Governor Polis Statement on President Biden & First Lady for Visiting Colorado in Wake of Marshall Fire

Saturday, January 8, 2022

LOUISVILLE - Today, Gov. Polis, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, Congressman Joe Neguse, Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper, Sheriff Joe Pelle and local officials joined President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden as the first family visited Colorado to survey the Marshall Fire damage, meet with Colorado families and individuals impacted by the devastating fire, speak with first responders and discuss the ongoing federal and state support for the community. 

“President Biden's own personal story of unspeakable loss and grief shone through today as he genuinely connected on a human level with our affected residents and families. I am grateful for him coming personally to comfort us in our time of need and recommitting to support our recovery and healing. I thank President Biden and the First Lady for their unwavering support for our resilient community. We will continue working together on recovery,” said Governor Jared Polis. “I welcome President Biden to Colorado and applaud his administration for making vital resources like the FEMA Disaster Assistance Center and Disaster Unemployment Insurance available quickly to those who survived the Marshall fire.” 

Governor Polis joined President Biden and the First Lady today for an aerial observation of the wildfire’s devastation. Governor Polis asked President Biden to visit Colorado and spoke with the President following the aftermath of the fire.  

On Wednesday, the Governor, Lt. Governor Primavera and members of the cabinet discussed the wide range of needs residents impacted in the region face, ranging from rebuilding their homes, repairing damaged property, mental health services addressing the emotional toll and help for those who have lost their source of income. 

Earlier this week, the Colorado Department of Revenue announced the agency will offer relief on state-collected taxes to Colorado taxpayers who have been affected by the Marshall Fire.  The tax relief measures will mirror IRS measures in the same declared disaster area. 

On Monday, the Polis administration and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has been approved by the Federal Emergency. 

Impacted business owners and homeowners can apply for low-interest loans through the Small Business Administration’s Disaster Assistance program at sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

For more information on federal disaster assistance and access to application materials, visit disasterassistance.gov. 

A list of additional resources for Coloradans impacted by the fires can be found here.