DENVER — The inauguration of Colorado's governor and lieutenant governor took place Tuesday morning at the state Capitol.
Gov. Jared Polis and Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera were sworn in during a ceremony.
Polis began by taking a selfie with the crowd, a tradition he began in 2019:
“My fellow Coloradans, it has been the honor of my life to serve as your Governor these past four years and it is with the deepest gratitude and love for Colorado that I accept the responsibility of leading our incredible state for the next four,” Polis said.
Polis said as he and Primavera campaigned around the state, many residents mentioned similar issues:
- Practical, commonsense solutions to the rising cost of living.
- Safe communities with good schools and affordable access to health care.
- The opportunity to build a great life for yourself and your family.
- The freedom to forge your own path, without the government telling you how to live your life.
"I don’t think I’d be standing before you today if we hadn’t shown some real progress delivering on that vision," Polis said.
He also said that "life has simply become too hard and too expensive" for many residents.
"Together, we’re going to reduce housing costs across this state with options for every Colorado budget so that folks can afford to live in the communities where they work," Polis said. "That means, quite simply, creating more housing in Colorado, consistent with managing for an increasingly scarce water supply, tackling our climate goals, and protecting our natural treasures."
He also mentioned other priorities for his administration including continuing an effort to make Colorado operate on 100% renewable energy by 2040 while lower consumer rates.
"We’re going to keep using every tool we’ve got to save Coloradans money," Pilis said. "Lower taxes, lower transportation costs, lower medical bills, lower business fees and, of course, lower housing costs. Anything we can do, we must when it comes to helping you hold onto more of your hard-earned money."
He also acknowledged addressing an increase in crime is another priority.
"We’re going to tackle crime head-on, not only by holding criminals accountable, but by preventing crime before it happens, Polis said. "Because no Coloradan should have to fear for their safety on the streets where they live, in the places where they work and play, in the schools where our kids go to learn and dream big dreams."
The following road closures were in place around the Capitol for the ceremony:
- Lincoln Street from 13th Avenue to Colfax Avenue
- Sherman Street between 13th Street and 14th Street
- 14th Street between Broadway to Grant Street
The Denver Gay Men's Chorus, the Out Loud Colorado Springs Men's Chorus and the Tarell Martin and the C2 Mass Choir performed at the ceremony.
Polis secured a second term as governor after defeating Republican opponent Heidi Ganahl in November.
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