S_ED_2023A 02/06/2023 01:37:32 PM Committee Summary

Senator Zenzinger continued to explain special education funding in Colorado. She answered questions from the committee.

Lucinda Hundley, representing the Consortium of Directors of Special Education, testified in support of the bill.

Callen Ware, representing the Consortium of Directors of Special Education, testified in support of the bill.

The prior two witnesses answered questions from the committee. Committee discussion ensued.

Robin Reeser, representing Cañon City Schools, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Evie Hudak, representing Colorado Parent Teacher Association, testified in support of the bill.

Meighen Lovelace, representing Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Autumn Brooks, representing Clear Creek School District Re-1, testified in support of the bill.

Bri Buentello, representing Stand for Children Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Zenzinger provided closing comments on the bill. Committee members provided closing comments.

Senator Coleman and Senator Marchman, co-sponsors, presented Senate Bill 23-076, which concerns continuing the Colorado Youth Advisory Council indefinitely. They gave opening comments on the bill and answered questions from the committee.

Autumn Brooks, representing Clear Creek School District Re-1, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Marchman, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 23-061, which concerns eliminating state assessments in social studies. She provided opening comments on the bill.

Senator Marchman answered questions from the committee.

Dr. Katy Anthes, Commissioner of Education, Colorado Department of Education, testified in support of the bill. She answered questions from the committee.

Joyce Zurkowski, Chief Assessment Officer, Colorado Department of Education, came to the table to answer questions from the committee.

Dr. Anthes continued to answer questions from the committee. Committee discussion ensued.

Jen Walmer, representing Democrats for Education Reform and Education Reform Now, testified in support of the bill. She answered questions from the committee.

Ian Stout, representing Loveland Classical Schools, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Evie Hudak, representing Colorado Parent Teacher Association, testified in support of the bill.

Judy Solano, representing Advocates for Public Education Policy, testified in support of the bill.

Kevin Vick, representing the Colorado Education Association, the Colorado Association of School Executives, the Colorado Association of School Boards, and the Rural Schools Alliance, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Marchman distributed and explained amendment L.001 (Attachment C).

Senator Marchman provided closing comments on the bill. Committee members made comments.