s_lg_2016a_2016-02-09t15:00:48z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/09/2016

03:24 PM -- SB 16-081



Senator Donovan, prime sponsor, discussed the provisions of Senate Bill 16-115 that creates the Rural Economic Emergency Assistance Grant Program in the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). She also distributed Amendment L.001 (Attachment D), Amendment L.002 (Attachment E), and Amendment L.004 (Attachment F). The program makes grants available for rural communities experiencing a significant economic event, such as a plant closure or layoff, that has a quantifiable impact on unemployment within the community. The bill also creates the Rural Economic Emergency Assistance Grant Fund (grant fund) and directs the State Treasurer to transfer $2.0 million from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund to the grant fund on July 1, 2016. The grant fund may also receive gifts, grants, and donations. Unexpended money, including interest earnings, remains in the grant fund.



160209 AttachD.pdf160209 AttachE.pdf160209 AttachF.pdf



03:27 PM



Senator Martinez Humenik distributed Amendment L.006 (Attachment G) and discussed it provisions.



160209 AttachG.pdf



03:35 PM



Senator Donovan commented on Amendment L.006 and continued to discuss SB 16-115 and how it would be implemented by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.



03:42 PM



Jennifer Berman, Office of Legislative Legal Services, discussed the provisions of Amendment L.006 and how it would affect rural communities. She also responded to questions from the committee about the amendment.



The following persons testified on the bill:



03:47 PM -- Dianne Criswell, Colorado Municipal League, spoke in support of the bill.



03:50 PM -- Nicholas Colglazier, Colorado Competitive Council, spoke in support of the bill and responded to questions from the committee about factors affecting the competitiveness of Colorado businesses.



04:05 PM



The chair closed testimony and Senator Donovan closed her remarks on the bill.



04:05 PM



Senator Donovan submitted letters of support for the bill from:

T.E. (Tobe) Allumbaugh, Chairman, Crowley County Board of County Commissioners (Attachment H);

Eagle County Board of County Commissioners (Attachment I);

Stuart Sanderson, President, Colorado Mining Association (Attachment J);

Delta County Board of County Commissioners (Attachment K).



160209 AttachH.pdf160209 AttachI.pdf160209 AttachJ.pdf160209 AttachK.pdf

04:12 PM



The committee discussed the bill, as amended, and Senator Donovan responded to questions about how the bill may be implemented.

04:17 PM



The committee adjourned.