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April 14, 2012 09:05 PM UTC

My rant to the Senate Military & Vet Affairs Committe on the proposed Vet lottery scratcher

  • 17 Comments
  • by: SSG_Dan

( – promoted by Colorado Pols)

Good afternoon Mr Chairman, honorable members of the Committee, and those from the opposition still in attendance. My name is SSG Dan, and I am an Army veteran, a service-connected disabled veteran, and a proud member of DAV Colorado Chapter 7. I am also the Denver Metro area chair of the state advisory committee for the Jail Diversion & Trauma Recovery  – Priority to Veterans program for Colorado. (sorry about the long title – it’s a Federal Program.) Colorado is one of 13 states enrolled in the program, which is a funded from a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) that reduces veterans time in jail.



This grant started the nationally-recognized Veterans Trauma Court in Colorado Springs, and will start another soon in the 18th Judicial District. Since we launched the court a little less than two years ago, we’ve screened thousands of veterans involved in the justice system and at least matched them with some community & government services. And we’ve enrolled over 70 veterans in the court program. All of our clients are combat veterans, have been diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Injuries, and had no criminal record prior to deployment. Our re-offense rate is less than 10%, and I’m happy to report all of our recent graduates are back in the community as healthy, productive citizens.  

In March at at our annual meeting with SAMSHA in Washington DC, we were given the highest praise possible by the veteran peers in the Florida program who stated “All of our programs need to be like Colorado.”

But, it wasn’t all good. As part of this conference, we met to discuss the sustainability of our programs. As my 12 other peers discussed the commitment their states made toward their programs, I was asked what specific programs Colorado had for veterans. I replied “maybe license plates….and a hunting and fishing license. And 300 days of sunshine.”

In the veteran community in Colorado, this is an old joke. So old that it has lost it’s humor, and is now just a sad statement of affairs.

I bring this up because the Veteran Trauma Court in Colorado Springs could not function without our community partners involved in veteran’s issues. While the Department of Veterans Affairs is an important resource for our court, it is far from the only one. Let me describe one of our client’s in the court.

A former Army Sergeant was arrested for Domestic Violence.  He was screened by the program, and allowed to participate in the court.  He was virtually homeless at that point, as there was a permanent restraining order in place. He also lost his job as a result of being incarcerated.  Through Denver Options, he was able to reside in a sober living home while completing the requirements of the Court.  Additionally, he was referred to Aspenpointe’s Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program for job-seeking assistance.  He was able to find employment on a part-time basis and he was given bus passes in order to assist with job search and sustainment.  After going thru a waiting list, he was admitted to the PTSD Program at the Denver VA Hospital and spent 45 days in the program. He was sanctioned once (jail) for missing a probation appointment, and failing to call. After his release from jail, he self-enrolled in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. All in all, after a few minor bumps in the road, he completed the requirements of the Court, and was one of our first graduates. 

Our other community partners include The Home Front Cares, a faith-based non-profit in the Springs, VFW Foundation, Crawford House, Homes for all Veterans and Sober Living Homes, the Pikes Peak Work Force center and Jim Tackett and the El Paso County Veteran Service Office. We also have important partnerships with Phoenix Multisport and Vet Expeditions.

I would like the members of the committee to consider that list. Again, it does not start and end with the V-A.  This is a shared responsibility with the entire community. 

Because of this shared responsibility, these 70+ veterans, all facing felony charges, are not incarcerated at the expense of El Paso County. Instead, they have been diverted to treatment, held accountable for their actions, and have made their transition back to the community. And, by the way, we managed to save the county somewhere between $1.5 and $1.7 million dollars, depending on the details of their possible sentences.

As good as that number sounds, it could be more. We are getting these veterans after they’ve screwed up and gotten arrested. Imagine how much more money and time we could’ve saved if there were services to help them with their transition back home…and prevented them from being arrested in the first place?



And why don’t we do this? Because Colorado ranks consistently near the bottom on spending on veterans…it doesn’t matter what study you choose to cite. Considering that our Governor in January stated (and I quote) “We owe a special debt of gratitude to those Americans who wear – or have worn – the nation’s uniform,” this is especially shameful.

The “we” is not generic….Gov. Hickenlooper was talking specifically about the people of Colorado.

Today, you are considering a bill that will ask the people of Colorado to approve a special lottery game that will benefit veterans programs. To paraphrase my old First Sergeant, this should be a no-brainer. All of these programs I’ve mentioned need additional funds to step in where the State has failed to do so.



And these programs are stretched thin. Secretary Shinseki of the V-A recently stated that of the 3.3 million men and women who have served since 9/11, slightly more than a third have gotten out and returned home.

That one third has swamped the V-A – right now, the soonest a veteran with PTSD can get an appointment is 5 weeks, unless he’s in immediate danger of harming himself. Some other types of appointments can take up two to three months to open up. If this is already bad now, what happens when the drawdown of our military starts in earnest?

The flood of veterans seeking community services won’t be a tidal wave, it will be a tsunami.


And what does the vet do in the meantime? They either suffer in silence, or uses those veteran-focused services that are available. Members of the committee, there is no debate whether our veterans are using community services instead of the V-A…the question is how much.

Our state has shared in the victories of our military, and it has grieved for their losses. It is also time to step up and share in the responsibility we owe our returning warriors. I need you to take the first step toward taking care of ALL of our veterans in Colorado. Vote yes on this bill, and let the people of Colorado vote on adopting the veterans lottery ticket.  

A Colorado Veteran Lottery Scratcher or actually increasing the budget for Veteran Programs?

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17 thoughts on “My rant to the Senate Military & Vet Affairs Committe on the proposed Vet lottery scratcher”

  2. I would like it if we could increase the veterans funding for CO, but it isn’t there at this time. Allowing for a lottery game to help pay for services is a good idea.

    This bill is being lobbied heavily and is not likely to pass. Why? Not because it isn’t necessarily a bad idea, but because GOCO folks and environmental groups are crying that the sky is falling.

    The  claims made by some that allowing another lottery game will kill existing revenues dedicated towards parks and open space are ludicrous. A new game would bring new players to help veterans. A new game could increase revenues for parks and open space. And, since when is a little competition a bad thing?

    Open space trusts own more land and control more water and access than any other entity in the nation. I applaud the protection, however, to disallow the voters to make a choice to fund veterans’ services because of a fear of reduced open space funding is short sighted, selfish and simple minded.

    With three weeks to go in the session, and 2/3 needed in each house, this bill has a long way to go. But SSG, I agree and ask that legislators give voters an opportunity to decide for ourselves whether this state should protect and care for the men and women who protected us.  

    1. On its’ face, how could this not poll at well over 50% with the general public?

      My understanding is that SB12-SCR002 passed its’ first hurdle with bi-partisan support……..and bi-partisan resistance…………. in the State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.

      Last week, when I heard about the idea purely by chance, my gut was absolutely! I’ll play!

      Having done some background on this, my gut is now joined by my anger, having read some of the arguments against it

      Is it possible some people playing lotto, PowerBall, mega, Cash5, and scratch choices might transfer to a veterans choice? Absolutely. So what?

      Are its’ detractors saying the bill would break their coffers or are they just going on the “terrible ifs” and allowing greed and professional lobbyists to submarine it?

      Will it draw players not previously involved? I think so. For a while. And who knows after that.

      But the idea of using a buck, 5 or 10, or whatever the legislature comes up with next year if this thing clears second and third readings is very attractive.

      As a Vietnam era combat veteran, a Roosevelt Democrat, a ‘rising tide lifts all boats” liberal that’s seen plenty of selfish legislation in my time, I’m going to contact my State Rep and Senator, voicing strong support for this.

      Honestly, as Democrats, this is a great way to do what the spirit of our Party calls for. Use our garden hose to put out our neighbors’ house fire.

      To me, it’s “a no brainer” as well.  

      1. 20 Conservation and Education Lobbyists (and the Mayor of Lakewood) complained that the “cannibalization” of lottery sales if we introduced a Vet games would be “devastating” for their programs.

        Sen Grantham kept asking everyone who said it would be devastating to show him some proof. NO ONE had it. Instead, he had a state analysis that showed of 4 states surveyed, 2 saw sales of lottery games increase across the board for ALL games. One had a slight decrease, and one had a 2% in all games as people switched to the vet scratcher. That’s the 1-2% drop.

        The problem is that thru some backroom maneuvering, it’s going to Appropriations instead of Finance. We can’t testify in Appropriations, and we know of at least 5 people who will vote no. (“It’s immoral to fund veteran programs thru gambling.” “The VA takes care of everything” “It’s the VA’s problem, not the state’s problem”)

        The worst thing? The thing that still pisses me off? EVERY ONE of the people in opposition started their speech with “We support our veterans, BUT….”NO ONE had an alternative, just the thinly veiled threat of “Don’t touch OUR money, or else.”

        Even now, there’s not a damn thing on GOCO, Trout Unlimited or any of the conservation’s community websites that says a damn thing about this bill.

        Cowards.

        1. is code for “”Somebody made it worth my while to vote no on this”.

          But the “We support veterans, but……….” canard goes back decades.

          Truly, everybody is gung ho while the plane’s taxiing down the runway, the troopship’s making way, the sendoffs and all that.

          But the rubber hits the road when the guys come back……broken down, busted up, absolutely different than before combat.

          The lack of empathy of our citizenry for our veterans coincides with the percentage of our citizenry that has put on a uniform.

          Saying “Thanks for your service” isn’t the end all be all in appreciation.

          The ultimate appreciation for those who sacrifice so much is support. Being there. Making a difference. Talking with your wallet.

          Buying a lottery ticket’s pretty easy.

          This needs to happen.

    2. There are so many sides to this kind of issue– and questions about what is the best and most sustainable way to meet all the pressing needs –  of veterans, rural communities, education and yes, the conservation efforts that contribute to communities, keeping agriculture viable, the environment healthier, recreation and tourism more viable, all of which are vital components of our economy, jobs and a quality of life for all of Colorado’s people.

      So, as for the facts that are relevant to the discussion of these issues,  where does the info come from that “open space trusts” (of which there are many types– from local, community based land trusts to statewide and national organizations) “own more land and control water and access than any other entity in the nation” come from?   Colorado’s land trusts for the most part do not own land or water nor control access — they work with private landowners who completely retain their ownership, retain their water rights, and control access as they always have done.  Protecting private lands helps families keep working lands in the family, helps secure agricultural productivity for the long run, helps keep wildlife habitat intact and in some cases addresses endangered species issues, helps keep water in place for all these purposes, and much more– all through voluntary, incentive based means that are also an important economic driver, especially in rural communities.

      GOCO funds are split between open space (often these working ranches and farms), wildlife habitat (also often on working ranches and farms), State Parks and local governments for developing outdoor recreational facilities that benefit kids and people of all ages across the state. GOCO also funds youth corp programs that employ young people in outdoor jobs, giving them skills and valuable experience– and some also offer Veterans crews as well.  As Colorado’s population grows, the need for these services and the pressure on ag lands, wildlife and water is only increasing too.  It’s not about GOCO serving itself, but about us, as citizens of this state, serving ourselves — through good programs that provide efficient (GOCO spends less than 3% on overhead), worthy results that benefit us all.  

      Clearly, Colorado needs better solutions and adequate funding to serve our veteran’s needs and every other truly needy and worthy cause that the state should be addressing, from education to health care and on and on.  We need a whole solutions that do not depend upon taking scarce resources away from one good program to fund another good program–we’ve seen plenty of that in the last few years and we’ll pay the price for many years to come.

      Finally, what is the actual math on the proposed veteran’s lottery?  How much would it cost to start up?  How long would it take to pay back those costs before there are any actual funds that benefit to veterans?  And once there would be funds available, how much would they possibly be?  Who would decide how they are spent?  Would it be managed by a state bureaucracy?  At what efficiency?  And would the legislature in the future reduce general funds to veteran’s programs, believing that they were adequately funded by the lottery?  What would be the actual impact on current programs that receive lottery funds?  Is there actual evidence that people would buy more scratch tickets if they knew it would benefit veterans?  Or does it split a limited pie more ways and open the door for even more potential lottery programs in the future?  How would the veterans groups react in the future when another worthy cause wants a piece of the lottery pie?

      If we can have a thorough exploration of these and other questions, perhaps we can have a fact based discussion about this particular question.  Overall though, let’s look for those whole solutions and if possible, not pit worthy causes against one another when we need to better serve them all.

      2. This is the lobbying position of those opposed to increasing funds for veterans in Colorado. Well done, you have summarized and presented the arguements very well.

        Here is the only fact that should be guiding this discussion:

        Colorado has a large number of veterans living here and we are failing them by not providing services on a state level that they deserve. Inmates in prison get better services than some of the veterans who fought for us.

        let’s look for those whole solutions and if possible, not pit worthy causes against one another when we need to better serve them all

        Spoken like a person who has all the money they need to provide serivces to their clients.  

        Why don’t you share with our reading public how much money GOCO received last year (hint, $56 million), and then contrast that with the amount veterans received (cough-$594,000 – cough).

        I’m really glad you and the environmental, conservation, open space community got yours – good for you, now share a little so we can take care of some others who deserve it.

      3. Or, the longer version – the existing lottery programs work great so we shouldn’t touch OUR MONEY, and a Vet lottery scratcher would be a disaster.

        We have no facts to back up or indignant hooting, just a buzzword – cannibalization. Don’t use the states numbers reported to committee – we don’t like them.

        There is no “pitting of worthy causes”- the 21 groups who hooted and shrieked about losing 1% say 50 ft of improved trail on the Poudre is more important that vet programs…you know, for the Vets they support.  

        1. Did you know that GOCO is capped, and that once its revenue meets that cap the spillover goes to capital assistance for low-income school districts?  So when lottery is incrementally reduced, that means funds for that program will be among the first to be reduced or eliminated.  So I guess I could say that you think it is fine for poor kids to be stuck in crumbling schools.  That would be a grossly unfair way to characterize your position, but its not really any less fair than how you characterize the groups that opposed changes to the current lottery program.

          You had a great diary – but the bomb-throwing in the comments is more heat than light.  How about we look for ways to grow funding overall?  

          Here’s one not-so-modest proposal (at the national level):  we’ve got an enormous military-industrial complex with large corporations collecting large sums of money and talking about “supporting the troops”.  Why not require those military contractors to pay a penny on each dollar they receive in defense contracts into a fund to support state-level grants for programs helping veterans – programs like yours?  If such a concept were possible it would generate serious money for a serious need.

          1. Why not require those military contractors to pay a penny on each dollar they receive in defense contracts into a fund to support state-level grants for programs helping veterans – programs like yours?

            sounds like a pretty good idea…

            which means, it probably won’t happen.

          2. Your opposing argument remains the same – don’t touch my money. And then you follow up with “go find your own money.”

            Let me try this again –

            Colorado is either last or next to last in funding veteran programs.

            There is no will by the legislature to fund those programs.

            The lottery was the only way to get ANY money toward those programs.

            The groups getting lottery money keep pointing to the LEAST LIKELY OUTCOME regarding lottery sales as the reason we should not have a vote on a game that funds veteran programs.

            Even if that LEAST LIKELY OUTCOME happens, the loss is maybe 1% across ALL programs.

            The bunch of lobbyists (and the groups they represent) who testified are a bunch fucking hypocrites for not only saying “we support our veterans, BUT” also telling all us unpaid veterans who testified “if we can help in any way, we would..”

            1. I get that you’re pissed off at the lobbyists and the groups they represent.  But have you talked with any of them and asked them to help (since they said “if we can, we would”) — I mean, ask them flat out – “OK – if not this, then what? You say lottery isn’t the right way to do this, then help us come up with something else that would work.”  Maybe I’m being naive, but they might not be the hypocrites you think.

              1. their first “offer” was to re-write the language of this bill so that instead of new ticket, vets would get the last of the last crumbs out of lottery proceeds.

                FUCK THAT.

                There were a lot of self-serving intro comments that stated “they’d help us fund raise” but that’s not the fucking point. The point is the community is as responsible for helping our veterans (if not more so) than the Federal govt that sent them.  

  3. Bill died today.

    Had an uphill battle from the beginning, and the hard core enviro lobbying effort made it all the harder to have a real conversation.

    Good job Trout Unlimited and CO Enviro Council – you win.  

    2. …but he can go hiking on a trail, and will probably end up sleeping in a park. I guess that’s kind of a veteran program from Lottery proceeds.

      NOT over. Not by a long shot. I hope these groups realize that their corporate donors many not be happy when we start asking them about this process.

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