Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and the cost, I guess the cost, if we're so worried about the wild deer touching our clean USDA certified
• touching<00:19:56.640> our<00:19:57.120> clean<00:19:58.480> uh<00:19:58.640> USDA
• deer touching our clean uh USDA deer touching our clean uh USDA certified<00:20:00.200> herds

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 40, authored by Representative Burkel, was heard and laid over. The bill would remove the statutory requirement that farmed deer/elk facilities maintain a physical barrier preventing contact with wild deer, and it would also strike language allowing revocation of registration and seizure/destruction of animals for fencing or escape violations. Burkel argued the current law is unfair to deer farmers, treats them differently than other livestock producers, and amounts to a regulatory taking of a legal agricultural enterprise. Supporters from the Minnesota Elk Breeders Association and Minnesota Deer Farmers Association said the 2023 secondary-fence requirement is expensive, difficult to implement on long-established properties, and has pushed some breeders out of the industry. They described costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, said the DNR’s guidance is case-by-case and unclear, and argued that the penalty structure is too harsh for what they view as minor or unavoidable escape incidents. One testifier said the industry is being driven out of business and that the state should help pay for the fencing if it remains required. The DNR opposed the bill. Its enforcement representative said the physical-contact barrier is intended to reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease transmission and that removing penalties would leave little incentive for compliance. He said the agency continues to work with the roughly 10 noncompliant whitetail farms and that the DNR provides case-by-case review because farm topography varies. In committee questions, members discussed whether wild deer commonly travel along fence lines, whether ear-tagged deer have been found, and whether there is a standard approved fence design; the DNR said there is no single standard fence, only suggestions and review. Representative Burkel closed by reiterating his support for the bill and the committee then laid it over.

Transcript Highlights:

• of which is a subcontract from Texas AgriLife Research, which funnels approximately $40 million in USDA
• Additionally, the repair portion of the program is where the funds that are available through USDA for
• Having been built by USDA NRCS, the local government entities are the responsible parties for future
• I also worked for the USDA Natural Resources. Service, conservation service for 35 years.
• They are producing those and we have now, uh, through working with them and USDA AFIS, uh, those flies

Bills: HB294

Keywords: energy efficiency, tax exemption, residential properties, sustainability, real estate

Transcript Highlights:

• yes the good news is it's American chair yes the good news is it's American grown<00:21:24.279> USDA
• uh food for sure that comes grown USDA uh food for sure that comes in<00:21:27.039> and<00:21
• We don't want to turn people that are hungry, but according to the TFAP and the USDA website, you have
• the<00:25:16.039> tfap<00:25:16.480> and<00:25:16.600> the<00:25:16.720> USDA
• according to the tfap and the USDA according to the tfap and the USDA website<00:25:17.960> you

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• To get to the focus of today's informational briefing, the USDA did inform states that SNAP benefits
• The USDA did inform states that SNAP benefits would be suspended effective November 1st.
• And USDA has clearly told us that we should not expect reimbursement for any state funds expended.
• Well, I mean, this might be trivial, but yeah, I guess there was a memo by the USDA that came out at
• <01:32:27.360> that<01:32:27.600> came<01:32:27.760> out USDA that came out USDA

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the federal shutdown’s impact on state benefits, with the main focus on SNAP. DHS Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division Administrator Scott Morish explained that SNAP serves about 86,229 households statewide, or 168,947 individuals, and averages roughly $58–60 million in monthly federal benefits. He said USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP benefits effective November 1 if the shutdown continues, while existing October balances on EBT cards remain usable and cash benefits such as TANF, General Assistance, and AABD are not affected. DHS said it has continued processing applications, recertifications, interviews, and required reporting, and has posted public guidance on its website. Morish also reviewed other SNAP-related changes taking effect November 1 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including expanded able-bodied adult work requirements and tighter non-citizen eligibility rules. He said the work requirements now extend from ages 18–54 to 18–64 and apply to additional groups previously exempt, while only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible among non-citizens. He also noted Hawaii’s ongoing SNAP benefit reduction tied to a federal calculation error in the thrifty food plan, which has lowered benefits by about $8 per person per month for the past three years. On the state response, DHS said it is working with the Hawaii Food Bank and seeking $2 million in state funding to support it, and is also developing a Hawaii Relief Program using TANF reserve funds. The program is intended as a short-term housing and utility assistance program for families with dependent children under 300% of the federal poverty level, with up to four months of assistance. Senators questioned why rainy day funds were not being used and whether the state could directly fund EBT cards; DHS responded that the TANF approach was the fastest available option, that EBT delivery involves significant technical and administrative mechanics, and that the department is still in discussions with the vendor and other stakeholders about additional options.

Transcript Highlights:

• the phosphorus saved, the same as exactly the same as the Soil and Water Conservation districts or USDA
• We have the USDA making interventions.
• districts or USDA can we're obviously<00:08:35.800> all<00:08:36.039> just<00:08:36.240
• <00:09:44.880> making swcds um we have the USDA making swcds um we have the USDA making interventions
• could also I guess uh through uh USDA could also I guess uh through uh USDA egg<00:15:21.759>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• not regulated by the USDA.
• .<01:53:17.760> So<01:53:17.920> they USDA.
• So they USDA.
• <01:53:25.920> USDA's regulated by the by the USDA. USDA's regulated by the by the USDA.
• attends um and UNH extension is USDA attends um and UNH extension is also<02:01:30.239> involved.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the A appropriations peace to USDA.
• Last week, I was proud to host USDA Last week, I was proud to host USDA Under<00:10:22.079> Secretary
• After years of inflation, at USDA.
• USDA also expects to have 2027.
• <02:55:21.920> Office Farm Service Agency to the USDA Office Farm Service Agency to the USDA

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, what these are are letters from USDA cutting off funding that was already promised to the Minnesota
• Let's be clear, our state will still hurt because of the USDA cuts, but these appropriations help.
• Um, what these are are letters from USDA cutting off funding that was already promised to the Minnesota
• Let's be clear, our state will still hurt because of the USDA cuts, but these appropriations help.
• Let's be clear, our state will still hurt because of the USDA cuts, but these appropriations help.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• According to the USDA, up to 20% of SNAP house Households.
• So the USDA says that this is nutritious.
• But we know that it requires a waiver, right, with the USDA, that would be Secretary, you know, Brooke
• one follow-up to that, has any state actually passed it in their state and it's been rejected by the USDA
• behalf of Senate Bill 379 with I'm with make Texans healthy again The purpose of snap according to USDA

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Food can come from multiple sources, mostly broadline suppliers like Cisco or Labatt, USDA commodities
• Because there was an increase in USDA reimbursement rates, we are looking at a 4 percent increase in
• State, so the first thing that we have done is work as soon as the USDA dropped the CEP percentage threshold
• Chair, the USDA provides the federal reimbursement rates, and so those are usually released on July 1st

Transcript Highlights:

• make sure that federal programs that the Department of Ag may have access to or can apply for, or USDA
• make sure that federal programs that the Department of Ag may have access to or can apply for, or USDA
• make sure that federal programs that the Department of Ag may have access to or can apply for, or USDA
• the average age of Texas farmers and ranchers is 60 years, but were you aware that, according to the USDA

Bills: HB43, HB519, HB 1275, HB1592, HB2842, HB3088, HB3479, HB4163, SB823, HB609

Keywords: agriculture, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, honey production, beekeeping, food safety, local regulation, bovine producers, dairy farms, permits, bovine tuberculosis, public health, wildlife management, disease prevention, alert system, Texas A&M, white-tailed deer, public safety

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met with only four members initially present, so quorum was not established until later in the hearing. The committee heard several agriculture-, wildlife-, and food-labeling-related bills, including HB 3479 on expanding the Rio Grande vegetative management program beyond carrizo cane to other noxious vegetation, SB 823 on shrimp origin labeling and restrictions on misrepresenting imported shrimp as Texas or Gulf shrimp, HB 3088 on giving Texas Parks and Wildlife more flexibility to procure resale goods for park gift shops, HB 1275 on permits for non-bovine dairy farms in certain TB-affected areas, HB 519 on honey production and packaging rules, HB 609 on cleaning oyster cages in-bay with bay water only, HB 1592 on a voluntary AgriLife pest and disease alert system, HB 2842 on targeted urban deer depredation permits, and HB 4163 on limiting city requirements that agricultural operators maintain roadside rights-of-way. Testimony generally came from industry groups, agency resource witnesses, and affected producers, with most witnesses supporting the bills and several bills drawing questions about enforcement, labeling responsibility, and the scope of local authority. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 823, where Vice Chair Hancock and others questioned why wholesalers would be covered if they cannot relabel products. The bill author and restaurant association witness said the measure was intended to improve transparency and allow enforcement against intentional mislabeling, while preserving a good-faith defense and clarifying that the bill does not create a private cause of action. HB 519 also drew supportive testimony from beekeepers and a family farm, who argued that current rules treat honey extraction and bottling too much like food manufacturing and burden small operations. HB 609 was presented as a way to save time and resources for cultivated oyster mariculture by allowing cage cleaning in the bay without soaps or chemicals, and HB 1592 was described as a voluntary opt-in alert system for pests and diseases coordinated through AgriLife and other state agencies. HB 43 generated the most detailed policy debate. The bill would restructure and expand the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority, update grant and loan programs, and create a pest and disease control depredation program. The committee substitute reduced some funding caps, changed references from predators to depredating animals, and made the financial provisions contingent on appropriations. Supporters from Texas Farm Bureau, cotton growers, grain and feed interests, and young farmers described severe drought, inflation, land loss, rising input costs, and shrinking infrastructure as major threats to agriculture, while one witness urged preserving priority for young farmers. After testimony, the committee adopted the committee substitute and reported HB 43 favorably. The committee also voted HB 519, HB 609, HB 1275, HB 1592, HB 3088, HB 3479, HB 2842, and HB 4163 favorably, with several recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 823 was reported from committee on a 6-2 vote after adoption of the committee substitute. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would tentatively reconvene Friday morning and then recessed subject to the chair's call.

Transcript Highlights:

• University Betty White Building renovation project in the amount of $2,853,330.45, funded 100% from USDA
• 45<00:05:01.560> funded<00:05:02.120> 100%<00:05:02.759> from<00:05:02.919> USDA
• 00:05:03.520> Grant<00:05:03.840> funds<00:05:04.360> the 45 funded 100% from USDA
• Grant funds the 45 funded 100% from USDA Grant funds the project<00:05:04.759> will<00:05:04.960

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:30 Approval of Minutes 00:59 Information Items 03:34 Finance and Admin Cabinet 12:31 KY Infrastructure Authority 21:47 Office of Financial Mgmt 23:27 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled informational reports on several bond and lease matters, including school district and board of education debt-service items, upcoming revenue bond issues in Henderson and Jessamine counties, and three advertised lease-space requests for state agencies. Members also reviewed prior lease transactions that had not been approved in November and December; the Finance and Administration Cabinet later canceled and rebid the Harlan County lease and moved ahead with the Perry County lease modification. Additional information items included a Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly capital projects report and Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation revisions. The committee then heard from Deputy State Budget Director Janice Thomas on four action items. She reported a $2.85 million USDA-funded renovation at Kentucky State University’s Betty White Building, a $294,000 increase for the Kentucky School for the Deaf’s Middleton Hall renovation, and a $6.1 million restricted-funds scope increase for the KCTCS Science Building Expansion in Elizabethtown. Members asked about how often the statutory 15% increase authority is used for school dormitory and cottage projects and about the competitiveness of construction bids; Thomas said bids are typically competitive but recent estimates have been difficult because of higher material and equipment costs. The committee approved the three action items unanimously and also received a no-action report on a $3.918 million Corrections project to repair and replace the KCIW kitchen drain line. Next, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented seven loans and grants, all of which the committee approved unanimously. The package included sewer and water projects for Frankfort, Sturgis, Scottsville, Morganfield, Western Pulaski County Water District, and Springfield, plus an emergency $5.487 million Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville after a catastrophic sewer plant failure and weather-related emergency declarations. The projects covered wastewater interceptor and treatment upgrades, sewer collection rehabilitation, water transmission main installation, and planning/design work, with loan terms ranging from five to 30 years and interest rates from 0.5% to 2.25%. Finally, the committee considered a $38.4 million Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for a 322-unit multifamily rental project in Jefferson County. A member asked how the committee participates in the transaction, and staff explained that it is a conduit issuance and not state debt. The committee then moved to approve the issuance.

Transcript Highlights:

• Healthy soils is one of those items on the USDA chopping block, if it's not already gone.
• Healthy soils is one of those items on the USDA chopping block, if it's not already gone.
• Healthy soils is one of those items on the USDA chopping block, if it's not already gone.
• Healthy soils is one of those items on the USDA chopping block, if it's not already gone.
• is one of those items on the USDA is one of those items on the USDA chopping<00:25:09.520> block

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Simpson had an agreement with USDA Rural Development to build a home, and there was a breach of contract
• So since this sounds like USDA, federal, federal court, why is the state involved in this?”
• Court of Appeals issued an opinion on those state law claims, which didn't have anything to do with USDA
• Simpson asked for…” “…didn't have anything to do with USDA funding. Mr.
• There was money that went back and forth, I believe, between USDA and the parties in the amount of, it

Summary: The committee first reviewed several wage-claim and labor-related litigation reports from the Department of Labor and Licensing. Members questioned the department’s authority and jurisdiction, whether it was acting like a court, and why it sought attorney’s fees and costs. Department staff explained that the claims arose under the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act and related labor statutes, that the department investigates small wage claims and can file suit when informal resolution fails, and that filing fees are waived by statute though service costs may be incurred. The committee reviewed individual cases, including one where the employer had not proven cash payments, another that had already been paid and dismissed, and a third where service could not yet be completed. The committee then voted to review or batch-file the labor items. The University of Arkansas System then reported on three pending lawsuits under the litigation-notification statute. One case involving a tenured professor alleging age and race discrimination had already been resolved and dismissed after the university re-engaged in discussions about a position. A second case involving a former employee alleging ADA and FMLA retaliation was moving forward after partial dismissal and an answer denying liability. A third case involved a former vendor employee alleging retaliation tied to a parking ticket; members asked about individual-capacity exposure for a university police sergeant, and counsel explained that punitive damages could potentially create personal exposure. The committee reviewed each report. The Department of Finance and Administration presented a proposed tax settlement reducing a sales-and-use tax assessment from about $48,000 to $20,000, with interest and penalties waived, and the committee approved it. The Claims Commission then presented several claims and settlements, including an unpaid salary differential for the Department of Health, reissued warrants, unpaid bills for DHS, and multiple negotiated settlements involving UAMS, Arkansas State Police, and ARDOT; these were generally approved or batched for approval. The most extensive discussion involved a settlement between the Teacher Retirement System and Tetronics International Limited in liquidation, arising from losses tied to the failed Blue Oak project; members questioned the company’s liquidation status, the prior investment loss, and why the matter was settling for $65,000, and the committee ultimately affirmed the settlement. The committee also heard a disputed tax-sale claim involving the Commissioner of State Lands, where a claimant argued that excess proceeds from a 2009 tax sale should have gone to her family rather than escheating to the county. After testimony from the claimant and counsel, members debated sovereign immunity, heirship, and whether the committee could or should award the $4,200 overage. The motion was amended and then replaced with a motion to hold the matter over for further review in a future joint session, which passed. Finally, the committee considered an appeal by Andrew Simpson challenging dismissal of his claim against the Arkansas Court of Appeals; after Simpson and court staff explained the underlying dispute, the committee reviewed the dismissal and the matter was held over for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have a grant from the USDA Forest Service to strengthen wildfire response and preparedness capabilities
• They have a grant from the USDA Forest Service to strengthen wildfire response and preparedness capabilities
• They have a grant from the USDA Forest Service to strengthen the capacity of state and local fire protection

Summary: The committee considered and approved several temporary appropriation requests in Section B, including spending authority for the Court of Appeals to pay appointed counsel in criminal appeals, Commerce/Aeronautics airport and aviation grants, and Insurance Department items for workers’ compensation benefits and premium tax refunds. It also approved ARPA-related requests in Section C to return unused federal funds from DHS aging, mental health, substance abuse, and Older Americans Act grants. In Section D, the committee reviewed and approved Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests, including Agriculture grants for wildfire preparedness and forestry capacity, a large Commerce broadband BEAD request, environmental recycling-related reallocations, and Oil and Gas Commission grants for facility repairs and sample preservation. Members questioned the broadband program’s audit process and performance safeguards; the State Broadband Director said the funds are federal, subject to audits, and payments are released only after engineering certification of completed work. The committee also approved DHS reallocations in Section E, including major transfers within Medical Services from hospital medical appropriations to private and public nursing home lines, as well as transfers for children and family services, developmental disabilities, and youth services. The committee then reviewed cash fund requests, miscellaneous federal grants, pay plan and performance fund transfers, methods of finance, and a large set of contracts. A Northwest Arkansas Community College official explained storm-damage repairs and insurance settlement issues, and DHS explained its hospital medical transfer was moving excess appropriation rather than cash. Members also questioned several UAPB tobacco prevention subgrants, especially arts-based outreach, and asked for more data on effectiveness; the committee later voted to expunge and re-refer the J-2 item for further review at a later ALC meeting. Additional discussion covered a DEQ grant to Free Geek of Arkansas for e-waste recycling, a UAPB tobacco program, and various contracts for universities, DHS services, corrections, and public safety. The meeting ended with reports filed for information and a brief member comment thanking others for concern after a tornado in Stone County; no one was injured.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and then also the USDA, I think, are going to be a very valuable part in helping our farmers.
• Uh, and then also the USDA, I think, are going to be a very valuable part in helping our farmers.
• Uh, and then also the USDA, I think, are going to be a very valuable part in helping our farmers.
• Uh, and then also the USDA, I think, are going to be a very valuable part in helping our farmers.
• And then also the USDA, I think, are going to be a very valuable part in helping our farmers.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee received a budget and program update from Kentucky Emergency Management on the state’s urban search and rescue buildout. Eric Gibson and Doug Hargrave said the legislature’s funding was used to create FEMA-type urban search and rescue capacity, including Kentucky Task Force 1 and 2, the incident support team, and the helicopter aquatic rescue/hoist team. They emphasized that the effort is not just equipment purchases but also training, credentialing, warehouse and training-facility development, canine program expansion, and coordination with local search and rescue agencies across the Commonwealth. Gibson reported that the agency executed 99.4% of the $16.175 million appropriation by the end of the fiscal year and said the team met its readiness target ahead of schedule, with equipment already being deployed in recent flood response operations. He also said $500,000 per year was set aside for local search and rescue grants, with about $482,000 awarded to 29 teams in one year and $490,000 to 36 teams in the next, averaging about $20,000 per grant. Several members urged the committee to consider increasing support for local responders in future budgets, noting rising equipment costs and the importance of local teams as first on scene. Members asked about staffing, coverage, and benefits. Gibson explained that the task force is a mixed workforce of full-time fire personnel loaned from local departments, professional service staff such as doctors and engineers, and temporary deployment staff, with workers’ compensation coverage provided through KYEM and/or home agencies depending on the arrangement. He also said local search and rescue members are not currently included in line-of-duty death benefits. In response to questions about coverage and deployment, he described the two task force locations as designed to keep resources within roughly 100 miles of every Kentuckian. The discussion also turned to recent flood response and disaster recovery. Gibson said the state had mobilized up to 24 teams over the weekend, documented roughly 60 to 80 water rescues or assisted evacuations, and was seeing significant damage in counties such as Cumberland, Clinton, and Metcalfe, including agricultural losses. He said several counties were meeting FEMA public assistance thresholds and that the state was preparing a broader relief request that could include FEMA, SBA, and USDA assistance. He also updated members on efforts to claw back and reallocate unused “strained fiscal liquidity” funds by the statutory deadline, saying notices were sent and funds were redirected where possible to unmet local needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, it is a USDA program administered nationally. Kentucky administers it.
• It is funded by the USDA.
• it is a USDA Uh it is a USDA uh<01:19:57.040> program<01:19:58.080> administered<01:19
• It is funded by the<01:20:02.280> USDA.
• It is SNAP, and I refer to it the USDA.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the August 12 minutes and then handled a large agenda of 355 contracts totaling about $278.7 million. It agreed to defer three Office of Energy Policy items to the October 2025 meeting and reviewed a deferred Kentucky Educational Television contract without objection. The main substantive discussion centered on two University of Louisville legal services PSC amendments and a Seven Counties Services MOA item. For the University of Louisville items, members questioned a large increase in hourly rates and the scope of the legal services, especially complex litigation work and a Colorado estate matter. University officials said the contracts followed an RFP, involved specialized litigation, included local counsel where required, and were expected to be offset by savings in other PSCs and by a potential financial recovery in the Colorado matter. The committee also discussed whether the $125 hourly rate was a statutory requirement or committee policy; the chair later said staff would verify whether it was an executive-branch regulation or statutory rate. Both University of Louisville items were ultimately approved, though Senator Meredith voted no on one and Senator Douglas explained his support while urging future adjustments and more information sharing. The Seven Counties Services contract drew questions about how the $18.7 million would be used and whether federal changes could affect future funding. Cabinet officials described 988 crisis response, outpatient mental health and substance use treatment, prevention, recovery, and harm-reduction services, and said they were monitoring federal developments daily. Representative Petrie and Senator Thomas pressed the cabinet on the long-running Seven Counties bankruptcy and the need to push for resolution; officials said the matter was pending on a motion for reconsideration and that they would try to help move it along. The contract was approved. At the end of the meeting, the committee approved the remaining agenda items as reviewed without objection, but Senator Meredith voted no on the blanket approval motion because of numerous retroactive contract requests and what she said were insufficient explanations such as administrative error or staff being on conference. She said retroactive approvals should be rare and supported stronger internal controls.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we received a letter from Food and Nutrition Services, which is part of USDA, the United States
• um services which is um part of USDA um United<00:07:16.400> States<00:07:16.720> Department
• So, from uh, it is they are both one of the ways they are the same is they are both funded by the USDA
• is they are both funded by the um USDA is they are both funded by the um USDA the<00:13:15.360><
• We anticipate, we have heard similarly from USDA.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the draft minutes from September 26. Senator Gray then raised the idea of creating a continuing subcommittee or recurring agenda item on palliative care and hospice, noting that the issues are evolving and suggesting the committee revisit the idea in coming months. The bulk of the meeting focused on Department of Health and Human Services updates. Officials described contingency planning for SNAP amid the federal shutdown, including a USDA notice that November benefits may not be fully funded, letters to participants warning of possible delays, and coordination with the New Hampshire Food Bank and local pantries. They said New Hampshire serves about 42,000 SNAP households, with average benefits around $300 a month, and that the department is also preparing to transfer funds for a special fiscal committee meeting. WIC was discussed separately: officials said WIC benefits had been extended through November 7 using additional USDA funds, but that some community agency-based WIC services may need to pause while money is redirected to food benefits. Officials also outlined New Hampshire’s rural health transformation grant application under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill, describing a potential five-year, up-to-$1 billion opportunity focused on critical access hospitals, small rural hospitals, federally qualified health centers, community mental health centers, and EMS. Members asked about transportation, workforce, and nursing retention; officials said transportation is included in the proposal, housing is not, and workforce supports may include lower tuition or awards but not loan repayment or traditional scholarships. They also said the final application would be submitted in early November and that priorities would be adjusted depending on the eventual federal award. Finally, Medicaid director Henry Lipman gave a quarterly postpartum coverage update. He said postpartum coverage is now nearly universal nationwide, and in New Hampshire 2,351 women had used the benefit through May 2025. He reported that mental health services were the most frequently used postpartum service, followed by preventive care, substance use disorder treatment, and cardiovascular-related care, and noted that Medicaid women have experienced a disproportionate share of maternal deaths. Committee members asked about rural distribution and the share of women receiving mental health services, and Lipman said the department would follow up with additional data. The meeting then moved into the annual update on New Hampshire’s 10-year mental health plan, with staff describing progress toward a more integrated continuum of care and improved data infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• a second-time opportunity, to receive some CCC, some Commodity Credit Corporation funding from the USDA
• In other words, USDA is, you know, entering into a cooperative agreement with the state for over some
• 01:46:52.480> the cor cor Corporation funding from the cor cor Corporation funding from the USDA
• it in other words USDA is you know<01:47:17.400> it's<01:47:17.639> it's<01:47:17.880>
• so Mr chair so what's from the USDA so Mr chair so what's what's<01:47:49.080> happening<01:47

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The last thing I wanted to discuss is that USDA recently came out with a reorganization plan, which included
• The proposal is to move about 4,600 USDA employees who work in the D.C. area, with the idea of relocating
• USDA has a large service center there that manages many of their grants and agreements, serving not just
• tremendous amount of uncertainty as to what it will actually look like within the different agencies of USDA
• Presenters, my first question is for USDA regarding the farm safety and disaster and the crop insurance