Taking Back Amendment 64: Ensuring Marijuana Tax Revenue Benefits All Coloradans

In 2012, Colorado marked a turning point as citizens united for Amendment 64, a measure to legalize recreational marijuana. The vision was clear: to raise billions in tax revenue for vital services like education, infrastructure, and community development. As a canvasser during that campaign, I engaged with countless residents—parents, teachers, rural families, and small business owners—all sharing a common hope. They wanted to see the financial gains from legalization positively affect their communities.

Today, while Amendment 64 passed with 55% support, the reality falls short of expectations. More than $3 billion has been generated since its implementation, yet only about 10% has reached our classrooms. Rural roads and transit systems have received even less funding. We are witnessing troubling patterns of bureaucratic waste, where resources are diverted to nonprofits and unnecessary expenses, like the $4 million spent on legislative furniture. This is not the vision we fought for.

The Promise of Amendment 64

When Amendment 64 appeared on the ballot, it was more than just a measure to legalize marijuana; it represented hope for the people of Colorado. The idea was to use tax revenue from this new industry to support our schools, repair our roads, and bolster our rural communities.

Voices from every corner of Colorado fueled the campaign, highlighting the immediate needs for better educational funding, improved teacher salaries, and enhanced infrastructure in underserved areas. For instance, parents were advocating for updated textbooks while teachers sought resources for classroom improvements. Everyone envisioned a brighter future, benefiting all Coloradans.

The Disappointment of Mismanagement

Unfortunately, the reality has diverged sharply from the promise. Despite generating billions, mismanagement and inefficiency plague the allocation of these funds. Alarmingly, only about 10% of marijuana tax revenue actually reaches our classrooms, with even less directed toward rural transit or road repairs.

This mismanagement has triggered frustration among supporters of Amendment 64. The promise of improved schools and infrastructure seems overshadowed by bureaucratic waste. For example, funding for nonprofits surged by 94%, raising questions about the true destination of our tax dollars. The extravagant spending of $4 million on legislative furniture, while our schools and highways deteriorate, highlights misplaced priorities.

A Call to Action: Taking Back Amendment 64 Dollars

As your No Labels governor, I pledge to reclaim those Amendment 64 funds and make sure they serve the purposes we initially intended. My plan is simple: I will establish a citizen-led Colorado Taxpayers’ Efficiency Task Force to audit our $40 billion state budget. This group will focus on eliminating wasteful spending and redirecting marijuana tax revenue to key areas, including teacher salaries, school counselors, repairs on I-70, and rural transit initiatives.

Now more than ever, accountability matters, especially with a looming $1.2 billion budget shortfall. By making every dollar count, we can ensure marijuana sales revenue is utilized effectively. We will create a public dashboard that clearly shows how your money is being spent, enabling you to track the impact of your tax dollars in real time.

Listening to the Voices of Coloradans

I want to stress that I have heard your voices since 2012, and I am listening now. The insights of parents, teachers, and small business owners are vital for shaping our state's future. It is time to bring these voices back to the decision-making table and ensure that the benefits of Amendment 64 reach every corner of Colorado.

Moving forward requires collaboration and a dedication to transparency. Together, we can reclaim the promise of Amendment 64. We can ensure that income from marijuana sales is invested in strengthening our communities, improving our schools, and repairing our roads.

A Vision for the Future

The journey of Amendment 64 has been filled with both hope and disappointment. While we have generated significant revenue, mismanaging those funds has left many Coloradans frustrated and let down. As we progress, it is crucial to take action and hold our leaders accountable for the commitments made during the campaign.

By launching a citizen-led task force and emphasizing transparency, we can ensure that the fruits of marijuana legalization benefit everyone in Colorado. Together, we can take back Amendment 64 funds and allocate them where they are truly needed—into our schools, roads, and communities.

Let us unite to ensure that Amendment 64 delivers for all Coloradans, not just a privileged few. Join me in this mission to create a brighter future for our state.

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