Video & Transcript Research : 'reading screening'
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WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 14th, 2026 at 11:34 am
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Bill will be advanced to third reading. The clerk will read the bill a third time.
- Bill will be advanced to third reading. Clerk will read the bill third time.
- First reading of the bill.
- It will be advanced to third reading. The clerk will read the bill third time.
- It will be advanced to third reading. The clerk will read the bill the third time.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 14th, 2026 at 11:34 am
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Bill will be advanced to third reading. Second reading of the bill.
- Bill will be advanced to third reading. Clerk, read the bill third time.
- Read a first time. No objection. The clerk will read the bill first time.
- It will be advanced to third reading. Clerk, read the bill third time.
- It will be advanced to third reading. Clerk, read the bill third time.
Summary:
The West Virginia Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous introductions of honorary pages, guests, chaperones, and visitors, including a large McDowell County Day delegation. The Senate also received a governor’s executive message containing 76 nominations, which were referred to the Committee on Confirmation, and then set those nominations as a special order of business for 4 p.m. later that day.
On legislation, the Senate rejected House amendments to Senate Bill 493 on open captioning for motion pictures and requested the House recede, saying the amendments changed the bill’s intent by making captioning mandatory and expanding its scope. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 587 on county officials’ salaries, adopted an amendment restoring county control over future pay increases while keeping a 5% raise, concurred in the House amendments as amended, and passed the bill 34-0 with immediate effectiveness.
The Senate also fast-tracked and passed several supplemental appropriations bills, all by 34-0 votes and all made effective from passage: House Bill 527 for health facilities, House Bill 528 for the Department of Agriculture’s spay-neuter assistance fund, House Bill 5307 for the Division of Culture and History, House Bill 5317 for the Division of Natural Resources, and House Bill 5694 for the Department of Education. The Senate received House Bill 5286 on corrections and referred it to Finance. Finally, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 66 designating March 14, 2026, as McDowell County Day at the legislature, with remarks highlighting the county’s history and current economic efforts, and then recessed for 30 minutes.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 14, 2025 - 11:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- RISK SCREENINGS TO HELP STAFF ASSESS THE LIKELIHOOD THAT A SPECIES COULD CAUSE HARM TO FLORIDA AND THIS
- CONTROL EFFORTS AND TO DEVELOP AND USE THE MOST EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUES INCLUDING THE USE OF RISK SCREENINGS
- THE POPULATION GROWTH WILL CONTINUE THE WAY I READ IT.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Textbooks are with reading and math.
- And Kendall's already reading up a storm.
- Kendall's already reading up a storm. Kendall's already reading up a storm.
- We believe this makes sense given Reading Corps is an effective part of the Read Act and the state's
- > and<01:41:09.199>
the effective part of the Read Act and the effective part of the Read
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/6/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- [Music] [Music] screens<00:23:55.360>
hi <00:23:56.080>I'm <00:23:56.200>a screens - hi I'm a screens hi I'm a graduate<00:23:57.919>
let <00:23:58.000>me <00:23:58.120> - Oh my, I was reading the spreadsheet wrong.
- I can't even read these numbers. This money, $2 million, whatever it is...
- Thank you. the field uh a quick look I won't read the field uh a quick look I won't read through<01:47
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-11 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Please read the bill.
- Please read the bill.
- Please read the bill.
- Let's please read the next bill. Please read the next bill.
- The bill will be read a third time. Please read the bill third time.
Summary:
The Florida Senate convened with a quorum, opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and heard several member introductions recognizing guests, interns, public servants, and a resolution honoring Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza for winning the Heisman Trophy. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and took up a series of bills, with some measures temporarily postponed and others advanced after brief debate and, in several cases, substitution of House companions for Senate bills.
The first major bill passed was CS/CS/HB 355 on health care patient protection, which requires hospitals with emergency departments to have pediatric emergency care policies, training, equipment, and a designated pediatric coordinator; it passed 36-0. The Senate also passed CS/HB 1113 on public records, expanding confidentiality protections for victims and temporarily protecting the name of a law enforcement officer who becomes a victim in the line of duty; it passed 33-4. CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity was amended to place the program under the Florida Digital Service and to adjust grant timing, then passed 37-0. CS/CS/HB 925 on clerks of court passed 38-0 after amendments affecting revenue retention, legal notices, traffic citation distributions, and municipal fee sharing. CS/CS/HB 679 on trademark registration modernization and CS/CS/HB 589 on septic permit timing also passed unanimously.
The most extensive debate centered on CS/CS/HB 991 / SB 1334, an elections bill that would use Real ID data to verify citizenship, change voter ID rules, alter candidate qualifying requirements, and revise election administration procedures. Senators offered and debated numerous amendments on documentation fees, senior exemptions, human review versus automated systems, student and retirement-center IDs, and effective dates; most were defeated, though one amendment adding stock-trading disclosure language for candidates was adopted. The bill’s sponsor cited election-crimes reports and specific prosecutions involving non-citizens as justification for the measure, while opponents argued it could disenfranchise eligible voters, especially students and seniors. The transcript ends during continued questioning and debate on that elections bill, before final disposition is shown.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-25 (5:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- If you'd like to make a presentation, we read the resolution, we videotape it, and it's live-streamed
- Read the resolution, we videotape it, and it's live-streamed, so your folks at home, if they're not here
- month for skin cancer awareness, and we're hoping to have some individuals here to do some cancer screenings
FL
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Higher Education Funding Review Committee Mar 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm not going to read all of these to you.
- Again, I'm not going to read all of these. With market needs, regional needs.
- Again, I'm not going to read all of these too, but you can just see the pattern.
- It's difficult for you to see on screen. It's also in your materials. It's a spreadsheet.
- Well, it's keeping the, under this, what you're seeing on the screen is the current formula.
Summary:
The Higher Ed Funding Committee met to review how North Dakota might identify and address low-producing academic programs and to discuss draft funding formulas for the university system. Lisa Johnson of the NDUS explained that the State Board of Higher Education is already developing a system-wide policy, using models from other states such as Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, and Connecticut. She described how low-producing programs are typically flagged by multi-year enrollment or completion thresholds, then reviewed for workforce demand, mission fit, cost, accreditation, and regional need before any action is taken. Committee members asked about what counts as a program, how costs are analyzed, whether certificates are included, how exemptions work for mission-critical or high-demand fields, and whether the board or legislature should set the rules. Johnson said the board is the appropriate body to lead the process, but legislators could use funding leverage if they wanted to encourage action; the chair asked the board to bring a detailed proposal to the June meeting.
The committee then heard a Legislative Council presentation on a draft formula for UND and NDSU. The proposal uses fall census FTE enrollment, with a placeholder undergraduate rate of $7,000 per FTE and a graduate/professional rate of $10,500, plus incentives for completions in in-demand fields and research productivity. Alex from Legislative Council walked through the projected funding effects, noting that the model would increase funding for NDSU and reduce it for UND in the current biennium, with different results in the next biennium as enrollment changes are recognized. Members questioned the use of the placeholder rates, the definition of in-demand programs, the treatment of research funding, and the exclusion of state-appropriated dollars from the external grants calculation. The chair emphasized that the numbers were illustrative and that appropriators would set the actual dollar amounts later.
A second draft formula for the other nine institutions was also reviewed. That model uses fall census FTE without a weighted economic factor, applies a higher undergraduate rate, and adds completion incentives for in-demand credentials and all other completions. Members noted that the formula would benefit some institutions, such as Bismarck State College, while reducing funding for others, such as Mayville State, and discussed whether the nine institutions should be treated more uniformly or split into smaller groups because of their different missions and sizes. Committee members and staff repeatedly stressed that the formulas are still being refined and that some institutions would likely need hold-harmless adjustments or other transition measures. The meeting ended with the chair directing the committee to continue the discussion later and to expect further work on both the low-producing program policy and the funding formulas.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- When administered under clinical supervision and with proper screening, veterans are disproportionately
- You have to screen and be able to pass these tests before you even go through the treatment.
- Ackerl, asked you about this, is that the other thing I found really intriguing when I read that article
- Memory, executive functioning, and so all of those things would be read out.
- And then just doing my own broad-based examination with as much material as I could read.
Bills:
HB 44, HB 2200, HB 1612, HB 2747, HB 2038, HB 3717, HB 1431, HB 3800, HB 3801, HB 3560, HB 3246
Keywords:
HB 44, Life of the Mother Act, abortion exceptions, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, spontaneous abortion, fetal survival, Texas abortion law, abortion ban, physician liability, health care provider, disciplinary action, aiding and abetting, emergency abortion, obstetric care
Summary:
The meeting of the public health committee focused on the pressing issue of opioid addiction in Texas, with a particular emphasis on House Bill 3717. Chairman Harris detailed the bill's intent to fund a grant program for Ibogaine clinical trials, framing it as a critical response to the ongoing opioid crisis. He shared poignant testimonies highlighting the struggles of families and veterans battling addiction and mental health issues. The conversation underscored the necessity of innovative treatments, like Ibogaine, which showed promising results in studies for reducing symptoms of withdrawal and PTSD.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- McArthur, can you read it in? Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members.
- Vigras, can you read it in, please? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- Vigras, can you read it in?” “Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- “Screen options on the phones.
- Vygress, can you read it in, please? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Keywords:
surveillance, price discrimination, consumer protection, automated decision systems, data privacy, broadband, cable service, price increase, notification, digital assets, abandonment, custodian, escheatment, blockchain, cryptocurrency, unclaimed property, state treasurer, telecommunications, spoofing, call authentication
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 1195, which updates Louisiana State Athletic Commission rules for contests and exhibitions, increases certain fines, and changes student athlete agent registration fees and terms. Members adopted technical amendments and one amendment tied to a separate Attorney General/NIL bill. After questions about criminal penalties and whether prison athletic events were covered, the bill was reported favorably as amended.
The committee then took up HB 798, which would require broadband and cable providers to give clearer written notice of prices, fees, contract terms, and price increases, and to explain cancellation rights. After a technical amendment package and a conceptual amendment clarifying the bill’s scope and severability, the author said the goal was transparency rather than price regulation. Charter Communications and other industry groups opposed the bill as duplicative of federal notice rules and costly; committee members raised concerns about interstate commerce, private rights of action, and whether notice should be on the bill instead of separate. The bill was reported favorably as amended.
HB 1140 followed, targeting robocalls and spoofed calls by requiring telecommunications providers to use authentication and mitigation tools, respond to the Attorney General, and stop illegal spoofing, with penalties for violations. Members discussed federal preemption, the 30-day cure period, and whether the bill should include a private right of action; no opposition was recorded, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 1222, creating a grocery initiative grant and support program through LED to address food deserts, also advanced after a committee amendment changed mandatory language to permissive language to avoid a fiscal note/appropriations issue; it was reported favorably as amended.
The committee then considered HB 471 on surveillance-based price discrimination, but the author said the bill would be deferred while stakeholders continue working on it. Members adopted a large amendment package narrowing the bill’s focus and adding exemptions for loyalty programs, insurers, and certain discounts, then deferred the bill. HB 947 was also deferred at the author’s request. Finally, HB 1186, a major overhaul of the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission and related inspection/licensing rules, was introduced and a large technical amendment package was presented, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 087 Part 2 Apr 11th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Scheibel, please read the report of the Committee of the Whole.
- With your unanimous consent, the bills will be read by title, unless there is a request for a reading
- Scheibel, please read the title: House Bill 1410.
- Why do you think I read the God Made a Farmer poem up here every year?
- Sheble, please read the report of the Committee of the Whole.
Summary:
The House took up House Bill 1410, the state’s long appropriations bill for the executive, legislative, and judicial branches and their agencies and institutions for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. The committee first recessed and then adopted a motion to rise, report progress, and sit again later that day. The House also adopted a motion under House Rule 14 to limit debate on House Bill 1410 to one hour during special orders on April 10, 2026, by a vote of 40-20, with four excused and one absent.
During consideration of House Bill 1410, members debated Amendment J82/54A, which would require funding for wolf reintroduction to come from gifts, grants, and donations rather than general fund dollars. Supporters argued the state should not use taxpayer money for additional wolf reintroduction, especially during a budget crisis, and said rural ranchers and livestock producers are bearing the costs and impacts of wolves. They emphasized depredation concerns, the strain on rural communities, and the view that the reintroduction effort has been costly and poorly managed.
Opponents of the amendment said the funding line is part of broader wolf management, not just reintroduction, and argued the state has a legal obligation to carry out Proposition 114. They said gifts, grants, and donations are not a reliable funding source for that mandate and noted the program also supports conflict minimization efforts such as range riders. One speaker also defended the ecological role of wolves, citing their benefits to ecosystems, elk management, and biodiversity. The transcript does not show a final vote on the amendment before the excerpt ends.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 18th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Clerk will read the proclamation. To all to whom these presents...
- The following bills are on first reading and referral to committee. The clerk will read the bills.
- , including establishing a voluntary accreditation program for disaster relief organizations and screening
- The clerk will read the announcement.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, you know, one of the things that I have seen reading these, it really doesn't take away a lot of
- paper, because if it's paper, that sometimes doesn't get transferred into the system to be able to read
- on the state level to mask the overtaxation on the local level, it's almost just putting a smoke screen
- on it. ...the local level, it's almost, you know, just putting a smoke screen on it and just hiding
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Nov 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm hopeful that they all have read that document prior to today's meeting.
- questions from the committee about maybe something that you've mentioned, maybe something that they've read
- DCF screens a lot of things out for us. We were very close.
- And so there might be some time between that safety screening minimal facts and when the child comes
Summary:
The Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee held a panel discussion on Florida’s child protection teams (CPTs), child advocacy centers (CACs), and related state systems. Testimony came from the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Health, a local CAC director, the Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers, a CPT medical lead, and a Jacksonville sheriff’s sergeant. Witnesses described how DCF investigations, CPT medical and forensic services, CAC multidisciplinary coordination, and law enforcement work together to assess abuse allegations, provide interviews and exams, and connect children and families to services. Several speakers highlighted telemedicine, co-location, and Jacksonville’s specialized investigative model as examples of stronger coordination.
Committee members focused heavily on communication gaps, staffing shortages, and delays in forensic interviews and medical evaluations. Senators asked about implementation of Jordan’s Law, the timing of DCF and law enforcement notifications, whether law enforcement is always included in decisions about forensic interviews, and how quickly children are seen after a report. DCF and DOH representatives said referrals are generally made within 24 hours and that multidisciplinary staffings are used to share information, but law enforcement described cases where interviews were scheduled weeks out or reports arrived late, creating problems for probable cause and safety decisions. Members also raised concerns about turnover among CPIs and CPT staff, caseloads, and the need for more specialty providers.
CAC representatives said the model reduces trauma by bringing services together in one place, but noted uneven access across the state, especially in rural areas and in counties without CACs. They said sustainable funding and workforce development are needed to maintain and expand services, and one speaker noted that some CACs have closed due to funding challenges. DCF said there are about 1,500 CPIs statewide and an average active caseload of about 12 per investigator, while CPTs serve roughly 22,000 to 23,000 children annually. The committee did not take any formal vote or action, but members requested follow-up information on staffing numbers, communication practices, CAC locations, and recommendations for statutory or budget changes. The meeting ended with adjournment.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Jan 14th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- And again, 48 pumps, sump pumps, water control systems, what we were able to do to read, pumps, some
- And I hadn't screened the presentation prior.
- talk helping our impacted communities, 57 of the When you're sitting through this, and I hadn't screened
- We're trying to use technology to help us get better and faster at using generative AI to help us read
Summary:
The committee held its first meeting of the session, with members introducing themselves and expressing support for veterans, military families, first responders, space industry growth, and domestic security. The first presentation was from the Florida Division of Emergency Management on the 2024 hurricane season and recovery efforts. Officials described response and recovery operations for Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, including sheltering, meals, water, tarps, power restoration, flood control, debris removal, and public assistance funding. They emphasized that recovery is ongoing, that mitigation and resiliency investments are critical, and that Florida’s shelter space remains in deficit in many counties, especially for special needs populations. Senators asked about improving logistics capacity, technology for grant processing, HOA/private property debris issues, drainage and culvert maintenance, and ways to expand shelter capacity; the witness said more technology, better local coordination, and county-by-county planning would help, while noting limits on state authority over private property and county emergency manager qualifications.
Committee members praised FDEM’s response and asked how the Legislature could help, including whether more logistical hubs, pumps, and flood-control equipment were needed. The witness said technology investments could reduce fatigue and improve grant and recovery processing, but that manpower would still be necessary. The committee also discussed the statewide emergency shelter plan, the use of schools as shelters, and the need to identify vacant commercial space and other facilities for future sheltering and special-needs needs. The witness said FDEM works with counties and commerce partners to identify available space and uses legislative funding for shelter retrofits and new construction when needed.
The second presentation was from Blue Origin on its Florida operations. The company outlined its work in New Glenn, New Shepard, Blue Ring, lunar landers, and engine production, highlighting its Space Coast presence, more than 3,600 Florida employees, and over $3 billion invested in facilities. Blue Origin also described partnerships with Space Florida, public school Space Academies, internships, SkillBridge, and STEM outreach through Club for the Future. Members asked about the upcoming New Glenn launch window, which the company said was targeted for later that week, and the committee expressed interest in Blue Origin’s role in Florida’s space economy. The meeting ended with no further business and a motion to adjourn, which was adopted.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Board Jun 8th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- You have to read them in that context. You have to read them in that context.
- Could you read that for me real quickly? Under two. Did you read that for me real quickly?
- So if we could scroll up a little and read Mr. Powers' response to this email. Read Mr.
- read it and signed it.
- So it reads, it reads, ‘If I were A.A.G., I would give EEC until the end of the week, 5 p.m. on February
Summary:
The hearing concerned a Legislative Ethics Board complaint against Representative Tara Simmons in Washington State OAH Docket 401-645. The judge outlined the process, the two issues on appeal—whether Simmons violated RCW 42.52.020 and RCW 42.52.070, and, if so, what penalty should apply—and admitted a number of exhibits by stipulation or prior ruling, while taking one exhibit under advisement pending an offer of proof. The board also moved to sequester witnesses, which was granted, and the judge deferred ruling on a motion to exclude three defense witnesses until after hearing the board staff’s case. Opening statements followed, with staff alleging Simmons used her position to benefit an outside organization and to secure special privileges, and the defense arguing the conduct was lawful, technical in nature, and consistent with prior ethics guidance.
Board staff then called Kimberly Gordon, an attorney and founding board member/treasurer of American Equity and Justice Group (AEJG), as its first witness. Gordon testified that AEJG used data dashboards to make justice-system data more accessible, received state proviso funding sponsored by Simmons, and also received two donations from Simmons—$10,000 and $40,000. She said the first donation was intended to help hire Antoine Coleman, whom Simmons had recommended and who was later identified as Simmons’s romantic partner, and that AEJG returned the $10,000 and declined the $40,000 after concluding there was a potential conflict of interest. Gordon also testified that AEJG believed Simmons’s involvement in the organization and her communications about Coleman created ethical concerns.
Gordon further testified about a second proviso intended to expand AEJG’s work into education data and its subcontract with Equity in Education Coalition (EEC). She said EEC did not perform the expected deliverables, prompting repeated communications with the Administrative Office of the Courts and a meeting involving Chris Stanley, where AEJG raised concerns that EEC was not complying and that Simmons had intervened in the dispute. According to Gordon, Stanley ultimately directed the parties to rewrite the subcontract and continue, but AEJG later moved forward largely without EEC’s assistance. The board staff introduced AEJG’s complaint and related timeline exhibits during her testimony. After direct examination, the hearing recessed for lunch, and cross-examination by Simmons’s counsel began when the hearing resumed.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- to the first reading of the bill. to the first reading of the bill.
- reading of the bill. reading of the bill.
- reading of the resolution. reading of the resolution.
- listen to the third reading of the bill. listen to the third reading of the bill.
- have it and third reading is ordered. have it and third reading is ordered.
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional reflection on Nowruz, the Persian New Year, emphasizing renewal, spring, and the challenges facing Iranian families amid conflict. The speaker connected the holiday’s themes of hope and responsibility to Vermont and democracy, then the chamber moved to routine business, including first readings and referrals of five House bills: H.945 on hemp products, H.946 on utility advertising and costs in rental agreements, H.947 on a residential universal design building code, H.948 on membership of the Retired Employees Committee on Insurance, and H.949 on homestead and non-homestead property tax yields and technical education finance changes. Three Senate bills were also read and referred: S.189 on hospital service reductions, S.203 on penalties for repeat DUI offenses, and S.313 on transforming Vermont’s career technical education system.
The House also recognized several guests and announcements, including family members of members, airport employees, a UVM student intern, and visitors from Brazil. A House concurrent resolution, HCR 168, was read and congratulated Girl Scout Troop 60336 of Milton on earning the Bronze Award for a community garden project that improved accessibility through rain barrels and raised beds. The resolution highlighted the troop’s leadership and the role of its co-leaders, and the chamber applauded the guests in attendance.
The main floor action centered on House Bill 642, relating to youthful offender proceedings, where Representative Booton of Barre City offered an amendment to stop the scheduled expansion of Raise the Age to 20-year-olds. Supporters argued the change would preserve current treatment of 18-year-olds while preventing an automatic expansion they said could strain the system and raise public safety concerns; opponents, including the Judiciary Committee, urged waiting for required Department for Children and Families reports due in 2026 before making changes. After debate, a roll call vote was taken on the amendment, with members calling the roll as the vote proceeded.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (02/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- We have screened to make sure that there isn't DEI specifics.
- <03:35:24.640>
on eight is correct number I was reading on eight is correct number I was reading - Could you help us understand what page you're reading from?
- You know, reading this, my interpretation, or reading between the lines, is if you don't make adjustments
- 00:00.479>
reading <04:00:00.880>between <04:00:01.199>the interpretation or reading
Summary:
House Finance Division III convened a work session on the DHHS budget, with the chair noting there would be no votes and that the committee would spend the day hearing from the commissioner’s office. Nathan White, DHHS Chief Financial Officer, opened with the Division of Finance/Office of Business Operations, explaining that the unit supports the department through daily financial management, AP/AR, audit work, expense projections, transfers, and procurement functions such as contracts, amendments, RFPs/RFAs, and grants management. He also described the division’s revenue and reporting work, including federal draws, CMS-64 reporting, and the public assistance cost allocation plan, and said the department had centralized rate-setting work and a small team handling Medicaid rate analysis and nursing facility rebase work.
Members asked about vacancies, turnover, and budget changes. White said the division had 18 positions unfunded in the governor’s budget, reducing personal services from about $10.8 million to $9.9 million, and estimated the division’s vacancy rate at about 11 percent, below the department average. He said turnover was relatively low, with one retirement at the manager level and higher turnover mainly at lower AP-level positions. He also explained that some budget lines reflected reallocations rather than new spending, including fringe benefits centralized elsewhere and an EBT card contract moved into this unit because the staff member overseeing it works in Finance. When asked about a rent/lease increase, he said it was due to higher copier leasing costs under a statewide DAS contract.
White highlighted several management and technology improvements. He said a business intelligence tool procured in 2022, using Salesforce and Excel-based data, helped DHHS better track federal revenue and maintenance-of-effort spending, reducing FY24 General Fund lapse by about 70 percent and federal/other revenue lapse by 88 percent compared with FY23; he warned that the tool is not funded in the current budget. He also described Lean Six Sigma efforts in the contracts team, training for vendors and nonprofits on procurement and indirect cost rules, and a Finance Academy to standardize policies and procedures. On the contracts side, he said the department uses Smartsheet for project management and DocuSign for electronic signatures, which cut contract execution time dramatically, but noted DocuSign is also not funded in the governor’s budget. The session ended as the committee prepared to move on to the Employee Assistance Program presentation.