Governor Polis Highlights Colorado as a Leader in Education and Celebrates National Clean Energy Week in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Governor Polis touted Colorado's accomplishments and success as the No. 1 state for education and discussed the future of educational policy in the United States. The Governor joined former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin for a fireside chat at the Reagan Institute Summit on Education.

"In Colorado, we are #1 in education because we invest in our students, educators, and families. We did this by helping Colorado students and families get an early start through Universal Preschool and free full day Kindergarten, supporting families by offering afterschool tutoring and learning, enhancing school choice, linking skills to workforce needs across education, fully funding our schools, focusing on measurable outcomes, and creating career pathways for every Coloradan to fulfill their full potential. I was also excited to share why it was a no-brainer for Colorado to participate in the new federal education tax credit that will inspire charitable giving to support all students in Colorado. I enjoyed discussing with other national leaders how we can better deliver for students, educators and families and help America become a global leader in education, support the demands of our growing workforce, and strengthen our economy," said Governor Polis.

In July, Governor Polis celebrated Colorado being ranked as the Best State for Education according to US News and World Report. In 2019, Governor Polis was proud to sign bipartisan legislation creating free, full-day kindergarten, saving families thousands of dollars per year. This major milestone was followed shortly after Colorado voters approved free preschool in 2023. Today, free preschool saves families more than $6,300 per year. In Program Year 2024 - 2025 free preschool served 49,126 three and four-year-olds, and in the 25-26 program year more than 60,000 Colorado children were served.

Governor Polis also delivered a keynote address at the National Clean Energy Week reception hosted by Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES). National Clean Energy Week is an annual week-long celebration of clean energy innovation and solutions.

"Colorado is deploying clean energy that saves Coloradans money and protects our environment. Investing in clean energy and renewables is the future, and I am proud of our work in Colorado to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, harness the heat beneath our feet, incentivize clean energy businesses to create jobs in our state, and make Colorado more competitive. In Colorado, we know this is a global approach and we are working with our international partners in Sweden, Germany, and the United Kingdom to share ideas and technology that will help protect our environment for generations to come," said Governor Polis.

Colorado is on track to cut power sector emissions by more than 80 percent by 2030. Colorado has also launched the Energy Savings Navigator, a tool that helps Coloradans find and apply for local, state, federal, and utility energy rebates, helping connect people with new clean energy technology and to take advantage of statewide clean energy tax credits. In 2022, as Chair of the Western Governors' Association, Governor Polis launched "Heat Beneath Our Feet," an initiative aimed at capitalizing on the unique geographic makeup of Colorado and harnessing the heat to warm our homes, businesses, and schools.

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