Jared Polis in 2021 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Road repair: make it easier to travel our great state
My budget request moves forward vital projects, starting with much-needed repairs on roads across Colorado--from the Eisenhower Tunnel to the rural roads that our farmers and ranchers rely on.
We're going to make it easier for Coloradans and visitors to travel our great state--accessing the ski resorts and public lands that we love--while reducing traffic and improving our vibrant, beloved main streets in the process.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Feb 17, 2021
On Energy & Oil:
Colorado is a national leader in green energy jobs
The private sector is already turning away from fossil fuels and looking forward to a clean energy future. To date, we've successfully secured commitments from electric utilities representing 99% of generation in our state to reduce emissions
80% or more by 2030. Colorado is a national leader in green energy jobs, the fastest growing job sector, precisely because we have embraced renewable energy.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Feb 17, 2021
On Health Care:
Telehealth is literally a lifesaver for many in rural areas
This pandemic has also forced us to be creative as we've reimagined our health care system. Think, for example, of telehealth--including behavioral telehealth--which isn't just a useful innovation in a time of social distancing.
It's a convenient tool for folks who want to receive care from the comfort of their own homes, and it's literally a lifesaver for many Coloradans in rural areas who may live far away from doctors and clinics and hospitals.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Feb 17, 2021
On Homeland Security:
Allow gay veterans to receive certain state benefits
It means honoring those Coloradans who have bravely served our country yet been dismissed from the military and prevented from receiving certain state Veterans' benefits because of who they love.
With the leadership of Senator Moreno, Representative Ortiz, and Adjutant General Clellan, we will start to right this wrong. I will be excited to see the Restoration of Honor Act reach my desk.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Feb 17, 2021
On Jobs:
Passed a law to ensure women are paid the same as men
It's simple: our efforts to support Colorado families fall short if we can't ensure Colorado women a secure place in our economy.
That's why it's so important that we passed a law to ensure women are paid the same as men.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Feb 17, 2021
On Principles & Values:
Embracing the outdoors part of the Colorado Way of Life
Embracing the outdoors--being able to get away from the trials and tribulations of the daily grind--has always been a big part of the Colorado Way of Life.
And when the crisis struck these vast public lands became our escape--a much-needed retreat where we could go to feel normal again. To be free.
Our public lands are a treasure we must never take for granted, and always work to nurture and protect.To quote my favorite Star Trek Captain, Jean-Luc Picard: "Things are only impossible until they are not."
If the problems we face now were ever intractable, today they are not. If, at some point in the past, we lacked the means or the will to tackle them, today we do not.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Feb 17, 2021
On Tax Reform:
Get rid of special interest tax breaks for the few
We have worked together to make Colorado's tax code more fair by getting rid of special interest tax breaks that benefit the few to lower taxes for the rest of us. This year I propose we eliminate the business personal property tax for small businesses.
I propose we double the Earned Income Tax Credit, and provide up to $600 in tax credits per child for nearly 200,000 families in our state through the Colorado Child Tax Credit. I propose that we stop taxing seniors' Social Security Benefits.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Feb 17, 2021
Page last updated: Feb 24, 2022