Shutterstock
ALBANY — They’re stoked to smoke.
New Yorkers are itching for Democratic lawmakers to legalize recreational pot statewide, according to a Siena College poll released Tuesday.
Voters are high on the measure by a 58 to 38 percent margin — the best numbers recorded to date in a Siena survey on the topic.
But suburbanites remain pessimistic, as 48 percent favor legal pot compared to a supportive 44 percent, echoing the same sentiments that killed the measure last year.
Long Island and Westchester Democrats in the state Senate sided with Republicans, voting against the bill at the end of the 2019 legislative session.
They cited disagreements over how tax dollars would be spent, whether cities and counties could opt out of the program and concerns raised by the health community — like how to tackle driving while stoned.
Ultimately, lawmakers approved a measure that decriminalized pot possession under two ounces and cut fines for small-time tokers.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in his 2020 State of the State address he wants the state university system of New York to set up a cannabis and hemp research center and work with neighboring states “to coordinate a safe and fair system.”
In a separate query, New Yorkers said they like the third-term governor a lot better than they did in the fall — awarding him a 49 to 45 percent approval rating.
It’s a considerable boost compared to a November poll in which voters held a negative view of 49 percent, compared to 44 percent viewing him favorably.
His job approval rating also got a shot in the arm, at 41 to 56 percent, up from a dismal November count at 35 to 65 percent.
However, a majority of voters aren’t thrilled with Cuomo’s fiscal management of the state, amid a looming $6.1 billion budget hole — as 58 percent responded he’s doing a “fair” or “poor” job, compared to 34 percent who said he’s doing a “good” or “excellent” job.
No comments:
Post a Comment