With just about a month to go until Massachusetts state lawmakers go on summer break, there is a lot of work left to be done. Among the unfinished businesses is the implementation of the recreational marijuana law approved by voters in November. Both the state House and Senate have proposals that would alter the voter-passed law — one more drastically than the other — and the two sides are working on a compromise. When House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Stan Rosenberg joined Jim Braude on Greater Boston, he called for a “first-ever live conference committee on air” to hash out the differences, but both said the disagreements have been overstated.
“If you take a look at both bills, yes there are differences,” said DeLeo. “I think there are, by far, more matters … [on which] there is agreement.”
One of the main points of contention in changes to the law is the tax rate for recreational marijuana. The voters signed off on a 12 percent cap, which the Senate version of the bill would maintain, but the House would cap taxes at a far higher 28 percent in an effort to bring in more revenue and pay for other aspects of the law.
“Sen. Jehlen — her big worry is that we not feed the black market,” said Rosenberg, referring to Sen. Patricia Jehlen, co-chair of the Committee on Marijuana Policy. “The tax rate can have an impact on that …. She thinks 28 [percent] is too high. But, you know, they’ll negotiate. They’ll figure it out.”
“I suppose there could be some negotiation,” said DeLeo.
Another major sticking point in marijuana law negotiations is whether voters should be able to ban retail stores in their city or town — as was laid out in the ballot question — or if that power should go to local lawmakers. The Senate version would keep the voters’ power; the House version would give it to elected officials.
“The expense in having a town or city go out to vote and timing as well … were two major issues,” said DeLeo, defending the House’s preference. “In terms of getting a quicker … less expensive decision, I think our plan would be able to work.”
“Roughly half of the communities have already actually used the mechanisms in the ballot question, and it’s working,” said Rosenberg, citing 39 communities who he said voted to ban recreational marijuana shops and roughly 120 other communities in the process of changing their bylaws and zoning. “Our feeling was, if half of the communities have already pretty much taken care of it, the other half … can probably follow suit well enough with what’s in the ballot question.”
The legislative leaders — both Democrats — also discussed their working relationship with Republican Governor Charlie Baker and his leadership both on the local and national level.
“I’m certainly glad that he’s speaking out on the health care piece,” said Rosenberg, referring to Baker’s recent claim that the U.S. House proposal to reform health care would result in 264,000 Massachusetts residents losing coverage and would cost the state $8.2 billion by 2025. “It’s billions and billions of dollars that we can’t afford to lose here in Massachusetts.”
Rosenberg went on to talk about Baker’s response to President Donald Trump on immigration issues.
“He [Baker] made a very clear statement,” said Rosenberg. “He said this is about identifying people who are criminals or gang members or who are terrorists and those are the people you ought to focus on. I was pleased when he said that publicly … we just have to make sure our state policy aligns with that view.”
“As a Republican governor, I think at times he’s obviously in a difficult position,” said DeLeo.
Would either cross party lines to vote for the incumbent governor?
“I think it’s too early to even discus,” said DeLeo. “I just want to see who the Democratic nominee is.”
“I enjoy working with the governor,” said Rosenberg, “but I am a lifelong Democrat, and I plan to support the Democratic nominee.”
The main point both agreed on: all sides need to continue to work together to govern.
To watch the full interview with House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Stan Rosenberg, including their thoughts on a few other elements of the marijuana law, as well as the so-called Millionaires Tax ballot question, click on the video player above.
