H_FIN_2019A 01/28/2019 01:32:42 PM Committee Summary

Representative Rich presented House Bill 19-1062 to the committee, along with two handouts (Attachments A and B) and amendment L.001 (Attachment C).  The bill allows the Department of Human Services to transfer the Grand Junction Regional Center (GJRC) campus to a state institution of higher education or to a local government.  If the department utilizes the option to transfer rather than sell the GJRC campus, the bill requires it to submit a plan regarding the transfer of the campus to the Capital Development Committee no later than December 10, 2019.

Gayle Berry, representing Mesa County, responded to committee members' questions.

Diane Schwenke, representing the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, testified in support of the bill remotely from Colorado Mesa University.

Robin Brown, representing Grand Junction Economic Partnership, testified in support of the bill remotely from Colorado Mesa University.

Rose Pugliese, Mesa County Commissioner, representing Mesa County Board of County Commissioners, testified in support of the bill remotely from Colorado Mesa University.

Dr. Jeff Kuhr, representing the Mesa County Public Health Department, testified in support of the bill.

Charlotte Brantley, representing Clayton Early Learning, testified in support of the bill.

Richard Orf, representing the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Exum, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 19-1085, which expands two grant rebate programs.  Under current law, Colorado residents over the age of 65 are eligible for a property tax and rent assistance rebate grant and a heat and fuel expenses rebate grant.

Eileen Doherty, representing the Colorado Gerontological Society, testified in support of the bill.

Roberto Rey, representing the AARP, testified in support of the bill.

Jeanette Hensley, representing Colorado Senior Lobby, testified in support of the bill.

Ed Shackleford, representing himself, testified in support of the bill and presented a handout (Attachment D).

Francesca Maes, representing Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Andrew Bennett, representing Energy Outreach Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Eric Myers, representing the Department of Revenue, responded to committee members' questions.

Representative Benavidez distributed and explained amendment L.001 (Attachment E).

Ed DeCecco, representing the Office of Legislative Legal Services, responded to committee members' questions.

Representatives Catlin and McCluskie presented House Bill 19-1026 to the committee.  The bill, which was previously heard in House Rural Affairs, increases fine amounts and changes the disposition of fine revenue for violations related to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.  

Doug Vilsack, representing the Department of Natural Resources, testified in support of the bill and responded to committee members' questions.

Representatives Buckner and Wilson presented House Bill 19-1005 to the committee.  The bill, which was previously heard in House Education, creates an income tax credit for eligible early childhood educators.  It decreases state revenue and increases state expenditures through FY 2023-24.

Bill Jaeger, representing Colorado Children's Campaign, testified in support of the bill.

Ali Mickelson, representing the Colorado Fiscal Institute, testified in support of the bill.

Christina Walker and Charlotte Brantley, representing Clayton Early Learning, testified in support of the bill.

Amber Egbert, representing the Department of Revenue, responded to committee members' questions.

Louis Pino, Legislative Council Staff, responded to committee members' questions.

Representatives Buckner and Wilson wrapped up their presentation.