Arizona is home to over half a million military veterans. They have served our country with courage, and many continue to serve their communities. Yet despite their sacrifice, Arizona ranks just 36th out of 50 states when it comes to being veteran-friendly, according to a new report from the nonprofit SmileHub.

This national ranking looks at the quality of veteran support, health services, financial stability, employment, and overall wellness. While Arizona has made some progress in areas like employment and treatment courts, the overall rating makes one thing clear: our state is still failing veterans in too many ways.

This is not about politics. It is about priorities.

Veterans in Arizona are facing real challenges. Access to healthcare, mental health treatment, housing assistance, and long-term support remains uneven and underfunded. In rural areas, services are even harder to reach. Veterans who put their lives on the line should not have to fight to see a doctor, afford a home, or access the benefits they earned.

Lawmakers in other states are stepping up. Virginia, Florida, and Texas lead the nation in veteran support. If they can do it, so can Arizona.

This petition calls on the Arizona Governor, State Legislature, and the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to take immediate action. That includes expanding access to healthcare and mental health services, funding housing support programs, and increasing outreach to veterans across the state. Arizona must not settle for being in the bottom third of veteran support.

We ask state leaders to treat this as the urgent issue it is. Do not wait for another report to remind us that Arizona is falling short. Veterans deserve better than rankings near the bottom. They deserve respect, investment, and follow-through.

If you agree that Arizona can and must do better for its veterans, add your name today.