Senators Jodeh and Pelton R. presented Senate Bill 25-169, which, conditional on approval from the United States Department of Agriculture, allows participating restaurants to accept supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits as payment. Senator Jodeh distributed letters concerning the program (Attachment A).

Ms. Greta Allen, representing Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Meredith Henry, representing The Arc of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Rebekah Hernandez, representing Colorado Restaurant Association, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Tessa Cushman, representing Adams County Health Department, testified in support of the bill. The panelists responded to committee questions.

Ms. Marissa Cantrell, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Aubrey Wilde, representing Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, testified in support of the bill. Abby McClelland, representing Colorado Department of Human Services, responded to committee questions.