Ganahl: A response to Gov. Polis’ State of the State address

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By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Note: The following is a loose translation of Heidi Ganahl’s response to Gov. Jared Polis’ State of the State address Thursday to members of the 75th legislature.

Hi there it’s  Heidi Ganahl, and today I’m here to set the record straight on Governor Polis’ rosy vision for Colorado. While his speech may sound polished, it paints a very different picture than the reality Coloradans are facing every day. Let’s talk about the challenges that weren’t mentioned — or were glossed over.

1. Economic and infrastructure failures: Governor Polis likes to tout Colorado as a land of opportunity, but for many, it’s become a land of unaffordability. Seniors on fixed incomes are being driven out, families can barely afford groceries, and vehicle registration fees are squeezing working Coloradans even more. Meanwhile, the state wastes tax dollars on electric vehicle projects that serve urban elites, while rural communities are left with crumbling roads and declining investment. Where’s the respect for hard-working Coloradans who just want their roads fixed and their tax dollars spent responsibly?

2. Overregulation and anti-business policies: The governor claims he’s fostering innovation, yet his overregulation of oil and gas and disrespect toward our agricultural communities tell a different story. These industries are the backbone of our economy, especially outside the Front Range, and yet they’re under constant attack. The result? Fewer jobs, higher energy costs and declining opportunities for rural Coloradans. We deserve policies that empower, not punish, our industries.

3. Crime and public safety: Polis likes to highlight his commitment to safety, but Colorado is seeing skyrocketing crime, soft-on-crime policies, and open-border rhetoric that invites drug cartels into our communities. The Tren de Aragua Venezuelan gang operating in Aurora is just one example of the chaos these policies have created. Our law enforcement officers are underfunded, and criminals are emboldened. We need accountability, not excuses, to protect our neighborhoods and families.

4. Anti-freedom policies: Under Polis’ administration, government overreach has ballooned, stripping away personal freedoms and saddling Coloradans with unfunded mandates. Whether it’s inflated government jobs, anti-gun policies or new taxes disguised as fees, the state is increasingly dictating how we live, work and raise our families. And let’s not forget the wolves — an unnecessary burden on rural communities driven by urban ideologues.

5. Declining rural opportunities: Colorado’s rural and urban divide has never been greater. Polis talks about innovation, but forgets that investment must reach all Coloradans, not just those in Denver or Boulder. Farmers, ranchers and small business owners in rural areas are being ignored while we pour money into vanity projects. This is not the Colorado I know and love.

Colorado deserves better. We need leadership that prioritizes the hard-working people who built this state, from our rural farmers to our small business owners, from our veterans to our seniors. It’s time to stop wasting money on projects that don’t work, to invest in real public safety, and to bring common sense back to Colorado. That’s the Colorado we need — a Colorado for all of us.

For context, you may follow this link to Gov. Polis’ full address.

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.