Southwest Colorado embodies the freedom, natural beauty and pioneering spirit that our state is known for. As governor, I am focused on protecting our way of life, lowering the cost of living, and creating opportunity for our kids, families and seniors. We are delivering on what matters most to Southwest Coloradans.

We are setting up our kids for success and saving families nearly $10,000 with free, all-day kindergarten and free preschool. I was proud to increase per student funding in public schools by 18%, a historic investment to raise teacher pay and decrease class sizes.

We are making it easier for high school students to get degrees or receive career training through innovative programs, like the Southwest Colorado Education Collaborative, and helping retain and attract great school administrators and teachers to Durango and the region.

My administration is also working hard to deliver cost cuts and make sure Southwest Colorado is more affordable for families. We’ve cut prescription costs, eliminated state taxes on Social Security and encouraged entrepreneurship – making it only $1 to start a new business. Just this summer, we sent out $750 tax refunds nine months early, and for 2023 and 2024, every property owner will have their tax rates lowered, saving Coloradans $1.1 billion.

With help from the state, Durango and nearby communities are working on innovative affordable housing strategies like transitioning old tourist lodging into workforce housing. Because of new legislation, residents of the Westside and River View mobile parks were able to preserve two critical affordable housing supplies.

Together, even through the toughest times, we’ve kept moving forward by staying focused on doing what is right for Colorado. But make no mistake – there’s more hard work ahead.

If I earn your vote, I will continue to aggressively cut the costs of education, healthcare and living for Coloradans. Southwest Coloradans will have freedom and opportunity to live the life you want to live and reach your dreams.

We will also make Colorado one of the top safest states, by better funding local police, getting tougher on drug dealers, and increasing mental health and drug abuse programs. We will also keep families safe from wildfires and natural disasters, while protecting Colorado’s clean air, water and public lands.

This is our Colorado. I’ll never forget how lucky we are to live here. I’m proud to be your governor. If you give me the chance, I’ll show you Colorado’s best days are still ahead.

Gov. Jared Polis is an entrepreneur and dad who has served as the 43rd governor of Colorado since January 2019. https://polisforcolorado.com/