Democratic Colorado Governor Jared Polis has voiced his support for making government more efficient, but he has some reservations about the current approach being taken by the federal government. During POLITICO’s Governors Summit, Polis expressed his concerns about the Trump administration’s efforts to target waste in federal agencies.
While Polis acknowledged some common ground with the administration’s focus on efficiency, he suggested that a better approach would be to implement zero-based budgeting. This method involves starting from scratch to determine the most efficient and cost-effective way to achieve agency goals. Polis emphasized the importance of creating a system that is both efficient and effective, rather than simply tearing down the old without a clear plan for improvement.
As the chair of the National Governors Association, Polis has made efforts to streamline government processes in Colorado by repealing outdated executive orders and eliminating unnecessary regulations. He highlighted the need for federal agencies to make compliance easier, which would in turn allow states to reduce bureaucratic overhead and focus on essential tasks.
In addition to his views on government efficiency, Polis also shared his concerns about the impact of tariffs, which he believes could raise prices, increase inflation, and harm job growth. Despite his outspoken nature and active social media presence, Polis remains focused on his current role and has not confirmed any plans for a potential presidential bid in 2028.
Overall, Governor Polis’s emphasis on efficiency and pragmatism in government reflects his commitment to serving the people of Colorado and finding innovative solutions to complex challenges. His willingness to engage with both federal and state partners demonstrates his dedication to effective governance and collaboration across party lines.
