h_lg_2016a_2016-02-04t10:33:13z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/04/2016

10:34 AM -- Joint Rule 25 Hearing with JBC - Department of Local Affairs FY 2016-17 Budget Request



Representative Hamner introduced the members and staff of the Joint Budget Committee.



Representative Rankin presented on the appropriations summary for the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) budget requests for FY 2015-16 and FY 2016-17. He also summarized and discussed the requests from DOLA regarding the Fort Lyon Supportive Residential Community (Fort Lyon). Representative Ranking expressed concerns from the JBC regarding the ongoing costs of Fort Lyon.



Representative Singer asked questions regarding clinical mental health treatment and measurable outcomes of recovery for Fort Lyon. Representative Young discussed the metrics used to measure success in the Fort Lyon programs.





10:46 AM



The committee members continued to discuss data collections in Fort Lyon programs.



Senator Crowder asked a question regarding the involvement of the Veterans Administration.



Senator Kefalas asked a question regarding the local economic impact of the facility.





10:55 AM



Representative Rankin summarized and discussed the requests from DOLA regarding affordable housing.



Senator Crowder asked a question regarding affordable housing programs in other states. Representative Young discussed housing issues and current programs in Colorado to provide for housing assistance. Representative Rankin discussed housing costs related to institutional housing.



Representative Fields asked a question regarding stakeholders and programs needed to address housing issues. Representative Rankin discussed federal, state, and local programs and the issues that are not being addressed for affordable housing in Colorado.



Senator Kafalas discussed best practices for affordable housing and the public and private partnerships to provide support services.



Representative Klingenschmidt discussed municipal responses to provide affordable housing.





11:07 AM



Representative Rankin summarized and discussed the request from DOLA regarding severance taxes. He discussed the distribution of severance tax funds to local governments.



Representative Thurlow asked a question regarding the distribution of severance tax funds to impacted areas. Representative Rankin discussed the current laws regarding the distribution of funds. Representative Hamner discussed the role of the JBC on severance tax distributions.





11:17 AM



The committee members continued to discuss the severance tax distribution formulas.



Senator Crowder asked about the impacts to severance taxes due to low oil prices. Senator Steadman spoke on funding in years when severance tax revenue is reduced.



Representative Rankin summarized and discussed the request from DOLA regarding the limited gaming impact grants.



Representative Lebsock discussed the audit findings on the limited gaming impact grants.