As we debate the best way to support our ongoing needs as a state, and which approach is best, I’m left wondering about the funds we were promised from legal marijuana sales? When recreational sales were legalized, we were assured this would help fund schools and treatment programs, yet we seem to still be continuously struggling to fund both of these areas. 

I did a little quick, high-level research, and according to the state’s reporting we brought in over $13 million in state and local tax revenue in June alone! Forty percent of that is supposed to be going to schools, yet every district is at a deficit. The majority of the remainder is slated for drug treatment and prevention, yet those programs are woefully underfunded. That math doesn’t add up to me. 

I agree that we need to end tax breaks for the wealthy. The majority of the burden should not be carried by the portion of the community just trying to make ends meet. But I also think we need to do a critical, transparent, assessment of how we are spending the money we have. Taxpayers deserve to see the receipts for where their money is being spent. 

Sara Dubick
Springfield