Good Thursday morning.
This is bigger than you may think at first glance — U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel is endorsing Amendment 3 on the November ballot, which would legalize pot for recreational use among adults 21 and older.
“I have taken a closer look at Amendment 3 and will support it,” the South Florida Democrat said. “Safe lab-tested marijuana will save lives and put an end to outdated laws that ruin people’s lives for merely possessing or consuming small amounts of marijuana.”
Frankel, despite backing a bill to end the federal prohibition on the drug, had been on the fence as recently as last week on whether to support Florida’s recreational pot initiative. Frankel, a lawyer, attributed her decision to the strain on Florida’s law enforcement and criminal justice communities on enforcing what she described as antiquated laws.
“We are honored to have the support of Rep. Frankel, a significant signal that passing Amendment 3 is the best path forward for Floridians,” said Morgan Hill, the spokesperson for Smart & Safe Florida, the campaign behind Amendment 3. “Ending the arrest and incarceration of adults for simple marijuana possession and ensuring Floridians have access to safe, tested products means a more just and secure Florida.”
The measure also has support from Trulieve, the state’s largest medical marijuana retailer and the amendment’s biggest financial backer; state Sen. Shevrin Jones, Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, Gadsden County Sheriff Morris Young, ACLU of Florida, SEIU Florida, the Libertarian Party of Florida and more. State Sen. Joe Gruters, a Republican, is also on board. His support comes even though his own political party, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, has come out against the measure.
No surprise here: Florida voters say the economy is their top issue this election cycle.
A new poll from the James Madison Institute found that more than a third of Florida voters view the economy as the most important issue and nearly three-quarters believe inflation is either a “very big problem” (48%) or a “big problem” (25%).
Related to inflation, the majority of those polled reported home and car insurance hikes, rising property taxes and more expensive health coverage. Further, 75% said the housing in their area was unaffordable.
Seven in 10 Floridians say higher bills and rising prices have forced them to cut back on non-essential spending. Of these, 44% say they have delayed major purchases, and nearly a quarter say they have taken on more work to make ends meet.
The economic focus is benefiting Republican candidates, according to JMI, which found that the same voters prefer Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris, 47%- 42%. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott is running ahead of the former President, with 49% support to Democratic former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell’s 43%.
Republican wins at the top of the ticket don’t spell doom for the recreational marijuana proposal, which will appear on the November ballot as Amendment 3. With 64% support, the amendment is in a position to pass and outperform the controversial “Right to Hunt and Fish” proposal, which registered at 62%.
Be the first to comment