The Cole Memo

Cole Preston

Should Cannabis Tax Dollars Pay for License Plate Readers? | E323

OCT 1, 202661 MIN

Description

Cannabis tax dollars are being used to fund automated license plate readers in Champaign County, Illinois. In this episode, Cole looks at public comments raising concerns about Flock cameras, surveillance, transparency, and the use of cannabis tax revenue, before turning to a debate among county board members over whether those dollars should continue funding the cameras. The discussion highlights competing views over whether license plate readers are an appropriate use of cannabis tax revenue and what role the county board has in determining how those funds are spent. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2026/10/01/e323/