There has been so much tragedy in Colorado recently that Governor Jared Polis opened his 2022 state address with a moment of silence for victims of three different circumstances: COVID-19, violence, and natural disaster.
“While this pandemic has made even the most mundane activities even more risky, we have not endured the virus alone,” the Democrat told lawmakers and guests inside the House Chamber of the State Capitol. “Evil acts against innocent people in places where we once worked or were rebuilt have also made us feel less safe. We fear the ever-changing nature of the virus, thinking that tomorrow will protect us. He used to protect us today. We have unfortunately learned that the term ‘fire season’ does not apply when the most devastating fire in Colorado history occurs on December 30.”
But he tried to look optimistically to the future, highlighting the stories of local heroes and avoiding mass controversy or partisan cheer.
He thanked Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pele for his leadership through and beyond the martial fires that devastated Superior and Louisville. He thanked police officers in Lakewood and Boulder who responded to the mass shooters. He thanked the health care workers and said, “Politicians talk about making lives better. You really save lives. ,
And, facing re-election in November, Polis made a point — as always — to highlight his friendship with Republicans. He thanked several GOP lawmakers by name and even thanked his 2018 election rival Walker Stapleton, whom Polis recently appointed to the state economic development commission. ,
“This is not my Colorado or your Colorado. This is our Colorado,” Polis said.
He generally avoided sounding particularly liberal in speech, Who For example, the words “gun,” “abortion,” “union,” or “voting” were not included.
“I think he understands correctly that the national mood is against the party in power to which he belongs, and his safe bet is to talk about things we all agree on, at least in principle.” from,” State Representative Dave said. Williams, a Colorado Springs Republican, after the speech.
Denver’s Democratic House Speaker Alec Garnett said he was pleased that Polis was focusing on things that matter to a wider swath of the public, such as affordability and educational attainment.
“It’s no surprise that he didn’t touch everything,” Garnett said. He added that “of course” Democrats would legislate on things that Polis didn’t talk about.
Police said Coloradans “desperate for relief” on both sides now needed to help. And he details a number of proposals along those lines.
He wants to reduce unemployment premiums and paid family leave premiums for businesses, and proposes waiving the fee for opening a new small business. He wants to reduce the cost of renewal of driving license. He is excited that Coloradans are ready to get tax refunds in this and the next several years because the state’s economy is in such a good shape. In all, Polis wants about $100 million in fee relief in next year’s budget — a plan that will require the legislature’s signature when the 2022-23 budget is finalized in the spring.
“My administration will work with both parties to continue cutting taxes and fees, but never at the expense of teachers and law enforcement.”
Republicans in the House chamber applauded the sentiment, but when Polis mentioned the new laws he signed to cut some tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations in 2021. However, he commended for deducting business filing fees and others.
The whole room was standing when the police shouted at a young boy who was in mental health trouble.
Police said, “We seek to partner with local governments and school districts to amplify the impact of historic funding to create a responsible, effective approach to meeting behavioral health needs from the mountains to the plains. ” “Getting there means offering more integrated physical and mental health services, strengthening our often overworked behavioral health workforce, and most importantly, providing Colorado children with the support they need to be happy. – just to be a child.”
He also recognized violent crime as a menace, and stressed the need to prevent crime before it occurs, and not merely to punish it.
Rep. Dylan Roberts, an Avon Democrat who championed some of the criminal justice laws passed last year, said that polis’ priorities for 2022 are in line with hearing from their constituents and their plans for public safety going forward this year. matches.
“I think we can take a really smart approach to preventing crime and reacting to the crime that’s happening out there,” Roberts said. “We know that fentanyl and dangerous drugs are our problem in our state and this is something that absolutely needs this legislature’s attention.”
But Republican House Minority Leader Hugh McCain referred to some of Polis’ speeches as “bordering on farce” and full of “empty promises” because Democrats have been in charge of the state for years and have not implemented these kinds of policies. .
McCain said Republicans have been pushing for reductions in fees and taxes for years, but they want to support measures to make those cuts permanent.
“We should be able to do a better job. … We can save families and businesses, hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars, but we can’t do it for this short amount of time,” he said.
As Polis noted, climate change advocates rallied outside the Capitol, and they could be heard from inside the House. The environmental community has often criticized Polis – not for denying climate change, but for proceeding with insufficient urgency to address it. He favors incentives over a mandate to shift to the energy economy and reduce emissions.
Aaron Ontiroj, The Denver Post
Gov. Jared Polis waves after delivering his state address at the Colorado Capitol Building on Thursday, January 13, 2022 in Denver.
“We will continue to make targeted investments to improve air quality monitoring and enforcement, increase the availability of clean transportation options such as electric school buses, accelerate our transition to a clean economy, and implement genuine accountability as we work towards those people.” We want and secure environmental justice for those most affected,” Polis vowed.
Outside the building, advocates called on the governor to end “backroom deals” coming at the expense of the state’s environment. He called on public officials and private citizens to do whatever they can to protect the state’s air and water, as well as protect low-income communities from emissions, water pollution and more.
“Police: I trusted you with our Colorado. Now it’s on fire and dripping oil,” read a rallygoer’s sign.
On this and other topics, Polis says he is not worried about the future.
He concluded his nearly 40-minute speech, saying, “The position of our state, like the people of Colorado, is strong, it is stable, and despite everything, we are moving forward boldly.”
Reporter Conrad Swanson contributed to this report.
