Governor Polis Calls Special Session of 74th General Assembly, Urges Legislature to Put People Over Politics to Save Coloradans Money on Property Taxes

DENVER - Coloradans are facing an extreme property tax increase – up to forty to fifty percent next year according to certain projections due to higher assessments. This will affect Coloradans from all corners of the state if the legislature does not take action. This is an immediate, statewide, and bipartisan concern. 

Governor Jared Polis shared details of the scope of the Special Session of the 74th General Assembly, scheduled to commence at 9 a.m. on November 17, 2023. This is the second special session Governor Polis has called, the previous special session was focused on providing bipartisan relief to Coloradans during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“I am calling this session to urge the legislature to bridge partisan divides and put people over politics to provide immediate property tax relief to Coloradans facing extreme spikes from their 2023 property bills,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. “Coloradans are looking to us to reduce property taxes and provide relief to families, and as we always have, we will work to deliver solutions that protect and enhance the Colorado we love.”

Governor Polis is tasking the legislature to tackle two specific and urgent issues during the special session:

First, providing immediate relief for Coloradans at risk of receiving 40-50% increases in their property tax bill and to renters who may bear the burden of an increase that’s passed onto them through no fault of their own. The General Assembly already set aside $200 million for property tax relief that could be utilized right now, and Governor Polis is hopeful even more can be put toward saving people money. 

Second, a recently passed federal law provides Colorado with an opportunity to provide food and nutrition benefits to over 300,000 Colorado children during the summer months beginning as soon as the summer of 2024. Passing legislation as soon as possible will enable us to stand up this critical program in time for this summer and access approximately $35 million in federal benefits. Working together in partnership with the legislature, over 300,000 Colorado children could gain access to summer meals if action is taken during this special session. 

###