WE'VE MOVED AND EXPANDED

JOIN US AT WWW.COLORADO2019.ORG TO SEE WHAT'S NEW WITH THE TASK FORCE, REVIEW COLORADO'S PROMISING PRACTICES FOR POVERTY REDUCTION AND CONTRIBUTE YOUR THOUGHTS TO THE BLOG.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT OF THIS COLLABORATION.

WWW.COLORADO2019.ORG

July Task Force Meeting-July 18, 2012

July 2012 Meeting of the Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force 

You, your constituents and your partner organizations are invited to attend the “Creating a New Plan-Strategies for Employment and Education” meeting

This subject is especially timely since current figures show that Colorado’s increased unemployment rate is 8.1%-the same as the national unemployment rate-ranking us 34th in the nation. Developing educational strategies and matching job skills and training with areas of job growth are critical to reducing poverty among Colorado’s most vulnerable populations. We are prompted by the new information memo from the Administration of Children and Families, which now allows states to request “work participation waivers” in an effort to spark innovative ideas for enhancing employment for TANF recipients. Sound familiar? It should—we called it SB12-139 last session.

Date:         July 18, 2011              Time:         3:30 pm-5:30 pm
 

Location:     Capitol Building (200 Colfax, Denv)    Committee Room 0112

PROPOSED AGENDA:

3:30-3:45 Call to order/introductions-- Senator Hudak

3:45-4:00 Employment & Education Strategies presentation 4:00-4:30 Discussion and approval of strategies for plan inclusion

4:30-4:45 Quick Break (snacks, bathroom, etc)

4:45-5:15 Brainstorming-What’s missing in this section of the plan? Who knows of “what’s working” for website nomination? What are legislative ideas for 2013?

5:15-5:30 Announcements and Wrap Up   

HEALTH CARE REFORM, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT-IT'S ALL IN THERE

REMINDER TO JOIN US FOR THE DAY AT THE CAPITOL TAKE ACTION CAMPAIGN
APRIL 5, 2012 9:00 AM TO 2:30 PM WITH LUNCH AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
CALL OR EMAIL SHAIE WILSON TO RESERVE A SPOT IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY!
(SWILSON@CCLPONLINE.ORG OR 303-573-5669 EXT. 321)

THE DAY'S EVENTS~~

09:00 CLIFF EFFECT RESOLUTION PRESENTED TO THE COLORADO HOUSE WITH A TRIBUTE IN THE SENATE

09:45 MOVE TO OLD SUPREME COURT CHAMBERS

10:00 CAPITOL PROGRAM (LOREZ MEINHOLD—GOV. OFFICE HEALTH, KELLI PEREZ—GOV. OFFICE HUMAN SERVICES, LINDSAY HODEL—CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, BELL POLICY CENTER—BALLOT INITIATIVES)

11:00 STATE CAPITOL TOUR/COMMITTEE MEETINGS

12:00 COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH WITH LEGISLATORS (LEGISLATORS WILL HOST “ISSUE” TABLES SUCH AS CHILD CARE, CHILD WELFARE, ETC)

1:15 MOVE TO OLD SUPREME COURT CHAMBERS TO WRAP UP THE DAY (DEBRIEF AND GOODBYES)

2:30 PROGRAM CONCLUDES

EOPR Task Force Meeting SCR356 at the Capitol and ONLINE

The Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force will be meeting
JANUARY 6, 2012 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in SCR356 at the Capitol.

The presentation of the day will be Bridges to Employment, sponsored by Worklife. Several employers will testify to their success working with low-income workers striving for economic self-sufficiency. If you can't join us but would like to follow us online, click below to join LIVE CHAT.

January Meeting-Hear from Employers

The Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force will be meeting
JANUARY 6, 2012 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

We will be meeting at the Capitol (room to be announced). The presentation of the day will be Bridges to Employment, sponsored by Worklife. Several employers will testify to their success working with low-income workers striving for economic self-sufficiency. We will also review a first draft of the Strategic Plan for reducing poverty through increased economic opportunity.

November Meeting Details

This month the Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force will be meeting

on November 17th
from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
at the Capitol
Senate Committee Room 354

Presentation by SkillBuild Colorado on COLORADO’S FORGOTTEN MIDDLE-SKILL JOBS

Defining Family Financial Stability

Review access to postsecondary education by low-income women.

Review of the 2011 Self-Sufficiency Standard Report

Review of the Supplemental Poverty Measure Numbers

Review of the Half in Ten Campaign Poverty Reduction Indicators

Workgroup Breakout Sessions

Workgroup Report Back

Next Steps, Next Meeting

Metrics Committee meeting October 17th

Monday, 11/17, 9 – 11 AM at the
State Capitol, HCR 0111

Thanks to the efforts of Kate Watlkins and Natalie Mullis (leg council staff), we will have Dr. Tim Smeeding and Dr. Yiyoong Chung from the University of WI, Madison, Institute for Research on Poverty calling in at 9:15 AM; thei will address the following topics:

1) the latest federal efforts to develop the Supplemental Poverty Measure;
2) 2) your experiences and latest efforts at the IRP; and
3) 3) how might your measure be replicated in Colorado.

We will also be learning about another alternative poverty measure with a brief presentation from Kate Watkins. Please RSVP and let me know if you have any questions, and if I’ve missed anyone please invite them as well

October Meeting Date --Lafayette, CO

Economic Opportunity and Poverty Reduction Task Force meeting
Friday, October 21 from 2:00 – 5:00pm
SISTER CARMEN CENTER, Lafayette, CO (Boulder County, CO)

Welcome by Sister Carmen Center (10 minutes)
• Brief summary of current issues in Boulder County
• Brief summary of programming
Circles Campaign program (30 min. total)
• Program introduction, overview (5 min.) – Getting Ahead, Circles, National program/promising practice, Outcomes
• Linkages to other programs (5 min.)
o Workforce
o Public benefits
o Housing
• Circle leaders presentations (20 min.)
Public Testimony/Discussion (20 – 30 minutes)
Workgroup break-out meetings (45 minutes)
Report back/next steps (30 minutes)

September Meeting Friday at the Capitol

All--

The EOPR Task Force will be meeting in SENATE COMMITTEE ROOM 356. Breakout sessions will be in Senate Committee Room 354. We will be meeting from 2:00pm-5:00pm. Thank you for joining us!

September Meeting of the Task Force -- Mark Your Calendars.

The Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force invites you, your constituents and your partner organizations to the “Moving Forward with Economic Opportunity” September 2011 meeting

The Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force continues to meet ad hoc during this year. This meeting is task-driven specifically designed to solidify workgroups and schedules, so we will have snacks and beverages to help you keep your energy up. All are welcome.

Date: Friday, September 23, 2011
Time: 2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Location: To be determined. We are looking for space with teleconferencing access.

PROPOSED AGENDA ITEMS:
Introduce Senator Kevin Grantham
Update: Sustainability and Structure
Summary: The recent poverty numbers & their implications
Workgroups: Review of proposed logic models & breakouts
Mitigating the Cliff Effect Brainstorming Activity
Other Legislative Ideas, Updates and Trends
Wrap Up & Next Steps

Legislative Committee members include: Representative Mark Barker, Senator Betty Boyd, Senator Kevin Grantham,Senator Lucia Guzman, Senator Evie Hudak, Representative Joshi Janak, Representative Daniel Kagan, Representative John Kefalas, Representative Ken Summers and Senator Jean White.

August 2011 Meeting Announcement

The Economic Opportunity
Poverty Reduction
Task Force
Invites you, your constituents and your partner organizations to the “Legislative Committees are Resilient” August 2011 meeting

The Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force continues to meet ad hoc during this year. This goal of this meeting is to set the stage for what needs to happen in 2012 as we continue to push for poverty reduction through economic opportunity. All are welcome.

Date: August 26, 2011
Time: 2:30 pm-5:00 pm

Location: Capitol Building (200 Colfax)
Committee Room 0109, Denver
The meeting will be broadcast over "Live Chat", so come back to the blog on Friday to participate.

PROPOSED AGENDA:
Introductions: Sen. Hudak & Rep. Summers
2010 Overview in Retrospect/Progress Report
Revisiting our Charter
Sustainability and Structure
De-brief of the 2011 County Collaborative and the REAL presentation
Debrief on the Wisconsin Poverty Report and other efforts
Mitigating the Cliff Effect Brainstorming Activity
Other Legislative Ideas and Trends
Wrap Up & Next Steps

Legislative Committee members include: Representative Mark Barker, Senator Betty Boyd, Senator Kevin Grantham,Senator Lucia Guzman, Senator Evie Hudak, Representative Joshi Janak, Representative Daniel Kagan, Representative John Kefalas, Representative Ken Summers and Senator Jean White.

Two Important Dates in the Next Two Weeks

Please join us on the 25th of July in support of funding the Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force. The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council has decided to review another request for funding as an interim committee. We want to show them the support the task force has among its stakeholders. If you can help us fill the room, please attend.

Executive Committee of the Legislative Council
Monday, July 25, 2011
1:30 p.m.Senate Committee Room 354
State Capitol Building

*************************************************************************************
Members of the Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force will be meeting on July 18, 2011 to work on presentation ideas for the Executive Committee of the Legislative Council. All are welcome to attend this preparatory meeting. We will meet on July 18th, from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm in SCR 354. (State Capitol) Representative Kefalas has provided written comments in his absence and others are welcome to do the same.

STILL WE RISE

The Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force begins its 2011 interim session much as the 12% of Coloradans living in poverty begin their summers. Although the Task Force was restored to its legislative status, it received no funding required to move forward and is required to "bootstrap" its way into legitimacy. The playing field for interim committees include funding for staff support from legislative council and travel reimbursement for participating legislators. This Task Force, reflective of the communities it is meant to represent, will not have access to those resources without another funding source. The playing field for the Task Force is not level, although resources are available.

STILL WE RISE: The Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force hosted a "meet and greet" with the Women's Family Action Network. The topic of the day was the "Colorado Cliff Effect" and many attendees were pleased with the discussion outcome. Look for other Task Force events throughout the summer and if you want to support the efforts of the group, contact Representative John Kefalas.

Legislative Update January 7, 2011 Meeting

The Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force met ad hoc during the summer and fall months of 2010. Amidst travels to the Western Slope, the I-70 corridor and along the Front Range, it became increasingly clear that there are community solutions all over the state and that the promotion of what is working is key to meeting the 2019 goal. Summaries of the ongoing work will be presented at the Task Force meeting currently scheduled for the afternoon of January 7, 2011. Workgroup members and legislators will present ideas for removing barriers to economic opportunity in the areas of employment, consumer protection and education. All are welcome.

2:00 pm -4:00 pm
Capitol Building (200 Colfax)
Committee Room 0109
Denver

Education Workgroup Meeting--October 29

Join us as we debrief: “Waiting for Superman” and review the current reshaping of DPS schools. Senator Evie Hudak will chair this meeting of the Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force. Details follow:


FRIDAY, October 29, 2010

9:00 am –10:45 am

Colorado Center on Law and Policy

789 Sherman Street

Suite #300

Parking is available on the street and in visitor slots east of the building. A light breakfast will be served.

EOPR Task Force Employment Workgroup Meeting

Venue: Colorado Center on Law and Policy, 789 Sherman Street, Suite 303, Denver

Date & Time: October 12, 2010 1-3 pm

Agenda

Announcements:
Larimer County meeting with businesses, date and time?
WOW training (results, polling data?...)
Reports
Rob: Individual savings accounts
Carol: blanket bans against hiring felons
Tracey: Senate Bill 10-86 (postponed implementation) and loss of work supports at unrealistic levels
Paula: vocational ESL credits and TANF

Other business
Strategic planning and drafting guiding principles & values
Decide areas of focus for committee to pursue for recommendations

Next meeting is Oct. 26th

Poverty along the continuum of Economic Security

More detailed poverty numbers are due this week, but as the authors of this article (Making sense of poverty numbers - By Barbara Ehrenreich and Diana Pearce) state, it's not just about counting the poor, it's about defining a clearer picture of household financial health.

For a continuing discussion, join national and local advocates for a free regional meeting-- Building Bridges to Economic Security--this Friday, October 1, 2010. Register here to attend. Topics include creating a flexible workplace, making the case for social security, community investment and the impact of poverty reduction task forces.

Employment Workgroup Meeting September 28th

Economic Opportunity & Poverty Reduction Task Force
Employment Work Group

SEPTEMBER 28, 2010 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Venue: Denver Inner City Parish, 1212 Mariposa Street, Denver


Agenda

Announcements:

Building Bridges toward Economic Security

sponsored by Wider Opportunities for Women,

Oct 1st, 9-5:30, breakfast and lunch included. Free.

Need to register at www.wowonline.org/buildingbridges .
Co-hosted by The Colorado Center on Law and Policy and 9to5 National Organization of Working Women

Larimer County meeting with businesses has been postponed.

Guest: representative of the African Community Center

Reports
Tracey: refugee communities/poverty reduction, census data
Jim: mental model mapping, enterprise zones
Robb: Individualized savings accounts
Carol: blanket bans against hiring felons

Other business
Strategic planning/drafting

Remaining meetings are Oct. 12th, Oct. 26th
Next steps

September 23-Economic Task Force Meeting-Boulder

The Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force invites interested stakeholders to the next Task Force Meeting in Boulder.

Date: SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 (Thursday)

Time: 1:30 pm -5:00 pm

The meeting will be held at the Boulder County Justice Center. The Boulder County Justice Center is located at 1777 6th Street in Boulder.

The Boulder County Justice Center is located at 6th and Canyon. If you take the bus from Denver to Boulder it will drop you off at the Downtown Boulder bus station located on Broadway (12th) and Canyon and it’s a short walk to the Justice Center.

If you drive, there is parking just east of the Justice Center.

The meeting will be in the Jury Assembly Room, located on the north side of the building. You will have to go through a security area to enter the building.

Boulder County will present what works for them and give us some insight on their strategic plan. We will also hear updates from the employment workgroup and the education workgroup.

Please call Tracey (303)573-5669 ext. 314 if you are in need of transportation.

October 1st-Economic Security Conference

Please join members of the Economic Opportunity Poverty Reduction Task Force, Colorado advocates and various national and local speakers during this day long event to Build Bridges toward Economic Security. The Colorado Center on Law and Policy is co-hosting this regional meeting with Wider Opportunities for Women.



Agenda topics and workshops include: Employment and flexible workplaces; The Impact of Social Security on Economic Security; Job Training and Skills Development; Re-Building Colorado Communities through Family Economic Self-Sufficiency; and Collaborative Efforts-What's Working in Colorado.



National and local research on how the economy has changed our view of family economics will be released for your REALITY CHECK.



This event is free and space is limited. For more information and to register with Wider Opportunities for Women go to:

http://www.wowbuildingbridges.org/