D85898EC2AAB1B1D8725839A0000C163 Hearing Summary

Senator Gardner explained SB19-050, concerning the compensation of attorneys working in the office of the district attorney.  He discussed the importance of highly professional, competent counsel and the challenges of recruiting in rural counties. 

Tom Raynes, representing CDAC, spoke in support of the bill.  He distributed an attachment about recruiting and retaining professional, highly-qualified career prosecutors (Attachment H).  

Senator Gardner presented and explained Amendment L. 003 (Attachment I).  Mr. Raynes also discussed the amendment and explained the proposed salary structure.  The amendment also pushes the implemention out unil 2021 and allows for more flexibility to infuse money into areas of need. 

Cliff Riedel, District Attorney for the 8th Judicial District, spoke in support of the bill.  He discussed the lack of funding for district attorneys.  The committee discussed the dilemma in the legislature of supporting local government functions. 

Helen Sigmond, County Commissioner from Alamosa County, testified in favor of the bill.  She discussed county responsibilities, such as courthouses and jails, and the lack of funding. 

Gene Glover, County Commissioner from Rio Grande County, spoke in support of the bill. He explained that money is being taken away from other programs and services to fund criminal justice.  

Mitchell Jarvies, County Commission from Conejos County, spoke in support of the bill.  He discussed increasing costs and limited revenue. 

Steve Romero, County Commissioner from Costilla County, testified in favor of the bill. He explained how rural counties are struggling financially. 

Scott Lamb, County Commissioner from Mineral County, spoke in support of the bill. He noted that Mineral County is 96% federal land and is not able to generate much tax revenue.

The county commissioners answered questions from the committee about bond measures and tax increases posed to the voters.