Video & Transcript : 'wage increases' :
Page 103 of 500
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Mar 4th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- broad authority to the current and future legislature to create new tax categories and broaden, increase
- If we pass this bill, the Missouri citizen, especially lower- and lower-middle-income wage earners, are
- I think that will actually increase our economy because... ...you know, for good or ill, people don't
- We want to stop the bleeding and give wage earners their money back because it's theirs.
- Exposure, they claim the exposure increased their risk to future illness.
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session on House Joint Resolution 173 and 174, which would put a tax-reform proposal before voters. Members debated a failed amendment to change the ballot language, with supporters saying it would more honestly describe the measure as a tax replacement that could expand sales taxes, and opponents saying it would be misleading and overly restrictive. The committee then adopted a House committee substitute that clarified the proposal, including a phased reduction in the individual income tax tied to revenue growth, and voted the substitute do pass by a 7-3 roll call.
The committee next took up House Bills 321 and 2531 under a new committee substitute. The substitute made a series of technical and policy changes involving redevelopment, tax increment financing, public safety funding, Missouri Opportunity Zones, baseline revenue calculations, and local property tax diversion, including reducing one diversion requirement from 50% to 25%. Members and the sponsor described the changes as clarifying agency roles and addressing constitutional and administrative concerns. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the combined bill do pass by a 9-0-1 vote.
In public hearing, House Bill 3230 by Rep. Hardwick would bar cities and counties from outright banning modular or qualified manufactured homes in areas where single-family homes are allowed, while still allowing reasonable safety, zoning, and compatibility standards. The sponsor and supporters from the Missouri Manufactured Housing Association argued the bill would expand affordable housing and prevent discriminatory local restrictions; the Missouri Municipal League said it supported the goal but wanted more work on language to preserve local flexibility. The committee also heard House Bill 2888 by Rep. Deal, which would limit standalone medical-monitoring claims without present physical injury. The sponsor and a civil justice coalition supporter said the bill would align Missouri law with court precedent and require an actual injury, while opponents and affected residents argued it would block needed monitoring for exposure to PFAS and other contaminants and could leave exposed communities without a remedy.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- These policies have led to the migration of high-wage jobs, vendor spending, and economic activity out
- taxable wages, local vendor spending, and broader ancillary economic activity.
- AB 2319 is a targeted step to retain and reclaim those high-wage jobs.
- Despite prior efforts to increase oversight and accountability, serious concerns continue.
- Some have features intentionally designed to increase dependency and addiction, like...
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environmental Quality Committee Feb 18th, 2026
Environmental Quality
Transcript Highlights:
- So that abrupt transition will mean an abrupt increase in imports that have to come in.
- increases.
- Could be increasing demand going forward as our need for aviation increases, but these refiners are making
- “Can you clarify that since 2022, we’ve actually seen what percentage of an increase?”
- “We peaked in 2017 on gasoline demand, so jet fuel could actually increase.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Info Briefing - Tue Sept 16, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- wages.
- Most people who had an expungement saw a 22% increase in their wages in just one year after that sealing
- :08.400><c> increased</c><00:54:08.800><c> wages</c><00:54:09.760><c> uh</c><00:54:10.000><c> who</c>
- <00:54:10.319><c> most</c><00:54:10.640><c> people</c> um by increased wages uh who most people um by
- increased wages uh who most people who<00:54:11.440><c> had</c><00:54:11.680><c> an</c><00:54:11.839
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held an information briefing on expungement and record clearance, with Chair David Tarnis and Vice Chair Mahina Poo Poy emphasizing second chances and the legislature’s recent work on state-initiated relief. The chair reviewed prior measures, including Act 62 (2024), which created Hawaii’s first state-initiated expungement pilot for certain non-conviction cannabis-related arrests, Act 159 (2023), which required automatic sealing or removal of expunged records from the judiciary’s public database, and Act 241 (2024), which created the Clean Slate Task Force. He said the committee invited the Clean Slate Initiative and Code for America because of their national experience with state-initiated record clearance systems.
Phil Hickden of the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center and Attorney General’s office reported that Act 62 was implemented using existing resources and no new funding, initially covering single-charge, pre-2020 arrests in Hawaii County for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and later expanded by Act 005 (2025) to all arrests under HRS 712-1249 regardless of drug type. He said the project identified 2,268 potentially eligible records, with 1,072 processed so far, 989 granted and 83 denied, and that the work has taken about 872 staff hours and roughly 45 days per expungement. He also said the office has identified about 412,000 people who could potentially qualify for expungement under broader legislation, though that estimate does not include case-by-case research.
Michelle Acasta of the judiciary explained that Act 159 changed the process so HCJDC now digitally transmits expungement certificates to the court, eliminating the applicant’s second step of filing paperwork with the court. She said the courts still manually review eligibility, but the process is easier because certificates now include a case ID and HCJDC provides additional information to help locate records. She reported that since implementation the courts received 125 certificates in July and 87 in August, with 17 court orders filed in July and August, including 81 in the First Circuit, 14 in Maui, 7 in the Third Circuit, and 15 in the Fifth Circuit. She also noted that the Hawaii Supreme Court’s State v. Rogan decision affects procedure by requiring a written request or motion, an opportunity to be heard, and written findings for sealing court records, and that new Supreme Court rules are expected for public comment. Members asked about qualitative outcomes and whether the process could be expanded statewide; staff said they do not track recidivism or personal stories, and the chair encouraged further discussion before the next session to identify barriers and capacity needs.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Feb 24th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- for promoting community and economic development, assisting the state's businesses to maintain and increase
- If we have an effective plan, it will ultimately result in alignment, increased efficiencies, and I don't
- Thank you. plan, it will ultimately result in alignment, increased efficiencies, and resources for the
- The Chair continued that businesses are struggling because their costs are increasing and they cannot
- family-wage jobs and manufacturing agriculture in our state, I think that's a good idea.
Bills:
SB5420
Keywords:
veterans, military spouses, service members, uniformed services, National Guard, reservists, active duty, qualifying discharge, veterans preference, hiring preference, public employment, state benefits, license renewal, professional licensing, retirement service credit, pension, public retirement system, Washington RCW, military leave, reemployment rights
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-17 (1:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And with the new criteria in your bill, are you expecting an increase in appeals?
- No, I do not expect an increase or an increase in need for funding for the thing because Commerce has
- And with a new criteria in your bill, are you expecting an increase in appeals?
- No, I do not expect an increase or an increase in need for funding for the thing because commerce has
- It ain't be able to turn down a job that just wants them to work a cheap wage.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The city has no capacity to take any additional depth to increased capacity at the lagoons.
- </c> base as I stated uh with uh the increase base as I stated uh with uh the increase of<00:26:25.399
- passed a resolution authorizing a rate increase of 9.25% annually for the next 5 years.
- Representative Koslowski, would you like to... a rate increase of a rate increase of 9.25%<00:42:09.839
- </c><01:35:23.760><c> for</c> utility rate for tiered increases for utility rate for tiered increases
Bills:
HF458, HF459, HF461, HF449, HF450, HF965, HF1280, HF612, HF615, HF616, HF622, HF650, HF651, HF1045, HF972, HF851, HF644, HF1050
Keywords:
HF458, Henderson, water treatment facility, drinking water, municipal water, public infrastructure, capital investment, state bonds, bonding bill, Public Facilities Authority, water distribution system, well connection, local government grant, Minnesota capital budget, HF459, Carver levee, City of Carver, levee restoration, flood control, flood mitigation
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- , and Wyoming prevailing wage.
- <00:09:57.120><c> and</c><00:09:57.360><c> hour,</c> wage and hour, wage and hour, fair<00:09:58.760>
- . wage. wage.
- </c><01:01:51.440><c> Um</c> uh increases. Um uh increases.
- </c> Um our our revenues have increased Um our our revenues have increased alongside<02:27:19.760><c>
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Saying that if the costs increase, they could get foreclosed on their homes. That can happen.
- And so, that's another increased benefit to the state.
- One would presume, because it doesn't qualify as a regulatory increase.
- It's hard for me to conceptualize what a regulation increase on education would be.
- Increased funding for bilingual education.
Bills:
HB178, HB178, HB1551, HB1939, HB2040, HB2354, HB2674, HB3029, HB3460, HB3631, HB3662, HB5201, HB5381
Keywords:
efficiency audit, political subdivision, tax rate, fiscal management, government accountability, Texas education, public schools, curriculum, social studies, high school graduation requirements, State Board of Education, Education Code, ethnic studies, world history, world geography, U.S. history, government, economics, personal financial literacy, free enterprise
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on HF2432 5/8/25
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:54:32.720><c> stuff</c> who are complaining about wage stuff who are complaining about wage stuff
- Of course, wage theft is like the crime itself is taking the wages away from workers, but oftentimes,
- or is stealing these employees' wages.
- That says, hey, you know, Employer A is stealing my wages or is stealing these employees' wages.
- </c><01:05:49.440><c> and</c> stealing his or her employees wages and stealing his or her employees wages
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, we're trying to increase access to health care for farmers who live in rural parts of our state
- likely to have access to sensitive information, to those that make at least twice the annual mean wage
- Least twice the annual mean wage of employees in Florida, or workers who receive confidential employer
- It will limit the ability of employees to increase their earnings.
- You know, I think I did mention that, you know, wage, changing your wages or requiring you to work.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills on commerce, tourism, labor, technology, and public safety. SB 1666, by Senator Graal, would adopt Florida’s version of UCC Article 12 to address commercial transactions involving digital assets such as cryptocurrency, blockchain, smart contracts, and NFTs; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably. CS/SB 480, by Senator DiCeglie, would create affordable health coverage options for farmers and ranchers through a nonprofit agricultural organization model similar to Tennessee’s; supporters said it would expand access in rural areas, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about ACA protections, preexisting conditions, and state fiscal impacts. The committee also approved CS/SB 1172, which expands business development incentives for veterans and military spouses, including procurement preferences, fee waivers, tax exemptions, and an entrepreneurship program, after an amendment expanding hiring preferences for military spouses was adopted.
The committee then took up SB 1400, which creates a process for removing nonconsensual AI-generated sexual deepfakes from covered online platforms within 24 to 48 hours and subjects noncompliant platforms to penalties under Florida’s deceptive trade practices law; an amendment carved out internet service providers, and the bill was reported favorably. SM 1488, a memorial urging Congress to create a sovereign wealth fund, drew opposition from a public school teacher who questioned its necessity and constitutionality, but it still passed. CS/SB 922, dealing with employment agreements, would strengthen enforcement of certain non-compete and garden leave agreements for employees with access to sensitive information; critics argued it would restrict workers and innovation, while supporters said it protects trade secrets and high-paying jobs. After an amendment, it was reported favorably.
The committee also approved SB 1252, which would create a statewide system for sharing pawn and secondhand dealer data among law enforcement agencies, with an initial feasibility study cost estimated at $250,000 and questions raised about enforcement if agencies do not participate. Finally, CS/SB 1776, under the Whistleblower’s Act, would require advance notice and an opportunity to cure alleged violations, narrow retaliation and disclosure definitions, and limit claims when another statutory remedy exists; members questioned whether the changes could reduce employee protections or allow employers time to destroy evidence, but the bill was still under debate as the transcript ended.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Mar 11th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We asked you for a new incentive program that could provide pathways to ever-growing wages for all of
- That is 50% higher than Louisiana average wage today.
- Those are direct jobs that will be AWS employees, where a guaranteed wage is all built into our package
- I do have a question, and I want to ask you about whether you have any concerns that the increases in
- You know, I know, again, we're increasing fees.
Summary:
The House Committee on Commerce met on March 11, 2026, opened with roll call and adoption of prior minutes, interim amendments, and the committee rules for the new session. Members then took up several bills, with technical amendments adopted on multiple measures before final committee action. The committee also deferred House Bill 267 because the author was absent.
House Bill 853 by Representative McMakin, dealing with misleading solicitations by non-government entities, drew the most discussion. The committee adopted technical amendments and a concept amendment tying enforcement to the Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, with members and Secretary of State Nancy Landry discussing the meaning of “may” versus “shall,” the scope of “foreign” entities, and whether the bill covered mail, email, and other digital solicitations. The Secretary of State’s office supported the bill as a consumer-protection measure against deceptive government-like mailings, and the committee reported the bill favorably with amendments.
House Bill 618, also by Representative McMakin, would adjust Louisiana Economic Development fees and related cost provisions. Secretary of LED gave a detailed presentation on the department’s recent restructuring, investment totals, job creation, small-business support, and the Source Louisiana platform, while members questioned fee impacts, hardship waivers, competitive effects, and how LED tracks incentives and job data. After adopting technical amendments and an amendment removing biannual inflationary adjustments, the committee reported the bill favorably with amendments. House Bill 207 by Representative Henry, revising the Louisiana Auctioneer’s Licensing Board’s membership, domicile, and related provisions, was amended to keep consumer members and clarify venue in East Baton Rouge Parish before being reported favorably. House Bill 300 by Representative Riser, raising the appraisal threshold for certain state bank residential loans from $250,000 to $400,000, was reported favorably after discussion of federal alignment and appraisal safeguards. House Bill 464 by Representative Riser, requiring more centralized reporting of damaged utilities through 811 and related notifications, received support from utility and 811 representatives and was also reported favorably. The committee adjourned after adopting a motion to do so.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- expand workforce pathways across the Commonwealth, including opportunities that can meaningfully increase
- And they're also required a wage progression.
- So as they progress through the program, we do require that they have a wage bump at some point in the
- As they progress through the program, we do require that they have a wage bump at some point in the
- And these grants can be used for increasing that.
Summary:
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual/in-person meeting and approved the December minutes. The chair announced plans for the next “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27, in partnership with MassAbility, focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity, along with a resource fair. The commission also began planning for its October National Disability Employment Awareness Month event and sought volunteers for a small planning group.
The meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts, including challenges to federal actions on higher education diversity data collection and DEI-related funding conditions, immigration/TPS for Haitians, NIH research grant disruptions, and the nonrenewal of mental health services grants for schools. The presenter said the state has helped protect more than $3 billion in federal funding and noted ongoing or pending appeals in several cases. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on disability-related DEI work and Medicaid; the AG’s office said guidance on DEIA/employment initiatives is available and that the state is closely monitoring federal Medicaid communications and coordinating with the governor’s office.
Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and apprenticeship liaison Amara Riemann presented on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven pathways with classroom instruction and wage progression. They highlighted growth in nontraditional fields such as human services, IT, early education, biotech, and banking, and described Bridgewater State University’s Excel program for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities as a model that can lead from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship. Commissioners discussed expanding similar models through community colleges and disability-focused workforce pipelines.
Subcommittee reports covered disability employment, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The employment subcommittee heard from CED on state disability employment initiatives and planned future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and Veterans Affairs. The long-term services and supports subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, anticipated federal Medicaid changes, the personal care attendant working group, and an upcoming discussion on crisis standards of care. In commissioner announcements, members highlighted recent honors for several commissioners, updates on municipal digital accessibility grants, a June Medicaid summit, and other commission activities. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Mar 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- expand the workforce pathways across the Commonwealth, including opportunities that can meaningfully increase
- They're also required a wage progression.
- So as they progress through the program, we do require that they have a wage bump at some point in the
- As they progress through the program, we do require that they have a wage bump at some point in the program
- And these grants can be used for increasing that.
Summary:
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly meeting virtually and in person at the State House. The commission approved the December minutes, then heard updates from the chair on planning for the next “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27, focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The chair also previewed planning for the commission’s October National Disability Employment Awareness Month event and invited commissioners and advisory council members to join the planning group.
The commission received an update on the advisory council orientation, which was described as well attended and productive, and then heard a detailed presentation from the Attorney General’s Office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts. Topics included challenges to federal actions involving diversity in education, immigration and Haiti Temporary Protected Status, NIH research funding restrictions, and mental health services grants; the presenter also addressed concerns about Medicaid-related federal actions and said the AG’s office is coordinating closely with the governor’s office and other states. Commissioners asked questions about whether disability-related work could be affected by vague DEI restrictions and about the status of CMS communications on Medicaid.
The meeting also featured a presentation from Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and apprenticeship liaison Amara Riemann on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. They described apprenticeship as paid, structured, employer-driven training with classroom instruction and wage progression, and highlighted the Bridgewater State University Excel program for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities as a model linking pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship. Commissioners discussed how to replicate similar pathways through community colleges and disability-service providers, especially in high-demand fields. Subcommittee reports followed, including updates on disability employment, long-term services and supports, and health equity, with discussion of a projected state budget gap tied to federal changes, PCA working group recommendations, crisis standards of care, and ongoing collaboration with MassAbility and the Massachusetts Office on Disability. The meeting ended with commissioner announcements, including several awards and upcoming events, and reminders about the Lowell forum and October planning efforts.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 27th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- We also found increased academic and social-emotional learning outcomes with proper support.
- least. ...to paid opportunities, to professional development, and to pathways that lead to living wages
- , wage jobs.
- and paid skills-based pathways into high-demand fields, the results are real and immediate: higher wages
- under $10,000 annually at enrollment to nearly $48,000 upon completion, and that translates into increased
Keywords:
artificial intelligence, AI regulation, algorithmic discrimination, high-risk AI, machine learning, generative AI, synthetic content, impact assessment, risk management policy, consumer protection, civil rights, discrimination, facial recognition, automated decision-making, deployers, developers, Washington RCW, Title 19 RCW, employment, housing
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations Apr 15th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Essentially, a provider inflationary increase is the increase we...
- A provider inflationary increase is the increase we provide to clinics, professional services, medical
- increases based on the increase.
- And, you know, we are giving our budget increases. We are giving our staff increases.
- Also need an increase.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1012, the Department of Health and Human Services budget. Senator Dever walked through the amended budget, highlighting a roughly $5.85 billion all-funds total, major one-time items for IT, child care, housing, behavioral health, juvenile justice, rural EMS, and supportive housing, along with funding for Medicaid expansion, CCBHCs, opioid settlement uses, and several studies and reporting requirements. Members discussed the provider inflation increase, with Senator Mathern urging a 2%/2% rate instead of 2%/1.5%, but the committee adopted the subcommittee amendment and then passed the amended bill 15-0 with a do-pass recommendation. Senator Dever was named as carrier.
The committee then considered House Bill 1540, a school choice/education savings account-style bill. Senator Shibley explained the subcommittee amendments, including clarifying the Bank of North Dakota as administrator, adding a means test at 400% of the federal poverty guideline, and adjusting the fiscal note to about $21.7 million for the second year. In debate, members raised concerns about the bank being assigned duties outside its normal role, the lack of DPI involvement, and whether the means test should be tiered rather than a hard cutoff. The committee rejected a do-not-pass motion 5-10-1, then approved a do-pass motion on the amended bill 9-6-1, with Senator Wobama noted as the likely carrier.
The meeting ended with the chair announcing the committee would adjourn and reconvene the next morning.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- History has been larger-than-expected cost increases.
- The motor fuel rate, the gasoline rate, was a six-cent increase, and the special fuel increase was nine
- special fuel increase was nine cents.
- An additional special fuel rate increase of three cents begins on July 1st, 2027. rate increase of three
- In 2729, the biennial amount is raised to increases to about $8.9 million. is raised to increases to
Keywords:
transportation budget, capital budget, operating budget, appropriations, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferry funding, state ferries, highway maintenance, road preservation, bridge replacement, tolling, express toll lanes, traffic safety, speed cameras, ignition interlock, transit grants, public transit
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- It does not apply to wage garnishments or garnishments of property other than account funds.
- Crawford reached, had contact from a member on the other side in the Senate, asked to have that increased
- Our garnishment law is kind of a Swiss Army knife for wage garnishment as well as asset garnishments,
- And wage garnishment law just doesn't work very well for financial accounts.
- Wage garnishment law just doesn't work very well for financial accounts, and so we modeled this on some
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Education Subcommittee Feb 9th, 2026 at 10:30 am
A&B Education Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- It would only increase if the demand was there.
- I've got data specifically that shows while tuition increased for inflation, when we increased school
- If there's no increase in demand There won't be an increase in the tax credits if we have more and more
- But, an increase in applications is not the same as an increase in capacity, right?
- So, those were actually there's been a 611% increase under $150,000, and then a 46% increase in the number
Bills:
HB3674, HB4326, HB4331, HB3029, HB2963, HB3551, HB2973, HB3019, HB3461, HB2961, HB3261, HB3759, HB3429, HB3069, HB3372, HB3705
Keywords:
school resource officer, sexual assault training, law enforcement training, CLEET, school safety, mental health, continuing education, HB4326, Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, Oklahoma's Promise, scholarship, tuition assistance, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, eligibility expansion, adopted students, foster care, DHS custody, child-placing agency, tribal custody
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 11th, 2026 at 11:30 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas, whereas more than 12... ...livable wages and fully contribute to their communities.
- And whereas the need for a highly literate citizenry increases as New Mexico moves toward a skill-based
- Adults who continue their education and pursue high school or college degrees increase the likelihood
- It was mentioned earlier that maybe we should just increase the number of hours.
- We have taken a leadership role on workers' wages.