Date: 08/21/2013
Final
Presentation by Working Groups
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY POVERTY REDUCTION TASK FORCE
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12:18 PM -- Effective Use of Public/Private Resources Working Group
Senator Balmer mentioned that the working group had a presentation on Getting Ahead and Circles to Compete programs. Businesses sign contracts with employers to hire applicants who have completed one of the programs. They are looking to have more people go through the program and hire more veterans.
Representative Exum introduced the Employees First program from Goodwill. To enter the program, potential employees must be employment-ready with completed education and available childcare. The program does not provide soft skills, such as how to dress or show up on time. The program's top three objectives are to help prepare a resume, create an application, and develop interview skills. Rep. Exum asked why private employers are eligible for the program. The presenter answered that it was based on federal guidelines. There are 14,000 people in the program and it is part of the Department of Agriculture. One of the programs in Southern Colorado due to lack of funding. They are looking for matching state funds. The program had about 75,000 applicants but not all were participating in the Employees First program. The working group wanted to look at a work readiness certificate from the state which costs about $250 for each certificate. The program had looked at receiving state matching funds because they currently receive nothing. There were follow-up questions for the presenter.
Senator Balmer said the work group wondered if the job readiness certificate could help people get jobs. The program may need to be expanded or people need encouragement to get the certificate. The work group wanted to explore what is holding people up in terms of getting the certificate.
Senator Balmer then discussed a Denver Regional Council of Governments presentation. The presenter showed that community-based services provide good value relative to being in a medical facility. In home delivery of meals and doctor visits cost $350 per month, but it is much more expensive if they are in assisted living or some other care. Taking services to seniors is the cheapest way to keep them from turning to more expensive options.
Representative Exum stated that the task force should find ways for seniors to maximize their contribution to the economy.
Senator Kefalas thanked the working groups.
Senator Ulibarri said that keeping older workers in the labor force prevents young folks from entering the workforce, which is also beneficial.
12:41 PM -- Workforce Readiness and Development Working Group
Representative Pettersen began by providing an overview of a presentation the group received on the unemployed and underemployed in Colorado. Representative Pettersen explained that many such individuals do not have a high school diploma and do not speak English very well. The presenter said that access to education and how a child does in school is determined by the education of the parents, especially the mothers. The work group discussed what the legislature has done including the Skills to Compete program and how to get people ready for the workforce. The working group identified access to education through community colleges and working with business to get students ready for the workforce.
Senator Marble said that if the state could improve K-12 education, then students may be better prepared when they get to college and that the state should focus on some vocational training. She would like community colleges to provide affordable and reliable education to students. Senator Marble stated that there was population growth of 330,000 but the labor force only increased by 11,000, meaning that folks dropped out of labor force and that because of the slow growth in the labor force, the unemployment rate is much higher. Senator Marble stated that Colorado has the highest unemployment rate of the surrounding states and that the state needs to give kids a better opportunity to reach the labor force. She explained that further meetings of the working group will look at regulations and small businesses have been invited to come and present to the working group.
Representative Pettersen said the working group found that in Colorado access to adult education is limited and that many people that could take advantage of programs are not participating.
Senator Hudak wanted to know if the working group looked at adult basic literacy. She stated that moving out of poverty and the drop out rate are linked, but there are some adults who are not fully literate and they may need some extra help. The Colorado Department of Education has programs, but state support has been withdrawn for adult literacy programs.
Senator Marble said that the working group discussed English learning and it was noted that if parents are proficient in English then children do better in school. Senator Kefalas added that there are currently no General Fund dollars to support adult basic education and literacy.
12:54 PM -- Housing Continuim Working Group
Senator Ulibarri relayed Representative Saine's apologies for not being able to attend the task force meeting. He continued that presentations will be available to all task force members. He explained that the working group explored issues related to home financing, both now and prior to the recession. Each presenter was asked about challenges and what can be done with and without the General Assembly's help.
Senator Ulibarri stated that most affordable housing is private. He explained that the Department of Corrections also provides housing programs as people reenter the housing market. The programs have reduced recidivism and participants are less likely to end up back in prison. Senator Ulibarri said that the programs help to reduce the General Fund moneys required for the Department of Corrections. The work group wondered if there is a way to measure these dollars and how that would translate into the rest of the budget.
Senator Ulibarri continued by explaining that the Colorado Housing Finance Authority has tax credits that can help develop affordable housing and also has education programs for first time homeowners. He mentioned that when folks have housing they are able to enter labor market which leads to economic development. The presenters stated that until 2008 unique loan products were available under federal law and bond market conditions helped make the products available. Since then, there has been a gap in soft funds available to help with affordable home programs.
Senator Ulibarri discussed Habitat for Humanity and how to provide funding to the program.
The working group discussed how state and federal policies can support local efforts to develop affordable housing.
Senator Balmer discussed incentives for private developers to create affordable housing and how the state may be able to provide an incentive for local governments to allow higher density development.
The committee discussed housing needs for individuals released from Department of Correction and with mental health needs.
01:18 PM -- Public Comment on Working Group Discussion
Randal Loeb, representing himself, said that he is bipolar and has been homeless many times. He stated that many people will never have the opportunity to compete and thinks there should be a bill of rights for homeless and people in poverty. He stated that the homeless have a shorter life expectancy and there is no safety net for the homeless. He described his difficulty finding employment.
Janet Heimer, representing herself. discussed the match savings account, which is a federal program with a local match that allows people to save for a down payment, go back to school, or open a small business.
Rachel Contizano, representing herself, said the discussion on workforce development and community colleges should focus, in part, on the child care available for students going to school.