Transcript Highlights:

• The increased funding for this program included in the budget and SB 532 passed by Senator West last
• The increased funding for this program included in the budget and SB 532 passed by Senator West last
• This bill has no fiscal note, as the program has already been fully funded since last session.
• excited to see that some of the previously appropriated funds will be used to promote this program.
• pieces of legislation, and y'all have already infused a large amount of funding into the program.

Summary: The Senate Education K-16 Committee heard Senate Bill 1961, which would expand reporting on post-secondary outcomes and workforce data, including employment, earnings, regional labor demand, and credentials of value. Senator Bettencourt said the bill is intended to close data gaps and improve alignment between education programs and workforce needs. Witnesses from Opportunity Austin, Texas 2036, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, and the Fort Worth workforce community testified in support, saying better data would help students, parents, schools, employers, and regional economic development efforts. After questions from members about regional workforce pipelines and semiconductor talent needs, public testimony closed and SB 1961 was left pending. The committee then took up several pending bills and reported them favorably, including SB 1325, SB 604, SB 1832, SB 747, SB 2185, and SB 2395, with committee substitutes adopted where needed. SB 1325 was amended to remove the DSHS commissioner’s authority to issue standing orders for respiratory distress medication in schools. SB 1832, relating to school transfer or private-school funding options for students victimized by a public school employee, and SB 747, relating to intimate visual material policies, were both advanced on recorded votes. SB 2185, on the bilingual education allotment, was initially moved to a local calendar but was later backed up and reported to the full Senate after a fiscal note was noted. SB 2395, on school district general obligation bonds, was also reported favorably and then moved to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard SB 646, which would expand the Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment Program to additional professions, increase award amounts, and add stipends for rural and bilingual service. Senator West said the bill responds to mental health workforce shortages and inflation. The Texas Counseling Association supported the measure, and a Hogg Foundation representative said participation has grown sharply since prior changes. SB 646 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2647, which would create a Texas state accrediting agency and interim oversight system for higher education accreditors; supporters from the Texas Public Policy Foundation and a massage school owner argued it would improve accountability and reduce accreditor overreach, while Senator Menendez raised concerns about effects on law and medical school accreditation and student opportunities. SB 2647 was left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2786, which would exempt first responders from the Texas Success Initiative entrance exam, and SB 2615, which would standardize remote-work policies across public higher education institutions. The Texas State Association of Firefighters supported SB 2786, saying it would remove an extra step for career advancement; the bill was left pending because the committee substitute had not yet been adopted. SB 2615 was presented as a way to ensure more consistent in-person staffing expectations while preserving exceptions for illness, disability, and some non-teaching roles; it too was left pending. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we are preparing to move quickly as soon as these funds are released to implement grant programs
• and make to um implement grant programs and make funds<00:20:18.880> available.
• We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the federal rural health transformation program.
• health transformation federal rural health transformation program. program. program.
• We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the federal rural health transformation program.

Bills: HF1925

Keywords: nurse licensure, multistate license, healthcare, public safety, interstate compact, nursing regulation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• To the federal government that Access was in compliance with the ARPA funding requirement.
• We have initiated opportunities to provide additional funding to providers that are part of that program
• This is all federal dollars, and we’re currently in year four of the TIP program; is that correct?
• Madam Chair, members, we draw the federal funds at the time we make the payment.
• We draw the federal funds at the time the payment is made. All right. Thank you.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held another oversight hearing on Access, focusing on fee-for-service behavioral health management, prior authorization and claims processing, the Targeted Investment Program (TIP), and network adequacy. The chair and other members criticized Access for repeated transparency failures, including missing records related to the Covered Behavioral Health Services Guide, lack of public comment, unanswered questions about ARPA compliance, and concerns about ghost networks and delayed payments to providers, especially in Native communities and rural areas. Interim Director Roberta Harrison said Access had improved fraud controls after the sober living scheme crisis and acknowledged the need for modernization. She reported faster prior authorization processing, fewer denial codes, real-time dashboards, additional staffing, and claims processing under 30 days. She also said the agency wants more fraud referrals and is working to strengthen internal systems and communication. On the TIP program, Access officials explained that payments are delayed because of complex data validation and allocation across many provider sites; they said year one of TIP 2.0 was paid, but years two and three had not yet been distributed. The committee requested a formal plan within 30 days for paying the estimated $122 million in delayed TIP funds and asked for CMS-related documentation. Committee members also questioned Access about a direct contract with Constellation for claims processing, noting language in the proposal suggesting higher ROI from denying more claims; Access said that language was not part of the contract scope and was verbally rejected. On network adequacy, officials described time-and-distance standards, annual MCO reports, and internal review processes, but could not immediately confirm whether a fiscal year 2025 report had been submitted to CMS or whether any corrective action plans had been imposed. The chair concluded that Access’s improvements appeared to be driven by legislative pressure, said the committee would review the information received, and announced that Access would be sent detailed monthly reporting directions before the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• throughout a number of federal programs.
• expect of federal uh programs I I expect of federal uh programs I I expect suspect<00:14:56.360
• c><02:10:06.199> forward leverage federal funds as we go forward leverage federal funds as we
• These may be federal funds, they may be general funds, or other funds; they may be Governor and Council
• to<03:35:09.520> be there are federal funds that need to be there are federal funds that need

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: Finance Division 3 met for a work session on House Bill 519, which concerns funding for Waypoint. The chair noted general support for the organization but said the bill would likely need to be suspended and folded into the budget process because the committee did not yet know available revenues or what amount, if any, could be committed. Kya Fox, director of the Division for Behavioral Health, testified that the department supports the bill and the program, explaining that it had been funded with other available funds, including $100,000 for 2024 and $400,000 for 2025, under a contract running through June 30 of this year. She said the shelter serves a unique population of young adults and is part of the department’s children’s system of care and Mission Zero efforts to reduce barriers to psychiatric discharge and emergency department use. Members questioned Fox and Waypoint representatives about the budget placement of the request, the difference between the efficiency budget and prioritized needs, and whether state budget documents would show any internal Waypoint revenues. Fox said the request appears as a general fund item and that the state would not see Waypoint’s internal financial operations in the budget. A legislative member explained that prioritized needs are critical services already in place but not necessarily included in the efficiency budget, and another member said the distinction is not strictly applied. The committee also raised a separate question about how DHHS would handle any future state or federal restrictions on DEI practices; Fox said that was a question for department leadership and legal staff, but that the department follows state law and contract requirements. Waypoint CEO Bor Alvare and Director Mandy Lancaster then described the shelter and related services. They said the shelter serves ages 18 to 24, is a 14-bed open-room facility with half walls, and is staffed overnight by two full-time workers. They said admission is first come, first served, with some vulnerability factors considered, and that they do not discriminate by race, gender, or sexual orientation. They reported no known incidents of sexual violence, though some youth are turned away each night because the shelter is full. They also explained that Waypoint provides broader services beyond the shelter, including outreach, drop-in centers, housing support, rental assistance, and family mediation, and said they serve about 400 youth and young adults in Manchester alone. The discussion ended with questions about whether lowering the upper age limit would affect the program; Waypoint said most residents are already in the 18-to-23 range, but that housing shortages make the current age span important for helping young adults avoid chronic homelessness.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know there's been discussions about federal funding.
• We do receive about $11 million in federal Perkins funds, but those funds are very prescriptive in terms
• So we really need state funding to continue to invest in CTE programs.
• are being expended and closed out, whether it's state or federal funds.
• So why we're... ...closed out, whether it's state or federal funds.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Other federal programs, such as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, program, have a
• funds for that type of program.
• Other federal programs, such as the temporary assistance to needy families or TANF program, have a maintenance
• funds for that type of program. states participate To see federal funds for that type of program.
• We also have experts on budgeting for natural disasters, federal funds management, infrastructure, including

Summary: The committee held its first meeting, with co-chairs and members introducing themselves and staff outlining the committee’s statutory mandate under the 2025-27 supplemental operating budget. Staff explained that the Joint Legislative-Executive Committee on Budget Transparency and Fiscal Sustainability will receive technical assistance from a nonpartisan organization, with work split into two phases: first on revenue growth, spending assumptions, and cost drivers in the four-year outlook, and later on staffing, overhead, performance management, and public reporting. Members broadly said they hoped the committee would build a shared factual understanding of the state’s fiscal situation, structural deficits, and budget processes, and identify a sustainable path forward for the operating budget. Staff then gave a detailed presentation on operating budget basics. They reviewed the size and composition of the operating budget, noting that most spending is concentrated in grants/client services and salaries/benefits, with K-12, DSHS, HCA, DCYF, DOC, and higher education making up most NGFO spending. They explained the distinction between constitutional, federal, statutory, and discretionary spending, using examples such as K-12, Medicaid, collective bargaining agreements, court-driven obligations like McCleary and Trueblood, and one-time appropriations. They also walked through how the state uses incremental budgeting, carry-forward and maintenance-level calculations, caseload and per-capita forecasting, and the four-year balanced budget outlook, including reserve calculations and the budget stabilization account. Members asked extensive questions about what is and is not included in the outlook, especially future collective bargaining agreements, health care and compensation growth, tort and other liabilities, and whether the state could better distinguish mandatory from discretionary spending. Staff explained that current CBAs and other already-enacted obligations are included, but future CBAs are not; some liabilities are reflected as expenditures when appropriated, while broader long-term liabilities are not fully captured in the outlook because they depend on future policy choices. Staff also noted that the legislature and ERFC can adopt assumptions such as reversions and growth factors, and that an outlook accuracy report is produced every five years to compare projected and actual maintenance-level spending. The committee agreed to follow up on some of the more complex liability and assumption questions. After a short break, Josh Goodman of the Pew Charitable Trusts began a presentation on Pew’s role and approach to state fiscal sustainability. He described Pew as a nonpartisan organization with long-standing state fiscal research, emphasizing its 50-state comparative data, interviews with state officials and experts, and focus on long-term sustainability, reserve policies, and recession preparedness. The presentation was ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, this amendment is needed due to a plus-up from HUD for the funding for that program. >> What for
• This amendment adds some federal funding that we received from a preschool development grant.
• The federal government would not replace those funds.
• It's part of the federal requirements with that program.
• We had placed it under state funds, and it should have been under federal funds.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Safeguard public funds Medicaid Program Safeguard public funds and<00:18:39.880> establish<00
• funded programs they have requirements, including audits, and state dollars go on the same programs.
• <00:35:23.880> funded procedures because on federally funded procedures because on federally
• funded programs<00:35:25.480> they<00:35:25.839> have<00:35:26.599> requirements
• I'm noticing your comment earlier about federal programs and state programs.

Bills: HF1470, HF1310, HF1837

Keywords: opioids, substance use, addiction recovery, mental health, state cabinet, HF1310, Office of Cannabis Management, cannabis, marijuana, tribal consultation, government-to-government relationship, Minnesota tribes, Tribal governments, state government, consultation, rulemaking, Indian affairs, cannabis regulation, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:10.160> funds a a set use that from this program funds a a set use that from this program
• If there are of this funding program.
• When you talk about the agency being able to fund those programs with the interest, is it the program
• The program is funded by general fund appropriations and then, as the spreadsheet shows, also by sales
• is funded by in 2024. us uh the program is funded by general<01:20:56.880> fund<01:20:57.120>

Bills: SF2434

Keywords: housing, development fund, affordable housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, expenditure provisions

Transcript Highlights:

• The other challenges around funding issues, I mentioned the federal program.
• The other challenges around funding issues, I mentioned the federal program.
• The other challenges around funding issues, I mentioned the federal program.
• And it looks across the whole funding landscape from state, federal, and federal relief funds.
• <02:37:00.240> being federal funds as formula funds being federal funds as formula funds being

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She explained that CEP is a federal program that allows high-poverty schools to offer free meals to all
• High C is a federal program that allows High C is a federal program that allows High poverty<
• <01:29:06.440> funds<01:29:06.760> in districts to accept federal funds in districts
• <02:27:57.040> that funding to the schools and programs that funding to the schools and programs
• fourth taxpayer funded program into the fourth taxpayer funded program into the fourth pathway<02

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You aren't entitled to federal funds in America.
• You aren't entitled to federal<02:35:43.880> funds<02:35:44.880> in federal funds in federal
• And for over a decade now, the Community Advantage program has been helping close this funding gap for
• And for over a decade now, the Community Advantage program has been helping close this funding gap for
• has been helping close advantage program has been helping close this<03:11:25.359> funding<03

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, June 5, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program.
• program.
• program.
• And then we're applying for federal matching funds to come up to that.
• Um, you know, today there is a way to get federal matching funding for IT development.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The discussion focused on the need to modernize Minnesota’s human services software systems, especially MAXIS and related county-administered eligibility tools used for programs like SNAP and Medical Assistance. The senator described seeing a Ramsey County demonstration of the MAXIS system, saying the process was tedious, repetitive, and based on outdated green-screen technology that is difficult for workers to learn and use. The outdated systems were said to create long wait times for residents seeking basic needs assistance and to make it harder for counties to keep up with application volume. The senator said the old, siloed systems also create program integrity problems because they do not communicate well with one another, making it harder to detect fraud and more likely that errors will go unnoticed. Counties reportedly need to hire more staff just to process basic applications, and those added costs can ultimately affect county budgets and property taxpayers. The senator also said modernization is important to maintain federal funding and avoid penalties tied to error rates and compliance requirements in programs such as SNAP and Medicaid. Senate File 4719 was presented as a short-term bill to create a Human Services System Steering Committee made up of county representatives, state agencies, DHS, DCYF, and MNIT to develop recommendations and prioritize improvements collaboratively. The senator said the committee could begin meeting within a couple of months after enactment, with the goal of getting work started quickly this biennium. A longer-term proposal, Senate File 5020, would establish an IT funding account and require MNIT to develop a modernization plan for larger system investments. No vote or formal committee action was taken in the exchange.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Senator Sorvaag, future project funding estimate: that would be a combination of federal funding
• Both agencies work together to administer the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program.
• Funding for the program comes from several different sources.
• Funding up to this point, federal funding, we did get approved in 2024. We worked...
• Federal funds would be $11 million.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information. The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability. The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• > funds<00:26:10.960> that well as federal Medicaid funds that well as federal Medicaid
• MDOT also manages federal funds.
• We substitute the funds that are provided federal formula funds are allocated under the full federal
• We substitute the funds that are provided federal formula funds are allocated under the full federal
• funded by federal COVID relief dollars. funded by federal COVID relief dollars.

Bills: HF4693

Keywords: transportation, license plates, validation stickers, replacement fees, government fees, 1183, house

Summary: The Transportation Finance and Policy Committee approved the April 13, 2026 minutes and then heard a presentation from Charles Carlson of Metropolitan Transportation Services on regional transit governance and finance in the Twin Cities area. Carlson reviewed the history of transit governance from private streetcars and buses to public control, including the creation of the Met Council and Metropolitan Transit Commission in 1967, later fragmentation through suburban opt-outs and the Regional Transit Board, and the 1994 consolidation that made Metro Transit part of the Met Council. He also explained the role of the Transportation Advisory Board as a state-created advisory body to the council’s federally designated MPO function, and noted that any major structural change to the Met Council could trigger federal redesignation requirements. The presentation then focused on funding changes over time. Carlson said transit was long supported by fares, property taxes, and federal aid, but that property taxes for operations were prohibited in 2001, federal operating assistance ended, and the state shifted to general fund support and then motor vehicle sales tax revenue. He described the 2006 constitutional dedication of motor vehicle sales tax, the volatility of that revenue during the Great Recession, and the use of one-time state appropriations and later federal COVID relief to cover operating gaps. He said the 2023 legislature created the regional 3/4-cent transportation sales tax to stabilize transit operations, reduced the state’s rail operating obligation, and moved Metro Mobility/Metro Move into a state forecast-based program effective in 2025. Members asked several questions about the structure of suburban “opt-out” providers, including Maple Grove and Plymouth, and how they can contract with Metro Transit or private providers while still retaining control of their allocated funds. Carlson explained that replacement service municipalities receive statutory and formula allocations and choose how to use them. He also described Metro Move as a waiver-based service begun in 2024 that uses human services and Medicaid funds to reduce pressure on the state general fund. Later discussion covered ridership and service shares, with Metro Council providing the vast majority of regional transit service and suburban providers accounting for a small share. No votes or bill actions were taken beyond adoption of the minutes; the chair indicated a bill would be taken up later in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas President Trump recently signed into law a budget bill that will significantly cut federal funding
• in On many vital programs.
• For an emergency session to deal with President Trump's federal funding cuts, 40% of $160 Million has
• Speaker and body, we're going to lose federal funds.
• Federal policy changes. Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, three are for matching funds needed for federal programs.
• Uh, three are for matching funds needed for federal programs.
• Uh, three are for matching funds needed for federal programs.
• Uh, three are for matching funds needed for federal programs.
• Uh funds needed for federal programs.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• farms who voluntarily participate in the federal dairy margin program, or DMC.
• farms who voluntarily participate in the federal dairy margin program, or DMC.
• farms who voluntarily participate in the federal dairy margin program, or DMC.
• farms who voluntarily participate in the federal dairy margin program, or DMC.
• Um, about 1,200 farms have signed up through the federal program, and I think about 734 have applied

Bills: HF3298, SF3832, HF3528, HF3516, HF3972, HF4118

Keywords: underground storage tanks, petroleum, reimbursement program, environmental regulation, pollution control, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, dentistry, licensure, registration

Transcript Highlights:

• fund and state we talking about federal fund and state fund<02:31:56.000> and<02:31:56.240>
• The federal fund and all that.
• No federal taxpayer dollar, no federal or state taxpayer dollars, are used to fund the program.
• And maybe I misheard this, but did you say no state or federal taxpayer money funds this program?
• ><02:51:13.120> federal program regulated by the federal program regulated by the federal government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <04:05:31.040> funds unable to access federal funds unable to access federal funds authorized
• We will continue to build on this progress to ensure federally funded programs best serve our veterans
• <04:09:24.199> funded progress to ensure federally funded progress to ensure federally funded
• already freezing federal funds that have already freezing federal funds that have already been<05
• homeless program to successful Federal homeless program to date<05:29:41.400> in<05:29:41.638

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 10, 2025, 1012, house, all