Pubdate: Tue, 07 Apr 2015
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 2015 The Seattle Times Company
Contact:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409
Author: Delena Meyer

FUND EDUCATION AND PREVENTION

According to headlines, Washington lawmakers are trying to divert 
marijuana tax revenues to fund general education instead of 
prevention and treatment services (SB 6062).

Prevention coalitions and youth treatment organizations like Daybreak 
Youth Services help keep and get kids away from drugs through 
dedicated public health dollars like this. Voters wanted it dedicated 
to prevention and treatment. Ignoring that harms everyone.

The community must understand the real risks of using pot at young 
ages. That message cannot get out effectively without funding.

Organizations like Daybreak Youth Services cannot provide adequate 
treatment without funding. Public health dollars should not be spent 
on other areas just because the Legislature screwed up.

These are essential services. Narrow-thinking, reactive lawmakers are 
putting their hands into the pot cookie jar.

Dismantling one of the best parts of Initiative 502 to band-aid the 
Legislature's epic education failure is not good governance.

Moving that money is not leadership or budgeting.

It is theft.

Delena Meyer,

Vancouver, Washington
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom