S_ED_2023A 04/03/2023 01:47:56 PM Committee Summary

Inta Morris, Interim Deputy Director of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE), introduced the two appointees to CCHE: Lisandra Gonzales and Jennifer Walmer. A copy of the Governor's appointment letter can be found as Attachment A. The appointees took turns introducing themselves and speaking about why they would like to serve on the commission.

Senator Danielson and Senator Jaquez Lewis, co-sponsors, presented Senate Bill 23-202, which concerns the wearing of traditional Native American regalia at graduation ceremonies. They answered questions from the committee and distributed and explained amendment L.001 (Attachment B).

The co-sponsors continued to answer questions from the committee.

Meadow Contreras, representing herself as a student, testified in support of the bill.

Isabella Snowbird, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Donna Chrisjohn, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

The prior panel of witnesses answered questions from the committee.

Matthew Campbell, representing the Native American Rights Fund, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Aspen Rendon, representing Cherry Creek School District, testified in support of the bill.

Jeff Chavez, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

The prior panel of witnesses answered questions from the committee.

The prior two witnesses answered questions from the committee.

Celeste Terry, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Steven Moon, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

The committee took a brief recess.

Kevin Vick, representing Colorado Education Association, testified in support of the bill.

Katherine Dorman, representing American Federation of Teachers, testified in support of the bill.

Lynette Grey Bull, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

The co-sponsors discussed amendment L.001 (Attachment B).

The co-sponsors provided closing comments on the bill. Committee members provided closing comments.

The committee took a brief recess.

Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, testified in support of the bill.

Alicia Gelinas, representing the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants, testified in support of the bill.

Jen Walmer, representing Democrats for Education Reform Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

The panel answered questions from the committee.

Katherine Dorman, representing American Federation of Teachers, testified in support of the bill.

Jonathan Finer, representing Ready Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Kevin Vick, representing Colorado Education Association, testified in support of the bill.

Ben Gerig, representing Colorado Succeeds, testified in support of the bill.

Danielle Ongart, representing Colorado Department of Education, testified in support of the bill.

Randal Palmer, representing Area Technical Colleges, testified in support of the bill.

Landon Pirius, representing the Colorado Community College System, testified in support of the bill.

Dale Pratt, representing the University of Northern Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Emelene Peralta, representing Climb Hire, testified in support of the bill.

Helen Hayes, representing ActivateWork, testified in support of the bill.

Josh Ryken, representing CrossPurpose, testified in support of the bill.

Meghan Dollar, representing the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, testified in support of the bill.

The co-sponsors answered questions from the committee and provided closing comments on the bill. Committee discussion ensued.