Arizona’s community college districts have received over $31 million in cannabis taxes collected last year, according to the Associated Press. The state’s legalization law imposed a 16% excise tax on sales, with a third of it allocated for the community colleges.
Funding Allocation
The funding can be used for programs such as workforce development, STEM, and certain other educational initiatives. Arizona community colleges can leverage these funds to enhance their services, particularly during a time when state and federal budgets are under severe strain.
Maricopa Community Colleges
Arizona’s largest community college system, Maricopa Community Colleges, received over $17 million from the cannabis tax fund in 2022. The school plans to use the funds for workforce programs and may potentially use $5 million to cover workforce-related expenses or STEM due to budget shortfalls.
Pima Community College
Pima Community College, the second-largest system, received $3.9 million, and spokesperson Libby Howell told the AP that the college plans to use the funds for capital projects. Specifically, they will use it to expand and remodel health professions spaces and science labs.
Cochise College
Cochise College received over $2 million last year, and it intends to use the funds to significantly expand its first responders’ academy offerings, the AP reports.
Arizona Western College
Arizona Western College, which received $1.7 million, plans to use the funds toward the $35 million in revenue bonds it issued to update facilities, including programs in e-gaming, cybersecurity, and allied health, according to spokesperson Mandy Heil.
Yavapai College
Yavapai College received $1.4 million and spokesperson Tyler Rumsey said the college plans to expand services at the college’s Regional Economic Development Center, which helps foster economic development, workforce growth, and regional collaboration programs.
Central Arizona College
Central Arizona College CFO Chris Wodka said the school would use its $1.3 million to enhance public safety program initiatives. Specifically, the college will improve the driving track and shooting range, police equipment, ammunition, and other supplies. The rest of the funding will be spent on STEM and workforce development programs.
Mohave Community College
Mohave Community College received $1.1 million, which it intends to use to help fund the construction of an advanced manufacturing training center at the Kingman Airport Industrial Park. The college may also use the money to expand career and technical education and STEM programs based on northwestern Arizona workforce needs, according to spokesperson James Jarman.
Eastern Arizona College
Eastern Arizona College said it plans to use its $1 million from the cannabis sales tax money to help build a skills center for multiple workforce development programs for in-demand, local, careers, spokesperson Kris McBride said in the report.
Other Colleges
Other colleges received less than $1 million, including Coconino Community College ($930,000), Northland Pioneer College ($900,000), and the Gila and Santa Cruz county provisional community college districts ($228,000 and $112,000, respectively). These schools indicated that they would use the funds for work development programs.
Impact of the Funding
The funding has provided much-needed relief to the community college system in Arizona. With the funds being allocated to workforce development, STEM, and other programs, community colleges can provide students with skills and knowledge that match the state’s workforce needs.
Additionally, the funding can be used to enhance facilities, develop new educational programs, and invest in cutting-edge technology, providing a positive impact on the students’ education experience.
Moreover, the funding will help the community colleges retain faculty and staff, avoid budget shortfalls, and reduce the burden of tuition fees on students.
