Auditor General DePasquale Congratulates Election Victors, Calls for Finding Common Ground, Highlights Progress on Big Issues
Michigan becomes 10th state to legalize marijuana; voters hike minimum wage in two states
Auditor General DePasquale Congratulates Election Victors, Calls for Finding Common Ground, Highlights Progress on Big Issues
Michigan becomes 10th state to legalize marijuana; voters hike minimum wage in two states
HARRISBURG (Nov. 7, 2018) – Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale today said victories in Tuesday’s elections by candidates reflecting America’s diversity are a welcome sign of progress.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to all of the winners of yesterday’s historic mid-term elections,” DePasquale said, noting that Pennsylvania voters are sending four women to represent them in Congress.
“Never before have we been at such a crossroads when it comes to addressing divisiveness and hostility in our national conversation. America faces so many challenges here and abroad, and I hope this new coalition of leaders will begin their service looking to unify our country.”
Ballot Questions Passed: Minimum Wage, Marijuana
Ballot questions increasing the minimum wage to $11 per hour by 2021 were approved by voters in Missouri and Arkansas, which have joined a number of other states taking similar action on the minimum wage this year.
“States that raise the minimum wage, which currently stands at the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour in Pennsylvania, are seeing economic growth and lower unemployment,” DePasquale said. “It’s been nearly a decade since Pennsylvania’s minimum wage was increased, and this has left too many working families trapped below the poverty line.”
DePasquale also said he was pleased that Michigan voters approved a ballot question authorizing recreational marijuana use.
“As my special report issued in July showed, Pennsylvania is missing out on $581 million per year in revenue by not regulating and taxing marijuana,” DePasquale said. “It’s time for Pennsylvania to catch up with the states that are making strides in this area by creating jobs, fighting opioid addiction, and helping veterans.”
Auditor General DePasquale’s “Regulating and Taxing Marijuana” special report is available online at: www.PaAuditor.gov.
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