Video & Transcript Research : 'Alaska Native tribes'

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NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee Aug 1st, 2025

Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:
  • A lot of those are Native American enrollees.
  • then you can see the different eligibility categories for children, pregnancy services, and then Native
  • My understanding is if Native Americans come into the...
  • The way it works is if a Native American goes to an Indian Health Service facility, we get a 100% federal
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 22nd, 2025

Business and Professions

Transcript Highlights:
  • In addition to Resource Fund, the Environmental Protection Information Center, California Native Plant
  • I'm a Santa Barbara native and a graduate of UC Berkeley.
  • Loomer on behalf of Resources Legacy Fund, the Environmental Protection Information Center, California Native
  • I am the Executive Director of Native Sister Circle, a local non-profit, small CBO here out of Sacramento
Keywords: 988, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

LBT Public Hearing 03-24-2025

Labor and Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • It impacts vulnerable populations, youth, older individuals, Native Hawaiian communities, neighboring
  • c> individuals, populations, youth, older individuals, populations, youth, older individuals, native
  • <00:33:00.640> Hawaiian<00:33:00.960> communities,<00:33:01.519> neighboring native
  • Hawaiian communities, neighboring native Hawaiian communities, neighboring islands<00:33:02.640>
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology heard several resolutions focused on workforce shortages and program development. STR 145/SR 117 would create a legislative working group on paid family and medical leave; testimony from state agencies, labor groups, advocacy organizations, and others was overwhelmingly supportive, though some asked for broader representation and legal expertise. Members raised questions about prior studies, staffing estimates, and funding needs for administering a future program. The chair ultimately deferred decision making on this measure to March 28, 2025. The committee also heard STR 55/SR 37 on reviewing the boiler and elevator inspection branch to improve recruitment and retention. DLIR supported the measure, while the Department of Human Resources Development supported the intent but suggested labor should lead the study. Industry witnesses described long inspection wait times, backlogs, and difficulty recruiting inspectors, and several said higher pay and training pathways were needed. The committee voted to pass the resolution unamended. For STR 64/SR 49, which would establish a Hawaii State Fellows Program, the department supported the concept but said resources would be needed and should be included in the budget rather than a resolution; the committee recommended deferral indefinitely. STR 67/SR 51, addressing hiring shortages in the public mental health care system, drew support from the State Council on Mental Health and others, with requests for amendments to ensure broader cooperation and added agencies. The committee moved the measure as a Senate draft with amendments. STR 63/SR 48, proposing a Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award, received support from DLIR, and the committee later recessed and reconvened for decision making on the measures.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

House Chamber - Thu Jan 23, 2025, 10:00AM HST - State of Judiciary

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • and the staff and boards of the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii, the Native
  • Hawaii Volunteer Legal Services<00:40:36.400> Hawaii<00:40:36.880> the<00:40:37.000> native
  • <00:40:37.280> Hawaiian Services Hawaii the native Hawaiian Services Hawaii the native Hawaiian
Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Information Technology Committee Jul 8th, 2026

Information Technology Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Wyoming and Alaska completed cloud migrations of existing software, while Idaho's full replacement project
Summary: The Information Technology Committee approved the March 26 minutes and received a series of reports from NDIT on major IT projects, the annual report, mainframe modernization, and cybersecurity services. The project portfolio was reported at 116 major projects with a baseline cost of $546 million, overall under budget but modestly behind schedule. Several projects that had been in variance status last quarter were said to have closed, including HHS bed management, vital records modernization, and DOT roadway capital planning. New startup reports were mostly HHS efforts tied to refugee data management, technical debt cleanup, and legacy application decommissioning, while closeouts included HHS, OMB, DPI, and DOT projects with mixed budget and schedule results. In the annual report discussion, NDIT described its service-fund financials, peer-state rate comparisons, records management reporting, and customer satisfaction efforts. Members asked about how revenues and grants flow through the service fund, how NDIT charges agencies for services, and whether customer satisfaction or CSAT scores are tracked and could be reported more regularly. NDIT said it does track service-team CSAT and survey data, and committee members encouraged more regular reporting of those metrics. The committee also discussed application portfolio management, statewide IT planning, and whether agencies should slow new system replacements while the state pursues an ERP system. The mainframe update focused on the state’s ongoing effort to retire legacy systems by about 2030. NDIT and HHS said the work is being managed as a tech-debt program, but progress is slowed by data cleanup, integration complexity, staff retirements, vendor capacity, and federal requirements. Members asked whether there is a coordinated commitment and whether additional vendor support or consultants are needed; NDIT said it is working jointly with HHS and is seeking an RFP to help accelerate modernization. The cybersecurity presentation then shifted to statewide maturity assessments and services. NDIT said it provides endpoint protection, vulnerability scanning, security awareness training, threat briefings, and penetration testing, and that assessments are based on CIS controls. Members raised concerns about low participation in the self-assessment process, the lack of mandatory reporting or audit authority, and whether insurance incentives through Enderf or possible State Auditor involvement could improve compliance. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • HDFC, which I think is the innovation of this reorganization, we are implementing, as Director of Alaska
Keywords: 987, senate, all
Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview of the Governor’s housing reorganization proposal and trailer bill language that would consolidate several affordable housing finance programs under the new Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC). Administration officials said the plan is intended to create a one-stop application and award process, reduce duplication, and pair state subsidy with private activity bonds and federal tax credits so projects can move from award to construction more quickly. The proposal would also shift some positions and reallocate portions of the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program and other housing funds. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the concept has merit but raised concerns about the proposed bond set-aside floor and recommended more flexibility and earlier reallocation of unused bonds. Several senators questioned the structure and, especially, the proposed changes to the climate-related ASIC program, arguing that it could weaken the program’s original transportation-and-housing integration and that the budget lacks enough direct funding for core housing production programs. The item was held open. The committee then received an update from the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee on federal tax credit changes and state housing finance tools. Staff explained that federal H.R. 1 increased the 9% low-income housing tax credit allocation and reduced the bond-financing threshold for the 4% credit from 50% to 25%, allowing California to finance many more projects. They reported that emergency regulations were adopted quickly to implement the new federal rules, resulting in awards for 195 projects and more than 25,000 units in the 4% program, while the 9% program funded 58 projects and nearly 3,000 units. Members discussed the importance of state enhanced low-income housing tax credits, with committee questions focused on how much additional leverage state credits provide and how they help fill remaining financing gaps. The final portion of the hearing focused on the Civil Rights Department’s response to federal civil rights policy changes and on three programs facing the end of limited-term funding: California vs. Hate, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit, and Investigations and Conciliation Enhancement. Director Kevin Kish said federal civil rights enforcement has been weakened by closed offices, shuttered programs, and reduced support for fair housing organizations, while CRD’s open caseload has grown from about 8,700 to more than 12,000 matters. He said the department is using overtime, triage, and process reengineering to manage the surge and to direct people to the right services. Senators expressed strong support for continuing the programs and concern that California is being asked to do more with less as federal protections erode. No votes were taken on the informational items, and the committee discussed the vote-only budget requests for CRD separately.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • HDFC, which I think is the innovation of this reorganization, we are implementing, as Director of Alaska
Summary: The subcommittee heard an extensive presentation on the administration’s housing reorganization proposal, which would centralize multifamily affordable housing finance under the new Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC) and align it with the Governor’s trailer bill language. Administration officials said the plan is intended to create a one-stop application and award process, reduce duplicative timelines and costs, and pair state subsidy with private activity bonds and federal tax credits more efficiently. They also described proposed changes to the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program, including shifting a larger share of funding toward housing-related awards while preserving a portion for sustainable communities investments. The Legislative Analyst’s Office generally supported the streamlining concept but recommended changes to the proposed bond set-aside timing and urged flexibility for integrated applications and future reporting on demand. Senators, especially Senator Cabaldon, raised concerns that the proposal could weaken the original climate-and-transportation purpose of the sustainable communities program and that the reorganization would be undercut by the lack of new housing production funding in the budget. The item was held open without a vote. The committee then received a report from the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee on federal and state housing tax credits. Staff explained that the federal H.R. 1 change lowering the bond-financing threshold from 50% to 25% greatly expanded the number of projects able to use the 4% federal tax credit, allowing California to fund many more projects and units. They also described the state low-income housing tax credit as an important gap-filling tool for projects that still need additional subsidy, and noted existing set-asides for rural, homeless, at-risk, and extremely low-income projects. Members discussed rehabilitation as well as new construction, and the item was informational only. Finally, the Civil Rights Department reported on the effects of federal civil rights policy changes and on three programs facing expiration: California vs. Hate, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit, and Investigations and Conciliation Enhancement. Director Kevin Kish said federal cuts and policy shifts have reduced support for fair housing and other civil rights functions, while CRD’s caseload has grown from about 8,700 open matters a year ago to more than 12,000, with a six-month wait for interviews despite overtime triage efforts. Senators expressed strong support for continuing the programs and concern about the broader federal rollback of civil rights enforcement. The department said it is using overtime, intake triage, and outreach partnerships to manage the workload and direct Californians to appropriate state, local, and nonprofit resources.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/28/2026 - House International Trade

International Trade

Transcript Highlights:
  • I was born and raised in Douglas, Arizona, so I'm an Arizona native.
  • I was born and raised in Douglas, Arizona, so I'm an Arizona native.
  • And again, we don't have the native cattle to fill those gaps.
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The House Committee on International Trade held its first meeting of the year, with members introducing themselves and the chair emphasizing Arizona’s role in foreign relations, especially with Mexico. The committee then heard presentations from the Nogales-Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce and related local partners about the region’s importance as a trade, tourism, agriculture, logistics, and mining corridor. Chamber representatives described efforts to support small businesses with bilingual resources, digital and procurement assistance, entrepreneurship training, Google certificates, and workforce development tied to the South32 mine and other emerging industries. They also highlighted tourism promotion efforts to counter negative perceptions of Nogales, noting increased online engagement and stronger visitor activity. Members asked about state and federal improvements that could help trade, and witnesses said the top needs were infrastructure upgrades, especially roads and port-of-entry access, along with more pedestrian-friendly crossings and housing to retain workers. The Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College District described its unusual provisional status, its contract with Pima College, and the challenge of limited spending authority despite expected revenue growth from mining. The college said it is expanding workforce training, especially in AI, advanced manufacturing, trades, and ESL support, and is working toward eventual accreditation. The committee also heard from cattle industry representatives from Cattlemex, T4 Ranch, and J.M. Fletcher Cattle Co. They urged the reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border to live cattle imports, arguing that Sonoran cattle are safe, traceable, and vital to Arizona’s economy and the national beef supply. Witnesses said the New World screwworm-related border closure has reduced imports, raised beef prices, hurt feedlots and packing plants, and shifted cattle trade to other states. They asked lawmakers to advocate with USDA for a Sonora-specific reopening and to support Arizona’s livestock infrastructure and grazing lands. No bills were heard and no votes were taken.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm a native Texan, and I'm here representing myself.
  • I'm a native Texan, currently residing in Arlington, Texas.
  • These same developments reshape the land, raising grades, filling creek beds, and paving over native
Keywords: 1185, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jun 16th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • For Indigenous and Native American communities, the drum is more than an instrument.
  • For Indigenous and Native American communities, the drum is more than an instrument.
  • became synonymous with the Arroyo Seco because of his work with the One Arroyo Foundation, restoring native
Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with a prayer, a Father’s Day reflection, and a moment of silence for the victims of the Minnesota lawmaker shooting. Members then moved through guest introductions recognizing student legislative programs, Black conservation leaders, interns, and first responders, including an off-duty firefighter who saved a driver’s life. The chamber also heard multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, most notably for former Senator and Los Angeles Councilman Nate Holden, whose civil rights and housing discrimination work was highlighted, along with tributes to Stephen Golden Kranz, Emily Carpenter, and Doug Kranwinkel. On the Daily File, the Assembly adopted ACR 90, Assembly Member Gibson’s resolution recognizing Juneteenth. The measure drew strong support from multiple caucuses, including the Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ, Women’s, and AAPI caucuses, with members emphasizing Juneteenth’s historical significance, the legacy of slavery, and the continuing need to combat racism and inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted ACR 92, Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez’s resolution declaring June 2025 as Electronic Dance Music Month in California. Supporters described EDM as a cultural and economic force rooted in diverse communities and praised its values of inclusion and unity; the resolution received 65 co-authors and passed by voice vote. Finally, HR 45, Assembly Member Castillo’s resolution for Animal Rights Awareness Week, was adopted by voice vote after 55 co-authors were added, with the author and a guest from Sierra Pacific Fur Babies speaking about animal rescue and welfare work. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until June 19.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 24, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • [clears throat] As a mahu Native Hawaiian person myself, I strongly urge you to pass this measure.
  • We support HB 1858 with the following amendments: Please provide an exemption for Native Hawaiian and
  • Please provide an exemption for Native Please provide an exemption for Native Hawaiian<01:06:06.799
  • And just to repeat what is in our testimony, I think it's important as far as the Native Hawaiian seat
  • And just to repeat what is in our testimony, I think it's important as far as the Native Hawaiian seat
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard testimony on HB 1875, which would expand Hawaii’s existing protections to include gender-affirming health care, clarify permitted disclosures of protected health information, and bar certain adverse actions by malpractice insurers and health carriers against providers of lawful reproductive or gender-affirming care. The Insurance Division of DCCA supported the bill with a technical amendment, suggesting language tied to actuarial analysis rather than the phrase “actuarially sound.” The Office of Information Practices also provided comments. Most testimony was strongly in support. State agencies and advocacy groups, including the Hawaii State Youth Commission, State Health Planning and Development Agency, Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Stonewall Caucus, ACLU of Hawaii, PFLAG Oahu, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said the bill would protect patient privacy, reduce chilling effects from out-of-state litigation, and help retain providers in a state already facing shortages. Several testifiers said gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and life-saving, and emphasized that Hawaii should protect its own health care decisions from outside political pressure. A few individuals testified in opposition, arguing the bill was unnecessary or that it protected providers more than opponents of the bill, but these views were not echoed by most of the testimony. The chair repeatedly reminded testifiers to keep comments brief and maintain decorum. The transcript provided does not include a final committee vote or disposition on the bill.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • know, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, um, you know, 37%, almost 40% of the prison population are Native
  • know, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, um, you know, 37%, almost 40% of the prison population are Native
  • know, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, um, you know, 37%, almost 40% of the prison population are Native
  • Almost 40% of the prison population are Native Hawaiian, and so we would like to know why they're in
  • Housing are Native Hawaiian?
Keywords: 910, house, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Jan 22nd, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • adjourn in the memory of a dedicated public servant, a truly legendary Californian, and a Glendale native
  • Legendary Californian and a Glendale native, Paul R. Ignatius.
Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum after a roll call, and opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Routine procedural motions followed, including unanimous-consent actions to suspend rules for adjournment-in-memory remarks, guest introductions, and expedited floor processing of certain bills and committee reports. The chamber also recognized several guests, including Sacramento Police Detective Jason Collins, student musician Ethan Shue, and Glendale Councilmember Artie Kasakian. On the floor file, AB 1184 by Assembly Member Patterson, the Homeowner Association Accountability and Transparency Act of 2026, was presented as a measure to add basic transparency requirements for HOAs; it passed 56-0. AB 871 by Assembly Member Stephanie, addressing financial elder abuse and scam reporting/training for financial institutions, also passed 56-0. On the Senate side, SB 25 by Senator Umberg, which would give the California Attorney General earlier access to federal merger-notification filings to streamline merger review, passed 43-14 after the Majority Leader presented it. The Assembly then held several adjournment-in-memory tributes, including Paul R. Ignatius, former U.S. Secretary of the Navy and Glendale native; Oxnard Police Commander Scott Aaron; Private First Class Tanner F. Rubio of the U.S. Marine Corps; and former Yolo County Supervisor Betsy Marchand. Members and family guests offered remarks honoring their service and legacies, followed by a moment of silence for PFC Rubio. The session concluded with announcements about upcoming floor and committee deadlines and adjourned until Monday, January 26 at 1 p.m.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Fiscal Policy Apr 22nd, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • build, for example, a horseshoe, you would have to prove that it doesn't substantially hard harm, native
  • So that makes me a second generation native Floridian.
  • going into the Navy and a few days as a new clear propulsion officer makes him the 3rd generation native
  • Another thing that we might be able to highlight is always plant national native plants.
  • Let's avoid using non native species.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EDU Public Hearing 03-12-2025

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • history and identity, serving not only as a recreational activity but also as an integral part of Native
  • I'm a Native Hawaiian competitive surfer, born and raised on the North Shore of Maui in a town called
  • people call<00:38:14.760> me<00:38:15.720> I'm<00:38:15.839> a<00:38:15.960> native
  • <00:38:16.240> Hawaiian call me I'm a native Hawaiian call me I'm a native Hawaiian competitive
  • It is part of our culture, our history, and our identity as Native Hawaiians.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

AEN-TCA-CPN Public Hearing 02-06-2025

Agriculture and Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • cliffs in Ka‘a‘awa in order to look for ants on the cliffs where there’s a bunch of very important native
  • cliffs in Ka‘a‘awa in order to look for ants on the cliffs where there’s a bunch of very important native
  • cliffs in Ka‘a‘awa in order to look for ants on the cliffs where there’s a bunch of very important native
  • /c><00:20:42.280> species<00:20:43.039> so<00:20:43.200> I of very important native
  • species so I of very important native species so I just<00:20:43.440> wanted<00:20:43.679>
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The joint hearing focused on a bill reorganizing Hawaiʻi’s biosecurity and invasive species framework, including moving or renaming responsibilities within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and clarifying the role of the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC). Testimony from the Hawaiian Invasive Species Council, DLNR, Oʻahu and Big Island invasive species committees, the Sierra Club, farmers, and community members generally agreed that invasive species management is critical, but many opposed consolidating HISC or broader biosecurity functions into a single department. Supporters of the existing interagency model emphasized HISC’s statewide coordination role, its links to DLNR and other agencies, and its ability to fill gaps with federal funding and cross-agency collaboration. Several testifiers raised concerns that the bill could weaken existing authority or create unintended legal and operational problems. The Sierra Club and others warned about possible interstate commerce issues, loss of authority to regulate movement of infested material within an island, and the need to preserve HISC as an independent or elevated coordinating body rather than placing it inside one agency. Community testimony described real-world impacts from little fire ants, coqui frogs, and landscaping-related introductions, and argued that the current system has produced service gaps and duplication when funding or responsibilities shift. One testifier also urged removing hemp movement reporting provisions, saying they do not aid biosecurity and should be treated like other crops. DLNR and Department of Agriculture representatives said they support the overall goal of stronger biosecurity but stressed that invasive species work is broader than agriculture alone. They noted that DOA, DLNR, and other partners each have different missions and capabilities, and that staff safety, terrain, and training matter when responding in remote areas. The department said it was recruiting for new positions, with some of the 44 funded positions still being finalized, and that implementation would require phased rulemaking, standards, training, and outreach. Members asked about the bill’s practical impact, staffing needs, and whether inspectors are prohibited from hiking; the department said no blanket prohibition exists, but staff use judgment based on safety and terrain. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Oklahoma Education Commission Apr 30th, 2026

Oklahoma Education Commission

Transcript Highlights:
  • But the one thing that I never want to do with my Native friends is offend them.
  • I never want to do with my Native friends is offend them. So, yeah, because they're, you know...
  • OSRI institution; someone from tribal nations in coordination between the governor and the Oklahoma Native
Summary: The commission met with a quorum and introduced Brett Farley, who was discussed as a possible partner to help strengthen the nonprofit side of the commission’s work. Members also welcomed a new participant, Naomi Janes of Owasso Public Schools, who described her role in instructional technology and AI integration. The group spent much of the meeting on planning for the upcoming AI symposium, including venue logistics, room and meal costs, audio-visual expenses, fundraising progress, keynote and vendor participation, and ideas for breakout sessions and after-hours demonstrations. Members discussed keeping attendee contact information private unless permission is obtained, and they also considered future regional meetings and year-round follow-up to sustain momentum beyond the symposium. A major portion of the meeting focused on legislation and grant strategy. Michael provided an update on House Bill 1782, saying floor amendments had been filed and that the bill now includes authority for agencies to pursue gifts and donations, an expanded advisory council, broader research purposes, and a fund structure that can support multi-year projects without fiscal-year pressure. He also reviewed Senate Bill 1734, which would require parental disclosure, allow opt-outs, and require reporting on data minimization and privacy compliance for AI tools used in schools. Members discussed how the commission could help schools, families, and the public understand AI policy and how the new law might shape future recommendations. The group also reviewed several grant efforts. Anna reported on the NSF TechABLE/AI HubZone proposal, a three-year, $1 million-per-year opportunity with a June 15 letter-of-intent deadline and July 15 full proposal deadline, and noted plans to include staff positions to support the project. She also updated the group on a rural health care transformation proposal of roughly $700,000 and asked for follow-up on its status. In addition, Anna outlined a broader K-20 pipeline concept centered on a shared learner record and microcredential system that would connect K-12, CareerTech, higher education, libraries, and workforce systems, with tools such as Career Coach and Skill of Eye to link credentials to jobs. Members generally supported the idea, noting benefits for transcript portability, special populations, teacher certification, and workforce alignment. The commission agreed to meet again on June 14 at 1:00 p.m., and the meeting adjourned after a brief announcement of an informal AI book club for the summer.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Commerce and Economic Development Jan 30th, 2026 at 07:51 pm

House Commerce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Just a couple of questions then: in your discussion, you make a lot of reference to native land...
  • So in your discussion, you make a lot of reference to native land or Indian country, right?
  • And it almost makes it feel like it's a ploy to pass the bill just because I'm native into token issue
Keywords: 996, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Dec 3rd, 2025

Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • parents, aunts, uncles, cousins—everyone I know—went to the University of Florida, and we are Florida natives
  • I just want to give you a quick rundown about me from Live Oak, native of Suwannee County.
  • Just to start with a little bit about me, I am a Florida native, born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear confirmations for 19 appointees and reappointees to university and state college boards, with most of the agenda focused on the University of Florida, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, University of Central Florida, Florida State University, Florida Polytechnic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Pensacola State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, North Florida College, South Florida State College, and the Florida Prepaid College Board. Testimony from the nominees generally emphasized their educational backgrounds, professional experience, and priorities such as student success, workforce development, financial sustainability, research growth, housing, and maintaining or improving institutional rankings. Several UF trustees highlighted the university’s “One UF” vision, institutional neutrality, and goals of reaching top-three or top-one national status. Other nominees stressed the role of state colleges in workforce pipelines, and Florida Poly witnesses focused on STEM growth, housing, and strong graduate outcomes. One in-person public testimony came from Elijah Hooks, who spoke in opposition to the current FAMU administration and described his expulsion, arrest, and trespass from campus after protesting the appointment of President Marva Johnson. For FAMU, Jocelyn Dobson Rodriguez testified in support of her appointment, emphasizing her legal background, alumni ties, and goals of strengthening leadership, alumni engagement, and the connection between the main campus and the College of Law in Orlando. For Florida Atlantic University, Tina Vidal-Duart was questioned closely about her prior service on the Hope Florida Foundation board and about CDR Health’s involvement in state contracts; she said she was not aware of the foundation’s governance problems at the time and that CDR’s state contract was a flat daily rate. The committee then voted to report all appointees favorably except for Tina Vidal-Duart, whose confirmation was held for a separate vote at the request of Senator Bracy Davis. After discussion, the committee voted 5-1 to report her confirmation favorably as well. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

TCA Public Hearing 03-25-2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • outreach and also ola havi into um the outreach and also to<00:20:28.640> ensure<00:20:28.880> native
  • <00:20:29.280> individuals<00:20:29.919> and to ensure native individuals and to ensure
  • native individuals and communities<00:20:30.720> are<00:20:30.880> closely<00:20:31.200
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Committee on Transportation and Culture heard a series of resolutions covering cultural preservation, civic education, dark-sky protection, Taiwan relations, aviation safety reporting, waterborne cargo subsidies, and Maui transportation planning. Testimony on the Hawaii Theatre resolutions (SCR 131/SR 110) came from the Hawaii Theatre Center in support, with a question about whether acquisition funding was in the current budget; the witness said he was not aware of any such funding. The state archivist strongly supported SCR 169/SR 138 on expanding public outreach and civic engagement, and a student testifier supported the measure while urging stronger language to include Indigenous culture and closer work with Native communities. On STR 12/SR 8 recognizing International Dark Sky Week, testimony emphasized light pollution’s effects on birds, marine life, human health, and astronomy, and suggested stronger lighting ordinances and possible dark-sky reserve efforts. STR 31/SR 17 on Taiwan received support from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, while STR 180/SR 150 on aviation safety reporting drew support from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters but opposition from the Department of Transportation, which said much of the requested information falls under FAA jurisdiction and would be voluntary at the state level. STR 150 on waterborne cargo subsidies was supported by DOT, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, with DOT asking that the working group be smaller to speed a report to the 2026 session. STR 37/SR 21 and STR 38/SR 22 on Kihei road planning drew support from the Kihei Community Association, which described severe congestion and safety concerns in South Maui. In decision-making, the committee advanced SCR 131/SR 110 on the Hawaii Theatre as introduced. SCR 169/SR 138 was advanced with amendments to address comments about Indigenous culture. STR 12/SR 8 on International Dark Sky Week was deferred for further discussion until the following Tuesday. STR 31/SR 17 on Taiwan was advanced with technical, non-substantive amendments. STR 180/SR 150 and STR 150 were both deferred to the same later decision-making date to allow further work on possible amendments and jurisdictional issues. STR 37/SR 21 was passed as introduced, and STR 38/SR 22 was passed with technical, non-substantive amendments. In each vote taken, the measures were adopted without recorded opposition from the members present.