phosphorous heavy soil into the lakes and have caused another algae bloom. This algae bloom is similar to the bloom we saw last year in June. UW Limnology has more details on their blog:
http://blog.limnology.wisc.edu/massive-blue-green-algae-bloom-stretches-across-lake-mendota/
As we look to solutions, we are seeing many approaches to reduce phosphorous in the Yahara watershed. The "suck the muck" program kicked off this week at Dorn Creek. The "Healthy Farms, Healthy Lakes" task force also has draft recommendations which are being reviewed by various stake holders and subject matter experts:
https://dane.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=6213262&GUID=3FE92398-B5DF-401F-8CDF-EFA14DB29D00
Current beach conditions are available from Public Health of Madison and Dane County:
http://www.publichealthmdc.com/environmental-health/beaches-lakes-pools/beach-conditions/
I look forward to supporting this work as we collaborate to solve this complex issue. We must prioritize clean water and healthy lakes.
Moms Demand Action
Moms Demand Action had a day of action for National Gun Violence Awareness Day at the East Madison Community Center on June 2nd. We heard from many survivors who had lost loved ones to gun violence and rallied for common sense gun safety laws.
I was honored to be among the students, teachers, community leaders and political leaders who addressed the rally. As fall elections approach, I will prioritize supporting candidates whose platforms advocate for common sense gun safety reforms. Let's add some orange to the blue wave this fall. Big thanks to neighborhood leader Heather Driscoll for all her work and continued leadership on this issue.
Neighborhood news and updates
- I hope to see you all at Marquette Waterfront Festival this weekend. I will be selling raffle tickets and slinging beer later in the afternoon. The lineup is awesome and it is the perfect way to celebrate the end of the school year for the kids. There are still some volunteer slots open:
- Congrats to the new and returning SASY board members recently elected at the annual meeting on June 1st. There is one at-large seat open and that will be posted prior to the next meeting. Neighborhood associations are a great way to get involved in making your community the best that it can be.
- Mark your calendars for the Summer Solstice Bonfire & Picnic at Olbrich Park, Sunday June 24 2018. Picnicing & Music from 4 PM. Bonfire lighting at 8:00 PM.