Date: 04/30/2015

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB15-1001

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Postpone House Bill 15-1001 indefinitely. The moti
Refer House Bill 15-1001 to the Committee on Appro		PASS
FAIL



07:51 PM -- HB15-1001

Senator Todd, sponsor, presented House Bill 15-1001 which concerns a scholarship program to help early childhood education professionals obtain postsecondary credentials in early childhood education. She explained that the bill was recommended by the 2014 Early Childhood and School Readiness Commission. She talked about the low wages received by early childhood workers which makes it difficult for them to continue their education. She explained revisions to the bill's fiscal note.

The following people testified:

07:56 PM -- Jeanine Coleman, representing the University of Denver, spoke in support of the bill. She applauded the inclusion of early childhood special education, and discussed the importance of early intervention.

07:57 PM -- Benjamin Waters, representing Mile High United Way and Qualistar Colorado, spoke in support of the bill.
07:57 PM -- Kathryn Harris, CEO of Qualistar Colorado, spoke in support of the bill. She said the bill will help advance quality early childhood education which provides long-term social, educational, and emotional benefits. She spoke about the importance of quality teachers and caregivers who interact with children every day. She said a substantial number of early childhood teachers have less than a bachelor's degree and have only taken two college-level courses. She told the committee that the average hourly wage for these workers is around eleven dollars.


08:02 PM

There were no more witnesses and Senator Marble closed public testimony. Senator Todd gave closing comments to the bill.
BILL:HB15-1001
TIME: 08:06:29 PM
MOVED:Todd
MOTION:Refer House Bill 15-1001 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion failed on a vote of 4-5.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Holbert
No
Johnston
Yes
Kerr
Yes
Merrifield
Yes
Neville T.
No
Todd
Yes
Woods
No
Marble
No
Hill
No
YES: 4 NO: 5 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL


BILL:HB15-1001
TIME: 08:08:38 PM
MOVED:Marble
MOTION:Postpone House Bill 15-1001 indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 5-4.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Holbert
Yes
Johnston
No
Kerr
No
Merrifield
No
Neville T.
Yes
Todd
No
Woods
Yes
Marble
Yes
Hill
Yes
Final YES: 5 NO: 4 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS