Denver Democratic Party Executive Committee Condemns Governor Polis’ Veto of Pro-Worker Legislation

DENVER, CO — In a unanimous vote, the Executive Committee of the Denver Democratic Party has adopted a resolution condemning Governor Jared Polis for his veto of Senate Bill 25-005, a bill widely supported by organized labor and Democratic lawmakers across the state. The legislation would have repealed the outdated and anti-worker “Labor Peace Act,” aligning Colorado with the labor standards of other pro-worker states.

“The Executive Committee stands with working people,” said James Reyes, Chair of the Denver Democratic Party. “SB25-005 represented a meaningful step toward economic justice and workplace democracy. While we recognize the complexity of governing, the decision to veto this bill sends the wrong message to workers who deserve representation, dignity, and protection. I stand with our committee in supporting this resolution and in reaffirming our commitment to organized labor.”

The resolution cites the overwhelming support the bill received from labor unions, community groups, and Democratic legislators, and frames the veto as a betrayal of working-class Coloradans. It calls on all Democratic officials to uphold the party’s principles by standing unequivocally with labor.

Ian Coggins, Captain of House District 7B and author of the resolution, offered a more forceful rebuke of the governor’s decision. 

“This veto is not an isolated decision—it’s part of a pattern. Time and again, Governor Polis has sided with corporate interests over working families. His rejection of SB25-005 isn’t just a policy disagreement; it’s a betrayal of the very people our party claims to fight for. Workers are watching. Labor is watching. And so are we.”

The resolution will be formally transmitted to Governor Polis, the Colorado Democratic Party, and all Democratic members of the General Assembly. It reaffirms the Denver Democrats’ unwavering support for the labor movement and calls for greater accountability from elected Democrats on core issues of economic justice.

Resolution Condemning Governor Jared Polis for Vetoing SB25-005

Whereas, SB25-005 was a critical piece of legislation passed by the Colorado General Assembly with the intent to support and empower Colorado workers, particularly those in lower-wage sectors, by ending the anti-worker “Labor Peace Act” and aligning Colorado with other pro-worker states;

Whereas, the bill received broad support from labor unions, community organizations, and Democratic lawmakers who recognized the need for systemic reforms to address inequity and improve the lives of working Coloradans;

Whereas, Governor Jared Polis vetoed SB25-005, disregarding the will of the legislature, the advocacy of organized labor, and the values of economic justice that are central to the Democratic Party;

Whereas, this veto represents a betrayal of working people across Colorado and undermines the efforts of Democratic legislators to enact meaningful, progressive change and aligns instead with the Colorado chambers of commerce’s attempt to undermine working Coloradans;

Whereas, the Democratic Party must hold its elected officials accountable when they act in opposition to the principles of fairness, worker dignity, and democracy in the workplace;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Executive Committee of the Denver Democratic Party strongly condemns Governor Jared Polisfor vetoing SB25-005;

Be it further resolved, that the Denver Democrats reaffirm our unwavering support for the labor movement and call on all elected Democrats to stand with workers in the fight for economic justice;

Be it further resolved, that this resolution shall be transmitted to Governor Polis, the Colorado Democratic Party, and Democratic members of the Colorado General Assembly.