Video & Transcript Research : 'Pell grant program'
Page 109 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- years, particularly programs like the California Battery Manufacturing Pilot Line Grant Program at the
- nature in which the grant program has been funded in the past.
- Can you, the department explain how the recapture process works for the tax credit and grant program,
- We hope that the committee will consider, alongside the grant program, additional changes like adding
- refundability or transferability provisions to the CalCompete as it considers the grant program. of
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Oct 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- programs to getting a plane off the ground, because a grant program is not a helicopter.
- money in that grant program.
- The regional mobility grant program is a pretty comprehensive grant program... ...really focused around
- This is a consolidated grant program.
- grant program, matching with the federal dollars.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee met on October 16, 2025, for a budget and revenue overview, a traffic safety presentation, and a discussion of potential transit and active transportation grant programs. Committee staff reviewed the adopted 2025-27 transportation budget, noting $15.5 billion in expenditures, the large share for WSDOT, and the mix of revenue sources including fuel tax, vehicle-related fees, federal funds, Climate Commitment Act revenue, and new 2025 revenues from SB 5801 and SB 5802. Staff said the 2025 session produced a balanced four-year plan, preserved major project schedules, maintained highway preservation funding, and added money for culverts, local preservation, and other priorities. They also described a September forecast showing lower motor fuel consumption than previously expected, but still enough revenue growth to keep the transportation plan balanced. For the 2026 supplemental, staff said agency requests were relatively modest overall, with most capital requests reflecting reappropriations and timing shifts rather than new projects, while WSDOT’s addendum identified much larger future needs for maintenance, preservation, paving, culverts, and safety work. Senators asked for more detail on how revenues are distributed by fund type and geography, how much of the maintenance and preservation request is actual maintenance versus equipment, whether paving needs could be supported through bonding, and how electric vehicle sales trends might affect forecasts.
The committee then heard a remote presentation from Dr. Jessica Chikino of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on traffic safety trends and countermeasures. She said U.S. traffic fatalities have risen sharply over the past decade, with especially large increases for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, and argued that the U.S. lags other high-income countries in roadway safety. Her presentation highlighted IIHS’s “30 by 30” goal to reduce fatalities 30% by 2030 through safer speeds, stronger impaired-driving countermeasures, better pedestrian protection, and safer commercial vehicles. She discussed research linking higher speed limits to higher fatality risk, the benefits of lower urban speed limits, speed safety cameras, traffic calming, lighting, pedestrian beacons, and safer intersection design. She also described ongoing work with Bellevue on smart signal technology and pedestrian safety pilots. Committee members thanked her for the presentation and said they would share the materials with others.
In the final work session, the committee revisited transit and active transportation grant concepts that had been included in the Senate budget proposal but did not advance in 2025. Barb Chamberlain of WSDOT’s Active Transportation Division explained how grant programs need runway, staff capacity, applicant readiness, and clear criteria, and compared program design to getting a plane off the ground. She discussed the proposed Senior Transportation Emphasis Program and regional trails/cycle highways concepts, noting that some projects could be structured as funding-first programs while others would work better as project-line or project-first models. She said regional trail projects are already eligible under existing programs but often score lower because current criteria emphasize safety and population served. Justin Leighton of the Washington State Transit Association then reviewed transit grant programs and argued that transit safety and security needs remain underfunded, including operator barriers, lighting, shelters, behavioral health coordination, and non-uniformed security staff. He said many transit capital programs are oversubscribed, that operator barrier retrofits alone could cost $20 million to $30 million, and that agencies face uncertainty about how recent sales tax changes apply to security-related contracts. No votes were taken during the meeting.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And we do have many grant programs out there, and we have our parks grants, our arts and culture grants
- And then on the grant program, in particular, the grants are really focused at small manufacturers.
- as we have other grant programs?
- grant programs have been done.
- right now for the grant program?
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and took up a long agenda of House and Senate bills, many of them conforming or “orphan” measures that were amended with delete-all or strike-all amendments to place them in conference posture. Among those reported favorably were HB 5015 on the State Group Insurance Program, HB 5009 creating the Florida Accountability Office, HB 5013 on state-funded property reinsurance, HB 5201 on state financial accounting, HB 5203 on the Capitol Center, and HB 5501 on documentary stamp tax distributions. The committee also approved SB 1292 on public records exemptions for certain email addresses, SB 1290 on highway safety and motor vehicle agency changes, SB 26 on an uncontested claims settlement, SB 176 and SJR 174 on homestead property assessment for flood-mitigation improvements, and SB 1122 on Florida Virtual School procedures.
Several substantive bills drew discussion. SB 924, covering fertility preservation services for cancer patients under the state health plan, received supportive comments from members and was reported favorably. SB 1160 expanded health insurance premium coverage for law enforcement officers and their families when catastrophic injury or death occurs in the line of duty or during official training, and it also passed. HB 1662, the Department of Transportation package, established or revised programs involving the Florida Transportation Academy, transportation research, rural transit, airport and seaport accountability, advanced air mobility, landscaping, and HOV lane changes; it was amended after testimony from the Florida Airports Council about landing-fee language and questions from members about AAM and HOV lane implementation, then reported favorably.
The committee also heard and approved SB 600, which codifies a statewide manufacturing office and creates a Florida manufacturing promotional campaign and grant framework, and SB 602, the fee bill tied to that campaign. That pair prompted the most extensive debate, with members asking about grant structure, eligibility, oversight, and whether the program could become a “slush fund”; the sponsor and Florida Makes said the program is aimed at small manufacturers, would be subject to rulemaking, and is intended to support training and modernization. SB 602 passed on a mostly party-line vote with Senator Pizzo voting no. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned without further business.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 087 Apr 11th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- block grant 672 Colorado Works Program block grant 672 Colorado Works Program County<01:19:04.159
- Food distribution program. Community food assistance provider grant program.
- c><03:48:27.920>
shown <03:48:28.080>for grant 8 program fund are shown for grant 8 program - <04:00:26.640>
program empowerment loan and grant program empowerment loan and grant program - Mechanic certification program. Local grants.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the prior journal, and heard several brief recognitions before moving to business. Members welcomed foster care advocates for Child Abuse Prevention Month, Girl Scouts visiting the Capitol, and participants in Black Maternal Health Week, with remarks emphasizing foster youth voice, leadership development, and the need for culturally competent maternal health care and doula/midwife support.
The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1026, honoring former Governor Roy Romer and designating a portion of I-25 as the Governor Roy Romer Memorial Highway. Supporters highlighted Romer’s long public service, his work on education and infrastructure, and his role in major state projects. A proposed amendment to strike the word “memorial” was withdrawn, the House suspended the rules to allow Romer to speak from the well, and Romer offered remarks about legislative collegiality and the importance of democracy and listening to opposing views.
House Joint Resolution 1026 was adopted on a 60-0 vote, with four excused and one absent. After a brief recess, the House returned to special orders and resumed reading House Bill 1410 at length, continuing through extensive appropriations language for the Department of Human Services, including child welfare, youth services, Medicaid-related transfers, SNAP and benefits administration, and other funding line items. No final action on House Bill 1410 was taken in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance (01/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- grant program and making an grant program and making an appropriation<01:06:45.480>
therefore - added popular Farm Grant programs but an added popular Farm Grant programs but an added State<01:
- program supports our resilience grant program supports our New<01:11:01.640>
Hampshire <01:11: - >
our in the grant programs that support our in the grant programs that support our agricultural - program to help launched this grant program to help build<01:17:46.600>
Farm <01:17:47.120>
Summary:
The Finance Committee held a hearing on several bills and announced at the outset that no votes would be taken because the measures would go to divisions later. The first major bill, HB 197, would require the state to pay 7.5% of political subdivision employer pension contributions for teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Representative Mike Edgar, the prime sponsor, argued the state had repeatedly reduced and then eliminated its promised share of retirement costs, shifting the burden to municipalities and property taxpayers. He said the bill would partially restore that commitment and provide relief to local governments, businesses, and taxpayers.
Several witnesses testified in support of HB 197, including Representative John Cluder, Bradford selectman Marlene Fryer, the New Hampshire Municipal Association’s Margaret Burns, and Epping representative Mark Fone. Supporters said the bill would help with property tax pressure, school budgets, and municipal hiring, and they emphasized that much of the retirement cost reflects unfunded liability decisions made at the state level rather than by local governments. Committee members questioned whether the bill would change local incentives to control costs and how it would affect hiring and compensation. Burns said the state contribution would function as property tax relief because it offsets existing municipal expenses, and she noted the state is already on a long-term schedule to pay down the retirement system’s unfunded liability.
After closing the hearing on HB 197, the committee opened a hearing on HB 97, introduced by Representative Tom Buco. He said the bill would continue funding for delayed and deferred wastewater projects and help municipalities finance expensive wastewater infrastructure, which he tied to housing development and local debt planning. No action or votes were taken on either bill during the hearing.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Tuition equalization grants funding is $203,800,000, and for the two TOG programs, TOG for community
- **Representative.** So we monitor everyone who is part of the grant programs that we administer.
- Regarding **Texas Grants**, which is our largest needs-based grant program for higher education in the
- I want to highlight three important grant programs with two critical issues.
- The first is the Behavioral Health Innovation Grant Program.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public safety panel OKs proposed Minnesota crime victims account 3/18/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- A staggering 85% of our budget relies on grants from the Office of Justice Programs through state and
- A staggering 85% of our budget relies on grants from the Office of Justice Programs through state and
- A staggering 85% of our budget relies on grants from the Office of Justice Programs through state and
- How much of the grant process takes that into the amount of grants that are given?
- program, we're doing some dieting, and I have to say it's pretty hard to look at the OJP grant site
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 03/05/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- > led<00:02:58.080>
by act grant program which was led by act grant program which was led - program and the grants program have Loan program and the grants program have been<01:04:51.760>
excellent - us as as far as the promis at grant us as as far as the promis at grant program<01:06:27.599>
- <01:13:47.840>
program related to The Promise act grant program related to The Promise act the in the grant program actually on the in the grant program actually on the second<01:20:48.120
SC
South Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session
Healthcare and Regulatory Subcommittee Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have federal grants, state appropriations, program income, and contracts with other state agencies
- Our VR general program receives a yearly formula grant from the U.S.
- Program income cannot be used to meet the non-federal share or match requirement for the grant.
- The VR program had three grants open during state fiscal year 25.
- The DDS program has also received increases in their grant award.
Summary:
The committee met to receive a detailed financial operations presentation from the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency, with staff walking members through funding sources, budgeting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and grants management. Sabrina Walker explained VR’s blended funding structure, including federal grants, state appropriations, program income, and interagency contracts, and emphasized that state funds are essential to meeting the federal match and maintenance-of-effort requirements. Members asked repeatedly about transparency, audit controls, and the risk that state cuts could reduce federal drawdowns; staff responded that all reports reconcile back to the SCEIS accounting system, are subject to state audits and internal reviews, and that even modest state reductions could significantly reduce total available funding. The committee also discussed pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities, with staff confirming services are offered through school districts, charters, and private schools, and that contracts are monitored for performance and compliance.
The presentation then shifted to budgeting and internal controls. Walker described a zero-based departmental budgeting process, monthly monitoring reports, contingency reserves for unexpected expenses, and a formal annual cycle that culminates in board approval. Members asked about facilities tracking, culture, and how the agency maintains accountability; staff said facilities staff inspect buildings and equipment, supervisors justify line-item requests, and the process has become smoother over time as departments learned the system. Cynthia Johnson followed with an accounts receivable overview, describing invoicing, receipting, aging, customer verification, year-end reporting, and the use of cross-training, shared email inboxes, and spreadsheets as checks and balances. She also explained work training center billing, interdepartmental transfers, and the revolving fund used to issue consumer checks more quickly than standard vendor payments.
Olivia Perez presented accounts payable operations, including invoice processing through SCEIS and OnBase, the three-way match, travel reimbursements, revolving fund checks, State Treasury Office interactions, and handling of reversals, rejections, and levy notices. She reported that AP processed 67,723 SCEIS payments, 13,670 case management system invoices, 3,379 travel reimbursements, and 15,693 revolving fund checks in fiscal year 2025, with only 70 payment rejections. The final portion of the meeting covered Grants and Funds Management, where Walker explained federal reporting, drawdowns, payroll allocation, asset tracking, lease and IT contract reviews, cost allocation, and closing packages. She noted upcoming system changes such as S/4HANA, Workiva, and SC Pro, but said the agency is receiving training and feedback opportunities. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the presentation portion beyond approval of the prior minutes and a brief recess.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Especially crop block grant program is still operational. We're still drawing down funds.
- >
program <00:20:51.600>is Especially crop block grant program is Especially crop block - grant program is still<00:20:52.000>
operational. - preparing grants and grants and grants. preparing grants and grants and grants.
- Have any of those lawsuits involved the programs that we've talked about today, that more the grants
Summary:
The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability.
Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people.
Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Contract Review Legislative Oversight Committee Feb 6th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- When we received the grant, this is how we will be able to program manage those federal funds that we
- that... ...able to manage the program that would be funded if we received the grant.
- But oftentimes, these grants originate actually with the programs themselves.
- Kathleen designs the grant program, right?
- And then Kathleen in the grant program is... ...Kathleen in the grant program is the only one that possesses
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 1/21/26
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- service programs, Medicaid programs, or state grants, is not acceptable.
- programs, Medicaid programs, or or<01:26:19.920>
state <01:26:20.200>grants <01:26:20.560 - Um, I read the latest OLA report on the behavioral grant program. It is damning.
- health grant. health grant.
- report on the behavioral grant program. report on the behavioral grant program.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 02/11/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- newly produced Legacy funded programming newly produced Legacy funded programming reaching<00:04
- $250,000 per year in equipment grants, and then finally $500,000 per year in block grants.
- for the block grants.
- um<00:12:44.519>
Mr million for the block grants so um Mr million for the block grants so - Members sh dues to acquire programming Members sh dues to acquire programming but<00:17:02.560>
we
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:03:19.720>
program <00:03:20.720>it funded a new community grant program it funded - <00:03:33.200>
program DNR uh this new community grant program DNR uh this new community grant - , an extremely popular program, and 5% for the original community grant program.
- program and 5% for the original Community<00:08:18.840>
grant Community grant Community grant - utilized the the grants program would be utilized the the grants program would be utilized we're
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Care Food Program, or CACFP, and the Summer Food Service Program, or SFSP.
- , how is grants management in this agency—oh, there's a bunch of problems, how is it in this program?
- or for Grants for oversight of Grants or for Grants Poli<00:41:27.280>
polies <00:41:27.599> <01:09:25.520>work for the grant after that the grant work for the grant after that the grant - areas in the when it comes to program areas in the when it comes to Grants<01:15:33.120>
and <
Summary:
The Education Policy Committee met to hear a delayed presentation from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on MDE’s oversight of Feeding Our Future, a report released in June 2024. The chair framed the hearing as an oversight review of how the Minnesota Department of Education handled the nonprofit’s participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program, emphasizing that the hearing was not about criminal charges against agency staff. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall and Director of Special Reviews Katherine Tyson explained that their review focused on state oversight, not the underlying federal fraud case, which involved an alleged $250 million scheme and ongoing criminal proceedings.
The auditors concluded that MDE’s oversight was inadequate and created opportunities for fraud. They said MDE failed to act on warning signs before the pandemic, did not effectively use its authority to hold Feeding Our Future accountable, and was ill prepared to respond to problems. Examples included approving applications despite concerns about internal controls and staffing, failing to follow up on earlier review findings, not adequately investigating at least 30 complaints, and in one case referring a complaint back to Feeding Our Future for resolution rather than conducting an independent investigation. They also said MDE deferred serious deficiencies without enough evidence that problems had been fully corrected and approved meal claims despite records showing major inconsistencies.
Tyson said MDE had made progress on all eight recommendations in the report, though one recommendation to the legislature had not yet been addressed because the session had not convened since the report’s release. The auditors recommended that the legislature establish clearer statutory criteria or give MDE rulemaking authority for sponsor applications, and that MDE strengthen verification of sponsor information, focus more on high-risk sponsors, improve complaint procedures, and emphasize program integrity if waivers reduce oversight in the future. In response to member questions, the auditors said MDE’s reported progress was partial in some areas and that further review would be needed to fully confirm implementation. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health May 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So while the new $20 million innovation grant-related program funded by Proposition 1 will begin next
- As an example of other programs funded under the mental health grants, they include programs to address
- The Mental Health Wellness Act is the commission's largest and most impactful ongoing grant program,
- And then you mentioned the grant program and the $232.5 million reversion to the IST infrastructure grant
- And then you mentioned the grant program and $232.5 million reversion to the IST infrastructure grant
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held an informational hearing on the Governor’s May Revision, focusing first on the Commission on Behavioral Health, then EMSA, and then the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The Department of Finance said the state faces a third consecutive deficit and that the May Revision includes difficult trade-offs, including proposed eliminations or reversions of some behavioral health and public health funds. The LAO echoed concern about the structural deficit and said it was still awaiting some budget details before offering a full analysis.
For the Commission on Behavioral Health, Finance proposed eliminating $20 million in Mental Health Wellness Act funds, arguing the money would help offset General Fund costs and noting future Proposition 1 innovation funding. The commission strongly opposed the cut, saying it would eliminate or delay launch-ready grants for early childhood supports, full-service partnerships, and peer respite, and would eventually end ongoing grant programming. Several advocates and commissioners testified that the funds support underserved communities and that Proposition 1 is not a substitute for the existing programs. The chair asked Finance to look for alternatives, but no vote was taken.
EMSA presented mostly technical budget adjustments: increased authority for the California Poison Control System, a correction to EMSIS funding, and a reappropriation for enterprise services and data management. CDPH then reviewed a broader set of May Revision proposals, including reversions from the California Reducing Disparities Project, workforce development, STD prevention, hepatitis C prevention, hospice, and extreme heat funding, as well as a new generative AI pilot for health facility survey reporting. Members raised concerns about cuts to CRDP and gender health equity programs, especially because many grants are mid-contract and serve underserved communities; CDPH said the reversions were part of solving the deficit and that CRDP had been successful, while also clarifying that abortion.ca.gov would not be eliminated. Public comment was overwhelmingly opposed to the CRDP and related cuts, with many speakers describing the programs as life-saving and cost-effective. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Human Services and Senate Human Services Aug 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- state program.
- state program.
- This is going to be an overview of the Community Services Block Grant program.
- CSBG is more than a grant.
- program.
Summary:
The Senate and Assembly Human Services Committees held a special oversight hearing on California’s 2026-27 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) state plan, a federal anti-poverty funding stream. Committee members opened by citing statewide poverty and homelessness data and said the hearing was meant to review how CSBG dollars are used, how local agencies respond to community needs, and how the state is preparing for possible federal funding cuts. Jason Wimbley of the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) explained that California’s CSBG network works through 60 organizations in 58 counties, serving about 1.5 million low-income Californians in 2023, and that the state received $68.4 million in federal CSBG funds in fiscal year 2025. He described the program as flexible funding used for housing, employment, education, food, health, transportation, and emergency response, and noted that the federal administration had proposed eliminating CSBG, though the Senate Appropriations Committee had voted to fully fund it for the coming year.
Representatives from the California Community Action Partnership Association and several CSBG-funded agencies described how the program supports local anti-poverty work and leverages other funding. CalCAPA emphasized local flexibility, workforce development, partnerships, and data systems such as ROMA, while also warning that agencies are preparing for possible reductions by tightening budgets, planning staffing contingencies, and seeking private foundation support. Agency witnesses from Contra Costa County, Northern California Indian Development Council, Proteus, and Sacred Heart Community Service described services including housing assistance, food distribution, utility help, employment training, youth programs, and culturally specific services for Native communities and migrant farmworkers. They repeatedly said CSBG is essential because it funds staffing and infrastructure that allow them to braid other grants and serve people who do not qualify for standard safety-net programs.
Members also asked about the impact of federal staffing changes and the Los Angeles fires. Wimbley said federal layoffs had affected some CSD programs but not CSBG administration, and that the department coordinated disaster response with state agencies and used CSBG-funded supply distribution, food, water, clothing, and documentation support during the fires. Witnesses said they were preparing for possible future cuts by diversifying funding, reducing expenses, and considering service changes, while county officials warned that state and federal reductions could not be backfilled locally. During public comment, one speaker urged stronger oversight of community action agencies and raised concerns about transparency and compliance with state law. The chair then thanked the witnesses, emphasized the importance of CSBG for low-income seniors, youth, and people with disabilities, and adjourned the hearing without any votes or formal action taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 02/03/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- and engagement, so we launched the tourism recovery grant program, and that was allocated $2 million
- <00:14:59.240>
program <00:14:59.560>at <00:14:59.720>Explore Nations Grant - program at Explore Nations Grant program at Explore Minnesota<00:15:01.040>
which <00:15:01.240 - Over the years, we've helped them with a number of different loans or Redevelopment Grant programs.
- grant and loan programs life through our grant and loan programs we<00:48:33.720>
are <00:48:33.880
Summary:
Explore Minnesota Executive Director Lauren Bennett McGinty gave the committee an agency overview focused on the state’s tourism, livability, business attraction, film, and outdoor recreation promotion work. She highlighted record 2023 tourism results, including 80.2 million visitors, $4.1 billion in economic impact, more than 180,000 hospitality jobs, and $2.3 billion in state and local taxes, and said tourism sales, hotel occupancy, and other metrics continued to improve. She also described the agency’s marketing strategy, including a new campaign centered on authentic Minnesota stories, expanded domestic and international advertising, and a strong emphasis on winter, diverse markets, and accessibility.
McGinty reviewed several one-time-funded programs launched or expanded in the last year, including Explore Minnesota for Business, the tourism recovery grant program, the first Tribal Nations Grant program, and the outdoor recreation industry partnership with IRRR, DEED, and DNR. She said the recovery grants had distributed $1.15 million to 110 grantees, the tribal grant program had spent $1.4 million with eight tribal nations, and outdoor recreation was estimated at $13.5 billion annually with 10.5% growth. She also noted strong media and social media results, including a viral Timberwolves-related campaign, high video completion rates, and increased website traffic.
In response to committee questions, McGinty said the workforce and business attraction campaign is aimed at showing why people choose to live and work in Minnesota, using stories from newer residents and businesses, and that it is performing well in markets such as Silicon Valley, Boston, and Seattle. She said the agency is investing more in winter advertising to promote Minnesota as a winter destination and is working with partners to highlight activities beyond outdoor cold-weather recreation. Members also discussed the agency’s new film program, resident retention efforts, and a planned music-themed tourism ad tied to Prince and Bob Dylan. No votes or formal actions were taken.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- One is a program administrator to help with the grants in the grants area, and the other one is an FTE
- One is a program administrator to help with the grants in the grants area, and the other one is an FTE
- One is a program administrator to help with the grants in the grants area, and the other one is an FTE
- Goal B allows the Texas Veterans Commission's Fund for Veteran Assistance grant program to award grant
- Goal B allows the Texas Veterans Commission's Fund for Veteran Assistance grant program to award grant
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 4 June, 2026; 2:30 PM
Public Health and Welfare
Transcript Highlights:
- ... review and approve each dollar granted under the program.
- The governor is running the program. The governor is running the program.
- And we've talked about the grant programs in our webinar and in the programs in our webinar and in the
- It's the quality of the grant program, of the grant request. Okay, we're not going to...
- >> Not on those grants.