Representative Pelton and Representative Caraveo introduced House Bill 20-1263. The bill phases out sub-minimum wage employment for private businesses; creates a buy-in option for the Developmental Disabilities Medicaid waiver program; and makes additional changes to the services offered through the waiver program.  The bill sponsors provided amendment L.001 (Attachment G).

The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Alison Butler, Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Bob Lawhead, the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council and the Colorado Employment First Advisory Partnership, testified in support of the bill.

Tom Knost, Continuum of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

John Klausz, Mountain Valley Developmental Services, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Butler, Mr. Lawhead, Mr. Klausz, and Mr. Knost responded to questions from the committee.

Brian Wilson, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Donna Downing, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mike Hoover, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Christiano Sosa, the ARC of Colorado, read the testimony of Lloyd Lewis, Arc Thrift Stores, in support of the bill.

Chrissy Krumm, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ellen Jensby, Alliance, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Jensby responded to questions from the committee.

The bill sponsors discussed amendment L.001.

The bill sponsors and committee members made closing remarks.