GRAND JUNCTION ~ Grand Junction, Colorado - Governor Jared Polis made a visit to the Western Slope today to meet with healthcare leaders and discuss the importance of the federal Enhanced Premium Tax Credit. The governor emphasized the devastating impact that Coloradans will face if Congress fails to renew this credit.

During his visit, Governor Polis also took the time to meet with two local businesses, Munro Supply and SkyHook Solar Corp, in partnership with the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of these meetings was to hear firsthand how President Trump's erratic tariff wars are negatively affecting small businesses and driving down the local economy.

Munro Supply, a multi-generational industrial supplier, provides materials for various industries such as agriculture, construction, mining, and energy. SkyHook Solar Corp is a company that specializes in creating transportable solar generators to deploy clean and sustainable energy where it is needed. Both businesses have been impacted by Trump's tariffs and have received grant funding from the State's Rural Jump-start Program. So far, SkyHook Solar Corp has created three new jobs at or above the average county wage and plans to create more.

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Governor Polis expressed his concern for small businesses during his visit, stating "Today I heard more calls for help from Colorado small businesses being devastated by Trump's disastrous tariff taxes." He went on to say that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and communities and that President Trump must stop imposing costly tariffs on hardworking businesses.

Last week, Governor Polis released a report from the Office of State Planning and Budgeting that highlighted the significant impacts of Trump's tariffs on Colorado's economy. The report showed that Colorado's effective tariff rate has increased from 3 percent in 2024 to 21 percent in 2025 - the highest level in over a century. It also warned that further escalation could push the state into a recession and result in revenue losses for schools and healthcare.

In addition to meeting with business leaders, Governor Polis also visited the Food Bank of the Rockies where he signed a proclamation recognizing National Hunger Action Day. The Food Bank of the Rockies, which distributed 12.7 million pounds of food and 10.3 million meals across the Western Slope in 2024, is an essential resource for families in need. Its Grand Junction facility is also home to the only dehydrator program in the Feeding America Network, which uses local produce to create nutritious snacks and reduce food waste.

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Governor Polis praised the Food Bank of the Rockies for its efforts to provide healthy meals to families in need, stating "The Food Bank of the Rockies is an important lifeline for families across the Western Slope who need support putting healthy food on the table." He also took this opportunity to highlight his commitment to expanding access to healthy food for all families.

Recently, Governor Polis signed SB25B-003 - Healthy School Meals For All, which aims to protect Colorado family access to healthy food through SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. This bill was sponsored by Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Katie Wallace and Representatives Lorena Garcia and Katie Stewart. It updates a ballot proposal and gives Coloradans a chance to protect their access to healthy food in light of Trump's actions.

In addition, Colorado has recently secured federal approval for a waiver that supports healthy food options for families who rely on SNAP benefits.

Governor Polis' visit highlighted both the challenges facing small businesses due to Trump's tariffs and his commitment to ensuring that all Coloradans have access to healthy food. As a national leader in this area, Governor Polis continues to advocate for policies that support economic growth and provide essential resources for families in need.

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