E1FD8630879F18B8872587720061C6C9 Hearing Summary

Kathy White, Emergency Economic Relief Coalition, began the panel discussion on the effect of the pandemic on workers.

Crystal Hulin spoke regarding her experience as an essential worker and her work as a nurse during the pandemic.

Sandy Chavez spoke regarding her experience as an essential grocery worker during the pandemic.

Leontine Djahi, spoke regarding her experience as long-term care provider during the pandemic.

Katie Lichtenstein spoke regarding her experience as a nurse working at Denver Health during the pandemic and the effect of the pandemic on health care workers.

Roger Low, Colorado Equitable Economic Mobility Initiative (CEEMI) began his presentation (Attachment D). He spoke regarding models for middle skill training programs for low-income workers, and asked the task force to consider funding these programs with ARPA moneys.

Ms. Lichtenstein responded to questions from the task force regarding federal stimulus payments, and spoke regarding the importance of recognizing essential workers. Ms. Djahi responded to questions from the task force regarding how to support essential health care workers.

Ms. White noted that none of the workers who testified received hazard pay during the pandemic. She spoke regarding the burnout associated with employment as an essential worker, and the importance of access to mental health services.

The committee recessed for lunch.