Talk Elections

Atlas Fantasy Elections => Regional Governments => Topic started by: Queen Mum Inks.LWC on December 11, 2011, 04:51:51 AM



Title: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Statute)
Post by: Queen Mum Inks.LWC on December 11, 2011, 04:51:51 AM
Quote
New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act

1. The Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act is hereby repealed.

2. There shall be a 20% tax increase on all marijuana substances in the Mideast.

3. a) 50% of the money collected by this tax shall fund the Mideast Victim Compensation Act.

b) 45% of the money collected by this tax shall be used for the establishment of the Mideast Cannabis Prevention Center, which shall be supervised by the Mideast Department of Health. The main task of the Mideast Cannabis Prevention Center is to inform the public on the harmful effects of marijuana and organize regular marijuana prevention activities in public schools.

c) 5% of the money collected by this tax shall fund the creation of community murals as specified in Section 3 in the Keep our Region Clean and Free from Vandalism Act.
Sponsor: ZuWo


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: ZuWo on December 11, 2011, 05:47:09 AM
Fellow Assemblymen, a few points need explaining.

First of all, I'm generally against raising taxes since I want our economy to remain prosperous. That's why I remain strongly opposed to the idea of raising taxes on businesses and hard-working people. However, I regard a tax hike on marijuana as justifiable for three main reasons:

- There may be a certain prevention effect when it becomes more expensive to buy marijuana
- Our region can use the additional money for the projects outlined in Section 3 of this Act - these are projects which I think serve a noble purpose
- Raising taxes on marijuana does not have the same detrimental effect on our economy as raising taxes on businesses or a large number of people would - this tax only affects a small minority of the population



Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: California8429 on December 11, 2011, 02:08:51 PM
I'm for the tax increase.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: tmthforu94 on December 12, 2011, 09:54:46 AM
Hmm, undecided. We all know I could get behind cigarettes, though. ;)


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: ZuWo on December 12, 2011, 10:04:13 AM
Hmm, undecided. We all know I could get behind cigarettes, though. ;)

Would you like to see an amendment to the bill?


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: tmthforu94 on December 12, 2011, 10:40:35 AM
Hmm, undecided. We all know I could get behind cigarettes, though. ;)

Would you like to see an amendment to the bill?
I'll have to think on it for a few hours. I'm not sure if I'm for 20%. Is there presently a tax on it?


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: ZuWo on December 12, 2011, 10:57:46 AM
Hmm, undecided. We all know I could get behind cigarettes, though. ;)

Would you like to see an amendment to the bill?
I'll have to think on it for a few hours. I'm not sure if I'm for 20%. Is there presently a tax on it?

The current Marijuana Taxation Act says this:

1. Whereas, the consumption of marijuana is legal, in accordance with FL 6-19, the Marijuana Legalization and Taxation Act.
2. There shall be a 10% tax increase on all marijuana substances in the Mideast
3. All money collected by this tax shall fund The Mideast Victim Compensation Act.
4. The 1% sales tax increase on gun purchases set in The Mideast Victim Compensation Act, is hereby repealed.

___________________________________________________________________________

I assume this is based on an existing marijuana tax in the ME, though I couldn't find any concrete bill in the wiki that regulates marijuana taxation. Also, in the ME budget thread a tax on marijuana is listed on the revenue page. The only problem is that the budget has not been passed yet.
So, based on the current marijuana taxation act I assume that there must be a tax in place. But where can we read up on it? :P


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: tmthforu94 on December 12, 2011, 02:05:31 PM
If we repealed the bill that repealed the gun tax, would that reinstate it? Because we certainly don't want that.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: ZuWo on December 12, 2011, 03:41:08 PM
If we repealed the bill that repealed the gun tax, would that reinstate it? Because we certainly don't want that.

I don't think so. In my understanding, once a bill is repealed it remains repealed untill it is passed and explicitly reinstated by the same chamber again.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: ZuWo on December 12, 2011, 03:49:25 PM
According to GM shua, these two federal tax bills on marijuana are in effect:

https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/National_Sin_Tax_Act
https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Amendment_to_the_Marijuana_Legalization_and_Taxation_Act

But since these are federal taxes, I guess the tax increase mentioned in this bill, which is a specifically ME piece of legislation, has nothing to do with them ... is that correct?


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: Queen Mum Inks.LWC on December 15, 2011, 03:52:41 AM
Any amendments?


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: Queen Mum Inks.LWC on December 15, 2011, 04:04:32 AM
I'm opposed to this for several reasons.

1. I'm opposed to the increase.
2. I'm opposed to subsection b).
3. I'm opposed to the repeal of the gun tax increase.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: ZuWo on December 15, 2011, 10:42:42 AM
I'm opposed to this for several reasons.

1. I'm opposed to the increase.
2. I'm opposed to subsection b).
3. I'm opposed to the repeal of the gun tax increase.

Just to get it right, do you approve of the 1% tax increase that the Mideast Victim Compensation Act established or not (since I assume you're not in favor of higher taxes I assume "no")? Because in the old Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act, that 1% tax increase was repealed.

If anything, I could propose an amendment to this New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act that specifies that said tax increase remains repealed. That'd be no problem to me.

Point 1 and 2 you listed are not negiotiable, though. :P


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: TJ in Oregon on December 15, 2011, 10:52:34 AM
I propose this amendment to make doubly sure we aren't reinstating the gun tax.

Meanwhile, we really need a budget for any of this to make sense.

Quote
New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act

1. The Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act is hereby repealed. The 1% gun tax repealed in the Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act will remain repealed.

2. There shall be a 20% tax increase on all marijuana substances in the Mideast.

3. a) 50% of the money collected by this tax shall fund the Mideast Victim Compensation Act.

b) 45% of the money collected by this tax shall be used for the establishment of the Mideast Cannabis Prevention Center, which shall be supervised by the Mideast Department of Health. The main task of the Mideast Cannabis Prevention Center is to inform the public on the harmful effects of marijuana and organize regular marijuana prevention activities in public schools.

c) 5% of the money collected by this tax shall fund the creation of community murals as specified in Section 3 in the Keep our Region Clean and Free from Vandalism Act.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: Queen Mum Inks.LWC on December 15, 2011, 01:34:16 PM
I'm opposed to this for several reasons.

1. I'm opposed to the increase.
2. I'm opposed to subsection b).
3. I'm opposed to the repeal of the gun tax increase.

Just to get it right, do you approve of the 1% tax increase that the Mideast Victim Compensation Act established or not (since I assume you're not in favor of higher taxes I assume "no")? Because in the old Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act, that 1% tax increase was repealed.

If anything, I could propose an amendment to this New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act that specifies that said tax increase remains repealed. That'd be no problem to me.

Point 1 and 2 you listed are not negiotiable, though. :P

I'm opposed to an increase on the gun tax.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: ZuWo on December 15, 2011, 03:34:25 PM
I propose this amendment to make doubly sure we aren't reinstating the gun tax.

Meanwhile, we really need a budget for any of this to make sense.

Quote
New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act

1. The Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act is hereby repealed. The 1% gun tax repealed in the Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act will remain repealed.

2. There shall be a 20% tax increase on all marijuana substances in the Mideast.

3. a) 50% of the money collected by this tax shall fund the Mideast Victim Compensation Act.

b) 45% of the money collected by this tax shall be used for the establishment of the Mideast Cannabis Prevention Center, which shall be supervised by the Mideast Department of Health. The main task of the Mideast Cannabis Prevention Center is to inform the public on the harmful effects of marijuana and organize regular marijuana prevention activities in public schools.

c) 5% of the money collected by this tax shall fund the creation of community murals as specified in Section 3 in the Keep our Region Clean and Free from Vandalism Act.

That's an amendment that I support. If necessary, I accept it as friendly.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: ZuWo on December 18, 2011, 05:41:23 AM
In other words, it would be good to have a vote on TJ's amendment. ;)

The amendment clarifies the gun tax issue, and I fully support that.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: MyRescueKittehRocks on December 18, 2011, 07:27:09 PM
In other words, it would be good to have a vote on TJ's amendment. ;)

The amendment clarifies the gun tax issue, and I fully support that.

If we are raising taxes on this, is there somewhere we could cut spending or another tax cut in the budget? Also can there be a discinction to where this is not applied to other hemp based purchases?


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: 🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸 on December 19, 2011, 01:51:44 AM
Did you ever figure out what the baseline is for the previous tax that's being increased by a percentage? If not, I'd suggest just setting a new tax rate


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: TJ in Oregon on December 19, 2011, 10:53:14 AM
Shua's right, we need to actually set a marijuana tax before we can change it. I'd say we try a 25% tax on marijuana sales. I have no idea if that's low or high, so feel free to weigh in :P

Quote
New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act

1. The Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act is hereby repealed. The 1% gun tax repealed in the Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act will remain repealed.

2. There shall be a 20% tax increase on all All marijuana substances in the Mideast shall be subject to a 25% tax levied on the price of the sale.

3. a) 50% of the money collected by this tax shall fund the Mideast Victim Compensation Act.

b) 45% of the money collected by this tax shall be used for the establishment of the Mideast Cannabis Prevention Center, which shall be supervised by the Mideast Department of Health. The main task of the Mideast Cannabis Prevention Center is to inform the public on the harmful effects of marijuana and organize regular marijuana prevention activities in public schools.

c) 5% of the money collected by this tax shall fund the creation of community murals as specified in Section 3 in the Keep our Region Clean and Free from Vandalism Act.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: ZuWo on December 19, 2011, 11:02:15 AM
You know, a marijuana tax can't be high enough for me ... ;)


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: ZuWo on December 24, 2011, 04:32:28 AM
Speaker, I fully support TJ's latest amendment. We could have a vote on it ... ;)


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Vote on Amendment)
Post by: Queen Mum Inks.LWC on December 28, 2011, 06:05:43 PM
Voting is now open on the following amendment.  Members will vote AYE, NAY, or ABSTAIN.  This will be a 48-hour vote:

Quote
New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act

1. The Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act is hereby repealed. The 1% gun tax repealed in the Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act will remain repealed.

2. There shall be a 20% tax increase on all All marijuana substances in the Mideast shall be subject to a 25% tax levied on the price of the sale.

3. a) 50% of the money collected by this tax shall fund the Mideast Victim Compensation Act.

b) 45% of the money collected by this tax shall be used for the establishment of the Mideast Cannabis Prevention Center, which shall be supervised by the Mideast Department of Health. The main task of the Mideast Cannabis Prevention Center is to inform the public on the harmful effects of marijuana and organize regular marijuana prevention activities in public schools.

c) 5% of the money collected by this tax shall fund the creation of community murals as specified in Section 3 in the Keep our Region Clean and Free from Vandalism Act.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Vote on Amendment)
Post by: ZuWo on December 29, 2011, 04:14:49 AM
Aye!


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Vote on Amendment)
Post by: TJ in Oregon on December 29, 2011, 10:49:55 AM
Aye


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Vote on Amendment)
Post by: California8429 on December 30, 2011, 01:44:48 AM
Aye


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Vote on Amendment)
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on December 30, 2011, 09:30:43 AM
I believe I have just rejoined the assembly. Am I eligible to vote on this?


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Vote on Amendment)
Post by: ZuWo on December 30, 2011, 09:36:18 AM
I believe I have just rejoined the assembly. Am I eligible to vote on this?

Yes, as long as you vote "aye" ... :P

Seriously, I think you can vote. You're a fully-fledged Assemblyman and there's still time to vote before voting ends.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Vote on Amendment)
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on December 30, 2011, 11:13:52 AM
In my appointment, I believe afleitch mentioned the election of my predecessor to higher office. Wouldn't that be TJ? If so, I'll abstain from voting.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Vote on Amendment)
Post by: ZuWo on December 30, 2011, 11:15:25 AM
In my appointment, I believe afleitch mentioned the election of my predecessor to higher office. Wouldn't that be TJ? If so, I'll abstain from voting.

No, you were appointed for Tmthforu, who's now SoIA. TJ, believe it or not, is still Assemblyman even if his election to the Senate seems like an eternity ago. ;)


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Vote on Amendment)
Post by: Queen Mum Inks.LWC on January 02, 2012, 03:38:30 AM
AYE


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: Queen Mum Inks.LWC on January 02, 2012, 03:39:11 AM
Voting is now closed.  The members 4 and the NAYs are 0, with 1 ABSTAINING.  The AYEs have it, and the amendment is agreed to.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: Queen Mum Inks.LWC on January 05, 2012, 07:59:49 AM
Any further debate?


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Debating)
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on January 05, 2012, 07:48:27 PM
I'm a bit conflicted on this.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Final Vote)
Post by: Queen Mum Inks.LWC on January 09, 2012, 03:17:43 AM
Debate having ended, the bill in the following form is now up for a final vote.  Members will vote AYE, NAY, or ABSTAIN.  This will be a 48-hour vote.

Quote
New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act

1. The Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act is hereby repealed. The 1% gun tax repealed in the Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act will remain repealed.

2. All marijuana substances in the Mideast shall be subject to a 25% tax levied on the price of the sale.

3. a) 50% of the money collected by this tax shall fund the Mideast Victim Compensation Act.

b) 45% of the money collected by this tax shall be used for the establishment of the Mideast Cannabis Prevention Center, which shall be supervised by the Mideast Department of Health. The main task of the Mideast Cannabis Prevention Center is to inform the public on the harmful effects of marijuana and organize regular marijuana prevention activities in public schools.

c) 5% of the money collected by this tax shall fund the creation of community murals as specified in Section 3 in the Keep our Region Clean and Free from Vandalism Act.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Final Vote)
Post by: Queen Mum Inks.LWC on January 09, 2012, 03:18:24 AM
NAY


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Final Vote)
Post by: ZuWo on January 09, 2012, 04:46:40 AM
Aye


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Final Vote)
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on January 10, 2012, 08:55:27 PM
Even if I don't go to public schools, I believe for certain that "marijuana prevention activities" would be nothing more than fodder for jokes, unless said activities were things such as searching lockers and bringing in the dogs. WHat are the specifics of this? (I feel quite late to the party asking this question, but when sitting down to carefully read this in full--I knew the basics already--I noticed this specific phrase and I have to wonder)


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Final Vote)
Post by: California8429 on January 11, 2012, 12:02:12 AM
Aye


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Final Vote)
Post by: ZuWo on January 11, 2012, 03:44:51 AM
Even if I don't go to public schools, I believe for certain that "marijuana prevention activities" would be nothing more than fodder for jokes, unless said activities were things such as searching lockers and bringing in the dogs. WHat are the specifics of this? (I feel quite late to the party asking this question, but when sitting down to carefully read this in full--I knew the basics already--I noticed this specific phrase and I have to wonder)

Back at high school we had a special day where health experts came to school and talked about the impacts of drinking too much alcohol, smoking normal cigarettes and smoking pot. They then organized workshops where the students could discuss with these experts and talk about their own experiences. In my opinion it was a success. Those who continued to smoke, smoke pot or drink excessively were at least much better informed.

I know that this part of this bill is a bit vague but that's because it should be the task of this "Mideast Cannabis Prevention Center" to organize these activities. What I have described in this post is just an example of how it could work.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Final Vote)
Post by: big bad fab on January 11, 2012, 06:24:03 PM
I'm not sure I can vote on this, with my swearing-in only minutes-old.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Final Vote)
Post by: FEMA Camp Administrator on January 11, 2012, 11:04:51 PM
I'm not sure I can vote on this, with my swearing-in only minutes-old.


It doesn't look like TJ voted before he left, so you should be good.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Final Vote)
Post by: big bad fab on January 12, 2012, 09:20:11 AM
I'm not sure I can vote on this, with my swearing-in only minutes-old.


It doesn't look like TJ voted before he left, so you should be good.

If it's not too late (I rely on our dear speaker) and if I'm entitled to do it:
AYE


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Passed)
Post by: Queen Mum Inks.LWC on January 16, 2012, 04:29:25 AM
Voting is now closed.  The AYEs are 3, and the NAYs are 1.  The AYEs have it, and the bill is passed.  The bill is now passed onto the Governor for his signature or veto.


Title: Re: MA: New Mideast Marijuana Taxation Act (Passed)
Post by: afleitch on January 19, 2012, 12:26:44 PM
x Afleitch