Speaker Garnett and Representative Sirota and introduced House Bill 21-1304. The bill creates the new Department of Early Childhood and establishes a transition working group and advisory group to adopt a transition plan for the new department as well as recommendations for a statewide, voluntary preschool program.  

Lisa Humberd, representing Consortium of Directors of Special Education, testified to amend the bill.

Anna-Jo Haynes, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Diana Herrera, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Lorena Garcia, representing Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Jeanne McQueeney, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

George Welsh, representing Canon City Schools, testified in support of the bill.

Melissa Colsman, representing Colorado Department of Education, was available to answer committee questions.

Mary Alice Cohen, representing the Colorado Department of Human Services and the Colorado Office of Early Childhood, was available to answer questions.

Additional written testimony is available as Attachment A.

Speaker Garnett and Representative Sirota introduced and explained amendment L.001 (Attachment B).