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Committee advances bill to integrate older Coloradans into workforce reporting and representation
Summary
The Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee voted 3–2 to send House Bill 10‑10 to the Committee of the Whole after testimony from AARP, workforce coalitions and advocates emphasizing the need for data, training and representation for older workers.
Sen. Danielson described House Bill 10‑10 as a measure to better integrate older Coloradans into workforce systems by adding representation to relevant councils, improving reporting on older workers and prompting stakeholder work with the Commission on Aging.
AARP Colorado volunteer Jay Reine told the committee, “Facts are our friends,” and said demographic change makes older workers an expanding part of the labor force. Witnesses including Shai Robert of Skills to Compete Colorado and Jim Westcott described challenges facing older workers—longer job searches, the risk of losing food or Medicaid assistance under new federal work requirements for certain age groups, and limited availability of tailored training programs.
Andrea Kuik of the Bell Policy Center urged support, saying state data gaps and program design often overlook older adults. Supporters argued HB10‑10 would not necessarily create new services but would help align reporting, representation and programs to meet the needs of a growing older-worker population.
Sponsors offered a technical amendment, L005, which struck language referencing the State Apprenticeship Council; the committee adopted L005 without objection.
Sen. Danielson moved the bill to the Committee of the Whole. The clerk polled the committee and the motion passed 3–2. The committee then adjourned.
