Joliet Unity Movement Criticizes Board’s Handling of Cannabis Tax Revenue

Will County Board Meeting | December 4, 2025

Article Summary: During public comment, the Joliet Unity Movement denounced a recent board vote that redirected cannabis tax revenue away from community reinvestment programs. Board Member Julie Berkowicz later echoed calls for greater transparency regarding how those funds are allocated.

Cannabis Funding Dispute Key Points:

• Public Protest: Amy Sanchez of the Joliet Unity Movement argued that “R3” (Restore, Reinvest, and Renew) funds should target communities harmed by the war on drugs, not internal county equipment.

• Transparency Concerns: Board Member Julie Berkowicz criticized the current two-person committee structure for dispensing cannabis and opioid settlement funds.

• Call for Oversight: Berkowicz requested these funds be managed through the Finance Committee with full board and public oversight.

JOLIET, Ill. — The Will County Board faced criticism on Thursday, December 4, 2025, regarding its November decision to redirect cannabis tax revenue into the general county budget rather than specific community reinvestment programs.

Amy Sanchez, representing the Joliet Unity Movement, spoke during public comment to denounce the board’s November 20 vote. She argued the decision violated the spirit of Illinois’ “R3” framework—Restore, Reinvest, and Renew—which is intended to support neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by historical drug policies.

“Funds were rerouted to department equipment and internal expenses… that already have an operating budget,” Sanchez said. “We call for an immediate action for the county board to reconsider the amendment.”

Sanchez criticized the board for “shutting down debate” on the item during the previous meeting.

Later in the meeting, Board Member Julie Berkowicz (R-Naperville) addressed the issue, expressing concern over the lack of transparency in how cannabis and opioid settlement funds are handled. Currently, decisions are made by a small committee.

“They meet or they don’t meet. There’s no set schedule. There’s no recording of the meeting,” Berkowicz said.

Berkowicz challenged Speaker Joe VanDuyne to restructure the process in the new year, requesting that these funds be brought before the Finance Committee where all 22 board members and the public can participate. “By the time this two-person committee brings their list forward, they’ve already determined who’s going to get this money,” she said.