1. (1) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that the hospitality industry:

   1. (a) Plays a vital role in Colorado's economy;
   2. (b) Is diverse, with employers throughout the state;
   3. (c) Employs more than two hundred forty thousand people in Colorado;
   4. (d) Produces more than ten billion dollars in annual sales in Colorado;
   5. (e) Creates sales that generate more than six hundred million dollars in state and local taxes annually; and
   6. (f) Is an essential element of Colorado's economy.

2. (2) Therefore, the general assembly finds and declares that developing a hospitality career secondary education grant program for Colorado citizens will:

   1. (a) Increase the number of Colorado citizens accessing postsecondary education;
   2. (b) Increase the number of Colorado citizens completing degrees and other credentials;
   3. (c) Decrease the need for remediation at the postsecondary level;
   4. (d) Increase entry into employment and increase wages over time; and
   5. (e) Create better transitions in educational programs for students in the hospitality career pathway from high school to college.

Source: L. 2014: Entire part added, (SB 14-015), ch. 329, p. 1457, § 1, effective June 5.