ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque city councilors approved the use of $2 million in marijuana tax revenue to directly support low-income community members.
Councilors approved the money as a part of a broader $4.02 million allocation to jump-start the Guaranteed Income Initiative. The first 80 households in the initiative will receive $750 a month for three years. The next group will consist of 20 families and “up to 40 opportunity youth.”
“Priority for the Guaranteed Income pilot-programs will be given to people negatively impacted by the criminalization of marijuana, such as people of Black, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander identity, women, low-income families, and youth ages 14 – 24,” the City of Albuquerque stated in a press release.
According to the city, the International District and the West Side have the two elementary schools with the “lowest academic outcomes and highest rates of chronic absenteeism.” The hope is to close the wealth gap for people in these communities.
The City’s Office of Financial Empowerment will provide financial counseling for people in the program to help them prepare for life after their programming ends.
Albuquerque city councilors approved the use of $2 million in marijuana tax revenue to directly support low-income community members. Read More
