Lawmakers Wary Of Request To Raise Colorado Pot Sales Tax
DENVER (AP) — Some Colorado lawmakers are skeptical of a request by the governor to raise pot sales taxes to help raise money for public schools.
Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper's administration says the measure can help fill an anticipated $106 million deficit in K-12 funding in the fiscal year that begins July 1.
Some lawmakers said Wednesday they worry that raising a special sales tax on recreational pot could drive sales into the black market.
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Others say the state must find a way to permanently fund public schools from the state's general fund.
The deficit stems from a constitutional amendment that will reduce residential property taxes that fund education — even as Colorado housing values skyrocket.
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