Video & Transcript : 'The Arc' :
Page 10 of 500
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Environment and Natural Resources Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
- and Restoration Council, also known as ARC, and then by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement
- First, by the Acquisition and Restoration Council, also known as ARC, and then by the Board of Trustees
- The amendment, which, thanks to your wonderful staff, cleans up the language to ensure that both ARC
- both ARC and the Board of Trustees published the required information at least 30 days prior to their
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and approved several bills. SB 636 by Sen. Leek would create additional pathways for counties and municipalities to obtain critically eroded beach or area of critical state concern designations, with the sponsor and supporters describing it as a forward-looking beach management approach that could improve access to state and federal funding. Questions focused on whether the bill imposed an unfunded mandate and how it would affect existing designations; the sponsor said it was voluntary and not retroactive. Pepper Uchino of the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association supported the proactive concept but stressed that funding remains the central issue. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee also considered CS/SB 544 by Sen. Truenow, which transfers the Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification Program from DEP to FDACS. The sponsor said the move would improve continuity and encourage more golf courses to enroll in BMPs, while maintaining existing environmental requirements and enforcement through DEP if problems arise. Senator Smith and an opponent from the Florida Springs Council questioned whether golf courses are truly agricultural and raised concerns about water quality protections and possible tax or land-use implications; supporters from the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association said the bill does not change taxation or existing nutrient reporting requirements. After a technical amendment, the bill was reported favorably, with Senator Smith voting no.
CS/SB 848 by Sen. Truenow, dealing with stormwater treatment and water quality enhancement areas, was also amended and reported favorably. The sponsor said the bill clarifies the difference between permanent, secured water quality credits and stormwater allocations, and the amendment would allow WQEAs to address new stormwater rule requirements until rulemaking is complete and make public-land reviews forward-looking only. A representative of Resource Environmental Solutions supported the measure and said it would help create a reliable market for water quality credits. The committee then approved CS/SB 546 by Vice Chair Mayfield, which strengthens public notice requirements for the sale or exchange of state conservation lands and extends similar notice requirements to water management districts; conservation groups and Sen. Smith supported the bill as a transparency measure. Finally, DEP presented its State Park Amenities Report, estimating nearly $759 million in repair and maintenance needs over 10 years and $1.39 billion in contemplated new construction and development across the state park system. The committee took no further action and adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- King has said, the arc of the universe bends towards justice, but we know it only does so if we bend
- the greed of the few in favor of generosity for the many.
- King has said, the arc of the universe bends towards justice, but we know it only does so if we bend
- The arc of the universe bends towards justice, but we know it only does so if we bend it by resisting
- The Secretary will take the roll.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The ayes have it, and the order is adopted. The question now comes on adoption of the order.
- the Day for the next session.
- President, before the body, Before the body is the appointment of the conferees on the part of the Senate
- That is why we over here in Minority Arc or Minority Crescent are calling on the governor to act swiftly
- My good friend mentioned some of the comments that were made from Minority Arc.
Summary:
The Senate first adopted an emergency preamble for H. 4521, establishing a sick leave bank for Kathleen Roder of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, by standing vote, with 8 in favor and none opposed. The chamber also suspended rules to refer several petitions to committee, including a resolution to rescind prior Article 5 constitutional convention applications and a petition on officer training related to stage suicides. Committee reports moved several bills forward, including legislation clarifying the duties of the Adjutant General and enhancing access and support for military-connected families, both with new drafts, and a bill designating Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, which was ordered to a third reading.
A major portion of the session focused on the House’s nonconcurrence in the Senate’s amendment to the fiscal year 2025 supplemental budget and the appointment of a conference committee. Senators from both parties debated how to respond to the federal government shutdown and the threatened lapse in SNAP benefits, with repeated calls for the Commonwealth to use available state resources to prevent hunger, protect vulnerable residents, and seek federal reimbursement. Several members criticized the governor’s use of taxpayer-funded communications on the issue, while others defended the administration’s limited initial response and emphasized fiscal constraints. The Senate ultimately insisted on its amendment and appointed a conference committee consisting of Senators Rodrigues, Comerford, and O’Connor.
The chamber also passed several local and special bills, including measures exempting Natick’s assistant fire chief from civil service, authorizing sewer service in Sharon, changing the term of the elected moderator in Holden, updating Medford’s linkage exaction program, and establishing sick leave banks for Candy J. Pike and Kathleen Roder. The Senate later adopted amended resolutions calling on the President of the United States to release contingency funds for SNAP during the shutdown, adopted an order to adjourn to the following Monday, and then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 28th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Supreme Court decision in ARC versus the Department of Developmental Services, and also honors the passage
- While the Lanterman Act originally established the entitlement to services, it will It was the ARC vs
- I would also like to recognize the dedicated board members from the ARC, as well as the Californians
- with developmental disabilities who benefit from the support of local ARC chapters, I'm so proud to have
- the on the floor and around the state.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 52 Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:50 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The ayes have it. The House stands in recess until the hour of 1 p.m. The ayes have it.
- bill, the Disability Law Center, the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, the Arc of Massachusetts
- the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, the Arc of Massachusetts, and Mass Advocates for
- I've been proud to work alongside advocates, such as the members of the Arc of Massachusetts, throughout
- The Arc has The Arc has fought for this across years of advocacy and for the dignity and full inclusion
Summary:
The House first adopted several resolutions from the Committee on Rules, including congratulations to four Eagle Scouts and recognition of Sturbridge on the 250th anniversary of the United States. The chamber then took up a series of bills reported by Ways and Means and other committees, repeatedly suspending the rules to move them forward. These included the Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act, a Fall River land conveyance bill, a Belmont alcohol licensing bill, a Reading senior property tax exemption bill, and a Linfield funding transfer bill, with each measure advancing by amendment or being passed to a third reading or engrossment.
A major portion of the session focused on the Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act, with multiple members speaking in support. Supporters described the bill as a broad consumer privacy framework that would limit data collection, require consent for sensitive data, ban the sale of precise location data, restrict targeted advertising to minors, create consumer rights to access, correct, delete, and opt out of data uses, and provide enforcement tools for the Attorney General and, in limited cases, a private right of action. Several members emphasized protections for reproductive health, immigrant communities, and neural data, while others argued the bill would not burden small businesses and would instead hold large data holders accountable. The House adopted the Ways and Means amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading, then later passed the bill to be engrossed and enacted.
The House also considered and enacted Senate 2563, a bill updating language in the laws concerning individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Members described the measure as removing outdated and offensive terminology and replacing it with person-first language without changing substantive law. After debate, the House adopted an amendment, passed the bill to be engrossed, and then enacted it by roll call. In addition, the House enacted the fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill, House 5470, and approved a bill extending deadlines for Middleton and Milton, both by roll call votes with no opposition.
Later, the House took up a temporary summer 2026 local-option pilot allowing municipalities to extend liquor license hours and permit public consumption in designated districts. Supporters framed it as an economic development and tourism measure tied to major upcoming events, and the House adopted an amendment, passed the bill to be engrossed, and then concurred with the Senate version. The session ended with the House adopting an adjournment order and adjourning to meet again the following Monday in informal session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 52 Jun 4th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Disability Law Center, the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, the ARC of Massachusetts
- the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, the ARC of Massachusetts, Mass Advocates for Children
- I've been proud to work alongside advocates, such as the members of the ARC of Massachusetts, throughout
- The ARC has fought for this across years of advocacy and for the dignity and full inclusion of people
- The ARC has fought for this across years of advocacy and for the dignity and full inclusion of people
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- any comments on any of the bills before the committee this morning.
- Now we will move on to the business of the day.
- Julie Sherman, Director of Public Policy for The Arc and United Cerebral Palsy California Collaboration
- Julie Sherman, Director of Public Policy for The Arc and United Cerebral Palsy California Collaboration
- Jasmine Lopez, Project Coordinator with The Arc, California, in support. Thank you.
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Now we will move on to the business of the day.
- Julie Sherman, Director of Public Policy for The Arc and United Cerebral Palsy California Collaboration
- Julie Sherman, Director of Public Policy for The Arc and United Cerebral Palsy California Collaboration
- Jasmine Lopez, Project Coordinator with The Arc California, is also in support. Thank you.
- The motion is due pass to the Senate floor. Ciarto?
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Appropriations met with a quorum and heard a large suspense-file agenda, with the Department of Finance declining to comment on any of the measures. The chair reminded witnesses to focus on fiscal impacts. Most bills were taken up quickly because authors had waived presentation and there was no public testimony or committee discussion; those measures were moved to the suspense file without objection, including SB 867, SB 868, SB 934, SB 869, SB 1202, SB 907, SB 1262, SB 923, SB 1057, SB 955, SB 1046, SB 1237, SB 970, SB 972, SB 978, SB 1105, SB 991, SB 1015, SB 1021, SB 1222, SB 1023, SB 1261, SB 1030, SB 1039, SB 1042, SB 1052, SB 1077, SB 1114, SB 1149, SB 1160, SB 1342, SB 1399, SB 1422, SB 1161, SB 1166, SB 1330, SB 1191, SB 1378, SB 1197, SB 1220, SB 1255, SB 1394, and SB 1420.
The committee briefly heard testimony on a few measures. SB 869 drew opposition from the California Restaurant Association, while SB 1052 and SB 1255 received support from advocates including The Arc and United Cerebral Palsy California Collaboration, The Arc California, and the Campaign for College Opportunity. SB 1422 also received support from the California Undocumented Higher Education Coalition. No opposition was recorded on those supportive measures, and no substantive committee debate was noted.
Senator Cabaldon presented SB 1106, which would shorten the deadline for data brokers to comply with a user’s request to delete personal data from 45 days to 30 days. He stated the bill would have no fiscal impact beyond routine regulatory system updates. The committee adopted a due-pass motion on SB 1106, voting 5-0 to send it to the Senate floor, and then placed the item on call for additional members to add on before later closing the roll with a final 5-0 vote. The meeting then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Iman Buzian Saidi, and I am the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Commission on the
- And for the other opportunity, the fixed below-market-rent amounts, the rent is set below the market-rate
- The applications will sit with the owners and the managers.
- So whether it's NAMI, Mass, or Arc, as you mentioned, you partner with the Independent Living Centers
- arc of Massachusetts listening in closely so the outreach has already ARC of Massachusetts listening
Summary:
The Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met with a presentation from Housing Navigator Massachusetts. Staff described the nonprofit’s mission to improve access to affordable housing through a free, 24/7 search tool and public data dashboards. They explained how the site distinguishes between rent-based-on-income units and fixed below-market rent units, how mobile vouchers such as AHVP and Section 8 interact with those listings, and what types of housing are included or excluded from the database. They also reviewed accessibility filters, supportive housing resources, and related state programs such as EOHLC resources and RAFT.
Committee members asked about the organization’s funding, the availability of voucher programs, and whether the site tracks demand for accessible units or wait lists over time. Housing Navigator said it is primarily supported through the state, works closely with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and does not collect personal application data because it is not part of the application process. Staff said accessible units appear to be in high demand, but they do not have direct data on how many people are waiting or how many applications result from site visits. They also said they are working to improve data sharing, more frequent updates, and future research tools.
Members discussed ways to increase public awareness of Housing Navigator, including sharing a one-page fact sheet or infographic through disability organizations, local disability commissions, independent living centers, and the Massachusetts Office on Disability. The subcommittee also briefly discussed future goals, including inviting MassHealth to a January meeting, seeking regular updates on federal Medicare and Medicaid developments, reviewing the annual report’s recommendations, and possibly planning a future health equity event. The meeting ended with the introduction of new commission member Victoria Gill and a motion to adjourn, which was approved unanimously.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 16th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Moxie is the star of the show in the middle.
- Consent that the vote on the bill be considered the vote on the emergency measure, giving those the right
- or the quality of the pension that the employee is expecting at the time of retirement under the employment
- An effect on the pension benefit or the quality of the pension or the defined benefit that the employee
- legislature is the vote of the people, is the word and the actual voice of the people in the state and
Bills:
HB3257 , HB3176 , HB3544 , HB3619 , HB3546 , HB1782 , HB2293 , HB4358 , HB3081 , HB3983 , HB3790 , HJR1023 , HB4139 , HB3297 , HB3041 , HB3673 , HB4105 , HB3338 , HB3048 , SR33 , SCR21 , SCR20 , HB4030 , HB4031 , HB4032 , HB4034 , HB4036 , HB4037 , HB4038 , HB4040 , HB4041 , HB4042 , HB4043 , HB4045 , HB4046 , HB4047 , HB4048 , HB4044 , HB4050 , HB4051 , HB4052 , HB4053 , HB4054 , HB4056 , HB4057 , HB4071 , HB4065 , HB4067 , HB4072 , HB2992 , HB4338 , HB4170
Keywords:
veterans, disability benefits, federal law, Oklahoma Statutes, military service, Oklahoma, Gas Hub, artificial intelligence, national laboratory, public-private partnerships, aerospace, high-performance computing, economic development, social AI companions, minors, emotional attachment, safety protocols, civil penalties, parental controls, geographic information
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 30 Mar 26th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the pledge of allegiance, the introduction of the doctor and nurse of the day, corrections to the previous
- The question before the House, is the bill to pass? Clerk, please actuate the machine.
- Of the question before the House shall the bill pass.
- The question for the House is shall the bill pass.
- The question for the House is shall the bill pass?
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate legislative Session Mar 23rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate will come to order. The clerk will call the roll.
- I ask that no matter the disagreements or the frustrations or the divide that comes in the days or the
- to introduce the doctor of the day.
- Restores title with the concurrence of the entire committee and the Members, that concludes the explanation
- So, the 6,240 hours with the hours from the physician will be turned to the Board of Nursing so they
Bills:
SB1521 , SB372 , SB1232 , SB1307 , SB1338 , SB1390 , SB1451 , SB1463 , SB1558 , SB1567 , SB1595 , SB1621 , SB1734 , SB1749 , SB1827 , SB1833 , SB1991 , SB1992 , SB63 , SB2063 , SB2180 , SB1198 , SB80
Keywords:
artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI, companion AI, AI companion, virtual companion, chatbot regulation, minor safety, child online safety, parental controls, content moderation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, crisis intervention, mental health claims, romantic AI, emotional dependence, app store
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- order to... ...utilizes the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that's under the umbrella of the court for the purpose
- </c> the substitute. the substitute.
- </c> >> to the to the sponsor get here. >> to the to the sponsor get here.
- </c> is the stability of add allowing the is the stability of add allowing the other<00:31:28.720><c>
- </c> the chairman rather than the time slot. the chairman rather than the time slot.
Bills:
HB227 , HB454 , SB323 , HB266 , SB52 , SB53 , SB296 , HB37 , HB429 , HB93 , HB249 , HB328 , HB111 , HB132 , HB26 , SB261 , HB227 , HB454 , SB323 , HB266 , SB52 , SB53 , SB296 , HB37 , HB429 , HB93 , HB249 , HB328 , HB111 , HB132 , HB26 , SB261
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
firefighter benefits, occupational disease, line of duty, disability pension, death benefits, retirement benefits, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer presumption, HIV, hepatitis, municipal firefighters, state firefighters, fire districts, workers' compensation, public safety employees, post-retirement benefits, benefit eligibility cutoff, occupational illness
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 16th, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- and the default is that the ALJ issues a proposal for a decision which the goes back to the agency.
- So the, so you, the, currently they're to go to the ALJ.
- It attaches the consortium to the commission but maintains the commission remains attached to the Office
- as the General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force and the first General Counsel of the Space
- Thank you for the opportunity to speak on the success of the Texas Space Commission and encourage the
Bills:
HB3146 , HB3719 , HB3895 , HB3923 , HB4748 , HB4751 , HB4936 , HB4952 , HB4990 , HB4991 , HB5061 , HB5196 , HB5238 , HB5246 , HB5487
Committee:
House Delivery of Government Efficiency
Keywords:
State Office of Administrative Hearings, SOAH, administrative hearings, contested case, contested case hearing, administrative law judge, ALJ, final decision, proposed decision, agency hearing, hearing continuance, rescheduling, Texas administrative law, Government Code Chapter 2001, workers' compensation, Department of Human Resources, Texas Labor Code, Transportation Code, Agriculture Code, Insurance Code
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, April 7, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The clerk will report the title of the bill.
- The clerk will report the title of the bill.
- The clerk will report the title of the bill.
- The clerk will report the title of the bill.
- The Clerk will report the title of the bill.
Keywords:
HIV/AIDS, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Black health, public health, HIV testing, HIV prevention, PrEP, antiretroviral therapy, viral suppression, U=U, undetectable equals untransmittable, AIDS, Minority AIDS Initiative, community health centers, culturally competent care, health disparities, racial disparities, health equity, Black Americans, African Americans
IA
Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:30 am
Health and Human Services
Committee:
Joint Health and Human Services
Keywords:
psilocybin, controlled substances, pharmaceutical, FDA approval, drug regulation, mental health, involuntary commitment, involuntary hospitalization, psychiatric discharge, serious mental impairment, aftercare, continuity of care, suicide risk, medication supply, discharge planning, behavioral health, administrative services organization, ASO, behavioral health district, court-ordered treatment
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Boards, Agencies and Commissions
Transcript Highlights:
- Eric Gomet of Birmingham, and I work for the Arc of Central Alabama.
- ARCs provide services for roughly 5,000 families with developmental disabilities throughout the state
- </c> substitute on the floor in the Senate. substitute on the floor in the Senate.
- </c><00:16:57.199><c> ARCs</c> for the Ark of Central Alabama. ARCs for the Ark of Central Alabama.
- </c> writing the test or grading the test. writing the test or grading the test.
Committee:
House Boards, Agencies and Commissions
Keywords:
inhalants, butyl nitrite, nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite, possession, sale, misdemeanor, felony, criminal penalties, public health, public works, sealed bids, bid advertisement, procurement, government contracting, construction bids, municipal bidding, county bidding, state bidding, Department of Transportation
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 37 members in the affirmative, none in the negative. The amendment.
- not the whole nation, I extend heartfelt thanks to the Senator from the Cape and Islands and the Senator
- with the current draft of the bill.
- It was getting a little bit raucous over here in Minority Arc, based on the visit from the gentleman
- in Minority Arc, based on the visit from the gentleman from the other Cape and the Islands.
Summary:
The Senate resumed debate on Senate No. 2696, An Act Regarding Free Expression, a bill addressing challenges to books and other library materials in school and public libraries. Senators supporting the bill argued it protects free expression and gives students, parents, guardians, and others a court path to challenge removals, while opponents raised concerns about parental rights, school control, and the scope and timing of the review process. Several speakers also emphasized the broader context of book bans and the impact on authors, librarians, and students.
A number of amendments were considered. Amendment 4, offered by Senator Creem, was adopted and extended standing to authors and creators to challenge removals of their works, including in municipal libraries. Amendment 5, by Senator DiDomenico, was adopted and limited who may initiate challenges to those connected to the school community. Amendment 6, by Senator Comerford, was adopted to require that challenged materials be considered in their entirety. Amendment 8, by Senator Tarr, proposing parental notification of challenges, was rejected after a roll call. Subsequent Tarr amendments on parental opt-out, reporting, public process, and written policy were also rejected, while Amendment 19, requiring written reasons when librarians remove outdated or successor materials, was rejected as well. Amendment 7, a Ways and Means amendment, was adopted.
The Senate then ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35 in favor and 3 against. The chamber also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Feb 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I know South Shore Arc was the 10th, so I think there's one after that.
- I know South Shore Arc was the 10th, so I think there's one after that.
- So, like, let's say Triangle or Boston Center for Independent Living or Vinfen or the Arc or the South
- The name of the employer.
- You know, I think of the ARC, you know, to bring up more.
Summary:
The subcommittee met to approve the January minutes and then heard an update from Undersecretary of Labor and Workforce Development Josh Cutler on apprenticeship expansion in the Healey-Driscoll administration. Cutler described apprenticeship as a key workforce tool, especially for sectors with labor shortages, and highlighted growth in early education, health care, banking, bio, and human services. He noted the administration’s milestones and supports, including reaching 10,000 registered apprenticeships, expanding the registered apprenticeship tax credit (RATSY), lowering program fees, adding apprenticeship liaisons, and issuing Grow grants to help employers start programs.
Members focused on how apprenticeship could better serve people with disabilities and human services employers. They raised examples such as sterile processing, radiology, PCA services, developmental disability supports, and community college partnerships, and asked how smaller or lower-paid providers could afford to participate. Cutler explained that apprentices are W-2 employees, programs must include on-the-job learning, related instruction, mentorship, and progressive wages, and employers largely design their own programs. He said the state can support through tax credits, grants, and intermediaries such as trade associations or disability organizations that help employers navigate the process.
The discussion also covered employer outreach, the role of intermediaries, and possible collaboration with community colleges and organizations like Commonwealth Corporation. Cutler said Eastern Bank did not currently have a program but could be a potential partner, and he confirmed that the RATSY credit is $4,800 per apprentice, with a cap and online application process, and that it can be stacked with the disability employment tax credit. The subcommittee agreed to follow up with Cutler’s team, identify a few priority occupations, and consider a targeted panel or information session to help expand apprenticeship opportunities for people with disabilities and in human services.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I know South Shore Arc was the 10th, so I think there's one after that.
- I know South Shore Arc was the 10th, so I think there's one after that.
- Arc or the South or whatever.
- So the community colleges, the apprenticeship programs, the tax incentives, and the general ethos is
- You know, I think of the ARC, you know, to bring up more.
Summary:
The subcommittee opened with roll call and approved the January minutes. Members then heard from Undersecretary of Labor and Workforce Development Josh Cutler, who gave an update on the Healey-Driscoll administration’s apprenticeship efforts and emphasized apprenticeship as an earn-while-you-learn model that can help address workforce shortages while including people with disabilities. He described growth in apprenticeships across sectors such as banking, bio, early education, health care, and human services, and noted recent milestones including the state’s 10,000th registered apprenticeship, expanded tax credits, reduced program fees, added apprenticeship liaisons, and Grow grants to support program development.
Committee members focused on how apprenticeship could be adapted for human services and disability-related jobs, including early education, direct care, PCA work, sterile processing, and related health occupations. They asked about funding structures, employer participation, community college involvement, and how to make programs accessible to people with disabilities. Cutler explained that apprenticeship programs are employer-designed but must meet core requirements such as paid employment, at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning, related technical instruction, mentorship, and progressive wages. He said the state can support programs through the registered apprenticeship tax credit, which he said is $4,800 per apprentice and can be stacked with the disability employment tax credit, and through Grow grants, which were most recently awarded at about $2.1 million statewide.
Members and Cutler discussed using intermediaries such as trade associations, nonprofits, and disability organizations to help employers set up programs and navigate incentives. He said the commission could be useful as a convener and suggested a targeted panel or information session with apprenticeship liaisons, employers, and existing sponsors to identify a few specific occupations and build a proof of concept. The meeting ended with agreement to follow up offline on potential partner employers, including Eastern Bank, and on possible next steps for a focused panel or pilot opportunities.