Proposition BB is shaping up to be one of the lower profile statewide ballot initiatives in Colorado politics.
The — to to spend $66.1 million in recreational marijuana taxes, instead of refund the money — has raised $8,700, according to the latest campaign finance reports filed Monday.
The expenses totaled $6,124.01 — including a $50 fine for a late report. The rest of the money went to RBI Strategies and Research, the political firm help to push the measure.
Rick Ridder, the firm’s president, said he partnered with Prop BB author Sen. Pat Steadman to put the issue to bed — after his company helped push Amendment 64 and Proposition AA to lay the groundwork for recreational marijuana in earlier years.
“For Pat and RBI this is very much a commitment to see through the promises of AA and promises of Amendment 64,” he said.
The top donors are organizations that could stand to benefit if it wins approval: the Colorado Providers Association contributed $4,000 and Children’s Hospital Colorado gave $3,000. Other donors include Healthier Colorado ($200) and Signal Behavioral Health Network ($400).
The measure designates the first $40 million in marijuana tax money to building schools, but $12 million will go to programs aimed at marijuana education, substance abuse and law enforcement. Another $14 million is not earmarked and will get distributed by state budget writers.
The money issue is one the are . Rob Corry, a marijuana industry consultant, formed a No on Prop BB / No on Excess Government committee. But the committee no contributions or spending through Oct. 14, the last day covered in the latest reports.
On the supporter side, Ridder said he hopes to raise another $5,000 to $10,000 before the Nov. 3 election to offset other costs his firm incurred in shaping the measure.
But don’t look for political mailers or TV ads — there’s no plans for a full-throttled ballot campaign.
