Communities still waiting for justice from cannabis legalization suffered another setback today as the state Senate and Assembly passed an appropriations bill that increases the state’s structural deficit while rejecting the Governor’s proposal to raise the Social Equity Excise Fee (SEEF). This initiative would have raised much-needed revenue for the communities who need it most.
In response, NJPP releases the following statement:
Marleina Ubel, Senior Policy Analyst, NJPP:
“It is deeply disappointing that the Fiscal Year 2026 budget does not include the Governor’s proposal to increase the Social Equity Excise Fee (SEEF) to 15 percent. This omission represents a missed opportunity to make meaningful investments in the very communities that were most harmed by the War on Drugs.
“The SEEF was created with a clear purpose: to provide direct support and help rebuild communities that have suffered under unfair and discriminatory drug policies. By failing to raise the fee, we are choosing not to fully achieve that vision. The proposed increase would have strengthened New Jersey’s commitment to equity and justice, allowing more funding to flow into programs and services that can truly make a difference.
“This is not just a matter of money — it is about making things right. We urge lawmakers to revisit this issue and move forward with a fee increase that honors the SEEF’s mission and maximizes its impact.”
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