Colorado: Governor Polis, Lt. Governor Primavera, Legislative Leaders Celebrate Progress in 2026 Legislative Session, Reflect on Eight Years of Strong Results

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis, Speaker Julie McCluskie, and Senate President James Coleman discussed how the 2026 legislative session will save people money, build more housing, better fund Colorado classrooms, keep Colorado communities safe, protect personal freedoms and enhance Colorado's high-quality of life.

"This, and every session, is about delivering real results for Coloradans on the challenges and issues we care about most. We took action to save people money by building more housing, invest in our classrooms to help students thrive, make our communities safer, and embrace money-saving clean energy that protects our environment, all while safeguarding the personal freedoms we cherish. Over the past eight years Colorado has made tremendous progress. Today, families are saving $6,300 per year through Universal Preschool and thousands per year from Full-Day Kindergarten, rent is decreasing for the first time in years because we cut through barriers and red tape that blocked new housing Coloradans can afford, and clean energy makes up a majority of Colorado's energy, protecting our clean air and iconic outdoors. Years of work made Colorado stronger, safer, cleaner, and more affordable, and I am proud of all our accomplishments in partnership with the General Assembly. I close my final legislative session as Governor, proud of our historic progress, grateful for the leadership of our legislative partners, and energetic about Colorado's bright future," said Governor Polis.

"Today, we celebrate our continued promise of building a Colorado for All. Over the last eight years, I've had the privilege of working alongside  Governor Polis, an amazing staff, legislators, community leaders, advocates, employees, tribal leaders and Coloradans across our state with the shared goal of creating a Colorado where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we faced challenges with resilience, determination, and kindness, and I'm proud of the lasting progress we made. We've strengthened relationships with the two federally recognized Tribes in Colorado and American Indian/Alaska Native communities, we advanced the transformative power of national service for both communities and those who serve, we saved people money on healthcare, and advanced disability rights and opportunity. Most importantly, this work was only possible because of the people behind it. I leave this final legislative session with immense gratitude and pride in what we accomplished together, and optimism for the future of Colorado," said Lt. Governor Primavera.

"In an ambitious session, Democrats focused on affordability and tackled must-fix issues amidst federal attacks and a billion dollar deficit," said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. "We worked hard to create jobs, lower the costs of housing, child care, healthcare and utilities, and protect our public lands, air and water. Lawmakers navigated a difficult budget to increase funding for K-12 education and prevent devastating cuts to core healthcare coverage. In many ways, the world around us shaped, and at times, hung over our work. With this backdrop behind us, lawmakers set their eyes on big ideas and complex problems to solve, including finding consensus across party lines to reform our competency laws and improve public safety."

"Despite a challenging national environment and a billion dollar budget deficit, Democrats once again worked hard to lower costs, protect funding for K-12 schools, and bolster an economy that rewards hard work," said Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver. "I'm proud of all that we accomplished to keep our state on a path to a resilient future and ensure that no matter your income or zip code, you have the opportunity to earn a good life in Colorado. Regardless of the chaos in Washington, here at home we're committed to doing work that meets the moment and that has a real impact on the people of Colorado."

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Under the Polis-Primavera administration's leadership Colorado has delivered on the issues Coloradans care about the most, delivering lower costs, better schools, safer communities, and lower taxes, a stronger economy, while protecting personal freedoms and building a Colorado For All.

SAVING MONEY BY BUILDING MORE HOUSING NOW

To save people money on housing during the 2026 legislative session Colorado:

• Passed the HOME Act, which breaks down barriers to help non-profits, schools, and local governments create housing on underutilized land.
• Created more housing opportunities so first responders can live in the communities they serve.
• Expanded home ownership opportunities.
• Took action to reduce homeowner's insurance.  
• Ensured local governments succeed under voter approved Proposition 123.
• Encouraged more housing near transportation options through innovative financing and critical infrastructure investments.

This work builds on years of nation-leading efforts to stop local governments from blocking new housing from being built, increasing housing supply and options for hardworking Coloradans. Governor Polis previously signed laws to give Coloradans the freedom to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit, eliminate unnecessary parking requirements, removed discriminatory occupancy limits, encourage more housing near bus and train stops, jumpstart condo construction, legalize smart stair apartments, and invest in lower cost modular construction.

INVESTING IN COLORADO CLASSROOMS AND STUDENT SUCCESS

This session furthered work to support students, invest in classrooms, and achieve better learning outcomes including:

• Delivering a balanced budget that protects historic investments in education, further implementing the new school finance formula and ensuring the state does not return to a budget stabilization factor.
• Implementing the new school finance formula that funds students where they are learning, increasing per student funding by $209.
• Creating a one-stop shop where Coloradans can access job training, higher education, and work opportunities.

Under Governor Polis, Colorado fully funded schools for the first time in two decades, and created a student-first funding formula. Colorado families save an average of $500 per month through free Full-Day Kindergarten and $6,300 a year thanks to popular Universal Preschool, giving Colorado kids a strong headstart. During his term, Governor Polis increased per student funding by $4,148, to $12,325 for FY26-27, providing students and teachers with the resources needed to succeed.

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KEEPING COLORADO COMMUNITIES SAFE

Making Colorado a top ten safest state is a top priority for Governor Polis. This session included major steps to keep Colorado communities safe including:

• Strengthening Colorado's "Red Flag Law" or Extreme Risk Protection Order that has successfully prevented gun violence tragedies.
• Updating the state's competency system to ensure anyone who is a danger to themselves or others are not released, but provided services.

Crime rates have decreased significantly across the board under Governor Polis's leadership over the last few years. Between 2023-2024 violent crime decreased by 15%, including a 27% decrease in murder, a 15% decrease in non-consensual sexual offense, a 16% decrease in robbery, and a 15% decrease in aggravated assault. In the same year, Property crimes in Colorado have decreased by more than 25%, including a 33% reduction in motor vehicle theft statewide, a 23% reduction in burglaries, and a 23% reduction in larceny.

Between 2024-2025 Colorado saw an overall 13.3% decrease in violent crime, meaning 2,000 fewer violent crimes, including a 25.7% decrease in robberies and 29.5% decrease in homicides. During the same period property crime decreased by 17.5%, including a 34.5% decrease in Motor vehicle theft. In 2025 Auto theft decreased 56% compared to 2021. Governor Polis has also signed laws to give the Colorado Bureau of Investigation the tools to crack down on illegal gun activity and protect Colorado communities, provide dedicated funding for auto theft prevention, increase penalties for stealing a car regardless of the value, invest in data-driven crime prevention programs, and increase resources for local law enforcement.

ADVANCING CLEAN ENERGY AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

This session built upon Colorado's work to invest in innovative climate solutions to protect resources and save Coloradans more on energy bills.

• Giving Coloradans more freedom to use plug-in solar (https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/governor-polis-signs-bills-law-breaking-down-barriers-install-solar-panels-boosting)
• Building strong communities by investing in microgrids (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1051)
• Standardizing utility bill limits for income-qualified households (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-002)
• Modernizing RTD (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-150) to deliver strong transportation options that save people money and get Coloradans where they are going.

This work builds on years of leadership to embrace money-saving clean energy solutions, protect the environment, and build a more sustainable Colorado. Governor Polis outlined bold goals to reach 100% clean energy by 2040 and today Colorado is on track to reach more than 80% emission reductions in the power sector by 2030. Governor Polis has signed landmark legislation to make the oil and gas industry more transparent (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-181) and protect communities, expand access to affordable clean energy solutions (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1272) for residents and businesses, investing millions in disproportionately impacted communities (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB21-1266) and just transition communities (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1314), and make major investments in transportation options (https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/governor-polis-signs-historic-bills-law-protecting-colorados-air-quality-and-expanding-access) that reduce pollution.

STRENGTHENING COLORADO'S ECONOMY

Making Colorado one of the best states to live, work, play and do business, by investing in Colorado communities and creating a more business friendly environment.

• Fostering innovation and protecting consumers by developing a responsible AI Framework (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb26-189).
• Closing tax loopholes to invest in Colorado families and restaurants (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1223).
• Cutting burdensome regulations (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-137) to attract more businesses, creating new jobs and opportunities.
• Supporting entrepreneur cooks (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb26-1033), allowing more small businesses to thrive and cook the delicious meals Coloradans love.

From 2019 through 2025, Colorado has attracted 143 companies to choose Colorado for expansion projects. This builds on our work to invest in Colordans to fill the in-demand jobs of the future and business coming to Colorado. From the 143 companies that have expanded in Colorado they have created 42,145 new jobs and generated $4.8 billion in wages.

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