HELENA – A proposed ballot initiative that would divert alcohol tax money for prevention and treatment efforts as a way to reduce repeat drunk driving offenses is being scrapped amid state budget concerns.
Backers of Initiative 163 announced Monday they will be withdrawing the petition from consideration on the November ballot. Current Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike McGrath, previously state attorney general, had been helping with the effort.
The proposal was welcomed by lawmakers as a good idea, but they also worried the multimillion dollar price tag was too steep given the state’s budget.
The Montana Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention will instead use its resources as a political action committee to advance its cause.