Beyond Politics: Why Colorado’s Leaders Are Uniting for Our Disabled Veterans

In the current political climate, it often feels like finding common ground is an impossible task. We are used to seeing headlines dominated by division, gridlock, and partisan bickering. But every once in a while, an issue arises that is so fundamental, so rooted in justice and gratitude, that it cuts through the noise and reminds us of what truly matters.

Today, we are proud to announce that Colorado Veterans Action has achieved exactly that.

We have officially secured bi-partisan support from Colorado State Legislators for our initiative to amend the state constitution, granting a full property tax exemption to 100% disabled veterans. This is not just a legislative win; it is a moral victory. It is a signal that when it comes to the men and women who have sacrificed their bodies and minds for our freedom, Colorado stands united.

The Reality for Colorado’s 100% Disabled Veterans

To understand why this support is so critical, we must first look at the reality facing our veteran community. Colorado is home to a proud and diverse population of veterans, many of whom have returned from service with life-altering disabilities.

When the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rates a veteran as "100% disabled," it is not a designation given lightly. It signifies a total and permanent service-connected disability. These are individuals who have lost limbs, suffered severe traumatic brain injuries, or are battling debilitating illnesses directly linked to their service. For many, this rating means the end of their traditional working years. They rely on a fixed income—compensation that was never intended to make them rich, but simply to allow them to survive with dignity.

However, in recent years, the economic landscape of Colorado has shifted dramatically. While our state is a beautiful place to live, it has also become one of the most expensive. Skyrocketing housing markets have led to a surge in property valuations. While rising home values might sound like good news to an investor, for a disabled veteran on a fixed income, it is a ticking time bomb.

As property assessments rise, so do property taxes. For a veteran living on a static monthly disability check, a sudden increase of hundreds or thousands of dollars in annual property taxes isn’t just an inconvenience—it is a threat to their housing stability. We are seeing veterans who survived combat zones now facing the prospect of being taxed out of the very homes they fought to defend.

This is the problem we set out to solve. And it is a problem that our state legislators, from both sides of the aisle, are now acknowledging needs an urgent fix.

The Initiative: A Constitutional Promise

Our initiative is straightforward but powerful. We are campaigning to amend the Colorado Constitution to provide a full property tax exemption for veterans with a 100% permanent and total disability rating.

Currently, Colorado offers a partial exemption, but it has not kept pace with the economic reality of the state. A partial break helps, but it does not provide the security and predictability that a fully disabled veteran needs. A full exemption ensures that no matter how the market fluctuates, a veteran who has given 100% for their country will not lose their home due to a tax bill.

Changing the constitution is a high bar, and rightfully so. It requires the will of the people and the leadership of the state. That is why the recent developments in the State Capitol are so encouraging.

Breaking the Partisan Divide

In advocacy work, the "gold standard" is bi-partisan support. It is the holy grail that turns a "good idea" into a "law." But achieving it is rarely easy.

Over the past few months, the team at Colorado Veterans Action has been walking the halls of the Capitol, meeting with representatives, sharing data, and, most importantly, sharing stories. We spoke to Republicans who value fiscal responsibility and honoring military service. We spoke to Democrats who champion housing security and support for vulnerable populations.

What we found was a shared conviction.

When we strip away the party labels, every legislator understands the contract this country has with its warriors. They understand that a veteran who cannot work due to service-connected injuries should not be worrying about keeping a roof over their family’s head.

The support we have received isn't just a signature on a piece of paper; it’s a dialogue. We have seen legislators from rural districts and urban centers come together. We have heard them say, “This makes sense,” and “It’s the right thing to do.”

This bi-partisan coalition is proof that veteran welfare is not a political bargaining chip. It is a core value of our state. By backing this initiative, these legislators are showing that they can look past their differences to deliver results for the people who need it most.

Why This Matters Now

The timing of this support could not be more crucial. Inflation has impacted every household in Colorado, but it hits those on fixed incomes the hardest. The cost of groceries, utilities, and healthcare has risen, leaving little margin for error in a veteran's budget.

Furthermore, as Colorado continues to grow, the pressure on the housing market will likely persist. Without a full exemption, the cycle of rising assessments and rising taxes will continue, pushing more veterans to the financial brink.

This initiative provides a permanent shield. It offers peace of mind. It allows a veteran to look at their spouse and children and say, “Our home is safe.” That level of security is priceless, and it is the least we can offer to those who sacrificed their own security for ours.

The Road Ahead

While securing bi-partisan legislative support is a massive step forward, our work is far from over. In fact, it is just beginning.

Support in the legislature helps us navigate the complexities of getting this amendment on the ballot or passing the necessary referrals, but the ultimate power lies with the people of Colorado. We need to take this energy and translate it into a statewide movement.

Over the coming months, Colorado Veterans Action will be ramping up our efforts. We will be holding town halls, organizing petition drives (if necessary for the specific path chosen), and continuing to educate the public. We need to ensure that when voters see this initiative, they understand exactly what it is and who it helps.

We also need to hold our leaders accountable. Bi-partisan support is a great start, but we need to ensure it translates into votes on the floor and actionable legislation. We need to keep the pressure on and remind them that the veteran community is watching.

A Call to Unity

This victory belongs to every volunteer, every donor, and every veteran who has shared their story with us. But we need to keep the momentum going.

If you are a veteran, we need your voice. Tell your neighbors why this matters. If you are a civilian, we need your allyship. Stand with us as we protect those who protected you.

The fact that Republicans and Democrats are standing together on this issue should give us all hope. It shows that compassion and duty are still alive and well in our government. Let’s use that unity to get this done.

Join the Fight

We are building a coalition that cannot be ignored. We invite you to join Colorado Veterans Action as we push this initiative across the finish line. Whether you can volunteer your time, donate to the cause, or simply share this message on social media, every action counts.

Let’s show the nation how Colorado treats its heroes. Let’s make the 100% property tax exemption a reality.

Thank you to our legislative partners for their courage and support. And thank you to the veterans of Colorado—this fight is for you.

Together, we are Colorado Veterans Action.