Date: 09/08/2014
Final
Public Comment
MARIJUANA SALES TAX REVENUES
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12:14 PM -- Public Comment
Representative Pabon opened the floor to public comment. Frank Cornelia representing the Colorado Behavioral Health Council came to the table and provided a handout on their organization and recommendations (Attachment F). He thanked the committee for its work and described the work of behavioral health providers in Colorado and described his recommendations on the use of marijuana revenue. He mentioned several programs that should be funded, including the Access to Recovery Program, the Colorado Collaborative Management Program, and Community Prevention Programs. He described the need to enhance the Medicaid substance use benefit and the need to continue the programs he is recommending, as they have flexible funding sources and create linkage between programs and close gaps in services. He also voiced his support for programs funded under SB 14-215. Representative Singer commented on the infrastructure deficit in Colorado and asked how far behind we are in terms of behavioral health, and asked what would be the best use of funds. Mr. Cornelia recommended expanding the Medicaid substance use benefit to include higher intensity services, as well as supporting state and local programs that offer flexible funding.
14Marijuana0908AttachF.pdf
12:27 PM
Representative Pabon discussed future committee dates. September 29th was mentioned as the most likely date. The committee then adjourned.