Cannabis tax relief hurts children and the disadvantaged, which it promised to support

Senator Mike McGuire, under pressure from the cannabis industry introduced a bill to reduce their taxes.  Voters approved Proposition 64, which legalized cannabis, under the condition that its tax would not only support the cannabis program but provide needed funding for Child care and Health care.  On Feb 16th, the North Bay Business Journal reported youth and social justice groups across the state, including the North Bay, countered with a letter requesting the taxes remain for their own survival.

The letter signed by 152 children’s advocacy groups claims that if state lawmakers “lower, suspend and/or eliminate the tax rates approved by voters in Proposition 64, we will see an immediate, negative impact on thousands of children living in poverty and children of color across our state.”

Dr. Lynn Silver, Public Health Institute program manager contends cannabis businesses trying to circumvent their tax obligations are “violating the intent” of what the state voters passed in 2016 with Prop. 64. The pediatrician suggested the anti-tax movement is driven by large cannabis corporations “maximizing profits” at the expense of children’s programs.

Not only does cannabis industry tax dismissal put the burden of increased taxes on the residents whose property values are degraded, dismissing these taxes significantly reduces funds for children-serving charities that rely on Prop 64 funding.

Tell your local County Supervisor and Senator McGuire No on any tax reduction!