Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Executive Director for Workforce Development and for the Workforce Development Board of Southeast
• <00:16:14.720> Development More of the true Workforce Development funds going to support getting
• Jenny Ritman, Workforce Development Inc. I think I can answer both of those.
• that since this is coming from Workforce that since this is coming from Workforce Development<00
• 20 Workforce Development Fund for 20 Workforce Development Fund for 20 and<00:41:28.040> up

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These efforts represent a foundational investment in workforce development, instructional capacity, and
• <00:35:53.839> development,<00:35:54.880> instructional workforce development, instructional
• workforce development, instructional capacity,<00:35:56.480> and<00:35:56.720> sustainability
• The Educator Workforce and Development Center focuses on strengthening, expanding, and diversifying Minnesota's
• Um, and that's funding a staff member in our educator workforce and development center that helps ease

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Education Finance Committee met on March 3, 2026, approved the minutes from February 26, and then held a lengthy informational hearing on the Minnesota Department of Education’s funding and internal allocation of resources. House fiscal staff walked members through several spreadsheets showing federal, non-general fund, and general fund administrative spending, noting the data was filtered from SWIFT and was not exact. The chair said the discussion was intended to help members understand how MDE is funded and how those funds are used internally, in advance of later budget decisions and a separate upcoming hearing on the Perpich Center. Commissioner Willie Jett opened by describing MDE’s mission, statewide reach, and FY 2026 budget of about $14.1 billion, most of which flows directly to districts and charter schools for instruction, special education, transportation, nutrition, and operations. He emphasized transparency, accountability, and the department’s role in implementing laws, distributing aid, and supporting schools and students across urban, suburban, and rural communities. He also noted the department serves more than 873,000 pre-K through 12 students in 2,264 schools. Deputy Commissioner Maren Holden outlined the Office of American Indian Education, the Office of General Counsel, and the Office of Inspector General, highlighting support for American Indian students, legal and rulemaking work, special education dispute resolution, fraud prevention, and student maltreatment investigations. Assistant Commissioner Dr. McCari Traum described the Office of Equity and Engagement, including equity and inclusion training, safe and supportive schools work, public engagement, family outreach, and fraud-prevention coordination. Assistant Commissioner Darren Cordy reviewed nutrition programs, special education services, and the charter center, including free school meals, commodity food distribution, IDEA compliance, and charter school support. Assistant Commissioner Bobby Bernham then described the Office of Teaching and Learning, including early education, academic standards, instruction and assessment, state library services, expanded learning, and literacy work. He highlighted early childhood alignment efforts, standards development across core subjects, professional learning, and library grants. No votes were taken beyond approval of the prior minutes, and the meeting remained informational, with members expected to ask questions after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• On all areas of development, 75 percent of them are on track.
• Chair, because we're looking at economic development.
• And that's where a lot of the economic development is going.
• Of career development, can you say something about that? Yes, Mr.
• The most, and that issue of sort of limited slots and workforce.

Bills: SB2

Transcript Highlights:

• development and adequate compensation are essential.
• Forward and then just cannot have the skills to be in the workforce.
• To the workforce is supported.
• So our families are provided with a workforce pathway, leadership development, and wellness supports.
• they need, and for caregivers to be trained in early childhood development.

Transcript Highlights:

• our Agriculture Committee; Assembly Member Ron Kim, who chairs Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development
• Authority, the Energy Research and Development Authority, the Department of Public Service, Division
• IN TWO OTHER PLACES I WANTED TO Make sure people are aware that in the Economic Development budget, we
• We are relying on to build affordable housing, and building managers and workforce we are counting on
• The Assembly provides $100 million for Mitchell-Lama and New York City Housing Authority developments

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Conference Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Housing opened budget negotiations for the 2026-2027 enacted budget, with Senate and Assembly leaders outlining their one-house proposals and committee members giving brief remarks. The discussion covered environment, agriculture, housing, parks, and energy, with repeated emphasis on affordability, climate resilience, and support for rural and urban communities. Senate and Assembly chairs described the process and noted the agencies present, while minority members criticized the overall size of the budgets and urged more attention to housing affordability, building stakeholders, and energy costs. On the environment and energy side, the Senate highlighted proposals for $138 million in additional clean water infrastructure funding, a $75 million increase to the Environmental Protection Fund, $95 million in restored parks capital, $200 million for the Energy Affordability Program, and $1 billion for Sustainable Futures 2.0, including a proposed revival of the NY STUN program. The Assembly said it increased the EPF to $500 million, raised clean water infrastructure funding to $800 million, and included targeted amounts for cities, rural housing-related water projects, Cornell Ag Tech, and the Center for Sustainable Materials Management. Democrats argued that high utility bills are driven by natural gas costs rather than clean energy, while Senate and Assembly Republicans said the CLCPA and other energy mandates are increasing costs and should be reconsidered. Agriculture remarks focused on research, farm support, and resilience. Senator Hinchey described funding for Cornell’s COWS program, Farm to School amendments, $7 million for farm worker housing, and a new $20 million Farm Weather Resiliency Grant Program. Chair Lupardo said the Assembly added $16 million over the Governor’s proposal for educational research and outreach, restored support for beginning and disadvantaged farmers, and backed dairy, livestock, hemp fiber, and natural fibers initiatives, while also accepting $30 million in farmer tariff relief if guidelines are set. Minority Assembly Member Tague supported dairy infrastructure funding but criticized the farm labor overtime phase-down and the CLCPA’s impacts on farms. Housing discussion centered on major capital and assistance programs. The Assembly proposed $200 million more for the Housing Access Voucher Program, $100 million for Mitchell-Lama and NYCHA, $50 million for down payment assistance, $4 million for fair housing testing, land banks, and $40 million for the Homeowner Protection Program. The Senate outlined similar priorities, including $500 million for NYCHA, $100 million for Mitchell-Lama preservation, $250 million total for HAVP, and additional funding for mixed-income rental development, vacant rentals, senior housing, and block-by-block infill. Chair Rosenthal said rent stabilization was not being changed in the budget, while Republican members argued that affordability requires lower taxes, lower utility costs, and fewer regulatory burdens. No votes were taken; the meeting was an opening round of budget negotiations and ended with closing remarks from both sides.

Transcript Highlights:

• development infrastructure.
• professionalization of the DSP workforce.
• Now we must invest in the workforce that makes those services possible.
• Statistically, this workforce is primarily women of color.
• that has developed a curriculum, but it is not delivered on a regular basis.

Keywords: Disability Commission, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I am sure that will continue... ...workforce credentials is really innovative.
• , And to make sure that FGCU continues to provide the workforce for the future.
• As I said previously, I've been very impressed with the workforce issues, programs you're doing.
• And how do you see that continuing to develop?
• We want to continue to see it really grow, and especially with the water school and the workforce development

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education opened by noting it would not present its budget that day, explaining the budget rollout would be delayed until the following week to align with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a roll call confirmed a quorum, the chair explained that because of the large number of gubernatorial appointments, the committee would hear only a subset individually and consider reappointments in a block unless members requested otherwise. The committee then heard testimony from appointees and reappointees to several university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to their alma mater, support for leadership, student success, entrepreneurship, scholarships, and maintaining FAMU’s status as a leading HBCU. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh highlighted FAU’s growth, R1 research designation, quantum computing, servant leadership, entrepreneurship, and expanded research opportunities. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins focused on UCF’s preeminence, workforce needs, nursing and engineering, and keeping graduates in Florida. Florida Gulf Coast University nominees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointee Joseph Fogg discussed workforce development, affordability, student success, water and environmental programs, business and entrepreneurship, nursing outcomes, and FGCU’s regional role. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly cited USF’s AAU status, research growth, and focus on student success, health care, cybersecurity, and AI. Committee members generally praised each nominee’s background and the universities’ achievements. At the end of the hearing, the committee approved all nominees in a single block vote for confirmation and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Development. Okay. Development. Okay.
• Hawaii is facing a severe workforce crisis.
• Hawaii is facing a severe workforce Hawaii is facing a severe workforce crisis.<00:32:56.880>
• Members, the recommendation workforce.
• the mental health care workforce. Okay. the mental health care workforce. Okay.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund. Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund.
• So, we would appreciate your support to amend the Kentucky Healthcare Workforce Development Fund to include
• So, we would appreciate your support to amend the Kentucky Healthcare Workforce Development Fund to include
• I've worked for workforce development and was involved in these scholarships and looked for many universities
• I've worked for workforce development and was involved in these scholarships and looked for many universities

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 510, which passed with a favorable expression by unanimous roll call vote and then received consent without opposition. The bill’s specific subject was not discussed in the excerpt, but the chair congratulated the sponsor after the vote. House Bill 176, sponsored by Rep. Kim Moser with testimony from Corey Meadows of the Kentucky Medical Association, would create a framework for insurers to offer waiver programs that reduce prior authorization requirements for health care providers. The sponsor said the bill was intended to cut red tape and improve transparency, and noted that the language had been worked out with insurers. The committee voted unanimously to pass the bill with favorable expression and then approved consent. House Bill 266, sponsored by Rep. Peyton Griffee with testimony from Dr. Kelly Ellis of Eastern Kentucky University, would add audiology and speech-language pathology to the credentials eligible for the Kentucky Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund. Supporters said these professions are critical to care across the lifespan and that their education and licensure requirements fit the fund’s purpose of retaining health professionals in Kentucky. The bill passed unanimously with favorable expression and consent, with Sen. Nemes briefly explaining his support based on workforce development experience. House Bill 393, sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Raymer with testimony from McKenzie Wallace of the Alzheimer’s Association, made cleanup changes to the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Council, added a caregiver council slot, and required the council to develop and distribute an early detection and diagnosis toolkit for health care providers. The committee passed the bill unanimously with favorable expression and consent. Sen. Mills explained his yes vote in memory of his father, who had Alzheimer’s disease.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our members support the development of housing and house our local workforces, families, seniors, and
• And without this little amendment, the workforce housing development program would not be able to be
• little amendment, uh the workforce housing housing housing um<00:59:10.720> development<00:59
• housing development program workforce housing development program and<01:10:27.600> believe<01
• housing development program workforce housing development program and<01:12:54.560> believe<01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This proposal will exacerbate an already dire workforce crisis.
• This proposal will exacerbate an already dire workforce crisis.
• <01:02:21.839> a Workforce a Workforce a raise<01:02:23.880> we<01:02:23.960> are
• pandemic that decimated our Workforce pandemic that decimated our Workforce our<01:02:27.559>
• <01:26:26.760> your legislators as you're developing your legislators as you're developing

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to this morning's Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact hearing
• By prioritizing good jobs and workforce development, we can reduce reliance on costly downstream interventions
• development programs, and the high-skilled jobs that keep us globally competitive.
• development translate into jobs, economic opportunity, and long-term economic growth.
• , and this is the most critical part, the development of a statewide food security strategy.

Summary: The committee heard several measures focused on economic development, procurement, workforce equity, federal infrastructure funding, and food security. SB 1044 by Senator Reyes would raise and then index to inflation the cap for streamlined state contracts awarded to certified small businesses, microbusinesses, and disabled veteran business enterprises for services and IT work; supporters said the current cap is outdated and limits access, while opponents representing goods suppliers and some small business groups argued the bill could disadvantage goods contractors and should preserve lower thresholds for those contracts. After discussion about the ceiling versus floor effect of the cap and the impact on different types of businesses, the bill was approved as amended and sent to Appropriations. SB 247 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would create a bid preference for projects that hire workers from disadvantaged communities; supporters framed it as a way to connect public infrastructure spending to family-sustaining jobs, while union construction employers opposed it because they said they cannot control worker dispatch through hiring halls and the bill would be difficult to implement. The committee advanced the measure to Appropriations despite those concerns. The committee also approved SJR 6 by Senator Cortese, which urges the federal government to honor commitments under the bipartisan infrastructure law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, with supporters emphasizing the importance of certainty for California infrastructure, clean energy, and semiconductor investments. SB 1025 by Senator Hurtado would establish an Office of Food Security and Affordability to coordinate food assistance efforts and develop a statewide food security strategy; supporters from a Kern County food bank and the University of California said the state’s response to hunger is fragmented and needs better coordination, while committee members asked about deliverables and timelines. The bill was sent to Appropriations. The committee also took up consent items SB 700 and SB 1340, which were moved on consent to Appropriations, and the hearing ended with the remaining votes recorded and the bills advanced. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly discussed the need for clearer implementation details, data on program impacts, and how to balance equity goals with operational realities for state agencies, contractors, and small businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the budget a few years back, we also received funding for workforce development dollars, roughly $65
• The budget includes in total about a $9.2 million reversion from those workforce development dollars.
• The $9.2 million reversion from those workforce development dollars is related to public health workforce
• Part of the solutions related to workforce development, too, along with those reversions, we had $3.2
• I am the executive director for youth development and workforce development at Safe Passages in Oakland

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held an informational hearing on the Governor’s May Revision, focusing first on the Commission on Behavioral Health, then EMSA, and then the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The Department of Finance said the state faces a third consecutive deficit and that the May Revision includes difficult trade-offs, including proposed eliminations or reversions of some behavioral health and public health funds. The LAO echoed concern about the structural deficit and said it was still awaiting some budget details before offering a full analysis. For the Commission on Behavioral Health, Finance proposed eliminating $20 million in Mental Health Wellness Act funds, arguing the money would help offset General Fund costs and noting future Proposition 1 innovation funding. The commission strongly opposed the cut, saying it would eliminate or delay launch-ready grants for early childhood supports, full-service partnerships, and peer respite, and would eventually end ongoing grant programming. Several advocates and commissioners testified that the funds support underserved communities and that Proposition 1 is not a substitute for the existing programs. The chair asked Finance to look for alternatives, but no vote was taken. EMSA presented mostly technical budget adjustments: increased authority for the California Poison Control System, a correction to EMSIS funding, and a reappropriation for enterprise services and data management. CDPH then reviewed a broader set of May Revision proposals, including reversions from the California Reducing Disparities Project, workforce development, STD prevention, hepatitis C prevention, hospice, and extreme heat funding, as well as a new generative AI pilot for health facility survey reporting. Members raised concerns about cuts to CRDP and gender health equity programs, especially because many grants are mid-contract and serve underserved communities; CDPH said the reversions were part of solving the deficit and that CRDP had been successful, while also clarifying that abortion.ca.gov would not be eliminated. Public comment was overwhelmingly opposed to the CRDP and related cuts, with many speakers describing the programs as life-saving and cost-effective. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The program focuses on chronic care management, workforce development, partnerships, and technology-enabled
• The program focuses on chronic care management, workforce development, partnerships, and technology-enabled
• <00:32:29.200> development, workforce development, workforce development, um<00:32:31.039>
• > our<00:35:09.040> RHTP rural workforce through our RHTP rural workforce through our RHTP
• The workforce is here. This the culture. The workforce is here.

Bills: HF1925

Keywords: nurse licensure, multistate license, healthcare, public safety, interstate compact, nursing regulation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• -based workforce to make this work.
• We're here to talk about developing New Mexico's geothermal energy as economic development.
• While we develop and promote the longer-term development of advanced geothermal electricity, that final
• A geothermal roadmap, kind of a cookbook, so to speak, will be developed to help geothermal developers
• The workforce benefits.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Chair: I WILL CALL THE CAREERS AND WORKFORCE SUBCOMMITTEE TO ORDER. LET'S CALL THE ROLL.
• THE GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE THIS FALL PROVIDES A BROAD FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE TO HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP
• THIS LIST IDENTIFIES FIELD WITH SIGNIFICANT WORKFORCE GAPS AND PROVIDES A TOOL FOR THE UNIVERSITIES IN
• WE DEVELOP THIS LIST BY LOOKING AT STATE LEVEL LABOR DATA AND IDENTIFYING THE LABOR DATA AND HOW IT IS
• THE BOARD STAFF WORKED WITH THE CHANCELLOR AND THE CHAIR TO DEVELOP THE ACTUAL PLAN.

Transcript Highlights:

• labor to business to housing developers labor to business to housing developers to<00:08:34.200>
• <00:10:08.760> Workforce shortage the lack of Workforce Workforce shortage the lack of Workforce
• long-term impacts a lack of Workforce long-term impacts a lack of Workforce housing<00:10:41.000
• <00:32:31.080> do element of the bill but developers do element of the bill but developers
• But the problem is that this type of development and affordable developments are not happening today.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 1987, the Minnesota Starter Home Act, and first adopted the A1 author’s amendment, which made minor cleanup changes, removed sections two and three, adjusted ADU language, and tweaked density language. The bill authors described the measure as a bipartisan effort to address Minnesota’s housing shortage by allowing more starter homes, duplexes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units, while also limiting some local zoning barriers and preserving city protections in certain sensitive areas. They emphasized that the state has a large housing gap, rising home prices, and that the bill is intended as one part of a broader housing package. Supportive testimony came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Housing First Minnesota, Habitat for Humanity, AARP Minnesota, and Americans for Prosperity. These witnesses argued that workforce and starter-home shortages are hurting families, employers, and economic growth; that restrictive zoning and lengthy approval processes raise costs; and that more middle housing and ADUs would expand options for older adults, caregivers, working families, and people seeking homeownership. Several supporters said the bill would reduce regulatory barriers, lower development costs, and help communities add needed housing supply. Opposition or cautionary testimony came from city and municipal representatives, including officials from Cambridge, Eagan, and Mankato, as well as the League of Minnesota Cities and related groups. They argued that local governments already are approving substantial housing growth and need flexibility to manage zoning, parking, infrastructure, stormwater, and community input. They warned the bill could weaken local control, remove practical standards, and create unintended impacts such as more rental conversion in some neighborhoods or development without adequate infrastructure. No final vote on the bill itself was shown in the transcript beyond adoption of the A1 amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• development entities such as EK SEPt and other workforce entities, foster care, childcore resources,
• workforce development entities in Kentucky, adult education, and other educational resources for job
• similar supportive resources, workforce similar supportive resources, workforce development<00:16
• entities such as EK SEPt and development entities such as EK SEPt and other<00:16:08.720> workforce
• /c><00:16:12.480> workforce childcore resources, workforce childcore resources, workforce development

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the November 12 minutes by voice vote, and then heard a presentation from former Governor Ernie Fletcher and Dave Johnson on Medicaid reimbursement for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Fletcher argued that addiction should be treated as a chronic disease requiring a longer continuum of care, not just short residential stays, and said recovery should combine clinical treatment with social supports such as housing, transportation, employment, peer coaching, and recovery housing. He cited data on overdose trends, low treatment rates, and high costs for people with SUD, and said current reimbursement models create poor incentives and do not adequately support long-term recovery or measure outcomes well. Fletcher proposed a “carve through” model administered at the MCO level with standardized metrics, data sharing, and an independent recovery coordinator that would assess patients, coordinate care, and connect them to clinical and social recovery services. He suggested using bundled payments, shared savings, and partial risk arrangements, with recovery housing reimbursed on a PMPM or weekly basis and funded in part through existing Medicaid spending and other sources such as opioid abatement funds. He also emphasized peer support, telemedicine, criminal justice coordination, workforce and education supports, and the use of technology, including text messaging and possibly AI, to maintain long-term follow-up and identify relapse risk. Members questioned how the model would work in practice, especially the education and staffing requirements for recovery coordinators, reimbursement levels, and how many patients each coordinator or peer would serve. Fletcher said peers could be certified and would need additional training in assessments such as ASAM and recovery residence standards, but he did not give a precise salary figure, saying the market and bundled rates would determine that. He also said follow-up should continue for years, noting relapse risk over the first 18 to 24 months and that meaningful employment and ongoing peer contact help sustain recovery. No formal vote or action was taken on the substance use presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then today, um, the workforce committee bill will be heard. That's the $358,000 on line 1.14.
• And then um the workforce committee bill also spends $41,000 out of the workforce development fund, which
• bill<00:01:55.759> will<00:01:55.920> be the workforce committee bill will be the workforce
• <00:02:29.440> development<00:02:29.920> fund, out of the workforce development fund
• , out of the workforce development fund, which<00:02:30.560> is<00:02:31.280> um<00:02:

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Nonpartisan staff presented House budget resolution BUDRES06, explaining that it is an updated budgetary solution reflecting bills previously heard or passed out of Ways and Means, as well as bills being heard that day. The resolution showed a total additional change of $41.1 million for the 2026–27 biennium, with existing budget reserve and cash flow account amounts unchanged. Staff highlighted several committee bills included in the resolution, including elections, higher education, housing, public safety, and the workforce committee bill, which was listed at $358,000 on line 1.14. The workforce bill also included $41,000 from the workforce development fund outside the general fund, and the healthcare access fund was set at a zero-change limit. A member asked whether additional budget resolutions were expected later in session, and staff responded that more resolutions would be set as other packages moved out of committee. After the explanation and brief questions, a motion was made to adopt the budget resolution as described. Members voiced support, there were no recorded oppositions, and the resolution was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• one spot per unit unless the developer one spot per unit unless the developer can<00:28:23.120><
• might be a stretch if you're developing might be a stretch if you're developing a<00:31:07.559><
• > an parking I mean the developer has an parking I mean the developer has an incentive<00:31:55.600
• <01:14:32.920> or mall or a multif family development or mall or a multif family development
• <01:49:46.880> housing you all go with the workforce housing you all go with the workforce

Keywords: 1189, house, all