He also worries about the imbalance legalization could create in his hometown, as suburban residents presumably would see an opportunity to flock to the city in bigger numbers to legally obtain the substance.
“The Governor is making a mistake,” Rice said. “Now I supported him [Phil Murphy], but he is mistaken here. I don’t support the budget right because there is now no real formula for that marijuana piece. It should be a separate bill. I intend to discuss it with him and really drill down on the research that’s lacking, I believe in his presentation.”
Rice said but for the marijuana portion of the $37.4 billion proposal, he supports Murphy’s budget.
“I know we have to do a millionaire’s tax,” the senator said, identifying the crux of the Governor’s budget.
But he looks forward to further discussions to nail down a way he can back the entire document.