Contact: Rep. David Bowen
(608) 266-7671
Legalization is What Wisconsinites Want
MILWAUKEE – Rep. David Bowen (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement in response to a new study from UW-Madison’s La Follette School of Public Affairs that shows Wisconsin could see a $1.1 billion benefit over a five year period from the legalization of medicinal marijuana:
“The results of this study should come as no surprise to those who have seen the fiscal benefits other states have enjoyed following the legalization of medicinal marijuana. I have long advocated for the legalization of marijuana in no small part because it would provide added revenue to Wisconsin that could be used to invest in our public schools, fix our roads, and expand healthcare for Wisconsinites. The State would not only benefit from a large source of tax revenue, but would also save money as less people would be incarcerated for trying to access a desperately needed natural medication.”
Two weeks ago, a Marquette University Law School Poll found that 83% of registered voters in Wisconsin support the legalization of medicinal marijuana, and yesterday’s study found that legalization could bring in over $200 million to the State every year.
Rep. Bowen continued, “We are lucky to have a Governor who understands the benefits of ending Wisconsin’s outdated and unnecessary prohibition on medicinal marijuana, and whose ‘People’s Budget’ would do just that. I call on my Republican colleagues to embrace Gov. Ever’s budget and legalize medicinal marijuana in our State. Wisconsinites already know this would be a slam dunk for Wisconsin, and it is past time for Republicans to get on board.”
