DENVER - Today, following the official end of the 2024 legislative session, Governor Polis released the following statement on how the state is fulfilling promises made to Coloradans in the 2024 State of the State address to build a stronger, safer, and more affordable Colorado.
“This legislative session we delivered big time on the issues that matter most to Coloradans. In my State of the State address, I outlined a future where Coloradans have housing options near work and transportation that they can afford, schools are fully funded, Coloradans are safer in our communities, Coloradans pay less in taxes, and we protect our clean air and environment for future generations. Thanks to the hard work over the past few months, we are closer to that reality today. I thank the legislators from both sides of the aisle for their hard work and dedication to public service. I look forward to visiting with Coloradans in their communities about the plans and goals we have achieved to enhance life for hardworking people in our beautiful state,” said Governor Polis.
Highlights include:
- MORE HOUSING NOW: Governor Polis and legislators are creating more housing near transit and job centers, giving Coloradans the freedom to build ADUs on their own property, ended unfair occupancy limits, eliminating unnecessary parking requirements that increase costs, and helping seniors downsize without risking their tax exemptions.
- CUT TAXES: Governor Polis worked with legislators and stakeholders from across the spectrum to deliver historic, bipartisan property tax savings, cut the income and sales tax rates, make the Senior Homestead property tax exemption portable, and provide major additional tax relief for families. All of these actions will help Coloradans keep more of their hard-earned money.
- FULLY FUND SCHOOLS: The state is making historic investments in Colorado’s education system, including fully funding our schools and eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor for the first time since 2009, making historic increases to per pupil funding, creating a new student-focused school finance formula, making community college free for Colorado students and funding new medical and veterinary schools.
- CLEANER AIR, BETTER TRANSIT: Governor Polis and legislative leaders made historic investments in improving and expanding access to reliable, low-cost transportation, getting Coloradans where they need to go while protecting air quality. Through increased funding for new and expanded transit service, a consensus agreement between the Governor, legislators, industry, and environmental community to reduce pollution, and strengthening the Free Fair for Better Air and Free Fares for Youth initiatives, the state is making historic investments to expand access to transit and protect Colorado’s air.
- COLORADO AS ONE OF THE TEN SAFEST STATES: Colorado is making data-driven investments in proven crime prevention strategies to make Colorado safer. By doubling down on auto-theft prevention efforts, giving the Colorado Bureau of Investigation the tools and funding to stop illegal gun activity, creating gun-free schools and other public spaces, giving law enforcement the support to identify concerning firearm purchases before tragedies occur, cracking down on human trafficking, and supporting victims of sexual assault and other crimes, Coloradans and their communities are safer.
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