Tag Archives: Laboratories Of Democracy

The best and worst states for taxpayers

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“Hate paying taxes? Then consider a home on the range, and keep as far away from New York as possible.  An American making the median national income, driving an average car and living in the median-priced home could end up paying either 60 percent less or almost 40 percent more than the national average.  Wyoming had the lowest taxes for residents. That state’s taxpayers shell out 66% less than the national median. Alaska came in closely behind, and Nevada rounded out the top three.  On the other hand, New York ranked dead last—its residents pay 39% above the national average. California is right behind at 37 percent above the average, followed by Nebraska’s 36 percent.”

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101504033

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Colorado Recreational Weed Sales Top $14 Million In First Month

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“The figures represent the tax returns from 59 businesses around Colorado, according to the department.  Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) recently announced that he expects that the combined sales from both legal medical and recreational marijuana in the state will reach nearly $1 billion in the next fiscal year — about $600 million of that is projected to come from just recreational sales. The state stands to collect at least $134 million in taxes and fees.  Although the initial crush of retail pot sales has tapered off since January, sales and tax figures are expected to remain steady with more than 150 recreational marijuana dispensaries now licensed, and more added to that list every month.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/10/colorado-marijuana-tax-revenue_n_4936223.html

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Colorado’s New Cannabis Economy

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“What would have happened if one or two states had somehow managed to legalize alcohol during prohibition? Most likely, those states would have become centers of entrepreneurship with retail outlets, medicines, and innovation in equipment, machinery, and other forms of capital related to alcohol-related industries.  With the recent legalization of recreational cannabis use in both Washington state and Colorado, we’re able to see a similar experiment in action.  While the 18th Amendment prohibiting alcohol production and sales precluded state-level legalization, federal drug laws enjoy no such constitutional backing.”

http://mises.org/daily/6669/Colorados-New-Cannabis-Economy

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California Leads Nation with Sound Money — in 1865 [2010]

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“In the spring of 1863, California created a law that allowed any business contract to identify the kind of money or currency to be used in the fulfillment of the contract. If the contract required payment in gold, for example, then only a gold payment fulfilled the contract. In the other states, greenbacks could be a substitute for gold or silver payments. By the time McCulloch was appointed treasury secretary, just 37 months after the Legal Tender Act, greenbacks were worth less than half of their original value. California’s hesitancy to use these demand notes as an equal exchange for gold was proving wise.”

http://mises.org/daily/4625

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Arizona legislators authorize gold and silver as legal tender, again

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“Today, the Arizona State Senate passed a bill that would legalize gold and silver as legal tender, moving the legislation on to the House for consideration.  If passed into law, Arizona could become the second state to recognize gold and silver as legal tender authorized for payments of debts and taxes.  SB1096 passed by a vote of 18-12.  A similar bill was introduced last year. The bill passed both the House and Senate and made it to the Governor’s desk – where Jan Brewer ultimately vetoed it.”

http://benswann.com/arizona-legislators-pass-bill-to-authorize-gold-and-silver-as-legal-tender/

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Medical marijuana an issue of importance for Johnson

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“Sen. Don Barrington (R-Lawton), the chairman of the Committee on Public Safety, has refused to allow a hearing on the legalization of marijuana. His reasons are due to special interests like district attorneys, and he has also stated that his church did not favor it.  Interestingly, Barrington also has a private prison in his district, and received over $9,000 in campaign contributions from the private prison industry.  When Red Dirt Report asked Johnson if she felt it would be possible for the legislature to pass a measure legalizing medicinal marijuana in the next 10 years, she asserted that the only way legalization is going to occur is through a ballot initiative.”

http://www.reddirtreport.com/red-dirt-politics/medical-marijuana-issue-importance-johnson

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Medical marijuana rally slated for Oklahoma Capitol Wednesday

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“Wednesday is Medical Marijuana Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol, a topic that’s getting increasing attention as an increasing number of states decriminalize, and in some cases even legalize, the recreational use of marijuana.  The rally will take place inside and outside the Capitol, with several activities slated to occur, including lobbying efforts and training.  Cpl. Mike Griffin, who heads up a TPD Drug Task Force, doesn’t advocate legalization, but says he believes it will happen some day, even in Oklahoma. ‘This is just one guy’s opinion,’ he told KRMG. ‘Do I think it will? Yes. Will it happen before I retire? Probably not.'”

http://www.krmg.com/news/news/local/medical-marijuana-rally-slated-oklahoma-capitol-we/ndLC8/

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Washington, Colorado have few ways to stop carry-on weed

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“Among the many oddities that have arisen from marijuana legalization in Washington and Colorado is this: It can be easier to get through airport security with a bag of weed than a bottle of water.  At Washington’s airports, including Seattle-Tacoma International, there’s nothing police can do to prevent travelers from flying with pot in their carry-on or checked luggage, provided it doesn’t exceed the state legal limit of one ounce. Instead, airport officials say, officers simply recommend that travelers leave it in their cars, toss it or have a friend pick it up.”

http://nypost.com/2014/01/30/washington-colorado-have-few-ways-to-stop-carry-on-weed/

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6 Red States That Are Turning Green at a Rapid Clip

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“Oklahoma’s marijuana penalties are among the most severe in America. First-time marijuana possession offenses are punishable by up to one-year incarceration and subsequent offenses are punishable by up to ten years in prison. Selling marijuana is punishable by up to life in prison! But voters are ready for a change. 57% of Oklahomans back amending pot possession penalties to a fine-only offense and 71% back the legalization of the plant for medical purposes. Legislation to legalize and regulate the possession, cultivation, and retail sale of cannabis for all Oklahoma adults is pending in the state Senate. However, Gov. Mary Fallin has stated that she opposes legalizing pot.”

http://www.alternet.org/drugs/6-red-states-are-turning-green-marijuana-rapid-clip?paging=off

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In Breakthrough, Farm Bill Includes Hemp Amendment

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“The omnibus federal farm bill approved by Congressional conference committee negotiators this week and destined to be quickly signed into law includes the hemp amendment that was approved by the House last year.  The 10 states that have already passed laws allowing hemp production are California, Colorado, Kentucky, Maine, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia. Hemp bills have been introduced in 11 states this year, including Hawaii, Indiana, Nebraska, New Jersey (carried over from 2013), New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington (two bills were carried over from 2013) West Virginia, and Wisconsin.”

http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2014/jan/29/breakthrough_farm_bill_includes_breakthrough

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