Given the state’s fiscal condition and the myriad of questions about the cost of public financing of elections, now is not the time for the state to make the financial commitment this would require. Even low estimates peg the cost at several hundred million dollars and at least one estimate approaches half a billion dollars annually. The state has a steep deficit and given the cost discrepancies the issue needs further review.
The New York State AFL-CIO supports legislation to allow for the adult-use of cannabis in New York, as well as job creation and an entrepreneurial pathway for communities and individuals negatively impacted by past social problems and stigma associated with cannabis.
