Colorado approves firearm tax to aid domestic violence victims
- Colorado voters passed Proposition KK, which creates a new tax on firearms and ammunition.
- An estimated $39 million in annual revenue will support domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers.
- This initiative aims to address the funding gap caused by years of federal funding cuts.
In Colorado, voters have passed a significant ballot measure aimed at aiding organizations supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence. This measure, known as Proposition KK, was passed on November 25, 2024, receiving approximately 54 percent of the votes. The initiative will impose a 6.5 percent excise tax on firearms and ammunition, which is expected to generate around $39 million annually for victim services and mental health programs. The financial aid is particularly crucial due to federal funding cuts affecting many community organizations that provide essential support to survivors. The state of Colorado has faced a stark decline in federal assistance from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). The funding dropped from $31.3 million in fiscal year 2017 to only $13.6 million in the most recent fiscal year. This decrease in funding has led to considerable challenges for organizations like Violence Free Colorado, which reported potential closures of at least two programs. The revenue generated from the new tax is anticipated to channel about $30 million towards organizations that assist victims of domestic and sexual violence, with the remaining funds allocated to mental health services and increased security in public schools. Domestic violence advocates have emphasized the importance of this new tax, especially considering statistics indicating a direct relationship between firearms and domestic violence fatalities. In the past year, Colorado recorded 58 domestic violence deaths, with over 75 percent of these incidents involving guns. The state's Representatives, including Monica Duran, a survivor of domestic violence, have expressed their support for the measure as a vital step toward addressing the funding gaps caused by declining federal assistance. Although the measure offers a lifeline for organizations struggling to provide services, there will be a gap before funding becomes available. The funds are projected to be allocated to eligible programs starting in January 2026. Advocates and state officials are hopeful that programs can withstand the interim challenges despite the expected continued federal funding cuts. This newly approved measure symbolizes a local effort to fill the financial void left by federal funding decreases and to improve support services for those victimized by domestic and sexual violence in Colorado.