Date: 08/18/2009
Final
Public Testimony
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY POVERTY REDUCTION TASK FORCE
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03:23 PM -- Public Testimony
The following persons testified before the task force:
03:23 PM -- Ms. Susana Avelar-Recinos, representing the Denver Center for Crime Victims, presented information concerning economic issues affecting crime victims. She discussed funding provided to crime victims and described clients served by her organization. Ms. Avelar-Recinos described victimizations that can lead to the loss of public benefits, as well as victimizations that occur due to a lack of adequate benefits. The organization also provides services to individuals attempting to leave a violent relationship who may require financial assistance. Responding to questions from Representative Kagan, Ms. Avelar-Recinos described the Denver Center for Crime Victims, a nonprofit organization, and its relationships with existing state programs. Responding to questions from Representative Waller, Ms. Avelar-Recinos discussed funding sources for her organization and steps taken to protect against fraud.
03:32 PM
Ms. Avelar-Recinos responded to questions from Representative Kefalas concerning measures of success. Representative Kagan asked about a state crime victims organization fund. Ms Avelar-Recinos indicated that the fund exists but is run by judicial districts. Discussion continued between Representative Kagan and Ms. Avelar-Recinos.
03:35 PM -- Ms. Tammy Bellofatto-Sundberg, who represented the Free Coalition before its funding was cut in January 2009, discussed her experiences as a felon in the workforce. Ms. Bellofatto-Sundberg addressed the use of background checks by employers. She offered the following recommendations:
- change how people outside of law enforcement see a Colorado Bureau of Investigation report, and only show convictions;
- change the laws that make businesses liable for the actions of their employees, holding people accountable for their own actions. This will open up a lot of jobs for convicted felons; and
- make the tax credit for hiring convicted felons easier to apply for. Most companies spend more than the $2,400 tax credit in filling out forms. One possibility is to raise the amount of the tax credit to that of the TANF tax credit, spreading it out over a couple of years of employment.
Ms. Bellafatos-Sundberg responded to questions from Senator Hudak regarding job searches for felons. Representative Kefalas made additional comments.