Video & Transcript Research : 'business program'

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MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 02/12/25

Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • businesses uh our our connects program businesses uh our our connects program is<01:13:12.840>
  • Furthermore, on program uniqueness, just for background, Farm Business Management occurs on the farm.
  • The unique programming that's critical to educate on our college campuses, our farm business management
  • on the farm business management program.
  • It's a program that truly improves farmers' business skills, and it saves family farms.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Joint Appropriations Committee, January 7, 2026 - PM

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • and without adequate consideration, which in Wyoming we utilize the Business Ready Communities program
  • we utilize business business ready communities<01:29:20.080> program<01:29:20.960> in<
  • business park and the high-tech business business park and the high-tech business park<01:29:43.360
  • There are programs. I'll use the Small Business Innovation Research as an example.
  • That is a program that we match federal innovation dollars that small businesses in Wyoming utilize when
Keywords: 916, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 03/24/25

Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • business who's never been in business business who's never been in business before<00:21:30.000>
  • program and get a new job. So, Mr. program and get a new job. So, Mr.
  • Youth Program.
  • hundreds of businesses uh each year. hundreds of businesses uh each year.
  • Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, known as America's
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NJ

New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

Assembly Budget Jun 28th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the case of loyalty programs,...
  • So are you saying that if a business, you know, that if a business, you know...
  • business taxes in America.
  • Penalizing businesses with employees on Medicaid is a tax on business in the state with the highest business
  • place to do business.
Keywords: 1146, all
Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met on June 28, 2026 and considered a long list of budget and policy bills, reporting many of them out of committee, often with amendments. Early measures included AB 2550 on continued dependent health coverage for certain adults with disabilities, AB 4794 allowing tax data sharing with the New Jersey Innovation Authority and Secure Choice Savings Board, and AB 3381/SB 1493 updating occupational therapy licensure requirements. The committee also advanced AB 4014, creating a social media research center at a public four-year institution, though one member opposed it as unnecessary spending given existing research on social media harms. Another bill, AB 5048/SB 1281, would ban certain apparel and diaper products with intentionally added PFAS; some members opposed it over safety and cost concerns, especially for firefighter gear, but it was reported. The committee also moved AB 383, which promotes volunteerism to help FamilyCare and SNAP recipients meet eligibility requirements, and AB 4357, extending telehealth pay parity, though one member objected to parity between telehealth and in-person care. The committee then took up several energy, environmental, and housing-related bills. AB 5188, the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, was released despite opposition from some members and labor interests. AB 2524 would let dual-use solar projects participate in community solar, and AB 5236 would strengthen pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health services; both were reported. AB 5348, allowing temporary use of open-space and related funds for certain municipalities, drew sharp criticism as a diversion of preservation money to fill budget holes, but passed. AB 5280 returned unexpended county appropriations to Hudson County and authorized supplemental operating aid; it also passed despite objections about prior bidding violations. AB 5347 provided certain motor vehicle-related funding to municipalities and was reported, as was AB 5334/SB 4423, appropriating Green Acres and CBT revenues for local open space and park projects. A major portion of the meeting focused on tax and business-related bills. AB 5329 increased the child tax credit for 2026-2028, with testimony urging that the expansion be made permanent; it was reported. AB 3899, the General Contractor Licensing Act, also passed. AB 5310/SB 4406 clarified sentencing under certain circumstances and was reported. AB 5330, allowing temporary transfers in the pension system, drew testimony from NJEA warning that the State Health Benefits Program was in crisis and asking for a longer repayment period to avoid rate spikes; the bill was still reported. AB 1326 created a higher education governance and funding task force and was amended to add a Talmudic institution or theological seminary representative. Later, AB 5333/SB 4424 appropriated additional Green Acres and CBT funds for recreation and conservation projects and was reported. The committee also advanced several business and alcohol-related measures, including AB 5235 establishing the School-Based Partnership for Access and Resilience for Kids program, AB 5325 reducing business formation fees, AB 4836/SB 2368 on portable solar devices, AB 4881 establishing an advanced nuclear energy procurement program, AB 3974/SB 3183 revising renewable energy incentive and solar interconnection rules, AB 4013 creating a social media research center focused on addictive behavior, AB 5225 making temporary alcohol beverage provisions permanent, and AB 5295 revising alcoholic beverage licensing laws. The most contentious debate came on AB 4085, the Fair Price Protection Act, which would restrict “surveillance pricing” and regulate grocery pricing practices. Consumer advocates supported the bill as a protection against individualized pricing, while retailers and chambers of commerce argued the language was too broad and could undermine loyalty programs, discounts, and electronic shelf labels. Despite those objections, the committee voted to report the bill after amendments. Finally, AB 4530/SB 3739 on EV supply equipment standards was reported, and AB 5322 imposing a temporary cap on net operating loss deductions under the corporate business tax sparked strong opposition from business groups and a policy debate over whether legitimate losses and investment-related deductions should be limited; the bill was still moved out of committee.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Women contracting in the state program and in the federal program, where it says disadvantaged business
  • the state program for all veteran women's business enterprise program with no federal dollars, where
  • We've created a dedicated business diversity program.
  • The third key service and key program is our business development team.
  • So OMWBE certification and business development programs have allowed our certified business owners to
Summary: The committee heard a work session on voting access on tribal lands, beginning with a presentation from Dr. Chelsea Jones of the Brennan Center. She described barriers affecting Native voters and voters on tribal lands, including long travel distances to polling places and drop boxes, nontraditional addresses, unreliable postal service, language access, and limited broadband. Citing research, she said turnout on tribal lands trails turnout off tribal lands by about 10 percentage points nationally and about 10% in Washington, with larger gaps in some convenience voting measures. Members asked about the meaning of “lost votes,” the role of tribal leadership and community trust, and whether outreach by election officials and candidates could help; Dr. Jones emphasized that the study measured missed voting opportunities, not missing ballots, and that partnerships with trusted community leaders are important. The University of Washington Elections Database then presented data on voter registration, turnout, signature challenges, curing, and ballot rejection for voters whose addresses fall within tribal reservation boundaries. The presenters said registration on reservations increased from about 107,000 in 2010 to 137,000 in 2024, turnout on reservations remained about 8 to 9 percentage points lower than outside reservations in recent general elections, and signature-challenge and rejection rates were generally low but somewhat higher in off-year elections. They reported that about 60% to two-thirds of signature-challenged ballots are cured, with cure rates similar inside and outside reservations, and that late return is the most common reason for primary ballot rejection while signature mismatch is the leading cause in general elections. A question was raised about USPS postmarking issues and how those might affect future data; the presenters said they plan to track return method and cure timing more closely. The committee also received an overview of the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs. Staff reviewed the office’s history, the Centennial Accord, the Millennium Agreement, and related state-tribal frameworks, and GOIA Director Tim Rainan described the office’s role as a bridge between the state and tribal governments, including consultation, policy coordination, training, and convening work groups. He said GOIA now has six positions, is part of the governor’s executive cabinet, and is working on a statewide tribal relations training module and consultation handbook. In response to a question, he said tribal voting is not a major topic at the Centennial Accord but is discussed more extensively through ATNI. The committee then shifted to contracting equity, hearing from WSDOT, DES, OMWBE, and the Office of Equity. WSDOT described its race-neutral small business and veteran goals, mentorship and support programs, and its response to the federal suspension of the DBE program; DES discussed statewide contracting spend, the EDGE pilot for small construction firms, and efforts to improve procurement access; OMWBE reported growth in certified firms and about $371 million in state spend with certified firms in the most recent year, while noting ongoing impacts from federal DBE changes; and the Office of Equity outlined its broader work on agency consultation, dashboards, and systems change. No votes were taken.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

January 15, 2025 - 03:30 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Small businesses are 99.8% of the businesses in our state.
  • You support a number of small business programs within our department, and we use those really to drive
  • program.
  • to really go business to business and provide those businesses with information about emergency bridge
  • there for small businesses.
Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee met to organize for the session, take roll, and hear introductory remarks from members and agency heads. Members briefly introduced themselves and their districts, with several noting transportation, economic development, emergency response, military, and hurricane recovery issues in their areas. Chair Shove then outlined the subcommittee’s jurisdiction and current-year budget, noting a total of about $20.3 billion, with most funding coming from trust funds and only a small share from general revenue. The committee also heard that upcoming meetings would include presentations from major agencies in the subcommittee’s purview. The first agency presentation was from the Department of Military Affairs and the Florida National Guard. Major General John Haas described the Guard’s three missions—supporting national security, responding to state emergencies, and adding value to the state—and highlighted deployments for hurricanes, border security support, and ongoing support to the Department of Corrections. He emphasized that the Guard is understrength relative to Florida’s size and demand, said recruiting is strong, and identified force structure growth as the main challenge. Members asked about aircraft, funding sources, and recruiting; Haas explained the Guard’s helicopter and fixed-wing fleet, said aircraft purchases are funded through legislative appropriations, and reported strong interest in the Florida State Guard’s recruiting pipeline. Executive Director Mark Thieme then described the Florida State Guard’s expansion into air, ground, and maritime capabilities, including Black Hawks, boats, drones, canine search-and-rescue teams, and ground support units. He said the agency supported immigration enforcement and hurricane response, and asked for continued legislative support to expand aviation, maritime, and medical capabilities. Members praised the Guard’s disaster response work and asked about aircraft, funding, and staffing. Secretary Cord Byrd of the Department of State followed, focusing on election administration, election security, the SunBiz and voter registration IT systems, arts and culture, corporations, libraries, and historical resources. He said Florida’s election system remains a national model, reported two prosecutions for non-citizen voting, and discussed modernization needs for legacy IT systems. The committee also asked about voter lookup tools, password privacy for SunBiz, and arts funding vetoes. Secretary Alex Kelly of the Department of Commerce described the agency’s broad portfolio, including workforce, economic, community, and international commerce functions, plus housing recovery, broadband, small business support, rural infrastructure, defense-community grants, and law enforcement recruitment bonuses. He said access to capital is the biggest barrier for small businesses and noted ongoing work with CareerSource, the Department of Corrections, and other partners on workforce and reentry. Secretary Jared Perdue of the Department of Transportation then outlined FDOT’s record budget and five-year work program, emphasizing emergency response, preservation and maintenance, safety, and major investments in roads, ports, airports, transit, and spaceport infrastructure. He said the department has removed millions of cubic yards of storm debris, is ahead of schedule on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, and faces a large unfunded project backlog. Members asked about supply chain issues, project priorities, and workforce needs, and Perdue said FDOT is open to collaboration on recruitment and retention.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
  • That doesn't attract our businesses. That doesn't help a business grow.
  • I've grown businesses in Virginia, successful large businesses. I've sold businesses in Virginia.
  • There were federal—there's the federal program, there's state programs, and they were new programs that
  • This is a new program.
  • Let's keep that good stuff going and apply it to other programs, especially on behalf of the small businesses
Summary: The Commission on Unemployment Compensation met, established a quorum, and elected Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling as chair and Senator Mike Jones as vice chair. The commission also adopted its electronic meeting policy and heard introductions from new members, staff, and officials from the Secretary of Labor’s office and the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). Secretary Jessica Lumen outlined the administration’s workforce and labor priorities, including supporting workers, employers, and program transparency, while members raised concerns about business climate, job losses, labor participation, and the implementation of paid family and medical leave. Staff provided legislative updates on recent unemployment-related bills. These included increases to the weekly unemployment benefit amount enacted in 2025 and 2026, a bill on labor dispute disqualification that changed how lockouts are treated for benefit eligibility, and a budget item providing $75,000 for actuarial support to the commission. The commission also discussed the 2025 work group on annual adjustments to weekly benefit amounts; staff reported that the work group did not complete its charge, and members agreed to revisit whether to reconstitute it at a future meeting. Delegate Martinez expressed support for continuing the work, and the chair said the issue would be taken up at the next meeting. Deputy Commissioner Joanna Darkus gave a detailed presentation on Virginia’s unemployment insurance system, including current claims data, eligibility rules, employer tax structure, benefit levels, trust fund solvency, fraud prevention, and customer service operations. She reported that Virginia’s unemployment rate remains low, weekly claims are modest, the current weekly benefit range is $160 to $478, and the trust fund balance factor is projected at 50.9 percent, near the threshold for additional employer charges. Members asked about the taxable wage base, trust fund solvency, the effect of benefit increases, fraud controls, and the planned paid family and medical leave program. VEC said it is implementing that program through regulations, staffing, IT procurement, public listening sessions, and consultation with other states. A public commenter from the Virginia Poverty Law Center urged the commission to strengthen state investment in unemployment insurance and warned that federal support is uncertain. The commission then adjourned without taking further action.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session - 2026-03-24 - 9:30AM

Vermont Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • our businesses. our businesses.
  • businesses. 25 new businesses were businesses. 25 new businesses were started<00:26:55.440> in
  • The Microbusiness Program has helped create more than 2,100 businesses.
  • businesses. That's a lot of businesses. businesses.
  • programs? programs?
Keywords: 927, senate, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • work program.
  • Very busy chart here.
  • Like we are with a motor vehicle businesses. We will be out of the retail business.
  • We know that, you know, the vast majority of our state's businesses are small businesses.
  • Florida's programs are designed to serve a wide range of individuals and businesses to meet workforce
Keywords: 999, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Aug 15th, 2025

Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact

Transcript Highlights:
  • Research Program.
  • Technical assistance programs like the Small Business Development Centers Program and so many others
  • Like the SVDC program.
  • businesses.
  • Invest in workforce training programs that equip workers with the skills, small business needs, and helping
Keywords: 988, house, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Energy and Natural Resources (04/01/2025)

Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • saves programs, the energy efficiency<00:26:26.080> programs.
  • It's a program that's earned support from residents, business owners, contractors, and many others in
  • program. Please, Senators, help me. program. Please, Senators, help me.
  • , not just for our customers, but as well as the businesses that help implement and support these programs
  • Thank you, Welcome new businesses. Economic Welcome new businesses.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 5, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • , how to expand access responsibly, and how to ensure these programs are helping the businesses that
  • , how to expand access responsibly, and how to ensure these programs are helping the businesses that
  • , how to expand access responsibly, and how to ensure these programs are helping the businesses that
  • , how to expand access responsibly, and how to ensure these programs are helping the businesses that
  • The Small Business Administration is... ...and how to ensure these programs are helping the businesses
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Water and Natural Resources Aug 18th, 2025

Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Those are both these programs that allow agricultural businesses to import workers on a limited basis
  • We're seeing a significant increase in program applications from agricultural businesses.
  • So we have a pretty diverse spread of agricultural businesses that have access to our program.
  • It's been that for my business and other family-owned businesses like me.
  • So the total program activity proposed. $10.3 million for this program.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • I know that program.
  • She identified businesses.
  • We’re looking at this program expanding into perhaps this could be an entry point to the program.
  • We're looking at this program expanding into perhaps this could be an entry point to the program.
  • , but also how we’re supporting those programs and business models—and then community integration.
Keywords: 914, all
Summary: The committee/task force met with several disability service providers to discuss integrated employment, transition services, and barriers to community jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described creating their own businesses when community employers were not hiring their clients, and said rigid service rules, employer readiness, bullying, and reimbursement structures often force the person to fit the service rather than the service fitting the person. They said they have not seen clients lose benefits, but they do closely manage reporting to Social Security and related supports. Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial work, city beautification, state-use contracts, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said many employers are hesitant because of productivity and cost concerns, and that businesses are often more open to contracting with her agency than hiring individuals directly. Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model with sheltered work, volunteer sites, paid contracts, and a Transition Academy. She said the academy is a two-year program focused first on independent living and then on employment, with internships and an 85% placement rate, but funding is a major barrier because the program is not accredited and students cannot access traditional aid. She also cited dual diagnoses, inconsistent job coaches, and employer uncertainty as major obstacles. Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described DRTC’s long-running enclave contracts, a new Community Skills and Connections program, and a plan to phase out 14(c) subminimum wage use by the end of the year. They said the new program is designed to keep people engaged in community-based skill-building and networking while families still need day supports, and that DRTC has developed more than 100 community partnerships. Senator Kirt, Rep. Hefner, and participants discussed broader system issues, including the need for better school-to-work transition, more social integration, transportation, safety, and employer education. DRS staff said the agency is already required to provide pre-employment transition services in schools starting at age 14 and offers employer accommodations support and job-carving assistance, though they acknowledged federal reporting expectations and service rules can be restrictive. Several participants raised concerns about line-of-sight restrictions, congregate living rules, benefit cliffs, and the difficulty of moving from DDS to DRS services. The group also discussed the need for better data and possible working groups focused on in-school transition, program support and blending services, and community integration. No formal votes were taken.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • And so then the business contracts and pays South Central and we pay our clients, but businesses really
  • With your programs, if they're graduating from high school, going through these programs, your programs
  • We're looking at this program expanding into perhaps this could be an entry point to the program.
  • We're looking at this program expanding into perhaps this could be an entry point to the program.
  • to individuals, but also how we’re supporting those programs and business models, and then community
Summary: The meeting focused on integrated employment and related services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with testimony from several provider agencies and state officials. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described how their organization supports people through residential services and self-created businesses because community employers often are not ready to hire people with disabilities. They said rigid service rules, difficulty fitting individuals into existing job definitions, and reimbursement requirements can prevent person-centered employment supports. They also reported that, in their experience, employees had not lost benefits when work was coordinated carefully with Social Security and benefits management. Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial and highway contracts, state-use products, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said the organization uses a temp-service style model to make employers more comfortable and noted barriers such as employer concerns about productivity, lack of awareness of tax credits and accessibility resources, and the need for consistent job coaches. Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model, including a Transition Academy for young adults that combines independent living instruction, community college classes, internships, and follow-along support; she said the program has an 85% placement rate but is expensive and not eligible for traditional student aid because it is not accredited. She also cited barriers including dual diagnoses, workforce readiness, and low reimbursement rates. Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described their long-running enclave contracts and a new Community Skills and Connection program that uses interest-based cohorts, community exploration, and volunteer experiences to build skills and networks tied to employment. They said the agency is phasing out its 14(c) subminimum wage certificate by the end of the year and is trying to expand community-based opportunities. DRTC and other providers emphasized the need to blend DDS and DRS services more effectively, reduce restrictive rules such as line-of-sight requirements, and better support people in congregate living settings. DRS representatives said the agency does provide school-based transition services, employer accommodations, and job carving support, and noted federal reporting requirements tied to wage outcomes. Members also discussed safety concerns, employer education, data collection, ABLE accounts, and the role of schools in preparing students for work and community life. The co-chairs proposed organizing the task force into three working groups: in-school/transition services, program support and service blending, and community integration/employer engagement. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with plans for further working-group discussion and follow-up on data and policy ideas.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses

Transcript Highlights:
  • Through our administration of workforce development programs statewide, we regularly speak with businesses
  • In 2024, 23 of our CDCs reported serving 3,447 entrepreneurs through the small business programs, provided
  • It's important that the state continues investing in the Small Business Technical Assistance Program
  • It's important that the state continues investing in the Small Business Technical Assistance Program
  • to support current grant. continues investing in the small business technical assistance program to support
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held an informational hearing focused on the conditions facing small and micro businesses in Massachusetts and the state programs intended to support them. Chairs Andy Vargas and Adam Gomez opened by emphasizing equitable economic development, the importance of CDFIs, and the need to help underserved entrepreneurs, especially women, minorities, veterans, immigrants, and other groups facing barriers. Committee members noted the hearing would not take up bills, and testimony was limited to 10 minutes per organization. State and quasi-public agency witnesses described current programs and funding. Dico Gibral of the Executive Office of Economic Development highlighted the Business Front Door, multilingual access, small business office hours in Gateway Cities, and funding in the Mass Leads Act, including support for CDFIs, small business technology, and capital grants. Tom Hooper of Commonwealth Corporation described workforce training programs such as the Workforce Training Fund, Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, and Career Technical Initiative, saying they help small businesses train workers, fill labor shortages, and support returning citizens and people with disabilities. Committee members asked about federal funding uncertainty, workforce migration, training schedules, and program uptake. Business and advocacy groups focused on cost pressures and regulatory burdens. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association urged continuation of outdoor dining and takeout alcohol sales, and pressed for relief from high credit card swipe fees, support for surcharging, and streamlining municipal licensing. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts cited survey results showing inflation, utility costs, payroll taxes, health insurance, and interchange fees as major concerns, and said many members might sell or close within five years; it also backed ending the state prohibition on surcharging and creating an Office of Main Streets Massachusetts. MACDC, BECKMA, and the Coalition for an Equitable Economy emphasized the need for more technical assistance, CDFI and small business funding, and protections against rising costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and immigration enforcement impacts on immigrant-heavy business districts. No votes were taken.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 4th, 2025

Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have a program called TTCP, Technical Training and Certification Program.
  • If they have a program that is a certified apprenticeship training program, all bets are off for them
  • an apprenticeship program.
  • Most small businesses that are in construction, besides the big guys, don't have apprenticeship programs
  • Program. Right.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
  • That doesn't attract our businesses. That doesn't help a business grow.
  • I've grown businesses in Virginia, successful large businesses. I've sold businesses in Virginia.
  • Maybe not... ...businesses. I've sold businesses in Virginia.
  • There's the federal program, there's state programs, and there were new programs that were delivered
  • Let's keep that good stuff going and apply it to other programs, especially on behalf of the small businesses
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

LBT Public Hearing 01-29-2025

Labor and Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:08:08.800> or we don't um deal with businesses or we don't um deal with businesses or
  • where it also talks about um business where it also talks about um business and<00:08:43.240>
  • The program was designed to make this very easy for businesses, so there's no cost to the... questions
  • <00:27:57.559> the<00:27:57.720> program added cost for the program the program added
  • costs for businesses.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology heard testimony on several measures. Senate Bill 327, relating to internships, drew broad support from the Department of Education, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, University of Hawaiʻi, DBEDT, P20, HFIA, Hawaiʻi Electric, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, and the Chamber of Commerce, with suggested amendments to clarify the internship purpose, limit some responsibilities to the state executive branch, and address staffing and reporting details. The committee later recommended passing SB 327 with amendments, including changes to the internship language, private-sector references, work-hour limits, reporting requirements, and a deferred effective date for further discussion. Senate Bill 716, relating to the Hawaii Employment Security Law, received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations as a step toward modernizing unemployment insurance, and the committee recommended passage with housekeeping and technical amendments. Senate Bill 717, relating to collective bargaining, would allow certain exempt employees to grieve suspensions or discharges. The City and County of Honolulu and the Department of Human Resources Development said the issue should remain a collective bargaining matter, while HGEA and United Public Workers supported the bill. DHRD opposed changing the statute and pointed to existing internal complaint procedures. The committee nevertheless recommended passing SB 717 with amendments and deferred the date for further discussion. Senate Bill 742, relating to data sharing, would create a data sharing and governance working group within the Office of Enterprise Technology Services and include appropriations. OETS, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the University of Hawaiʻi, DOE, Hawaiʻi Kids Can, Hawaiʻi P-20, and others supported the measure, with OETS estimating a total cost of about $2.64 million, including software, consulting, and six FTE. The committee recommended passage with amendments and a deferred effective date, and noted the budget request in the committee report. The final measure, Senate Bill 855, relating to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Act, would shift the program from opt-in to opt-out and appropriate startup funds; former Senator Brian Taniguchi and AARP supported it, while Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi and the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi opposed it over costs and burdens on small businesses and concerns about adding mandates before the program is implemented. The committee recessed briefly on a proposed AARP amendment, then returned and indicated support for the opt-out language before taking the bill up for decision-making.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee Jan 22nd, 2026 at 09:00 am

A&B Education Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They have to be in-demand programs and something that the business industry is asking for.
  • So, if business and industry is asking for it, then we ramp up program growth.
  • They have to be in-demand programs and something that the business industry is asking for.
  • So, if business and industry is asking for it, then we ramp up program growth.
  • Most of you guys know that we have full-time programs, business and industry training, which may be short-term
Keywords: 914, all