Governor Polis and Lieutenant Governor Primavera Celebrate Colorado’s Resilience in 2025 and Look Forward to a Strong 2026

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Primavera reflect on the past year, and look forward to building on Colorado's successes into 2026.

"Happy New Year Colorado! I am incredibly proud to be ringing in 2026 with all of you. This past year Colorado has proven once again that we are the best place to live, work and play, and that is a testament to every Coloradan's dedication to building a stronger economy, supporting each other and embracing the Colorado for All spirit. I look forward to carrying all of our successes into the New Year, and continuing our work together," said Governor Polis.

"There is no better place to ring in the New Year than Colorado. 2025 was unlike any other, but our compassion and commitment to fostering an environment that embraces differences, stands united amidst tragedy, and forges ahead remained constant. I am inspired everyday by the work happening across our state, and remain committed to building a Colorado for All ," said Lt. Governor Primavera.

This past year, the Polis-Primavera Administration has delivered in many key areas by breaking down barriers to housing, improving public safety, fully funding Colorado schools, expanding freedoms, supporting access to health care, and making progress toward Colorado's bold climate goals and improving air quality.

MORE HOUSING NOW: Governor Polis signed new laws to increase housing that Coloradans can afford.

IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY: Colorado continued to make progress on the goal of becoming one of the ten safest states.

• SB25-310 - Proposition 130 Implementation : This law supports funding for local law enforcement agencies to help recruit peace officers by providing financial reimbursements and tuition assistance for initial and continuing education and training for peace officers, as well as pay incentives and bonuses. The bill also provides funding to ensure that the families of fallen officers get the support they need after losing their loved one in the line of duty.

EXPANDING TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS: Colorado is meeting Colordans where they are at, and expanding transportation options.

• SB25-161 - Transit Reform: This law modernized RTD's mission to align with statewide goals to increase transit ridership, increase service, and decrease GHG emissions. It also created an independent accountability committee to evaluate and make recommendations on topics including the governance structure and compensation of the board, representation of local governments, and workforce retention.

• SB25-030 - Increase Transportation Mode Choice Reduce Emissions : This new law helps increase transportation options to decrease pollution and congestion on Colorado roads.

DEFENDING COLORADO FROM RECKLESSNESS AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL: Protecting key Colorado industries, federal funding, and support systems from federal attack.

COLORADO LANDS SUNDANCE STARTING IN 2027:

SUPPORTING COLORADANS' ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE: The Polis-Primavera administration is steadfast in expanding healthcare options for all Coloradans.

• In the face of federal inaction to extend Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Coloradans are preparing to see their health care costs rise. To blunt the rise of these costs, Governor Polis signed HB25B-1006 , but continues to call on Congress to take action and prevent a further increase in costs.

• Governor Polis took urgent action to ensure that Coloradans had access to the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine after the Trump administration made it more difficult for Americans to get.

FREE STATE OF COLORADO: From health care to voting and kei trucks, Governor Polis signed legislation to protect Coloradans' freedom.

FULLY FUND SCHOOLS AND SUPPORT COLORADO'S WORKFORCE: Governor Polis took major steps this past year to ensure all Colorado students and educators are successful.

• HB25-1320 - School Finance Act : This law implements Colorado's student-focused school finance formula without bringing back the budget stabilization factor. It also increases per-pupil funding again to $11,864, an increase from FY24-25 of $412 per student, or an average of $9,000 per classroom.

• SB25-315 - Postsecondary & Workforce Readiness Programs : This law realigns Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness administration and funding to ensure all students have the opportunity to graduate high school with postsecondary credit, an industry-recognized credential, or work-based learning experience.

UNIVERSAL PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT SUCCESS:

• Colorado's Universal Preschool Program (UPK) has seen success in the 2026-2027 enrollment. As of December 29th of this year, families have submitted 14,856 total 4-year-old applications for the 2026-27 program year. On the first day of enrollment alone, families submitted 5,913 applications , compared to 3,977 applications on opening day last year- an increase of 1,936 applications, representing a 48.7% uptick.

BOLD CLIMATE GOALS AND IMPROVING AIR QUALITY: Colorado continues to be a national leader in Electric Vehicles, clean energy, and protecting our natural resources.

UNVEILING NORTH AMERICA'S LARGEST WILDLIFE OVERPASS:

KEEP COLORADO WILD PASS:

• In 2021, Governor Polis signed SB21-249 which created the $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass , which offers car, bike, and foot entry into all Colorado state parks at a lower cost while also giving back to Colorado's outdoor community. In its second year being on sale , more than 1.5 million Coloradans purchased a pass raising $41 million to support Colorado state parks, local search and rescue volunteers and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

###