Sullivan and Hinrichsen’s Bill to Support Veterans Passes Senate

SB23-154 extends the one-stop center that provides vital resources and assistance for veterans

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed Senators Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Nick Hinrichsen’s, D-Pueblo, legislation to extend the veterans one-stop center, known as the Western Region One Source.

SB23-154 continues the veterans one-stop center in Grand Junction, which serves as a place for service members, veterans, and their families in the western half of the state to access resources and assistance. The bill also sets a deadline of December 31, 2023 for the Division of Veterans Affairs and the center’s advisory board to develop procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of the center.

“By housing a host of veterans services under one roof, the one-stop center saves veterans time and frustration when seeking out services,” said Sullivan. “This bill would continue to ensure that veterans can easily obtain the resources they deserve. I’m proud of our work to support veterans, service members, and their families as we work to build a better Colorado for all.” 

“Anyone who serves our country should be able to return home and easily access all the resources our state has to offer,” Hinrichsen said. “As an Army veteran, I know how time-consuming and confusing navigating assistance can be. The veterans one-stop center streamlines this process, so folks can get the services they need headache-free.” 

Opened in the spring of 2020, the Western Region One Source supports 40,000 veterans living in 24 counties across Colorado’s Western Slope, and provides a range of services to veterans, including benefits, counseling, housing assistance, family support, and health and wellness services.

Sullivan, the son of two veterans, entered the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam conflict and served as a crew chief on KC-135's. Hinrichsen is an Army veteran who fought in the Iraq War, and served with NATO peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and the Colorado National Guard. Both have fought tirelessly for veterans throughout their time in the legislature, including passing bipartisan legislation to protect veterans from housing discrimination and improve veterans’ education. 

SB23-154 now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.