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DENVER, CO– The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today advanced Representatives Tony Exum and Yadira Caraveo’s bill to invest state stimulus funds and draw down millions of federal funds for jobs and skills training through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment First initiative. The bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus, a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed committee by a bipartisan vote of 10-2.
“The pandemic has left more Coloradans than ever relying on state support to make ends meet and put food on the table,” said Representative Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “Understanding that most Coloradans are eager and ready to get back to work, our bill channels state and federal dollars towards a proven program that will help build Colorado back stronger by preparing people to re-enter the workforce and get back on their feet.”
“The savvy proposal we advanced today makes a state investment to leverage federal funds for a grand total of six million dollars going toward getting Colorado back to work,” said Representative Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “By investing in the SNAP Employment First program, we’re ensuring that the Colorado Comeback provides training and skill building
opportunities for Coloradans who were hit hard by the pandemic.”
The SNAP Employment First initiative has successfully helped Coloradans who receive SNAP benefits obtain new skills to thrive and reenter the workforce. HB21-1270 leverages $3 million in state funds to draw down an additional $3 million in federal funds to provide a total of $6 million for jobs and skills training services to SNAP recipients. The funds may also be used to support work based learning opportunities and expanding 3rd party partnerships to expand the SNAP employment and training program’s reach.