All articles tagged with #jared polis
The National Governors Association pulled out of a White House gathering after President Trump refused to invite Democratic governors Jared Polis of Colorado and Wes Moore of Maryland, underscoring a deepening partisan divide that has strained a once-bipartisan governors’ forum even as some state leaders pursue outreach across party lines.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis delivered his eighth and final State of the State, praising seven years of progress on universal preschool and kindergarten, housing initiatives, clean energy, education funding, and health-care reforms while outlining final-year priorities like HOME housing legislation and Medicaid cost controls. He acknowledged political and federal headwinds, defended immigrant protections and the Colorado for All vision, and used humor and pop culture as he framed a bipartisan path forward despite budget gaps and ongoing reform efforts across taxes, transit, and safety.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis, in his final year in office, is considering clemency for Tina Peters, a former county clerk convicted of election fraud, amidst his broader agenda to make Colorado more affordable and address budget shortfalls. He emphasizes balancing justice with compassion and focuses on issues like housing, healthcare, and energy development.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has called for greater transparency from Xcel Energy regarding ongoing power outages affecting over 57,000 customers after a severe windstorm, emphasizing the need for clear communication and safety during weather-related disruptions.
Governor Jared Polis proposed a $28 million pedestrian bridge in front of the Colorado Capitol, but an unscientific poll showed 94% opposition from nearly 90,000 participants, leading Polis to vow to personally oppose the project, which is now considered unlikely to proceed.
Governor Jared Polis has decided against building a pedestrian bridge over Lincoln Street near the Colorado State Capitol after overwhelming public opposition, including a poll showing 93% disapproval. Polis committed to preventing the project, even humorously suggesting he would 'chain himself' to the Capitol to stop it, and emphasized focusing on celebrating Colorado's 150th anniversary instead.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Colorado Governor Jared Polis have been named co-chairs of the "Governors Safeguarding Democracy" coalition, a non-partisan group focused on protecting American democracy at the state level. Supported by GovAct, the coalition aims to uphold fundamental freedoms and is advised by a bipartisan board of former governors and officials. The initiative is funded by philanthropic contributions, not by Pritzker himself.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis have launched the Governors Safeguarding Democracy initiative to counter efforts perceived as threats to state institutions and democracy, particularly in light of Donald Trump's reelection campaign. The non-partisan organization aims to protect the rule of law by leveraging collective experience and knowledge, and is reaching out to Republican governors to join. The initiative is privately funded and operates separately from the National Governors Association, focusing on proactive education and support for democratic institutions.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 210, which includes a provision delaying the implementation of statewide ranked choice voting even if approved by voters. The amendment, added last minute, requires certain municipalities to conduct ranked choice elections before it can be used in state or federal races. Despite pressure to veto, Polis signed the bill citing other critical provisions for the 2024 election, while committing to reconciling the bill with voter-approved measures. The earliest implementation of ranked choice voting could be by 2028.
Colorado has enacted one of the broadest right-to-repair laws in the US, requiring manufacturers to make repair equipment accessible to consumers and independent businesses. Signed by Governor Jared Polis, the law covers most consumer electronics but excludes game consoles, medical devices, ATVs, and motor vehicles. Manufacturers must comply by January 1, 2026, for devices made after July 1, 2021.
Colorado's labor movement is outraged at Governor Jared Polis for vetoing three key labor bills, leading to a protest at the state Capitol. Union leaders and Democratic lawmakers expressed broader grievances, accusing Polis of failing to support workers. Polis defended his vetoes, citing concerns over the bills' impacts and expressing willingness to negotiate future compromises. The vetoes have sparked a significant rift between Polis and labor groups, potentially affecting his political future.
Gov. Jared Polis delivered his sixth State of the State address, outlining policy priorities for the 2024 lawmaking term and making pop culture references. He emphasized Colorado's history of leading change and discussed the need for more affordable housing and improved transit options. Polis also expressed support for creating a passenger rail system and highlighted the state's potential to seize federal funding for rail expansion.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has signed a property tax relief bill into law after a four-day special session. The bill, sponsored by Democrats, increases the exemption for homeowners from $15,000 to $55,000, providing over $400 million in tax relief. Republicans had their own plans, but the Democrats had the votes. The legislation also establishes a commission to study the issue of property tax increases in the long term. The bill aims to protect funding for local services such as public safety departments, schools, and libraries.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has signed an executive order aimed at accelerating housing development in the state. The order seeks to streamline the process by reducing bureaucracy and expediting the turnaround time for grants and loans. State agencies will also evaluate their inventory and support local governments and nonprofits in funding housing efforts. While the order does not address zoning barriers like Polis' failed land use bill, it aligns with priorities such as developing housing near transit and meeting water and air quality goals. The governor emphasized the importance of affordable housing and the state's role in leading by example. The order will remain in effect unless modified or rescinded by a future executive order.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has signed an executive order aimed at expediting affordable housing development in the state. The order requires the Division of Housing to reduce the time it takes to provide loans and grants to approved recipients from an average of eight months to 90 days. While the order does not allocate additional funding, it aligns with Polis' broader objectives of increasing housing density and availability statewide. The order also includes 10 growth goals for state agencies to prioritize, such as cutting down on sprawl and focusing on efficient development. The move comes as discussions on land-use reform are set to resume in the state legislature.