2EE29514280E78C1872584570065B71D Hearing Summary

Ms. Weaver, Director Szczurek, OIT staff, and Digital Service staff returned to the table to continue the discussion related to the supplemental request to create the Colorado Digital Service (CDS).

The committee voted to send a letter to the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) that recommends fully funding the supplemental request.  The committee did not consider whether the request meets the criteria to qualify for interim supplemental funding; however, the committee did acknowledge that CDS could provide immediate value to taxpayers.  Within the letter, the JTC wished to highlight the concerns that were highlighted by JBC and JTC staff, including the lack of clarity regarding the roles and responsibilities of the new positions within the CDS and not clearly defining how they would be assisting on current projects.  Additionally, the committee acknowledged that by approving this funding request, the state would be creating a new program that anticipates returning with additional requests for funding in the future.  The committee also emphasized the need to elimate the potential for conflicts of interest through the hiring process.

The JTC requested that, if the JBC approves the supplemental funding request, that the CDS provide the committee with future reports and updates regarding the work of the CDS and the impact it is having.