H_PHC_2019A 03/22/2019 10:34:29 AM Committee Summary

Representative Valdez and Representative Buentello, bill sponsors, presented Senate Bill 19-063 to the committee.  The bill requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Early Childhood Leadership Commission to develop a strategic action plan to address the decline of family child care homes and availability of child care throughout the state, and submit a report to the General Assembly.  The bill sponsors responded to committee questions.

Representative Michaelson Jenet proceeded with witness testimony on the bill.

Roger Olson, Kids Castle, testified in support of the bill.

Benjamin Waters, Mile High United Way, testified in support of the bill.

Christina Walker, Clayton Early Learning, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members commented on the bill.

Representative Buentello, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 19-001 to the committee.  The bill extends the Medication-assisted Treatment Pilot Program administered within the University of Colorado for two years and increases its appropriation.  Counties in the San Luis Valley — Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Huerfano, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache — and up to two additional counties where a need is demonstrated are eligible to participate in the program, in addition to Pueblo and Routt counties where the program currently operates.  The administration of the program is shifted from the College of Nursing to the Center for Research into Substance Use Disorder Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Support Strategies at the University of Colorado.  Representative Buentello responded to committee questions.

Representative Mullica proceeded with witness testimony on the bill.

Melinda McDowell, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Robert Valuck, Colorado Consortium for Rx Drug Abuse Prevention, testified in support of the bill.

Valerie Schlecht, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Stephanie Stewart, American Society of Addiction Medicine, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Valuck and Ms. McDowell responded to committee questions.

Dr. Paul Cook, Univeristy of Colorado College of Nursing, testified in support of the bill.  Dr. Cook responded to committee questions.

Representative Buentello gave closing remarks on the bill.

Committee members commented on the bill.