Sacramento, CA – Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Western States Council applauded the California State Senate for moving SB 1336 (Wiener) to the California Assembly for its approval. SB 1336 will provide high road cannabis employers access to tax credits, combatting the growing illicit cannabis market. The following statement may be attributed to Matt Bell, Secretary-Treasurer, UFCW Local 324:
“California’s legal cannabis industry must be able to provide workers with high road jobs that pay workers living wages, provide good benefits and give workers an opportunity to save for their future. However, employers are being crushed by high tax rates and forced to lay off staff or close their business. We must give legal cannabis employers relief and the opportunity to invest in their workers while providing safety for both consumers and communities not found in the illicit market. SB 1336 is a clear way California can invest in the future of both workers and our cannabis businesses. We’re proud the Senate voted to support workers’ futures and struggling businesses.”
The legalized cannabis industry is currently facing an existential crisis as California battles a thriving illicit market that puts consumers at risk and undermines quality jobs by undercutting high-road employers on wages, benefits and career opportunities. SB 1336 provides targeted tax relief, in the form of a carryforward tax credit, for high road employers who provide living wages and benefits in the cannabis industry to better compete with the illicit cannabis market and to encourage more operators to enter the legal market.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2022
Contact: Jenna Thompson, 949.246.1620, [email protected]