Video & Transcript : 'launch operations' :

Page 107 of 500
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • So, as you know, Governor Newsom launched the Master Plan for Aging in 2021.
  • And then we've launched a monthly webinar as well.
  • Following the passage of this bill in 2017, CDSS released a operations for the Northern Division of Center
  • As you stated, my name is Heather Tamiso, and I am the Chief of Field Operations, North Division, within
  • As you stated, my name is Heather Tamiso and I am the Chief of Field Operations North Division within
Summary: The Select Committee on Older LGBTQ Californians held an inaugural hearing focused on the health care and support landscape for older LGBTQ Californians, including people aging with HIV and transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex seniors. Opening remarks emphasized the long history of discrimination faced by older LGBTQ adults, the growth of the aging LGBTQ population, and the need to translate existing state commitments into concrete services. Senators highlighted concerns about nursing home vulnerability, the aging of people living with HIV, and the impact of federal actions and Medicaid cuts on California’s safety net. The first panel featured Justice in Aging, CalHHS, the Department of Aging, and the Aging and HIV Institute. Testimony described widespread inequities, including discrimination, social isolation, economic insecurity, and gaps in culturally competent care. State officials outlined the Master Plan for Aging, the first statewide survey of LGBTQIA older adults, gender-affirming care protections in Medi-Cal, and efforts to improve coordination across departments. Advocates argued the state has been too slow to respond to federal threats and that services are often hard to find or fragmented. Committee members pressed the departments on how survey findings are being turned into action, how rural and underserved communities are being reached, and whether more formal stakeholder coordination or “no wrong door” access systems are needed. The second panel focused on seniors living with HIV. A long-term survivor gave emotional testimony about the “survivorship penalty,” loss of benefits, housing insecurity, and the need for legal and navigation support, housing assistance, and protection from outdated disability standards. The Department of Aging reported on implementation of SB 258, which added HIV status to the definition of greatest social need for area agencies on aging; it said 20 of 33 area plans now identify HIV as a target population and many include specific strategies, such as LGBTQIA mental health connections programs. The Office of AIDS described Project Cornerstone, Ryan White, ADAP, HOPWA, the Medi-Cal waiver, and PrEP-AP, noting these programs serve thousands of older clients and rely on whole-person case management. Case management testimony underscored persistent needs for medication subsidies, transportation, food, and housing. Committee members questioned how ADAP rebate funds might be used, how SB 258 is enforced across local agencies, and how to reduce administrative barriers and auto-connect eligible people to benefits. The final panel began with the Department of Social Services outlining protections for TGI seniors in licensed care facilities, including SB 219’s nondiscrimination requirements and related provider notices and resident rights materials. The hearing remained focused on identifying service gaps, improving coordination across aging, health, and social service systems, and ensuring state programs better reflect the lived experience of older LGBTQ Californians.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • doing this work in the Bay Area, but in 2020 we brought this model to L.A., and since then we've launched
  • L.A. operates the largest youth detention system in this country, and we're declaring that if we can
  • So we've seen pendulum shifts nationally, here locally, but at YJC, we operate this space and we welcome
  • YJC operates a high school.
  • We are launching our courtrooms-to-classrooms capital campaign.
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 12th, 2026

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • For SFY 26, we have an approximately $9.7 billion budget as prescribed in our annual operating plan.
  • We saw a slide from Secretary Mann that talked about their division of county operations and how that
  • "We plan to launch softly live on July 1 with no punitive, but mainly education, working with providers
Summary: The Medicaid Subcommittee of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met to receive a primer on the subcommittee’s history and on how Medicaid oversight works in Arkansas. Legislative audit staff reviewed the subcommittee’s origins in response to earlier Medicaid audit concerns and explained that Medicaid is audited every year in the statewide single audit because it is a high-risk, large federal program. Staff summarized recent audit findings, including issues with eligibility controls, data matching, contractor charging, incarcerated juveniles’ coverage handling, provider eligibility support, and the state’s Medicaid recovery audit contractor exception request. They also noted a DHS departmental audit finding involving employees who improperly received benefits, which was referred for possible prosecution. The Department of Human Services gave an overview of the Medicaid program, describing eligibility groups, delivery systems (fee-for-service, managed care/PASSE, and premium assistance for expansion adults), the size of the program, and the agency’s budget and provider base. DHS also outlined the difference between state plan amendments and waivers and said other committee materials would be sent to members. The Office of Medicaid Inspector General described its role in detecting and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse, explaining that it investigates suspected intentional fraud, suspends providers when there is a credible allegation of fraud, recovers improper payments in mistake cases, and recommends policy changes when trends are identified. The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit explained that it prosecutes provider fraud criminally and civilly, handles neglect, abuse, and exploitation cases in long-term care settings, and works with DHS, OMIG, and federal partners. Members asked about where cases are filed, how provider suspensions work, whether beneficiary fraud is investigated, and how education is provided to providers. DHS confirmed that beneficiary fraud cases are referred to local prosecutors and said the expansion population will move toward community engagement/work requirements under federal changes, with a soft launch planned before full implementation. The meeting ended with no formal votes beyond adoption of the prior minutes and no other committee actions.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 12th, 2026

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • For SFY 26, we have an approximately $9.7 billion budget as prescribed in our annual operating plan.
  • We saw a slide from Secretary Mann that talked about their division of county operations and how that
  • We plan to launch softly live on July 1 with no punitive, but mainly education, working with providers
Summary: The Medicaid Subcommittee of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met to adopt the November 2018 minutes and receive a primer on the subcommittee’s role and Medicaid oversight in Arkansas. Legislative audit staff reviewed the subcommittee’s history and explained that Medicaid is audited annually through the statewide single audit because it is a high-risk federal program. Staff summarized recent audit findings, including weaknesses in eligibility and data-matching controls, improper use of Medicaid funds for partially non-Medicaid work, issues with incarcerated juveniles’ coverage, the absence of a Medicaid recovery audit contractor program exception request, reporting problems involving MFCU recoveries, and provider eligibility documentation concerns. Staff also noted a DHS departmental audit finding involving employees who improperly received benefits, which was referred for further action. The Department of Human Services gave an overview of Medicaid’s structure, eligibility, delivery systems, and budget. DHS described Arkansas Medicaid as covering about 850,000 people through fee-for-service, managed care, and premium assistance for the expansion population, and outlined major spending categories such as institutional care, long-term services, pharmacy, capitated payments, and supplemental payments. DHS also explained the difference between state plan amendments and waivers, and said it has a beneficiary-fraud unit that refers cases to local prosecutors. The Office of Medicaid Inspector General described its role in detecting and preventing fraud, waste, and abuse, distinguishing between suspensions for credible allegations of fraud and recovery actions for mistakes or overpayments. OMIG said it works with DHS and law enforcement, issues quarterly and annual reports, and has increased recoveries in recent years. The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit explained that it prosecutes provider fraud criminally and civilly, can also handle long-term care neglect, abuse, and exploitation cases, and works with local prosecutors as special deputies. Committee members asked about court venue, provider suspensions, beneficiary fraud, education of providers, and the status of Medicaid expansion work requirements; DHS said it is preparing to implement community engagement requirements under HR 1 and will begin with a soft launch before full enforcement. No formal votes were taken beyond adoption of the minutes, and the meeting adjourned after questions were answered.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 12th, 2026

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • So for SFY 26, we have an approximately $9.7 billion budget as prescribed in our annual operating plan
  • We saw a slide from Secretary Mann that talked about their division of county operations and how that
  • We plan to launch softly live on July 1 with no punitive, but mainly education, working with providers
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Feb 2nd, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so the governor reached out and said, 'I need a good operator in D.C., and it had to be somebody
  • He's a good operator, but I have this one problem.' And he sent me a picture.
  • Professor Hammond began his career as part of President Jimmy Carter's administration, where he launched
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and began with a floor introduction honoring guests from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, including President Jeffrey Armstrong, students, and student leaders. Senator Laird highlighted Cal Poly’s 125th anniversary, its statewide impact, and student achievements, including Rose Parade and design-build competition awards. The body then took up two Senate concurrent resolutions. SCR 111 by Senator Niello commemorated the 125th anniversary of the certified public accountant profession in California and recognized the California Board of Accountancy and the California Society of CPAs; it passed on a roll call and was later adopted 38-0 after the call was lifted. SCR 109 by Senator Grove proclaimed January 2026 as National Mentoring Month and recognized Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California for its long-standing youth mentorship work; it also passed on a roll call and was adopted 39-0 after the call was lifted. The Senate also concurred in Assembly amendments to SB 25 by Senator Umberg, which streamlines California’s merger process and aligns it with the federal process; the vote was 33-0. Members then approved a motion by Senator Laird to give second reading and move forward bills reported from the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee on February 4, 2026, despite objections from Senator Niello; the motion passed 29-10. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjourn-in-memory tributes for Congressman Doug LaMalfa, Barry Del Bono, Professor Alan Stewart Hammond, and journalist Jeb Bing, with multiple senators offering personal recollections and condolences to their families and communities. The Senate concluded by announcing the next floor session and recessing until later that day.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Feb 2nd, 2026

Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • So we only have, I think, one domestic survey operation that’s located within the DSA, but the rest of
  • But I think that would be probably a good launching point to reestablish that discussion.
  • So if you run a dairy or any type of livestock operation in northern Michigan, you are subjected to an
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • Today, we operate one of the largest Medicaid programs across the state of Florida, taking care of the
  • I want the student to say, wow, this was a launching for my career, which it was for me.
  • I'm an operations person, so really making sure that our resources are really focused on the student
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education heard two bills and then moved through a series of confirmations for university and college boards of trustees. Senate Bill 176, by Senator Polsky, would require public postsecondary institutions to have clear, publicly available safety policies and reporting procedures for threats to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. An amendment clarifying the bill’s scope was adopted without objection, there was no public testimony against it, and the committee reported the bill favorably. Members spoke in support, emphasizing campus safety and the need for clear reporting paths. The committee also heard Senate Bill 116, by Senator Bradley, which would establish the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to advance research, prevention, care, education, collaboration, and outreach on diabetes. Testimony included support from AARP and others, and members praised the institute’s research role and the growing public health importance of diabetes. The bill was reported favorably. The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for trustees at FIU, UNF, UCF, USF, and Miami Dade College. Nominees and reappointees described their backgrounds and priorities, including student success, research growth, workforce development, engineering, health care, cybersecurity, and fiscal stewardship. Committee members asked several nominees about nursing NCLEX scores and university performance, and one public commenter raised concerns about campus climate and student safety. The committee then voted to report the confirmations favorably in a block and adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 28th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Today, we operate one of the largest Medicaid programs across the state of Florida, taking care of the
  • I want the student to say, wow, this was a launching for my career, which it was for me.
  • I'm an operations person, so really making sure that our resources are focused on the student experience
Bills: S0176 , S0816
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear two bills and several confirmation appointments. Senate Bill 176, as amended, required public universities to maintain and publicize clear campus safety policies and reporting procedures for threats to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Senator Polsky said the bill was intended to close a gap in postsecondary safety guidance and mirror K-12 requirements. The committee adopted the amendment without objection, heard supportive comments about campus safety, and reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard Senate Bill 116, which would codify the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to support research, prevention, education, collaboration, and outreach on diabetes; the bill drew supportive testimony from AARP and others and was also reported favorably. The committee then took up confirmations for multiple university and college boards of trustees. Nominees and appointees testified about their backgrounds and priorities, including FIU trustee Nestor Plana, UNF trustee Clarence Stephen Moore, UCF trustees Mark Philburn and Alan Flores, USF trustees Rick Piccolo and Nancy Watkins Hemingway, and Miami Dade College trustee Ismarie Monreal, among others. Their remarks emphasized student success, research growth, workforce development, financial stewardship, and institutional goals such as engineering, cybersecurity, health care, and preeminence. Several members asked about NCLEX nursing pass rates and university performance metrics, and one public commenter raised concerns about campus climate and student safety at UCF. After hearing the appointees and public comment, the committee voted to confirm the group of nominees in a block and reported the confirmations favorably. The meeting concluded without further business after a motion to adjourn.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 28th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Today, we operate one of the largest Medicaid programs across the state of Florida, taking care of the
  • I want the student to say, wow, this was a launching pad for my career, which it was for me.
  • I'm an operations person, so really making sure that our resources are really focused on the student
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee May 13th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • circumstances beyond our control that delay the cases and delay relief or result in the employer closing operations
  • So I have here that the framework both encourages students to launch into high school mathematics, Algebra
  • So I have here that the framework both encourages students to launch into high school mathematics, Algebra
Summary: The committee first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Arthur Krantz to the Public Employment Relations Board and Christopher Ferguson, Brian Haynes, Anna Marie de Mars, and Ronald Fiore to the Student Aid or Student Athletic commissions, all by unanimous 5-0 votes. It also approved references of bills to committees by a 5-0 vote. The committee then heard from Julia Montgomery, nominated for a third term as General Counsel of the Agricultural Labor Relations Board, who described her work on farmworker rights, outreach, and enforcement of labor protections. Members questioned Montgomery closely about card-check unionization procedures, signature authenticity, outreach to Spanish-speaking and indigenous-language farmworkers, make-whole enforcement delays, and a long-running Tri-Fanucchi farm case. Montgomery said objections and unfair labor practice charges can be investigated, that signature verification is handled by board staff rather than her office, and that delays often stem from appeals, difficulty locating workers, employer obstruction, and court backlogs. Vice Chair Grove voted no, while Senators Laird and Reyes supported the nomination; the committee advanced Montgomery to the full Senate on a 3-2 vote. The committee then considered three State Board of Education appointments: Cynthia Glover Woods, Brenda Lewis, and Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez. In opening statements, all three emphasized long careers in public education and support for students, teachers, and families. Questions focused on math achievement, the 2023 math framework and access to Algebra I in middle school, transitional kindergarten, community schools, and the effectiveness of education spending. The nominees said the framework still allows ready eighth graders to take Algebra I, pointed to new instructional materials, professional learning, TK expansion, and community schools as key improvements, and said they had not been involved in the governor’s proposed education governance changes. Public witnesses and education groups testified in strong support. The committee advanced Glover Woods 3-1, Lewis 4-1, and Gonzalez 3-1 to the full Senate.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/18/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • In the operating room, I support people not consenting for a blood transfusion, even if it means their
  • In the operating room, I support people not consenting for a blood transfusion, even if it means their
  • Unfortunately, medicine sort of launched into this gender transition treatment for kids without having
  • Unfortunately, medicine sort of launched into this gender transition treatment for kids without having
  • readiness review, and a performance and operations phase.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/07/25

Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • We will be starting to test it with various contractors probably this summer, with our goal to launch
  • Our goal is to launch it fully by the end of the year for everyone.
  • Some of it goes to cover agency operating costs, but overall 90% of our expenses are payroll, rent, and
  • However, this is the only operating adjustment that we have in place here.
  • However, this is the only operating adjustment that we have in place here.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/28/2026 - House Appropriations

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • we have a bank that is ready to go and match for us and that that affects our operations.
  • open and operating.
  • open and operating.
  • Yeah. ...and operating. Available for questions? Questions for the bill sponsor? Yes, Mr. Chair.
  • Diaz's hometown of Benson, as well as our border towns of Douglas and in McNeal, we've launched what
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/28/2026 - House Government

Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • He spent a lot of time with Special Operations Command, supporting missions overseas.
  • Waters report indicated that approximately 30% of callers are disconnected before reaching an operator
  • So I can see it on the front end during actual operations and on the back end. Am I mistaken? Mr.
  • Marshall, can a business that's operating in the city of Phoenix, when these e-bikes pile up at their
  • while operating in Arizona airspace.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Health Committee Mar 18th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • We launched a website specific to the Southern California fires.
  • Operations had to shift and were pressured by the impact of staffing from the fire.
  • I am a data conversion equipment operator one in the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
  • As a data conversion equipment operator one, I work in administration between my supervisor, myself,
  • As a data conversion equipment operator one, I work in administration between my supervisor, myself,
Summary: The Assembly Health Committee held an informational hearing on the health impacts of wildfires and the effects on health care systems and access to care. The first panel focused on public health consequences, with testimony from UCLA and UCSF physicians, a community organizer, and an Altadena recovery leader. Witnesses described acute and long-term physical harms from wildfire smoke and ash, including asthma and COPD exacerbations, cardiovascular and stroke risks, pregnancy impacts, infection risk, and possible added hazards from lithium-ion battery fires. They also emphasized mental health effects such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, “firebrain,” and the need for psychological first aid, trauma-informed community networks, and youth-focused resilience programs. Community advocates stressed that Latine, Indigenous, undocumented, and Black communities face disproportionate harm because of language barriers, unsafe work conditions, lack of insurance, and exclusion from disaster aid, and they called for stronger language access, worker protections, permanent disaster relief, and better outreach. Committee members asked about air monitoring, masks, wind events, lithium-ion batteries, and how to reach communities with translation and emergency information. Panelists said AQI is useful but incomplete, that N95s help for smoke but P100 masks are needed for ash/asbestos exposure, and that communities should be warned to stay indoors and avoid windy dust-ups after fires. They also discussed the importance of building relationships during non-emergency periods, using text alerts and trusted community organizations, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate information. Several members and witnesses highlighted the need for more research on long-term health effects, especially for people with chronic lung disease, workers who cannot stay indoors, and residents exposed to repeated disasters. The second panel addressed health care system response and access to care. DHCS and DMHC described emergency flexibilities used during the Southern California fires, including federal waivers, extended Medi-Cal renewal deadlines, reinstated coverage for some disenrolled members, suspension of prior authorization and prescription refill barriers, out-of-network access at in-network cost-sharing, and communication through websites, toll-free numbers, and social media. Hospital and community health center leaders described major operational strain: emergency room surges, canceled surgeries, dialysis disruptions, staff displacement, temporary housing needs, and financial losses. Huntington Health and AltaMed reported using incident command systems, temporary care spaces, bilingual and culturally tailored services, mobile clinics, infection control measures, and community health workers to keep care going. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for better disaster staffing pools, more flexible facility rules, stronger mental health coverage, child care planning, and statewide coordination for future emergencies; no formal votes were taken.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Feb 4th, 2026

Budget and Fiscal Review

Transcript Highlights:
  • before us today provides one-time funding to ensure reproductive health providers can continue operations
  • I think it's important to point out, without launching into the debate because frankly this particular
  • And I know you just referenced that, but this was clearly an attack on Planned Parenthood's operations
  • As it relates to HR 1, the county of Santa Clara operates the second largest public hospital system in
  • the state, and we operate two of the three trauma centers and burn centers that serve our whole region
Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 106, an early-action budget bill providing $90 million one-time General Fund to support reproductive health providers affected by the federal H.R. 1 prohibition on Medicaid funding. Department of Finance staff explained that the money would be administered as grants through the Department of Health Care Access and Information because affected providers can no longer bill Medi-Cal during the federal restriction, which lasts through July 4, 2026. Members also discussed why the amount increased from an earlier $60 million estimate, with Finance saying the figure was updated based on additional claims data and provider information. The committee debate focused heavily on the policy implications of the funding. Supporters argued the bill is an emergency response to a targeted federal attack on Planned Parenthood and related family planning services, emphasizing that the funding would backfill non-abortion services such as cancer screenings, contraception, STI testing, mammograms, and prenatal care. Opponents questioned the use of General Fund dollars, the grant structure versus loans for other distressed providers, the Public Records Act exemption, and the bill’s priority compared with rural hospitals, developmental services, public safety, and other budget needs. Finance clarified that the federal funds at issue do not pay for abortion services and that the grant program would be open to eligible providers meeting criteria set by the department. Public testimony was overwhelmingly in support from Planned Parenthood affiliates, Essential Access Health, Western Center on Law and Poverty, the California Medical Association, family physicians, OBGYN groups, and others, while some commenters used the opportunity to raise unrelated budget concerns such as Medi-Cal dental cuts, IHSS, and CalHome funding. After discussion, the committee approved AB 106 on a 12-4 vote and reported it out. The chair also noted that a later hearing would examine broader H.R. 1 impacts in more detail.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

October 14, 2025 - 11:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • RECENT ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS INCLUDE AN UNDERCOVER OPERATION THAT LED TO CONVICTIONS OF INDIVIDUALS TRAPPING
  • ONE OF THOSE EXAMPLES IS OUR OPERATION VIPER.
  • INVESTIGATE THE ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE THROUGHOUT THE STATE AND IN A RECENT CASE IN INCLUSION OF THIS OPERATION
  • ON THE GRAPH YOU CAN SEE THE LAUNCH OF THE I HAVE ONE HOTLINE HAS INCREASED THE REPORTS OF NON NATIVE
  • HABITATS THAT HAVE A MINIMAL DEPENDENCE ON TECHNOLOGY THAT REQUIRE SUBSTANTIAL LONG TERM FUNDING FOR OPERATION
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • honor to be part of the extraordinary transformation at FAU as it stepped onto the national stage by launching
  • When Corning spun off its life science business as Quest Diagnostics, I became the chief operating officer
  • When Corning spun off its life science business as Quest diagnostics, I became the chief operating officer
  • recently as six months ago, completed the sale of my family's long-standing business and currently operate
Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to continue confirmation hearings, but the chair announced the committee would not present its budget that day and would instead roll it out the following week in coordination with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a quorum was confirmed, the committee discussed how it would handle a large number of university board appointments, noting that some reappointments would be grouped for a block vote while others could be heard individually if members requested it. The committee then heard testimony from a series of appointees and reappointees to university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to FAMU, student success, and support for the university’s national standing; Harris highlighted his FAMU background and faculty experience, Young cited his business and health care leadership, and Vasquez described scholarship support through his company. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh focused on servant leadership, research growth, entrepreneurship, and FAU’s recent R1 designation and quantum computing initiatives. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins discussed UCF’s preeminence goal, workforce needs, and strong nursing outcomes. The committee also heard from Florida Gulf Coast University appointees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointment Joseph Fogg, who spoke about workforce development, affordability, student success, water and nursing programs, and FGCU’s role in regional economic growth. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly highlighted USF’s AAU status, research growth, and workforce-focused programs. Members and the chair responded positively throughout, praising the universities’ achievements and the nominees’ qualifications. At the end of the hearing, the committee voted by block on all nominees in tabs 2 through 13 and recommended them for confirmation without objection. The meeting then adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 12th, 2026

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • part of the extraordinary transformation happening at FAU as we stepped onto the national stage by launching
  • When Corning spun off its life science business as Quest Diagnostics, I became the chief operating officer
  • recently as six months ago, completed the sale of my family's long-standing business and currently operate
  • recently as six months ago, completed the sale of my family's long-standing business and currently operate