Unlocking Support for Colorado Veterans: Why Our Property Tax Exemption Proposal IS Feasible!

As advocates for Colorado's brave men and women in uniform, especially our 100% disabled veterans, Colorado Veterans Action is tirelessly working to secure a full property tax exemption for those who have sacrificed so much. It's a fundamental issue of respect, support, and easing the financial burden on those who carry the invisible and visible scars of war.

However, as we champion this crucial initiative, we're encountering significant pushback from some of our elected officials. The primary concern we're hearing? That there simply isn't enough state revenue, particularly from marijuana taxes, to fund such a proposal without impacting vital areas like education.

We are here to set the record straight: This argument does not hold up to the facts.

Let's break down the reality of Colorado's marijuana tax revenue and why our proposal is not only merited but also entirely feasible without touching constitutionally protected funds.

The Truth About Marijuana Tax Revenue

Colorado has been a pioneer in legalizing recreational marijuana, and with it, has generated substantial tax revenue. Since 2014, billions have been collected, and the numbers continue to climb, albeit with some annual fluctuations.

Here's what our representatives need to understand:

1. The Constitutional Mandate is Specific – and Limited: The Colorado Constitution does mandate that the first $40 million of the retail marijuana excise tax collected each year goes directly to the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) fund. This is a fixed, non-negotiable amount, and we fully support its dedication to our schools. This funding is not what we are asking to reallocate.

2. A Vast Amount is NOT Constitutionally Mandated: The key insight often overlooked is what happens to the revenue after that initial $40 million. The vast majority of marijuana tax dollars—hundreds of millions annually—are not constitutionally protected for schools. This surplus revenue is deposited into the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund.

   Our analysis of the last five years (2020-2024) reveals a powerful truth:

   • The average amount of marijuana tax revenue not constitutionally mandated for schools has been approximately $293 million per year!

   Let that sink in. Nearly $300 million each year, on average, is available for legislative allocation after the constitutional school funding has been secured.

Why This Matters for Our Veterans

The Marijuana Tax Cash Fund is entirely under the control of the Colorado General Assembly. This means that unlike the BEST fund, the legislature has the full authority to decide how these funds are spent through the regular legislative process. Currently, these funds support a wide array of programs, from public health initiatives to law enforcement and various educational programs beyond the BEST fund.

Our proposal to provide a full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans would draw from this very fund. We are not proposing to touch the constitutionally protected $40 million for school construction. Instead, we are asking for a reallocation of a modest portion of the hundreds of millions that the legislature already distributes at its discretion.

Pushback is a Challenge, Not a Dead End

When our state elected officials push back, citing concerns about school funding, it's often based on a simplified understanding of the tax revenue distribution. It's our job, as advocates, to provide them with the detailed facts.

The argument that "we can't afford it" or "it would hurt schools" simply doesn't hold water when nearly $300 million per year, on average, is available for legislative decision-making. Providing a full property tax exemption for our most severely disabled veterans is not an extravagant request; it is a fundamental act of gratitude and support that is well within the state's financial capacity.

Call to Action: Join Us!

We urge our elected officials to look closely at the numbers. We ask them to prioritize the welfare of those who have given everything for our freedoms. This isn't about choosing between veterans and schools; it's about making responsible, compassionate choices with the substantial funds already available.

Colorado Veterans Action needs your voice!

Contact your State Representative and Senator. Share this information. Tell them that you know the truth about marijuana tax revenue and that there IS a way to fully fund a property tax exemption for our 100% disabled veterans without impacting constitutionally mandated school funds.

Let's make Colorado a leader in truly supporting those who have sacrificed the most.