$50.8 MILLION IN CANNABIS TAX-FUNDED GRANTS AWARDED

Illinois is investing more than 50 million dollars in communities impacted by violence, poverty, and the justice system. The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority announced the latest round of Restore, Reinvest, and Renew grants, known as the R3 Program. About 35 million dollars will support organizations focused on reentry services, economic development, and civil legal aid. Another 15 million dollars is headed to groups working in youth development and violence prevention. The program is funded through 25 percent of state tax revenues from adult-use cannabis sales, directing those dollars back into neighborhoods identified as needing long-term support and investment.