H_ED_2023A 03/15/2023 11:36:53 AM Committee Summary

Celeste Archer, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Monroe Castle, representing Colorado Student Leadership Institute, testified in support of the bill. Knox Leonard, representing Colorado Student Leadership Institute, testified in support of the bill.

Representatives Soper and Amabile presented Senate Bill 23-096 to the committee, along with amendment L.004 (Attachment B). The bill allows returned Peace Corps volunteers to qualify for in-state tuition, and increases the number of Colorado Scholars that may be enrolled at each institution of higher education.

Chancellor Phil DiStefano, representing University of Colorado Boulder, testified in support of the bill. Chase Cromwell, representing University of Colorado Boulder Student Government, testified in support of the bill. Camden Sharkey, representing University of Colorado Boulder Student Government, testified in support of the bill. Sarah LaBounty, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Soper explained amendment L.004.

Representative Wilson presented House Bill 23-1176 to the committee, along with amendment L.001 (Attachment C). The bill requires the Public Employees’ Retirement Association to offer a Flexible Defined Contribution Plan to employees in the School and Denver Public Schools divisions. Written testimony on the bill is included as Attachment D.

Kevin Vick, representing Colorado Education Association, testified in opposition to the bill. Kendal Killian, representing National Public Pension Coalition, testified in opposition to the bill. Amy McGarrity, representing Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA), testified in opposition to the bill.

Kallie Leyba, representing American Federation of Teachers, Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. Sarah Mesmer, representing Douglas County Federation, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dr. Walt Cooper, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Tom Gregory, representing Pikes Peak School District Alliance and Academy 20, testified in support of the bill. Avalon Manly, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.