Senators Kirkmeyer and Fields, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 21-1270.. The bill appropriates money to the department of human services (department) in order to seek a 50% match from the federal government for the Colorado employment first program within the supplemental nutritionassistance program. The bill requires the department to direct county departments and any third-party partners to prioritize any state or federal money received to fund employment support and job retention services and to support work-based learning opportunities for Colorado employment first participants. Any remaining money may be used to initiate and enhance current and additional state- or county-initiated third-party partnerships.  

Mr. Joel McClurg, The Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Ki'i Powell, Colorado Department of Human Services, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Chaer Robert, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Kirkmeyer provided closing remarks.