Video & Transcript Research : 'spending benchmarks'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- And now that a combination of increased spending by heat pumps.
- It specifically says that the only energy efficiency spending will do is the spending that's cost effective
- Actually, it's the traditional spending on energy efficiency.
- Mass Save spending.
- The idea here is that spending money on information and analysis is cheap.
Summary:
The committee hearing focused on a broad set of energy efficiency, building decarbonization, school modernization, and lighting bills. Testimony generally came from municipal leaders, labor unions, environmental groups, and advocates who supported measures such as H. 3529/S. 2294 on building energy and decarbonization, H. 3577/S. 2286 on a zero-carbon renovation fund, H. 3476/S. 2275 on healthy and sustainable schools, H. 3565 on Mass Save zero-carbon assessments, H. 3477 on clean lighting and appliance efficiency standards, and the Dark Sky bills on outdoor lighting. Supporters argued these bills would cut emissions, lower utility bills, improve indoor air quality and school conditions, and direct resources to environmental justice, gateway, and low-income communities.
Witnesses emphasized that Massachusetts’ older building stock and school facilities need major upgrades, and that state funding and financing tools are needed to close gaps left by declining federal support. Mayors, labor leaders, and environmental advocates said the proposals would create local jobs, expand apprenticeships, and help municipalities and schools undertake retrofits, ventilation improvements, heat pump installations, and other decarbonization work. Several speakers also defended Mass Save as highly cost-effective while urging new funding sources beyond ratepayer bills for larger-scale building upgrades. One representative asked about the difference between current Mass Save audits and proposed zero-carbon assessments, and the sponsor explained the new assessments would include heat pumps, solar, storage, wiring upgrades, and rate-structure guidance.
There was also testimony on the Dark Sky bill, with astronomers and museum representatives arguing that better-shielded, downward-facing lighting would reduce energy waste, protect wildlife and human health, and preserve night skies without compromising safety. Committee members raised concerns about pedestrian safety and whether education might be enough instead of legislation; supporters responded that the bill follows established lighting standards and targets only unnecessary glare and skyward light. On the school bill, an open-shop contractor group opposed the measure, arguing its PLA and apprenticeship requirements would restrict bidding and reduce competition, while labor organizations strongly supported the workforce standards and prevailing wage provisions.
No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony and several members asked clarifying questions, but the transcript does not show any final action or disposition on the bills.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- nearly $600 million in additional state spending, which would necessitate a combination of spending
- responsibility for local spending responsibility for local spending decisions<01:05:19.000>
is - nearly $600 million in additional spend nearly $600 million in additional State<01:05:46.039>
spending - tax combination of spending cuts and tax combination of spending cuts and tax increases<01:05:51.000
- Why are you spending money on this? Why are you taking your time working on this?
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, we're focusing in on that to hopefully maybe decrease the higher level of spending.
- <00:53:42.480>
so to disability waiver program spending so to disability waiver program spending - realign the program and the spending realign the program and the spending within<01:37:28.800>
- reductions uh net general fund spending reductions uh net general fund spending by<01:45:36.520>
- <01:46:40.080>
right million into that facility spend right million into that facility spend
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (02/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- taking slices so your dollar of spending taking slices so your dollar of spending that<00:39:21.200
- would be to spend would be to spend it<03:46:32.159>
and <03:46:32.279>the <03:46:32.520 - <03:55:28.359>
a point you are correct that we spend a point you are correct that we spend - spend<03:55:51.560>
don't <03:55:51.800>you money we spend don't you money we spend - some schools in this state are spending some schools in this state are spending $115,000<03:58:53.880
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on HB 402, a bill to repeal a provision in RSA 194-F:2 stating that Education Freedom Account (EFA) funds “shall not constitute taxable income” to the parent or student. The bill sponsor argued the current language is misleading because the state cannot determine federal tax liability, and said the bill would simply remove inaccurate tax advice from state law. He cited IRS guidance and prior federal legislation, including a Ted Cruz proposal, to suggest some EFA uses may be taxable under federal law, while others may not, and said the bill could be amended if needed to avoid confusion.
Testimony was sharply divided. Py Campbell opposed the bill, arguing it would unfairly single out EFA students and could amount to a tax on education funds, including for self-employed families, and recommended it be voted inexpedient to legislate. Stephen Matthew French, a tax preparer, also opposed the bill, saying IRS Publication 970 already makes clear that scholarship-type payments used for tuition and related expenses are not taxable, and that the bill addresses a problem that does not exist. He warned that adding tax reporting requirements could create administrative costs for families and the program administrator.
Bill Ardinger, a tax attorney, supported the repeal of the statutory language, saying the state should not place potentially incorrect tax advice into law. He explained that under federal tax law, only certain scholarship-like uses are exempt, while many EFA-eligible expenses may not be, especially for families using the program for homeschooling or other nontraditional expenses. He said the current statute could mislead families into thinking all EFA payments are tax-free and could expose the state to future legal problems. The hearing ended after questions from committee members; no vote or final action was taken in the transcript.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- But the letter goes on to say this notice recounts DSB's excessive spending and administrative costs
- It's that, after repeated warnings—repeatedly being told, do not spend money you don't have, do not spend
- They continued to spend money they should not have been spending, and that led to a RIF.
- Okay, so then who was over this director that has runaway spending?
- Is there anybody looking to see why we're spending so much time on overtime in these three areas?
Summary:
The committee first considered a Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism request to swap three administrative coordinator positions for one park superintendent, one maintenance supervisor, and one park manager for Blanchard Springs State Park. Members were told the change would be funded by conservation tax special revenues, would not increase total positions, and had OPM’s support. The item was reviewed and approved without objection.
Members then approved two special compensation plans: one from the Department of Commerce for lump-sum bonuses of up to $5,000 for employees involved in the unemployment insurance system migration to a cloud-based platform, and one from the Department of Veterans Affairs for $2,000 recruitment bonuses for certified nursing assistants at the Fayetteville and North Little Rock State Veterans Homes. The Department of Health also received approval to reinstate a previously frozen fiscal support manager position for the State Medical Board, with the agency noting the position was already authorized and would not increase total staffing.
The committee spent substantial time on a Commerce reduction-in-force affecting the Division of Services for the Blind and related workforce operations. Secretary Hugh McDonald said the layoffs were driven by over-obligated federal funds, lack of fiscal planning, and a need to realign operations; he said the RIF would be permanent and that 56 employees remained furloughed, with 17 positions slated for elimination. Senators questioned the division’s accountability structure, the role of the board and governor, and whether the cuts disproportionately affected African American employees; Commerce was asked to provide racial composition data for the workforce and the RIF.
The committee also reviewed quarterly employment and overtime reports. Members asked about overtime levels at DHS, Corrections, and Transportation, and whether higher staffing levels and the new pay plan were reducing overtime. OPM said overtime was being monitored, that direct-care positions are exempt from the hiring freeze, and that the state had hired more than 1,200 employees at DHS since the new system went live. No further action was taken on the report items, and the meeting adjourned.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Health Insurance Affordability Task Force, June 18, 2026
Health Insurance Affordability Task Force
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Requiring MMB to include fraud impacts in budget forecasts 3/3/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, the state budget forecast is updated with the most up-to-date information on expected spending in
- . spending. spending.
- in a state program expected spending in a state program including<00:05:20.600>
program <00:05 - The way that would appear in a forecast would be as a reduction in spending from a previous forecast,
- because they did not appropriately spend because they did not appropriately spend or<00:27:23.800
Summary:
The committee took up House File 3683, which would require the state budget forecast to estimate the budgetary impacts of fraud committed against state programs. Chair Nash argued that fraud has real fiscal effects on the state, that those costs should be quantified in the forecast much like inflation was previously incorporated, and that doing so would help lawmakers understand the true cost of money lost to fraud. He also said the bill was intended to give MMB direction to develop a way to forecast fraud’s impact and that the issue should be treated as part of the state’s fiscal outlook.
Deputy Commissioner Anna Mingy of Minnesota Management and Budget testified in opposition to the bill’s approach, saying fraud is unacceptable and MMB is committed to combating it, but that the twice-a-year forecast is not the right tool for this analysis. She said forecasts are forward-looking budget tools based on projected revenues and spending, while fraud analysis is retrospective and involves legal definitions and processes. She also warned that requiring MMB to consult with legislative chairs on fraud estimates before public release could politicize the forecast and would be a departure from current practice.
Members raised concerns about how fraud would be defined and quantified, whether the bill would cover known or potential fraud, and whether it would duplicate existing budget adjustments. Chair Nash responded that the bill was modeled on prior inflation-forecast language and said fraud’s fiscal impact should be estimated even if the exact number is debated. Other members questioned whether the proposal would add value or create subjective numbers, while supporters said audits and program integrity data provide a basis for estimating a range. Deputy Commissioner Mingy also answered questions about bond ratings, saying Minnesota maintained its AAA rating and that rating agencies focus on governance and long-term obligations, not specific fraud estimates. She later said the administration’s anti-fraud package includes permanent bans on state contracts and grants for individuals convicted of fraud. The discussion ended without a recorded vote or final action in the excerpt.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (01/27/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- seeking to override a tax or spending seeking to override a tax or spending cap.<00:31:51.279>
- But I'm looking at an adopted tax or spending caps.
- Would that include or spending caps.
- it spends on all other costs combined.
- <01:42:21.040>
$3500 the CCCD will spend $3500 the CCCD will spend $3500 um<01:42:23.440><
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr/Sub-Education Feb 4th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- We are looking at spending more on invasive woody species.
- And now, it's we've decided to actually do something and spend a little more.
- So, we are increasing the revenues to spend for that.
- We don't think we should spend 6%.
- Where can we spend money here and open up more grazed land or ag land or something?
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We can't just take it out, spend it, and it's gone.
- I understand that this is driven by those voices in this process that want to cut spending.
- It's about spending, with somebody saying, "I'm not really concerned how we get there.
- I want to cut spending." And that's all that this proposal is going to do.
- It's going to cut spending because you are taking $750 million off the table before you're able to spend
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee heard three measures focused on state finances. SB 1906 by Senator Brodeur would add a ninth element to the state debt reduction strategy report and create a program to transfer $250 million annually from the General Revenue Fund to accelerate retirement of outstanding state debt, while exempting the Department of Transportation and Florida Turnpike Enterprise. Members questioned the fiscal tradeoffs and flexibility, but the bill was supported in debate and reported favorably.
The committee then considered SJR 1908 by Chair Hooper, which would amend the Constitution to raise the Budget Stabilization Fund cap from 10% to 25% of general revenue collections, require $750 million annual deposits until the cap is reached, and allow withdrawals for critical state needs by separate bill with a two-thirds vote, while keeping existing rules for emergencies and revenue shortfalls. Testimony and debate centered on whether Florida already has sufficient reserves, how “critical state need” would be defined, and whether the new requirement would reduce flexibility during recessions or federal funding cuts. Despite opposition from advocacy groups and several senators, the resolution was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee took up HB 7031 as the vehicle for the tax package and adopted a delete-everything amendment to place it in the proper posture for conference. As amended, the bill was described as reducing the state sales tax by 0.75%, lowering the commercial rent tax from 2% to 1.25%, eliminating the business rent tax, and creating permanent sales tax exemptions while preserving sales tax holidays. The amended bill was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 15, February 26, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- one-time spending that we have.
- It has what's called a spending policy amount. That's called the SPA, spending policy amount.
- So, we don't spend all earnings.
- <01:24:20.720>
policy It has what's called a spending policy It has what's called a spending - That 5% is Spending policy is 5%.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (03/10/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- :02:09.599>
new <01:02:09.799>spending ask for new spending ask for new spending so<01: - <01:02:54.119>
as have any money that we can't spend as have any money that we can't spend - spending now.
- Um, anybody—I would like to move this. extra spending over the last biennium extra spending over the
- the fiscal committee approved spending the fiscal committee approved spending with<04:24:19.720>
Summary:
The committee met to continue work on House Bill 2, with the chair saying the goal was to finish the bill as given by the governor, though additional amendments were expected. Members first discussed the bail section and agreed to hold it for later because a separate House bail bill was expected on Thursday and could have significant county cost impacts. They also generally accepted the proposed reorganization of positions between Fish and Game, DNCR, and the Department of Environmental Services, but noted the need to review effective dates and funding details, including a possible double appropriation of $275,000 for a scientist position already funded in HB 1.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on environmental review and native plant-related sections moving functions from DNCR to DES. Members discussed changing the rulemaking timeline from 180 days to 90 days, and clarifying that “begin” means the public hearing stage. They also reviewed how fee revenue would shift between agencies in HB 1 so the budget impact would be net zero. The committee indicated it would prepare amendments reflecting these changes and revisit them at a later vote.
The longest discussion concerned the boathouse provisions. Members debated whether the new definitions and construction standards were appropriate in a budget bill, with one member arguing they should be in a separate bill, while others said the provisions were urgent because of a lawsuit and the lack of clear guardrails. Concerns included the February 20, 2025 effective date, which some thought might be retroactive, the detailed limits on what may be stored in a boathouse, and a fee increase that some felt could discourage homeowners from seeking permits. The committee also questioned whether the fee structure should be tiered for smaller projects and whether permit-by-notification projects should be exempted. No final votes were taken on these sections during the discussion; instead, members agreed to seek legal and policy answers and to return with amendments and public hearing input before voting.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, January 15, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And we can also figure out how to cut spending, but I am here not to talk about spending.
- Appropriations over our current spending Appropriations over our current spending levels<08:06:21.000
- <08:07:33.318>
all devil to raise defense spending all devil to raise defense spending all - I don't support it without recognizing our responsibility and our need to cut spending.
- <08:12:33.558>
money <08:12:33.798>on Congress to spend money on Congress to spend
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-04-29 - 11:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So H. 938 spends the same dollar amount, the 21 183, but different ways.
- It will mean we spend less.
- It will mean we spend less. It will mean we spend less.
- <00:48:52.760>
threshold which was the excess spending threshold which was the excess spending - We can't keep buying down these rates, and we have to get spending down.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The spending numbers on the consultants The spending numbers on the consultants in<00:25:15.440>
our - spending on consultants. spending on consultants.
- <00:32:04.000>
reports their mandatory annual spending reports their mandatory annual spending - We can't spend time with people we would want to.
- um that kind of spending um that kind of spending to<00:58:23.440>
your <00:58:23.600>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 4/10/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So overall spending for the Department of Commerce changed by 200,000 in fiscal year 25.
- <00:47:00.240>
that's change are the overall spending that's change are the overall spending - <00:47:04.960>
of <00:47:05.119>commerce spending for the department of commerce spending - Line four, spending for the Office bill.
- This is the spending for those examiners.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V Feb 24th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V
Transcript Highlights:
- And right now we are on track to spend all of that.
- We expect to spend all of this by the end of the fiscal year.
- Because I think what I'm seeing right now is that we could probably spend... we will spend all of this
- We will spend all of this and then we will spend more if it's available.
- spending exceeding $94.8 billion in 2023.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- It's for $30,000 in spending authority.
- This is for $5 million in spending authority.
- This is worth $379,000 in spending authority.
- This is worth $379,000 at Spending Authority.
- This is for $40,000 in spending authority.
Summary:
The committee considered and approved several temporary appropriation requests in Section B, including spending authority for the Court of Appeals to pay appointed counsel in criminal appeals, Commerce/Aeronautics airport and aviation grants, and Insurance Department items for workers’ compensation benefits and premium tax refunds. It also approved ARPA-related requests in Section C to return unused federal funds from DHS aging, mental health, substance abuse, and Older Americans Act grants.
In Section D, the committee reviewed and approved Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests, including Agriculture grants for wildfire preparedness and forestry capacity, a large Commerce broadband BEAD request, environmental recycling-related reallocations, and Oil and Gas Commission grants for facility repairs and sample preservation. Members questioned the broadband program’s audit process and performance safeguards; the State Broadband Director said the funds are federal, subject to audits, and payments are released only after engineering certification of completed work. The committee also approved DHS reallocations in Section E, including major transfers within Medical Services from hospital medical appropriations to private and public nursing home lines, as well as transfers for children and family services, developmental disabilities, and youth services.
The committee then reviewed cash fund requests, miscellaneous federal grants, pay plan and performance fund transfers, methods of finance, and a large set of contracts. A Northwest Arkansas Community College official explained storm-damage repairs and insurance settlement issues, and DHS explained its hospital medical transfer was moving excess appropriation rather than cash. Members also questioned several UAPB tobacco prevention subgrants, especially arts-based outreach, and asked for more data on effectiveness; the committee later voted to expunge and re-refer the J-2 item for further review at a later ALC meeting. Additional discussion covered a DEQ grant to Free Geek of Arkansas for e-waste recycling, a UAPB tobacco program, and various contracts for universities, DHS services, corrections, and public safety. The meeting ended with reports filed for information and a brief member comment thanking others for concern after a tornado in Stone County; no one was injured.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Oct 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- goods and services being produced in the state, but about two-thirds of it is related to consumer spending
- This is something that we spend a lot of time focusing on.
- And then I won't spend a lot of time on this chart, but just mention it to you.
- And so I won't spend a lot of time talking about the fiscal strategies that...
- Even in the out years, you wouldn't view that as a potential spend.
Summary:
The committee met to hear Amy Baker’s presentation on Florida’s constitutionally required long-range financial outlook for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2028-29. Baker said the forecast reflects slower but still positive economic growth, continued above-average personal income growth, rising wages, and population growth that is increasingly driven by in-migration as Florida’s senior population expands. She highlighted weakening housing-related revenue, especially documentary stamp taxes, softer consumer sentiment, and the expectation that Florida will pass 25 million residents by 2030, with nearly a quarter of the population age 65 or older.
Baker said the outlook largely retained the March 2025 general revenue forecast, but the Legislature’s 2025 session actions significantly improved near-term funds available by redirecting or freeing up money, including contingency appropriations and reversions. She noted total state reserves are just under $15 billion, or about 30% of general revenue, and that the budget stabilization fund is at its constitutional maximum. The main spending pressures in the outlook were critical needs, led by a new emergency preparedness and response fund transfer and Medicaid growth driven mainly by medical inflation and behavioral analysis costs in managed care, not by caseload growth. Other high-priority needs were also identified, and Baker said the first year shows a projected surplus, but years two and three show shortfalls, meaning fiscal strategies will still be needed.
Members questioned Baker about the accuracy of the forecast, Medicaid managed care costs, the emergency preparedness fund, federal funding assumptions, and whether recent federal legislation was reflected in the numbers. Baker said the outlook is a good representation of the total picture, though the Legislature will likely adjust it as conditions change, and that more information on federal changes would come in later estimating conferences. Senator Trumbull asked about the governor’s veto of $750 million, and Baker said it simply returned to unallocated general revenue rather than being spent or added to the budget stabilization fund. The chair closed by warning members to expect a difficult budgeting process and noting that the committee would adjourn without further action.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- goods and services being produced in the state, but about two-thirds of it is related to consumer spending
- So this is something that we spend a lot of time focusing on.
- And then I won't spend a lot of time on this chart, but just mention it to you.
- And so I won't spend a lot of time talking about the fiscal strategies that...
- Even in the out years, you wouldn't view that as a potential spend.
Summary:
The committee met to receive Amy Baker’s presentation on Florida’s long-range financial outlook for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2028-29. Baker said the forecast assumes continued but moderating economic growth, with Florida GDP slowing from recent highs, personal income remaining above average, wages continuing to rise faster than job growth, and population growth eventually slowing as the state approaches 2030 and the baby-boomer cohort fully ages into retirement. She also highlighted weakening housing and real-estate-related revenue, especially documentary stamp collections, along with low consumer sentiment as signs of caution in the outlook.
Baker explained that the state’s near-term general revenue picture improved largely because of legislative actions taken in the prior session, including contingency releases, reversions, and other budget adjustments, rather than from major new revenue growth. She said reserves remain strong at nearly $15 billion, or just under 30% of general revenue, with the budget stabilization fund at its constitutional maximum. The main spending pressures identified were critical needs and other high-priority needs, led by a new recurring transfer to the emergency preparedness and response fund and by Medicaid, where rising service costs and medical inflation—especially behavioral analysis costs in managed care—are driving higher expenditures despite lower caseloads and a slightly better federal match.
Members questioned the accuracy of the forecast, the Medicaid cost drivers, the treatment of the governor’s emergency fund, federal funding assumptions, and whether recent federal legislation was reflected in the numbers. Baker said the outlook assumes current federal funding paths continue, that the new federal tax/revenue law had not yet been fully incorporated because agencies were still reviewing it, and that the emergency fund line was calculated from recent appropriations without distinguishing specific uses. She also said the vetoed $750 million did not affect the budget stabilization fund because it reverted to unallocated general revenue. No bills were heard, no votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentation and discussion.