affordable

Testimony to the Senate Health and Human Service Committee

My name is Robin Baker and I am a senior policy analyst and director of the health
project at the Bell Policy Center. The Bell Policy Center has taken a neutral position on HB 09-1143. By offering a limited HMO benefit plan, this bill may expand opportunity for some workers to obtain health care services that they might not otherwise receive.

Colorado should work with federal, local and private partners, and it should greatly increase its own investment so Colorado???s housing trust fund can provide a level of assistance that will truly make a difference for low and moderate-income families seeking affordable housing. Ultimately, the state government and its partners should collectively provide at least $25 million annually to the fund.

We should fully fund the Colorado Preschool and Kindergarten Program, extend it to all districts, and increase outreach to serve all families in need. We should also help school districts provide the option of full-day kindergarten to those parents who want it. This year, the Legislature took a major step in this direction, but it needs to finish the job.

Colorado should work with federal, local and private partners, and it should greatly increase its own investment so Colorado???s housing trust fund can provide a level of assistance that will truly make a difference for low and moderate-income families seeking affordable housing. Ultimately, the state government and its partners should collectively provide at least $25 million annually to the fund.