Colorado Disabled Veterans, Referendum E (2006)

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Contents

The Colorado Disabled Veterans, Referendum E appeared on November 2006 ballot in Colorado as a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment, where it was approved

  • Yes: 1,195,907 (79%) Approved
  • No: 313,292 (21%)

Ballot wording

The official ballot title read:

An amendment to Section 3.5 of Article X of the Constitution of the state of Colorado, concerning the extension of the existing property tax exemption for qualifying seniors to any United States military veteran who is one-hundred percent permanently disabled due to a service-connected disability.

Supporters

Veterans For Referendum E was the group campaigning for this measure. Supporters argued that Colorado needs to do more to help veterans who have sacrificed their health for our nation and state. Many states offer a property tax reduction for disabled veteran homeowners, and six states do not require such veterans to pay any property taxes.

Referendum E provides one way, supporters argued, at a modest cost, for Colorado to thank permanently disabled veterans for their service.[1]

Opponents

No groups filed to oppose the measure. But opponents argued that Referendum E is a special interest tax break that benefits less than one-twentieth of one percent of all Colorado residents. When one group benefits financially from a tax reduction, other taxpayers must pay. If the state can afford to reduce taxes for certain taxpayer groups, it should reduce taxes for all taxpayers.

Opponents also argued that Referendum E singles out only 100-percent disabled veterans who are financially able to own homes. Disabled veterans who do not own a home do not benefit.

The responsibility to meet the financial needs of veterans, opponents argued, rests with the federal government. By creating a new state program for a small group of veterans, Referendum E interferes with the balance of benefits set by the federal government.[1]

Campaign finance

Donors for the campaign for the measure:[2]

  • Veterans for Referendum E: $5,901
  • Total: $5,901

See also

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 2006 Colorado Blue Book
  2. ↑ Follow the Money, "Donors"
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