4B0D875E0C561DAE872587D40073F982 Hearing Summary

Dean Williams, Executive Director, Department of Corrections (DOC), opened up the briefing on the department pursuant to the SMART Government and Joint Rule 25. Mr. Williams provided an overview of the department. Ashley Clark, Assistant Director for Finance and Administration for DOC, briefed the joint committee on the department's budget request for FY 2022-23. Travis Trani, Director of Prisons, briefed the committee on the prison population and the projected population for the next fiscal year. Merideth McGrath, Director of Adult Parole for the department, provided an overview of the parole population. Jessica Warren, Director of Correctional Industries (CCI), updated the committee on CCI and Take Two programming. Mr. Williams discussed the loss of money by CCI, and provided additional details about CCI programming. Mr. Williams responded to questions regarding future plans for offender labor, and the shutdown of DOC's dairy program.

Ruth Coffman, Deputy Director for Community Operations for DOC, discussed special needs programming and health insurance for offenders. Ms. Coffman responded to questions regarding eligibility for special needs parole. Ms. Coffman returned to briefing the joint committee, discussing parolees on the "tabled list" and long-term care. Mr. Williams provided additional input on offenders approved for parole with significant health needs. Ms. Coffman responded to questions regarding this population. Discussion ensued regarding the budget ramifications of caring for this population.

Andre Stancil, Deputy Director of Prison Operations, and Rick Thompkins, Director of Human Resources, DOC, briefed the committee on its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative. Discussion ensued regarding how this initiative impacts the qualifications of the job applicant pool and employee retention. Discussion followed regarding the identification of "uncomfortable truths."

Matt Hansen, Director of Prisons, briefed the committee on DOC's "Wildly Important Goals." Mr. Williams responded to questions regarding management communication with employees.

Ms. Warren returned to discuss certain DOC "normalization" efforts that involve CCI. Ms. Warren responded to questions regarding the SWIFT firefighting program. Mr. Williams provided input on these questions. Mr. Williams responded to questions regarding the Take TWO program and ability of offenders to meet licensing requirements and overcome other barriers to employment once they are paroled.

Michelle Brodeur, Director of Clinical and Correctional Services for DOC, discussed the department's Wildly Important Goals in the area of health care. Mr. Thompkins returned to discuss staff retention and turnover.

Meghan Baker, representing Disability Law Colorado, testified regarding the DOC.