Bill Summary for Bill Number SB10-195

Date: 05/06/2010

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB10-195

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Votes: View-->	Action Taken:
Moved to adopt prepared amendment L.004 (Attachmen Moved to adopt prepared amendment L.005 (Attachmen Moved to refer Senate Bill 10-195, as amended, to	Pass Without Objection Pass Without Objection PASS

01:36 PM -- Senate Bill 10-195

Representative Solano presented Senate Bill 10-195 which creates the Early Childhood Leadership Commission in the Governor's Office. The bill specifies the commission's composition, and membership, duties, and purpose. The purpose of the commission is to advance a comprehensive service delivery system for children from birth to eight years old. She stated that the Governor issued an Executive Order in 2009 which created the Early Childhood Leadership Commission and the bill codifies the commission into law.

01:40 PM -- Elizabeth Groginsky, Head Start Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Two handouts, a fact sheet in support of the bill and a brochure describing the early childhood framework, were provided to the committee (Attachments A and B respectively). She stated that bill will help to continue to devise a comprehensive early childhood delivery system in the state. Ms. Groginsky commented that the commission will evaluate both state and federal laws and where they conflict, and how to serve children most effectively. In responding to Representative Gerou's question, Ms. Groginsky stated that the commission will be funded with federal funds that are currently earmarked for Colorado. She continued to state that only 6 percent of 2 years old access Headstart programs and that approximately 60 percent of 3 to 4 year olds access similar services. The committee discussed the interaction between Headstart and the proposed advisory commission. Ms. Groginsky stated that there are several boards, commissions, and councils that provide input regarding childhood education. She stated that the state has not evaluated the total picture. She highlighted that the commission is a mix of business, government organizations, and public support.

02:02 PM -- Janice Sinden, Executive Director, Colorado Concern, spoke in support of the bill. Ms. Sinden described the membership of Colorado Concern. In response to Representative Kefalas' question, she stated that businesses have a stake in ensuring that children have adequate health care and a decent education. She indicated there are five businesses already heavily invested in the public/private partnership of Colorado Concern. Ms. Sinden responded to Representative Gerou's question by stating that the individuals who sit on the commission are not interested in wasting time, but are truly interested in finding solutions. Representative Roberts asked why this commission needs to be codified into state law. She responded that the commission is necessary to be codified into statute to authorize the coordination of government agencies and to show the commitment of the General Assembly to early childhood development. She described an organization that is comprised of private businesses, non-profits, and foundations called Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC).

02:21 PM -- Bruce Atchison, Lietenant Governor's Office, spoke in support of the bill. Mr. Atchison responded to comments that committee members made during the previous testimony.

02:33 PM -- Scott Groginsky, Colorado Children's Campaign, testified in support of the bill. He spoke to the level of poverty among children in Colorado.

02:35 PM

Representative Solano responded to committee concerns regarding the length of time the commission will be active by stating that the bill has a provision which repeals the commission in three years. She responded to committee members' concern regarding the necessity of the commission being codified into state law. She stated that there are 23 different federal and state agencies that address early childhood education. She stressed the need for the General Assembly to demonstrate its commitment to early childhood education.


BILL:	SB10-195
TIME:	02:38:58 PM
MOVED:	Gagliardi
MOTION:	Moved to adopt prepared amendment L.004 (Attachment C). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	Kefalas
		VOTE
	Acree
	Apuan
	Gerou
	Kefalas
	Kerr J.
	Primavera
	Roberts
	Swalm
	Tyler
	Gagliardi
	Riesberg

Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection


BILL:	SB10-195
TIME:	02:41:34 PM
MOVED:	Gagliardi
MOTION:	Moved to adopt prepared amendment L.005 (Attachment D). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	Primavera
		VOTE
	Acree
	Apuan
	Gerou
	Kefalas
	Kerr J.
	Primavera
	Roberts
	Swalm
	Tyler
	Gagliardi
	Riesberg

Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection


BILL:	SB10-195
TIME:	02:43:49 PM
MOVED:	Apuan
MOTION:	Moved to refer Senate Bill 10-195, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a 6-5 roll call vote.
SECONDED:	Primavera
		VOTE
	Acree	No
	Apuan	Yes
	Gerou	No
	Kefalas	Yes
	Kerr J.	No
	Primavera	Yes
	Roberts	No
	Swalm	No
	Tyler	Yes
	Gagliardi	Yes
	Riesberg	Yes

Final YES: 6 NO: 5 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS