Date: 01/25/2006
Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB06-1019
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
| Votes: View--> | Action Taken: |
| <none> | <none> |
03:35 PM -- House Bill 06-1019
Representative Soper, prime sponsor, explained House Bill 06-1019 creates the Colorado Easter Seals Fund in the State Treasury. For income tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2006, but prior to January 1, 2009, a voluntary contribution designation line for the fund would appear on state individual income tax return forms. The committee engaged in a brief discussion regarding the programming costs tied to adding another line on the state income tax form.
The following persons testified:
03:42 PM -- Mr. Rick Mack, CEO for Easter Seals Southern Colorado, distributed a packet of materials on Colorado Easter Seals to committee members (Attachment E) and discussed the organization's mission statement. Easter Seals strengthens the community one life at a time by partnering with people with disabilities. Mr. Mack commented that Easter Seals provides programs for people of all ages with all disabilities. Mr. Mack talked about the community impact of the organization and said that Easter Seals serves over 7,300 people with direct services and another 36,000 through education in Colorado. He commented that Worth magazine has recognized Easter Seals as one of the top 100 charities in the United States in which people can expect a good return for their donation. In Colorado, over 80 percent of every dollar raised is spent on direct services and education.
Prior to testimony, the committee briefly discussed the benefits that the organization provides to disabled individuals in Colorado. Mr. Mack commented that all of the following persons have benefited from the organization. (In the packet of materials, Attachment E, each of the following persons has included a written draft of their testimony for the committee to review. Each individual commented on the programs that best served their need and said that in many ways, the organization has enabled them to live a more qualitative life and become active members of society.)
03:44 PM -- Ms. Glenda Syling and son Garrison Syling, commented on the Easter Seals programs that have enabled Garrison to enhance his hearing and communicate with others.
03:48 PM -- Ms. Lynn Robinson, Easter Seals Colorado (administrator), commented that there are 690,000 people in Colorado that live with a disability. Easter Seals Colorado utilizes 80 percent of its donations for services which are provided to people will all types of disabilities. Mr. Robinson said that all funds from the checkoff would remain in Colorado despite the fact that the organization is national.
03:52 PM -- Mr. Tony Ratcliff, representing himself, asked committee members to support the legislation and discussed the programs that have enable him to live a more active life.
03:57 PM -- Ms. Rebecca Dannithorne, representing self, commented on some of the Easter Seals programs that have enabled her to be with others and live a more-enhanced life. She said that many of the programs have enabled her to see and enjoy the mountains of Colorado. Ms. Dannithorne said that she was 25 years of age and am able to speak to the committee today because of the therapy she receives at Easter Seals.
04:00 PM -- Ms. Lauren Blakely, representing self, said that she is 23 years old and commented on the Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village Camp in Empire Colorado. She said that the program has enabled her to make life-long friendships with peers and counselors form all over the world. She closed by saying that the program has allowed her to experience the true meaning of belonging to society.
Representative Vigil, Chairman, thanked everyone for their testimony and commented on their effort to come to the Capitol and address the legislature on this important issue. After a brief committee discussion, Representative Vigil said that the committee will be hearing several more income tax checkoff bills in the next few weeks. He said that once the committee hears testimony on all of these bills, the committee will take final action on the legislation during one meeting. Representative Vigil laid over the bill for action only on Wednesday, February 22, 2006.