Polis Plans Executive Order Limiting Sugary Drinks in Colorado

Governor Jared Polis is planning an executive order to limit sugary drink purchases in Colorado — including at taxpayer-funded events. This move will prohibit the use of food-assistance benefits to buy soda and other sugary drinks. The governor's office has not released details, but the plan is expected to address sugary beverages and promote healthy eating statewide.

The news came out during a heated debate among the governor-appointed human services board on March 6. Michelle Barnes, executive director of the Colorado Human Services Department, mentioned the upcoming executive order — despite being told not to. Barnes said the governor wants to limit soda drinking more broadly, not just for people on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The governor's cabinet, including leaders of the state departments of Agriculture and Health Care Policy and Financing, has been persuaded by the dialogue about banning soda purchases. The executive order is nearly ready but is being reviewed by lawyers. Barnes emphasized that the restrictions should not only apply to low-income people, but to all state purchases.

The human services board was set to vote on the change in SNAP rules at its April meeting. However, the board pushed the vote after seven hours of debate and testimony, citing concerns that the restrictions would only apply to "poor people." The board will reconsider the vote on Friday.

Make no mistake, this executive order will have implications for the Western Slope. If the governor's plan goes through, it will affect what can be purchased at taxpayer-funded events in our towns. The short version: no more soda at events paid for with our tax dollars.

In Delta County, where 12% of the population relies on SNAP benefits, this change could have a significant impact. The county already struggles with high rates of obesity and related health issues. Limiting access to sugary drinks could lead to positive outcomes. However, it's unclear how the executive order will be enforced or what alternatives will be offered.

The governor's office has declined to reveal details about the executive order, citing that it's still being reviewed by lawyers. Worth watching: how the state's leaders vote on Friday and how the executive order will be implemented statewide.

Read that again: the governor wants to limit soda drinking more broadly, not just for people on SNAP. This will affect all state purchases, including those made by schools and government agencies. The question is; what's next? Will the state provide alternative beverage options or offer education on healthy eating?

In Montrose, the school district has already implemented a healthy eating program, which includes limiting sugary drinks in schools. This move has shown promising results, with a decrease in obesity rates among students. Perhaps the governor's executive order will take a similar approach.

The state's decision-makers will be crucial in determining the fate of the executive order. If they vote in favor of the restrictions, it will pave the way for the governor's plan to limit sugary drink purchases statewide. However, if they vote against it, the governor's office will have to reconsider.

One thing is certain becomes: The governor's executive order will have far-reaching implications for the Western Slope. As locals, we need to pay attention to how this plan will affect our community, our health, and our wallets. The governor's office needs to provide more information on how this will be implemented and what benefits it will bring to our region.

The governor's plan is not just about limiting sugary drinks; it's about promoting healthy eating statewide. This is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. The outcome of this decision will depend on the state's ability to implement the plan effectively and provide benefits to the community.

In the coming weeks, we will be watching closely to see how this story unfolds. The governor's executive order has the potential to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of our community. As folks around here, we need to stay informed and engaged in this conversation.

The Western Slope has a unique set of challenges when it comes to health and nutrition. Our region has limited access to healthy food options, and we struggle with high rates of obesity and related health issues. The governor's executive order could lead to improvements in public health, but the details of implementation are still unclear, and the benefits to our community are still unknown.

As the story develops, we will provide updates and insights on how the governor's executive order will affect the Western Slope. For now, the outcome of Friday's vote by the state's leaders will determine the fate of the executive order and its potential impact on our region.