FREEHOLD, NJ — In a recent public statement, Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, on behalf of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, has called on the State to allocate tax revenue from recreational marijuana sales to support addiction services. This appeal was made following the Commissioners’ attendance at the graduation ceremony of K.E.Y.S. Academy at Brookdale Community College on June 13.
K.E.Y.S. Academy, which stands for Knowledge Empowers Youth and Sobriety, is a Recovery High School program under the Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District. It is one of only three such institutions in New Jersey dedicated to supporting high school students with substance use disorders. The program aims to help students graduate high school while leading healthy, sober lives.
The success stories shared at the graduation highlighted the resilience, dedication, and perseverance of the students. “It was awe-inspiring to hear about these young adults’ successes and the challenges they’ve overcome—and continue to overcome,” said Commissioner Arnone, praising the students’ commitment to their education and sobriety.
However, Commissioner Arnone expressed concern about the recent budget cuts that the K.E.Y.S. Academy has faced, which are financed by the New Jersey Department of Education under the Recovery Access Grant. The reduction in funding is affecting the program’s ability to serve students, staff, and counselors adequately.
Given the significant revenue generated from the taxation of recreational marijuana, the Commissioner argued that a portion of these funds should be dedicated to addiction services, including support for Recovery High Schools like K.E.Y.S. Academy. “I cannot think of a more worthwhile way to use a portion of that tax revenue than for addiction services,” Arnone emphasized.
While acknowledging that the commissioners did not support the legalization of recreational marijuana, they recognize the law’s passage and the potential for these funds to make a positive impact on addiction recovery services across the state. The Board of County Commissioners hopes this proposal will lead to sustained funding for essential programs that support recovery and education for young individuals facing substance use challenges.
