Unlocking Colorado's Promise: A Guide to Veteran Benefits and Advocacy

A Call to Every Colorado Veteran: Are You Getting All You Deserve?

At Vets Helping Vets Colorado, our mission is simple yet profound: to ensure that every veteran in our great state receives the support, recognition, and benefits they have rightfully earned through their service and sacrifice. We understand that navigating the complex landscape of veteran benefits, both federal and state, can often feel like an uphill battle.

Many veterans, through no fault of their own, are unaware of the full spectrum of resources available to them, leaving valuable opportunities untapped and critical support unreceived.

This isn't just about what's owed; it's about empowering our veteran community to thrive, to overcome challenges, and to build fulfilling lives after their time in uniform. While federal benefits provide a crucial foundation, the State of Colorado offers its own unique array of programs and protections designed specifically for its veteran residents. Beyond these existing benefits, there's also a powerful movement underway, spearheaded by dedicated advocates, to expand and enhance the support system for those who have given so much.

Today, we want to shine a spotlight on these often-overlooked Colorado-specific benefits and, more importantly, introduce you to a vital partner in advocacy: Colorado Veterans Action. Together, we can ensure that the promise made to our veterans is not just heard, but fully realized.

The Landscape of Colorado Veteran Benefits: More Than Meets the Eye

When most veterans think of benefits, their minds often go straight to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – healthcare, disability compensation, the GI Bill. These federal programs are undeniably essential, forming the bedrock of veteran support nationwide. However, to truly maximize your post-service opportunities and quality of life in Colorado, it's imperative to look beyond the federal level and delve into the specific advantages offered by our state.

Colorado has made significant strides in recognizing and supporting its veteran population, but the challenge often lies in awareness and accessibility. Many of these state-level benefits are not widely publicized, and veterans may only discover them through word-of-mouth or extensive research. Our goal at Vets Helping Vets Colorado is to bridge that information gap, ensuring you're equipped with the knowledge to claim every benefit you're eligible for.

Let's explore some of the key Colorado state benefits that many veterans might not be aware of:

• Property Tax Exemptions: This is a big one, and it's also an area where significant advocacy is underway (more on that later). Colorado currently offers a property tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans. Specifically, a 50% exemption on the first $200,000 of actual value of the veteran's primary residence is available for those with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating. While this provides substantial relief, many believe it doesn't go far enough, especially for those with the most severe disabilities. Understanding the current exemption is the first step; advocating for its expansion is the next.

• Vehicle Registration and License Plates: Colorado offers distinct advantages related to vehicle ownership. Veterans with specific service-connected disabilities can apply for Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates, which often come with reduced registration fees. Beyond the financial aspect, these plates serve as a visible symbol of service. What many veterans might not realize, however, is that while these plates offer certain parking privileges, they currently do not exempt veterans from toll road fees – a point of active advocacy for Colorado Veterans Action, which we'll discuss shortly.

• Employment and Education Opportunities: Colorado is committed to helping veterans transition into the civilian workforce and pursue higher education.

  • State Employment Preference: Veterans often receive preference in hiring for state government jobs, giving them a competitive edge in securing stable and meaningful employment.

  • Tuition Waivers and In-State Tuition: While the federal GI Bill is paramount, Colorado state institutions may offer additional tuition waivers or ensure in-state tuition rates for veterans and their eligible dependents, making higher education more affordable and accessible. It's crucial to check with individual institutions for their specific policies.

  • Professional Licensure: The state often expedites professional licensure for veterans who have relevant military training and experience, allowing them to quickly apply their skills in civilian professions.

• Recreational Benefits: Colorado's natural beauty is a major draw, and the state ensures veterans can enjoy it without undue burden.

  • Free State Parks Pass: Eligible veterans can receive a free annual pass to all Colorado State Parks, providing access to hiking, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities.

  • Reduced Cost Hunting and Fishing Licenses: Veterans with certain disabilities may qualify for reduced-cost or even free hunting and fishing licenses, encouraging engagement with Colorado's rich outdoor heritage.

• Veterans' Homes: Colorado operates several Veterans' Homes across the state, providing long-term care, skilled nursing, and domiciliary services to eligible veterans and their spouses. These facilities offer a supportive environment tailored to the unique needs of our senior and disabled veterans.

• Business Assistance: For entrepreneurial veterans, Colorado offers resources and support programs designed to help veteran-owned businesses get off the ground and thrive. This can include access to capital, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

  
  

This list is not exhaustive, but it highlights the breadth of support available. The key takeaway is this: do not assume you know all the benefits you're entitled to. We strongly encourage you to connect with veteran service organizations, county veteran service officers, and the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to explore every avenue of support.

Beyond Benefits: The Power of Advocacy with Colorado Veterans Action

While knowing and utilizing existing benefits is crucial, true progress for our veteran community often requires proactive advocacy and a collective voice for change. This is where organizations like Colorado Veterans Action (CVA) step in, working tirelessly to identify gaps in support and champion legislative and constitutional amendments that will profoundly impact the lives of Colorado veterans.

Vets Helping Vets Colorado proudly stands alongside Colorado Veterans Action in their vital efforts. CVA isn't just about reacting to problems; they are forward-thinking strategists, dedicated to shaping a future where Colorado is truly the most veteran-friendly state in the nation. Their work focuses on systemic changes that can provide lasting relief and recognition for those who have served.

Let's delve into two of their most impactful initiatives:

Amending the Colorado Constitution: Full Property Tax Exemption for Certain Disabled Veterans

This is arguably one of the most significant battles being waged on behalf of Colorado's most severely disabled veterans. As mentioned, Colorado currently offers a 50% property tax exemption on the first $200,000 of home value for 100% permanently and totally service-connected disabled veterans. While helpful, it falls short of providing the comprehensive relief that many other states offer, and more importantly, it doesn't fully acknowledge the profound and often lifelong sacrifices made by these individuals.

Colorado Veterans Action is leading the charge to amend the Colorado Constitution to provide a full property tax exemption for certain disabled veterans. This isn't just about a tax break; it's about:

• Financial Stability: For veterans living on fixed incomes, often struggling with service-connected disabilities that limit their earning potential, a full property tax exemption would provide immense financial relief. It would free up critical funds for healthcare, adaptive equipment, daily living expenses, or simply allow them to live with less financial stress.

• Dignity and Recognition: A full exemption is a powerful statement of gratitude and respect from the state. It acknowledges that those who have sustained severe, permanent disabilities in service to our nation should not bear the additional burden of property taxes on their primary residence. It's a recognition of their unique sacrifice and a commitment to their well-being.

• Attracting and Retaining Veterans: States that offer robust veteran benefits, including full property tax exemptions, become more attractive places for veterans to live, work, and retire. This not only benefits the veterans themselves but also enriches Colorado's communities with their skills, leadership, and dedication.

  
  

Amending the constitution is a monumental task, requiring widespread public support and a strong legislative push. Colorado Veterans Action is meticulously building the coalition, gathering the data, and educating the public and lawmakers on why this change is not just desirable, but morally imperative. They need your voice, your support, and your engagement to make this vision a reality.

Free Tolls for Veterans with DV Plates in Colorado

Another critical issue that Colorado Veterans Action is passionately pursuing is the provision of free tolls for veterans with Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates. Currently, even with DV plates, veterans are still required to pay tolls on Colorado's express lanes and toll roads. This can add up to a significant financial burden, especially for veterans who rely on these routes for medical appointments, work, or daily commutes.

CVA argues that this is a matter of both practical support and symbolic recognition:

• Practical Financial Relief: Tolls, while seemingly small individually, can accumulate quickly, becoming a substantial monthly expense. Exempting DV plate holders from these fees would provide tangible financial relief, allowing veterans to allocate those funds to other necessities.

• Enhanced Mobility: For veterans with disabilities, efficient and accessible transportation is paramount. Free tolls would remove a financial barrier, making it easier for them to access critical services, employment opportunities, and recreational activities across the state.

• A Gesture of Gratitude: Extending this courtesy to veterans with DV plates is a simple yet powerful way for the state to express its gratitude for their service and acknowledge the unique challenges they face due to their disabilities. It’s a small measure that can make a big difference in their daily lives.

  
  

Colorado Veterans Action is actively engaging with state transportation authorities and legislators to highlight the fairness and necessity of this measure. They are building a case based on economic impact, veteran well-being, and the precedent set by other states that already offer similar exemptions.

How You Can Make a Difference: Support Colorado Veterans Action Today!

The work of Colorado Veterans Action is not just about policy; it's about people. It's about ensuring that the sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten and that their needs are met with compassion and effective action. Vets Helping Vets Colorado wholeheartedly endorses and champions their efforts, and we urge every veteran, military family member, and patriotic citizen to join this crucial movement.

Your involvement, no matter how big or small, can tip the scales and help bring about these vital changes. Here’s how you can support Colorado Veterans Action and amplify the voice of our veteran community:

• Visit Their Website: The most direct way to get involved and stay informed is to visit www.coloradoveteransaction.com. Their website is a hub of information, providing detailed insights into their legislative priorities, current campaigns, and ways to get involved.

• Stay Informed and Spread Awareness: Read their updates, subscribe to their newsletter, and share their mission with your friends, family, and social networks. The more people who understand these issues, the stronger our collective voice becomes.

• Contact Your Legislators: CVA provides guidance and resources on how to effectively communicate with your state representatives and senators. A personal letter, email, or phone call from a constituent holds significant weight. Let your elected officials know that you support a full property tax exemption for certain disabled veterans and free tolls for DV plate holders.

• Volunteer Your Time: Colorado Veterans Action is often looking for dedicated volunteers to assist with outreach, research, event planning, and other critical tasks. Your skills and time can make a tangible difference in advancing their mission.

• Share Your Story: If you are a veteran impacted by property taxes or toll fees, sharing your personal story with CVA (with your permission, of course) can be incredibly powerful. Real-life testimonials resonate deeply with policymakers and the public.

• Support Their Efforts: While not always directly asking for donations, advocacy organizations rely on community support to fund their operations, research, and outreach initiatives. Consider how you might contribute to their ongoing work.

  
  

The Path Forward: A United Front for Colorado Veterans

At Vets Helping Vets Colorado, we believe that an informed veteran is an empowered veteran. Understanding your existing state benefits is the first step towards securing the support you deserve. However, true progress often requires looking beyond the present and actively working to shape a better future.

By partnering with and supporting organizations like Colorado Veterans Action, we can collectively push for legislative and constitutional changes that will provide profound and lasting benefits for our most deserving veterans. The fight for a full property tax exemption for certain disabled veterans and free tolls for DV plate holders are not just policy debates; they are moral imperatives that reflect our commitment to those who have sacrificed so much.

Join us, and join Colorado Veterans Action, in building a Colorado where every veteran not only receives what they are owed but also thrives in a state that truly honors their service. Your voice matters. Your action makes a difference. Together, we can unlock Colorado's full promise for its veterans.