Governor Polis Signs Laws to Fully Fund Colorado Schools, Expand Resources for Students, and Foster a Stronger Workforce, Economy & Colorado for All, Takes Action on Bills

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DENVER - Today, Governor Polis attended a preschool graduation at Stevens Elementary School to celebrate the successful second year of the Colorado Universal Preschool Program, which is strengthening early childhood education and saving Colorado families more than $6,100 every year. The Governor also signed new laws to fully fund Colorado schools, strengthen our K-12 accountability system, and foster a strong workforce by creating more avenues for Coloradans to gain relevant skills that will help them succeed in the workforce.

"Congratulations, preschool class of 2025! I am so excited to be joining in on the celebrations and highlighting the second consecutive year of the successful Universal Preschool Program. Since day one, it has been my goal to expand access to early childhood education, helping students and families to find the best fit for their child, and ensuring that our early learners are ready for the next step in their academic journey," said Governor Polis.

Colorado's Universal Preschool Program (UPK) is seeing record enrollment numbers in its second year, serving more than 50,000 students and saving families an average $6,100 a year.

Later in the morning, Governor Polis signed HB25-1320 - School Finance Act, sponsored by Representatives McCluskie and Lukens, and Senators Lundeen and Bridges, fully funding K-12 education under Amendment 23, to support students and educators.

"With this bill, Colorado has made good on our promise to fully fund K-12 education and meet students where they are and bolster educational outcomes across our state. I appreciate the sponsors of this bill for working to increase school funding and turning on the new, student-focused school finance formula in a sustainable way," said Governor Polis

Governor Polis additionally signed:
  • HB25-1278 - Education Accountability System, sponsored by Representatives Bird and Lukens, and Senators Kirkmeyer and Michaelson Jenet
  • SB25-200 - Dyslexia Screening and READ Act Requirements, sponsored by Senators Kolker and Mullica, and Representatives Soper and Hamrick

"Every student should have the opportunity to succeed in the classroom, and today is another step forward in making sure that students, regardless of learning ability, have the correct resources to reach their fullest potential. Thank you to the sponsors for working diligently to ensure all Colorado students and educators have the tools to make a difference," said Governor Polis.

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Governor Polis also signed HB25-1192 - Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement, sponsored by Representatives Anthony Hartsook and Jennifer Bacon, and Senators Jeff Bridges and Lisa Frizell.

"Increasing financial literacy helps young adults gain financial knowledge and make informed decisions about their personal finances. Thank you to the sponsors for recognizing the importance of education around money management and financial planning for young adults," said Governor Polis.

Governor Polis concluded the day by signing bills into law, fostering a strong workforce by creating more avenues for Colordans to gain relevant skills that will help them succeed in the workforce.
  • SB25-315 - Postsecondary & Workforce Readiness Programs, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges and Barbara Kirkmeyer and Representatives Shannon Bird and Emily Sirota
  • HB25-1105 - Public Employees' Retirement Association True-up of Denver Public Schools Division Employer Contribution, sponsored by Representatives Sean Camacho and Jennifer Bacon, and Senators Julie Gonzales and Jeff Bridges

"Colorado is a national leader in connecting Coloradans to the skills needed to fill in-demand jobs, earn a good wage, and drive our state's economic success. These laws build upon our work to create a more robust workforce in Colorado and help Coloradans save and plan for retirement," said Governor Polis.

Earlier this week, Governor Polis signed an Executive Order building on Colorado's success in strengthening the workforce by directing Colorado's state agencies, including the Department of Education, to work together to help more post-high school learners access needed credentials.

As Chair of the National Governors Association, Governor Polis launched Let's Get Ready, a yearlong initiative designed to support the nation's Governors in driving innovative education policies. Let's Get Ready aims to help Governors form policies that better evaluate outcomes for state investments in education and improve outcomes for learners at all stages of their education journey. The initiative also focuses on the ways states can meet the future needs of the workforce by preparing students for success in and outside of the classroom.

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Governor Polis also signed HB25-1309 - Protect Access to Gender-Affirming Health Care, sponsored by Representatives Brown and Titone, and Senators Cutter and Gonzales.

"Building a Colorado for All means ensuring that everyone can thrive no matter who you are or how you identify. This legislation takes another step toward making this vision a reality for everyone," said Governor Jared Polis.

The Governor signed the following bills administratively:
  • SB25-276 - Protect Civil Rights Immigration Status, sponsored by Senators Gonzales and Weissman, and Representatives Velasco and Garcia
  • HB25-1314 - Peace Officer Status for Certain Department of Revenue Employees, sponsored by Representatives Lindstedt and Sirota, and Senator Kipp

The Governor also vetoed the following bills:

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