In Springfield, 3% excise tax revenue of nearly $ 900,000 is split between an additional payment to the city’s police and fire departments and low-income, minority-majority economic development initiatives on the east side.
Springfield City Council just approved a language that will provide approximately $ 350,000 for one-time grants to minority-owned businesses and up to $ 100,000 for a rehabilitation program for longtime homeowners.
Several pro-cannabis contestants said money from a potential pharmacy can be used to meet similar needs in Decatur.
“I would just say that if the city council so wishes, we can create dedicated sources of income for the revitalization of the neighborhood,” said Horn. “Whether it’s video game revenue, cannabis drug store revenue, we can find a way to fund and invest in our neighborhoods.”
Jenkins agreed, adding that the proceeds could be used for a number of needs, such as fighting gun violence and tackling the pension problem.
“I’m in favor of a cannabis ordinance and I’m taking the funds and money out of the cannabis ordinance to help curb community violence,” Jenkins said. “Not just gun violence, but domestic violence too. We can also ensure that our law enforcement agencies have adequate mental health, and we can also bear some of the pension burden, which is currently astronomical. “