Speaking to municipal officials Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito suggested that state government would cut funding for schools and local aid if voters legalize recreational marijuana this fall.
“We’re very concerned about the regulatory costs that would take away funds from needed services, in particular schools and local aid, if that were the case,” Polito told the Local Government Advisory Commission, as reported by the State House News Service.
If passed, Question 4 on November’s ballot would lift the ban on recreational pot four years after voters legalized medical marijuana, and eight years after possession of small amounts were decriminalized. Gov. Charlie Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey, and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh have all expressed their opposition to legalization, while a WBUR poll released Tuesday shows Massachusetts voters favoring the ballot measure 50-45.
