LEGISLATIVE SESSION WRAP-UP

“We’ve worked in partnership with the legislature to save Coloradans money on everyday items, providing free universal preschool to transformative property tax relief for homeowners and businesses, making it free to start a business, sending immediate relief to people through over $400 in tax rebates, reducing the cost of prescription drugs and increasing affordable housing opportunities, and ensuring that every Coloradan can thrive in our beautiful state. I’m proud of the work that’s been accomplished during this legislative session to fight for clean air, prepare for wildfires, make transformational investments in public safety, and to help hardworking families,” said Gov. Polis. “I commend Speaker Garnett, President Fenberg and members of both parties for their efforts this legislative session.”

SAVING PEOPLE MONEY

UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL, FEE RELIEF, TAX REBATES

Among my top priorities are to save people money and improve public safety. From transformative fee relief to taxpayer rebates, to property tax relief, and bolstering Colorado’s early childhood education system and ensuring healthcare readiness, I have partnered with the legislature to deliver on these bold goals and ensure every Coloradan can thrive.

Saving Coloradans money was a top priority this legislative session and remains a priority for me. We are bringing real relief to Coloradans with more than $400 in tax rebates and transformative property tax relief, reducing the fees on drivers license and vehicle registrations, making it free to start a business, supporting small businesses by shoring up the unemployment trust fund, and delaying any new fees on gas to save people money at the pump. Colorado continues to serve as a national model for early childhood education, with universal preschool saving families $4,300 on high-quality, accessible preschool for Colorado kids in the year before kindergarten and establishing the Department of Early Childhood to create a one-stop-shop to streamline early childhood services.

I also urged the legislature to make transformational investments to make housing more affordable and the state is leveraging once-in-a-generation funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, provide real solutions to meet Colorado’s housing needs and increasing housing supply, making Colorado more affordable and reducing the cost of first-time homeownership. Increased supply of affordable housing allows Coloradans to live near where they work, lowering costs and reducing traffic and pollution.

IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY

MAKING COLORADO COMMUNITIES SAFER

The legislature passed a number of comprehensive public safety bills that I supported, taking bold steps towards reducing crime and making Colorado communities safer. I want to make Colorado one of the ten safest states in the nation in the next five years. The public safety legislation supports this goal by investing in community-driven and evidence-based approaches to tackle crime, including the co-responder model, supporting the public safety workforce, and preventing crime from happening in the first place. Combating the fentanyl crisis is critical to save lives and get fentanyl, a deadly poison, off the streets. Bold legislation passed this session to prevent fentanyl deaths goes a long way towards saving lives and making Colorado communities safer.

PROTECTING COLORADANS' FREEDOMS

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT

This April, I signed a new law which codifies protections to ensure that choice remains legal in Colorado. Under my administration and in partnership with the legislature, Colorado has laws on the books to protect access to reproductive health care and services, regardless of what happens at the federal level.

While states like Texas, Florida, and Arizona are engaging in the unwelcome intrusion of government into deeply personal and religious decisions, Colorado remains a refuge where individual rights are respected and where any person has the ability to live, work, thrive, and raise a family on their own terms.

COVID READINESS, HEALTHCARE ACCESS

INCREASED PPE, STRENGHTENING HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE

Doubling down on my administration’s work since day one to make healthcare more accessible and affordable, this legislative session included transformative investments to ensure that Colorado’s healthcare systems are prepared to meet any public health needs that arise now or in the future, including maintaining a stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and gloves to bridge the gap if national supply does not meet demand.

This year’s legislation also includes key investments in the healthcare workforce by developing provider support programs and creating financial aid opportunities for in-demand credential programs like Certified Nursing Assistant. This legislation will provide flexibility for health care licensure and care provisions, while continuing to build and sustain Colorado’s healthcare talent pool for the future.

PRESERVING THE COLORADO WAY OF LIFE

CLEAN AIR, WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS

Bold air quality legislation was approved this session and builds upon the work of my administration to improve air quality and ensure a cleaner, healthier Colorado for generations to come. As Colorado faces increased threat of year-round wildfires, transformative support for wildfire preparedness and mitigation provides real solutions to protect Colorado homes, communities, and economy from the threat of destructive wildfires.

FOLLOW ALONG FOR THE BILL SIGNING TOUR!

Now begins the 30-day clock for all of the bills passed this session to make their way across my desk. I will be traveling to every corner of our state during the bill signing tour to celebrate the incredible work we have done this legislative session.

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Office of Governor Jared Polis | Website