McCarter says there are more important issues than marijuana to ask voters about

SPRINGFIELD (Heartland Newsfeed) -- A Republican state senator recently stated that there are more important things to ask Illinois voters than the proposed referendum to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.

Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) stated in a March 1 debate on the floor of the Illinois Senate that the legalization of marijuana is not a top priority for a statewide referendum in a financially strapped Prairie State.

Nine states and the District of Columbia have legalized the recreational use of marijuana, with Vermont being the sole state to legalize it through the state legislature.

While Cunningham agrees that Illinois is facing major problems and he appreciated the concerns voiced in the debate, but noted that it is secondary to the fact that the question must be asked to the voting public.

“This is not a small issue, I think this is a pretty important issue,” Cunningham said.

“However, we don’t have in this state which has been kind of unique to this debate is the opportunity for the public to voice their opinion. That’s why I think this is an appropriate advisory ballot question,” Cunningham said. “Therefore, I think it is well-advised for us in the General Assembly before we possibly take a vote on this issue, to find out what are voters think.”

McCarter was not moved, stating, “I object to this bill and I will not be voting in favor of it."

SB2275 passed 37-13, allowing the question to be on the November ballot.