Andrew Cuomo’s surging scandals that erupted in recent weeks about harassment claims and nursing home mortality data could leave the governor with less political capital to defend his marijuana authorization reform against a separate bill supported by high-ranking legislators and advocates.
Although Andrew has called on the legislature to approve his proposal as a component of the budget plan, he faces opposition from some members who think that his reform doesn’t offer adequate social equity; thus, they should pass their version first before beginning negotiations with the state administration.
That occurred before several women came up accusing New York’s Governor of unwanted advances and sexual harassment during his tenure in office. Although he apologized for some behaviors, he has denied other accusations, such as one claiming he kissed a previous aide without permission.
Currently, as Cuomo is facing several scandals and calls to resign, it might be difficult to garner support for his marijuana reform over that of Crystal People-Stokes (Assembly Majority leader) and Liz Kruger (chair of the Senate Finance Committee).
Both legislators participated in the Cannabis Lobby Day prepared by the Women Grow and DPA (Drug Policy Alliance) on Monday. Although both made efforts to advance their reform- the MRTA (Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act) they didn’t anticipate how Andrew’s mounting controversies would affect those prospects.
People-Stokes asserted that they can’t stop, and that they have to begin working harder on individuals throughout the state, apart from the governor. The leader further said that legalization polling indicates that, if the state had a referendum to put the matter on a ballot, it would be approved.
Another element countering Cuomo’s efforts is that Democratic legislators have more power over the legislature, which would allow them to override a veto if they ascend the MRTA rather than the governor’s desires.
