AUSTINTOWN, Ohio - Mahoning Valley leaders will hold a news conference today to address state legislation that they say threatens vital community funds derived from marijuana excise taxes.

The joint press conference is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Austintown Township Hall, 82 Ohltown Road. Expected attendees include State Rep. Lauren McNally, D-Youngstown, and mayors from surrounding communities, including Mark Zuppo of Girard, Catherine Cercone Miller of Struthers, Steve Mientkiewicz of Niles, and Doug Franklin of Warren.

At issue are proposed changes in Columbus to the Host Community Cannabis Fund. Under current law, communities with dispensaries are set to receive 36% of the 10% marijuana excise tax. However, lawmakers are considering measures that could reduce that share to 20%, cap it at five years or eliminate it.

Robert J. Santos, Austintown trustee and president of the Mahoning County Township Association, said the promised funding was a key factor in many communities agreeing to host dispensaries. He added that the revenue was seen as a way to fund essential services without placing additional burden on residents through new levies.

Rep. McNally has emphasized that local leaders supported cannabis legalization with the understanding that tax revenue would return to their communities to help offset increased demands on public services, policing, and infrastructure.