On Monday, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) asked for a $583,000 budget from state lawmakers to cover the salary expenses, professional services and travel costs of implementing the initiative Oregon voters passed in November to legalize recreational marijuana, Measure 91.
Funding requested by the OLCC is intended to pay for staff and services until July, the end of this fiscal year.
Many lawmakers are proving hesitant to take action regarding Measure 91, This is indicated by the fact that the OLCC’s funding request did not receive a recommendation from the Joint Subcommittee on Education when it was referred to the Emergency Board for approval.
“I would recommend we begin the work to implement the will of the voters,” said Rep. Peter Buckley, a Democrat from Ashland. Buckley expects a legislative committee will soon be addressing issues that pop up during the implementation of Oregon’s new marijuana law.
Regarding the OLCC’s funding request, Buckley said, “I would like to give them the resources they need to do the work they need to do.”
Sources:
http://www.oregonlive.com/marijuana/index.ssf/2014/12/oregon_liquor_control_commissi.html
Photo Credit: Jessica Paterson