Date: 03/02/2009

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB09-033

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Moved to refer Senate Bill 09-033 to the CommitteePASS



03:15 PM -- Senate Bill 09-033

Representative Solano, sponsor of Senate Bill 09-033, concerning free lunch for preschool children, presented her bill to the committee, and explained the bill expands free lunch to children enrolled in state-subsidized preschool offered by public schools. She also shared a handout with the committee (Attachment D). Representative Massey asked if this could strain school district budgets in order to cover the cost of these students when state funds run out. Representative Solano explained that it could, but currently there are only 43 children that are in full-day preschool receiving reduced lunches. Representative Benefield asked if these children are primarily in the metro area. Representative Solano replied that she did not know for sure, but believes that there will be sufficient funding to cover the 43 children. Representative Summers concurred that it is unlikely that the money will run out. Representative Benefield asked if this could bring in more federal dollars. Representative Solano explained that it could, but that she could not say for sure.

090302AttachD.pdf


03:22 PM

The following people testified on the bill:


03:22 PM -- Theresa Hafner, representing the Colorado School Nutrition Association, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Hafner explained that hunger reduces a children's ability to learn. She also noted that in her school district participation in the reduced lunch program drops off.


03:25 PM -- Jon-Paul Bianchi, representing the Colorado Children's Campaign, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Bianchi noted that the bill does not require thst school districts provide the extra lunch assistance if their budget does not allow them to cover the cost.


BILL:SB09-033
TIME: 03:27:49 PM
MOVED:Solano
MOTION:Moved to refer Senate Bill 09-033 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a 12-0-1 vote.
SECONDED:Todd
VOTE
Baumgardner
Excused
Benefield
Yes
Massey
Yes
Middleton
Yes
Murray
Yes
Peniston
Yes
Priola
Yes
Scanlan
Yes
Schafer S.
Yes
Summers
Yes
Todd
Yes
Solano
Yes
Merrifield
Yes
Final YES: 12 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS




03:28 PM

The committee adjourned.