Governor Jared Polis delivered his State of the State address to the Colorado Legislature, but critics argue that his speech was long on big deals and short on details.
As a governor deep into his second term, the annual address is typically a mix of celebrating accomplishments and outlining future plans. However, Governor Polis seemed more focused on highlighting past victories than providing a clear roadmap for the future.
Strange for a governor whose liberal party, though divided by vitriol and infighting, controls both chambers and all branches of government.
Governor Polis shares his superficial vision for solving Colorado’s housing shortage. He omits the many bills being introduced that included government mandates. Polis calls housing a civil rights issue.
During his speech, Governor Polis boasted about fully funding K-12 education and capping the price of EpiPens but failed to address key conservative concerns such as easing the tax and regulatory burden in the state.
Republican lawmakers argue that the governor’s priorities come at a cost and that he neglected to mention important issues like property taxes, the fentanyl crisis and raising the quality of education within the state.
One major issue that Governor Polis touched on was housing. While he acknowledged the need to create more affordable housing at all income levels, critics question the feasibility of his proposals. Republicans argue that the governor’s plans for reducing housing costs and promoting new financing strategies will ultimately lead to more regulation and a burden for taxpayers.
Furthermore, Governor Polis’s vision for expanding the state’s transit system, particularly through passenger rail, raised skepticism among critics. They argue that the state already struggles to maintain its roadway system, RTD and question the ability to effectively execute the governor’s rail vision.
House Minority Leader Mike Lynch said he was somewhat encouraged to hear Polis express support for reducing the income tax rate — although in his speech Polis acknowledged Democratic hesitancy on that front and told reporters later an income tax reduction is more likely through a package than a standalone bill — and said Republicans will hold him to that goal. He also so mentioned that Republican have heard this speech before.
Both Rep. Lynch and Se. Kirkmeyer were waiting for more of a solution to the state’s property tax challenge, they said.
“The governor proposed a very expensive agenda to get ideological goals achieved at a time when Coloradans really are struggling financially,” Lynch said.
“What I head was a whole lot of opportunity for the state to step on citizens,” Lynch told CBS4. “I didn’t hear enough about the state’s fentanyl crisis, and the drug that is literally killing Coloradans.”
Overall, Republicans believe that Governor Polis’s ambitious agenda comes at a time when Coloradans are financially struggling. They criticize the lack of focus on important issues and argue that the governor’s plans will only lead to more burdens on citizens. While Governor Polis did mention reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, critics are looking for more concrete solutions to address the state’s challenges.
Polis has become known for inserting pop culture and nerd fandom references in his speeches and public comments, and his 2024 State of the State address was no different.
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While this year may have been lighter on the references than others, several were still sprinkled throughout his speech.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis can’t help himself. In addition to his Spock impression, he does his Yoda impression for the second year for the gathered lawmakers and guests.
Most notably, and in line with Polis’ embrace of the nerdier things, was a “Star Trek” comment.
“To not do anything would be ‘highly illogical’ as Spock would say,” Polis said during a section of his speech about working to keep housing costs in line with income.
As the State of the State address concluded, conservative lawmakers remain skeptical of Governor Polis’s priorities and are committed to holding him accountable. They argue that the governor’s speech lacked the necessary details and solutions to address the pressing issues facing Colorado.
Governor Polis’ speech as written:
—————————————–
Colorado Governor Jared Polis
2024 State of the State / January 11, 2024
Remarks as Written
Welcome.
Over the last year, I’ve been thinking a lot about who we want to be when our great State turns
150 years old in two years? As we envision our future together, I’m reminded of President Kennedy’s speech at Rice University in 1962.
Because it was there that he articulated his bold vision, saying, “We choose to go to the Moon in this decade… not because [it’s] easy, but because [it’s] hard.”
He took a seemingly impossible goal, something never attempted in human history, and made it
a mission. The “moonshot” goal, as it came to be known, set a standard, not just for the United
States, but the world, and it ushered in a new era of American innovation.
Seven years later, Neil Armstrong spoke those famous words, “One small step for a man, one
giant leap for mankind” – turning the moonshot goal into mission accomplished.
It wasn’t easy. But with a vision to guide them and that famous American work ethic, they got it
done.
Throughout Colorado’s history, we’ve often been the ones leading the change, blazing new
trails, turning our dreams into reality.
We’ve literally moved mountains, building roads and tunnels and railroads through the
impenetrable Rockies.
We were the first state in America to pass voting rights for women through a vote of the people – cementing our place as a State that not only cherishes and upholds the rights and freedoms of
people, but expands those rights in pursuit of a more perfect state and nation.
Colorado’s Republican Governor Ralph Carr stood virtually alone among high-ranking elected
officials in opposing the forced relocation of Japanese-Americans during World War II, and in
condemning racial prejudice.
Over the last five years, we’ve blazed new trails in Colorado in early childhood education with
the creation of free, full-day kindergarten and free universal preschool – saving Colorado
families thousands of dollars and giving our children the best possible start in life.
APPLAUSE
Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational use of cannabis, setting a standard for
innovation, safety, and economic mobility that has been replicated by other states and countries
around the world. Now, thanks to our voters, we’re once again leading the nation on natural
medicine, unfreezing 50 plus years of stifled research.
We’re a hub for the groundbreaking quantum industry – with computing capabilities and job
creation that even some of the most futuristic movies and novels couldn’t imagine.
And, at long last, Colorado is the rightful permanent home of U.S. Space Command, ensuring
our national security in the increasingly important space domain.
All of this work was at one point seen as too hard, even pie in the sky. But we’ve proven that we
can accomplish anything when we work together.
JOKE: You know, as I look around this room, I see quite a few of you who have announced
campaigns for other offices: Congress, county commissioner, mayor, city council. And I know
there’s been some buzz about what might be next for me as well. Well, I’m ready to put an end
to the speculation – especially with competition gearing up in the next few
weeks…PAUSE…Today I’d like to announce that I will be trying out for the Colorado Rockies
this spring. Who needs legislation when you can have home runs.
All kidding aside, together, we must ensure that our state remains THE best place to live, raise a
family, and launch a business, while strengthening our dynamic economy, creating jobs and
making Colorado safer. And we all know we need to make our state more affordable.
Housing and Transit
Together we can create more housing for all Coloradans and increase access to convenient and
low cost transit opportunities, improving our quality of life and making the future of our state
even brighter. A better environment with cleaner water and air. A better economy. And better
public health and transportation.
The real life situations that families face on rent or a mortgage need no introduction or
explanation. They loom large with our friends, our family – it’s a matter of statewide concern.
Simply put, we must create more housing in our state that Coloradans at all income levels can
rent or buy in the communities where they want to live and near job opportunities. And by
reducing housing costs we will also decrease homelessness in our communities. I want to thank
the mayors who are on the front lines of this issue and have joined us here today: Denver Mayor
Mike Johnston, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, and Fort
Collins Mayor Jeni Arndt.
I’ve been spending a lot of time listening to Coloradans from Pueblo to Fort Collins, Aurora to
Grand Junction. It’s no surprise that the top issue everywhere is housing costs.
I hear from parents who fear their children will never own their own home here in Colorado.
They aren’t alone, 83% of Colorado parents worry their children won’t be able to afford to live
here.
I also hear from older Coloradans who fear they won’t be able to age in the communities they
love, or won’t be able to downsize because, even though their house has increased in value,
high interest rates and property taxes prevent them from affording even a smaller home. That’s
why we must work during this session to make the Senior Homestead Exemption portable.
APPLAUSE
I also hear from young parents who want to raise their children in a home of their own, and
frontline workers – teachers, firefighters, police officers, healthcare workers, our exceptional
state workforce – many of whom can’t live even near the community where they work. I hear
from business owners who can’t recruit the talent they need, and college students who don’t
believe home ownership will ever be part of their future.
There is a real sense of hopelessness and despair in our state around housing that’s on par, in
many ways, with how people feel about the divisiveness of our national politics. Since the start
of 2022, higher interest rates and home values have driven the typical mortgage payment up by
73%, while income has failed to keep pace.
To not do anything would be “highly illogical” as Spock would say.
Last year, we took an important step by banning growth caps that outlawed new housing in our
communities thanks to the leadership of Representative Lindstedt and Senator Gonzales.
I also signed an Executive Order to remove bureaucratic barriers and cut through red tape,
reducing turnaround times for contracts, grants and loans from the Department of Local Affairs’
and the Division of Housing to 90 days.
The state is putting our skin in the game, and doing our part to solve the housing crisis. And with your partnership, we can build on that progress.
Together we can create a Colorado where homeowners have the property rights and financial
tools they need to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit – also known as a granny flat or casita – for
an aging parent, child or long term renter, creating more housing supply that’s inherently
affordable and filling critical gaps in our communities. According to a survey, more than 80% of
Coloradans are supportive of allowing ADUs in their communities.
Today we’re joined by Yoseph Assefa, a Coloradan who has directly experienced the benefits of
ADUs. Yoseph said that the ability to build an ADU on his property with the Denver Housing
Authority has been a game changer for his family, increasing property value and creating
another housing option for the family of four he is renting it to. Please join me in welcoming
Yoseph, who is here with us today with his family.
APPLAUSE
Together we can help more Coloradans like Yoseph make decisions that work best for
themselves and their families, and create more housing for others. I look forward to working with the sponsors who are leading the way in this exciting legislative effort.
This session, I will be supportive of bills that reduce the cost of housing and encourage
innovative approaches like new financing strategies, easing parking restrictions, tackling liability
costs for multi-family condo construction, reducing the cost of fire insurance – especially in the
face of increasing climate-related disasters like the Marshall Fire, which we just observed the
second anniversary of – and I will be very skeptical of bills that increase the cost of housing.
As you might be able to tell, housing policy that creates more affordable choices for Coloradans
is my Roman Empire. If you don’t get that joke, feel free to ask someone from Gen Z.
Ending discriminatory occupancy limits that especially hurt renters is another important way that we can break down harmful barriers to housing and create more equity. I want to thank
Representative Mabrey and Representative Rutinel, and Senator Gonazales and Senator Exum
for taking on this important thousing and civil rights issue.
What it comes down to is creating a Colorado where people from all backgrounds can live in
homes they can afford near accessible and reliable transportation options – buses, bikes, and
walkable neighborhoods.
Imagine leaving your home and heading to the train stop or bus station just a few blocks away.
Maybe you walk or ride your bike. From there you ride to work in the morning in style, and
because the schedule is reliable, you know exactly what time you’ll catch the train or bus to
come home later that day. You don’t have to worry about whether you have enough gas, or if the roads will be icy. And if you do choose to drive a car, there is less traffic. On the weekends you use that same transit stop to head downtown to see me play in a World Series Champion
Rockies game or for dinner with your friends. And because you live in a home you can afford
and are saving money on gas and car repairs, you can put your money toward other priorities.
What a wonderful day in Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood… and soon more neighborhoods across our
state.
This is already happening in communities like Olde Town Arvada and downtown Fort Collins,
where thriving downtown centers are built around business, transportation, and housing.
But we need more shining examples.
Transit oriented and connected communities can create a better future for our state and drive
our prosperity and enjoyment with less traffic, more housing people can afford and better air
quality. We want to provide the tools our communities need to make this happen.
This year, I’m excited about a proposal in my budget that will help local governments build
housing infrastructure in more transit-oriented neighborhoods by addressing construction
hurdles like access to water; aging sewer and stormwater systems; and by increasing
opportunities for walking, biking, busing and all forms of transportation.
It’s a start, but we need a well-rounded approach – and that includes goals for housing that
every community can work toward in their own way.
These goals must consider jobs, zoning capacity, transit areas, housing density, and factors like
regional equity, infrastructure capacity, and water.
We also need transit-oriented housing policy that incentivizes communities to meet meaningful
goals, provides accountability, and rewards jurisdictions for going above and beyond.
I’m excited that my budget also expands the State Affordable Housing Tax Credit, providing
crucial financial incentives for transit areas that will help increase affordability.
I want to thank Representatives Jodeh and Woodrow and Senators Hansen and Winter for their
efforts to help more Coloradans live in transit-oriented neighborhoods and achieve this powerful vision of more affordable housing and transit in Colorado.
This work is important, but in order to build more housing near reliable transit, we need – you
guessed it – transit that actually works.
The distance the average Coloradan drives per year has increased by more than 20% over the
past 40 years, and recent data shows that commuters in Denver were stuck in traffic for an
average of 54 hours, more than an entire work week.
And time isn’t the only thing getting wasted. Coloradans are spending too much money on gas,
to the tune of roughly $1800 per year per driver, not to mention maintenance and depreciation
costs.
Thanks to Senate Bill 260 from 2021, which supercharged transportation funding for the state,
and significant Federal funding, roads are finally getting better across the state of Colorado, but
we’re not done yet. We have the planes, and we have the automobiles, we just need the trains.
For too long passenger rail has been another “moonshot” – out of reach for too many people in
our state. Coloradans love the idea, but many people believe it’s not something they’ll see in our lifetimes. Yes it’s big, and yes it’s bold, and I’m here to tell you it’s within reach.
Agatha Christie wrote, “To travel by train is to see nature and human beings…in fact, to see life.”
We have a vision for Front Range and Mountain Rail that will create access points across the
state that connect people to more housing, more businesses, and more jobs. Getting people
places quicker and less expensively. And we’re going to get it done.
After years of waiting, the pieces are falling into place. The federal government has approved
more than $66 Billion dollars – billion with a B – to create a world-class rail system for the
country. So it’s no longer a question of if the United States will see a massive expansion of
passenger rail, but it’s a question of whether Colorado will seize this opportunity and get our fair share of those federal dollars.
With existing tracks, now utilized mostly for commercial rail, we have a unique opportunity to
extend daily passenger rail service through the Rocky Mountains. We need to take action to
ensure that we get train service from Union Station to west Jefferson County, Winter Park,
Steamboat Springs, on to Craig and Hayden, alleviating traffic in our mountain corridors,
supporting more housing that’s affordable for the local workforce, and helping our
coal-dependent communities strengthen and diversify their economies.
Together we must also deliver on the unfulfilled FASTtracks promise of train service from Union
Station to Boulder, Longmont and then on to Loveland and Fort Collins. Again, this isn’t
pie–in-the-sky: we can do this through a joint effort between CDOT, RTD and the Front Range
Rail district, and we can start now. The problem of unfinished public transit has gone on far too
long, and taxpayers are sick and tired of paying for services they’re not getting.
If we move boldly this session to seize these unprecedented federal investments we can lock in
transformational passenger rail opportunities in time for our 150th birthday in 2026. The story of our state’s founding and early economic success is intertwined with the historic railroad
expansion of the 1800s, just as our dreams for the future will be intertwined with the expansion
of passenger rail and transit oriented communities.
I am looking forward to partnering with Senate President Fenberg to ensure we take this
opportunity to get it done.
These efforts must be combined with a more expansive, statewide bus system. Colorado has
seen the exciting success of Bustang, Snowstang, and Pegasus, which connected nearly
300,000 Coloradans across the state last year alone. And this is a model that we are continuing
to expand. But we must go further to improve convenience for all Coloradans while improving
our air quality and reducing traffic.
This isn’t something we can do alone. We need reliable regional transit organizations across our
state, including in the metro areas. We can have access to better transportation options that
meet the needs of all Coloradans, but it requires us to reimagine what that means. And of
course that includes RTD. With state investments like free fares for better air, we are seeing
some progress, and enhanced ridership. But there’s more we need to do. We must reexamine
governance and operational efficiencies, expand local partnerships, build on the work of the
RTD Accountability Committee, and give RTD and transit agencies across our state the tools,
structure, and financial resources to deliver better service to more people, creating a
transportation system that meets the needs of Coloradans while supporting more housing near
transportation hubs and improving our air quality. I look forward to working with Senator Winter and Representative Lindstedt on legislation to get us.
So let’s actually deliver on the housing and transit solutions that Coloradans are demanding. As
Yoda would say, “Do or Do Not, there is no try.”
We must do, and we must SHOW Coloradans what it looks like when there is more housing for
every budget and more convenient and lower cost mobility statewide for every resident.
Public Safety
Nothing is more important or fundamental to healthy communities than public safety. I want to
take a moment to recognize the men and women in law enforcement and members of the
military here with us today. Please rise and let us thank you for your service.
APPLAUSE
We all deserve to be safe, which is why our goal is to make Colorado one of the ten safest
states in the nation by 2027 and I will be supporting legislation to further that goal and will be
very skeptical of any legislation that would make us less safe.
Over the last few years we’ve made important investments in effective, locally driven efforts,
including training and support for local law enforcement.
This has resulted in scholarships for 135 recruits to attend the POST Academy. 194 law
enforcement recruitment events across the state, more than 900 training sessions and more
than 400 community events.
Through legislation led by Senator Buckner, former Senator Cooke, Senator Will and
Representative Valdez, we funded more than 50 initiatives throughout the state that use
evidence-based strategies to make our communities safer including crime prevention and
violence interrupter efforts, law enforcement community outreach, crisis intervention, mentoring, co-response models, and recovery housing.
Early data shows a downward trend in violent crime, which is why this year we want to continue
these investments to create safer communities for everyone.
Last year, with the leadership of Senator Gardner, Senator Bridges, Senator Zenzinger,
Representative Bird, Representative Soper, Representative Titone, and Representative
Bockenfeld, we took important steps to crack down on auto-theft. When a car is stolen, it
impacts employment, health care visits, child care access, and many aspects of daily life.
And we invested in technology to locate and return stolen vehicles, and we strengthened the
dedicated auto-theft task force. We provided more support for District Attorneys to successfully
prosecute the criminals responsible, and we took action to make criminal penalties for auto theft tougher by eliminating the value of a vehicle from consideration.
We’re starting to move in the right direction! As of September last year, Colorado had seen a
21% year over year reduction in stolen vehicles, in Denver a 27% reduction – including a major
reduction of auto theft at Denver International Airport.
Ongoing, data-driven investments in reducing auto theft are absolutely critical if we want to
continue fighting all the crimes associated with auto theft.
We are also actively involved in helping victims of crime get back on their feet, providing
additional funding to help people get the support and resources they need to recover and heal.
I have also called on our Congressional delegation to increase federal funding for victims through a fix to the Victims of Crime Act. I especially appreciate Majority Leader Duran’s continued advocacy for this work and look forward to her partnership in the months ahead.
Sadly, in the last few months, there’s been a dramatic increase in horrific acts of hate across the
world, including here at home. Between October 7 and January 7, the Anti Defamation League
recorded a 360 percent increase in antisemitic incidents nationwide. The rise in antisemitism,
Islamophobia, and hate in all forms is unacceptable in Colorado.
APPLAUSE
Colorado is a state that welcomes everyone – no matter your country, your background, where
you worship, or who you love. Every single person has the right to feel safe at home, in their
communities, and at their places of worship.
So, we called on this body to help protect nonprofit organizations and religious institutions, like
temples and mosques, that are facing a heightened risk of targeted violence. I want to thank the
Joint Budget Committee for taking swift action to provide additional funding for this work last
month. And we’ve already gotten the money out!
Today we are joined by educators from Beth Jacob High School of Denver and the Islamic
Center of Fort Collins, which both received funding supported by the State of Colorado and are
using it to make security improvements and better protect their communities. Please join me in
welcoming them here today.
PAUSE FOR APPLAUSE
But it goes beyond simple funding. It’s about coordinating our efforts to root out hate
TOGETHER .
In keeping with our commitment to public safety, Colorado is leading the nation in our efforts to
prevent gun violence. Whether it’s strengthening our red flag law, establishing waiting periods,
requiring safe storage of firearms in homes where kids are present, or banning ghost guns, we
are a model for the nation in practical, commonsense solutions to the problem of gun violence,
while protecting our cherished Second Amendment rights. I want to thank Senator Tom Sullivan
and his fellow legislators for your work to make this possible.
APPLAUSE
To build on this work, we are proposing additional investments to prevent convicted felons from
illegally purchasing firearms. Each year, thousands of people who are prohibited from
purchasing a firearm try to do so illegally. As a state, we need to stand firm and crack down on
illegal firearm activity. We are working with US Attorney Cole Finegan, Attorney General Phil
Weiser and District Attorneys to get it done, while supporting our rural DA offices.
And while all of this work supports safe and thriving communities, helping us reach our goal of
becoming one of the ten safest states, we also know that another important element of safe
Colorado communities is a strong education system.
Education
Education is the universal key, opening doors we never even dreamed existed, transporting us
to distant lands, exploring the deepest oceans, and catapulting us to the moon. Education
opens our eyes to new ideas. It invites us to dream big dreams, and gives us the tools to turn
those dreams into reality.
Education has long been a passion of mine, and I know it’s a passion shared by many of you
here.
With the leadership of Senator Zenzinger, Senator Bridges, Representative Bird, and
Representative Garcia, Colorado took urgent action to ensure more than 300,000 Colorado
children have healthy meals through Summer EBT.
APPLAUSE
And we are saving families thousands of dollars per year on preschool and kindergarten.
I’ve spent a lot of time in classrooms around the state, where I’ve heard from educators and
students about what preschool means to them. It’s a special thing to see children and their
families access the benefits of early childhood education for the first time, and this work has
propelled Colorado from 26th to 8th in the country in preschool access in just one year!
PAUSE FOR APPLAUSE
I want to thank the voters of our state, as well as Representative Sirota, Senator Buckner, and
President Fenberg, for their incredible leadership to help bring preschool to life.
I’m also proud that just a few months ago, Colorado voters passed Proposition II, which
dedicates an additional $23.7 Million to preschool, expanding hours for Colorado children and
making preschool even better next year. We are so excited that in its very first year nearly
40,000 children are enrolled in preschool, saving each family more than $6,000 per year.
And I’m proud of our Bright Spot Award winners, schools around the state with major increases
in student achievement in areas like math and science, and more. The awards elevate these
schools as models that others can follow, and give them the support and funding they need to
serve even more students. Join me in welcoming the principals and educators from two Bright
Spot Award winners who are here today, Paonia Elementary in Delta County – a science Bright
Spot award winner, and Minnequa (MINNEH-KWAH) Elementary in Pueblo – a math Bright Spot
award winner.
APPLAUSE
Last year we also passed bipartisan legislation to help more students and educators access the
resources they need to improve math achievement, including more hours focused on
strengthening their skills after school, thanks to the leadership of Representatives McLachlan
and Pugliese and Senators Marchman and Lundeen. Now we need to expand out of school opportunities to boost science achievement too. I look forward to working with the General
Assembly to get that done. But, our work is far from finished.
This year, thanks to the leadership of the people in this room, after more than a decade we are
finally eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor.
PAUSE FOR APPLAUSE
This historic investment means an additional $705 per student on average, or another $15,500
more for a classroom of 22 kids. This is on top of last year’s increase of more than $1,000 per
student, made possible by this legislature.
It means better teacher pay, expanded learning opportunities for students, professional
development for teachers, and better resources in our classrooms.
With the budget stabilization buydown, and action from the General Assembly, we will also
achieve full mill levy equalization for Charter schools.
This has been a long time coming, and we are thrilled to fulfill our commitment to voters and
enter a new era of full education funding in Colorado.
Workforce
And just as we continue investing in students from preschool through high school, we need to
continue investing in their success after graduation and powering our economic growth.
Right now there are about two job openings for every unemployed Coloradan. We want every
person in Colorado to be able to build a good life and a good career on their own terms, and we
are creating many different ways to do that – from dual and concurrent enrollment to low-cost
credentialing.
With the leadership of Speaker McCluskie and Representative Pugliese, and Senators Buckner
and Senator Will, we’ve expanded free community and technical college for in-demand careers
– which has already served more than 3,500 students – nurses, construction workers, law
enforcement. We’ve also partnered with businesses to develop needed training pathways, and
we’ve created a pilot scholarship to support innovation in education. We are working with higher education institutions to keep tuition low through innovation and greater efficiency. And thanks to Representatives Lukens and Catlin and Senators Roberts and Pelton, we’re developing the next generation of farmers and ranchers through the Agricultural Workforce Development Program, to help young people, particularly in rural areas, get real world experience on a working farm or ranch through paid apprenticeships.
But we want to go even further, increasing the number of state government apprenticeships by
50% and supporting the creation of 100 new apprenticeship opportunities in the private sector –
both by June 30 of this year.
These actions translate to more jobs where Coloradans can earn while they learn, more money
saved on education or training, more candidates for available jobs, stronger businesses, and a
stronger Colorado economy.
We also want to continue Opportunity Now – which was passed thanks to the work of Speaker
McCluskie and Senators Bridges, Senator Rich, and Senator Lundeen – to help “blur the lines”
between K-12, higher education, and employers. And grantees are on track to serve 10,000
Coloradans in industries like construction, health care, education, and early childhood. But
we’re just getting started, and soon, working with Representative Lukens, Representative
Soper, and Senator Bridges, we can create more ways for Coloradans to become skilled
construction workers, plumbers, pipefitters, electricians and more.
Colorado is becoming the national leader in this work, and by innovating we will continue to
save Coloradans money while strengthening our workforce for a prosperous future.
Healthcare
We are also continuing to save people money on healthcare – which is, after housing, often the
largest cost that Coloradans face.
Since day one of my Administration, starting with the creation of the Office of Saving People
Money on Healthcare, we have been bold in taking on the entrenched special interests and
tackling the true cost drivers in healthcare. Our work to save people money on healthcare is led
by our incredible and dedicated Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, please give her a round of
applause.
PAUSE
This has led to historic successes including Reinsurance and the Colorado Option, both of
which have been cost-saving game-changers for people accessing healthcare in our state.
Since its creation, reinsurance has saved thousands of dollars for families all across our state. A
family of four in Grand Junction has saved nearly $26,000 since 2020 thanks to reinsurance. In
Pueblo, families have saved more than $18,000. That’s real money. I want to thank the
bipartisan legislators who worked to make these savings possible. Other states – even the
federal government – have taken notice, modeling their own efforts after Colorado’s.
We’ve also capped the cost of insulin and, last session, thanks to the leadership of Senator
Roberts and Representatives Mabrey and Representative Jodeh, epi pens as well.
But we know our work isn’t done.
Prescription drugs still account for a significant portion of healthcare costs in Colorado and
across the country. The simple truth is that Coloradans, and people around the country, are
being ripped off on the prices of necessary medications.
Spending on prescription drugs in the US is double that of any other nation. Nearly 10% of
Coloradans were unable to fill a prescription because of cost in 2021.
That’s why we continue urging the FDA to approve our application to import lower-cost
prescription drugs, and why the Prescription Drug Affordability Board is so vital.
We also are proposing more support for the individuals who provide home-based care, and
helping more Coloradans connect to services through improved technology. And especially as
we approach what would have been the 51st anniversary of Roe V. Wade, we appreciate the
steps the General Assembly has taken to protect personal reproductive health decisions, including abortion, reminding us all that Coloradans across our great state value the freedom to
make our own choices.
We also need greater access to behavioral health care, and to build on the success of I Matter,
championed by Senator Michaelson Jenet, our budget calls for more support for behavioral
health and autism care for youth, expanded care for youth facing acute behavioral health
challenges, investment in mental health support for our rural and agricultural communities, and
those involved in the criminal justice system.
At the heart of these conversations are the Coloradans we are expanding access for and
helping save money, which is why I made this work a top priority from the very start. It was
important then, and it’s even more important now, so we must innovate and look for more ways
to lower costs and save people money on healthcare.
Environment
Part of a healthy life means a healthy environment, and here in Colorado we are an example to
the nation on how to protect the natural world around us and combat the impact of climate
change.
We are already on track to exceed our goal of 80% clean electricity by 2030 – just six years from
now. We have one of the most ambitious strategies in the country to reduce local air pollution
from the oil, gas, and transportation industries, including achieving electric vehicle sales that are six times higher than when I took office. And we look forward to working with the legislature to advance my budget request to further improve air quality, utilizing recommendations from Environmental Justice advocates.
My administration has delivered on more than 95% of the actions outlined in our first
Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction roadmap, and will soon be releasing our second Roadmap with more than 40 new actions. We now have federal funding to achieve these goals
even faster thanks to the work of the United States Congress and President Biden.
Now we need to cut red tape that is holding back local investments and unprecedented federal
resources in renewable and clean energy, including building transmission lines more quickly,
renewable energy development, and storing carbon dioxide pollution underground. We will be
supporting legislation, led by President Fenberg and Senator Hansen, to expedite these critical
projects.
Hand in hand with our climate work is our leadership on conserving our wildlife and wild places.
We will continue to take bold action to protect our cherished public lands and Colorado is finally
factoring in variables that have long been neglected, like tracking the rate of year-to-year
biodiversity loss, improving soil health, and focusing on ecosystem resiliency in the face of an
ever-changing climate.
We are strengthening native biodiversity and restoring balance to our ecosystems by bringing
back native species like the Canada Lynx, the Black-Footed Ferret, and as of mid-December,
we successfully met the voter mandated deadline for reintroduction of Gray Wolves.
We also need to protect that progress by continuing to invest in non-lethal conflict minimization
to help our farmers and ranchers thrive. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Department of Natural
Resources, and the Department of Agriculture play pivotal roles and we need your help to
continue supporting their conflict minimization work.
We have also invested nearly $300 Million into our precious water resources and
implementation of the visionary Colorado Water Plan, and remain committed to aggressively
defending Colorado’s interests and rights in the Colorado River negotiations.
All of this work – from protecting our environment and wildlife, to housing and transit, education and workforce, to public safety – means a stronger and better Colorado where everyone can get ahead. And in addition to these efforts, we must also continue working to strengthen Colorado’s economy and help people hold onto more of their hard-earned money.
Economy and Fiscal Policy Thanks to Colorado’s amazing economic success, we are well on our way towards another year of record TABOR surplus, projected to be between $1.6 and $1.8 billion. A healthy TABOR surplus is the sign of a strong economy, but also a signal that the tax rate is too high. Tax relief is the best mechanism to relieve cost of living pressures and spur economic growth for everyone in our state.
One of the secrets to Colorado’s success was that whenever there was a TABOR Surplus, after
paying for the Senior Homestead property tax exemption, there was an automatic income tax cut the following year. This happened during the first two years of my administration. Since we
have now permanently reduced the rate, this mechanism is no longer active.
I know some Democrats in the past have been skeptical of reducing our income tax rate, but
cutting the income tax rate is the most effective way to further our economic growth. In my 2020 state of the state address I echoed President Kennedy and President Obama’s calls for cutting the income tax rate, and the people of our state delivered twice. President Kennedy didn’t just launch the moonshot, he delivered one of the largest income tax cuts in history, saying that income taxes, “exerts too heavy a drag on growth [and] reduces the financial incentives for personal effort, investment, and risk-taking.” Those cuts helped spur America’s astronomic economic growth.
Of course, cutting the income tax rate isn’t a panacea, but to spur continued economic growth, it should be a significant part of progressive reforms to TABOR refunds.
Likewise, we know that property taxes are a part of what’s driving up the cost of living in
Colorado. So let me take a moment to commend the General Assembly for your hard work
during the special session in November to reduce property tax rates. Thanks to your efforts, we
are saving Coloradans money in the short term, and as we work together toward a long term
replacement to the Gallagher Amendment to keep property taxes low, I urge you to do as much
as you can to reduce property taxes.
Republicans, who have been rightly supportive of giving an income tax cut through TABOR
rebates, have at times supported using TABOR surplus for property tax relief but unfortunately
vocally opposed it during the special session. I believe this is shortsighted. We should use every
tool we have to reduce property taxes without harming local services like fire protection and
schools.
This work means more money in Coloradans’ pockets, a stronger economy, and a more
affordable Colorado.
As demonstrated by our healthy surplus in Colorado, taxes are simply too high: income taxes,
property taxes, and the state sales tax. We ignore that signal at our own peril and I challenge
Democrats and Republicans to work together to improve our economic growth and success by
not taking taxes we can’t keep from people and instead working on a bold, balanced,
progressive package, including cutting the income tax rate.
While we might not agree on everything, I want to talk about something we can all agree on:
Coloradans’ TABOR refunds must remain free of federal taxes as they have for the last 30
years.
APPLAUSE
We are working closely with the IRS and are steadfast in our commitment to help Coloradans
keep more of their hard-earned money.
Colorado For All/Conclusion
When I first ran for Governor, I envisioned a Colorado for All – one where everyone can thrive.
And we are guided by that same mission today.
No matter who you love, your faith, where you came from, what you look like, regardless of your age or ability status, how long you’ve been here – whether you’ve just arrived or if you’ve been here for generations – you belong.
And as we get closer to Colorado’s sesquicentennial – or 150th birthday – I know we all want to
help everyone get ahead in our great state. That means applying Colorado for All to every facet
of our lives: healthcare, housing and transportation, education, careers, safety and more.
It also means continuing to listen to one another and having the tough conversations around the issues that matter most. This is what the Disagree Better initiative is all about. As Vice Chair of the National Governors Association, I’ve worked alongside the Chair, Utah Governor Spencer
Cox on this effort. It’s not about agreeing on every issue, for instance Governor Cox and I can’t
agree on which state has better skiing, even though it’s obviously Colorado, but it’s about how
we can disagree better.
This is something Colorado is particularly good at, but these skills are often challenged both
between and within our own parties, especially as we see and feel the vitriol of national politics.
Too often it can feel like our disagreements are what define us, and that the gap is too big to
close. As Arthur C. Brooks has written, “almost no one is ever insulted into agreement.” As
highlighted by our leaders yesterday in their opening day remarks, when we lose that ability to
listen to one another we see the cracks in our democracy widen, and we let opportunities pass
us by.
Let me be clear: this isn’t just some feel good initiative or hollow exercise. Our very democracy
depends on people being able to disagree with one another – passionately, emphatically – and
still being able to work together with mutual respect and dignity. When that is no longer possible, when policy arguments become personal attacks, and when people start to paint the other side not as colleagues who disagree, but as enemies, we are entering dangerous territory.
Here in this building we’ve seen how listening to one another and having thoughtful
conversations can impact our relationships and the policies we create for our state.
We share the same goals for a stronger Colorado, so let’s use these next four months to really
work together, to disagree better, to show the nation how it’s done. The Colorado way.
This work isn’t easy. If it were, it would’ve been done already.
But here in Colorado, we dream, we dare and we do.
This year we choose once again to tackle what is hard–what truly challenges us – not because
it’s easy, but because it’s hard.
So as we prepare for the year ahead, know that the State of our State is strong. When we work
together, and disagree better, nothing is beyond our reach.
Thank you.
God bless you all, God bless Colorado, God bless the United States of America.