The Latest Breaking News from Jared Polis

Colorado's governor on parenting, partisanship, and sensible pandemic responses

WASHINGTON — A proposed federal ban on menthol cigarettes has underscored the tension lawmakers face in using so-called “sin tax” revenue to fund critical social programs at the state and federal levels.

Kratom, the natural supplement made from a tropical tree scientifically known as Mitragyna Speciosa and a relative of the coffee plant, has acquired a more-than-ever legal status: its production, distribution and sale will now be regulated through the Senate Bill signed and turned into law by Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.

The FDA’s proposed ban on menthol cigarettes means states would see “sin tax” revenues fall, but vaping taxes are already filling the gap.

A bill awaiting Gov. Jared Polis’ signature that would fund training for Colorado health care providers to help them better work with diverse populations is a good start, but it won’t address all the ways the system leaves some people out, advocates say.

Their budgets might be rich for now with petroleum cash. But, if tackling climate change cuts into that, will they tax residents more — or reduce public services?

Major energy producing states from Alaska to Pennsylvania are reaping a windfall from soaring oil and natural gas prices, stoked by the war in Ukraine and the U.S.-led ban on Russian oil imports

A federal investigation into whether China is getting around tariffs on solar panels has Colorado’s expanding solar energy industry warning of layoffs, soaring prices and lights out for new projects.

The Colorado Legislature put two statutory measures on the Nov. 8 ballot before adjourning on May 11.