Date: 02/18/2015
Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB15-082
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT
| Votes: View--> | Action Taken: |
| Refer Senate Bill 15-082 to the Committee of the W | |
01:35 PM -- SB15-082
Representative Moreno and Representative Lawrence, sponsors, presented and summarized Senate Bill 15-082 concerning the authority of counties to establish a county workforce development program. The bill allows a county to establish a workforce development program to provide financial assistance to residents in the county who pursue post-secondary education or training from an accredited institution of higher education or certified training program. The program will be known as "Bright Future Colorado." In addition, the county may establish a workforce development fund to accept contributions for the program. Participating counties may offer a county property tax credit or rebate to a taxpayer who contributed to the fund. The bill requires that The Board of County Commissioners approve the total amount of credits or rebates annually.
Representative Moreno answered questions from the committee regarding the county property tax credit or rebate for taxpayers who contribute to the fund.
Representative Lawrence answered questions from the committee regarding tax incentives for donations.
01:45 PM -- Barbara Kirkmeyer and Sean Conway, Weld County Commissioners, spoke in favor of the bill.
Commissioner Conway discussed the workforce development programs offered at Aims Community College. He said that counties would be able to opt in or out of the program.
Commissioner Kirkmeyer said it is important to have an educated workforce and that the bill provides program access to veterans and youth.
Commissioner Conway answered questions from the committee regarding potential changes to the fund due to economic conditions. Commissioner Kirkmeyer discussed the investment programs used for the fund.
01:54 PM -- Geri Anderson, representing Aims Community College, spoke in favor of the bill. She discussed the workforce development program offered at Aims Community College.
Ms. Anderson answered questions from the committee regarding enrollment in the program and discussed the importance of a post-secondary education.
01:58 PM -- Gini Pingenot, Colorado Counties, Inc., spoke in favor of the bill.
Ms. Pingenot answered questions from the committee regarding property taxes and the county's operating revenue. She discussed the allocation of funds for education programs.
Representative Lawrence and Representative Moreno provided closing comments on the bill.
The committee members provided closing comments on the bill.
02:07 PM
The committee recessed.
02:09 PM
The committee returned from recess.
SB15-082 was laid over, for action only, until later in the committee meeting.