Doherty: Marijuana Legalization Is “Deal with the Devil”
Senator Michael Doherty (R-23) is voting “no” on legislation to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in New Jersey, saying the proposal represents “a deal with the devil” that will sacrifice children and communities for short-term political gain.
Sen. Michael Doherty is voting ‘no’ on legislation to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in New Jersey, saying the proposal represents ‘a deal with the devil’ that will sacrifice children and communities for short-term political gain. (Pixabay)
Doherty made his comments as the Senate Judiciary Committee was set to begin consideration of S-2703, which would legalize the recreational use of cannabis by adults.
“This legislation to legalize recreational marijuana use is a deal with the devil,” said Doherty, a member of the Judiciary Committee. “It’s a gateway drug that will destroy thousands of lives, starting with our kids. Nobody is talking about the real, measurable impact that can be seen today in places like Colorado where car accident rates have risen and youth marijuana use has skyrocketed since legalization.”
Doherty Responds to NJ Comptroller’s Report on Tax Breaks
Senator Says Corporate Tax Breaks Failed to Create Jobs; Demands Action to Combat “Crony Capitalism”
Senator Mike Doherty (R-23) is calling for legislative action following the release of a report by the State Comptroller that proved that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) has failed to ensure companies that received corporate tax subsidies were using those funds to create jobs.
Sen. Mike Doherty responds to the NJ Comptroller report proving the EDA failed to ensure companies that received corporate tax subsidies were using those funds to create jobs. (WikiMedia)
“While millions of New Jersey residents were struggling to cope with the highest property taxes in the country, the State was handing out millions in tax breaks, and getting little in return,” Senator Doherty said. “As far as I’m concerned, any company that claimed tax breaks and failed to keep their promise to use that money to create jobs has committed tax fraud. The lack of oversight at the EDA is appalling. I am exploring all legislative options to ensure every subsidy that was wasted in this corporate welfare scheme is returned to our taxpayers.”
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Doherty/Bateman Bill to Allow Dogs at Breweries Passes Senate
The New Jersey State Senate has passed legislation sponsored by Senators Mike Doherty and Kip Bateman to allow dogs in New Jersey breweries.
The New Jersey Senate has passed a bill by Sens. Mike Doherty and Kip Bateman’s to allow dogs in consumption areas of microbreweries. (©iStock)
“Any time we see an industry that’s actually growing in New Jersey, we should seize any opportunity we can to help those businesses succeed,” Senator Doherty (R-23) said. “Employers face enough challenges as it is because of all the red tape in this state. Our bill was inspired by all of the brewery owners who have been vocal about the fact that being dog-friendly is good for business. Eliminating the regulation that keeps dogs out of breweries is an easy way to keep craft beer flowing in the Garden State.”
Doherty & Bateman Move to Allow Dogs at NJ Breweries
Legislation sponsored by Senators Mike Doherty and Kip Bateman to allow dogs in New Jersey breweries has passed the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sens. Mike Doherty and Kip Bateman to allow dogs in NJ breweries has passed the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee. (Wikimedia)
“One of the biggest challenges any small business owner will face is increasing foot traffic. Our bill will increase foot AND paw traffic for local breweries,” Senator Bateman (R-16) said. “Breweries are more than brick and mortar and steel tanks – they are hopping hang out spots where people can get together, hoist a pint, and make new memories. Allowing man’s best friend to come along will make those memories even better. My daughter just adopted a new puppy. I hope this bill will pass quickly, so we can go support our local brewery together, with Sydney in tow.”
Jersey City Should Nix Proposed Payroll Tax, Share PILOT Payments with Schools
Senator Mike Doherty (R-23) said Jersey City’s consideration of a new payroll tax would hurt the city’s efforts to lure businesses and jobs from New York, and suggested the city change how it shares payments from tax abated properties as a better alternative to fund local schools.
Sen. Mike Doherty said a proposed payroll tax would hurt Jersey City’s competitiveness. He said sharing payments from tax abated properties is a better alternative to fund schools. (SenateNJ.com)
“Jersey City has asked for and used many tax incentives over the years, including UEZs and PILOT agreements, to draw both development and jobs from across the river,” said Doherty. “The imposition of a new payroll tax would negate the various benefits they’ve offered, creating a complicated tax picture that would discourage future investment in Jersey City.”
Doherty Opposes Effort to Inject Identity Politics Into School Textbooks
Says Ridiculous State Mandates Dilute Ability of Schools to Teach Fundamentals
During today’s meeting of the Senate Education Committee, Senator Mike Doherty (R-23) expressed his opposition to legislation that would force school districts to buy textbooks from vendors on a list approved by the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) due to their incorporation of “inclusive material.”
Sen. Mike Doherty opposed legislation that would force school districts to buy textbooks from vendors on a list approved by the NJDOE due to their incorporation of ‘inclusive material.’ (Flickr)
“Our state spends too much time trying to incorporate identity politics into our curriculum, and too little ensuring that all of our students are proficient in the basics of reading, writing, science, and math when they graduate,” said Doherty. “The simple fact is a math textbook should teach math, a chemistry textbook should teach chemistry. A publisher that produces a textbook that effectively teaches those topics shouldn’t be barred for failing to reach some bureaucrat’s vague standard for ‘inclusive materials.'”
Senate Passes Doherty/Sweeney Bill Allowing Counties to Share Tax Administrators
The New Jersey State Senate has passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Mike Doherty and Senate President Steve Sweeney that would increase government efficiency and lower the cost to taxpayers, by allowing counties to share tax administrators.
Sens. Mike Doherty and Steve Sweeney’s bipartisan bill would increase government efficiency and lower the cost to taxpayers, by allowing counties to share tax administrators. (SenateNJ.com)
“Inefficiencies at the county level are bleeding taxpayers dry. We must seize every opportunity to encourage local governments to share services, and bring these costs down. Allowing counties to share a tax administrator is a great start,” Senator Doherty (R-23) said. “I look forward to seeing our communities reap the rewards of this commonsense change.”
Doherty Introduces Legislation to Allow Dogs at Microbreweries
Measure Would Permit Dogs in Sampling & Tasting Areas
Senator Mike Doherty (R-23) has introduced legislation that would allow dogs to accompany their owners during tastings at microbreweries.
Sen. Mike Doherty has introduced legislation that would allow dogs to accompany their owners during tastings at microbreweries. (©iStock)
“New Jersey’s microbrewing industry is growing at a rapid pace, but it needs our support to continue expanding,” said Doherty. “We’ve heard from brew pub operators that many customers who stop in for a tasting have their dogs in tow, which creates conflict with public health officials who don’t like pets in establishments where food or drink is consumed. It’s possible to meet the demands of customers without sacrificing the cleanliness we expect when we visit our microbreweries.”
Doherty/Sweeney Bill to Improve the Efficiency of County Government Passes Committee
Legislation sponsored by Senator Michael Doherty and Senate President Steve Sweeney to make government more efficient by allowing counties to share tax administrators has passed the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Michael Doherty and Sen. President Steve Sweeney to make government more efficient by allowing counties to share tax administrators has passed the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
“This will encourage government efficiency through shared services,” said Senator Sweeney. “It can produce cost savings for county government and the taxpayers. Sharing a tax administrator will improve access to information, allowing one official to gain a broader perspective of the tax equalization, revision, review, and enforcement policies.”
“The number one concern of New Jersey residents is affordability,” Doherty (R-23) said. “Allowing counties to share tax administrators with excess capacity will produce tangible savings for New Jersey’s overburdened taxpayers. We should continue to explore every opportunity to help local governments to share services and reduce costs.”
Bucco/Doherty Bill to Heighten Teen Awareness of Safe Haven Act Passes Senate
Program Permits Newborns and Infants to Be Surrendered Safely, Anonymously & Legally
Senator Anthony Bucco and Senator Michael Doherty’s legislation ensuring high school students are taught about the “New Jersey Safe Haven Protection Act” has unanimously passed the New Jersey Senate.
Sen. Anthony Bucco & Sen. Michael Doherty’s legislation ensuring high school students are taught about the “New Jersey Safe Haven Protection Act” has unanimously passed the New Jersey Senate. (NJDCF)
“Teenage parents often hide pregnancies to avoid punishment from parents, and they’re among the most likely to abandon a newborn baby in an unsafe manner,” Bucco (R-25) said. “New Jersey’s Safe Haven Act has proven to saves lives by giving parents who may not want a child a safe, anonymous, and legal way to surrender a baby. We need to make sure that all of our students understand this option, which can protect a baby from harm and prevent teen parents from making extremely bad choices that may send them to jail.”
