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228EFCF7EDD413F787258C1B005FAD3F Hearing Summary




PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For SMART GOVERNMENT ACT PRESENTATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

JOINT COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ON JOINT STATE VETERANS & MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Date Jan 23, 2025      
Location Old Supreme Court



SMART Government Act Presentation from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs - Committee Discussion Only


10:25:08 AM  
Adjutant General
Laura Clellan, Executive Director of DMVA, presented to the committee in
accordance with the "State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive,
and Transparent (SMART) Government Act." The other presenters from
the DMVA introduced themselves: Sarah Edwards, Chief Operating Officer;
Bruce Cowan, Director of the Division of Veterans Affairs; Brigadier General
Michael Bruno, Deputy Executive Director; Paker White, Director of Government
Affairs; and Nick Severn, Chief Financial Officer. A copy of the DMVA presentation
(Attachment D) and the department's performance plan (Attachment E) were
provided to the committee.    

10:32:09 AM  

Adjutant General Clellan reviewed the department's mission and vision statements. She discussed the the DMVA's organizational structure and funding sources from both the state and federal governments. Adjutant General Clellan outlined the DMVA goal related to veteran engagement, which includes efforts around veterans service officer accreditation, the veterans benefit management system, veterans outreach events, resolving gaps in service, and increasing the Veterans Trust Fund Grant and Veterans Assistance Grant execution.



Adjutant General Clellan discussed the DMVA goal related to Colorado Army National Guard Readiness, which includes efforts related to enlistment referral incentives, retention bonuses, and retention ranking.

10:34:57 AM  
Adjutant General
Clellan reviewed the DMVA goal to increase Colorado youth participation
in military auxiliary programs. She discussed how this includes outreach
to existing programs and outreach education to schools lacking military
auxiliary programs.
10:36:11 AM  
Adjutant General
Clellan responded to questions from the committee about retention and recruitment
efforts.
10:45:28 AM  
Adjutant General
Clellan reviewed the department's performance management information, including
how they track progress of their performance. She reviewed the department's
budget requests. Adjutant General Clellan highlighted the DMVA budget requests
related to a proposed Colorado National Guard tuition waiver, as well as
the expansion of the recruitment and retention bonus program. She discussed
the budget requests related to a communication manager, IT product director,
and human resources information system.
10:50:21 AM  
Adjutant General
Clellan reviewed the department's legislative agenda that includes establishing
a Colorado National Guard tuition waiver program, revising the Colorado
Code of Military Justice, and revising the requirements for qualifying
for a disabled veterans license plate.
10:51:06 AM  
Adjutant General
Clellan responded to questions from the committee regarding the legislative
priority to revise the Colorado Code of Military Justice.
10:52:47 AM  
Adjutant General
Clellan stated the department does not have a regulatory agenda. She reviewed
information about equity, diversity, and inclusion related to the DMVA,
as well as the department's accessibility compliance. Adjutant General
Clellan explained how the DMVA used stimulus funds, which included fire
alarm replacements, roof replacements, and site security upgrades. She
discussed how the department responded to domestic operations, including
hurricanes, wildfires, and search and rescues efforts. She discussed National
Guard deployments and the Civil Air Patrol.




Adjutant General
Clellan discussed the Division of Veterans Affairs. She highlighted information
about the hiring of a new director for the division, the $1.6 grants awarded
by the division, the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, and the Western Regional
One Source.  
10:57:31 AM  
Mr. White responded
to questions raised during the Joint Rule 25 presentation by the Joint
Budget Committee about tuition benefits for members of the National Guard.
Adjutant General Clellan responded to questions about interservice recruitment
and current National Guard deployments. Mr. Cowen responded to questions
regarding outstanding audits.
11:08:40 AM  
The committee recessed.