State boards coordinate workforce support for older adults

The State Workforce Development Council and the Colorado Commission on Aging must meet and work together on older adults’ workforce needs. The work covers workforce development, job access, training, support, and services for people age 55 or older. The council must invite organizations and experts with demonstrated interest or experience in workforce services for older adults. The groups must review existing data, consider whether more data is needed, and give the departments an overview of collected data. Meetings and collaboration begin in 2027 and continue each year. The departments must give the legislature a joint report each year beginning in 2028.

The governor must appoint at least one qualified older adult to the State Workforce Development Council or its successor. This applies to governor-appointed council members. The appointee must be age 55 or older and be actively involved in, or have an interest, knowledge, or experience in advocating for, older adults in the workforce. This applies to appointments made on or after the act’s effective date, which is January 1, 2027, unless a referendum delays it.

The governor may appoint a qualified older adult to the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, and the commission must select one for its advisory committee. These provisions concern membership on the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and its advisory committee. The person must be at least 55 and have relevant involvement, interest, knowledge, or experience advocating for people age 55 or older who are engaged in higher education. These provisions take effect January 1, 2027, unless a referendum delays the act’s effective date.