DENVER ~ In response to President Trump's State of the Union address, Governor Jared Polis of Colorado expressed disappointment in the President's continued defense of his invalidated tariff tax increases. As a journalist, it is important to analyze the impact of these tariffs on the state and its citizens.

Governor Polis stated, "I'm disappointed by many parts of the President's speech, including his determination to keep taxes on hard-working Coloradans and all Americans, rather than issuing refunds." He emphasized that tariffs are essentially a tax and that families, farmers, and small businesses are bearing the brunt of higher costs for everyday goods.

While President Trump touted tariffs as a sign of economic strength, the reality in Colorado tells a different story. According to an analysis by the Governor's Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB), elevated tariffs have resulted in the loss of 265 jobs and $80 million in GDP in Colorado's agricultural sector. The state's computer and electronics sector has also been impacted with 476 jobs lost and $201 million in GDP. These numbers are alarming and highlight the negative effects of tariffs on Colorado's economy.

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The OSPB also projected that under current tariff conditions, Colorado's General Fund revenue will decline by $241 million in FY 2025-26 and $440 million in FY 2026-27 compared to a lower-tariff baseline. This will put a strain on resources that support essential services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure.

The economic burden is not limited to Colorado alone. Independent analysis from the Yale Budget Lab estimated that tariffs have added an additional $1,700 in annual costs per household nationally. Furthermore, two-thirds of Americans have reported an increase in prices due to tariffs, leading to widespread disapproval.

Governor Polis reiterated that while Colorado supports fair trade policies that benefit American workers and expand markets for farmers and manufacturers, lasting economic growth requires stability, constitutional limits, and policies that lower costs. He emphasized that tariffs are essentially tax hikes disguised as trade policy and urged for a change in approach.

In conclusion, the impact of tariffs on Colorado's economy and its citizens is evident. Governor Polis's statement serves as a reminder that fair trade policies are crucial for economic growth and stability. As journalists, it is important to continue monitoring the effects of tariffs on states and their citizens.

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