7ACC2E2247F41CC7872583C2006B7130 Hearing Summary

Representative Michaelson Jenet and Representative Larson, co-prime bill sponsors, presented House Bill 19-1223. The bill creates a program to help individuals with disabilities apply for federal disability benefits. The program is funded through and overseen by the state Department of Human Services (DHS) and administered by county departments of human services. The Disability Benefits Application Assistance Fund is created to pay for the implementation of the program and consists of any appropriations or transfers by the General Assembly, subject to annual appropriation. After receiving input from counties and other relevant stakeholders, the DHS must promulgate rules to establish a funding allocation formula. The formula must take into account the number of participants as well as ensure that the program is available in every region. Finally, the bill requires that the DHS evaluate the program and submit a report to the General Assembly every five years. Representative Michaelson Jenet and Representative Larson responded to questions from committee members. The committee was provided an informational packet (Attachment A).

Allison Neswood, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in support of the bill.

Gini Pingenot, Colorado Counties, Inc., testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Pingenot and Ms. Neswood answered questions from the committee.

Linda Taylor, Center for Independence, testified in support of the bill.  She testified remotely from Colorado Mesa University - Grand Junction.

Martha Mason, Southwest Center for Independence, testified in support of the bill. She testified remotely from Fort Lewis College.

Jack Regenbogen, representing All Families Deserve a Chance Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Charlene Parris, Easterseals Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Joseph Prezioso, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Aubrey Hasvold, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, testified in support of the bill.

Jaime Lewis, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Cynthia Strecker, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Lynnae Flora, Jefferson County Human Services, testified in support of the bill.

Bryn Baldassari, Stepping Stone Suport Center, testified in support of the bill.

David Henninger, Bayaud Enterprises, testified in support of the bill.

Theresa Schiavone, National Alliance for Mental Illness - Denver, testified in support of the bill.

Jennifer Roberts, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Shelbie Lowery, The Arc Pikes Peak Region, testified in support of the bill.

Anya Rose, Hunger Free Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Patrick Hackney, Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Michaelson Jenet and Representative Larson made concluding remarks about the bill. Committee members made comments regarding the bill.