ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Education advocates are urging New York lawmakers to leave the discussion of recreational marijuana out of the state budget process.
Several groups sent representatives to Albany Tuesday, including the PTA, Rural Schools Association and Association of School Business Officials.
The rally came a day after the New York State School Boards Association issued a similar call. Association Executive Director Timothy Kremer says that rather than consider whether to legalize pot in the context of budget negotiations over the next two weeks, state leaders should take time to weigh the social, legal and public health implications.
Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo had wanted the budget to include a provision legalizing recreational marijuana, but recently acknowledged the issue likely won't be handled that way.
