BILL SIGNING TOUR - DAY 12 Today, we celebrate our heroes in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. On behalf of Colorado, I express our profound gratitude to all those who serve, and the friends and family members of those who were lost. On Friday, I signed legislation in Westminster, Pueblo, and Westcliffe to ensure Colorado remains a safe home to our vast and diverse ecosystem of pollinator species, help veterans find meaningful careers and support our workforce, create pathways for students to spur innovation in transportation and infrastructure, and invest in the state fair as a key economic driver for fast-growing agriculture and livestock industries. These bills make our rural communities even stronger and prepare students and workers for success. On the eve of our 150th State Fair in Pueblo, we are making our state fairgrounds an even more amazing place to support 4-H kids and farmers and ranchers from across the state. I want to thank our legislators for their leadership on these forward-looking bills that strengthen the Colorado we all know and love. SUPPORTING COLORADANS SAVING VETERANS MONEY, SPURRING INNOVATION IN TRANSPORTATION On Friday I visited CSU Pueblo to sign HB22-1407, allowing military veterans and national guard members to audit college courses for no credit, helping them build the skills they need to find meaningful careers and strengthening our workforce to meet the needs of our economy. This legislation saves our veterans money, and is a small symbol of our appreciation for those who have given so much to our state and country. While at CSU, I also signed HB22-1365 into law to create the Southern Colorado Institute of Transportation Technology to tackle the challenges of creating solutions for a sustainable transportation future in Colorado. This legislation builds on the historic transportation legislative package I signed last year to support a dynamic economy, improve air quality, and save Coloradans money through innovative transportation solutions. PROTECTING THE COLORADO WE LOVE SUPPORTING NATIVE POLLINATORS Friday morning at the Butterfly Pavilion, I signed SB22-199 which creates a study within the Department of Natural Resources to gain a better understanding of Colorado’s pollinators that keep our ecosystems healthy and resilient. Pollinators are a critical link in Colorado’s food supply chain, and legislation signed today helps ensure that the state continues doing its part to recognize the crucial role of pollinators and promote biodiversity. CONSERVING DARK SKIES To end the day, I visited Westcliffe's Smokey Jack Observatory to sign HB22-1382 to protect Colorado’s night skies by establishing Dark Sky Parks, and support communities to limit and decrease light pollution. I was joined by members of the International Dark Sky Association, Dark Skies of the West Mountain Valley Board, and other dark sky communities supporters as I signed this legislation to promote sustainable tourism and allow Coloradans and visitors to enjoy dark skies for years to come. So much about what makes our state special is how Coloradans and visitors experience our great vast outdoors, our wildlife, and the existential power of a starlit sky. It’s not only something to protect but is an economic driver for communities like Westcliffe and I’m excited that this bill will help promote responsible and sustainable tourism to enjoy the Milky Way and the wonders of the heavens. SUPPORTING COLORADO WORKFORCE AND STATE FAIR Later in the afternoon at the Pueblo County Court House, I signed SB22-230 to expand collective bargaining rights for more than 37,000 public service workers, ensuring workers have a voice in their working conditions. Two years ago, I signed landmark legislation to establish the state workforce collective bargaining partnership agreement with Colorado WINS to help the state remain a competitive employer and strengthen the rights of state employees. I also visited the iconic Colorado State Fairgrounds ahead of the State Fair’s 150th anniversary to sign SB22-134 State Fair Master Plan Funding. The bill allocates $4 million to the fund that supports a multi-decade initiative ensuring the state fair continues to be an economic driver for Southern Colorado and the entire state. Last year, the State Fair generated $55.5 million in economic impact in 2021 for Pueblo and the surrounding areas, including 506 total jobs and $14.9 million in total earnings in Pueblo County. Over the years, we’ve continued to make the State Fair better, and this multi-decade effort will ensure the next 150 years of the state fair are even better than the first 150. WHAT THE COMMUNITY IS SAYING While in Westcliffe, I had the opportunity to hear from young leaders from Future Farmers of America. “I initially pitched the idea for HB 22-1407 to Governor Polis when I was an intern in his office last summer. In the time since, I’ve worked closely with State Representative Donald Valdez to move this bill through the legislative process, and I’m excited to see it cross the finish line,” said Ryan Gaghen, Legislative Aide, Office of State Representative Donald Valdez. "When we commit to creating good, union jobs that support workers, our families will be better off and so will our economy," said Hilary Glasgow, Executive Director of Colorado WINS. "When Coloradans have good jobs, they can pay their rent or mortgage, fill their refrigerators, and invest in the supplies their kids need to learn. When they don’t, entire communities suffer. This is a valuable opportunity for county workers to win what they need for their jobs and their families. We are so happy to see this bill pass into law.” “I'm proud that our state is in the forefront of pollinator conservation. On behalf of the many pollinators in Colorado, including almost 4,000 species of native bees, 9 species of hummingbirds, 250 species of butterflies, and thousands of species of moths, beetles, and flies, thanks for passing this legislation. The information that will result from this action will be critical in understanding trends in their populations,” said Dr. David W. Inouye, Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, North American Pollinator Protection Campaign. “Colorado's beloved dark and starry night skies are truly a treasure. This bill will give a boost to Colorado's sparkling network of dark sky places, allowing visitors and residents to care for and enjoy the nighttime world. The IDA Colorado Chapter deeply appreciates Representative McCluskie, Senator Donovan, and Representative Catlin and their staff for sponsoring this bill, and we extended gratitude to Governor Polis for recognizing the importance of dark skies and protecting the night in Colorado,” said Aaron Watson, International Dark-Sky Association Colorado Chapter Chair. FOLLOW ALONG FOR THE BILL SIGNING TOUR! I have 30 days to sign or veto all the bills the legislature passed. 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. SUBSCRIBE TO BILL SIGNING UPDATES Office of Governor Jared Polis | Website State of Colorado - Governor's Office | 136 State Capitol , Denver, CO 80203 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]