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Governor Polis’ State of the State Address Outlines Bolds Agenda for Young Coloradans to Thrive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2025
Contact: Emma Bittner
(972) 510-3395 | Emma.Bittner@younginvincibles.org

Governor Polis’ State of the State Address Outlines Bolds Agenda for Young Coloradans to Thrive

(Denver, CO) – Last week, Colorado Governor Jared Polis delivered his State of the State address outlining his priorities for the 2025 legislative session. Governor Polis detailed his dedication to Coloradans’ ability to live safely, in homes they can afford, near transit, with fresh water and high-quality, affordable health care.

In his address, he highlighted the importance of prioritizing education, health care, and protecting fundamental freedoms and vulnerable communities. Colorado continues to advocate for affordable and accessible pathways to success for its residents and values this state’s diverse population. Governor Polis and elected officials must follow through on these promises with legislation and, more importantly, effective and streamlined implementation.  

While his address reinforced the necessary investments to build a prosperous future for Colorado, the state faces a budget deficit that will require legislators to make difficult decisions around addressing the shortage. As legislators weigh these tradeoffs, it will be essential for them to prioritize programs and services that help young adults, especially those from historically underserved populations, with the resources and support they need to succeed.

Young Invincibles is dedicated to ensuring that the concerns and priorities of young adults will be prioritized in this legislative session, as seen in YI’s 2025 Colorado Policy Agenda. This agenda was crafted through input from young adults across Colorado and represents diverse perspectives and lived experiences of young people aimed to address their most pressing concerns. 

In response, Melanie Kesner, Rocky Mountain Regional Director at Young Invincibles said:

We commend Governor Polis for his continued efforts around affordable health care and education for a prosperous future for Colorado. While Polis’ agenda is detailed with bold aspirations, he fails to prioritize the perspective of vulnerable young adults post-high school. The wraparound services and support that many young adults rely on will be on the chopping block this session.

Young Coloradans are critical to the continued success of this state. Failing to consider their concerns and involve them in the political process is a massive oversight Colorado can’t afford. As outlined in our 2025 Colorado Policy Agenda, young adults are at the center of progress, and we must ensure their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.”

In response, William Navarrete Moreno, a Colorado Young Advocate Program alum said:

“Advocacy is an act of reclamation. It’s about restoring dignity, uplifting voices, and reminding each of us that we matter. Our stories, hopes, and futures are worth fighting for. I’ve seen the spark of transformation that ignites when young people are given the tools to lead and when their lived experiences are truly centered. As Colorado looks toward 2025 and beyond, we cannot afford to leave young adults on the sidelines; we must bring their energy, determination, and vision into the heart of our legislative processes. Because when we invest in the next generation, we invest in the collective promise of a future that leaves no one behind.”

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Young Invincibles (YI) is a national advocacy and policy nonprofit organization focused on amplifying the voice of young people in the political process at the local, state, and federal levels. YI focuses on issues impacting young adults ages 18 to 34 in higher education, health care, economic security, and civic engagement. Our offices include Washington, D.C., California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas. For more information, please contact Emma Bittner at (972) 510-3395 or emma.bittner@younginvincibles.org