Video & Transcript Research : 'federally funded programs'
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MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:55:00.720>
program have funding to strengthen program have funding to strengthen program integrity - The portion of the bill may be of interest to this committee because of how the program is funded.
- Our budget target does not support funding this subsidy or the reinsurance program with general fund
- the waiver, and otherwise maximize the federal funding.
- the waiver, and otherwise maximize the federal funding.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services Jul 7th, 2026
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2020, the pandemic hit, and federal funds became available through the enhanced funding that the federal
- That federal funding became part of our system.
- Next, I'll talk about PATH, which is a federally funded program. Thank you.
- I'll talk about PATH, which is a federally funded program that is a formula-based grant that we get from
- to basically radically reorient the program at the federal level that funds homelessness programs in
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 03/19/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:18:47.120>
So <00:18:47.280>we deal a lot with federal funds. - So we deal a lot with federal funds.
- Funds will ensure state requirements are met under federal funding agreements for the new homes.
- <00:48:27.040>
for would fund a meals on wheels program for would fund a meals on wheels program - funding available from the federal funding available from the federal government.<01:06:40.480><
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture - 01/29/2026
Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- I think the Fresh Connect program is very similar to the Double Up Food Bucks program.
- The Double Up Food Bucks program still has federal funding.
- for programs like SNAP and others.
- That's a different program.
- Because there is federal funding that I don't believe goes to Fresh Connect, but we go to Double Up.
Summary:
The Agriculture Committee met for its first 2026 meeting and took up a full agenda of bills focused on food safety, agricultural programs, consumer transparency, and farm-related policy. Early measures included S.592 on a youth and agriculture entrepreneurship summer employment program, which was reported to finance without opposition, and S.1239E, the Food Safety and Technical Disclosure Act, which would require disclosure of certain food ingredients to the state and public and also ban three substances outright. Senator Kavanaugh described the bill as closing a loophole in federal food safety law; Senator Borrello opposed it as a state-by-state approach that could raise costs and disrupt the supply chain, while Senator O’Rourke supported it as a science-based measure with available substitutes. The bill was reported back to the board with one no vote and one without recommendation.
The committee also advanced S.1783A on liquefied petroleum/propane fee disclosures, with supporters saying it would prevent consumers from being charged for improper or hidden fees and opponents arguing it should not single out state-related charges; the bill moved to the board. S.4041, creating a sanitary retail food store grant program, was reported to finance. S.4162, relating to the Fresh Connect program and local produce purchases, prompted discussion about whether state resources should instead be concentrated on the Double Up Food Bucks program; sponsors said both programs are needed and that Double Up has capacity limits, and the bill was moved to finance.
Later, the committee advanced S.6286A, establishing an agricultural tax viability pilot program tied to agrivoltaics; supporters said it would address a need raised in recent hearings and work with farm groups, while Senator Borrello voted no. The final bill, S.7618 on food safety and quality date label requirements, drew debate over whether New York should act without a federal standard and whether the bill could create confusion or unintended costs, especially for dairy and other perishables. Supporters said the bill would reduce food waste and simplify the many existing date labels without forcing new labeling on those who do not already use it; members also discussed refrigeration references in the bill, and the sponsor said the language could be adjusted. The committee then adjourned and announced that future meetings will be held on the third floor in the new location.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board (9-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, it's not to replicate programs already supported by other federal programs.
- So, if there's other federal programs that are in place and there's funding being provided, they intend
- So, if there's other federal programs that are in place and there's funding being provided, they intend
- So, if there's other federal programs that are in place and there's funding being provided, they intend
- So, if there's other federal programs that are in place and there's funding being provided, they intend
Summary:
The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board’s fourth meeting focused primarily on a presentation from University of Kentucky and University of Louisville health leaders about the state university directed payment program. Mark Birdwhistle and Ken Marshall described the program as a long-running, value-based Medicaid arrangement that began in 2019, uses university-provided matching funds rather than provider taxes, and ties a portion of payments to quality outcomes. They said the program has improved measures such as tobacco cessation, diabetes control, depression screening, and cancer screening, while supporting access to specialty care, medical education, and workforce training. They also emphasized that Kentucky’s model is nationally notable and has helped improve health rankings and generate cost savings.
A major topic was the federal reconciliation bill signed July 4, which the presenters said will reduce directed payments by 10% annually for 10 years beginning in 2028. UL Health estimated a first-year loss of about $75 million and a cumulative loss of about $600 million over the decade; UK estimated about $100 million in the first year, for a combined first-year impact of roughly $175 million. Both speakers warned the cuts could affect access to care, training capacity, and the sustainability of Kentucky’s value-based model, though they expressed hope that congressional action could alter or delay the changes. They also noted that 340B drug pricing changes could further strain already thin operating margins, but did not provide exact figures during the meeting.
Committee members responded positively to the program’s reported outcomes and the institutions’ role in Kentucky health care. Senator Berg praised the quality of care and shared a personal example of being advised to stay at UofL for breast cancer treatment. Representative Moer highlighted Kentucky’s strong cancer-control score and asked for more explanation of the value-based payment structure; the presenters said the system is built around ongoing measurement, accountability, and collaboration with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the amended August 27 minutes by voice vote.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Public Pension Oversight Board (9-23-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- He explained that those contributions largely represented federally funded positions in school districts
- He said the contributions from federally funded positions were $72 million in 2019, grew slowly over
- He said the contributions from federally funded positions fluctuated over time.
- For example, he said there were $72 million received in 2019 from federally funded positions.
- funded positions paid by the federal government.
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:35
Attendance Roll Call: 00:00:55
Approval of Minutes: 00:02:56
Deferred Compensation Authority Update: 00:03:12
Retiree Health Update - TRS: 00:15:58
Retiree Health Update - KPPA: 00:56:13
Adjournment: 01:08:10, 958, all
Summary:
The Public Pension Oversight Board met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and heard updates from the Kentucky Public Employees Deferred Compensation Authority and the Teachers Retirement System. The deferred compensation update highlighted continued growth in assets to about $4.787 billion and roughly 88,000 participants, strong retention from auto-enrollment, a marketing campaign tied to pay raises that generated additional participation, and a new self-directed brokerage account expected to launch July 1 of the coming year for participants with at least a $40,000 balance, allowing up to 25% of their account to be moved into the brokerage window. The director also described the free financial planning service, which has been used by about 3,500 participants with a high return rate, and said the plan is currently in a fee holiday; if fees are charged, they are capped at $237 per year for most participants.
Members asked questions about who provides the CFP service, the fee structure, and the brokerage eligibility threshold. The director said the CFP service is provided through the authority’s service bundle with Nationwide, not as a separate paid service, and explained that the fee cap and current fee holiday are intended to keep the program low-cost. Board members praised the deferred compensation program’s performance and asked for a copy of the legislation referenced in the presentation.
TRS then presented on retired teachers’ health insurance. Barnes first clarified how declining federal contributions for federally funded school positions affect the retirement annuity trust, explaining that if those federal dollars fall, the amounts would need to be covered through the SEEK formula and that the projection for those contributions is about $80 million over the next three years. He then reviewed TRS retiree health coverage, distinguishing between KEHP for retirees under 65 or not Medicare-eligible and MEHP for Medicare-eligible retirees, and explained that TRS recently completed RFPs for both prescription drug and medical coverage. TRS will keep Express Scripts for prescription drugs, but will move the Medicare Advantage medical plan from UnitedHealthcare to Humana on January 1, 2026, while keeping the plan design, provider access, and out-of-pocket structure largely unchanged, with a new hearing-aid benefit of $500 per ear.
Barnes also reported the 2026 premium and contribution changes: the maximum TRS contribution toward KEHP will rise to $1,144.96 from $930.76, an 18% increase that he said will require roughly $15 million to $16 million more in the state budget, while the MEHP premium will drop to $200 per month from $210. He said the TRS board has statutory authority to set these amounts and that the changes will have mixed actuarial effects, with the KEHP increase being negative overall and the MEHP decrease positive.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The main funding mechanism for communities to address homelessness is the federal continuum of care program
- funding from the program in charge.
- funding from the program in charge.
- Lastly, the federal program provides no oversight or accountability.
- That federal program typically influences state and local programs.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 11th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to... ...grant programs, what we decided to do is authorize the Department of Commerce to provide funding
- In regards to the relationship with the federal government and the funding sources, as it relates to
- Certainly what happens at the federal government may change who ends up funding that process, but right
- now, our Department of Public Instruction depends on those federal funds for that rewrite.
- now, our Department of Public Instruction depends on those federal funds for that rewrite.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call showing 46 members present. It then took up multiple House messages and amendments, appointing conference committees on several measures, including SB 2007, SCR 4007, SB 2374, SB 233, and House bills 1029, 1218, and 1022. The chamber also considered a series of House bills on the sixth and 14th orders, often adopting committee amendments before final passage or, in some cases, rejecting the bill outright.
Among the major policy items, the Senate passed HB 1524 on regional planning council grants, HB 1143 increasing a food bank appropriation to $10 million, HB 1126 modernizing cosmetology licensing and inspections, HB 1542 making student applications for admission exempt records, HB 1613 regulating law enforcement use of robots, HB 1582 directing a study on false reports and accusations, HB 1214 revising school transportation funding, HB 1448 creating a study on advanced technologies, HB 1280 on drainage project voting rules, HB 1499 protecting records related to federal judges, and several Senate bills returned from the House, including SB 2221, SB 2117, SB 2198, SB 2120, and SB 2214. The Senate also adopted amendments to HB 1541 on septic systems before rejecting it on final passage.
Several high-profile bills failed after debate. HB 1566, dealing with kratom regulation, saw an amendment to convert it to a study fail on a 21-25 vote, after which the chamber laid the bill over for one legislative day rather than take final action. HB 1283, which would have eliminated cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams in the state employee plan, was defeated 22-24 after extensive debate over cost, precedent, and insurance impacts. HB 1527, requiring Holocaust education in statute, also failed 22-24, with supporters emphasizing the importance of the subject and opponents arguing curriculum belongs in standards rather than statute. The Senate adjourned after announcements, scheduling its next meeting for Monday, April 14, 2025.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Health Services (1-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- payment program, and this program allows Kentucky Medicaid to draw down additional federal funds at
- have to put up to draw down the federal funds under this program.
- <00:27:24.399>
to additional federal funds at no cost to additional federal funds at no cost - 00:27:37.760>
are funds under this program hospitals are funds under this program hospitals are - program atrip and the additional funding program atrip and the additional funding has<00:30:27.960
Keywords:
00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call
00:16 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations
25:49 Discussion of Hospital Rate Improvement Plan
58:50 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee began by reviewing a large slate of administrative regulations and explaining that it does not approve regulations but can find them deficient and send them back for further work. Members then asked questions on several items, including EMS reciprocity, dental hygienist licensure, and interpreter licensure. The EMS board explained that reciprocity would extend to applicants from any state, not just contiguous states, because the underlying statute had been amended. On the dental regulation, staff said the changes mainly clarified licensure requirements, reinstatement fees, and that dental hygienists administering local anesthetic must do so under direct dentist supervision.
The most extended discussion involved the Board of Interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The board chair said the main concern was that the EIPA is an educational specialty assessment, not a nationally recognized certification, yet the regulation would allow it to support full licensure. Members discussed whether that could let educational interpreters work outside their intended scope and whether a separate educational license or statutory change would be more appropriate. The board said it did not think the regulation could be fixed further at this point and suggested a statute could create a narrower educational interpreter license. After discussion, the committee voted to defer both related interpreter regulations, 201 KAR 39:030 and the companion regulation, for further work.
The committee then took up two community mental health regulations, 907 KAR 1:044 and 907 KAR 5:005, which had been found deficient in Administrative Regulations. Department for Medicaid Services staff said the rules would expand and rename the mental health associate role as a behavioral health associate, making the role available in many more facilities, but would also require additional coursework or progress toward licensure. Some members and providers raised access-to-care concerns, especially for rural areas and unlicensed staff already working in the field. Staff said the proposal had been revised through work with CMHCs and licensing boards, but the committee ultimately voted to defer both regulations as well.
After finishing the regulation review, the committee heard a presentation from the Kentucky Hospital Association on the ATRIP hospital rate improvement program. Hospital representatives said ATRIP is a Medicaid state-directed payment program funded through a provider tax and federal matching dollars, allowing hospitals to receive payments tied to quality measures. They reported improvements including lower Medicaid readmissions, high sepsis screening rates, reduced infections and opioid prescribing, expanded postpartum depression and suicide screening, and training for more than 1,000 people. They said the program has helped hospitals invest in staffing and quality improvement and warned that without it, many hospitals would face severe financial strain.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CAA Info Briefing - Thu May 8, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:49:36.480>
funding of uncertainty with the federal funding of uncertainty with the federal - So, the federal funding for that specific program, has that already been swept or is it still continuing
- So, the federal funding for that specific program, has that already been swept or is it still continuing
- So, the federal funding for that specific program, has that already been swept or is it still continuing
- islands, but it was very... the federal funding and the uncertainty the federal funding and the uncertainty
Summary:
The Committee on Culture and the Arts held an informational briefing with representatives from ʻIolani Palace and Bishop Museum to discuss how the Legislature can better support state-funded cultural institutions during the interim and into the next session. Chair Capella said the goal was to understand current needs, preserve Hawaiian culture and history, and expand educational access. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.
ʻIolani Palace’s representative described the Friends of ʻIolani Palace’s role as the nonprofit supporting repair, restoration, maintenance, and public education for the state monument. She said state operational funding and ARPA funds were critical to keeping the palace open, maintaining HVAC and other systems, and funding repairs that would otherwise fall to DLNR. She highlighted ongoing and planned projects including a fire suppression system, HVAC improvements, basement exhibit work, plumbing repairs, elevator replacement, etched glass restoration, and school-tour access. She also noted that a prior $150,000 CIP for windows and doors had not yet been released, and said the organization is exploring ways to bring more neighbor island students to the palace through transportation support, airline partnerships, and digital outreach.
Bishop Museum’s representatives outlined the museum’s history, its role as the state museum of natural and cultural history, and its extensive collections in archives, archaeology, botany, entomology, zoology, and cryopreservation. They emphasized the museum’s work in preservation, research, environmental stewardship, and public education, including free access through Museums for All, daily programming, and cultural festivals and community events. They said state funding has been essential for staffing, IT security, fire suppression, and infrastructure needs, and that digitization of the museum’s 25 million objects is a major ongoing initiative to preserve and share Hawaiʻi’s history and knowledge.
UT
Utah 2025 Regular Session
Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee - November 19, 2025
Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- governments beyond the life of the current grant-funded program.
- On the $5 million that you need ongoing to fund this, in the past, the federal government has funded
- If the federal government were to fund the program again, they're talking about a 60/40 or 70/30 match
- If the federal government were to fund the program again, they're talking about a 60/40 or 70/30 match
- Service that an agency is doing that is funded by the federal government.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The total all health fund.
- TERA is a program on a federal level that allows families who don't meet the income standard for the
- a<00:04:22.880>
federal <00:04:23.199>level <00:04:23.440>that is a program - on a federal level that is a program on a federal level that allows<00:04:24.560>
um <00:04:24.800 - into the Medicaid program through fees. into the Medicaid program through fees.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Aug 20th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Using federal funds to purchase a building that was renovated by state funds seems questionable.
- So we used that $26,000 as a match to our federal funds as a donation from support from the county.
- I know it's on our list, but there's that Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee...
- programs.
- It's a great way to get federal funding as opposed to just doing child care for those kids to do services
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Press Conference: DFL Media Availability on Threat to Dismantle the US Department of Education Feb 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- But we are prepared to learn about those federal funds that go to our schools; that was the important
- But we are prepared to learn about those federal funds that go to our schools; that was the important
- But we are prepared to learn about those federal funds that go to our schools; that was the important
- <00:03:47.480>
funding finance committee that Federal funding finance committee that Federal - That's federally funded.
Summary:
Minnesota Senate Democrats held an education finance press conference focused on concerns that the Trump administration may dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and freeze or reduce federal education funding. Speakers said such actions could jeopardize Title I, special education, English learner, school meal, transportation, and other programs, and noted that federal education aid is often reimbursed after districts have already spent the money. They argued that even a 10% cut would amount to roughly $1 billion and could leave districts unable to cover costs they have already incurred.
Several speakers also raised concerns about broader federal actions, including school vouchers, curriculum restrictions, and access to student and Treasury data by Elon Musk and others, warning about privacy and the possible targeting of DEI, ethnic studies, truth-and-history curriculum, and efforts to recruit and retain teachers of color. They said the instability makes it impossible for districts to plan budgets and maintain staffing, and that the harm is already being felt through frozen aid and other disruptions.
The speakers criticized Republican colleagues for downplaying the threat and said Republicans were inconsistent because they had recently highlighted teacher shortages and school infrastructure needs while now minimizing potential cuts. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the press conference; the event was a call for public pressure on Republican lawmakers to oppose the federal changes and protect Minnesota schools and students.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on HB 1260, HB 1574, HB 1816, HB 1499, HB 1709 (05/26/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- general funds.
- This program also um h had 70 year.
- But I do trust that they will allocate funds and prioritize funds correctly because...
- >> the federal promise was up to 40%. >> the federal promise was up to 40%.
- to that portion of the adequacy funding. to that portion of the adequacy funding.
Keywords:
10:00am HB 1260
11:00am HB 1574
12:00pm HB 1816
2:30pm HB 1499
2:45pm HB 1709, 928, house, all
Summary:
The conference committee first met on HB 1260, a bill requested by municipal clerks to allow certain divorce-related records to be kept confidential. House members argued the Senate amendment would reverse the presumption of openness established in the Keene Sentinel case and raise constitutional issues under the state constitution’s privacy and open-government provisions. Senate members responded that the 2018 privacy amendment, the limited scope of the proposal, and modern internet risks justified the change, but the House maintained the issue needed a full hearing in a separate bill. The committee ultimately voted unanimously for the Senate to recede and adopt the House version, preserving the underlying bill without the Senate amendment, and both sides said they would revisit the topic in a future session.
The committee then took up HB 1574, which extends free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch programs and provides funding for SNAP administrative costs. The main dispute was the Senate’s addition of $4.4 million for SNAP administration, which DHHS said was needed because federal law would shift more administrative costs to the state and could increase the state’s SNAP error rate, potentially triggering much larger future penalties. DHHS officials reported the current error rate was 7.57% for federal fiscal year 2024, below the national average, and estimated that if the rate rose above 8%, the state could owe about 10% of SNAP benefits, or roughly $12 million for a partial year and nearly $16 million for a full year. Some House members supported the added funding as a preventive measure, while others objected that the underlying bill was modest and the amendment resembled a previously rejected proposal. The discussion ended with the committee moving toward the House position and the bill’s future depending on the chamber’s vote on the Senate amendment.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- freedom account funds in the same<02:03:04.719>
program <02:03:05.679>year. - Household incomes have to be 300% of the federal poverty level or lower, and the program is capped at
- Just briefly, um, this is a new program at a time when we're having trouble having enough funds for all
- So it would be worthwhile to develop the program. >> Well, that sort of happened on the federal government
- the purpose of funding a pilot program<03:54:54.880>
and <03:54:55.120>then <03:54:55.359
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/9/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- > data funding for accessing federal data funding for accessing federal data sources sources sources
- :14:11.520>
programs while funding lower intensity programs while funding lower intensity programs - programs that I have would not be funded programs that I have would not be funded because<01:36:
- <01:37:49.679>
We keep that program going and funding. - We keep that program going and funding.
Bills:
HF2434
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/27/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
state funding from federal government state funding from federal government state government<- Those entities get a share of that funding, along with some federal funds, to do their work as well.
- <01:30:59.800>
funds <01:31:00.159>that through typically federal funds that through - <01:31:06.719>
funding <01:31:07.560>and some of the federal funding and some of the - programs so the state special funding programs so the state special funding the<01:42:31.920>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Judicial branch, public defender budget requests to House judiciary and civil law panel 1/21/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We also want to raise the mileage rate to be in line with the federal rates mandated services funding
- We also want to raise the mileage rate to be in line with the federal rates mandated services funding
- We also want to raise the mileage rate to be in line with the federal rates mandated services funding
- funding, um, and so we have some that are currently federally funded.
- how much you're funding the existing, I understand that some of it is federal and there's a transition
Summary:
The House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee heard a presentation from State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba on the Minnesota judicial branch’s 2026-27 budget request. He outlined the courts’ structure and workload, noting 322 judges, about 2,800 staff, roughly 1 million district court cases annually, and a current budget of about $479 million. Shorba emphasized the courts’ constitutional role, the fact that court fines and fees are deposited into the general fund rather than retained by the branch, and recent legislative investments that helped reduce pandemic-era backlogs, improve technology, sustain treatment courts, and raise interpreter and examiner pay.
The budget request focused on several areas: a 6% judicial salary increase to address recruitment and retention problems, including a 15% rise in turnover and a 27% drop in applicants since 2020; funding for health care and office lease cost increases; digital accessibility compliance work required by new federal ADA rules; a modernized justice partner access system for court records; higher pay for forensic psychological examiners, whose workload has risen sharply; increased juror compensation from $20 to $100 per day and mileage adjustments; and ongoing funding for interpreters, jury services, and cybersecurity. Shorba said the total request would be a 12% increase over the FY 2026-27 base budget.
Members asked follow-up questions about funding for newly launched treatment courts and how those courts are financed after federal grants expire. Shorba said he would provide more detail later and noted the branch generally starts treatment courts with federal funding before seeking state support. Representative Ric also asked about labor negotiations, and Shorba explained that the judicial branch negotiates its own contracts rather than using the executive branch, with three unions involved and many unrepresented employees. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 01/21/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- This too received federal funding: a $25 million federal fund awarded in October of 2024.
- <02:05:40.079>
Federal Federal funding a $25 million Federal Federal funding a $25 million - If we have $3, we can bring in $7 of federal funding under their federal Conservation Reserve Program
- /c><02:10:36.679>
opportunity federal to State funding um opportunity federal to State funding - <02:10:42.400>
funding we can bring in $7 of federal funding we can bring in $7 of federal
Summary:
Chair Foung Hawj opened the Environment, Climate and Legacy Committee meeting by welcoming members, agency staff, and constituents, and by outlining the committee’s shared-power arrangement for the session. Members introduced themselves and described environmental activities from the interim, including gardening, outdoor recreation, farming visits, Great Lakes work, and a tree-planting trip in Thailand that Hawj said symbolized cultural unity and environmental stewardship.
Ben Stanley, the committee’s nonpartisan counsel, then explained the co-chairs’ operating agreement: Hawj would chair the meeting, Senator John Hoffman would chair the next two meetings, then Hawj would chair the following two, with the chair rotating after each pair of meetings. Agendas would be set jointly, additional meetings would require both chairs’ approval, and passing a bill out of committee would require a majority of all committee members, or seven votes. At Senator Tory Westrom’s request, the agreement was to be emailed to members in writing.
Stanley also reviewed the committee’s jurisdiction, which includes environmental and natural resources bills, legacy funds, and agencies such as the Environmental Quality Board, Department of Natural Resources, Pollution Control Agency, and Board of Water and Soil Resources, along with several related councils and boards. Fiscal analyst Dan Mueller then gave a budget overview of the committee’s agencies, noting that many current biennium appropriations include one-time general fund money that drops back in the 2026-27 base budget. He highlighted funding levels for the Pollution Control Agency, DNR, Metro Parks, Conservation Corps, BWSR, the Minnesota Zoo, the Science Museum, and the Metropolitan Landfill Contingency Action Trust Account, and said the committee’s base-budget area totals about $2.2 billion. He also reviewed the Legacy funds, estimating available 2026-27 appropriations of about $327 million for Outdoor Heritage, $31.7 million for Clean Water, $133 million for Parks and Trails, and $185 million for Arts and Cultural Heritage. No votes or bill actions were taken at this meeting.