Josh Coffman, in his blog The Eyes of Texas, argues for a proposed amendment to the Texas constitution that would allow for the surviving spouses of 100% disabled veterans who have passed away, to continue to receive a homestead tax exemption. Currently the law extends to completely disabled veterans, but not to their spouses in the event of death. Coffman presents a convincing and moving argument that this courtesy should be extended to the spouses of our veterans as well: the wives and husbands that inevitably are faced with the care of their disabled veteran spouses, deserve all of the appreciation that we can bestow upon them and more. The argument he presents is simple and difficult to disagree with: ensuring that the spouse of a deceased disabled veteran continues to receive exemption from homestead taxes is the right thing to do, regardless of political stance.
How can this simple statement be contested? These disabled veterans, men and women, have given up months and years of their lives in service to our country and were rewarded with injuries that would haunt them the rest of their lives. Their spouses have raised children alone, worried about their wives and husbands at home alone, and unfortunately have had many of their worries realized as their husbands and wives have returned home injured and disabled. When these veterans return home, the spouses are the ones who continue to raise children alone, along with caring for and assisting their disabled spouse. These spouses - husbands and wives - are heroes and deserve every bit of our respect and appreciation. This is the least in probably a long list of things the state government should implement to ensure the care of veterans and their spouses and families and I, for one, fully support any steps in the right direction. The vote was cast on November 8th and the outcome should be announced shortly.
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