Gov. Jared Polis addressed a joint legislative session on Thursday to deliver the State of the State speech.
Polis identified that the number one issue concerning Coloradans is housing affordability. He said one of his administration’s goals is to make the state more affordable to live in by looking at a comprehensive view of other issues that impact housing affordability. He promises to create more housing opportunities by supporting bills that lower housing costs and introduce innovation in approaches such as new financing strategies, easing parking restrictions, tackling liability costs and reducing the cost of fire insurance.
“I will be very skeptical of bills that increase the costs of housing,” Polis said.
Polis also recognized the struggle aging adults face in being able to stay in the communities they love, he said. One of his goals is to make the Senior Homestead Exemption portable in 2024.
Polis wants to increase transportation opportunities throughout the state to connect communities and to job opportunities that will provide more affordable access to better-paying jobs.
He encouraged state and local transportation departments to capitalize on the recently announced federal government grants that have allocated $66 billion to complete a national rail system. Within the state, Polis pushed for the Fastraks system promised to Boulder and Longmont to be acted on quickly, not in 2030 or beyond.
“The problem of unfinished public transit in our state has simply gone on for far too long and taxpayers are sick and tired of paying for services that they are not getting,” Polis said. “If we move boldly this session to seize these unprecedented federal investments, we can look to lock in transformation passenger rail opportunities in time for our 150th birthday in 2026.”
The Polis administration is focused on increasing educational opportunities in the state. In 2023, Universal Preschool was introduced, allowing more than 40,000 preschool children the opportunity to attend school at no cost. This program alone changed Colorado’s national ranking in terms of access to preschool from 26th to eighth.
Polis announced that in 2024 the Budget Stabilization Factor will be eliminated which will result in over $705 of funding per student. These additional funds will create new student opportunities, increase teacher pay, professional development and better resources for classrooms.
Polis also plans to continue his work on getting the Federal Drug Administration to accept Colorado’s application to bring lower-cost prescription drugs into the state.
“When I first ran for governor, I envisioned a Colorado for all, one where everyone can thrive. We are guided by that same mission today, no matter who you are … you belong,” Polis said.
