(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Colorado Governor Jared Polis lays out bold goals for his second term during Tuesday’s Jan. 17, 2023 State of the State address.

Gov. Polis was sworn in for a second four-year term as Colorado Governor on Jan. 10 after winning reelection by nearly 20 points in November. Gov. Polis is challenging Coloradans to envision what we want Colorado to look like at the end of his term and when the state turns 150 in 2026.

The Governor uses the word limitless as a guide for Colorado in 2023. Gov. Polis envisions the state as a place where freedoms are not only protected but expanded, where housing is affordable for every budget, where we have lower health care costs and taxes, and where every person in Colorado lives in a safe community.

“I have a bit less hair than four years ago, but hopefully more wisdom and experience,” Gov. Polis said.

The Governor looks to the future and as he sets the course for this year’s legislative session.

“In 2023, the state of our state is undeniably strong, but we know that we can be even stronger and better, for our potential is truly limitless,” Gov. Polis explained.

Gov. Polis believes in 2023, Colorado can lead our nation by example and the 2023 State of the State comes with a list of priorities.

“Let’s start with housing,” Gov. Polis said.

Gov. Polis says many Coloradans are struggling to find a place where they can afford to live and many more are being forced out of their neighborhoods with no hope of living close to where they work.

“This means more traffic, lost time and money spent on long commutes, more air pollution, and greater economic and workforce challenges,” Gov. Polis explained.

The Governor says he can save Coloradans money on housing and can do it while meeting our state’s climate goals.

“Let me be clear housing policy is climate policy, housing policy is economic policy, housing policy is transportation, housing policy is water policy, housing policy is public health and equity policy,” Gov. Polis said.

Other topics covered include wanting to make Colorado 100% renewable energy powered by 2040, managing water scarcity, reducing crime, and also saving Coloradans money when it comes to inflation.

“This is the future we deserve, so lets make it happen,” Gov. Polis said.

Governor Polis was joined by guests from across Colorado including advocates for affordable and quality health care, parents of school-aged children, community leaders, member of law enforcement, home builders, and local elected officials who all believe Colorado’s best days are ahead of us.

During Tuesday’s State of the State, Gov. Polis was touched to be joined in the House chamber by survivors of the Club Q shooting. The Governor took the time to honor Colorado Springs heroes, Richard Fierro and Thomas James.

“After the shooter entered and began firing, [Fierro and James] brought him to the ground,” Gov. Polis explained. “They stopped them and in doing so they saved many lives, thank you on behalf of the state of Colorado.”

Included in the 2023 State of the State, Gov. Polis addressed rising crime in Colorado. He wants to crack down on things like auto theft and enhance community programs to keep students occupied outside of school so they stay busy and away from crime.

The Governor also mentioning the states gun laws. He want to update the red flag law, specifically looking at who can petition for someone to temporarily have their guns removed before they harm themselves or anyone else.

“We’re very open to this discussion,” Gov. Polis explained. “It’s a tool that’s already been used hundreds of times in our state and it’s unquestionably reduced suicides and perhaps reduced other gun crimes,” Polis continued. “There should be a temporary way where they can remove access to their weapon, it’s a very dangerous combination: mental health crisis and weapons so it’s on the books, it’s been used,” Polis said. “But we know it needs to be broader and I think [District Attorneys] are a logical petitioner to add and we are certainly open about what others may make sense.”

The Governor also says he wants to crack down on ghost guns, but there are other proposals that have not been filed, the Governor isn’t getting behind as of now – including a statewide ban on assault weapons and increasing the gun purchasing age in the state.