Video & Transcript Research : 'interagency groups'
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HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 12, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:19:14.480>
or specific um, you know, groups or specific um, you know, groups or entities - could bring in uh, different uh, groups could bring in uh, different uh, groups from<00:19:35.039
- So I think it would help with groups.
- work group.
- So I think in the work group work group.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2046, which would establish and fund an Olo Hawaii Commission to coordinate and promote initiatives supporting the use of Olo Hawaii. The Attorney General suggested adding an end date because the bill creates a temporary commission, and several supporters from the University of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the commission could improve coordination, funding decisions, and consistency across agencies. Members discussed whether the commission should include broader representation, including expertise on Niihau dialect speakers and other stakeholders, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved to the next measure.
The committee next considered House Bill 2438, creating the Hawaii Cultural Trust within DBEDT, authorizing an income tax credit for contributions to the trust and qualified cultural organizations, and creating a special license plate to support the trust. DBEDT said it would need additional resources, including staff, to administer the program. The Department of Taxation recommended changing the effective date to 2026 to allow time for implementation and adding a requirement that credits be claimed within one year. OHA supported the bill but objected to language that would require it to maintain a prequalified list of organizations, saying that could limit applicants and conflict with its grant process. The Tax Foundation said it supported cultural funding but preferred direct appropriations and grants over a trust fund and tax credit structure.
The final measure discussed was House Bill 2584, which would temporarily increase public land trust revenues transferred to OHA while reaffirming the state’s obligation to the 20% pro rata share, with a repeal date of June 30, 2028. The Attorney General recommended deleting the bill’s requirement that OHA receive a minimum amount equal to the 20% share, arguing the constitution and Admission Act do not specify a precise dollar amount and that the legislature must determine allocation. OHA strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently pays only about 5% and that historical records show much higher amounts are owed; OHA also pointed to a carry-forward account it said held about $55 million. DLNR opposed the bill because the fiscal impact was unspecified and could affect land management and special fund budgets. Several OHA trustees and supporters urged the committee to pass the bill, and one testifier criticized the state for underfunding Native Hawaiian obligations. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the committee continued hearing testimony on HB 2584.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, we broke the population into 10 groupings.
- Again, we broke the population into 10 groupings.
- Rather than dividing the population into 10 equal groups of people, you can do it in 10 equal groups
- Those are equal groups of total income.
- So, I guess I don't that exact group.
Keywords:
school supplies, sales tax exemption, use tax, sales and use tax, back-to-school, classroom supplies, education tax relief, tax holiday, retail exemption, Minnesota sales tax, school materials, binders, calculators, notebooks, pencils, backpacks, book bags, local tax revenue, taxable sales base, income tax
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- for some of these these groups for some of these these groups especially<00:06:12.639>
if - They were established when a school group, a fourth-grade group from Holderness, actually proposed the
- when a school group a fourth grade<00:21:49.039>
group <00:21:49.280>from <00:21:49.520 - >
Holderness <00:21:50.240>actually grade group from Holderness actually grade group from - ,<01:33:24.239>
your um your your larger group, your um your your larger group, your department
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/18/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- We met about 15 times between large-group and small-group meetings, and that also includes some other
- meetings outside of just those groups.
- judicial safety real estate work group judicial safety real estate work group we<01:19:52.280>
<01:19:55.560>that <01:19:55.719>also group been small group and that also group been - <01:20:18.800>
of it now you think with that group of it now you think with that group of
Keywords:
veterans, veterans affairs, State Soldiers Assistance Program, Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, MAXIS, human services data, data sharing, eligibility verification, informed consent, private data, benefits coordination, veteran housing, veteran assistance, Department of Human Services, Children Youth and Families, state benefits, federal benefits, privacy, public assistance, foreclosure
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on School Facilities Interim Topics Meeting, March 5, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We've hired a consultant, and we're going to have four meetings with the group.
- We've hired a consultant, and we're going to have four meetings with the group.
- We've hired a consultant, and we're going to have four meetings with the group.
- We've hired a consultant, and we're going to have four meetings with the group.
- We've hired a consultant, and we're going to have four meetings with the group.
Summary:
The Select Committee on School Facilities met to satisfy its quarterly statutory requirement and to discuss interim priorities. Staff from LSO reviewed the committee’s duties: monitoring K-12 school facilities statewide, prioritizing needs for the interim, and preparing a budget request due by November 1. They also noted the ongoing litigation related to the Chapter 3, Section 8 exception process and said the committee would move forward with securing a consultant to study that issue, as previously authorized by Management Council.
A major topic was school funding formulas, especially how average daily membership (ADM) affects routine and major maintenance funding and how excess square footage is treated. Members revisited an earlier proposal to fund 135% of allowable square footage, which did not advance this session, and discussed whether some schools should instead be funded at a minimum percentage of their actual square footage. Staff explained that some districts have buildings larger than their formula allowance, and that the issue is complicated by older buildings, pools, and other unique facilities. They also noted that recent changes to the major maintenance multiplier increased funding and that some districts are still not fully covered by the formulas.
Safety and security funding was another focus. The State Construction Department reported that $10 million was appropriated this year for safety and security upgrades, with some funds expected to go toward vestibules, bollards, and design work, and the rest through a district application process. Officials said the last comprehensive safety assessment was done more than 10 years ago and suggested a new consultant-led study to update priorities, since technology and building conditions have changed. Members also discussed the role of school resource officers and whether the committee should continue leading this work rather than handing it off to the recalibration committee.
The committee also examined declining enrollment and excess capacity across the state, citing examples such as Newcastle, Shoshoni, Casper, Campbell County, and Fremont County. Officials said some districts are right-sizing by taking schools offline, while others cannot easily reduce capacity because the buildings are essential to the community. Charter school leasing was raised as a related concern, including the Mills charter school and the fact that the state pays lease costs based on ADM and allowable square footage. No formal votes were taken, but the committee agreed to continue studying these issues, likely including site visits and further data requests during the interim.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a very large group.
- You probably have heard about the large group of employees who anonymously tweet and anonymously work
- We have a very large group.
- You probably have heard about the large group of employees who anonymously tweet and anonymously work
- We have a very large group.
Summary:
Faye Bernstein, a 20-year employee of the Department of Human Services, testified that she had experienced retaliation after raising concerns about contract irregularities and compliance problems years earlier. She said she was walked out of the building, banned from DHS property, and subjected to a lengthy investigation, which she described as professionally and personally harmful. Bernstein stated that the investigation ultimately found she had questioned leadership’s decision-making and held up contracts with compliance issues, and she said she stood by those actions.
Her broader testimony focused on what she described as a culture of retaliation and a lack of fraud-prevention mindset at DHS. She criticized department leadership, including Commissioner Gandhi, and said internal auditors and others failed to adequately address the problems she raised. Bernstein argued that the department’s failures had serious consequences for vulnerable people, including homeless individuals affected by a program shutdown during winter, and said the agency needed major leadership changes and firings.
The chair thanked Bernstein for her testimony at the end of her remarks. No committee vote or formal action was taken during this exchange.
NE
Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Morning Session Apr 8th, 2026
Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It did not have any opposition as I worked with partners and key interest groups, and only one person
- Is there, or what is the reason behind the makeup of that stakeholder group?
- It's just very different percentages to represent different groups in the state.
- And DHS is completely responsible for the appointments on that stakeholder group.
- they want to keep working with that group.
Bills:
LB878, LB958, LB958A, LB762, LB1187, LB966, LB929, LB962, LB1209, LB937A, LB962A, LB1050, LB1050A, LB965, LB1022, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB745, LB749, LB778, LR293, LR296, LR422, LR495, LR496, LR497, LR498, LR499, LR500, LR501, LR502, LR503, LR504
Keywords:
paid parental leave, state employees, workplace benefits, family support, economic impact, Medicaid, Medical Assistance Act, home and community-based services waiver, HCBS waiver, waiver participant, assessment tool, clinical interviewing, service tier, retroactive coverage, doula, doula reimbursement, maternal health, prenatal care, pregnancy, birth outcomes
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Oct 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- the right, and the groups that are losing eligibility are in orange.
- Among our peer group, that is by far the lowest. It is eight basis points. The next lowest is 1.2.
- This is being recognized by groups across the country as one of the premier venture capital funds.
- capital groups know what it takes to take a company.
- That's being led by this group, Ascension, by Dr.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Indian Affairs Jul 16th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We need to be flexible with treating each group differently.
- We have study groups, small group study groups, and we can meet with our students one-on-one if we need
- We offer tutoring, again, in small groups or one-on-one.
- Seeing them grow together as a cohort in a group is really wonderful.
- We initially targeted two groups, starting with Yazi Martinez.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Thu Feb 6, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- This establishes a working group to make recommendations for reuse and recycling of EV batteries.
- batteries this establishes a working batteries this establishes a working group<00:19:51.960>
to - to recom make recommendations for group to recom make recommendations for reuse<00:19:54.159>
and - from the battery storage industry group from the battery storage industry and<00:41:27.800>
to - will consider we will also working group will consider we will also take<00:41:34.560>
Redwood
Summary:
The Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on a series of energy, transportation, climate, and waste bills. HB 977 would provide additional funding to the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority for low-interest financing of rooftop solar and storage for underserved ratepayers; HB 1295 would require state and county agencies to use federal energy tax credits; HB 1051 concerns energy efficiency portfolio standards; HB 1019 addresses long-duration clean energy storage; HB 344 concerns EV charging infrastructure at state facilities; HB 733 would change EV parking requirements; HB 242 creates a working group on EV battery reuse and recycling; HB 1022 expands access to energy industry information reporting; HB 1017 repeals the greenhouse gas sequestration task force; HB 787 asks for a feasibility study on a Buy Clean program; and HB 751 sets composting goals. Testimony was largely supportive across the bills, with some agencies standing on written testimony or offering comments, and a few measures drawing opposition or concerns, including HB 751 from county agencies and HB 242 from Redwood Materials requesting inclusion of a specialized battery recycler on the working group.
Members asked several questions, including about EV charging siting, whether bike parking and showers should be considered in EV facility planning, how often EV charging stalls are relocated to other sites, and whether Hawaiʻi has in-state capacity to prepare EV batteries for shipping and recycling. On HB 751, the committee discussed county diversion rates and Maui’s composting capacity, with the Department of Health noting Maui’s diversion decline was tied to closure of the EKO co-composting facility at Central Maui landfill and that reestablishment was planned. On HB 242, Redwood Materials explained it handles lithium-ion batteries, including work related to the Maui wildfire response, and said a full in-state recycling chain is unlikely, though local facilities can safely prepare batteries for shipment.
In decision-making, the committee voted to pass all of the measures with amendments. For HB 977, the committee noted a recommended appropriation of $50 million and made technical amendments. HB 1295, HB 1051, HB 1019, HB 344, HB 733, HB 242, HB 1022, HB 1017, and HB 787 were all advanced with technical or substantive amendments, including changes to dates, appropriations, and working group membership. For HB 344, the committee accepted DAGS’s suggestion to make HSEO the expending entity and adjusted the appropriation to one year. For HB 242, the committee added a battery storage industry member, included stationary storage as a consideration, and extended the reporting date to 2027. HB 787 was advanced with a request that the Climate Commission and State Procurement Office work together on more specific amendments if the bill continues moving forward.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 21, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :41.760>
reaction effective 332nd fighter group reaction effective 332nd fighter group reaction - supported by the Civil Liberties groups supported by the Civil Liberties groups and<03:17:11.520
- <03:18:03.359>
come day that many of these groups come day that many of these groups come - <04:32:05.120>
support colleagues, if veteran groups support colleagues, if veteran groups - <04:34:29.920>
more these groups desperately need more these groups desperately need more
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/27/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a larger group to kind of put together in terms of the work done.
- There were 283 total advisory-type groups that are being paid per diems, that have expenses paid for
- <00:19:48.240>
uh 283 total advisory uh type groups uh 283 total advisory uh type groups uh - Weslund helped me connect with some Jewish groups.
- Weslund helped me connect with some Jewish groups.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDN Info Briefing - Thu Jan 16, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So we look at stakeholder groups for, like, CTE work groups, which is going on right now.
- Same with the HING work group.
- I can't answer that, so they're invited to a work group.
- <01:38:50.480>
and would be a part of that work group and would be a part of that work group - What group do you work with? I work with INPEACE.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Education Freedom Savings Account Oversight Committee (06/15/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- And so they'll bring some of their students in as a group of just VLACS students to take the test.
- All of that would be aggregated under the Children's Scholarship Fund as just a group of EFA students
- you know which books are going to work best for those groups.
- So, if there's a way that maybe this group could think about that.
- And it's a statutory type advisory group to the director. And it's an advisory commission.
Summary:
The Education Freedom Account Oversight Committee met on March 27 and approved the agenda, adding a request for clarification on how the Children’s Scholarship Fund separates applications for the EFA program and the education tax credit program. The committee also approved minutes from December 30, 2025, and March 27, 2026, with a request that the March minutes include a link to the live stream. Members discussed the status of pending Legislative Budget Assistant audit reports on EFA and special education, noting the reports were still not released and would likely come later in the summer after review by the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund.
A major topic was the EFA program’s administrative fee, which statute allows up to 10% of deposits. Children’s Scholarship Fund representatives said current administrative costs were under 8%, that staffing had been reduced through the ScholarVia platform, and that any unused amount is reconciled and returned to students at year’s end. Members asked for historical administrative-cost data and a written explanation of how the withholding and reconciliation process works. The committee also reviewed the distinction between the EFA and education tax credit funding streams and was told the two programs use separate applications and separate funds, though both use the same platform.
The committee spent substantial time on assessment and accountability. Department of Education staff explained that EFA students may satisfy annual assessment requirements through a portfolio, a norm-referenced test, or the statewide assessment; only about 10 EFA students took the statewide assessment, while most used portfolios or standardized tests such as the California Achievement Test and NWEA. Staff described how statewide assessment data are kept separate by student identifier and can be aggregated for EFA reporting, and members asked for breakdowns by grade, test type, and school district. The department also discussed linking assessments through Lexiles and Quantiles and said it could provide a list of commonly used formative assessments in New Hampshire districts. The committee additionally discussed a possible PSAT addition to the state contract and the costs of the statewide assessment program.
Another major issue was special education eligibility and services within the EFA program. Members questioned the rule allowing a medical certification of disability from a licensed professional anywhere in the United States as an alternative to an IEP-based determination. Department staff said the current system allows either pathway, that about 1,000 EFA students are identified as special education students, and that the program does not track growth or service alignment on an individual basis. Members expressed concern that the medical-certification route may be too broad and asked for data on the disability categories used. The committee also discussed career and technical education access for EFA students, noting that Senate Bill 491 would provide guidance and that House Bill 1817 would address access and funding issues, but that current law still allows EFA funds to be used to pay CTE costs. The meeting ended with a request for future agenda items and a decision to leave the next meeting date open until fall, pending further information from the LBA audit process.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Apr 30th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So anyway, it was interesting to come in with that group.
- It was a fascinating group, and I do miss them all.
- The next group would come in and vote and then you would leave.
- It's a wonderful group that you guys have created with you.
- It's a wonderful group that you guys have created within that.
Bills:
HB1168
Keywords:
abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, methotrexate, pro-life, pro-choice, reproductive health, unborn child, trafficking, felony, contraception, pharmacist, pharmacy, Title 63, Oklahoma statutes, abortion pill, drug distribution, criminal penalty
Summary:
The Senate first came to order after repeated quorum calls, then devoted a long portion of the meeting to farewell remarks for Senator Darcy Jech. Jech reflected on his 12 years in the chamber, his rural district, campaign experiences, major events during his tenure, and the importance of relationships, compromise, and service. Numerous senators followed with personal tributes, praising his steadiness, humility, faith, work on devotions and the Rural Caucus, and his reputation as a thoughtful, respectful colleague and family man.
After the farewell segment, the Senate moved to executive nominations. The chamber unanimously confirmed Sharon Shell Millington as Director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs, Clayton Bullard as Cabinet Secretary of Health and Mental Health, and Clayton Bullard as administrator of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. The Senate then approved a slate of Tier 2 nominations, including appointments to the Home Inspector Examiners Committee, the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology board, the State Fire Marshal Commission, the State Board of Health, the State Board of Licensed Social Workers, the Forensic Review Board, the Oklahoma State Credit Union, the Health Care Workforce Training Commission, the Alarm, Locksmith, and Fire Sprinkler Industry Committee, and the Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors.
No debate or opposition was recorded on the nominations, and the votes were overwhelmingly or unanimously in favor. After announcements, the Senate agreed to recess and then adjourned until Monday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- That said, what's before us is that lens on this issue, but what we are attempting to do is with a group
- of all the stakeholders across the environmental groups, environmental justice groups, housing groups
- , transportation construction groups, the metropolitan planning organizations themselves, cities and
- counties, separately from those groups and others, is to construct a comprehensive modernization of this
- Last year, this committee heard SB 712, the original Leno's law bill proposing to exempt a small group
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee heard and advanced a full agenda of transportation-related bills, with extensive testimony on several measures. SB 1087 by Senator Cabaldon proposed modernizing SB 375 regional climate and transportation planning by moving regional plan cycles from four years to eight, clarifying CARB and CTC roles, aligning funding programs with greenhouse gas goals, and reducing duplicative CEQA-related work. Supporters, including SCAG, MTC/ABAG, and other MPOs, said the bill would save time and money and improve implementation; opponents from clean air and housing groups warned it could weaken climate accountability, dilute VMT-focused reductions, and reduce public participation. The committee later passed the bill on a 9-1 vote.
The committee also heard SB 1315, a modest data-collection bill on semi-autonomous vehicle software updates and insurance oversight, which drew no opposition and passed unanimously. SB 1275, by Senator McNerney, would replace the general fund portion of the state sales tax on motor vehicles with a vehicle license fee structure intended to create a federal tax deduction for buyers; the LAO provided technical background, and the bill advanced on a 9-1 vote. SB 1287 by Senator Hurtado would create a tax credit to spur private investment in short-line railroad infrastructure; supporters said it would improve freight efficiency, reduce truck traffic, and cut emissions, and it passed unanimously.
The committee also considered SB 1064, which would reduce the frequency of clean truck checks for very low-mileage heavy-duty, off-road diesel, and special equipment vehicles; supporters said it would ease burdens on rural and low-use operators, while opponents awaited CARB analysis, and the bill passed 12-0 after amendments. SB 1375 by Senator Cortese would streamline environmental review for certain transit and rail projects that have already undergone extensive prior review, and it passed unanimously. SB 1392, also by Senator Cortese, would expand the smog-check exemption for older collector vehicles used mainly for shows, parades, and historic display; classic-car and lowrider advocates supported it, while air quality groups opposed it as increasing emissions, and it passed 10-2. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, including SB 1213 by Senator Reyes, and all measures were reported out to Appropriations.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Mar 18th, 2026
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- This is not the way I don't think we need to be going by just restricting this one group of people.
- We're on a study group with doctors, with Dr.
- for one group of people. for one group of people.
- We're on a study group with disagree.
- We're on a study group with doctors<00:14:18.959>
with <00:14:19.199>Dr.
Bills:
HB589, HB591, HB609, HB614, SB57, SB280, SB332, HB589, HB591, HB609, HB614, SB57, SB280, SB332, HB627
Keywords:
Jefferson County, building regulations, zoning, public health, building commissioner, permits, construction, land use, county tax, lodging tax, Henry County, transient accommodations, hospitality industry, local act, sheriff, sheriff's office, task force, abandoned property, stolen property, unclaimed property
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Education Committee in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 08:30 am
Education
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill also establishes a Collaboratory Advisory Group and sets forth the membership of the group.
- The bill also requires advisory group members be reimbursed from funds of the Collaboratory, provides
- saying being a teammate, you know, having those teams and work together and accomplishing goals as a group
- On January 15th, then we set up a meeting of our Constitution and bylaws, which is a select group of
- Then all of a group of people come over that are all-stars, basically, or all-state or whatever you want
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- discussion, or additional support groups.
- discussion, or additional support groups.
- It's actually a ban on lawful speech, lawful commerce from a particular group of professionals.
- So we don't ban, when there's bad actors, ban a whole group of folks.
- At Campus Church, we have a group of volunteers who help protect our church family.
Keywords:
places of worship, house of worship, church, mosque, synagogue, religious security, armed security, volunteer security, private security, security guard licensing, licensure exemption, Florida Statutes chapter 493, Class G license, Class C license, security services, faith-based institutions, public safety, military jurisdiction, delinquency, concurrent jurisdiction
Summary:
The committee considered several bills and reported each favorably. SB 624, by Senator Yarborough, would allow batterers intervention programs to offer optional supplemental faith-based activities, with no participant required to take part. Supporters said it would expand provider options and help address a shortage of certified programs; opponents raised concerns about mixing government-ordered programming with religion and about the state’s prior rule change. The bill passed 7-2.
The committee also approved CS/SB 834, which repeals a 2022 restriction barring licensed insurance agents from partnering with health care sharing ministries to market or sell their programs. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill restores free speech, consumer choice, and access to faith-based alternatives, while opponents warned about consumer confusion, higher commissions, and weak protections because these ministries are not insurance. After extended debate, the measure passed 8-2.
Other measures advanced unanimously or near-unanimously. CS/SB 502, as amended, would give Florida concurrent jurisdiction over certain juvenile offenses on military installations so juveniles can be handled in the state system; it passed 9-0. CS/SB 52 would exempt volunteer armed security for houses of worship from Class D or G licensing requirements, and supporters cited rising threats to churches and the need for organized volunteer security; it passed 9-0. SB 840, a cleanup bill to narrow and clarify last year’s emergency-related land-use restrictions after hurricanes, also passed 9-0, and CS/SB 758, which updates the membership of the Justice Administration Commission, passed 9-0 after an amendment restoring two public defenders to the commission.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Dec 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This group also helps with things like advocacy and bringing in inbound trade missions as well.
- This group also helps with things like advocacy and bringing in inbound trade missions as well.
- So the two different groups, the export group and the business development group, both rely on these
- over the A couple of opportunities to talk with members of that group over the past year.
- I think it's going to have to be a pretty widespread group.
Summary:
The committee held a work session focused on the effects of tariffs on Washington’s economy, agriculture, and small businesses, followed by updates on emergency management, cybersecurity, disaster resilience, tsunami preparedness, and World Cup security planning. Office of Financial Management economist Abdelamintrawe Trieri said tariff increases are expected to raise prices, reduce output and employment, and lower state revenue over a four-year horizon, with the hardest-hit sectors including aerospace, food and beverage manufacturing, and agriculture. Members asked about updated tariff scenarios, crop-specific impacts, inflation versus deflation in different goods, and whether some manufacturing sectors could benefit; staff said updated numbers would need to be rerun as tariff rates changed.
Washington Department of Agriculture representative Ryan Hamm described how tariffs raise costs for farm inputs such as equipment, parts, packaging, and fertilizer, while also affecting exports of key commodities like wheat, potatoes, apples, cherries, dairy, and wine. He said some sectors support tariffs on competing imports, but retaliation and market restrictions have hurt exports, especially to China and, in the wine sector, Canada. Department of Commerce representative Andrea Chartock outlined export assistance, business finance, recruitment, and industry-sector development programs, and proposed expanding tariff-resilience support through market diversification, supply-chain optimization, and efforts to attract investment and federal funding. She also noted uncertainty around delayed federal STEP funding for small business export assistance.
Emergency Management Division Director Robert Ezell warned that federal disaster and mitigation funding is becoming less reliable, citing the denied bomb cyclone disaster declaration, delays in FEMA grant processing, and possible restructuring of FEMA that could shift more responsibility to states. He said Washington may need stronger state-funded public assistance, individual assistance, and mitigation programs, along with broader coordination among state agencies and local governments. Cybersecurity staff described state efforts to support local governments through the Cybersecurity Advisory Committee, threat intelligence sharing, vulnerability assessments, and a proposed volunteer incident response team, while noting the loss of MS-ISAC funding and the importance of continued state matching funds for cybersecurity grants. Hazard mitigation and tsunami staff emphasized the need for sustained investment in flood, wildfire, earthquake, lahar, and tsunami resilience, including vertical evacuation structures and language-access outreach. Ezell also briefed the committee on World Cup security preparations and federal grants for counter-unmanned aircraft systems, explaining that the state can buy mitigation capabilities but current authority to use them remains largely federal; the committee asked follow-up questions about fan zones, training, and the meaning of drone mitigation. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment after the presentations and questions.