Video & Transcript Research : 'power source'
Page 104 of 500
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- MAP Stars is also a source of pride for alternative education programs. coming back to talk about it
- <00:05:29.160>
of <00:05:29.360>pride <00:05:29.919>for stars is also a source - Public awareness campaigns are really powerful tools by spreading a message.
- They motivate action, and trusting the source is a key piece of this.
- It is through our collective power and message sharing that we can transform attendance outcomes, as
Keywords:
HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- To secure the commitment of the business community, H. 3249 provides a powerful incentive: a tax credit
- state budget, and this bill simply ensures that a small, predictable share of one existing revenue source
- And I want to thank you for your time for recognizing tourism as one of Massachusetts' most powerful
- So clearly, the funds that get collected have lost enormous pieces of purchasing power as a result of
- accomplishes two things: it reduces alcohol-related harms, and it creates a new, creative funding source
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills related to advertising, economic development, tourism, digital advertising, delivery taxes, and alcohol taxation. The first panel supported H. 3249, which would create a high school trade partnership program linking public schools with private employers, especially in manufacturing, and would offer employers a tax credit for participation. Representative Soder, Uxbridge High School leaders, and others argued the bill would strengthen career pathways, build a skilled workforce, and keep students and jobs in Massachusetts.
The committee then heard testimony on H. 3031 and S. 2003 to modernize the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund by dedicating an additional share of hotel occupancy tax revenue to tourism promotion. Tourism and hospitality representatives from Cape Cod, Southwick Zoo, and Indian Ranch said the proposal would not raise taxes but would reinvest existing visitor-generated revenue into marketing that supports jobs, local businesses, and municipal tax receipts. A tech-industry coalition opposed several digital advertising tax bills and a delivery tax bill, warning they would raise costs, create uncertainty, and burden consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers.
The largest portion of the hearing focused on S. 2029, which would raise the alcohol excise tax by 10 cents per drink and dedicate the revenue to public health programs. Public health experts, advocates, a student prevention leader, and representatives from Jane Doe, Inc. argued the tax would reduce alcohol-related harms, address decades of inflation-driven erosion in the tax, and generate substantial new funding for prevention, treatment, domestic violence services, and community schools. Committee members asked questions about the current tax structure, inflation, and how the proposal compares with neighboring states. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair adjourned after public testimony concluded.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Jul 9th, 2025
New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- As a referral source, finding out what the issue is and what their transportation availability is crucial
- It really was meaningful to see the powerful impact that N.M.F.A. financing has, and then seeing the
- Our job is to make sure the city has everything they need immediately, so we knew the power was out.
- We send our staff down with Starlink satellites and generators to make sure since we have no power, we
- Others have been that they received funding from Capital outlay, or they received funding from another source
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/17/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #6
Transcript Highlights:
- of whether the water is distributed through a water delivery system that is commingled with other sources
- Madam Chair, members, as amended by the House Energy Committee, House Bill 2102 expands the powers of
- House Bill 2781 allows a city, town, or county to adopt decommissioning standards for solar energy power
- Congratulations, Representative Simacek and Austin, and may he rest in power, and may we continue to
- both what a beautiful tribute congratulations representative simichec and austin and may he rest in power
Summary:
The caucus reviewed a long calendar of House bills across education, health, water, land, housing, labor, public safety, and taxation. Several measures dealt with artificial intelligence, including bills on AI disclosures for minors, AI-assisted divorce arbitration, an Arizona AI education program, AI privilege protections, and a required AI course in schools. Other topics included ESA administration funding, a prohibition on public money for certain foreign-controlled genetic sequencing devices, towing regulations, DUI and ignition interlock changes, health facility and nursing facility complaint timelines, internationally trained physicians, nurse anesthetist reimbursement, pharmacy penalties, childhood cancer research, cybersecurity encryption, school mental health instruction repeal, superintendent performance pay, adoption disclosures in student health settings, anti-Semitism in schools, and a range of water, land, and housing bills.
Members frequently raised concerns about local control, unfunded mandates, constitutional issues, and the scope of state intervention. Several bills drew criticism for affecting school curriculum, public education, reproductive rights, protest activity, or tribal communities. Others were supported as technical fixes, consumer protections, or funding measures. The caucus also discussed a series of bills related to the Mexican gray wolf, state land management, solar and wind siting, groundwater transport, and rural development, with some members objecting that the proposals would undermine federal protections or tribal interests.
A number of bills were pulled from consent for further discussion, including HB 2020, HB 2957, HCR 2044, HB 2352, HB 2667, HB 2906, HB 2093, HB 2386, HB 2481, HB 2830, HB 2076, HB 2411, HB 2136, HB 2665, and HB 2904. The meeting ended with an announcement of the Latino Caucus guest presentation and an emotional tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, followed by presentation of an Affordability Award to Representatives Lorena Austin and Stephanie Simacek for work on economic justice and working families. The caucus then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Give us, the people, a spirit. of submission to honor and respect the powers that you have established
- leadership and direction of this great state of Texas I ask it in the name of your son Jesus Christ by the power
- water. using electricity from wind and solar sources.
- Speaker, and we all know that we with the power of prayer does.
- HB 2810 by Cain, relating to the power of governmental entity to enforce compliance. with those posted
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Russell Vought, of Virginia, to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Jan 22nd, 2025
Senate Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- That the government should serve everyone, not just the privileged and the powerful.
- to thrive or simply to increase the wealth disparities that make this a government by and for the powerful
- The average American household has lost roughly $2,000 of purchasing power since January 2021.
- I think soft power is a critical component of defending America and our values.
- I look forward to working with you to make that count better, but the concept of soft power means a lot
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (01/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So both non-general-fund, non-education-trust-fund revenue sources.
- So both non-general-fund, non-education-trust-fund revenue sources.
- So both non-general-fund, non-education-trust-fund revenue sources.
- So both non-general-fund, non-education-trust-fund revenue sources.
- that be a potential new Revenue source that be a potential new Revenue source for<04:51:46.718><
Summary:
New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority officials, led by Executive Director Rob Dapice, briefed legislators on the agency’s structure and funding. They explained that the authority is created by state law but is not a state agency, its debt is not state debt, and it is governed by a board appointed by the governor and approved by the Executive Council. The discussion focused on the Affordable Housing Fund and the lead paint hazard remediation fund, including how state appropriations and federal resources are combined to finance affordable rental housing and lead abatement work.
Dapice said the Affordable Housing Fund is used as gap financing for multifamily affordable housing projects, typically alongside federal tax credits and tax-exempt bonds, and that state dollars leverage roughly 2:1 to 10:1 in additional federal and private investment, averaging about 4:1. He said the fund has received historic appropriations in recent budgets, including $30 million over the last two biennial budgets and an annual $5 million set-aside from the real estate transfer tax. He also said the fund is usually structured as 0% interest, deferred loans rather than grants, with repayments returning to the fund if projects generate cash flow.
Members asked about rents, oversight, staffing, revenues, and whether the programs had added positions. Dapice said affordability restrictions generally last 30 to 99 years, rents are tied to income limits and capped so tenants pay no more than 30% of income, and compliance staff inspect properties regularly to verify income eligibility and rent limits. He said the organization has about 130 to 135 employees, down from about 145, with no new positions added because of the appropriations. He estimated total revenues at roughly $300 million, with administrative budget around $22 million, much of it pass-through grant money.
On lead paint remediation, he said the state first appropriated $6 million in 2019, plus $1 million in ARPA funds, and that the program has cleared more than 500 units. He said the federal grant program is not annual or predictable, with a recent award of about $7.75 million, and that the maximum federal grant per unit is $177,000, typically paired with up to $100,000 in state loan support. He also noted that the program can address homes before a child is poisoned if lead hazards are identified, but that cases involving an already exposed child are a higher priority. No votes or formal actions were taken.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- And, of course, Taxes, our largest general fund revenue source, by about 20%.
- So we have two different funding sources, but in general terms, approximately half of those dollars,
- So, slide eight is the revenue sources. We basically went through that.
- Those are outstanding receivables that we have from some other funding sources.
- So we may do some collecting from other funding sources that aren't our service fees.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Budget Section Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Taxes, our largest general fund revenue source, by about 20%.
- We have much more negotiating power than each individual district.
- So, slide eight is the revenue sources. We basically went through that.
- Those are outstanding receivables that we have from some other funding sources.
- So we may do some collecting from other funding sources that aren't our service fees.
Summary:
The Budget Section approved the March 18 minutes and received an OMB update showing the general fund is still ahead of the budgeted starting point, but revenues through May are now about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls. OMB also reported the budget stabilization fund is above its cap, meaning a transfer to the general fund is expected, and reviewed oil price/production assumptions, noting continued volatility. Members asked about the income tax netting process, the sales tax decline, oil price discounts/premiums, natural gas taxation, and when the executive branch would present its revenue forecast.
The committee then acted on several Emergency Commission requests. It approved, as a group, requests for federal mine reclamation funds for the Public Service Commission, an additional criminal investigator FTE and funding for the Attorney General’s office, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. It separately approved DPI request 2164 for $500,000 to support the food vendor program after debate over whether the program’s savings were known and whether the money was simply a pass-through. OMB also reported on federal grants, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, FTE pool usage, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting the settlement funds had been deposited and that a deficiency appropriation may be needed later to cover remaining accrued interest.
Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus presented on the primary residence credit program, saying participation has grown sharply and that the current biennium will likely need about $431 million, roughly $22 million above the appropriation. He explained how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran benefits, how the 3% property tax cap works, and why county valuations and mill rates vary. The committee also received a Legacy Fund/Budget Stabilization Fund report showing strong returns, and DOT Director Ron Henke received approval for two Flex Fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. Henke also explained remaining Highway 85 funding and said the department is exploring uses for leftover state dollars. Finally, the Department of Mineral Resources reported on abandoned well plugging and site restoration, noting North Dakota remains in relatively strong shape compared with other states, and DPI began a presentation on gap funding tied to the 3% levy cap, reporting 24 districts received $1.8 million in the first year and projecting higher future needs.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 15th, 2026 at 01:36 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- accommodate increases for the enterprise services program Both recommendations are in consensus on the sources
- AI-powered threats and a constantly shifting landscape.
- Here, if the program's successful, they eventually find alternate funding sources.
- either reapply for additional funding if we've received funding, or they need to find some other source
- Each other funding source are identical in both recommendations.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Sep 9th, 2025
New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- According to many financial and industry sources, the space economy is growing steadily at about 8% year
- Slide 10, the primary sources of impact for Spaceport America are the tenant operations.
- Madam Chair, we have two sources of capital improvement revenue.
- The first question is regarding your water source and roads.
- What type of water source do you use currently? Thank you.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (01/20/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- I've pulled about 80% of this data already from public sources.
- <03:23:08.800>
of producers of batteries as a source of producers of batteries as a source - We can power clean energy, it.
- >> power through one more. >> power through one more.
- So let creation of waste at the source.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- They were primarily driven off of electric power and battery power.
- It is gas-powered.
- So do the manufacturers, do they designate them, whether they're hybrids or electric or fuel powered?
- They ran from battery power. And then there were hybrid ones that ran off either electric or fuel.
- That's not including any other sources of funding the legislature may have available to them that the
Keywords:
property tax, blighted properties, urban rehabilitation, tax exemption, local government, financial incentives, blighted property, derelict property, property tax exemption, local redevelopment plans, rehabilitation standards, ad valorem tax, community development, senior citizens, homestead exemption, Louisiana Constitution, motor vehicles, local fees, transaction fees, funding
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 28th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But we must also teach the power of our children.
- In our human history, but we must also teach the power, the power of the resiliency of individuals and
- And we, the 80 of us, And we, the 80 of us, we have the privilege of having the power of these seats
- And as I look around at each of you, I think about the beauty that we hold in this room and the power
- Lori has been a source of tremendous institutional knowledge.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled several procedural motions, including suspending rules to allow committee hearings and guest access, re-referring bills, and removing one bill from the consent calendar. The chamber also observed Holocaust Remembrance Day with a lengthy ceremony and remarks from many members across caucuses, emphasizing the importance of remembering the Holocaust, combating antisemitism and other forms of hate, and supporting survivors and descendants. ACR 59, the California Holocaust Memorial Day resolution, was adopted by voice vote after 76 coauthors were added.
After the ceremony, the Assembly took up the daily file. AB 390, which strengthens California’s “slow down, move over” highway safety law, passed 64-0. AB 439, making small changes to the Coastal Act and reporting requirements, passed 44-11 after debate over Coastal Commission oversight. The body also approved a rules waiver to allow the Education Committee to meet on AB 1468. Later, AB 50, allowing Medi-Cal enrollees to access over-the-counter contraceptives without a prescription, passed 67-0 urgency and 67-0 overall; AB 55, streamlining alternative birth center licensing, passed 68-0; AB 596, protecting workers’ right to wear masks or respirators unless there is a direct safety hazard, passed 53-8; AB 631, requiring animal shelters to post intake and outcome data, passed 60-0; and AB 792, allowing consolidated negotiations for court interpreter contracts, passed 52-1.
The Assembly also passed AB 867, banning cat declawing, by 68-0 after bipartisan support; AB 1089, expanding local permitting authority for Western Joshua Tree projects, by 16-0; and AB 1154, clarifying ADU rules, by 63-1. SCR 57, proclaiming Dolores Huerta Day, was adopted 66-0. The second-day consent calendar was then adopted 71-0. The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory remarks for Mary Hammer, a longtime San Lorenzo Valley community leader and environmental advocate, followed by recognition of her family and friends in the chamber.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 24th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII
Transcript Highlights:
- And then it would be $200 at the time of registration annually. other vehicles that are not powered by
- For a particular County Okay, so like I pay like $70 or something so But I have a fuel powered vehicle
- For another state highway fund revenue source, these are Proposition 1 from 2014.
- Our non-dedicated fund sources is just 1% or... about 1% of our overall budget.
- And deliver projects based upon those revenue sources, so it would not cost the HB 1 bill.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (02/03/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- These maxims of common law were intended to protect individuals against the overwhelming power of the
- c> and<00:12:41.320>
rights <00:12:41.639>being <00:12:42.000>terminated powers - and rights being terminated powers and rights being terminated without<00:12:43.399>
an <00:12 - But if I know from some source that you have a pistol permit and I say, and I tell you, Representative
- that you if I if I know from some source that you have<00:49:34.160>
a <00:49:34.319>pistol
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee opened with a hearing on CACR 7, a proposed constitutional amendment to explicitly state that defendants are innocent until proven guilty in all cases and suits brought by the state. The prime sponsor argued the amendment would strengthen due process, prevent government overreach, and extend the presumption of innocence beyond criminal cases into civil and administrative matters such as forfeiture and family court proceedings. In testimony and questioning, the sponsor cited New Hampshire constitutional provisions, historical examples, and concerns about courts shifting burdens onto individuals. Committee members raised questions about the amendment’s wording, its relationship to existing law, and whether it would have practical effect if current statutes already place the burden on the state. The hearing was then closed without further witnesses.
The committee next moved to executive session on House Bill 480, which establishes a procedure for restoring competency and creates a pilot forensic liaison position in Merrimack or Strafford County to assist with that process. After discussion about prior concerns, including an email from the Disabilities Rights Center and whether enough members were present, the committee voted to adopt Amendment 2025-61H and then voted ought to pass as amended. The amendment passed unanimously, and the bill passed on a 10-1 roll call, with Representative Andrew voting no. The chair noted the bill would not go on consent and that no minority report was planned.
Finally, the committee opened a hearing on House Bill 666-FN, which would add restitution for violations of library-use confidentiality and expressly include library cards and membership status among confidential records. The sponsor said the bill was intended to strengthen privacy protections after a local dispute and to provide a remedy and deterrent for improper disclosure. Committee questions focused on whether the restitution penalty would apply to accidental disclosures, how the bill interacts with existing exceptions such as court orders or investigations, and whether the language was consistent with current confidentiality law. The hearing remained open at the end of the transcript.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- relative to adult residential care providers, to provide for generators or alternative electrical power
- sources; to provide for requirements; to provide for duties of the Louisiana Department of Health; to
- sources to maintain essential operations during power outages.
- But you have to find a funding source for those things.
- I will say this though, Senator, I'm not sure who's the powers that might be trying to.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 145, which would require adult residential care providers, especially assisted living centers, to have generators or other backup power arrangements and to submit preparedness plans to LDH. After technical amendments and testimony from the sponsor, LDH, and the assisted living industry clarifying the bill’s scope and cost concerns, the committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably. It then took up SB 433, which would require Medicaid coverage of medically necessary FDA-approved weight loss drugs, including GLP-1 medications, subject to appropriations and fiscally sustainable coverage criteria; the bill was reported favorably after discussion of current Medicaid coverage and costs.
The committee also approved SB 52, which requires better coordination between DCFS and LDH so SNAP and Medicaid benefits can follow children more quickly when they are removed from or returned to a home. Technical amendments changed reporting deadlines and required written notice, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 4 on public water fluoridation was amended to allow local governments or voters to opt out through a petition and election process, with support from the Louisiana Dental Association and others after compromise language was adopted; it was reported favorably with amendments. SB 152, which would prohibit the sale of cultured or lab-grown food products for human consumption, was also reported favorably with amendments after brief testimony in support and opposition.
The committee next approved SCR 37, which asks the Surgeon General to review Louisiana’s informed consent laws and report back on any gaps, after discussion that the existing medical disclosure panel had not met since 2018. It then considered SB 194, a public assistance bill aligning Louisiana Medicaid and SNAP rules with recent federal changes on non-citizen eligibility and tightening Medicaid’s reasonable opportunity period for citizenship verification. After extensive debate over immigration, emergency care, and whether the bill could harm eligible applicants or rural hospitals, the committee adopted an amendment allowing LDH discretion for emergency health care services and reported the bill favorably by an 8-3 vote. Finally, HCR 113 created a task force to study gestational carrier agreements and assisted reproductive regulation; after debate over surrogacy, ethics, and referral to Civil Law, the committee rejected the referral motion and then reported the resolution favorably, and the meeting moved on to SB 333 on child-in-need-of-care proceedings and legal representation funding.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PBS Info Briefing - Mon Oct 6, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Even though he had family to support him and medical staff did everything in their power to try to move
- to try to move everything in their power to try to move him<00:23:54.960>
through <00:23:55.120 - >> Um, and why is that it has to go to the funding sources?
- I think the one in powerful slide. I think the one in particular,<00:34:24.240>
$918,000. - And if you can explain funding sources?
Summary:
The Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on best practices for medical or compassionate release programs used by correctional systems nationwide and how Hawaii’s current approach compares. Kristen Johnson of the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission introduced Molly Crane of Families for Justice Reform, noting that the commission, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Hawaii Paroling Authority have all been involved in developing proposed legislation, though the bill itself was written by community advocate Bob Merse. Crane described FAM’s work on justice reform and said the group has studied compassionate release programs across the country, including federal reforms, to help Hawaii align with best practices.
Crane argued that compassionate release is intended for people who are too ill or cognitively impaired to pose a public-safety risk and who are often the most expensive and resource-intensive people to incarcerate. She said Hawaii is the only state without a compassionate release statute and currently relies on an agency policy, which she described as complex and slow. She cited examples of severe medical cases in custody, including people with advanced dementia, multiple sclerosis, kidney failure, and hospice needs, and said the burden on correctional medical staff, overtime, off-site transport, and specialized care can consume a disproportionate share of staff time and state resources. She also said the recidivism rate for this population is under 1 percent, citing Vera Institute research.
Members asked about the source of the recidivism figure, how a statute would streamline the process, and why the issue had not advanced in the past. Crane said the proposed bill would reduce layers in the process by moving cases from the medical director to the director and then to the Hawaii Paroling Authority, with a target timeline of about 30 business days from petition to hearing. Johnson said prior efforts failed in part because the agencies most affected were not included early in drafting and revision, and she said one attempt was vetoed, another was removed in conference committee, and another passed one chamber but did not advance. Johnson also explained that incarcerated people’s medical care is paid entirely by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, with no private insurance or Medicaid/Medicare coverage while incarcerated, making severe cases a direct burden on state funds. No votes or formal actions were taken because the briefing was informational only.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health May 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And then also suspend the SNF backup power system requirement.
- Bill SB 1511, and 2024, requires skilled nursing facilities to have an alternative source of power for
- no fewer than 96 hours during any type of power outage.
- To be able to maintain backup power systems. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Debbie Tooth.
- AARP opposes the reinstatement of the asset test, pause in the 96-hour backup power requirement, and
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held the first of several hearings on the Governor’s May Revision for health care, with opening remarks focused on the state’s projected $12 billion deficit, looming federal Medicaid changes, and the potential impact on Medi-Cal, public health, reproductive health, and safety-net providers. Several members criticized the proposal as balancing the budget on vulnerable Californians, while others defended the need for cost containment and questioned the administration’s assumptions. The chair set ground rules for respectful, focused questioning and outlined three topics: the Medi-Cal proposals, Proposition 35, and Proposition 56.
DHCS Director Michelle Baas presented the May Revision’s Medi-Cal package, saying the department’s budget totals $200.6 billion overall, including $45.2 billion General Fund, and that the proposals are intended to address rising caseloads, pharmacy costs, and managed care spending. She described proposed changes for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, including a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for those 19 and older, $100 monthly premiums beginning in 2027, elimination of adult dental and long-term care coverage, removal of PPS/RAP payments to FQHCs and rural health clinics for that population, and a pharmacy rebate aggregator. Other proposals included eliminating certain OTC drug classes, removing GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, prior authorization and step therapy changes, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test, eliminating acupuncture as an optional benefit, allowing utilization management for hospice, raising the managed care minimum medical loss ratio to 90%, reducing PACE capitation rates toward the midpoint of the actuarial range, eliminating the skilled nursing facility workforce and quality incentive program, and suspending the SNF backup power requirement.
The LAO said the revised Medi-Cal spending estimate is about $2.5 billion higher than the Governor’s Budget in the budget year, and that the increase appears driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload alone. The LAO said the budget solutions are concentrated in a few areas, are largely ongoing, and should be considered in light of federal uncertainty, but suggested the Legislature could explore alternatives such as more targeted income thresholds for the undocumented expansion and simpler asset-test rules. Department of Finance officials said the proposals are difficult but necessary to address a third consecutive deficit and rising Medi-Cal costs. Members then pressed the administration on the methodology and impacts of the proposals, especially the enrollment freeze, premiums, asset test, hospice controls, PACE reductions, and the elimination of benefits and provider payments. No votes or formal actions were taken at this hearing.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- You should understand that some people have more power than others."
- I remember being unable power over me. I remember being unable to<00:45:01.599>
move. - That sentence stayed power than others."
- >> I mean, because I think that's generally a power reserve. >> Yeah. You know what?
- >> cuz I think that's generally a power >> cuz I think that's generally a power reserve
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on HB 1872, which would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program to help early childhood providers participate in approved apprenticeship programs, require annual reporting, and appropriate funds. Testifiers in support included the University of Hawaiʻi, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the City and County of Honolulu, Commit to Keiki, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, the Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network Speaks, Parents for Public Schools of Hawaiʻi, and Kīʻoka Family Learning Centers. Supporters said the bill would reduce financial barriers, strengthen recruitment and retention, improve compensation and career pathways, and help address child care shortages and workforce instability. The committee then voted to pass HB 1872 with amendments, including an HD1 and a defective date to allow further discussion.
The committee next took up HB 2489, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaiʻi to establish a bachelor’s degree program in American Sign Language interpretation, with a longer-term plan for a master’s program. Testimony in support came from the Disability Communication Access Board and the University of Hawaiʻi, and members also heard detailed support from DECAP and other advocates describing a statewide shortage of ASL interpreters, long waiting lists for ASL courses, and the need for locally trained interpreters who understand Hawaiʻi’s cultural and community needs. Witnesses said the shortage affects schools, courts, hospitals, emergency services, and other settings, and that the program could be expanded through articulation with other campuses. The committee voted to pass HB 2489 with amendments, again using an HD1 and defective date.
After those two measures, the committee moved to HB 441 on campus safety, which would require students, including transfer students, to complete training on federal laws and university policies regarding sexual misconduct before initial registration and would change how often training is provided to students and employees. The University of Hawaiʻi stood on its written testimony, while supporters including IMUA Alliance and other testifiers urged passage, citing survivor experiences, national best practices, and the need for prevention before harm occurs. No vote on HB 441 was reached in the portion provided.