Ilic: Colorado deserves better

As a Colorado resident and federal taxpayer, I am deeply concerned by the federal government’s apparent unwillingness to support our state in times of real need.

Colorado contributes billions of dollars every year in federal taxes. Our residents, businesses, and workers consistently do their part. Yet when our state faces natural disasters — wildfires, floods, drought, and extreme weather — we are told that disaster funding is unavailable or delayed. At the same time, federal support for institutions such as the National Center for Atmospheric Research, which plays a critical role in understanding and preparing for these very events, is also being reduced or threatened.

This disconnect is hard to understand and harder to accept.

Colorado is not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fair treatment. Federal taxes are meant to support all states, especially when communities are dealing with emergencies that exceed local and state resources. Denying disaster relief while cutting support for scientific research that helps mitigate future disasters is short-sighted and irresponsible.

If the federal government expects Colorado to continue paying into the system, then it must also be willing to stand behind our state when it matters most. A partnership works both ways.

Colorado deserves better.

Ksenija Ilic

Aspen