VETERANS: Good, bad, ugly

Idaho HB No. 492 is a long overdue property tax reduction for 100% disabled veterans, but it seems the state of Idaho and the Veterans Administration don’t agree on who is totally and permanently disabled. A veteran that has a 100% unemployable rating does not qualify.

To get this 100% rating, you must be rated at 70% to 90% and unable to work by VA requirements. For example, you can have a VA total rating of 170% that gives you a 90% rating, but because no one would hire someone at 70, 80 or 90%, the VA will rate you 100% totally and permanently service-connected. (Known by veterans as VA math.) I suppose this will make no sense to someone who has not had to deal with the VA.

I have lived in Idaho for 52 years and this state has done very little for its veterans, very disappointing. Whether it’s federal government or state, they’re always trying to save money off the backs of veterans.

Idaho’s government brags how well the state economy is doing, but keeps raising property taxes. Idaho politicians campaign on lowering taxes, but that never seems to happen no matter who gets elected. State by state, Idaho comes in near the bottom for property tax relief. Come on Idaho, you can do much better.

On a positive note, local businesses have been very generous to vets. Thank you very much!

J.M. PLANTE

Post Falls