Video & Transcript : 'Alabama Department of Transportation' :
Page 109 of 500
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- the Department of Financial Services, all of whom have collection responsibilities for penalties under
- It's not done at the Department of State. You're recognized, ma'am. Thank you.
- It's not done at the Department of State. You're recognized, ma'am. Thank you.
- We then submit that to law enforcement, whether that be the Florida Department of Law Enforcement or
- Of course. Of course.
Committee:
Senate Ethics and Elections
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from the Florida Commission on Ethics on several proposed legislative changes. The commission asked for changes to the Whistleblower Act to better cover ethics complaints, a public records exemption for commissioners’ and staff members’ sensitive personal information, an expanded gift-disclosure family definition to include foster relationships, and a first-time waiver of fines for late financial disclosure filers. Staff also requested technical fixes, including treating a timely postmarked appeal as filed on time, clarifying Form 6 filing requirements for appointees to elected seats, extending ethics-training requirements to municipal appointees filling unexpired terms, and clarifying where Form 10 gift disclosures are filed. Commission staff reported high electronic filing compliance rates, the rollout of automated fines, and an average of 92 days for completed preliminary investigations in 2025. They also updated the committee on two federal court challenges involving the in-office lobbying ban and the Form 6 requirement for elected municipal officers.
The committee then heard from Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who outlined preparations for the 2026 election cycle and several policy proposals. He discussed work with new supervisors of elections, ongoing election-crimes enforcement, cooperation with federal agencies on citizenship verification, and data-sharing agreements with other states. Byrd also proposed a statewide pre-certification audit system with grants for smaller counties, a more streamlined process for checking voter citizenship status after registration, and a modernization fix for voter records affected by randomized driver’s license numbers. Members asked about special elections, election-crimes investigations, returning-citizen voting determinations, chain-of-custody procedures, and interstate data-sharing agreements. Byrd said special election timing is controlled by the governor, the elections-crimes office investigates but does not arrest, returning-citizen applications are resolved within 90 days, and he is confident in current chain-of-custody practices.
The committee also considered gubernatorial nominations. By unanimous vote, members approved a block of nominees, then separately took up Joshua Kellum’s nomination to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The committee heard sworn public testimony from Robin Blevins, who urged rejection of Kellum’s appointment and criticized his background and past involvement in FWC-related advocacy. After brief discussion, the committee voted unanimously to approve Kellum’s nomination as well.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes the omnibus education policy bill, SF1740 5/16/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- One thing I can tell you, I guide a lot of students from outside of Minnesota—Tennessee, Alabama, from
- </c> education advocacy groups the department education advocacy groups the department of<00:57:34.359
- in uh Department of Human Rights um that in uh Department of Human Rights um back<01:05:15.200><c> in
- ><01:06:25.440><c> of</c><01:06:25.599><c> Human</c> report from the Department of Human report from
- of Education to Minnesota Department of Education to say,<01:43:08.000><c> you</c><01:43:08.159><c>
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I helped them we went to the depart I helped them we went to the Department<00:53:33.079><c> of</c><
- of Education and they were Department of Education and they were able<00:53:34.319><c> to</c><00:53:
- c> of</c> approval work for the Department of approval work for the Department of Education<01:15:34.840
- We currently, according to the Department of Education, are spending an average of $21,000 per child
- We currently, according to the Department of Education, are spending an average of $21,000 per child
Committee:
Senate Education
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities May 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- course many of you knew, another mentor of mine.
- course many of you knew, another mentor of mine.
- Most of them were administrative challenges to the Office of Civil Rights inside the federal Department
- Ones like that, when I mentioned in Alabama, got overturned almost immediately on this basis of being
- And I got quite upset on a call with the commissioner of the Department of Public Health when I was on
Summary:
The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities’ Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met and heard a presentation from Colin Killick of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network on disability discrimination in crisis standards of care during COVID-19. He described how Massachusetts and other states initially used rationing criteria that prioritized short-term or long-term survival in ways that disadvantaged disabled people, older adults, and people with certain chronic conditions, and he discussed related issues such as QALYs, DNR pressure, and inequities in vaccine prioritization. He also noted that disability rights advocates, legal groups, and allies used litigation, media outreach, and public pressure to force revisions to the standards, and that Massachusetts ultimately adopted more protective third-round standards that limited the use of life-expectancy judgments and banned QALYs in those decisions.
Members asked why the disability health care discrimination bill has not passed despite being reintroduced over multiple sessions. Killick said the main obstacle now appears to be lack of legislative prioritization rather than active opposition, after earlier concerns about QALYs were resolved through compromise. He identified the bill as S. 869, an act relative to preventing discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health care, and said it had been favorably reported out of the Health Care Financing Committee. Members thanked him for the presentation and for his work during the pandemic.
The meeting then moved to roll call, approved the minutes by motion and second, and adjourned after noting the next meeting date as August 31st.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- in terms of access to critical standards of care.
- course, many of you knew, another mentor of mine.
- Most of them were administrative challenges to the Office for Civil Rights inside the federal Department
- Ones like that, when I mentioned in Alabama, got overturned almost immediately on this basis of being
- And we pushed—I got quite upset on a call with the commissioner of the Department of Public Health when
Summary:
The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities’ Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met to hear a presentation from Colin Killick of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network on disability discrimination in crisis standards of care during COVID-19. He described how Massachusetts and other states initially used standards that prioritized longer life expectancy and, in some cases, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), which he argued devalued the lives of disabled people and older adults. He also discussed related issues such as denial of transplants, pressure on disabled patients to sign do-not-resuscitate orders, and inequities affecting communities of color. He said disability advocates, legal groups, and public officials pushed back through litigation, media, and organizing, leading to revisions of Massachusetts’ standards and the eventual inclusion of disability advocates in the drafting process.
Killick also discussed vaccine rollout, saying disabled people were initially under-prioritized but later gained broader access and more accessible vaccination options such as ASL interpretation and in-home vaccination. He closed by urging support for S. 869, an act relative to preventing discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health care, which he said would ban disability-based discrimination in crisis standards, prohibit QALYs in health care decision-making, and add protections against coerced DNRs. He noted the bill had been favorably reported out of the Health Care Financing Committee but still needed support.
In questions, members asked why the bill had not advanced further; Killick said earlier opposition from QALY supporters had been resolved, and the main barrier now was lack of legislative prioritization. Members thanked him for the presentation and for the work on revising crisis standards. The subcommittee then completed roll call, approved the prior minutes, and adjourned, noting the next meeting would be August 31.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Ways and Means May 31st, 2025 at 09:00 am
Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- We know that the real cost of housing is the cost of housing plus the cost of transportation.
- Thank you so much, all three of you. And the Department of Education had a fiscal note on the bill.
- Thank you so much all three of you and the Department of Education had a fiscal note on the bills or
- The Department of Education, Amelia Thebalt, said that they resubmitted a fiscal note of zero.
- out how it would work so the amount of fees... ...Department of Taxation to figure out how it would
Bills:
AB568 , SB90 , SB133 , SB147 , SB229 , SB233 , SB240 , SB245 , SB280 , SB378 , SB393 , SB417 , SB434 , SB494 , SB495 , AB62 , SB104 , SB119 , SB132 , SB193 , SB262 , SB422 , SB431 , SB435 , SB468 , SB503
Committee:
Assembly Ways and Means
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 5th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She has served as a White House intern, worked for the Department of Health and Human Services, served
- She's a forensic nursing administrator for the City of Tulsa Police Department.
- This bill is a request from the Department of Human Services.
- It's Louisiana and Alabama, and this will take us to a more level playing field with the rest of the
- in the safety and transportation of Oklahoma taxpayers.
Bills:
SB2102 , SB1940 , SB1625 , SB1442 , SB1623 , SB1242 , SB1949 , SB1592 , SB1913 , SB592 , SB992 , SB1241 , SB259 , SB1928 , SB1426 , SB1531 , SB1561 , SB1122
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, roll call, and several floor and gallery introductions recognizing the Doctor of the Day, Nurse of the Day, Mid-America Christian University, the Oklahoma Truckers Association, Leadership Wagoner County, the Broken Arrow Chamber, and an intern. The chamber then took up several bills in general order. Senate Bill 1426, requested by the Department of Human Services, would limit referrals to district attorneys to substantiated findings of abuse of vulnerable adults; it passed unanimously, 44-0.
Senate Bill 1531 was presented as a placeholder vehicle for possible future FAA action on drones and unmanned aircraft, with questions focused on why the bill was being kept open and what language might later be added. It passed 33-12. Senate Bill 1561 would allow EMTs to be subject to progressive discipline for drug or other violations instead of automatic license revocation; it passed 46-0.
The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 1122, which lowers the ad valorem assessment rate for broadband providers from 22.85% to 15% and was described by supporters as a way to create parity, encourage broadband expansion, and keep providers investing in rural Oklahoma. Opponents argued it would give a tax break to large legacy broadband companies, reduce county revenue by an estimated $20 million, and do little for homeowners, farmers, or other taxpayers facing property tax pressure. After extended questioning and debate, the bill passed 28-19. The Senate also laid over SB 1555, heard announcements, and adjourned until Monday, March 9 at 1:30 p.m.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance. (2-24-26)
Banking & Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- The Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions will have authority for investigation, examination,
- The Kentucky Department of enforcement.
- The Kentucky Department of Financial<00:10:47.440><c> Institutions</c><00:10:48.240><c> will</c><00:10
- </c> some of that. some of that.
- According to the Alabama Securities Commission's recent survey, 64% of users reported being victims of
Committee:
Senate Banking & Insurance
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
May 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This was the purpose of that Liberty Bell: for a savings bond drive in 1950, the Treasury Department
- Oh, on the note of maximizing the Capitol, we’re also working with the Department of Administration on
- We’ll have the Quilters of Idaho, Land Trust of the Treasure Valley, Department of Education, Department
- And we have secured location at the Idaho State Department of Parks and Recreation headquarters.
- And so the Idaho State Historical Society, the Department of Ag, and the Department of Commerce have
Summary:
The America 250 in Idaho Advisory Council met to review progress on statewide America 250 celebrations and preparations for July 4th events. Members approved the May 11, 2026 minutes and received a financial update showing about $54,967.53 currently available to spend, roughly $474,000 in total expenditures to date, and about $17,500 left to disperse in grants. Treasurer Ellsworth reported strong fundraising and broad participation, including 1,900 volunteer ambassadors and co-branding by cities, counties, businesses, schools, and veterans groups across the state.
The council heard updates on numerous commemorative activities, including Liberty Bell-related programming, the Liberty Grove tree-planting effort, the “acts of service” challenge, and local events and exhibits around Idaho. Jesse Barcroft outlined the July 4th Capitol celebration, which will combine a pancake breakfast, parade, flyover, booths, concerts, and Capitol tours, with Josh Ritter as headliner and several food vendors and community booths confirmed. Questions focused on booth participation and ensuring performers’ messaging aligns with the America 250 theme.
Additional reports highlighted statewide and national partner efforts. Hannah Lori Hine described federal America 250 programs such as the “Our American Story” oral history trailer in Boise, the “America’s Block Party” listing for Idaho events, the Freedom Truck visit June 7-10, the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., and student contests including the American Heroes art contest and 1776 Presidential Award. Stephen Hatcher of the Idaho Commission on the Arts previewed Cowgirl Congress in the Wood River Valley and the Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo, both tied to traditional arts and cultural heritage. Idaho Public Television also reported on America 250 programming, including educational materials, statewide event coverage, and an upcoming hour-long special on how Idahoans are celebrating the semiquincentennial. The committee agreed to meet again on June 10 and then adjourned.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Health and Human Resources Committee in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 01:10 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- The agency impacted would be the Department of Health.
- The agency impacted would be the Department of Health.
- The Department of Health is impacted.
- The Department of Human Services would be the agency affected.
- The Department of Human Services would be the agency affected.
Summary:
The committee met, approved the March 5, 2026 minutes, and then took up several health- and human-services-related bills. House Bill 5086, concerning peer support programs for covered caregivers, was explained as creating training and testimonial privilege protections; the committee adopted an amendment clarifying that boards may still require participation in a board-designated professional health program, and then reported the bill to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass. House Bill 5004, an educational bill on PANS and PANDAS, was supported by the sponsor, who described his family’s experience and the importance of earlier diagnosis; it was reported to the Senate without amendment. House Bill 5327, which would require the Department of Human Services to create an ALS services program, also received supportive testimony from the sponsor and members, but the transcript reflects the bill being reported as House Bill 537; it was moved forward without amendment.
The committee then considered House Bill 5096, which would remove personal care and intellectual/developmental disability waiver services from certificate-of-need review. The sponsor argued the change would reduce regulatory burden and expand access, while a county aging-program director testified that certificate-of-need revenues help fund senior meals and services and that eliminating the requirement would reduce important support for aging providers. After a division vote, the motion to report the bill failed 3-9. House Bill 4695, allowing PEIA patients to switch to an alternative medically appropriate covered treatment without new prior authorization if it costs no more than the original treatment, was explained as carrying an estimated $13 million annual cost to PEIA and was reported to the Senate.
The committee also advanced House Bill 5582, enacting the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, after discussion of a committee amendment removing a new-background-check-at-initial-licensure provision; the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported. Another House Bill 5582, concerning the TANF drug screening program, was described as removing the sunset date and allowing oral fluid testing in addition to urine samples; it too was reported. Finally, House Bill 5466 renamed the batterer intervention program as an abuse intervention program and allowed live synchronous virtual delivery with an in-person option; the sponsor said the change would expand access statewide, and the bill was reported to the Senate. The committee then adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Energy Resources S/C Underground Facility Safety Oct 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the first one is is the concept of piggybacking off of locate tickets.
- We have 23 active chapters geographically aligned with a test text dot or text Department of Transportation
- pipelines within the borders of the state of Texas.
- Uh, Roy Teal, Assistant Director of Fort Worth Water Department. testifying neutral on today's proceedings
- My name is Roy Till, assistant director of Fort Worth Water Department and I'm going to be somewhat brief
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/16/2026 - House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill prohibits the conveyance of land, as well as the sale, lease, or sublease of state land.
- The bill prohibits the conveyance of land, as well as the sale, lease, or sublease of state land to a
- of Mexican gray wolf pups.
- The Game and Fish, as of December 25, says there's a minimum of 319 Mexican gray wolves.
- The Game and Fish, as of December 25, says there's a minimum of 319 Mexican gray wolves.
Committees:
House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs , House House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee of Reference
Keywords:
foreign ownership, land sales, review commission, national security, property rights, veterinary technicians, certification, education alternative, Arizona Revised Statutes, veterinary education, Mexican gray wolf, Mexican wolf, Mexican gray wolf puppies, Arizona Game and Fish Commission, Arizona Game and Fish Department, endangered species, wolf reintroduction, wolf translocation, cross-fostering, wildlife management
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- with the Green Cove Springs Police Department, at the invitation of Representative Sapp.
- competition from Alabama, Texas, Arizona, and other states in terms of their approach and aggressiveness
- competition from Alabama, Texas, Arizona, and other states in terms of their approach and aggressiveness
- the Green Cove Springs Police Department and the family of our Officer of the Day.
- The package updates outdated statutes with a modern framework concerning the Department of Commerce.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for two fallen service members, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and several recognitions, including law enforcement officers and visiting students and advocates. Members then adopted the special order report and moved into the special-order calendar. The first major item was HB 7031, the annual tax package, which was explained as a broad measure covering sales tax holidays, property tax changes, tax credits, pari-mutuel tax reductions, vacation-rental tax collection, and decoupling from federal tax changes. Members asked about the fiscal impact of decoupling and the firearm-accessories holiday; supporters emphasized fiscal caution and the package’s mix of consumer and housing provisions, while opponents objected to the gun-related tax holiday. The bill passed 105-2.
The House then passed CS/CS/CS HB 1177 on Space Florida and spaceport operations 107-0, with supporters saying it would strengthen Florida’s competitiveness in commercial aerospace. CS for SB 246 on specialty license plates also passed unanimously after a strike-all amendment that added several new plates, revised the Fraternal Order of Police plate, and tightened specialty-plate financial and nonprofit requirements. CS HB 697 on drug prices and coverage passed 100-0 after supporters said it built on prior PBM reforms by requiring fairer pharmacy reimbursement and limiting forced losses on drugs. CS/CS HB 1263 on the Office of Insurance Regulation passed 109-0 after an amendment clarifying fingerprinting requirements, and CS/CS HB 527 on insurance claim denials passed 100-0 with a requirement for human review before claims are denied or reduced solely by AI.
The House also passed CS HB 1449 on the statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program 100-0 after narrowing the bill to out-of-network emergency services and claims at or below $50,000. CS HB 93 on protection from surgical smoke passed 178-0 after extensive emotional debate, with supporters describing it as a long-sought patient and worker safety measure requiring smoke evacuation systems in hospitals and surgical centers. Later, CS HB 1217 on prohibited governmental greenhouse-gas policies passed 29-0 after questions clarified that it would bar net-zero policies and related funding arrangements but not general energy efficiency or incidental emissions reductions; opponents argued it would preempt local climate and resilience efforts, while supporters said it protected energy reliability and affordability. The House then began debate on CS/CS HB 1461 on advanced nuclear reactors, with sponsors describing a framework for licensing and oversight of small modular and microreactors and supporters arguing it would help meet future energy demand and improve reliability.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 28th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- life of Officer Rodarte.
- As many of you know, on Monday I had a little bit of an accident.
- Supreme Court decision in ARC versus the Department of Developmental Services, and also honors the passage
- This is a part of our state. It's a part of our community.
- Again, he served as the president of Local 685, the County of Los Angeles Probation Department.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 04/10/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:16:04.639><c> of</c> collecting, transporting, recycling of collecting, transporting, recycling of
- balance that gives flexibility to the Department of Natural Resources.
- So, for the record, Bob Meyer, Department of Natural Resources.
- </c><01:54:28.159><c> of</c><01:54:28.239><c> Natural</c> record, Bob Myer, Department of Natural record
- Chairman, members, Bob Meyer, Department of Natural Resources, to the amendment.
Committee:
Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c><00:38:14.160><c> Director</c> Department of Law Enforcement, Director Department of Law Enforcement
- </c><00:38:24.880><c> Attorney,</c> Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, Department of the Prosecuting
- </c> Lambert, Department of Law Enforcement. Lambert, Department of Law Enforcement.
- >> So, that is actually contracted by the Department of Transportation.
- </c><02:15:55.520><c> um</c> Department of Law Enforcement in um Department of Law Enforcement in um
Committee:
Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 433, which would restrict the carrying of “bladed weapons” and related items. The Office of the Public Defender, Honolulu Police Department, the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, Knife Rights, and many individual testifiers opposed the bill, arguing it is overbroad, vague, and likely unconstitutional. Common concerns were that the term “bladed weapon” could sweep in ordinary tools such as pocketknives, Leathermans, multi-tools, fishing and camping gear, and items used by farmers, ranchers, hunters, divers, and martial arts practitioners. Several speakers also warned that the bill could burden lawful self-defense and create an affirmative-defense scheme that shifts costs and proof burdens onto defendants.
Supporters and opponents alike focused on the need for a clearer definition, with HPD saying a narrower definition would help distinguish ordinary tools from dangerous weapons used in assaults. Opponents repeatedly urged the committee to defer or kill the measure, citing pending and related court cases and the risk of new constitutional challenges. Some testifiers tied the bill to Native Hawaiian gathering rights and subsistence practices, saying it would interfere with hunting, fishing, and food gathering, while others argued it would do little to deter criminals and instead penalize law-abiding residents and visitors.
After finishing testimony on SB 433, the committee moved on to Senate Bill 2575 relating to firearms. The transcript shows the start of that item with the Office of the Public Defender and other agencies being called, but no substantive testimony or action on SB 2575 is included before the excerpt ends. No votes or final committee actions are reflected in the portion provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It also sets ten percent of the funds for the department of the grant, and reserves new money aside for
- It will set aside 10% of the new money for departments in the greatest risk areas.
- And that's truly the most important piece of this for all departments across the state.
- I think we have the Department of State Health Services. Okay. Ms. Kline?
- I am the director of the EMS Trauma Systems Section for the Department of State Health Services.
Committee:
House Appropriations
Keywords:
Texas Future Fund, investment review board, economic stabilization, innovative technology, national defense, HB 2054, Texas volunteer fire department assistance fund, Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, volunteer fire departments, wildfire mitigation, wildland fire, rural fire protection, insurer assessment, insurance premium tax, state appropriations, firefighting grants, emergency services, high-risk wildfire areas, Texas Comptroller, Texas Government Code
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Administration (01/22/2026)
Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- turn of the century, 1900, and they are created the same way the Department of Transportation is created
- </c><00:41:24.720><c> of</c> same way the department of same way the department of transportation<00:
- And then also, the Department of Transportation is part of the chapter about highway signs.
- And then also, the Department of Transportation is part of the chapter about highway signs.
- And then also, the Department of Transportation is part of the chapter about highway signs.
Committee:
House Legislative Administration
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- A bill that would require the Department of Health and Human Services to study the impact of fully covering
- Major Alex Kleiner was 33 years old, a native of Auburn, Alabama.
- of Homeland Security shut Department of Homeland Security shut down<02:22:21.120><c> and</c><02:22:21.600
- :00:39.760><c> a</c> Department of Homeland Security missed a Department of Homeland Security missed
- Now, it's the fault of Republicans that the Department of Homeland Security is not funded.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Higher Education and Workforce Development Mar 10th, 2026
Higher Education and Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, we do have a... so in that she changed the department from the Department of Economic Development
- to the Department of Higher Education.
- Perry Gorel, Chief of Government Relations for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
- The Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development has taken the laboring oar of developing
- I am the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development's Director of External Relations.