In his 2021–23 biennial budget proposal, Gov. Tony Evers is planning for the legalization and taxation of recreational marijuana, according to a statement from his office. Tax revenue would go toward equity initiatives and rural schools. Under the proposal, tax revenue from marijuana could generate more than $165 million annually starting in the 2023 fiscal year.
A portion of the revenue — $80 million — would be reinvested in communities across the state through a new Community Reinvestment Fund that would provide $30 million in equity grants through the Department of Health Services, the Department of Administration, and the Department of Children and Families. Additional funds would be used to support Wisconsin’s underserved communities through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
Support for school aid for small, rural school districts is estimated to be more than $34 million.
