C.R.S. § 24-46.3-201: Legislative declaration.

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

(a) Plays a vital role in Colorado's economy;

(b) Is diverse, with employers throughout the state;

(c) Employs more than two hundred forty thousand people in Colorado;

(d) Produces more than ten billion dollars in annual sales in Colorado;

(e) Creates sales that generate more than six hundred million dollars in state and local taxes annually; and

(f) Is an essential element of Colorado's economy.

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

(a) Increase the number of Colorado citizens accessing postsecondary education;

(b) Increase the number of Colorado citizens completing degrees and other credentials;

(c) Decrease the need for remediation at the postsecondary level;

(d) Increase entry into employment and increase wages over time; and

(e) Create better transitions in educational programs for students in the hospitality career pathway from high school to college.