Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS

Date:04/29/2015
ATTENDANCE
Time:01:38 PM to 07:00 PM
Hill
X
Jones
X
Place:SCR 356
Ulibarri
X
Sonnenberg
*
This Meeting was called to order by
Scott
X
Senator Scott
This Report was prepared by
Julia Jackson
X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call
Bills Addressed: Action Taken:
HB15-1228
SB15-282
HB15-1326
HB15-1317
HB15-1251
HB15-1235
HB15-1194
HB15-1165
HJR15-1023		Referred to Appropriations
Amended, Referred to Appropriations
Postponed Indefinitely
Referred to the Committee of the Whole
Postponed Indefinitely
Postponed Indefinitely
Postponed Indefinitely
Postponed Indefinitely
Postponed Indefinitely


01:39 PM -- HB15-1228

Senator Scott, sponsor, presented House Bill 15-1228 to the committee. This bill, as amended by the House Finance Committee, makes several changes to the administration and collection of the special fuel excise tax (tax) on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), beginning in calendar year 2016. These changes include:

• limiting the imposition of the tax on LPG so that, in most instances, the tax is levied when LPG is placed in a motor vehicle's fuel tank, instead of when the LPG is acquired, sold, offered for sale, or used for any purpose whatsoever;
• requiring a distributor that places LPG in a fuel tank to pay the tax;
• allowing a retailer not to be considered as a distributor, provided it files an affidavit with the Department of Revenue (DOR) and posts a notice stating that the LPG it sells is not for vehicle use;
• designating the operator of a private commercial fleet that uses LPG as a distributor where no other distribution contract is in place;
• requiring a distributor that uses LPG to propel a cargo tank motor vehicle to pay the tax on the LPG used for this purpose, based on odometer readings of the mileage traveled by the vehicle;
• assessing the tax on the volume of net gallons, rather than gross gallons, of LPG;
• eliminating the 2 percent allowance for LPG lost in transit or handling;
• eliminating the minimum amount, currently $25,000, of a surety bond that an LPG distributor may deposit with the DOR in lieu of evidence of a savings account, deposit, or certificate of deposit; and
• prohibiting the DOR from collecting any penalties or interest related to the tax on LPG sold in calendar years 2014 and 2015.




Additionally, the bill changes the definition of "gallon" for the purpose of assessing the special fuel excise tax on compressed natural gas (CNG). The bill defines "gallon" so that the tax is assessed on a quantity of fuel computed using the same method as was the basis for the purchase of gas at the wholesale level, provided that the method is one of three identified in statute.

Senator Scott explained that the bill cleaned up a problem for propane dealers.

01:41 PM -- Charles Brown, representing the Colorado Propane Gas Association, testified in support of the bill. He explained that the bill keeps residential customers from paying excise taxes on propane fuel.

01:41 PM -- Cabell Hodge, representing the Colorado Energy Office, testified in support of the bill. He provided an example of the bill's impact on small propane businesses and stated that the bill would approve the process of taxing propane.


01:44 PM

Senator Scott wrapped up his presentation of the bill. Committee members discussed the routing of the bill.
BILL:HB15-1228
TIME: 01:44:53 PM
MOVED:Ulibarri
MOTION:Refer House Bill 15-1228 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a vote of 4-0, with 1 member excused.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Hill
Yes
Jones
Yes
Ulibarri
Yes
Sonnenberg
Excused
Scott
Yes
Final YES: 4 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


01:45 PM -- SB15-282

The committee recessed.


01:47 PM

The committee reconvened. Senator Hill discussed procedures for the meeting.









01:48 PM

Senators Scott and Johnston, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 15-282 to the committee. The bill provides tax benefits to approved new businesses that locate inside a distressed county and establish a relationship with a state institution of higher education located in the distressed county. The business must be new to the state, hire at least eight new employees, and not directly compete with the core function of a business that is already operating in the state. The Colorado Economic Development Commission is responsible for developing guidelines for the administration of the tax-friendly zone program. By December 1, 2015, the commission shall determine which of the state's counties are highly distressed. In order to be designated a tax-friendly zone, the highly distressed county and the municipalities with boundaries wholly or partially within the highly distressed county must adopt a resolution affirming that they will provide incentive payments, exemptions, or refunds to new businesses to eliminate the business personal property tax, but not the real property tax, and eliminate any other tax liability imposed on the new businesses. The commission will ensure the counties and municipalities qualify as a tax-friendly zone.

Senator Scott explained that the bill is designed to help attract new businesses to Colorado's rural communities. Committee members received information supporting the bill (Attachments A and B). Senator Scott discussed the disparities in economic growth between the Front Range and the Western Slope.

15SenateState0429AttachA.pdf15SenateState0429AttachA.pdf 15SenateState0429AttachB.pdf15SenateState0429AttachB.pdf

Senator Johnston provided an overview of the bill as amended by amendment L.003 (Attachment C), which is a strike-below amendment. He described the application process, explaining that the state's Economic Development Commission will have to create rules defining new businesses and classifying distressed counties. He discussed the role of the state's universities under the bill to partner with businesses in their region. Senator Johnston explained the tax credits available under the bill, noting that school districts would not lose tax revenue. He added that data on the bill's effects will be made publicly available.

15SenateState0429AttachC.pdf15SenateState0429AttachC.pdf

02:07 PM

Committee members discussed the amended bill with Senator Johnston.


02:18 PM

Committee discussion continued.

02:25 PM -- Lori Fox, Interim Legislative Director for Governor John Hickenlooper, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the regional disparities in economic development in Colorado. She noted that the bill was inspired by a similar program in New York state, but that it was tailored to meet Colorado's needs.

02:28 PM -- Eloise Hirsch, representing the Governor's Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), testified in support of the amended bill. She clarified the eligibility standards under the bill. She answered questions from Senator Ulibarri.





02:31 PM -- John Vecchiarelli, representing the Department of Revenue, answered questions about the bill from Senator Ulibarri. Ms. Hirsch and Ms. Fox also answered questions from committee members.


02:38 PM

The following witnesses testified remotely from Colorado Mesa University:

02:38 PM -- Rose Pugliese, representing Mesa County, testified in support of the bill. She described the need for economic development on the Western Slope.

02:40 PM -- Diane Schwenke, representing the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, testified in support of the bill. She discussed job losses and housing prices in Mesa County. She added that the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce also supports the bill.

02:43 PM -- Bonnie Petersen, representing the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified in support of the bill. She described economic difficulties in her member counties.

02:48 PM -- Jeff Franklin, representing the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the effects of the economic recession on Mesa County.

02:50 PM -- Jay Miller, Mayor Pro Tem of Rifle, testified in support of the bill. He noted the limited economic development tools available to rural Colorado communities.

02:52 PM -- Martin Chazen, Mayor Pro Tem of Grand Junction, testified in support of the bill. He described Grand Junction's economic development plan, and he stated that the bill would support local efforts already underway.

02:55 PM -- Michael Lentz, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He discussed his experience growing up in the Grand Junction area and the lack of opportunities for young people.

02:57 PM -- Bill Byers, representing Grand Valley Power, testified in support of the bill. He discussed economic growth on the Western Slope.

03:00 PM -- Tim Foster, representing Colorado Mesa University, testified in support of the bill. He stated that the bill would help encourage economic development on the Western Slope. He responded to questions raised earlier by committee members.


03:02 PM

The remaining witnesses testified at the State Capitol.

03:02 PM -- Carol Hedges, representing the Colorado Fiscal Institute, testified against the bill. She described her organization and expressed concern that the bill absolves private sector entities of their tax responsibilities. She noted specific problems with the bill.

Senator Ulibarri and Senator Johnston discussed the refundability of the bill's tax incentives. Committee members continued to discuss the bill with the sponsors.






03:12 PM

Senator Jones questioned Ms. Hedges about the proposed tax incentives and how they might interact with other economic development initiatives.

03:17 PM -- Kristi Pollard, representing the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, testified in support of the bill. She discussed disparities in Colorado's job growth.

03:18 PM -- Jay Seaton, representing himself as a Grand Junction business owner, testified in support of the bill. He described his work on the Colorado Economic Development Commission. He suggested that existing state policy incentivizes the migration of jobs from rural areas to the Front Range.


03:22 PM

Senator Johnston and Senator Scott wrapped up their presentation of the bill. The committee discussed amending amendment L.003.
BILL:SB15-282
TIME: 03:27:01 PM
MOVED:Scott
MOTION:Adopt amendment L.003 (Attachment C). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Hill
Jones
Ulibarri
Sonnenberg
Scott
YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection


03:28 PM

Committee members commented on the bill. Senator Johnston responded to comments.


03:31 PM

The committee recessed.











03:32 PM

The committee reconvened. Committee discussion continued.
BILL:SB15-282
TIME: 03:36:13 PM
MOVED:Scott
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 15-282, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a vote of 3-2.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Hill
Yes
Jones
No
Ulibarri
No
Sonnenberg
Yes
Scott
Yes
Final YES: 3 NO: 2 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


03:36 PM

The committee recessed.






























03:49 PM -- HB15-1326

The committee reconvened.

Senator Garcia, sponsor, presented House Bill 15-1326 to the committee. The bill prohibits the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE), and the institutions of higher education, from considering the accreditation status of a school district or the state Charter School Institute (CSI) from which a student graduates when making admissions decisions or awarding financial assistance, grants, and scholarships, including the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend.
BILL:HB15-1326
TIME: 03:50:48 PM
MOVED:Sonnenberg
MOTION:Postpone House Bill 15-1326 indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 2-1, with 2 members excused.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Hill
Excused
Jones
No
Ulibarri
Excused
Sonnenberg
Yes
Scott
Yes
Final YES: 2 NO: 1 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


03:51 PM -- HB15-1317

Senators Martinez Humenik and Johnston, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 15-1317 to the committee. This bill creates the Pay for Success Contracts Program (program) in the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB). The program permits the OSPB to enter into "pay for success" contracts for the provision of program-eligible interventions. Program-eligible interventions are services provided to improve the lives and living conditions of individuals by increasing economic opportunity and the likelihood of healthy futures and promoting child and youth development. The bill also permits one or more local governments to enter into pay for success contracts. Under a pay for success contract program, the government contracts for the implementation of a desired program and agrees to pay the contractor with any government savings that are directly or indirectly a result of the contractor's services. The contractor then uses the payments to recoup its cost to implement the program, and to repay other investors. The responsibility for program success is placed on the contractor, who only receives payment by meeting defined performance targets, and only if sufficient direct or indirect reductions in government spending accrue as a result of the contractor's efforts. A pay for success contract is entered into with a third-party organization and its subcontractors. This "lead contractor" will agree to use its own money or borrow money to pay the cost of providing the program-eligible interventions. An investor provides working capital to fund the provision of services under a contract but is not a lead contractor or provider.








Senator Martinez Humenik explained that the bill offers the opportunity for innovative solutions to policy challenges. She discussed the use of pay for success contracts.

Senator Johnston explained that the supporting witnesses were not available to testify at this time.
BILL:HB15-1317
TIME: 03:59:27 PM
MOVED:Sonnenberg
MOTION:Refer House Bill 15-1317 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a vote of 2-1, with 2 members excused.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Hill
Excused
Jones
No
Ulibarri
Excused
Sonnenberg
Yes
Scott
Yes
Final YES: 2 NO: 1 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


04:01 PM -- HB15-1251

Senator Kerr, sponsor, presented House Bill 15-1251 to the committee. The bill reduces the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Retirement Division employer contribution to the Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) from 13.75 percent to 10.15 percent, effective January 1, 2015. The rate may be adjusted on January 1, 2020, and every fifth year thereafter.

Senator Kerr explained that Senate Bill 09-282 merged the liabilities of the Denver Public Schools Retirement System (DPRS) into PERA, and he discussed the merger and the need for the bill.

04:05 PM -- Nora Flood, representing the Colorado League of Charter Schools, testified in support of the bill. She explained that current law puts DPS on an unlevel playing field, and that the bill would free up funds for DPS.

04:08 PM -- Tom Boasberg, Superintendent of DPS, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the provisions of the DPSRS-PERA merger. He explained that the bill will reduce the funded ratio of PERA's DPS division but that this was foreseen in the merger. He stated that the bill would allow DPS equitable treatment relative to other school districts.

Senator Sonnenberg and Mr. Boasberg discussed DPS contributions to PERA.












04:16 PM

Senator Kerr wrapped up his presentation of the bill.
BILL:HB15-1251
TIME: 04:19:15 PM
MOVED:Jones
MOTION:Refer House Bill 15-1251 to the Committee on Finance. The motion failed on a vote of 2-3.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Hill
No
Jones
Yes
Ulibarri
Yes
Sonnenberg
No
Scott
No
YES: 2 NO: 3 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL

BILL:HB15-1251
TIME: 04:19:42 PM
MOVED:Sonnenberg
MOTION:Postpone House Bill 15-1251 indefinitely using a reversal of the previous roll call. There was no objection to the use of the reverse roll call, therefore, the bill was postponed indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 3-2.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Hill
Yes
Jones
No
Ulibarri
No
Sonnenberg
Yes
Scott
Yes
Final YES: 3 NO: 2 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS














04:20 PM -- HB15-1235

Senators Steadman and Todd, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 15-1235 to the committee. The reengrossed bill creates the Colorado Retirement Security Task Force (task force) in the legislative branch to study retirement security options that will promote greater retirement security for Coloradans. The bill specifies various areas of study for the task force, including, but not limited to:

• existing barriers to retirement;
• access to employer-sponsored retirement plans;
• the types of employer-sponsored retirement plans and individual retirement products currently offered in the state;
• the number and types of private market retirement products offered in the state;
• estimates of the average amount of retirement wealth state residents have upon retirement; and
• estimates of the average amount of retirement wealth that are recommended for a financially secure retirement in Colorado.

Senator Todd discussed Coloradans' lack of preparation for retirement and the work the task force would do to address this issue. She distributed a handout about Colorado's changing demographics (Attachment D).

15SenateState0429AttachD.pdf15SenateState0429AttachD.pdf

04:27 PM

Senator Steadman discussed the lack of employer-sponsored retirement plans today. He stated that a new mechanism is needed to prepare for retirement.

04:29 PM -- Rich Jones, representing the Bell Policy Center, testified in support of the bill. He provided a written copy of his testimony (Attachment E) and additional handouts (Attachment F). He relayed information about similar efforts in other states.

15SenateState0429AttachE.pdf15SenateState0429AttachE.pdf 15SenateState0429AttachF.pdf15SenateState0429AttachF.pdf

04:33 PM -- Ben Moultrie, representing AARP, testified in support of the bill. He discussed Americans' lack of retirement savings and the potential costs of this to society.

04:37 PM -- Ricardo Rocha, representing the Colorado Latino Leadership Advocacy and Research Organization (CLLARO), testified in support of the bill. He noted that most of Americans' retirement savings are still done through their employers.

04:39 PM -- Beverly Bishop, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She discussed her experience saving for retirement, noting that without employer pensions, future generations will face greater challenges.







04:42 PM -- Mark Turner, representing the Colorado Nonprofit Association, testified in support of the bill. He described his organization and discussed the bill's potential benefits for nonprofit employers.

04:44 PM -- Seth Greiner, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He stated that young people are looking for retirement savings plans that are accessible and easy to use.

04:46 PM -- Richard Seymour, representing the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisor (NAIFA), testified against the bill. He stated that the market currently provides sufficient retirement savings products, and he discussed his members' work.


04:49 PM

Senators Steadman and Todd wrapped up their presentation of the bill.
BILL:HB15-1235
TIME: 04:57:48 PM
MOVED:Ulibarri
MOTION:Refer House Bill 15-1235 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion failed on a vote of 2-3.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Hill
No
Jones
Yes
Ulibarri
Yes
Sonnenberg
No
Scott
No
YES: 2 NO: 3 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL





















BILL:HB15-1235
TIME: 04:58:12 PM
MOVED:Sonnenberg
MOTION:Postpone House Bill 15-1235 indefinitely using a reversal of the previous roll call. There was no objection to the use of the reverse roll call, therefore, the bill was postponed indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 3-2.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Hill
Yes
Jones
No
Ulibarri
No
Sonnenberg
Yes
Scott
Yes
Final YES: 3 NO: 2 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


04:58 PM -- HB15-1194

Senator Hodge, sponsor, presented House Bill 15-1194 to the committee. The bill continues the Family Planning Program within the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), provides an appropriation of $5,000,000 General Fund in FY 2015-16, and requires an annual appropriation of moneys each year thereafter from the General Fund to the CDPHE. The bill specifies that any moneys appropriated to the CDPHE under the bill cannot be used to supplant or reduce any other state-funded family planning program appropriations. The funding must be used to continue a grant program providing Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) methods to low-income and uninsured women to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies in Colorado. Under the bill, the CDPHE will contract with eligible family planning providers across the state to provide LARC services, including, but not limited to:

• the provision of LARC, including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants;
• training for providers and staff concerning LARC methods, counseling strategies, and managing side effects;
• technical assistance concerning billing, pharmacy rules, and clinic management;
• general support to family planning clinics;
• marketing and outreach strategies; and
• other services as deemed necessary by the CDPHE.

Senator Hodge provided background information about Colorado's family planning program. She described LARCs, noting that they have high up-front costs but save money over the long term. She discussed the benefits of reducing unintended pregnancies.













05:04 PM -- Josephine Dennison, representing herself, testified against the bill. She described her background in the medical field and noted possible side effects of IUD use. She presented a letter from Dr. John Volk (Attachment G). She noted additional issues with LARC use. Ms. Dennison suggested state funds be used to promote abstinence.

15SenateState0429AttachG.pdf15SenateState0429AttachG.pdf

05:09 PM -- Michael Norton, representing Colorado Family Action, testified against the bill. He provided written testimony (Attachment H) and read from this testimony. He discussed religious liberty issues he sees with the bill. He further discussed side effects of LARCs and expressed concern that they induce abortions.

15SenateState0429AttachH.pdf15SenateState0429AttachH.pdf

05:13 PM -- Dr. Larry Wolk, representing the CDPHE, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the success of CDPHE's family planning program and noted its varied funding sources. He noted that the program is evidence-based, and has reduced the number of both teen pregnancies and abortions. Senator Jones discussed this testimony with Dr. Wolk.

05:19 PM -- Dr. John Douglas, representing the Tri-County Health Department and the Colorado Association of Local Public Health Officials, testified in support of the bill. He discussed family planning programs at the local level. He noted the importance of reducing teen sexual encounters.

05:23 PM -- Dr. Rebecca Cohen, representing herself as a practicing obstetrician-gynecologist, testified in support of the bill. She explained that LARCs are effective and stated that Colorado's program is a national model. She described the methods LARCs use to prevent pregnancy.

05:26 PM -- Corrine Rivera-Fowler, representing the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR), testified in support of the bill. She told her story of teen pregnancy and the challenges she faced.

05:30 PM -- Amber Burkhart, representing the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, testified in support of the bill. She discussed a report on contraception coverage (Attachment I), noting that many insurance companies do not cover LARCs. She explained that the bill would help fill this gap in coverage.

15SenateState0429AttachI.pdf15SenateState0429AttachI.pdf

05:35 PM -- Mahna Salter, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She described her experience as an attorney representing children in abuse and neglect cases. She explained that these children often have parents who are overwhelmed, and she suggested that reducing unwanted pregnancies would help reduce child abuse.







05:39 PM -- Rosina Kovar, representing herself, testified against the bill. She discussed sexually transmitted diseases and the need for character education. She provided written testimony (Attachment J) to the committee.

15SenateState0429AttachJ.pdf15SenateState0429AttachJ.pdf

05:40 PM

Senator Hodge wrapped up her presentation of the bill.


05:40 PM

The committee recessed.


05:43 PM

The committee reconvened. Committee members commented on the bill.
BILL:HB15-1194
TIME: 05:44:18 PM
MOVED:Jones
MOTION:Refer House Bill 15-1194 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion failed on a vote of 2-3.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Hill
No
Jones
Yes
Ulibarri
Yes
Sonnenberg
No
Scott
No
YES: 2 NO: 3 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL














BILL:HB15-1194
TIME: 05:44:45 PM
MOVED:Sonnenberg
MOTION:Postpone House Bill 15-1194 indefinitely using a reversal of the previous roll call. There was no objection to the use of the reverse roll call, therefore, the bill was postponed indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 3-2.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Hill
Yes
Jones
No
Ulibarri
No
Sonnenberg
Yes
Scott
Yes
Final YES: 3 NO: 2 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


05:46 PM -- HB15-1165

Senator Ulibarri, sponsor, presented House Bill 15-1165. This bill creates the Subcommittee for the Consideration of the Use of American Indian Mascots by Public Schools (subcommittee) in the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs (commission) in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. The subcommittee is required to meet at least every two months to evaluate the use of American Indian mascots by public schools and public institutions of higher education, and approve or disapprove of such uses. The subcommittee is given the power to:

• petition the General Assembly for funding;
• solicit and accept private gifts, grants, or donations;
• make and publish reports of findings and recommendations;
• establish a grant application process for public schools or institutions of higher education; and
• award grant moneys to schools.

The bill specifies the composition and selection of subcommittee members and requires that both voting members representing American Indian tribes, and nonvoting members from the Colorado Department of Education and the Department of Higher Education, be included in the subcommittee. The American Indian Mascot Fund (mascot fund) is created in the State Treasury to consist of money appropriated by the General Assembly and any gifts, grants, or private donations the subcommittee accepts. Money in the fund is subject to annual appropriations for the direct and indirect expenses of the subcommittee.
















No later than September 15, 2015, public schools and institutions of higher education that use an American Indian mascot are required to notify the subcommittee of such uses. No later than October 1, 2015, each school using an American Indian mascot must cease using the mascot, or request approval of the use of the mascot from the subcommittee. If the subcommittee disapproves of the mascot, the school must discontinue use of the mascot within two years of receiving notice. For each month a public school uses a disapproved mascot beyond the deadline, the district is required to pay a $25,000 fine for deposit in the State Education Fund. Fines for charter schools are payable either by the school district (for district authorized charter schools) or the Colorado Charter School Institute (for CSI authorized charter schools). Fines for institutions of higher education must be paid by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE). A school whose mascot is disapproved by the subcommittee may apply for a grant to pay for new uniforms, new decor, new letterhead, and other branding modifications necessitated by the change of mascot.

Senator Ulibarri provided background information on the bill. He discussed the problem of using derogatory symbols and language in schools.

05:51 PM -- Ernest House, Jr., representing the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the genesis of the bill. Senator Sonnenberg discussed other potentially derogatory mascots with Mr. House. Senator Ulibarri responded to this discussion.

05:58 PM -- Monique Lefthandbull, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Her daughters LacyJay and Lucille Lefthandbull also testified in support of the bill. They stated that they are not mascots, and they discussed bullying they have faced. Ms. Lefthandbull explained that Indian children are told that this issue is trivial, but it is not. She discussed the problems with using Indian mascots.

06:04 PM -- John Sampson, representing Strasburg 31J School District, testified against the bill. He stated that Strasburg High School has never had substantive issues with the use of Indians as its mascot. He expressed his opinion that the bill is a waste of money and time. He discussed the costs of the bill for his district.

Senator Ulibarri and Mr. Sampson discussed Strasburg's use of the Indian mascot.

06:12 PM -- Elicia Goodsoldier, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the link between Indian mascots and bullying of Indian children.

06:16 PM -- Walt Cooper, representing the Cheyenne Mountain School District, testified against the bill. He suggested that Cheyenne Mountain High School's mascot should be debated locally. He expressed concern with the bill's lack of accountability. Senator Ulibarri discussed school district policies with Mr. Cooper.

06:22 PM -- Ara Cruz, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He explained that Indian mascots harm the self esteem of Indian youth. He expressed concern for the lack of engagement with American Indians in discussing mascot use.

06:26 PM -- Stephanie Jerome, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She explained that the use of Indian mascots has major consequences. Her son, Matene Wanna-Jerome, also introduced himself.

06:30 PM -- Justin Valas, representing the Mile High Japanese-American Citizens League, testified in support of the bill. He explained that society often trivializes the identity of minority groups. He discussed problems with the use of Indian mascots.







06:34 PM -- Dr. Deborah Hunt, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She described her experience working with Indian child welfare and Indian education, including in her current position at CU-Denver. She discussed the problems of suicide and low graduation rates among Native American youth.

06:38 PM -- Sarah Ortegon, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She suggested that schools focus instead on teaching American Indian history.


06:40 PM

Senator Ulibarri wrapped up his presentation of the bill. He discussed Arapahoe High School's use of the warrior as its mascot.

Committee members discussed the bill with Senator Ulibarri.
BILL:HB15-1165
TIME: 06:47:43 PM
MOVED:Ulibarri
MOTION:Refer House Bill 15-1165 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion failed on a vote of 2-3.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Hill
No
Jones
Yes
Ulibarri
Yes
Sonnenberg
No
Scott
No
YES: 2 NO: 3 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL





















BILL:HB15-1165
TIME: 06:47:59 PM
MOVED:Sonnenberg
MOTION:Postpone House Bill 15-1165 indefinitely using a reversal of the previous roll call. There was no objection to the use of the reverse roll call, therefore, the bill was postponed indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 3-2.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Hill
Yes
Jones
No
Ulibarri
No
Sonnenberg
Yes
Scott
Yes
Final YES: 3 NO: 2 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


06:48 PM -- HJR15-1023

Senator Ulibarri, sponsor, presented House Joint Resolution 15-1023 to the committee. The resolution supports the goals and ideals of the National Day of Silence by bringing attention to anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender harassment faced by individuals in schools.

Senator Ulibarri discussed the National Day of Silence.


06:50 PM

The committee recessed.























06:58 PM

The committee reconvened. Senator Ulibarri wrapped up his presentation of the resolution.
BILL:HJR15-1023
TIME: 07:00:03 PM
MOVED:Ulibarri
MOTION:Refer HJR15-1023 to the Full Senate. The motion failed on a vote of 2-3.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Hill
No
Jones
Yes
Ulibarri
Yes
Sonnenberg
No
Scott
No
YES: 2 NO: 3 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL

BILL:HJR15-1023
TIME: 07:00:35 PM
MOVED:Sonnenberg
MOTION:Postpone HJR15-1023 indefinitely using a reversal of the previous roll call. There was no objection to the use of the reverse roll call, therefore, the bill was postponed indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 3-2.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Hill
Yes
Jones
No
Ulibarri
No
Sonnenberg
Yes
Scott
Yes
Final YES: 3 NO: 2 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


07:00 PM

The committee adjourned.