H_ED_2022A 04/14/2022 02:22:37 PM Committee Summary

Representatives Gray and Sullivan presented House Bill 22-1009, Continue Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. The bill extends the Workforce Diploma Pilot Program indefinitely.

The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Kara Miller, representing Roy Cruise, testified in support of the bill.

Kristian Starner, representing Graduation Alliance, testified in support of the bill.

Paula Schriefer, representing Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, testified to amend the bill. Dwenna Holden, representing Colorado Mountain College, testified to amend the bill. Dorothea Steinke, representing Literacy Coalition of Colorado, testified to amend the bill.

The panel of witnesses responded to questions from the committee.

Chaer Robert, representing Skills2Compete Colorado, testified to amend the bill.

Ms. Robert responded to questions from the committee.

The bill sponsors provided closing remarks on the bill.

Members of the committee provided closing remarks on the bill.

Representatives McLachlan and McKean presented Senate Bill 22-008, Higher Education Support for Foster Youth. The bill provides financial assistance to foster students to cover the cost of attendance at state institutions of higher education.

Sue Ricker, representing Colorado Council of Churches, testified in support of the bill. Livi Christiansen, representing Colorado Youth Advisory Council, testified in support of the bill. Miguel Huerta, representing Metropolitan State University of Denver, testified in support of the bill.

The panel of witnesses responded to questions from the committee.

Kate Trujillo, representing Metropolitan State University of Denver, testified in support of the bill. Benjamin Teevan, representing Fostering Colorado, Colorado Association of Children’s Agencies, and Stand for Children, testified in support of the bill. Minna Castillo-Cohen, representing Colorado Department of Human Services, testified in support of the bill.

Kiara Galvan, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Isabelle Burton, representing Mile High United Way, testified in support of the bill. Donna Golston, representing Mile High United Way, testified in support of the bill. Keaton Sheagley, representing Young Invincibles, testified in support of the bill.

Ashley Chase, representing Office of the Child's Representative, testified in support of the bill. Miriam Eckert, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

The bill sponsors provided closing remarks on the bill.