In final State of the State, Polis says "the work continues"
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Gov. Jared Polis at his final State of the State address Thursday. Photo: Denver Post via Getty Images
With one eye in the rearview mirror, Gov. Jared Polis reflected on his eight-year term in his final State of the State address Thursday, even as he reminded lawmakers, "the work continues."
Why it matters: The term-limited Democratic governor is nearing the end of a consequential tenure that left a deep imprint on Colorado.
Driving the news: In the 85-minute speech in the state House chambers, Polis celebrated his administration's accomplishments — from addressing climate change and introducing universal preschool and kindergarten to cutting taxes and adding affordable housing — and thanked his team.
- He recalled the "pinch-me" moments, like creating Fishers Peak State Park and luring the Sundance Film Festival to his hometown of Boulder, as well as the "curveballs" like the COVID-19 pandemic and devastating wildfires.
What he's saying: "The state of the state is strong, resilient, loving, kind, innovative, free, and ever bright with the promise of a Colorado for all," he said in conclusion.
The intrigue: Midway through his remarks, the hopeful tone turned when Polis outlined the "moment we are in" — marked by the Trump administration's efforts to "feel more fearful, more belligerent, more vulnerable."
- Polis lamented Trump's deliberate attacks on Colorado that threaten $1 billion in federal dollars, as well as the administration's tariffs for making everyday items less affordable.
- The governor's call to action: "Now more than ever we must come together as Coloradans, leading with kindness and respect to move … our great state forward."
The other side: Senate GOP leader Cleve Simpson told Axios Denver he had his own "pinch-me moments" during the lengthy address, saying the governor's overly positive speech didn't match reality.
- "We've had eight years to work on making Colorado better," he said. "Largely, in my mind, we're more and more unaffordable. Cost of living through the roof. People are getting frustrated. … Pinch me because which world am I living in?"
What's next: Polis wants to make more progress on multiple fronts before leaving office next January.
- He encouraged lawmakers to address rising home insurance rates, protect education spending, boost spending on mass transit, focus on reducing crime and double down on renewable energy programs.
- Polis also called for a reduction in the state's income tax rate, the elimination of so-called puppy mills and support for blockchain and cryptocurrency.
The bottom line: "Colorado, there is so much good," he said, riffing on a Frodo quote from "The Lord of the Rings."
- "And we keep fighting for more."