Jared Polis in 2023 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Invested billions in housing, but can't just our way out
Since 2019 we have invested billions of dollars into housing. We created the first-ever dedicated funding source for affordable housing. Now, voters have passed Prop 123 to dedicate hundreds of millions of dollars in the coming years.
But we can't just buy our way out of this, we have to break down government barriers, expand private property rights, and reduce regulations to actually construct more housing options at a lower cost so all Coloradans can thrive.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Jan 17, 2023
On Crime:
Crack down on auto theft, propose tougher sentencing
This funding will help us crack down on auto theft with stronger tools like technology to help us locate and return stolen vehicles, an auto-theft task force, and greater support for District Attorneys in communities with high rates of auto theft to
help them prosecute the criminals responsible. I called on the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice to get tough on auto theft sentencing, and the Commission's Sentencing Task Force moved that recommendation forward overwhelmingly.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Jan 17, 2023
On Education:
Ensure access to career-connected learning in high schools
Let's ensure that every student has access to career-connected learning while they are in high school and let's reward those schools that are doing more to help their students succeed in the workforce and in life!
Whether it's dual and concurrent enrollment, career and technical education, work-based learning and apprenticeship, or even receiving an industry certification or associate's degree.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Jan 17, 2023
On Energy & Oil:
We simply must end our reliance on costly fossil fuels
We have already secured more than 80% renewable energy by 2030. By the time Colorado is 150 years old, we look forward to having a clear path to 100% renewable energy by 2040. I'm proud to propose $120 million annually in new, clean energy tax credits.
We can improve our air quality, accelerate innovation, and make more rapid progress towards our goals, while saving people money at the pump and on their utility bills, and increasing access to clean, low-cost transportation options.
The only long-term solution is to continue pursuing low-cost, reliable, renewable energy. We simply must end our reliance on costly fossil fuels, improve energy security, and save people money.
This is why the Electric vehicle and e-bike tax credits I'm proposing are so important, and why we've focused on increasing access to electric vehicles and transit options since day one.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Jan 17, 2023
On Government Reform:
Most important thing is to protect our waterways and rights
Water is life in Colorado and the west; it's as simple as that. But we're at a crossroads. The most important thing we can do for water security is protect our waterways and rights. Hotter, drier conditions have strained our resources in
a time when demand continues to grow. Our rivers and streams aren't just life sources for Colorado, but for the entire American West. We must continue to fight for our rights and lead the way to a sustainable future.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Jan 17, 2023
On Health Care:
Time to hold healthcare industry accountable for high costs
We have worked with the healthcare industry in good faith to lower costs, but not all of them have held up their end of the bargain. It's time that we hold them accountable. First and foremost, that means stop overcharging patients.
It also means that nonprofit hospitals must work with their communities to live up to that promise, providing benefits like mental health, maternity care, healthcare workforce growth, and support for social determinants of health like housing and food.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Jan 17, 2023
On Principles & Values:
Colorado is unique; we always have been
Colorado is unique, we always have been. We are a state that just this year voted to cut the income tax again while legalizing mushrooms. Our state might be shaped like a square but the political pundits can't put us in a box,
so they label us whatever one color they see -- red, blue, purple. I see a harmonious rainbow of colorful opinions that make up our state of pragmatic westerners.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Jan 17, 2023
On Tax Reform:
Colorado first state allowing deferral of some property tax
I'm proud that this year, Colorado is the first state in the country where every homeowner can defer paying some of these increases in their property taxes until their property is sold. No one should lose their home simply because its value, and
therefore property taxes, went up. We should also make the senior homestead tax exemption portable. Our seniors should be able to downsize without having to pay higher property taxes, freeing up their larger old homes for younger, growing families.
It's no secret that I, and most economists, despise the income tax. I was proud to have supported two successful income tax cuts at the ballot and since I took office our income tax rate has gone from 4.63% to 4.44%, helping produce
strong economic growth and low unemployment. I don't expect that we can fully eliminate the income tax by our 150th anniversary, but let's continue to make progress.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Jan 17, 2023
Page last updated: Apr 02, 2023