Video & Transcript : 'student skills' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 01/29/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- This year, 18 students received some supplemental academic funding.
- This year, 18 students received some supplemental academic funding.
- This year, 18 students received some supplemental academic funding.
- This year, 18 students received some supplemental academic funding.
- This year, 18 students received some supplemental academic funding.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Make America Healthy Again Kentucky Task Force (11-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a peer-led teaching approach which empowers students with the knowledge and skills needed to make
- </c><00:06:46.639><c> Presentations</c> researchers and students.
- Presentations researchers and students.
- We're going to showing them life skills.
- ,</c><01:39:25.440><c> and</c> healthc care providers, students, and healthc care providers, students
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.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Feb 18th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- And as you may know, approximately 20% of our students have dyslexia or some learning disability specifically
- And as you may know, approximately 20% of our students have dyslexia or some learning disability specifically
- Senate Bill 1340 would support students with specific learning disabilities.
- many indications prior to actually testing that we know a child is struggling with reading or math skills
- I think this is an important bill to identify students very, very early, and it standardizes the best
Bills:
S0042 , S0196 , S0878 , S0902 , S0914 , S1092 , S1168 , S1340 , S1404 , S1414 , S1684 , S1686
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met to hear and vote on a series of health, human services, and education-related bills, along with a presentation of the committee’s proposed HHS budget. The budget was described as increasing by more than $2.1 billion over the current base, with major funding highlighted for Medicaid and KidCare, rural health, provider rate increases, child welfare, mental health and substance use, opioid treatment, Alzheimer’s initiatives, cancer research, ADAP, veterans’ services, and IT modernization. Public testimony on the budget focused heavily on AIDS Drug Assistance Program funding and concerns about Department of Health changes affecting access, premium assistance, notice, and continuity of care for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Among the bills reported favorably were measures on podiatric medicine and tissue-based products (SB 1092), background screening and clearinghouse procedures (SB 1168), child protective investigations involving specific medical diagnoses and second opinions (SB 42), clinical laboratory personnel licensure standards (SB 878), uterine fibroid data tracking and research (SB 196), medical marijuana treatment center oversight and related health provisions (SB 902), dyslexia and dyscalculia screening and intervention in schools (SB 1340), memory care licensure for assisted living facilities (SB 1404), congenital CMV education materials (SB 1414), Parkinson’s disease registry and related public records exemption bills (SB 1684 and SB 1686), and occupational therapy dry needling licensure standards (SB 914). Several bills were amended before passage, including SB 1092, SB 42, SB 902, SB 1684, and SB 1404.
Testimony generally came from professional associations, advocacy groups, and affected stakeholders, with support voiced for most measures. The committee adopted amendments on the floor, heard no opposition during debate on the bills described, and then voted to report each measure favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded in the affirmative on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And so we're going to go through the commissioner criteria, the skills that folks have.
- And then going down to the next section, we do talk about skills and expertise.
- And then going down to the next section, we do talk about skills and expertise.
- Where are the gaps now from the skill sets?
- Where are the gaps now from the skill sets?
Summary:
The commission met to continue work on planning a Cape Verdean Cultural Center in Massachusetts, with a focus on finalizing membership and preparing for a feasibility study. After roll call and introductions, members reviewed and unanimously approved the November 25 minutes. The chair described the commission’s mandate, including monthly meetings, cultural institution visits, listening sessions, and hiring a consultant to conduct the feasibility study. Members also discussed the historical importance of the project in light of Cape Verde’s 50th anniversary of independence and the 250th anniversary of the United States.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to a draft nomination criteria document for expanding the commission. The criteria emphasized geographic, generational, gender, and sector diversity, along with needed expertise in areas such as arts and cultural programming, history, museum work, architecture, fundraising, nonprofit governance, higher education, language preservation, community organizing, economic development, legal issues, and communications. Members highlighted several organizations and institutions as important designees, including Bridgewater State’s Pedro Pires Institute, Mili Mila, the Schooner Ernestina Morrissey Advisory Board, and the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The criteria document was amended to explicitly include Cape Cod, and then approved unanimously.
The commission then reviewed a slate of 16 additional nominees to fill the remaining seats, discussing gaps in legal expertise, Taunton representation, and other regional needs. Members noted that some nominees could also support a separate Cape Verdean associations body rather than serve on the commission itself. After discussion, the body approved forming a three-member nominating committee consisting of the chair, Commissioner Monica Vega, and Commissioner Manny Lopes to narrow the list and report back. Commissioners also agreed to schedule another meeting later in the month to vote on final appointments, and the meeting adjourned after those action steps were set.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/10/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These students from my Senate district are among the thousand of students who attend private school,
- These students from my Senate district are among the thousand of students who attend private school,
- , efforts by civil rights organizations such as the Southern Christian Leadership Council and the Student
- The study also found that nearly one in five, 19%, female college students reported that they felt forced
- The study also found that nearly one in five, 19%, female college students reported that they felt forced
Summary:
The Senate met on March 9, 2026, approved the prior journal, and took up several procedural items, including substituting identical Senate Bill 6734A for Assembly Bill 4382A and adopting a resolution calendar with exceptions for Resolutions 1718 and 1723. The chamber also received amendments on another bill and heard multiple guest introductions, including students from Ahavas Bas Yaakov of Monsey and Dr. Angela Odoms-Young, who was recognized for her work on food and nutrition policy and health equity.
A major portion of the session was devoted to Resolution 1680 commemorating Bronx Day. Senators Fernandez, Bailey, Myrie, Serrano, Sepúlveda, Krueger, and others spoke in praise of the Bronx’s history, diversity, culture, resilience, and contributions to music, fashion, sports, and civic life. The Senate also adopted Resolution 1718 recognizing Harriet Tubman Day, with remarks highlighting Tubman’s work on the Underground Railroad, her Civil War service, and her later life in Auburn, and adopted Resolution 1723 marking the 61st anniversary of Bloody Sunday and emphasizing the continuing importance of voting rights protections.
The Senate then passed a series of bills from the calendar. These included measures on general municipal law, public health, executive law, education, vehicle and traffic law, criminal procedure, labor law, and legislative law. Several members explained their votes on health-related bills: Senator Cleare spoke about period poverty and access to free menstrual products in educational institutions; Senator Webb supported a bill requiring hospital governing boards to include a registered professional nurse; and Senator Murray, joined by Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, described personal experiences with blood clots and pulmonary embolism in support of a bill creating a working group on the issue. Most bills passed with broad support, though some had notable negative votes, and the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, March 11 at 3:00 p.m.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-07 - 11:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> have been underrepresented in skilled have been underrepresented in skilled trades<00:26:52.720>
- It means a student who is defined.
- of some struggles with that student between the student and the family or the family and the student
- , they still want to educate that student and keep going with that student.
- </c> want to keep going with that student. want to keep going with that student.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- and not just providing education for students in the traditional path, but also providing. workforce
- We've added 10,000 students in the past three years. bring our total enrollment to 32,000 students.
- We currently have a 148 portable classrooms housing over 4,000 students daily in our district and the
- The growth is going to continue in our community, and the students are going to continue to come, and
- Some of which actually exceed $50,000 owed per student. And that distinction belongs to Austin ISD.
Bills:
HB19 , HB30 , HB851 , HB1663 , HB1681 , HB1769 , HB1937 , HB1979 , HB2428 , HB2433 , HB2825 , HB3159 , HB3424 , HB3486 , HB3487 , HB3504 , HB3605 , HB3879 , HB3994 , HB4382 , HB4752 , HB5444 , HB5446 , HB5447 , HB3199 , HB4847 , HB19
Committee:
House Ways & Means
Keywords:
local government debt, property tax, ad valorem tax, bond election, certificate of obligation, anticipation note, school district tax rate, voter-approval rate, debt service cap, municipal finance, county bonds, flood control district, hospital district, public works, tax transparency, property tax notice, November uniform election date, general obligation bonds, local debt reform, taxpayer notice
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, it's church and it's a place where children learn to sit and hone in their attention skills
- It equips families by educating students and professionals.
- By educating students and providing parent-facing resources, we are finally giving Missouri families
- I strongly urge you to support this bill so we can give our students and families the tools they need
- It's not adding one more thing; it's a critical piece of how our students learn. Thank you.
Committee:
House Children and Families
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Minnesota FFA offers 29 career and leadership development events to their students.
- These are contests that students can participate in to build their skills and knowledge of agriculture
- these are contests that their students these are contests that students<00:03:01.720><c> can</c><00:
- can participate in to build students can participate in to build their<00:03:04.400><c> skills</c><00
- </c> just really taught me Financial skills just really taught me Financial skills time<00:03:52.360>
Bills:
HF1063
Committee:
House Agriculture Finance and Policy
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 3rd, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This allowed me to develop financial responsibility, a crucial skill needed in order to achieve success
- This allowed me to develop financial responsibility, a crucial skill needed in order to achieve success
- I'm an honor student, and I'm involved on campus and in the community.
- As I mentioned earlier, I turn 18 soon, and budgeting is an essential skill for adulthood, and I am ill-prepared
- My hope for the future is that my peers will feel confident in their budgeting skills and be well prepared
Committee:
Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Summary:
The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs heard and advanced four bills. CS/SB 1690, on early childhood education, was amended with a delete-all amendment that required public posting of child care inspection reports and data on child deaths, injuries, and substantiated abuse; changed certain notice and insurance provisions for family and large family child care homes; created the Florida Endowment for Early Learning; and made related definitional changes. The amendment was adopted and the committee reported the bill favorably. SB 1022, on children’s initiatives, would add two new Florida Children’s Initiatives in Bay County and Pompano in Broward County; the sponsor described the program as a community-based service network model, and the bill was reported favorably without opposition.
SB 996, on dependent children, would require DCF and community-based care lead agencies to coordinate and regularly meet with organizations focused on people with lived experience in the child welfare system, and to publish how suggestions are implemented. Several young adults with foster care experience testified in support, emphasizing the importance of youth voice, normalcy, and teaching financial responsibility through allowance. The bill was reported favorably after supportive debate.
The committee also considered CS/SB 1462, on temporary cash assistance eligibility, after adopting an amendment that narrowed a SNAP eligibility carve-out to people who were victims of human trafficking at the time of a drug conviction. The sponsor said the bill was intended to remove barriers to reunification and redemption. After supportive testimony and no opposition, the committee reported the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation Feb 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- level, was the enactment of bipartisan legislation expanding schools' flexibility to offer K-12 students
- We do have over 40,000 students, and we are first in the nation for all of the things mentioned, for
- Those students have a pathway towards this new career field.
- Those students have a pathway towards this new career field.
- And quite honestly, after visiting all three campuses, it's really the students, the graduate students
Summary:
The hearing of the Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation was held at UC Davis and focused on how alternative proteins can support California agriculture, the bioeconomy, and farmers. Opening remarks from UC Davis leaders and committee members emphasized the university’s food science, fermentation, and sustainability strengths, and the state’s prior investments of $5 million for UC alternative protein research and an additional $1 million for ICAMP. Members framed the topic as a way to grow new markets, keep more value in-state, and address climate, food security, and commercialization challenges.
The first panel featured Sana Beg of the Plant-Based Foods Institute, who argued that California agriculture and alternative proteins are complementary, not competing, and stressed that farmers are essential to the sector. She highlighted the need for ingredient processing capacity, technical assistance for growers, and predictable demand through public procurement, including schools, hospitals, and state facilities. Committee members asked about financing and market development, and Beg said guaranteed loans, grants, and state- and USDA-backed support could help de-risk investment and build the supply chain.
The second panel focused on research and development. Beam Circular described the circular bioeconomy in the San Joaquin Valley, including efforts to turn agricultural residues into higher-value products, build shared infrastructure, and expand workforce training. ICAMP and UC ANR described UC Davis-centered research, pilot facilities, and a proposed plant innovation center to bridge lab-scale work to commercial manufacturing. USDA researchers discussed using byproducts such as brewer’s spent grain, tomato pomace, lima beans, and chickpeas for new food ingredients. Members repeatedly emphasized the importance of public R&D funding, consumer acceptance, and food-grade scale-up facilities.
The final panel highlighted company perspectives from Optimized Foods and Blue Diamond Growers. Optimized Foods described using fungi fermentation to convert almond hulls, cocoa waste, and tomato pomace into protein-rich ingredients and stabilized nutrients. Blue Diamond outlined its grower cooperative model, sustainability practices, almond ingredient portfolio, and the Sacramento almond innovation center. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with discussion centered on research, commercialization, infrastructure, and market-building for California-grown alternative protein products.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- WE ARE EQUIPPING WORKFORCE SKILLS, PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITIES THAT WILL NOT
- AS A RESULT PARTICIPATING STUDENTS CAN NOW PETITION FOR COLLEGE COURSE CREDIT FOR EDUCATION HOURS.
- RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPARATION WE HAVE A PRACTICAL SKILLS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TOPICS
- IN ADDITION TO SKILL BUILDING AND EXPERIENCE IN THE CHOSEN CAREER PATH.
- IN ADDITION TO SKILL BUILDING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT THE INTERNSHIP PROVIDES FINANCIAL SUPPORT
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate of the 89th Legislature Apr 1st, 2025 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- It has made such an impact on thousands of lives, changing the projection of students' lives. students
- of all ages in their first century, serves over 7,000 students annually.
- And I want to say a number of students that have... also traveled with them.
- We have 80 UTMB students up here. here with us.
- And students were not required or expected to participate.
Summary:
The recent Senate meeting primarily covered two resolutions, HCR65 and HCR19, both of which were passed unanimously with little to no opposition. HCR65 was introduced in memory of Tracy Lee Vincent of Longview, while HCR19 was presented to honor the late Terrell Lynn Roberts of Angleton. The meeting included brief addresses from several senators, who shared personal reflections on the impacts of the individuals being honored and expressed gratitude for their contributions to the community. This collaborative atmosphere showcased the members' capacity for camaraderie and respect, emphasizing the importance of human connection in legislative proceedings.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 26, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> practical applications provide students practical applications provide students with<00:47:46.160
- Republican changes would force students with disabilities, students with jobs, and primary caregivers
- </c> Republican changes would force students Republican changes would force students with<02:23:56.960
- </c> with disabilities, students with jobs, with disabilities, students with jobs, and<02:23:59.280><
- We have students doing groundbreaking research that are being forced to leave the country, and students
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- And you're president of the student government association.
- We have students that are arts, the sciences, education; they can all stand up.
- </c> driver's license, driver skills driver's license, driver skills examination,<00:37:50.960><c> motorcycle
- </c> a student. a student. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> Correct.
- </c> Um just no contact with students period. Um just no contact with students period.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation by Reverend Jod Gun, whose prayer was journalized by unanimous consent. The chamber then recognized several guests, including representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, who were present for a resolution honoring Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week, as well as former Delegate and physician Dan Moheim, Towson University students, a veteran guest, and parents and young children visiting for Maryland Family Network’s Day in Annapolis.
The Senate adopted a resolution recognizing the National Alliance on Mental Illness for its advocacy on tardive dyskinesia screening, early detection, and treatment, and designated May 5–9 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. The resolution was read and adopted without objection. The chamber also unanimously welcomed the guest groups and thanked them for their service and advocacy.
In second-reader action, the Senate advanced several bills with committee amendments adopted without objection. Senate Bill 113, the Longevity Ready Maryland Act, was amended to refine aging-related planning, website reporting, and Commission on Aging membership, then ordered to third reading. Senate Bill 123 updated the membership of the Oversight Committee on Quality of Care in nursing homes and assisted living facilities and was also sent to third reading. Senate Bill 336 extended the Task Force on the Responsible Use of Natural Psychedelic Substances for one year and added an HBCU representative. Senate Bill 394 expanded expedited partner therapy to bacterial vaginosis and added licensed certified midwives as authorized practitioners. Senate Bill 444 changed certificate-of-need requirements for certain intermediate care facilities, and Senate Bill 461 conformed the SNAP Heat and Eat Program to federal eligibility rules; both were advanced to third reading.
The Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee then took up Senate Bill 108, which would authorize the Maryland Department of the Environment to impose administrative penalties for certain water, wetlands, dam, and riparian-rights violations and expand administrative enforcement tools. Several senators raised concerns about the scope of the bill, its effect on shoreline restoration, dams, stormwater and wetlands enforcement, and whether it could allow penalties without adequate process or encourage payment instead of correction. The floor leader responded that the amendment requires notice, an informal meeting, and consideration of good-faith efforts before penalties are imposed in certain cases, and said the bill does not change permit requirements. The debate continued as members sought clarification on how the bill would apply to private dams, HOAs, farmers, and shoreline projects.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Governor Gavin Newsom's State of the State Address Jan 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That's why tomorrow's budget includes a record-breaking $27,418 per student.
- The College Corps program, unlike anything else in the United States, over 3,500 students are earning
- these regional partnerships, and building a new career digital passport so people can track their skills
- These are folks in the skilled trades, right? These are electricians and laborers.
- And these are folks in the skilled trades, right?
Summary:
The joint convention convened to receive Governor Gavin Newsom’s final State of the State address, with legislative leaders introducing the Governor and welcoming constitutional officers, judges, and other guests. The proceedings opened with a moment of silence honoring Renee Nicole Good and other immigrants affected by detention and due process concerns. After introductory remarks from the Speaker, Senate President pro Tem Monique Limón, and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Governor Newsom delivered a wide-ranging address reflecting on his administration and California’s response to recent crises.
The Governor highlighted California’s economic performance, tax structure, minimum wage increases, education funding, child care and school meal investments, housing reforms, apprenticeships, infrastructure projects, clean energy progress, and efforts on homelessness, mental health, and public safety. He also discussed state action on artificial intelligence regulation, climate resilience, insurance reform, and wildfire recovery, while sharply criticizing the federal government and President Trump on immigration, health care, food aid, disaster response, and other issues. He announced that his upcoming budget would include major education spending, a five-year extension of the CalCompete tax credit, additional community school funding, a rebuilding fund for fire survivors, and other policy proposals.
At the close of the address, the Legislature formally ordered the Governor’s State of the State speech printed in the journal as a special appendix. The joint convention then adjourned sine die.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/04/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- qualified students per year that<00:06:34.640><c> graduate.
- The University of Minnesota graduates 35 licensure-qualified students per year.
- Now, the majority of mortuary schools are first-generation students like myself.
- And student pharmacists for 12 years.
- I believe you were students at the time I believe you were students at the time when<01:25:53.640><c>
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- These community colleges do great things for our students and for our workforce pipeline, and I think
- And that's where they gain skills so they can go into professions...
- And that's where they gain skills so they can go into professions and provide for their families and
- This is actually a one-time expenditure from the Career Ready Students Fund.
- You'd have to send them to a skilled nursing home or they would go to a hospital.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- There is a secondary student pathway program as well, so it's for adults and students.
- that every student is going to need to be successful in the future.
- skills they're going to need to get along in the world, I just...
- I just think that our vulnerable students shouldn't have to carry this on their backs.
- These negative impacts will lower morale for students and for staff.
Committee:
House Education Finance
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Mar 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We've seen improvement in student proficiency in areas like math and literacy.
- And so we think about dual enrollment all of the time for our students.
- It is a proven skill that raises the level of success for students.
- and our low-income students.
- It's basically six students, right?
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students.
The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it.
The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.