Press Releases

Governor Polis calls special session to address devastating impacts of H.R. 1

DENVER - Today, Governor Jared Polis called the General Assembly back into session to address the significant impacts of H.R. 1 to Colorado’s budget. Here is what members of the Congressional Delegation, and education, health care, and community leaders are saying:

DELTA COUNTY - Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency to support response efforts for the LeRoux Fire in Delta County. This order takes effect at 12:01am on Tuesday, August 5. The Sheriff has requested State responsibility as the fire has grown beyond local capability and capacity. The order provides for additional, external resources and State support to more effectively manage and suppress the fire, and protect the values at risk. 

DENVER - On May 13, 2025, Colorado submitted waiver requests to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designed to increase healthier food consumption and maximize the buying power of benefits as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Today, a portion of Colorado’s SNAP waiver was approved, exempting soda and sugary beverages from benefits. Colorado has two benefit enhancements pending approval, including an expansion of access to prepared foods and farmer’s market foods.

MEEKER - Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency to support response efforts for the Elk Fire in Rio Blanco County, Southeast of Meeker, Colorado. The Rio Blanco County Sheriff had assumed responsibility for the fire from the local Fire Department, and requested assistance and support from the State. The order provides for additional, external resources and State support to more effectively manage and suppress the fire, and protect the values at risk. 

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis reiterated his call for President Trump to leave his failed tariff-tax plan behind and stop raising taxes and costs for Americans on everyday items like clothes and food. This comes after President Trump once again waffled on his own deadline for tariffs to go into effect, extending the tariff deadline for Mexico by 90 days, while also increasing taxes on imports and increasing and changing tariffs of other countries again, which will go into effect next week. This includes an increase of 10% tariffs on Canada, totalling a 35% tariff. 

DENVER - Governor Polis, joined by Public Utilities Commission Director Rebecca While, Colorado Energy Office Executive Director Will Toor, Conservation Colorado Executive Director Kelly Nordini, Kristen Schatz with COPIRG and homeowner Mark Zammuto, today announced new actions to expand Colorado’s nation-leading progress on saving people money on renewable energy and improve lower-cost clean energy access for people across the state.

Highlighting Local Businesses; Promoting Road and Animal Safety; Exploring Summe