Circle Thursday, Jan. 10, as a key date. It’s scheduled to be the second sit-down in the last few weeks between Murphy, Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. Marijuana legislation is reported to be one of the key talking points after the minimum-wage bill.
Odds are not high that they will leave that meeting with an agreement, but the sense is that progress is being made, according to several industry insiders.
The issues remain the same:
Tax rate: Sweeney wants it closer to 12 percent and Murphy seeks it more in the 25 percent range. Logic would say, split the difference. So far, that hasn’t happened.
Expungement: It’s an issue that everyone agrees on – it’s the details that are causing delays. Specifically, who and how will it be paid for.