“The damage to confidence in our water system and economic impact to our area businesses is enormous.”

Wisconsin Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, regarding the proposal by Assembly Republicans to have state-run dispensaries sell medical marijuana. The bill would limit medical marijuana only to severely ill people with chronic diseases and would allow sales at just five state-run locations. Smokable marijuana would not be allowed. (Associated Press — Jan. 11, 2024)

Missouri state Rep. Sarah Unsicker, announcing her campaign for governor. Unsicker was removed from her committee assignments and expelled from the House Democratic caucus because of social media posts and her association with an accused Holocaust denier. (St. Louis Public Radio — Jan. 8, 2024)

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, announcing an executive order to address use of artificial intelligence in state government. (NBC Washington — Jan. 9, 2024)

New Jersey state Rep. Brian Bergen, regarding a proposal to increase the annual salaries of state lawmakers from $49,000 to $82,000, a 67 percent increase. New Jersey legislators haven't given themselves a raise since 2002. Legislators lifting their own pay almost always pay a political price, but the proposed increase would still leave New Jersey lawmakers making less than their peers in neighboring New York and Pennsylvania. (Associated Press — Jan. 8, 2024)