Senators Coleman and Simpson, prime sponsors, introduced and explained Senate Bill 26-080. Conditional upon the receipt of sufficient gifts, grants, and donations, the bill creates a grant program to provide education and workforce readiness support to children and youth that open opportunities for economic mobility from poverty.

The bill sponsors provided an overview of the amendments they plan to introduce and responded to questions from the committee.

Lisandra Gonzales, representing Rocky Mountain Partnership Cradle to Career, testified to amend the bill. Raymond Gonzales, representing Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, testified to amend the bill. Corey Edwards, representing Rocky Mountain Partnership, testified to amend the bill. Dr. Richard Wagner, representing American Federation of Teachers, testified to amend the bill.

Karen Bigelow, representing Rocky Mountain Partnership, testified to amend the bill. Monica Hunter, representing Colorado Education Association, testified to amend the bill. Randy Roberts, representing Rocky Mountain Partnership, testified to amend the bill.

The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Dr. Meghan Stidd, representing Department of Human Services, testified in support of the bill. Christian Rhodes, representing Harlem Children's Zone, testified in support of the bill.

Carolyn Renaud, representing themself, testified to amend the bill. Peter LiFari, representing themself, testified to amend the bill.

The bill sponsors introduced and explained amendment L.001 (Attachment A).

The bill sponsors introduced and explained amendment L.002 (Attachment B).

The bill sponsors introduced and explained amendment L.003 (Attachment C).

The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee on amendment L.003.

The bill sponsors introduced and explained amendment L.004 (Attachment D).

The bill sponsors made closing comments.

Committee members made closing comments.