Date: 02/05/2009

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB09-076

SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Refer Senate Bill 09-076 to the Committee on ApproPASS


Senator Sandoval returned as Chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

10:32 AM -- Senate Bill 09-076

Senator Heath, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 09-076, which creates the Employment Training and Technology Fund for automation initiatives at the Department of Labor and Employment. The bill diverts 20 percent of employer surcharge taxes to the Technology Fund, which is used as a savings account for future department technology projects. Senator Heath explained that an audit found that the department needs additional funding to improve its aging computer system. Senator Heath responded to questions from the committee about the bill.

The following witnesses testified on the bill:

10:34 AM -- Mr. Michael Cullen, representing the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, testified and provided background information and reasons for the bill. He stated that the department is operating the unemployment program on old technology. Mr. Cullen responded to questions from the committee about the unemployment tax system and the costs associated with it.


10:42 AM

Senator Heath stated that setting aside a reserve to fund improvements to an aging computer system is a necessary investment. Senator Heath responded to additional questions from the committee about the impacts of the bill on employers paying into the unemployment fund. Discussion also ensued about potential impacts on the state's cash funds.


10:51 AM

Discussion also ensued about the cost employers currently pay for unemployment insurance.

10:57 AM -- Ms. Dara Hessee, representing the Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT), testified about the bill. She stated that she sees this project as a top priority, and OIT will explore options already available in the commercial market to improve the computer system. Ms. Hessee responded to questions from the committee about technology issues.


11:00 AM

Senator Sandoval closed public testimony.
BILL:SB09-076
TIME: 11:01:45 AM
MOVED:Heath
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 09-076 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed 7-0.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Brophy
Yes
Heath
Yes
Isgar
Yes
King K.
Yes
Scheffel
Yes
Hudak
Yes
Sandoval
Yes
Final YES: 7 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



11:05 AM

The committee adjourned.