Transcript Highlights:

• And that basically was that the charter schools, public charter schools, weren't considered equal as
• And that basically was that the charter schools, public charter schools, weren't considered equal as
• <00:11:57.279> um<00:11:57.440> allow<00:11:57.680> this<00:11:57.920> equal
• targeted way to um allow this equal targeted way to um allow this equal treatment<00:11:58.640><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But again, Equal, we're not striving for equality; we're striving for equity in making sure that our
• Navajo Nation, and that's something that We certainly need to reconcile because you can't say it's equal
• We need not only to be fair but also to be equal in how those funds are being distributed.
• They add on to that, and it should be structured so that education is provided at a fair and equal level

Transcript Highlights:

• It looks like there's a reason that our people voted to make sure that, you know, divided party and equal
• It looks like there's a reason that our people voted to make sure that, you know, divided party and equal
• It looks like there's a reason that our people voted to make sure that, you know, divided party and equal
• It looks like there's a reason that our people voted to make sure that, you know, divided party and equal
• You know, the people voted to make sure that, you know, divided party and equal that they testing us.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House considered a conference committee report on House File 2563, the legacy bill, and members described it as a bipartisan agreement with the Senate. Representative Vang outlined several major changes from the House version, including restoring funding for Peace in the Valley in parks and trails, moving Wilderness Inquiry funding to the arts and culture fund, increasing the Minnesota Zoo to $3.4 million, raising the Children’s Museum to $1 million, setting aside $1.5 million for a competitive grant pool for children’s museums statewide, and increasing the Science Museum to $700,000. Supporters said the bill invests in clean water, parks and trails, outdoor heritage, arts and cultural heritage, and a new community identity and heritage grant program for underserved communities. Several members spoke in favor of the report, emphasizing the value of legacy funds for conservation, cultural programming, tourism, and community identity. Speakers highlighted specific beneficiaries and projects, including outdoor heritage groups, the Science Museum, Latino arts and mural projects, and competitive funding for creative arts and music. One member noted that some state agencies also received appropriations in the bill and criticized fee increases on Minnesotans, while another said the bill reflected a fair negotiation process and that some programs saw reductions because of a $33.1 million accounting-related shortfall. After debate, the House adopted the conference committee report. The clerk then took the roll, and the bill was repassed as amended by conference on a vote of 113 yeas and 21 nays, with its title agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• Violence and peace happen in every battle for equality and for justice.
• The Save Girls Sports and Save Women's Sports Act, excuse me, provided fairness and equality for Texas
• Independence says we hold these truths to be self-evident... self-evident that all men are created equal
• Women and girls have... have no equal right to justice.
• If not, we will show Marianne Lackey as having registered for Equality Texas and is against the bill.

Bills: HB370, HB738, HB2935, HB3227, HB4103, HB5259, SB519, SB1350, SB1247, SB1248, SB2112, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR59, HCR109, HCR111, HCR135, SCR6

Keywords: HB 370, Events Trust Fund, Texas events funding, sports eligibility, women's sports, girls' sports, biological sex, transgender athletes, sex-segregated sports, athletic competition, event subsidies, tourism funding, site selection organization, anti-trafficking plan, female athletes, public funding, economic impact, sports policy, Rosenwald Schools, historical preservation

Transcript Highlights:

• committees and the work that they are doing, kind of rotate through as determined by the chairs, but an equal
• The other thing is with the co-chair model and now committees that are working with equal membership
• and equal ability to vote, where before, during our one-seat advantage, there was one less Democrat voting
• The other thing is with the co-chair model and now committees that are working with equal membership
• and equal ability to vote, where before, during our one-seat advantage, there was one less Democrat voting

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• documents In front of you for public school finance, you have what's called the Primary of the State Equalization
• The vast majority of your support for public schools comes through the State Equalization Guarantee,
• The formula itself, the SEG, is designed to equalize educational opportunity throughout the state by
• That's your SEG, your State Equalization Guarantee; that's your public school funding formula.
• this would amend the state's public school funding formula, which again is known as the State Equalization

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, the enforcement mechanism for now would be a direction to find them in the amount equal to their
• Well, the enforcement mechanism for now would be a direction to find them in the amount equal to their
• 48.720> amount direction to uh find them in the amount direction to uh find them in the amount equal
• 00:08:51.080> as<00:08:51.200> long<00:08:51.360> as<00:08:51.480> they equal
• to their salary uh as long as they equal to their salary uh as long as they are<00:08:51.720> not

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House Republican leaders held a press availability focused on the ongoing Minnesota House stalemate caused by the absence of Democratic members, which left the chamber without a quorum. Speaker Lisa Demuth and Leader Harry Niska said Republicans were present and ready to work, argued that Democrats were refusing to attend session, and said the Secretary of State had not allowed motions to be taken on the floor. They also criticized Secretary of State Steve Simon for adjourning the House and for not recognizing Republican motions or members. Niska described a proposed motion under Article 4, Section 13 of the Minnesota Constitution that would have compelled absent members to attend the next session and would have withheld their legislative salary and per diem until they returned. He said the motion was blocked and argued that the Constitution gives the House authority to compel attendance and impose penalties. The leaders repeatedly said Democrats needed to “show up for work,” and said the situation was delaying negotiations over a power-sharing agreement and other House business. The discussion also touched on Representative Brad Tabke, whose seat has been part of the dispute. Republicans said Tabke had not appeared in the chamber and that his absence was not helping negotiations. Demuth said Republicans would return the next day at 3:30 p.m. and continue working if Democrats appeared. No votes were taken, and no motion was adopted during the availability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the equal footing doctrine spells that out pretty clearly.
• Uh, the equal footing doctrine spells that out pretty clearly.
• Uh, the equal footing doctrine spells that out pretty clearly.
• The equal footing doctrine spells that out pretty clearly.
• <00:57:32.680> footing your perspective how that equal footing your perspective how that equal

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those opting in would be required to make a buyback payment equal to the amount they would have paid,
• I would like everyone's support for this bill to make that an equal opportunity for everyone by giving
• For him, as for many of us, any ethnocratic state that denies equal rights is morally indefensible.
• So I'm here today driven by the conviction that all children deserve equal care and compassion, just
• And I personally view every person in Palestine and every person in Massachusetts as equally important

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing focused first on teacher retirement legislation, especially H. 2932 and S. 1884, which would give long-serving educators a one-time opportunity to enroll in Retirement Plus after the program’s 2001 rollout was described as confusing and inconsistently communicated. Legislators, union leaders, and many teachers testified that some educators missed the opt-in window because of faulty notices, leave status, transfers, or misinformation about payroll deductions, and that many have had to work several extra years as a result. Supporters said the bills would correct an unfair administrative error, provide a buyback option with interest, and could also save local school districts money by allowing earlier retirements. Representative Mark Sylvia also testified for H. 4234, a Fairhaven-specific bill to raise the age limit for special police officers from 65 to 70 and clarify appointing authority, citing experience and budget needs. The committee then heard testimony on several pension investment and divestment bills. Supporters of H. 2811 and related climate-risk measures argued that PRIM should assess, disclose, and address climate-related financial risk in the state pension fund, warning that fossil fuel investments could threaten long-term returns and public finances. Environmental advocates and financial experts said climate risk is systemic and urged transparency, divestment planning, and alignment with the Commonwealth’s climate goals. Another set of speakers supported H. 2984, which would divest pension investments from companies selling weapons to Israel; they argued the state should not be complicit in violence in Gaza and cited humanitarian and human rights concerns. Additional testimony supported H. 2900 and S. 1869 to divest from the firearm industry, with speakers saying pension investments should not undermine Massachusetts gun laws. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs repeatedly thanked speakers, limited testimony time, and noted that written testimony could be submitted later. The hearing concluded with the committee moving through the sign-up list and hearing extensive public testimony on the teacher retirement and divestment proposals.

Transcript Highlights:

• And yet, literacy has not always been equal.
• AND YET, LITERACY HAS NOT ALWAYS BEEN EQUAL.
• of us who didn't have the financial means to pursue certain opportunities, libraries gave us that equality
• Sikhism is known for upholding the principles of equality, Sikhism is known for upholding the principles
• of equality, service, compassion, and justice.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and discharged several identical Assembly/Senate bills from committee so they could be substituted on the calendar. The chamber then took up and previously adopted two commemorative resolutions: one designating April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month and another honoring Korean War veterans. Senators from both parties spoke in support of the Sikh resolution, emphasizing the community’s contributions, service, and the need for recognition and inclusion; the resolution was opened for co-sponsorship and the Sikh guests in the gallery were recognized. The Korean War resolution drew remarks from members recalling family service and the sacrifices of veterans, with repeated calls to preserve their stories and honor their legacy. The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills. Among them were measures related to charter bus safety and seat belt awareness, coverage for doula services under insurance, social services/EBT-related changes, education, navigation, highway, public service, and hospital-closure reporting. Several bills passed unanimously or with only one dissenting vote; the social services bill drew the most opposition, with Senator Murray objecting that New York should first address EBT chip technology and skimming before adding new vendor requirements. One bill on the calendar was laid aside for the day. The chamber also adopted a supplemental bill authorizing the South Country Central School District to finance certain deficits, described by Senator Murray as a necessary rescue to keep the district operating and pay staff. Senators discussed the state budget impasse during debate on an extender bill, with the sponsor explaining it was a “clean extender” to keep government running through May 4 and cover payroll, health, education, and other essential payments. Senator Helming raised concerns about the lack of rural health transformation funding and the consequences of the delayed budget for schools, local governments, and hospitals. The extender passed, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, May 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• At this level, special education rates across the state will be fully equalized, meaning every special
• increases the amount to $99 per ADA on top of COLA and maintains the commitment to ensure that equalization
• In fact, we're here today supporting the equalization funding in the Governor's budget and requesting
• supporting the $999 base rate and identifying the Governor's proposal as part of special education equalization
• In fact, we're here today supporting the equalization funding in the governor's budget and request that

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard the Governor’s proposals across seven education-related items and received testimony from the Department of Finance, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Department of Education, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and the Office of Public School Construction. On dual enrollment, the administration proposed $100 million one-time Proposition 98 funding plus policy changes to expand access, including eligibility for regional occupational centers, added support for justice-involved youth, priority for higher-need LEAs, teacher professional development, and a reduction in required daily instructional minutes for some dual enrollment students. The LAO recommended rejecting the funding as not clearly tied to implementation barriers, while CDE supported the proposal but suggested reserving $10 million for technical assistance. Several public commenters and members supported the investment and urged inclusion of technical assistance and adult dual enrollment. For the reading difficulty screener proposal, the Governor proposed $40 million one-time funding and statutory changes requiring kindergarten screeners after 91 school days and grades 1-2 screeners after 46 school days, with the stated goal of reducing over-identification and allowing time for foundational instruction. The LAO recommended rejecting the funding, saying costs were likely overstated and that LEAs could use discretionary block grant funds instead. CDE supported the funding but the timing restrictions drew significant concern from the chair and public witnesses, who argued the deadlines were too prescriptive and could delay early intervention; advocates and literacy organizations urged preserving local flexibility and screening earlier. CDE and Finance defended the timing as based on data and consistent with other states, while also emphasizing that early instruction and support could still begin on day one. On special education, Finance described a proposal to increase the base rate to $99 per ADA through a $509 million ongoing Proposition 98 augmentation, along with COLA and enrollment adjustments. The LAO said the proposal should be adopted but estimated it could be achieved with less funding; CDE strongly supported the increase, citing rising enrollment, cost pressures, and inequities across SELPAs. Public testimony from districts and SELPAs echoed the need for more funding and asked for even higher per-ADA support. The committee also heard a school facilities update showing Proposition 2 bond balances and demand levels, with OPSC noting funds are being used for new construction, modernization, small district set-asides, lead remediation, and natural disaster assistance. For the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, members heard that the student teacher stipend program’s grants management system is complete and that the Commission is seeking to track participation and outcomes; the Governor also proposed additional state operations funding to address misconduct workload, implement SB 848-related data systems, and administer the stipend program. Finally, the Governor proposed $250 million one-time funding to continue teacher and school counselor residency grants through 2029-30, which the LAO said could help fill shortages but may be harder for rural LEAs; CTC supported the program and said regional technical assistance hubs are helping expand access. No formal votes were taken, and the hearing adjourned after public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• At this level, special education rates across the state will be fully equalized, meaning every special
• To $99 per ADA on top of COLA, and maintains the commitment to ensure that equalization, which promotes
• In fact, we're here today supporting the equalization funding in the Governor's budget and request that
• In fact, we're here today supporting the equalization funding in the governor's budget and request that
• We identify the Governor's proposal as part of special education equalization. Thank you.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard the Governor’s proposals on dual enrollment, reading difficulty screeners, special education, school facilities, and Commission on Teacher Credentialing programs. On dual enrollment, the Department of Finance described a $100 million one-time Proposition 98 investment to expand the Dual Enrollment Opportunities Grant Program, along with changes to make regional occupational centers eligible, add funding for justice-involved youth, prioritize higher-need LEAs, support teacher professional development, and reduce daily instructional minute requirements for some dual enrollment students. The LAO recommended rejecting the new funding as not clearly addressing implementation barriers, while CDE supported the proposal and suggested reserving $10 million for technical assistance. Committee members and public commenters generally supported the expansion, with some asking for technical assistance and broader access, including adult dual enrollment. The committee also reviewed a $40 million one-time Proposition 98 proposal for reading difficulty screener implementation and related trailer bill language that would require screening after 91 school days for kindergarten and 46 school days for grades 1-2. Finance said the timing was intended to reduce over-identification and align with evidence from preliminary data; the LAO recommended rejecting the funding and redirecting it to a discretionary block grant. CDE supported the funding and the general approach but acknowledged the need for local support and training. Several committee members and public witnesses raised concerns that the proposed timing restrictions were too rigid and could delay early intervention, while others supported the delay as a way to improve accuracy and avoid misidentification. For special education, Finance proposed ongoing Proposition 98 increases to adjust for COLA and enrollment changes and to raise the statewide special education base rate to $99 per ADA, equalizing rates across SELPAs. The LAO said the proposal should be adopted but estimated it could be funded for less than the Governor’s figure. CDE and multiple local education representatives strongly supported the increase, citing rising special education enrollment, cost pressures, and large local funding gaps. The committee also heard a brief overview of the school facilities proposal, which continues $1.5 billion in Proposition 2 bond funding for the School Facility Program; OPSC reported significant remaining bond authority but also substantial pending demand, and explained that natural disaster school rebuilding draws from the broader new construction and modernization pools. Finally, the committee reviewed Commission on Teacher Credentialing proposals, including the already-funded $300 million Student Teacher Stipend Program, new state operations resources for misconduct investigations and grant administration, and a $250 million one-time continuation of the Teacher Residency Grant Program. CTC said its grants management system is ready and that it expects better data tracking; public testimony broadly supported the educator workforce investments and urged continued funding for the Golden State Teacher Grant Program and additional support for rural and leadership pipeline programs. No votes were taken, and the hearing adjourned after public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• if they can pay for bail while others who cannot afford bail are held in jail as a violation of the equal
• It's very important for everyone to have equal protection to the laws.
• New default assumption that joint custody and equal parenting time are in a child's best interest.
• This bill does not mandate joint custody and equally shared parenting time to be granted in every case
• This bill does require that custody determinations begin with a presumption of joint custody and equally

Bills: SB2030, SB1926, SB2170, SB2151, SB2166, SB1213, SB1381, SB1824, SB1876, SB1728, SB1582, SB1286, SB1386, SB1708, SB1618

Keywords: expungement, record sealing, criminal records, clean slate, automatic expungement, expedited expungement, criminal history, OSBI, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, deferred judgment, delayed sentence, pardon, pardon and parole board, law enforcement records, sealed records, arrest records, conviction records, reclassification of felony to misdemeanor, reentry, second chance

Transcript Highlights:

• Less money per student, fewer districts, and equal or better education outcomes trending in the right
• money per student, fewer districts, Less money per student, fewer districts, and<00:34:47.119> equal
• or<00:34:47.679> better<00:34:48.000> education<00:34:48.560> outcomes and equal
• or better education outcomes and equal or better education outcomes trending<00:34:49.760> in
• Ironically, the goals all those years ago were the same as they are today: equal education, increased

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also ensure fair interest rates and a guarantees that funding is shared equally between the small and
• I also am a Christian believer and I treat everyone equally and fairly and in a loving manner.
• Texas Realtors is dedicated to ensuring that every consumer has equal access to professional service
• Created that into our code of conduct and under the Fair Housing Act you have to provide equal services
• It says realtor shall not deny equal professional services to any person based off of the, you know,

Transcript Highlights:

• This will expand access to businesses with 100... ...that funding is shared equally between the small
• I am a Christian believer, and I treat everyone equally, fairly, and in a loving manner.
• Justice Rogers is dedicated to ensuring that every consumer has equal access to professional service
• To provide equal services to everybody regardless, and so that is something that even the freedom of
• It says REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person based on race, religion, or

Bills: SB1361, SB2105, SB2690, SB2713, SCR38, SB2637, SB2881

Keywords: SB 1361, Texas disaster recovery loan, small business loan, micro-business loan, community development financial institution, CDFI, economic disaster assistance, post-disaster financing, business recovery fund, Texas Economic Development Bank, zero-interest loan, working capital, payroll support, health benefits, job retention, declared disaster, small business relief, microenterprise, franchise exclusion, private equity-backed business

Transcript Highlights:

• You have no right to impede our right and duty to divest from an apartheid system that does not have equal
• rights for the people in the ...from an apartheid system that does not have equal rights for the people
• The strike-all adds an equal access provision to prohibit an employer from discriminating among employee
• Does this bill apply to all public sector employees equally? Thank you. The sponsor is recognized.
• I just want to ask, does this bill apply to all public sector employees equally?”

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee heard a long agenda of bills covering education, public safety, local government, labor relations, and foreign policy. Early measures included HB 1055, which would support Florida State University’s Election Law Center; CS/HB 4073, a Leon County local bill updating career service rules for sheriff’s office employees; CS/HB 253, creating penalties for license plate obscuring devices and misuse of emergency-style lights; and HB 293, codifying the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s Office and creating a liaison and advisory council. Members raised questions on academic freedom in HB 1055 and on church-state concerns and oversight in HB 293, but both bills advanced after supportive testimony from university, faith-based, and law enforcement representatives. The committee also approved HB 4029, a local bill for the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District, and HB 889, requiring classroom driver education for minors before licensure, with supporters emphasizing roadway safety and teen crash reduction. The committee then took up PCS/HB 731, which would require standardized testing for admission to health-related degree programs at state universities. The sponsor argued the bill would ensure qualified applicants and objective admissions standards, while several members and public witnesses raised concerns that it would duplicate existing requirements like the MCAT and create unnecessary barriers; the bill still passed, though with several no votes. HB 1519, expanding Florida’s anti-BDS law to cover academic boycotts, nonprofits, local governments, and certain grants, drew strong support from Jewish organizations and strong opposition from speakers who argued it chilled free speech and punished criticism of Israel. After an amendment narrowing and clarifying parts of the bill, it passed favorably as a committee substitute. The most contentious debate came on HB 1387, a major overhaul of Public Employees Relations Commission procedures and public-sector union rules. Supporters said the bill would streamline PERC processes, improve fairness, and address cases where unions were certified with very low participation; opponents, including teachers and labor advocates, said it weakened collective bargaining and public employee rights. After a strike-all amendment and extensive testimony, the bill passed as a committee substitute. The committee also approved HB 351, which adds extreme speeding to reckless driving and increases penalties, after removing impoundment language in an amendment, and PCB GOS 25-07, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking judicial waiver of parental notice/consent for abortion. The meeting adjourned after all measures were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• AGAINST VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES BASED PURELY ON MARITAL AND FAMILY STATUS AND ALSO DENIES THEM EQUAL
• HOSPITAL SYSTEMS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES HAVE 35 YEARS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEMS THAT WOULD ARISE WHEN EQUAL
• RIGHTS ARE RESTORED TO PEOPLE LIKE ME THAT THEY STILL CLAIM RESTORING THESE EQUAL RIGHTS AND EQUAL PROTECTIONS
• NOR DENY TO ANY PERSON IN HIS JURISDICTION THE EQUAL PROTECTION OF THE LAWS.
• THE EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE IN OUR 14TH AMENDMENT OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, those directives and those be given equal weight in the court when they are in fact not equal
• You know, those directives and those be given equal weight in the court when they are in fact not equal
• You know, those directives and those be given equal weight in the court when they are in fact not equal

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:38 HB 137 Discussion 01:30 HB 137 Roll Call Vote 16:24 HB 196 Discussion 17:21 HB 196 Roll Call Vote 21:59, 958, all

Summary: The Natural Resources and Energy Committee held its first meeting of the 2025 session, welcomed several new members, and confirmed a quorum. The committee first took up House Bill 137 on air quality monitoring. The sponsor and committee substitute were presented as requiring scientifically defensible, quality-assured data for air pollution enforcement, with the sponsor saying citizen complaints could still prompt agency inspections. A Kentucky Resources Council attorney testified in opposition, arguing the bill could limit low-cost community monitoring, conflict with the Clean Air Act’s credible evidence provisions, and undermine community efforts to identify pollution hotspots. After discussion, the committee adopted the substitute and passed HB 137 with favorable expression. The committee then considered House Bill 196, dealing with mining emergency technicians. The sponsor said the bill responds to the decline in coal mining and smaller mine operations, and that it was developed with the Energy and Environment Cabinet and was not opposed by the Kentucky Coal Association or the UMWA. The bill would require one medic for mines with 10 or fewer miners, two for larger operations up to 50, and one additional medic for each additional 50 miners, with the sponsor saying the change would help small mines avoid shutting down shifts when a medic is unavailable. A question about the ratio above 50 was answered by noting the language came from the cabinet and was not being changed. The committee then passed HB 196 with favorable expression. At the close of the meeting, the chair reminded members that the committee would continue using the 24-hour rule for amendments and committee substitutes and that agendas would generally be sent out the day before meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• We believe that this violates American ideals of equal treatment before the law.
• <00:13:32.560> treatment American ideals of equal treatment American ideals of equal treatment
• And of course, equity is a little different than equality.
• And of course, equity is a little different than equality.
• And of course, equity is a little different than equality.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met without a quorum and did not approve minutes, but heard testimony on budget line items for Data Seam and Teach for America. Andrew McNeel of Kentucky Free and representatives from the Commonwealth Policy Center argued that both programs rely heavily on recurring taxpayer support and should be re-evaluated. McNeel cited a 2020 Office of Policy and Audit examination of Data Seam, saying the program had received more than $30 million in state support since 2006, including $3.5 million in the current budget, and that the audit raised concerns about administrative overhead, alleged threats to districts, and the use of line-item language to justify sole-source contracting. He recommended suspending Data Seam funding this biennium, directing a new special audit, and requiring reimbursement of audit costs. The witnesses also urged the committee to withhold funding for Teach for America, saying the organization’s materials and history showed a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that they opposed. They pointed to past statements, leadership titles, and program language as evidence that DEI concepts remained embedded in the organization, and suggested any funding should be redirected directly to school districts instead. Mike Harmon and Richard Nelson echoed those concerns, while also saying long-running programs should be periodically reviewed for efficiency. Teach for America Appalachia representatives then testified in support of the program. Executive director C.D. Morton described the organization as a teacher-preparation and leadership-development program serving rural eastern Kentucky, saying it had recruited and supported more than 325 teachers since 2011, with about 30 current core members in several counties and roughly 2,800 students impacted daily. He said the program helps fill hard-to-staff vacancies, that about 80% of teachers stay for a third year, and that many alumni remain in education. In response to questions from Representative Bojanowski about retention and cost, Morton said more than 60% of alumni are still in education, but he could not give a precise classroom-teacher retention number beyond the program’s broader alumni data.