The Colorado Sun politics team added context, backstory and more to the governor’s State of the State address, the first public address since his inauguration.
State of the State
Posted inOpinion
Zornio: Climate change is not enough of a focus in Colorado’s 2022 legislative start
As the new legislative session kicked off, Coloradans got a glimpse at what state legislators are prepared to prioritize. There’s a lot of good stuff: education, public safety and the economy. Unfortunately, of the 102 bills and resolutions already submitted in the House and Senate, few appear ready to seriously tackle the root causes of […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Littwin: Jared Polis just showed how to make an election-year State of the State speech
When Jared Polis gave his State of the State speech on Thursday, he left little to the imagination. He might as well have called it the Kickoff to My Re-election Campaign speech. All that was missing was the music — he did, uh, produce some of his own — and the bunting and balloons. The […]
Posted inBusiness, Climate, COVID, Crime and Courts, Economy, Education, Health, News, Politics and Government
The 7 biggest lines from Gov. Jared Polis’ 2022 State of the State address — and why they’re so notable
Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday delivered the final State of the State address of his first term, focusing mostly on the ways in which his administration and fellow Democrats plan to drive down the cost of living in Colorado. Polis also discussed his plans to combat rising crime and gaps in children’s mental health care, […]
Posted inBusiness, Climate, COVID, Economy, Education, Environment, News, Politics and Government, Transportation
Governor says Colorado is “bruised, battered and shaken,” but will be built back better than before
Gov. Jared Polis delivered his third State of the State address on Wednesday, promising to build back Colorado better than it was before the coronavirus crisis, while also warning that the pandemic isn’t over yet. The Democrat, who is gearing up for reelection next year, promised more work on criminal justice reform and on reducing […]
Posted inBusiness, News
Against uncertain backdrop, the tax overhaul backed by Colorado’s governor and state lawmakers limps ahead
After years of groundwork, 2020 was supposed to be the time for Colorado tax reform. Democratic Gov. Jared Polis kicked off his second year in office by doubling down on his pledge to eliminate special interest tax breaks to fund broad tax cuts. A legislative study group came into the session with an agenda of […]
Posted inNews, Politics and Government
Denver DA won’t prosecute 33 climate protesters arrested before Gov. Polis’ State of the State speech
Denver prosecutors on Thursday said they will seek the dismissal of charges for 33 people arrested for protesting before Gov. Jared Polis’ State of the State speech earlier this month. Denver District Attorney Beth McCann’s office says the met with the Colorado State Patrol and with the Denver Police Department before making her decision. McCann, […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: Colorado can’t withstand more growth without modernizing our aging bridges and water infrastructure
It’s a new year, new decade and a new legislative session, which also brings fresh opportunities for the state of Colorado. Touching on issues from healthcare to education, thankfully Gov. Jared Polis’ State of the State address also mentioned another hot-button voter issue: infrastructure. However, additional steps must be taken to ensure we have systems […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: The climate disrupters are coming out of the woodwork, and they aren’t afraid
I had an opportunity to speak with the parents of a young activist, Ezra Kone, who was arrested along with 38 protesters at the Colorado State Capitol on Thursday morning. Ezra’s parents were at the Denver Detention Center the next day and though ready to post bail, they could not get direct answers about what […]
Posted inEducation, Politics and Government
Jared Polis is taking a hands-on approach to the legislature. And not all lawmakers are happy.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis is making a strong play to score his top legislative priority, but his strategy is leading some prominent Democratic lawmakers to cry foul. To build support for full-day kindergarten, Polis is making personal appeals to budget writers, appearing in front of a legislative committee and visiting schools across the state. The […]