After a summer of controversy over who would benefit from the commercialization of marijuana, Connecticut's Social Equity Council, tasked with overseeing key elements of the state's growing cannabis industry, appointed a new executive director Tuesday to lead its efforts: former state Rep. Brandon McGee.
McGee's experience in state government and the nonprofit sector should be effective, the council said, given the organization's main goal of distributing community reinvestment funds generated by cannabis license fees to nonprofits in areas disproportionately impacted by the "war on drugs."
"My career in public service, as a legislator and chair of both [the] Housing Committee and Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, has always been driven by a deep commitment to advocating for marginalized communities, and this opportunity aligns perfectly with my life's mission," McGee said. "My recent role as the deputy commissioner of housing has further fueled my dedication to ensuring everyone has a fair chance to succeed."
Gov. Ned Lamont asked the office of Comptroller Sean Scanlon to audit the council's management earlier this summer after questions were raised about how the Social Equity Council was distributing millions of dollars in tax revenues.
Read more at ctmirror.org