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Bolingbrook state legislator named to board to oversee use of pot funds

The state intends to use recreational marijuana tax revenue to reinvest in communities hit hard by War on Drugs

By Alex Ortiz
State Rep. Dagmara "Dee" Avelar speaks to voters on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, in Bolingbrook, Ill.

State Rep. Dagmara "Dee" Avelar, speaking in January of 2020, was recently appointed to a state board tasked with overseeing use of recreational marijuana tax revenue to reinvest in communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs. (Alex Ortiz - aortiz@shawmedia.com /The Herald-News, Eric Ginnard)

State Rep. Dagmara Avelar was named to a state board tasked with overseeing the use of funds generated from recreational marijuana sales to help communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs.

Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, was recently appointed to the Restore, Reinvest, and Renew (R3) program board, according to a news release.

“The War on Drugs created systemic, long-term damage in low-income communities and communities of color,” Avelar said in a statement. “The R3 program is an important step by our state to repair this harm and support areas that continue to face adverse effects. I’m honored to accept this appointment as a means of defending and uplifting the voices of those who have not had a seat at the table.”

The bipartisan R3 Board is responsible for making funding decision with the R3 program. State lawmakers created the board in conjunction with legalizing recreational marijuana in 2019. It is funded through a 25% tax on the sale of recreational marijuana.

R3 grants fund programs engaged in civic legal aid, economic development, reentry, violence prevention and youth development.

The R3 board also includes the lieutenant governor, state agency leadership, elected officials, service providers, violence prevention experts and individuals who have been directly impacted by incarceration.

Last December, Gov. JB Pritzker announced a $45 million funding opportunity under the R3 grant program. Information on the application for qualified organizations can be found at r3.illinois.gov.