The state of our state is strong. It is forward-thinking. It is dynamic. It is bold. And it is courageous.
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January 14, 2020
Dear John,
The state of our state is strong. It is forward-thinking. It is dynamic. It is bold. And it is courageous.
This past week, I was honored to address the people of Colorado with the 2020 State of the State ([link removed]) . We are blessed to live in a place as special as Colorado. Our state’s breathtaking natural beauty, our strong economy, and our optimistic, forward-thinking society make Colorado the envy of the nation.
We have been able to do this because Coloradans from across the continental divide and the political divide have worked together in good faith to find common ground, protect what keeps Colorado special, and build a better state. And I am grateful to be continuing in this tradition.
Governor Polis, alongside state legislators, greeting the crowd at the State of the State on January 9th, 2020. Photo by Bergreen Photography© .
Alongside our legislative champions last year, I am proud to have lowered health care costs for individuals in the exchange, reduced taxes for small businesses, made the largest ever state investment in transportation, and delivered universal free full fay kindergarten for all! But we know the work is not done.
I am excited to continue to push for an agenda that will put more money in the pockets of hard working Coloradans, ensure quality education for all children, and preserve our Colorado Way of Life.
Building on our landmark healthcare accomplishments from last year — including prescription drug importation, a reinsurance program that is bringing down premiums on the individual market by 20% across the state, hospital transparency, and ending surprise out of network billing — our administration is committed to finding additional innovative solutions to increase competition, reduce cost, and expand coverage.
With all children having access to free full day kindergarten, our administration is excited to take the next step to expand preschool by 6,000 slots this year, and I am also committed to achieving universal access to quality preschool for all 4-year-olds by the end of my first term.
Colorado’s majestic outdoors are not only iconic, but also key to our way of life and economy. And to help preserve our way of life for future generations, we have taken bold action to put us on the path to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2040.
But the truth is that due to price reductions and technological advances, the shift toward renewable energy is already happening, and it’s being driven by the private sector. Just last week, Tri-State and its members announced that they will be replacing their remaining coal power in the state with thousands of megawatts of cheaper and cleaner renewable energy sources by 2030, resulting in a 90% reduction in the utilities’ in-state greenhouse gas emissions.
Colorado is the best place to live, raise a family, and build a business. But I am excited to make it an even better place. I am honored to serve the people of Colorado and do not take the task lightly.
Thank you for everything that you do for our state and I look forward to moving the state forward, together.
Governor Jared Polis
** WHAT'S NEW?
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Free Full-Day Kindergarten!
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Last year, Governor Polis and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in the Colorado Legislature made a historic investment in our future: Free full-day kindergarten for all. Not only does this give every child a strong start regardless of their zip code or their socioeconomic status, but it puts hundreds of dollars back in Coloradans' bank accounts every month for groceries, utilities, rent or a mortgage, saving for college, or other financial priorities.
Along with full day kindergarten, we were able to fund 5,100 additional slots for at-risk children in the Colorado Preschool Program.
Now it’s time to take the next step. Studies show that preschool is every bit as critical for a child’s development. As with kindergarten, it’s not that parents don’t want preschool -- It’s that they can’t afford it. And in my budget this year, we’re proposing to help an additional 6,000 children attend preschool, which for the first time will bring coverage to half of all eligible kids in Colorado.
We should feel good about reaching this milestone. But we can and we must do better, which is why I’m committed to achieving universal access to quality preschool for 4-year-olds by the end of my first term.
Early childhood education isn’t just about giving our kids a great start in life — Every dollar invested in high-quality preschool produces a seven dollar return on investment due to higher earnings, lower special education needs, greater tax revenues, less dependency on public assistance, and lower crime rates.
** GET INVOLVED
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We are continually looking for qualified candidates to serve on more than 300 boards and commissions that oversee our day-to-day lives as Coloradans. Please Click below to see the list of openings!
Boards and Commissions ([link removed])
** LT. GOVERNOR’S UPDATE
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When the Governor and I travel the state, we hear a common thread when it comes to affordability in our state: high health care costs. And I know this first hand, after battling cancer four times.
But it doesn't matter if you share my experience or not, live on the front range or the western slope, if you are republican or democrat, or young or aging: you are paying too much for healthcare -- that is if you can even afford it.
Which is why this year our administration, alongside our bipartisan legislative champions, is proud to continue our work to save you money on healthcare.
I want to thank Senator Donovan, and Representatives Dylan Roberts and Marc Catlin for their leadership on launching a proposal to offer Coloradans a public option, which will increase choice and save people money in the health care marketplace. When Coloradans have more options as consumers, insurance companies have to compete for your business, which means lower prices.
With 22 rural counties with only one insurer, and no choices, competition is imperative to bringing relief to our fellow Coloradans. And yes -- we know the special interests are already attacking this proposal that will bring some sanity to the healthcare market pricing. In fact, I even received a deceiving mailer at my home stating false consequences of giving Coloradans more choices in the marketplace. But as Governor Polis said in his state of the state, "We don’t represent the special interests -- we represent the people. And the people are crying out for relief from high health care costs."
And he's right. I am proud to stand alongside him to save you money on healthcare.
Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera
** JOIN THE TEAM
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