(1) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that 2-1-1 Colorado is a public service collaborative of several organizations and that Mile High United Way is the official fiscal manager for the collaborative. The general assembly further finds and declares that 2-1-1 Colorado:
Especially in times of economic need, provides a valuable service to Colorado citizens searching for assistance;
Provides streamlined access to existing health and human services information andeliminates confusing and frustrating searches;
Provides emergency response to natural disasters so as not to overload other publicsystems;
Provides elderly, disabled, non-English speaking, illiterate, and new Colorado citizens and those incapacitated by crisis the opportunity to help themselves;
Expands civic involvement and provides a forum for matching volunteers and donorswith community organizations that need their help; and
Provides an effective social barometer for assessing where need is greatest in thecommunity.
(2) In order to assist 2-1-1 Colorado in fulfilling its mission, the general assembly recognizes that many citizens of Colorado may be willing to provide moneys to assist in 2-1-1 Colorado's efforts. It is therefore the intent of the general assembly to provide Coloradans the opportunity to support the efforts of 2-1-1 Colorado by allowing citizens to make a voluntary contribution on their state income tax returns to the Colorado 2-1-1 first call for help fund for such purpose.
Source: L. 2010: Entire part added, (HB 10-1073), ch. 347, p. 1603, § 1, effective August 11.