Video & Transcript Research : 'program participant'
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NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 23rd, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- That money only went out if school districts chose to participate in those programs.
- Money was not spent because districts did not participate in those programs; it reverted not to the General
- I don't have the numbers in front of me, but Sonny does, about who's participating in those programs.
- program.
- Four out of five educator fellows, Grow Your Own, clinical programs. How are those programs?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
LGBT Aging Commission Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I was their program officer and worked a lot with DPH community health on health and wellness programs
- And I say participate, succeed, and Are fair for all.
- and Cambodian older adult peer support programs that...
- People with disabilities need some accommodations to participate.
- And everyone participated. Thank you so much, Lisa. And Barry agrees.
Summary:
The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging opened its March quarterly meeting by welcoming Alison Bauer as its first full-time director, effective March 30. Bauer briefly introduced her background in law, social work, public health, state government, philanthropy, and teaching, and said she planned to meet one-on-one with each commissioner. The commission then approved the December quarterly meeting minutes by motion and vote.
The main portion of the meeting was a workshop led by Adriana Boulin on diversity, equity, inclusion, power, belonging, and intersectionality. Boulin defined key terms, guided participants through reflection exercises on personal values and conditions that support or undermine power, and discussed the history of intersectionality. Commissioners and guests shared examples of DEI work, including listening sessions, inclusive trainings, equitable hiring, LGBTQ+ aging advocacy, and community programs. Participants also reflected on how the commission has felt powerful, citing the strategic plan, the hiring of an executive director, the website, listening sessions, and passage of the LGBTQI+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights.
The group then focused on how to apply an equity lens to the commission’s strategic priorities, especially improving representation and inclusion. Commissioners discussed the need for more racial, ethnic, trans, immigrant, and other marginalized representation, as well as barriers such as recruitment challenges, the size of the commission, and CORI/background-check concerns for some governor-appointed seats. They also explored whether an advisory board or expanded outreach to community organizations could help broaden participation. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes, but the meeting ended with agreement to continue the equity work and with the next quarterly meeting scheduled for June.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Vice President of Policy and Programs at Casita Coalition.
- I'm here to present SB 262, which expands the pro-housing program to include policies and programs that
- SB 262 builds on this anti-displacement expansion to include safe parking programs and safe camping programs
- Altadena participates with us.
- Money can be directed to great programs.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 753, which would modernize California’s shopping cart recovery rules by allowing cities and counties to return abandoned carts directly to retailers, recover documented retrieval costs, and avoid the current impound-and-wait process. The author and supporters, including San Jose officials and the League of California Cities, said the bill would help clear streets, sidewalks, and waterways and reduce local costs. Grocers and retailers opposed the measure unless amended, arguing it would turn cart retrieval into a new cost burden and could create incentives for cities to charge too much for stolen property. After extensive discussion about notice periods, cost caps, and local ordinances, the committee adopted amendments and passed the bill 6-0 as amended.
The committee then took up SB 445, which would speed up permitting and approvals needed for high-speed rail by requiring early engagement, setting rules for third-party coordination, and creating a dispute-resolution process. The author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier, broader transit proposal and was intended to reduce delays caused by utilities, local governments, and other entities. Supporters said permitting bottlenecks add major costs and delays to infrastructure projects, while opponents from utilities, cities, counties, telecoms, and special districts raised concerns about safety, reliability, affordability, and the need to review the pending amendments. The bill passed 8-1 to the Utilities and Energy Committee.
The committee also heard SB 9, a narrower housing bill focused on accessory dwelling units. The author explained that it would require local ADU ordinances to be submitted to HCD for review and would make state standards control if a local agency fails to submit a compliant ordinance or respond to HCD findings. Supporters from housing and YIMBY groups said the bill would improve enforcement of state ADU law and prevent local barriers from slowing housing production. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 6-0. The committee then began hearing SB 79, which would allow more housing near major transit stops; the author and supporters framed it as a response to the housing shortage and transit underuse, and the hearing continued with extensive support testimony as the transcript ended.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House County and Municipal Government Committee Feb 4th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- in the CPACE lending participate in the CPACE lending program.<00:03:52.080>
This <00:03:52.319 - We do that by participating in programs that help us provide preferential loan terms or approve loans
- We're participating in the Growing Alabama program, which I think is relatively new.
- We're participating in the Growing Alabama program, which I think is relatively new.
- We're participating in the Growing Alabama program, which I think is relatively new.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- As a participant in the program, I can attest that SDP provides more freedom of choice and helps me become
- who choose, through their individual program plan, to participate in a paid internship.
- programs.
- DOR is additionally closely monitoring the elimination of DEI programs and policies, as these programs
- day program rates are higher.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held a hearing on developmental services, rehabilitation, and related supports, with no votes taken. The first major topic was the Master Plan for Developmental Services. Administration officials described a year-long, community-driven process that included a steering committee, work groups, and statewide engagement sessions, and said the final draft would be released that Friday with about 170 recommendations. The Department of Developmental Services said the plan would inform future work, but did not offer a detailed implementation roadmap. The LAO said the plan contains significant policy and budget implications, may require statutory changes, and needs further analysis to turn recommendations into actionable proposals. Advocates and regional center representatives urged the Legislature and administration to avoid letting the plan sit on a shelf, called for prioritization and ongoing stakeholder oversight, and emphasized the need to address equity, workforce, service coordination, and cross-system collaboration. The chair said he wanted to work with the LAO on trailer bill language and future reporting to create a clearer path forward.
The second topic was the Office of Employment First and competitive integrated employment. Administration witnesses said California has ended subminimum wage under SB 639, but that moving people into competitive integrated employment remains a major priority. They described existing efforts such as DDS’s coordinated career pathways pilot, paid internships, job development services, benefits counseling, and DOR’s career counseling and referral services, along with pilot projects in San Diego and Orange County. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities and advocates argued that employment outcomes have remained stuck at roughly 15% and that a dedicated Employment First Office is needed to coordinate across agencies, align goals, and improve outcomes. The LAO recommended regular legislative oversight on people transitioning out of subminimum wage and asked for technical assistance on coordinated career pathways. The chair criticized the administration’s decision to effectively eliminate funding for the office, requested a detailed implementation timeline and quarterly transition reports, and said the committee would continue pressing for the office to be implemented.
The final issue was respite services, utilization trends, and access. DDS reported that in-home respite use and spending have risen sharply over several years, with about 150,000 people using respite in 2023-24 and expenditures reaching about $1 billion. Officials said access depends on families knowing the service exists, service coordinators identifying need, and having enough providers, especially in rural and linguistically diverse communities. The San Diego Regional Center said utilization generally mirrors statewide trends, but access is stronger in some areas, such as Imperial County, where families often prefer family-directed or agency-supported models that allow them to hire trusted workers. Committee members emphasized the importance of respite for family health and caregiver well-being, asked whether service coordinators are asking practical questions about sleep and stress, and discussed the need for better identification of complex behavioral and medical needs. DDS said a standardized family support tool and updated IPP process are intended to improve consistency, transparency, and person-centered assessment for respite and related services.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- , and obligations of any person covered by the program.
- House Bill 2092 allows a person to waive participation in ASRS if they become eligible to participate
- House Bill 2092 allows a person to waive participation in ASRS if they become eligible to participate
- HB 2092 allows a person to waive participation in ASRS if they become eligible to participate in ASRS
- . to waive participation in ASRS if they become eligible to participate in ASRS after turning 65 years
Keywords:
retirement benefits, health insurance, premium payment, Arizona State Retirement System, contingent annuitant, long-term disability, benefits limitations, disability compensation, social security, retirement system, elected officials, ASRS, eligibility waiver, age 65, property tax exemption, disability, veterans, widows, income limits, Arizona Revised Statutes
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee to Hear SAO Performance Audits May 13th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- They put a program together.
- I'm a participant there.
- To that end, Washington has developed And established a program called the Digital Navigator Program.
- This is what should be happening within the program. Should be happening within the program.
- Program.
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee held a hybrid hearing to receive three State Auditor’s Office performance audits. The first audit examined implementation of the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act. Auditors said the Criminal Justice Training Commission had developed most required training, but six community/cultural topics were still unfinished, the patrol tactics curriculum was incomplete in one area, and the agency lacked a systematic project management approach. They reported that most officers had not completed the 40 required hours, with low participation in patrol tactics training, weak communication, limited data to track compliance, and ineffective incentives or consequences. Committee members questioned staffing, liability, and enforcement, and the Commission said it generally agreed with the findings and had begun implementing recommendations, including improving training development and communication.
The second audit reviewed Washington’s digital equity planning. Auditors concluded the state lacked a comprehensive, unified digital equity strategy, a designated lead, and reliable funding. They said the existing PEAR/Impact Plan, BEAD five-year plan, and NTIA-approved digital equity plan each addressed parts of the issue but none provided a full statewide framework with clear authority across agencies. The Department of Commerce’s Broadband Office and the Office of Equity said they agreed with the findings and were open to working with the legislature and the Digital Equity Forum on a more structured approach. A public witness described local and regional digital equity planning efforts and emphasized the importance of coordination and community-based work.
The third audit focused on Commerce’s management of the Digital Navigator Program. Auditors said Commerce did not consistently use a competitive process, did not adequately vet grantees and subgrantees, wrote contracts that lacked clear deliverables and monitoring requirements, failed to enforce reporting, and paid $10.7 million without sufficient documentation to verify reimbursement eligibility. They said agency staff had raised concerns that were ignored and that some payments and contract expansions occurred despite warnings. Commerce officials said new leadership had already begun major contract-management reforms, including centralized oversight, risk assessments, clearer documentation standards, and staff training, and they said they would pursue recapture where appropriate. Committee members expressed strong concern about accountability, and the hearing ended after public testimony and committee discussion.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Child Custody Review Task Force Apr 13th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Child Custody Review Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- This is pertaining to the participation in a family transition program. Mr. Chairman.
- in a vaguely defined program and those programs exist within a professional... ...Mandates participation
- Who's going to make this program? Who's going to pay for this program to be made?
- First, I can tell the committee that I have ordered participation in an education program as part of
- So it would read participation in a parent education program throughout. Okay.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Furthermore, it adds a new reference to educational providers participating in the ESA program who do
- under the new ESA account program.
- Montana and Ohio recently updated their laws to ensure students could participate in release time programs
- We actually have five programs in Texas, but like he mentioned earlier, we do have several programs that
- Release time programs have a long history in our nation.
Keywords:
residency, public schools, child safety placement, enrollment, education code, school boards, transparency, public meetings, attendance, recording, misconduct, child abuse, educators, investigation, criminal offense, education law, suspension, reporting requirements, released time, religious instruction
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 10th, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- in the Special Olympics program.
- Under this bill, a student with a disability who participates in the Special Olympics for one school
- Joshua has participated since he was 17 years old, and we think that if he was able to access Special
- What sports do you participate in at the Special Olympics?
- What sports do you participate in at the Special Olympics?
Keywords:
high school diploma, graduation requirements, physical education credit, performing arts credit, marching band, Special Olympics, students with disabilities, IEP, individual education plan, 504 plan, Florida education, school credits, diploma substitution, ROTC, dance class, State Board of Education, public schools, graduation pathways, adaptive physical education, Agency for Persons with Disabilities
Summary:
The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered three bills and a confirmation. On SB 1600, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and a technical amendment that shifted the bill from creating an accreditation process to requiring the Office of Insurance Regulation, DCF, and community-based care lead agencies to study liability insurance coverage and availability in the child welfare sector and report findings to the legislature by January 1, 2027; the bill also included enforcement provisions for failure to provide requested information. Support was noted from child and family advocacy groups, and the committee reported the bill favorably.
The committee also heard CS for SB 556, which would allow students with disabilities to satisfy a physical education graduation requirement through participation in Special Olympics, if included in the student’s IEP, and would clarify that two years of marching band participation can satisfy both PE and fine arts credit. Special Olympics Florida, families, and other supporters testified in favor, emphasizing flexibility, access, and recognition of rigorous activity. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 794, which requires background screening for employees of residential facilities and day training programs serving people with developmental disabilities and directs a review of waiver support coordination, including quality, consistency, access, competencies, recruitment and retention, caseloads, and geographic gaps in services. An amendment to conform to the House version was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably.
Members then questioned Secretary Taylor Hatch regarding her confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Senators raised concerns about child welfare system performance, parent notification and rights, CBC funding formulas, managing entities, opioid settlement spending, peer support expansion, and technology/interoperability improvements. Hatch described DCF’s recent data and initiatives, including reductions in out-of-home care entries, youth advisory efforts, missing children recovery operations, expanded behavioral health capacity, and technology upgrades for benefits processing. Public comment included support from family and provider organizations and concerns from a former foster care worker about medical misdiagnosis cases. The committee voted to recommend Hatch’s confirmation favorably, with Chair Grall voting no, and adjourned after allowing Senator Sharief to be recorded as voting in favor of SB 1600.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- that we do operationalize the program that we do operationalize the program um,<00:03:03.200>
- It's easier for employees then to be participants in the program.
- >
programs. - then to be participants in the program.<00:05:20.800>
uh <00:05:20.960>and <00:05:21.680 - And as the expenses of operating the program are much less and, again, a more efficient program than
Summary:
The Labor and Technology Committee met on April 4, 2025, to consider four governor’s messages involving nominations to the Hawaii Retirement Savings Board and the Hawaii Workforce Development Council. Barbara Creek, nominated to the Retirement Savings Board for a term ending June 30, 2029, testified that she had already served two years on the board, had prior experience with deferred compensation plans, and wanted to help operationalize the program quickly and efficiently. In response to a question about Senate Bill 855, she explained that an opt-out auto-enrollment model is the gold standard for retirement savings programs, would increase participation and contributions, and would help Hawaii avoid being an outlier and improve the chances of joining a multi-state compact for a cost-effective program. Amber Aana, nominated to the Workforce Development Council for a term ending June 30, 2029, emphasized her maritime-industry background and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and training opportunities for women and underrepresented groups. Scott Collins, nominated to the same council for a term ending June 30, 2028, said he had served on the board since 2022 and could contribute public-sector and union experience to help address government workforce challenges. Pane Mayonga II, also nominated to the Workforce Development Council for a term ending June 30, 2029, was absent due to union travel, but the committee heard extensive testimony in support from labor, industry, and community representatives.
Support testimony was recorded for all four nominees, including from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, United Public Workers, Hawaii State AFL-CIO, Hawaii Nurses Association, Hawaii Ports Maritime Council, and other organizations and individuals. For Pane Mayonga II, the committee noted support from a broad coalition including labor unions, maritime and construction groups, and community advocates. No opposition testimony was presented, and members did not raise substantive questions on the Workforce Development Council nominees.
After a brief recess, the committee reconvened for decision-making and voted to recommend advice and consent on all four governor’s messages: GM 727 for Barbara Creek, GM 744 for Amber Aana, GM 717 for Scott Collins, and GM 728 for Pane Mayonga II. Each recommendation was adopted unanimously, and the committee congratulated the nominees before adjourning with no further business.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
2026 Joint Budget Subcommittee on Human Services and Labor - 03/18/2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have also worked on the CHIP program for the blue stamp theft program and joined the Governor in her
- Simplifying the claims process is a much more beneficial way to get doctors to participate in the program
- in the program.
- SIMPLIFYING THE CLAIMS PROCESS IS A MUCH MORE BENEFICIAL WAY TO GET DOCTORS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM
- IN THE PROGRAM.
Summary:
The Human Services and Labor budget hearing opened with Senate and Assembly co-chairs introducing members and naming secretaries for the record. The agencies covered included Human Services, Labor, Temporary and Disability Assistance, Children and Family Services, Veterans Services, Human Rights, Workers’ Compensation, the Welfare Inspector General, and the Public Employment Relations Board. Members then gave brief statements on their priorities for the upcoming budget negotiations.
A major theme was affordability, with repeated discussion of child care, SNAP, housing, and worker supports. Senators and Assembly members highlighted the Senate and Assembly one-house proposals for a $500 million child care worker retention grant program, additional child care slots and subsidies, cost-of-living adjustments for human services workers, and expanded support for supportive housing, youth employment, HEAP, and energy affordability. Several members also emphasized food insecurity and SNAP-related issues, including funding to address payment errors, prevent penalties, expand SNAP education, and respond to expected federal changes.
Labor-related issues included workers’ compensation fraud, wage theft enforcement, workplace violence, temporary disability insurance reform, and the creation of dedicated enforcement funding for the Department of Labor. Some members supported using workers’ compensation assessments or insurance-company-related funding to pay for anti-fraud efforts, while others preferred grants to district attorneys or broader DOL enforcement. There was also discussion of occupational health clinics, labor standards in any SEQRA changes, and expanding access to doctors in the workers’ compensation system.
Veterans, child care, and public assistance fraud prevention were also discussed, including funding for veterans legal defense and mental health services, microchip/secure EBT cards to reduce skimming, and restoring or protecting various programs. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with the chairs stating that the Senate, Assembly, and Executive would continue negotiations toward a final budget.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety Mar 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Courts must make referrals to programs that provide services at no cost to the participant and have been
- It took a while for our behavioral wellness program to put a program in place.
- I mean, right now, a successful Prop 36 participant is someone who gets to the program, who shows up
- lot of these residential treatment programs are 90-day programs.
- Californians who participate, we know for a fact, in these programs are 15% less likely, more likely
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/27/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- management and this program May struggle management and this program May struggle with<00:14:15.279><
- US State has adopted such a program US State has adopted such a program that's<00:19:14.200>
- , and the number of participants who meet the criteria to participate has grown rapidly over the past
- and and the number of program and and the number of participants<00:37:29.960>
uh <00:37:30.200 - of criteria to participate and kind of criteria to participate and solar<00:37:34.319>
cycle <
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 20, 2025 - 11:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- As of January 2025, the program...
- Looking back at the past two program years, in 2023, there were 738 weight management pilot participants
- For this plan year, the Legislature raised the participant cap from 2,500 participants to 2,800 participants
- in programs that drive value to the state, such as the shared savings program, and can also...
- In programs that drive value to the state, such as the shared savings program, and can also push out
Summary:
The Budget Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. HB 677, relating to state-covered fertility preservation for employees undergoing cancer treatment, was introduced as coverage for egg and sperm preservation for up to three years, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $813,000. After brief questions and no public testimony or amendments, the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/HB 59, which would reform Florida’s wrongful incarceration compensation process by extending the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, removing the clean-hands requirement, and allowing exonerees to choose between the state compensation process and a civil lawsuit; it was supported by the City of Flagler Beach and passed unanimously. CS/HB 1313, which recreates the Resilient Florida Trust Fund in the Department of Environmental Protection before its scheduled termination in 2025, also passed unanimously after supportive testimony from advocacy groups.
The committee received a lengthy presentation from the Department of Management Services on the State Group Insurance Program and the recent Revenue Estimating Conference. The presentation covered enrollment, revenues and expenditures, rising medical and pharmacy costs, emergency room utilization, GLP-1 drug spending, and options for tighter formulary and utilization management. Members asked about ER cost growth, GLP-1 coverage and copays, PBM oversight and potential conflicts, avoidable ER visits, cancer screening claims, dental and vision costs, specialty drug biosimilars, and possible savings from more restrictive pharmacy models. DMS said it would follow up on several questions and noted ongoing work on cancer coordination, preventive screening, biomarker testing, and a proposed member-facing benefits platform.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 301, which would raise sovereign immunity caps from $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident to $1 million and $3 million, align limitations periods with private claims, and allow government entities to settle above the caps without a claims bill. Local governments, school-related entities, and county and city associations opposed the bill, warning of major fiscal impacts, higher insurance costs, and pressure on services; several speakers urged smaller increases or a tiered approach. Proponents, including families affected by catastrophic injury or death, argued the current caps are too low and the claims bill process is inefficient and unfair. After debate, the bill passed on a recorded vote, with some members voting no, and was reported favorably.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Senate and Governmental May 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Whether unaffiliated voters can participate in the party primaries.
- We can't program differently.
- We can't program that; it has to be the same.
- And that's for to be able to program it into the machines. Correct. Ms.
- And then we would be able to program the election and get ready for it.
Summary:
The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 20, 2026, with a quorum present and no minutes available for approval. The committee first heard HB 181, which would let the legislative auditor review income tax data to verify eligibility for Medicaid and, at LDH’s request, SNAP. The auditor said the work would be limited to internal data testing under sharing agreements and not disclosed to third parties. After questions about privacy and duplication, the bill was reported favorably to the floor without objection.
The committee then took up HB 906 on presidential preference primaries and party nominating petitions. The Secretary of State and bill author said the measure would let major parties decide whether unaffiliated voters may participate in their primaries, with 180 days’ notice to the state, and would keep party rules consistent within presidential years so elections can be programmed properly. Several senators raised concerns that the bill would disenfranchise no-party voters and give parties too much control, but supporters said both major parties had approved the approach. The committee voted 4-3 to report the bill favorably.
Members also advanced HB 398, which would require the judiciary to use the federal GSA meal per diem rate instead of the current higher state judicial rate; HB 1052, which strengthens confidentiality protections for child abuse investigations handled by child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams; HB 1245, which protects witness criminal history records from unintended public release in clerk of court records; HB 202, which requires state civil service or hiring agencies to notify applicants when a vacancy is filled or they are rejected; HB 540, which requires disclosure of paid digital election advertising; HB 9, designating stuffed shrimp as a Louisiana specialty; HB 1057, extending the validity of absentee-by-mail applications for military voters from one year to two; HB 225, proposing a constitutional amendment to limit governors to two lifetime terms; HB 177, allowing retired court reporters to contract with former public employers; and HB 459, requiring disclosure when campaign materials use AI, with amendments adopted after discussion of First Amendment and campaign finance concerns. The committee also rejected an amendment to HB 1057 that would have expanded Sunday early voting in certain parishes. After the bills, the committee held confirmation hearings for James Kelly and Charles Wilkinson to the Board of Supervisors of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, both of whom described education and workforce development backgrounds and were favorably received.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- At Nicholls, I am able to participate in internship programs, audit college courses, live on campus,
- In Arkansas, as mentioned earlier, the program saw over a 200% increase in participation, from 14,000
- United States are participating in the school choice programs.
- enrolled in the non-public school early childhood development program at the participating school.
- Gator schools had fewer programs, but higher participation.
Summary:
The committee met for public testimony on the Finance budget, with the main discussion focused first on funding for disability services and then on the LA GATOR scholarship program. Several individuals testified in support of fully funding Families Helping Families and Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), describing how advocacy, transition services, and direct support workers help people with disabilities access education, employment, and independent living. Witnesses urged the committee to preserve or increase state general funds to draw down federal matching dollars, and provider groups said current reimbursement rates and staffing shortages are leaving agencies in deficit, creating waitlists, overtime costs, and difficulty retaining workers. Committee members thanked the speakers and noted that the testimony would be used to compare the governor’s, House, and remaining budget requests.
The committee then heard extensive testimony in support of increasing funding for the LA GATOR scholarship program. Supporters included policy groups, school leaders, parents, and students who argued that the program expands educational choice, helps low-income and special-needs students find schools that fit their needs, and should be fully funded at the level of demonstrated demand. Speakers from Catholic and Christian schools said GATOR funding had helped students thrive academically and spiritually, but that shortfalls left many eligible students without awards, hurt kindergarten enrollment, and forced schools to raise private donations to cover gaps. Several witnesses emphasized that the program is not a zero-sum attack on public schools, but a way to let education dollars follow students.
A few committee questions focused on the fiscal impact and on whether choice programs improve outcomes without harming public schools. Testimony cited enrollment growth, parent demand, and data from other states to argue that school choice can improve student and parent outcomes and may also strengthen traditional public schools through competition. No votes or formal actions were taken during the public testimony portion of the meeting.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The Texas seismic monitoring and seismology research program is a multidisciplinary program funded by
- Specifically, in 2019, SALS participated in a pilot program with Texas 811.
- So, just for clarification, are you all not wanting to participate? in this program at all?
- We're part of the pilot program that we have today, our leadership for our utilities program, we're part
- We have an apprenticeship program.
Keywords:
pipeline, construction, cash bond, county authority, local government, HB 1285, Railroad Commission of Texas, RRC, drones, unmanned aircraft, UAS, drone inspections, oil and gas, pipeline inspection, surface mining, well sites, tank batteries, disposal wells, injection sites, natural resources
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- AND PROGRAMS THEY HAVE ELIGIBLE UNDER THE OPEN-DOOR WORKFORCE PROGRAM.
- CURRENTLY WE HAVE ABOUT 22,004 AND 44 APPRENTICES AND PRE-APPRENTICES PARTICIPATING IN THOSE PROGRAMS
- SO WE HAVE THREE AND A 29 PROGRAMS BUT OVER 1000 PARTICIPATING EMPLOYERS AND THAT HAS REALLY BEEN JUST
- DEGREE PROGRAMS IN 16 BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAMS.
- JUST FOR OUR PROGRAMS.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance May 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But high-level, comprehensively connecting the state's official earnings data to that program participation
- data, preparing data reports by program that would detail whether the program participants met the job
- auto repair programs, CNA programs.
- funding for the program.
- I thought it was to assist the LEAs to identify participants in the program and to select them and fund