Racial equity-based programs and initiatives around Washtenaw County will now be funded by the annual revenue made from marijuana taxes.
During a meeting on June 2, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners approved a budget amendment allocating the annual revenue to equity issues. Revenue from marijuana taxation is expected to generate more than $200,000 every year, according to officials.
“We recognize the disparate negative impact the War on Drugs continues to have on Black and Brown communities throughout our county and the country,” said Justin Hodge, District 5 Commissioner and Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, in a release. “We see it as fitting that these funds should be used to expand the work outlined in the County’s Racial Equity Policy and to further our work addressing the injustices and divestment that communities of color in our county continue to face.”
The board unanimously approved two other resolutions related to racial justice during the meeting.