Video & Transcript Research : 'affordability programs'

Page 114 of 500
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the founder-director of the 10-P Program, and we're in strong support of this legislation.
  • I'm the founder director of the 10-P program, and we're in strong support of this legislation.
  • I'm the director of the low-wage work program at the UC Berkeley Labor Center.
  • AB 746 expands the existing CDCR labor programs by creating the inmate cooperative program to support
  • the field through an innovative approach offered by an apprenticeship model program.
Summary: The committee heard several labor-related bills, with AB 1424, AB 1340, AB 288, and AB 746 all advancing on due-pass motions to Appropriations after testimony and roll calls. AB 1424 would require climate resiliency and extreme-heat protections in CDCR facilities; supporters described dangerous heat conditions for incarcerated workers and staff, while no opposition testified. AB 1340 would allow rideshare drivers to unionize and collectively bargain; drivers, labor groups, and researchers testified that app-based work is low-paid and unstable, while TechNet, Uber, Lyft, and other business groups argued the bill conflicts with Proposition 22 and could raise costs. AB 288 would let PERB step in when federal labor remedies are unavailable; supporters said it is needed because of NLRB dysfunction, while the Chamber of Commerce raised preemption and enforcement concerns. AB 746 would create an inmate cooperative program and a green reentry reserve; supporters framed it as a recidivism-reduction and reentry strategy, and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard AB 858, which would extend hotel and hospitality worker recall rights after declared emergencies and extend existing COVID-era protections. Hospitality workers and unions supported the bill as a way to protect jobs after pandemics, wildfires, and other disasters, while hotel, chamber, retail, restaurant, trucking, travel, and attractions groups opposed it, saying the current recall rules were meant to sunset and that the bill would create broad liabilities and hiring complications. The bill was moved to Appropriations but remained on call after the roll. AB 291, creating a credentialed educator apprenticeship program to address teacher shortages and improve diversity, drew support from education groups and stakeholders who said apprenticeships could lower preparation costs and provide better support; it was also moved to Appropriations and placed on call. Later, the committee took up AB 1104, a solar-energy bill intended to clarify that private solar customers are not “awarding bodies” and to ease certain business-to-business solar transactions while preserving prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements for contractors. Supporters said the current interpretation has chilled commercial solar adoption and harmed jobs, while opponents from electrical workers, PG&E, and others warned about expanded “over-the-fence” power sales and the need for clearer limits. Members questioned the lack of a definition of “small,” and the bill was held without a second. The committee also heard AB 338, which seeks $50 million for Los Angeles and Ventura wildfire workforce recovery; the author and county officials described major job loss and business destruction and said the funds would support displaced workers and rebuilding, with the testimony continuing beyond the excerpt provided.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 23rd, 2025

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • provide 13 checks, or in this case of this last session, a COLA for our retired teachers in the TRS program
  • Thirteen checks to our state retirees in the ERS program, including retired state troopers and prison
  • For Texans, the need for safe, affordable credit is an absolute priority.
  • Many states are acknowledging the need for more safe, affordable credit options.
  • Access to affordable credit with fair, reasonable terms is essential.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Education Committee Apr 1st, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Very important program.
  • Very proud of that program.
  • This is a real good program.
  • You can run a program.
  • or our state programs.
Summary: The committee met to hear presentations on dual credit programs from North Dakota higher education leaders, a school superintendent, and teachers. Valley City State University described its dual credit model, emphasizing quality control through annual teacher training, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty qualification review, school visits, and pathways aimed at the College Studies Certificate. Members asked about teacher employment, course scheduling, revenue, scholarships, and whether a centralized model might improve efficiency; VCSU said most instructors are K-12 employees, online offerings are still small, and centralization could weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College similarly stressed access and partnerships, noting about half of its headcount is still in high school, with both online and face-to-face dual credit options, district reimbursement arrangements, and support for rural schools. Lake Region also said dual credit helps students who might not otherwise see themselves as college-bound, but reduced tuition can still be a barrier for some families. Fargo Public Schools reported continued growth in dual credit, with 50 courses offered in partnership with several NDUS institutions and a 12.61% increase in participation. The superintendent highlighted a growing education pathway, including students completing Introduction to Education and field experience, and said the district is exploring a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. He also raised concerns about inconsistent institutional processes, teacher credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity, arguing for more aligned statewide systems. In response to questions, he said AP and dual credit can coexist, with AP often better for highly selective out-of-state colleges and dual credit better for students targeting North Dakota institutions, and he described some use of Arizona State online courses in earlier rural partnerships but said Fargo is focused on local institutions. Two teachers then testified on the classroom perspective. A West Fargo anatomy and physiology teacher said dual credit has expanded access, lowered costs, and prepared students well, but agreed that foundational science courses may be more effective when taken later in high school to reduce knowledge loss before college. A Drake-Anamoose English teacher, who has taught dual credit for more than 20 years, said the program has supported many students who went on to a wide range of careers and emphasized that small rural schools rely on dual credit to provide opportunities they otherwise could not offer. No formal votes or actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee Jun 17th, 2026

Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Transcript Highlights:
  • And more time to afford for their families and for their loved ones.
  • We have about 77,000 businesses that are actually running the program.
  • We have about 77,000 businesses that are actually running the program.
  • This is why the Dogwuf program is so important.
  • And then come March, June of next year, July—that's the end of the program.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Joint Committee on Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • So it would be for the teacher prep programs.
  • And they're the ones who are going to be programming the device.
  • They don't need to know how to necessarily program and assess kids for the device.
  • I mean, different teacher prep programs.
  • After six years together, we still can't afford our own apartment.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with most testimony focused on two main topics: improving access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for students with disabilities, and raising educator pay statewide. On the AAC bills (House 514/Senate 418), parents, advocates, and attorneys described how AAC devices and communication books help nonverbal or minimally verbal children communicate, participate in class, and reduce frustration and behavioral issues. Testimony emphasized that while districts are generally required to provide devices, many teachers and school staff lack training to use them effectively; the bill would direct DESE to update licensure and training requirements so newly licensed teachers are prepared to support AAC users. Committee members asked about current teacher-prep practices, implementation, and whether DESE could act without legislation, and witnesses said the proposal was intended as a long-term solution and had previously received some support and compromise language. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House 733/Senate 370, which would set a statewide minimum salary of $70,000 for teachers and $55,000 for education support professionals (ESPs/paras), with inflation adjustments and a phase-in structure that would shift costs over time from the state to municipalities. Supporters, including the bill sponsor, MTA leaders, and school employees from several districts, argued that current pay is not a living wage, contributes to staffing shortages and turnover, and forces many educators to work multiple jobs or rely on public assistance. They said the bill would help recruit and retain staff and better reflect the importance of the work. Committee members raised questions about how the state would fund the mandate, how it would interact with Chapter 70 school aid and local budgets, whether other states have similar mechanisms, and whether the proposal could create disincentives for districts already paying above the floor. Witnesses pointed to the Student Opportunity Act, the Fair Share Amendment, and the need for a broader school funding formula review as possible parts of the solution. The committee also briefly heard and discussed Senate Bill 435/House Bill 736, which would require de-escalation training for school bus operators, with the training paid for by employers. The sponsor and a parent advocate said the bill was prompted by a school bus incident involving a child with cerebral palsy and epilepsy and would improve safety and reduce reliance on law enforcement. Members asked whether the bill should also cover bus monitors and other transportation staff, and whether private contractors and public operators currently provide similar training. At the end of the hearing, the chairs closed testimony on the full list of bills and adjourned the hearing without taking any votes.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HOU Public Hearing 01-23-2025

Housing

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, so the rehabilitation of affordable housing is a process of making housing units safer, more comfortable
  • housing is a process of affordable housing is a process of making<00:03:12.920> housing<00:03
  • The proposal would allow the line of credit to be extended for the bond recycling program.
  • to provide them they just can't afford to provide them so<00:13:19.399> this<00:13:19.519>
  • <00:23:42.159> has to re-evaluate whether this program has to re-evaluate whether this program
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Committee on Housing heard testimony on several housing-related measures. Senate Bill 65 would appropriate funds to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority for rehabilitation and repair of public housing units. Testifiers from the Department of Human Services, HPHA, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and Roar Cares supported the bill, emphasizing that repairing vacant units is a fast, cost-effective way to increase available housing for homeless and elderly residents. HPHA later told the committee it had 139 vacant units, with an estimated average repair cost of about $73,000 per unit. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage of SB 65 with amendments, including an appropriation of $10,147,000, and the motion passed. The committee also considered Senate Bill 40, which would allow HHFDC to secure a line of credit or other indebtedness for the bond volume cap recycling program. HHFDC supported the measure and explained that Act 35 had provided a $150 million line of credit for fiscal year 2025 only, so this bill would extend that authority; HHFDC said the bonds involved would be revenue bonds. Roar Cares supported the bill, while the chair asked whether the Legislature would need to pass such a bill annually. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage with amendments to specify revenue bonds and noted the administration should study other ways to secure the line of credit without annual legislation. For Senate Bill 35, which would create a Housing Efficiency and Innovation subaccount within the rental housing revolving fund and allow fund transfers without legislative approval, HHFDC and several others supported the measure, arguing that more flexible fund movement would improve efficiency. The committee adopted a recommendation to pass SB 35 with amendments, including language prioritizing projects on state or county land or projects by entities required to reinvest surplus into housing, and noting nonprofit developers could qualify for prioritization. Senate Bill 42, which would repeal certain 30% AMI set-aside and preference requirements for rental housing revolving fund projects, drew opposition from Catholic Charities Hawaii, which argued the bill would reduce the supply of the most vulnerable housing units, while HHFDC warned it could reduce production of 30% AMI units. The committee deferred SB 42. The final bill discussed was Senate Bill 75, which would establish a working group to revise the state’s qualified allocation plan and related rental housing revolving fund loan terms and report back to the Legislature. HHFDC and others offered comments, while Catholic Charities asked that the bill be deferred, saying HHFDC already had the capacity to work with the community without a new law. Roar Cares supported the concept but urged broader stakeholder inclusion. In decision-making, the chair said the committee report would note concerns about prior QAP revisions and the need for more transparent, ongoing stakeholder participation, and the committee recommended passage of SB 75 without amendments. All recommendations were adopted, and the hearing adjourned.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Our programs, including our work in Puerto Rico, where I'm joining you from today, serve more than 30,000
  • New Yorkers have made it clear that they want transportation that's faster and more affordable, and I'm
  • But most certainly, as Jeanette said, accessibility and affordability are the big ones.
  • And so, in thinking precisely about affordability, we need to make sure that the members of TWU Local
  • So I can tell you, the capital program and the construction side of the MTA...
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The joint meeting of the Senate Finance, Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, and Transportation committees considered four nominations to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board: Melanie Hartzog, Jeanette Sadecott, Matthew Rand, and James O’Donnell. Each nominee gave opening remarks describing their public service or transportation-related experience and their interest in issues such as affordability, accessibility, state of good repair, regional connectivity, and transit safety. Senators also raised concerns about MTA transparency, the 2025-29 capital plan funding gap, fare and toll evasion, worker safety, and the need for better service in underserved areas. Members pressed the nominees on several policy questions, including the feasibility of free or reduced-fare buses, expanding bus service and bus lanes, restoring Hudson Valley and Harlem Line service, improving west-of-Hudson and Rockland County transit, and advancing the Second Avenue Subway and accessibility projects. The nominees generally said they were open to studying these ideas, emphasized collaboration with the MTA, governor, mayor, and legislature, and supported greater transparency and investment in transit infrastructure. Senators also highlighted labor concerns, including the MTA workers’ contract and safety for bus operators and other transit workers. At the end of the hearing, the committees voted separately on each nomination. Melanie Hartzog, Jeanette Sadecott, Matthew Rand, and James O’Donnell were each approved by the committees and advanced to the Senate floor. The meeting then adjourned.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 2/18/25

Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • just isn't getting to us as programs.
  • <00:10:56.800> from unfunded unfunded delegated program from unfunded unfunded delegated program
  • a better Community with more affordable a better Community with more affordable child<00:26:49.559
  • <00:53:37.240> so Summers all those different programs so Summers all those different programs
  • surveyed is our school-based programs surveyed is our school-based programs there's<01:09:45.120
Bills: HF656, HF655, HF633
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Health and Human Services Feb 6th, 2026 at 08:33 am

House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • That is a number that most people can never afford, and I couldn't afford it without access to VA health
  • I love peer support programs, but I really I believe my warning in this, I love peer support programs
  • That program is no longer in the Second Judicial District.
  • So if we only give one program, one curriculum, it might not be as effective as looking at all the programs
  • And not everyone can afford to have something like that.
Keywords: 996, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

06/11/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • and other reductions to university programs.
  • It is deeply concerning to see this critical program cut.
  • is a very expensive program to administer.
  • Affordability is the biggest issue. And you delivered. I vote aye.
  • Affordability is the biggest issue. And you delivered. I vote aye.
Keywords: 1182, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Jun 1st, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • I can't afford to pay for the fire.
  • Sometimes we can't afford it.
  • We're dealing with housing affordability. We're dealing with housing affordability.
  • We all want affordability. We all want affordability. We all... Locally elected leadership.
  • We all want affordability.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
LA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm all for affordable energy.
  • Businesses can't afford to move into our areas because they literally can't afford the insurance.
  • The ag and forestry program has brought up.
  • The ag and forestry program has brought up.
  • Whereas I know some of the other federal programs just have different, you know, goals that those programs
Summary: The committee first considered several local property-transfer and wildlife/fisheries bills, including SB 229 (Bojeur Parish property transfer), SB 71 (Lafayette Parish property transfer), and a series of Department of Wildlife and Fisheries measures. SB 203 simplified possession rules for fish on multi-day trips and remote camps; SB 429 created an administrative path to register “orphan” boats with lapsed registrations; SB 204 removed a residency-based restriction on certain commercial fishing gear licenses; SB 205 reduced duplicate registration requirements for federally documented boats; SB 213 clarified titling rules for vessels and outboard motors; and SB 257 removed Social Security number requirements from certain commercial fishing tags. Each of these bills was reported favorable, generally without objection, after brief explanations from sponsors and department counsel about reducing red tape, improving enforcement, or modernizing records. The committee also heard SB 214, which would allow the Teche-Vermilion Fresh Water District to stop pumping during an imminent flood threat identified by the National Weather Service or GOSEP, addressing liability concerns and giving local officials more flexibility in emergencies. SB 274, as amended, required lead hazard risk assessments for certain child care, early learning, and pre-kindergarten facilities and required hazards found in assessments to be addressed before licensing. Both bills were reported favorable. SB 379, a technical reorganization bill for the Department of Conservation and Energy, received two amendment sets: one changing investment language and another standardizing judicial-review procedures and online notice requirements; it was reported favorable after those amendments. The committee then adopted HCR 62, urging FEMA to review flood maps every five years instead of every ten and to better account for local flood-protection projects, with members discussing the burden of flood insurance and the need for FEMA to recognize levees, pump stations, and elevated homes. HCR 78 was also reported favorable, memorializing Congress to pass the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 in support of Louisiana’s seafood industry. HB 662, as substituted, was reported favorable after being rewritten to codify the department’s internal protocol for seized sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, prioritizing release, rehabilitation, placement, and euthanasia as a last resort. Finally, the committee considered two more contentious items. HR 216, which urged repudiation of the Louisiana Climate Action Plan of 2022, drew extended debate over whether the plan had been adopted without legislative input and whether it could affect permits or future policy; after discussion, the sponsor voluntarily deferred the resolution to return with a revised approach focused on a legislative hearing or review. SCR 24, dealing with chronic wasting disease rules, was introduced with amendments that would raise the prevalence threshold, cap samples, allow zone removal after three years without new detections, and lift baiting/feed prohibitions above a higher prevalence level; the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

February 18, 2026 - 08:00 AM

Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Up first, we have Representative Busada presenting CS for HB 837, Affordable Housing.
  • of you know, in recent years we've worked diligently to increase the availability of attainable, affordable
  • Flood insurance affordability is theoretical. It affects thousands of homeowners.
  • Of the Florida Forever Program, permanently protecting 61,525 acres of working forest land.
  • People who have grown up and lived here are moving because they cannot afford to live here.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • According to NHB's priced-out study, 77% of buyers are unable to afford just the median price.
  • Part of a 12-step program. Recognizing I had a problem and knowing there's a higher power.
  • I think that looking further out as a region and thinking about all of the affordability-reliant affordability
  • In California, really the top issue is housing, the lack of housing, lack of affordable housing.
  • Harris, is what can we do to accelerate the building of housing that's affordable?
Summary: The meeting focused on critical discussions surrounding the need for modernizing the federal environmental review and permitting processes. Witnesses from various sectors, including Nucor, provided testimony on the delays and costs associated with current regulations, emphasizing the impact on infrastructure and economic growth. Major projects in West Virginia, such as the Corridor H and Coalfield Expressways, were highlighted as examples of initiatives stalled by excessive permitting hurdles, prompting calls for bipartisan legislation to streamline these processes while maintaining environmental protections. The committee expressed a commitment to address these issues immediately, highlighting the urgency to enhance efficiency in permitting to facilitate economic development.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Jun 1st, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • I can't afford to pay for the fire.
  • We're dealing with housing affordability.
  • We all want affordability.
  • , after-school programs, and summer camps.
  • Local governments can no longer afford to provide those services.
Summary: The Committee on Appropriations took up SJR 2-F, the proposed constitutional amendment on property tax relief, which would reduce assessment growth on non-homestead property, expand homestead exemptions, create a new exemption for new homesteaders, and direct counties, cities, and school districts to use property tax revenues for specified core services. Senator Avila presented the measure as the governor’s plan to provide historic relief and argued that local governments should tighten budgets and prioritize core functions. Senators raised concerns about the lack of fiscal scoring, the breadth and ambiguity of the permitted uses, the effect on special districts and local services, and whether the proposal would shift costs to fees or other taxes. The committee adopted several amendments, including Avila’s amendment clarifying that ad valorem revenues could be used for county and municipal operations and administration and other expenditures not prohibited by law, and Trumbull’s amendment removing school board ad valorem taxes from the proposal. Other amendments failed, including proposals to allow user fees and non-ad valorem assessments, add a sunset, redirect tourism development taxes, narrow the small-business provision, and change the ballot title to reference local service reductions. Grall’s amendment removing the constitutional trust fund requirement was adopted, while the committee also rejected Berman’s title-change amendment and Smith’s sunset and tourism-tax amendments. The committee then returned to the bill as amended for questions, including extended debate over whether the proposal would affect noncitizen residents, the impact on local government finances, and whether local governments would respond with higher fees or special assessments. The meeting ended with the bill still under discussion after the final round of questions, with Avila saying he would continue working with the governor’s office on the language before the next vote.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • That said, first item on the agenda is SB 26, SD 2, relating to affordable housing.
  • Yeah, or the affordable rental housing task force done in 2018?
  • infrastructure districts and program infrastructure districts and program because<01:04:16.920><
  • First item is SP26 SD2, relating to affordable housing.
  • Next item is SP 102 SD2, relating to affordable housing.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The Housing Committee heard testimony on several housing-related bills. On SB 26, SD 2, relating to affordable housing, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development explained a prior transit-oriented development study that identified roughly 59,000 possible units and about 25,000 affordable units from known projects, and said the bill would help fill gaps by evaluating additional public lands for housing suitability and possible co-use with existing facilities. Members asked about the need for resources and staffing to do that work, and OPSD said it would need time and consultant support to carry it out. Testimony on the bill included support from state and county housing agencies and comments from planning and land use entities. On SB 66, SD 2, relating to housing and historic preservation review, SHPD and OHA both testified. SHPD said the bill would not override existing burial-site protections and that county staff with proper qualifications could make historic-property determinations locally, while OHA asked for clearer language requiring consultation when Native Hawaiian historic sites are involved and clearer procedures if an adverse effect is found. Committee members and SHPD discussed whether the bill should explicitly preserve existing Chapter 6E processes, whether counties have qualified staff, and how quickly a county would have to decide if it cannot complete the review itself and must use a third-party reviewer. Supporters said the measure could speed permitting and keep decisions local; one opponent argued it could rush approvals and strain infrastructure. The committee also heard support from housing, construction, business, and food-industry groups, and opposition from some preservation and community advocates. The committee then heard SB 332, SD 1, on foreclosure-related protections, with testimony focused on Lānaʻi and concerns about speculative real estate after the foreclosure moratorium ended. SB 414, SD 2, on restoring access to disaster-affected areas, drew support from HHFDC, DHS, and the Maui Chamber; HHFDC noted DOH plans for a temporary paved access road to the Kayola temporary housing site and said agencies were discussing which parcels would be needed. On SB 102, SD 2, relating to affordable housing and third-party historic review, SHPD said it would need to do more upfront screening and that the bill’s timelines and third-party provisions should be clearer; OHA said the measure should include a sunset and better staffing, and asked that the department fill positions to meet review demand. No votes or final committee actions were reported in the transcript.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Program, the National Estuary Program, and the Beach Act program, among others.
  • Program, the National Estuary Program, and the Beach Act program, among others.
  • Program, the National Estuary Program, and the Beach Act program, among others.
  • the speaking program. the speaking program.
  • Can I afford that plane ticket? Can I afford that energy bill?”
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. Tobacco Prevention and Control Program.
  • programs offer glucose monitor. programs offer glucose monitor.
  • medicine program in eastern Kentucky. medicine program in eastern Kentucky.
  • Um programs.
  • , which is sort of a program within a program.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The task force opened with a moment of silence for the Louisville UPS plane tragedy, approved the October 15 minutes, and reminded members to submit policy recommendations before the December 16 meeting, when the group will discuss its report to LRC. The first informational presentation, from the Department for Public Health, focused on youth vaping. Elizabeth Good and Julie Brooks cited a recent Surgeon General report warning that youth vaping can harm brain development, mental health, lungs, asthma, and hormones, and noted Kentucky survey data showing 8.7% of students reported daily vaping and 19.7% used vaping products in the prior 30 days. They described prevention and cessation resources including Catch My Breath, I Can End the Trend, Not on Tobacco, My Life, My Quit, Quitline services, and the Kentucky TRUST retailer education program, which trained 3,371 individuals in 2024 and distributed 253 Tobacco 21 toolkits. The next presentation came from Kentucky ABC on implementation of SB 100, which created the division of tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product licensing. Commissioner Scotty Tracy and Jamar Carter said all retailers selling tobacco, nicotine, or vapor products must be licensed, regulations were filed October 31, 2025, and the online application portal is live. In response to questions about sales to minors, they said violations carry escalating fines for clerks and owners, with a fourth violation resulting in no license renewal for two years and unpaid fines also blocking renewal. They said complaints can be submitted through the portal, by phone, or on the ABC website, and enforcement investigates tips and may use underage compliance checks. The committee then heard from Kim McKenna Johnson of One Cross Community Health, who argued for a “deficiency-first” and holistic approach to care centered on nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation. She said her clinic serves more than 7,000 patients in Taylor and Marion counties and described a model that includes primary care, behavioral health, functional medicine, addiction recovery, and chronic care. She cited Kentucky health rankings, claimed nutritional deficiencies cost the state billions, and said many children are overprescribed while undernourished. She urged broader insurance coverage for nutritional testing and supplements, rural demonstration grants, and Medicaid pilots for clinically prescribed supplements. Members asked about testing costs, dietitian support, long-term cost savings, compliance, and whether medications are often used to prevent damage from noncompliance; the presenter said the lab tests are generally covered, supplements are the main cost barrier, and seeing lab results can improve family buy-in. No votes were taken during the meeting.
WI

Wisconsin 2026 1st Special Session

Joint Committee on Finance May 12th, 2026

Joint Committee on Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Open Enrollment Program indexing.
  • So it's just current programs with this bill going forward.
  • their housing, struggle to afford their groceries, struggle to afford those things.
  • And that people are struggling to afford their housing.
  • But was that because we didn't give the amount of dollars to the program, or was that because the program
Keywords: 970, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Ways and Means (02/02/2026)

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • appropriate for this sort of program. appropriate for this sort of program.
  • <01:53:57.199> The the Wasaki River Basin program. The the Wasaki River Basin program.
  • Let's make those who can afford to pay more and let's give those who can least afford to pay finally
  • Let's make those who can afford to pay more and let's give those who can least afford to pay finally
  • But even for the folks who can afford to buy here, they may not be able to afford the taxes here.
Keywords: 1189, house, all