Interview: Stephen Sweeney, Senate

The industry could help with COVID-19 recovery efforts — a 2016 report by New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform and New Jersey Policy Perspective said legalized marijuana could generate about $300 million annually in sales tax revenue for the state. ”Because of our vast agricultural space and farmland, there is huge potential for the growing cannabis industry now that it has been legalized for recreational use in New Jersey,” said Christina Renna, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey.

Lauren Moore, president of the Atlantic County Economic Alliance, says that cannabis-related activity is already on the rise. “With cannabis now legal in New Jersey, we are getting quite a bit of interest from growers. We have 23 towns and we surveyed them to determine where the activity makes the most sense. Several municipalities are interested in hosting facilities, and ( ) Stephen Sweeney

Senate President State of New Jersey

How does the FY22 budget demonstrate the state’s commitment to fiscal responsibility?

This is a responsible budget that will help guide our recovery from the most devastating public health crisis of a lifetime. It prioritizes the health and safety of the state’s residents and alleviates the economic consequences of the pandemic at the same time it prevents a fiscal cliff.

The budget also delivers tax relief with rebates for homeowners, tax credits for families, deductions for veterans and aid to make college and retirement more affordable. It establishes a partnership between the governor and the legislature to govern the use of the federal stimulus aid. This shared responsibility will ensure the best use of these funds over the next few years.

How healthy is the South Jersey business community?

The South Jersey business community has always been strong and resilient. Our businesses have demonstrated the ability to overcome challenges and to compete effectively. Like businesses elsewhere, they are confronted with the economic burdens created by the coronavirus shutdowns. We enacted a package of bills to help businesses recover from the pandemic. The $235 million in Economic Development Authority grants we added will help established business as well as new and emerging businesses. We’re also making use of tax incentives to spur economic growth and we will make sure that South Jersey gets its fair share.

What is your vision for public transportation in the South Jersey region?

Let’s start with the fact that South Jersey has no passenger rail at all south of Camden, which is why we need to make construction of the Gloucester-Camden Light Rail a top priority. We also need to increase ridership on the Atlantic City rail line as part of the diversification of that city’s economy. The expanded footprint of Stockton University in Atlantic City will contribute to this effort, as will an expansion of the Atlantic City Airport.