Cannabis Tax Provides Support For The Homeless

Since the decision to legalise and regulate cannabis nearly four years ago, the state of Colorado has seen an increase year on year in tax revenue. In the most recent financial year, ending in June 2016, the state made nearly $70 million. Revenue gained through taxation was one of the key arguments for legalising weed. Now that this argument has been clearly validated, many taxpayers have been wondering what the state will do with the additional money.

The answer in one city is almost as revolutionary as the passing of the law itself. Aurora, the third largest city in Colorado, will be using over a third of the $4.5 million gained through the ‘weed tax’ to support local not-for-profit homeless organisations. Over the course of the next three years, a total of over $3 million will be given to a series of groups across the city, all of which provide hostels and food for the homeless community. The decision has been lauded the world over as an example of how the legalisation of cannabis can benefit, rather than damage, the local community.

City Councilman Bob Roth believes it shows the people of Aurora the influence that local government can have. “We wanted to be able to show citizens that we are having a positive impact on the community and point to specific projects or initiatives to where that money is going to.”

With over 1000 homeless people on the streets of Aurora, this powerful example of local government working hard for the most vulnerable members of society will have a quantifiable and positive impact on the lives of people across the city.

So far, not all of the money has been pledged to specific projects as the city is still working on the full list of projects that they wish to back. However, $220,000 has been given to the Colfax Community Network to support their operating costs. The money ensures that Colfax can continue their work, with further funds likely to be sent their way over the next two years. Additionally, money has also been given to Comitis Crisis Centre and Aurora Mental Health for each organisation to buy a van and hire two care workers. This decision allows them to access homeless individuals who can’t reach their walk-in centres because of lack of funds for public transport.

One Aurora Housing Association will receive $45,000 to pay the salary of their landlord coordinator to allow them to work the role full-time. The job is vital to ensure the cycle of homelessness doesn’t continue, as landlords will often reject the applications of the formerly homeless. Alongside, these confirmed financial pledges the city is considering building and staffing a series of day centres across the city for homeless people to wash their clothes, receive mental health support and shower.