Legislative declaration

(1) The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that a choice of education opportunities will benefit the residents of the state of Colorado and that the establishment of a college savings program will enhance the availability of postsecondary educational opportunities for residents. It is the intent of the general assembly to achieve this purpose through a public-private partnership using selected financial institutions to serve as account holders and managers of individual college savings accounts. (2) The general assembly further finds, determines, and declares that the college savings program can enhance the availability of postsecondary educational opportunities for adults who are already in the workforce and therefore encourages adults to take advantage of the college savings program to further their own postsecondary educational opportunities and job retraining goals. (3) The general assembly further finds, determines, and declares that the establishment of a savings program that qualifies under section 529A of the internal revenue code will: (a) Assist individuals and families in saving money for the purpose of supporting individuals with disabilities in maintaining health, independence, and quality of life; and (b) Provide secure funding for disability-related expenses on behalf of designated beneficiaries with disabilities that will supplement, but not supplant, benefits provided through private insurance, the medicaid program under Title XIX of the "Social Security Act", the supplemental security income program under Title XVI of the "Social Security Act", the beneficiary's employment, and other sources.