DENVER — Proponents of Proposition 119, which asked whether state taxes on marijuana sales should be increased to pay for a new educational program, conceded defeat on the measure Tuesday night.
The measure asked voters to increase the state pot tax from 15% today, gradually to 20% in 2024 (with stops at 18% in 2022 and 19% in 2023). It also would transfer $20 million a year each from the state’s general fund and the State Land Trust to help fund a new out-of-school program.
A NO vote was to keep the state pot tax at 15%, and no other changes would be made.
“The significant gap in achievement between students from wealthy families and their low-income peers has been an unfortunate educational outcome in Colorado for years — and tonight’s results mean it will likely continue to get worse before it gets better,” said Curtis Hubbard, Yes on Prop 119 spokesperson.
Terrapin, a Boulder-based cannabis company that worked to defeat Proposition 119, said in a statement, "Despite being significantly outspent by proponents, Colorado voters still soundly rejected using cannabis as a piggy bank for out-of-state special interest projects."
The results are below:
Proposition 119 wouldn’t pay for K-12 in-school education or teacher needs. School districts get their funding through your property taxes. When property taxes aren’t enough, state lawmakers backfill with state money.
A YES vote was to create LEAP: the Learning Enrichment and Academic Progress program. Students could apply for financial aid to cover out-of-school learning and enrichment such as tutoring, targeted assistance for those with special needs, second language training, social emotional and mental health services.
It was one of the three statewide measures on the ballot for the Nov. 2 coordinated election in Colorado.
Find all of our election coverage at 9news.com/elections.
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