s_agr_2017a_2017-03-23t13:32:22z4 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/23/2017

Location: SCR 357

03:54 PM -- HB 17-1116



The committee returned from recess. Senator Martinez Humenik, prime sponsor, discussed the provisions of House Bill 17-1116 concerning the continuation of the low-income household energy assistance. She also distributed a breakdown of energy assistance by rural electric association (Attachment G). The reengrossed bill extends authorization for up to $13 million of Tier 2 Severance Tax Operational Fund moneys for low-income energy-assistance programs through FY 2023-24. Under current law, funding for these programs expires after FY 2018-19. The programs provide direct energy bill assistance to low-income households through programs administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Energy Outreach Colorado nonprofit; and energy-efficiency improvements for low-income homeowners through a program administered by the Colorado Energy Office.



170323 AttachG.pdf



The following persons testified on the bill:



03:59 PM -- Michael Sandoval, Independence Institute, spoke in opposition to the bill and responded to questions from the committee about his objection to the bill.



04:07 PM -- Dan Haley, President, Colorado Oil and Gas Association, spoke in support of the bill.



04:11 PM -- Skip Arnold, Energy Outreach Colorado, testified in support of the bill and identified other sources of energy assistance for low income persons in Colorado.



04:14 PM -- Troy Whitmore, United Power and the Colorado Rural Electric Association, testified in support of the bill.



04:30 PM -- Sophia Guerrero-Murphy, Conservation Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



04:33 PM



The chair closed testimony, and Senator Martinez Humenik closed her remarks on the bill.



04:34 PM



Senator Garcia distributed Amendment L.004 (Attachment H).



170323 AttachH.pdf

04:42 PM



The committee adjourned.