A proposed New Jersey crackdown on certain types of chewing gum has critics saying lawmakers are sticking their noses where they do not belong.
Two state lawmakers want to eventually ban some gum products in the Garden State, drawing a wave of online backlash. Critics have described the proposal as “totally ridiculous” and accused New Jersey government of “losing their minds.”
The $3 million Protecting Against Microplastics Act was introduced in September by Democratic Assemblywomen Shama Haider and Margi Donlon. The measure targets products containing intentionally added microplastics, including certain chewing gums, tea bags, plastic utensils and containers, cleaning supplies and cosmetics.
Under the proposal, manufacturers would have two years to place warning labels on products containing “intentionally added synthetic polymer microparticles.” Once that period ends, noncompliant products could no longer be sold in New Jersey.
“Beginning three years after the effective date of this act, no person shall sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale in the State any cleaning, cosmetic, or potentially ingestible products, if those products contain intentionally added microplastics,” the legislation states.
The proposed restrictions would also come with a significant financial commitment.
According to the bill, $2.5 million would be allocated to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to launch the source-reduction program, conduct microplastics research and test air, water and soil for contamination.
An additional $500,000 would go to the Department of Law and Public Safety to enforce the labeling requirements and any subsequent sales ban.
The proposal sparked a heated response online after Teacher in NJ, an Instagram and Facebook account operated by an Ocean County educator and mother, shared the news. The post quickly filled with angry comments.
Many commenters objected to the legislation, especially after New Jersey enacted its “Skip the Stuff” law in August. That measure prohibits restaurants from automatically including plastic utensils and condiment packets with orders.
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“Can they please spend time on s–t that will actually make a difference,” one commenter wrote.
Another complained, “How about fix our healthcare system, lower taxes, stop the drones, stop the chemtrails and lower groceries instead of making laws and banning stupid stuff!”
Other critics questioned why the proposal did not address products they considered more dangerous. Suggestions included banning processed or genetically modified food, while another commenter urged lawmakers to “Go after coffee pods too.”
The backlash also extended to the Democratic lawmakers sponsoring the measure and New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
“This is what Sherrill worries about? She has no concern for taxpayers!” one person posted.
“How do we ban @govsherrillnj? Anyone?” another asked.
“Keep voting for liberals! One day they’re going to take away something you enjoy!” a commenter wrote.
“Democrats want to control everything except real crime or taxes,” another person added.
A final commenter summed up the frustration bluntly: “Leave us alone. Get a life, and stay out of ours.”
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