H_ED_2018A 02/21/2018 10:00:58 AM Committee Summary

Representative Everett presented and summarized HB18-1228 concerning increasing transparency in higher education statutes relating to military service.

Representative Young and Representative Wist presented and summarized House Bill 18-1070 concerning additional public school capital construction funding. He distributed a handout to the committee on the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) program [Attachment A].  The sponsors answered questions from the committee regarding capital construction funding for schools.

Committee discussion ensued.

The sponsors continued to answer questions from the committee members regarding capital construction funding for schools.

Kathy Gebhardt, representing the Colorado Association of School Boards, testified in favor of the bill. She provided an overview of the BEST program and capital construction funding needs for schools in rural areas. Ms. Gebhardt answered questions from the committee regarding future capital construction funding for schools.

Former Senator Keith King, representing himself, testified in favor of the bill. He discussed capital construction issues in schools and the success of the BEST program. Committee discussion ensued.

George Welch, representing Opportunity Colorado, testified in favor of the bill. He discussed the capital construction issues in rural school districts and the success of the BEST program. Mr. Welch answered questions from the committee members.

Bill Wilson, representing Colorado Rural Alliance and Colorado Association of School Executives, spoke in favor of the bill. He discussed the capital construction needs in rural areas and the success of the BEST program in schools that have been granted funding. Committee discussion ensued.

The sponsors provided closing comments on the bill. The committee members provided closing comments on the bill.