PUEBLO - On August 27, 2024, Governor Polis visited the iconic Colorado State Fair in Pueblo to celebrate Colorado’s farmers and ranchers, and judge the annual Governor’s Plate competition highlighting up-and-coming Colorado chefs. 

“Colorado’s iconic state fair in Pueblo brings together Coloradans from all corners of the state to celebrate the farmers and ranchers who put food on our tables, and power our economy. With live music, thrilling rides, and delicious food, there is something for everyone to love at the state fair. I encourage Coloradans to take a trip to Pueblo to join in the fun now through September 2,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

Governor Polis attended and spoke at the Junior Livestock Auction, where some of Colorado’s youngest ranchers auctioned off their prized livestock. The Junior Livestock Sale helps support the future of agribusinesses in Colorado and demonstrates the importance of raising high-quality livestock and the work ethic and skills needed to pursue agricultural careers. 

Following the auction the Governor judged the fourth annual Governor’s Plate competition. The Governor’s Plate elevates Colorado Proud food trucks as they use locally grown and raised products to create new and exciting dishes. 

“Judging the Governor’s Plate competition is one of the most delicious parts of the state fair each year. These inspired chefs support our local farmers and ranchers by using locally grown and produced products in their delicious creations. Congratulations to Proto Taste, this year's Governor’s Plate Award winner and Stoke Pizza, this year’s People’s Choice Award winner!” said Governor Polis. 

This morning Governor Polis also participated in a fireside chat at Commuting Solutions’s 8th Annual Sustainable Transportation Summit. Governor Polis and Colorado Department of Transportation Executive Director Shoshana Lew discussed Colorado’s nation-leading work to make passenger rail a reality for Colorado. 

“Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration's once-in-a-lifetime investment in passenger rail, Colorado is closer than ever to securing a reality where Coloradans have more affordable and convenient ways to travel across our state, cleaner air, and less traffic. Colorado is ready to take advantage of these historic funds, lead the nation in passenger rail, and build a more affordable and liveable future for generations to come,” said Governor Polis. 

Earlier this year, Governor Polis signed historic legislation to make major investments in Colorado’s transportation system, including: 

- HB24-1313 - Housing in Transit-Oriented Communities, sponsored by Representatives Steven Woodrow and Iman Jodeh, and Senators Chris Hansen and Faith Winter. This bill encourages communities to build more housing near transit, reducing time and money spent in the car, improving air quality, and creating more housing near jobs and transit. 

- SB24-032 - Methods to Increase the Use of Transit, sponsored by Senators Kevin Priola and Faith Winter, and Representatives Stephanie Vigil and Julia Marvin. This bill will provide funding for the Zero Fare for Youth and Zero Fair for Better Air initiatives, which increase access to free public transportation, helping reduce traffic and protect air quality. 

- SB24-184 - Support Surface Transportation Infrastructure Development, sponsored by Senators Steve Fenberg and Janice Marchman, and Representatives Julie McCluskie and Andrew Boesenecker. This legislation will provide another important funding stream to increase access to reliable, low-cost transit for Coloradans. 

- SB24-229 - Ozone Mitigation Measures, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter and Kevin Priola, and Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Jenny Willford. 

- SB24-230 - Oil & Gas Production Fees, sponsored by Senators Steve Fenberg and Lisa Cutter, and Representatives Julie McCluskie and Elizabeth Velasco into law.