BBE40E2DA7A36764872583C200705565 Hearing Summary

Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez presented House Bill 19-1196, concerning financial aid for studentswho are classified to recieve in-state tuition.  Under current law, a student who does not have lawful immigration status may be classified as an in-state resident for tuition purposes, under certain circumstances.  The bill permits these students to also be eligible for certain state-funded financial assistance programs offered by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) and administered by higher education institutions.  Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez distributed a fact sheet about the bill (Attachment B) and answered committee questions.  

Emily Burns, CDHE, testified in support of the bill.

Dorothy Horrell, University of Colorado of Denver Chancellor, testified in support of the bill.

Richard Gonzales, Colorado Mountain College, testified in support of the bill.

The above three-person panel answered questions from the committee.

Dr. Angela Marquez, Metropolitan State University, testified in support of the bill.

Katie Jannsen, Aims Community College, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Katrina Rodriguiez, University of Northern Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Tobias Guzman, University of Northern Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

The above four-person panel, plus Dr. Will Simpkins, the Vice President of Student Affairs for Metro State University, who was present for questions only, responded to questions from the committee.

Nayda Benitez, representing herself as a student at Metro State University and United Leaders of Higher Education (ULHE), testified in support of the bill.

Katrina Ruggles, Colorado School Counselor Association, testified in support of the bill.

Alejandra Merjil, representing herself as a student and ULHE, testified in support of the bill.

Jen Walmer, Education Reform Now and Democrats for Education Reform, testified in support of the bill.

The above four-person panel responded to committee questions.

Yesenia Arreola, Colorado Mountain College, testified in support of the bill.

Bernabe Soto Ramirez, representing himself as a student, testified in support of the bill.

Priscilla Montoya, Latina Community Foundation of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

The above three-person panel responded to questions from the committee.

Representative Wilson distributed and explained Amendment L.001 (Attachment C). Committee discussion on the amendment ensued.

Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez made concluding comments on the bill, and committee discussion ensued.