Transcript Highlights:

• A grant request of $100,000 will help sustain and expand our program, In Language There Is Life, which
• That loss halted planned grants for more than 150 local farmers and 20 community food programs with a
• That loss halted planned grants for more than 150 local farmers and 20 community food programs with a
• Other USDA grant programs were cancelled prior to contract.
• Other USDA grant programs were cancelled prior to contract.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: This joint informational briefing on Act 310 grants and aid focused on organizations describing how federal funding cuts, Medicaid/SNAP changes, and related policy shifts are affecting their services and budgets. Committee members explained there would be no Q&A, testimony would be limited to one minute, and in-person participants would be heard before Zoom callers. Members repeatedly asked testifiers to identify the amount of federal funding lost or at risk. Testimony came from a wide range of nonprofits and community providers, including Aloha Care, Hawaii Bicycling League, Hawaii Literacy, Hawaii Youth Symphony, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii, the Tsunami Museum, The Kohala Center, West Hawaii Community Health Center, West Hawaii Region Hospital Foundation, Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawaii, Dynamic Community Solutions, Feeding Hawaii Together, Girl Scouts of Hawaii, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Hawaiian Lending and Investments, Homana, Honolulu Theatre for the Youth, Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, and Kokua Kalihi Valley. Most described reduced or threatened federal support and requested state funding to maintain services such as health care access, food security, disaster preparedness, literacy and digital inclusion, youth mentoring, arts education, housing, and climate or agricultural resilience. Several speakers emphasized direct impacts on vulnerable populations, including kūpuna, low-income families, immigrants, homeless youth, and people with disabilities. Requests ranged from relatively small planning or program grants to multi-million-dollar stabilization asks, with some organizations citing specific losses such as reduced Medicaid or USDA funding, canceled EPA or FEMA support, or expiring federal grants. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• about grants most Grant information about grants most Grant evaluations<00:09:44.680><c> will</c><00
• In looking at the whole landscape, there are 32 state grant-making agencies and 775 grant programs that
• </c><01:02:52.279><c> programs</c><01:02:52.760><c> but</c> lot and the number of Grant programs but
• lot and the number of Grant programs but the<01:02:53.039><c> dollar</c><01:02:53.319><c> amount</c><
• <01:27:16.920><c> grants</c><01:27:17.360><c> Management</c> grants grants Management grants grants Management

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill, Senate File 379, establishes a grant program to address cybersecurity needs of county and
• <c> the</c> security grant program funded from the security grant program funded from the federal<00:
• , which in part leverages federal, state, and local cybersecurity grant program dollars, as well as the
• , which in part leverages federal, state, and local cybersecurity grant program dollars, as well as the
• </c><00:15:13.000><c> program</c> and local cyber security grant program and local cyber security grant

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So starting on line 4, the state grant program, the Senate offer number two proposes an appropriation
• So starting on line 4, the state grant program, the Senate offer number two proposes an appropriation
• program.
• program.
• program.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• program, and it gave $2.5 million to 13 grantees with whom BHA already had existing grants for a similar
• to programs for grants and then they go and they work for a business that applies for those grants.
• to programs for grants and then they go and they work for a business that applies for those grants.
• Um, and so I'm concerned going through the grants uh as a program, and I'm worried about that, and so
• Um, and so I'm concerned going through the grants uh as a program, and I'm worried about that, and so

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Obviously, CHFFA has a number of bonds, loans, and grant programs, but she really wanted to highlight
• , grantees forfeit their grants from the specialty dental clinic grant program, which is a grant program
• keep that program online even after only receiving that grant in a one-time fashion to get it reopened
• We're developing the grant program designs now. Internal review processes.
• In terms of next steps, just share with you the grant opportunities under this program will be offered

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health heard updates on five health-related budget items. First, members reviewed state support for distressed hospitals and health facilities. The California Health Facilities Financing Authority and HCAI described the Distressed Hospital Loan Program as a lifeline for 16 hospitals, many of which remain financially strained and are expected to seek loan forgiveness rather than repayment. Speakers cited reduced contract labor, new service lines, strategic partnerships, and the reopening of Madera Hospital as signs of progress, but also warned that federal policy changes under H.R. 1 will likely increase uncompensated care and pressure emergency departments. Public commenters from hospital, dental, and consumer groups supported additional funding, including a request to refresh the program with another $300 million. The committee then heard HCAI’s update on the California Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded at $233.6 million for California. HCAI said the program will focus on rural care models, workforce development, and health technology, with grants to be rolled out on a fast timeline and all funds obligated by October 30, 2026. Members raised concerns about rural provider capacity to apply for grants, and HCAI said it will use a third-party administrator, a technical assistance center, webinars, and other supports to help applicants. HCAI also presented its budget request for the health care payments database, seeking ongoing non-General Fund support to continue operations and expand data, including pharmacy benefit manager data. The Emergency Medical Services Authority presented three budget change proposals: funding to replace disaster medical services fleet vehicles, funding for IT security work, and additional positions for HR, enforcement, and legal workload. A member also raised concern that EMSA has not yet completed the annual ambulance rate reporting required by AB 716, and EMSA said it remains committed to the requirement but lost prior funding through later budget reductions. Covered California reported that it is still finalizing its own budget, but expects a lower operating budget due to efforts to reduce baseline costs and align spending with actual expenditures; it also projected enrollment declines tied to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, H.R. 1, and federal rule changes, while noting that revenues may still rise because premiums are expected to increase. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined budget proposals tied to menopause coverage and education, PBM licensure and enforcement under AB 116 and SB 41, credentialing reforms under AB 1041, and prior authorization reporting under SB 306. Public testimony generally supported the menopause and PBM proposals, while also urging clearer language and attention to Medi-Cal parity. The hearing concluded after public comment, including additional advocacy for sickle cell services and rural health workforce funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• Care Food Program, or CACFP, and the Summer Food Service Program, or SFSP.
• , how is grants management in this agency—oh, there's a bunch of problems, how is it in this program?
• or for Grants for oversight of Grants or for Grants Poli<00:41:27.280><c> polies</c><00:41:27.599><c
• </c><01:09:25.520><c> work</c> for the grant after that the grant work for the grant after that the grant
• areas in the when it comes to program areas in the when it comes to Grants<01:15:33.120><c> and</c><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• One is a program administrator to help with the grants in the grants area, and the other one is an FTE
• One is a program administrator to help with the grants in the grants area, and the other one is an FTE
• One is a program administrator to help with the grants in the grants area, and the other one is an FTE
• Goal B allows the Texas Veterans Commission's Fund for Veteran Assistance grant program to award grant
• Goal B allows the Texas Veterans Commission's Fund for Veteran Assistance grant program to award grant

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We recommend setting a minimum grant amount. Currently, the math program...
• The proposed math coaches and specialist grant program provides LEAs the resources necessary to employ
• This grant program seeks to address a critical need in our education system by providing funds to LEAs
• We have these literacy grant programs over $600 million over the past several years and one-time funds
• For that, we are maintaining full funding for this program, including kitchen infrastructure grants,

Summary: The committee heard a series of budget proposals focused on education finance, with repeated questions about whether the state’s investments are coordinated, targeted to the highest-need students, and likely to produce measurable results. On the first item, the administration proposed $1 million for a study of California’s curriculum framework, standards, and instructional materials process, plus $250,000 for supplemental ELA/ELD guidance. CDE and Finance said the study would examine how other states organize standards, frameworks, and adoptions, while the chair and members questioned why California has gone so long without updating some standards, what the study would actually accomplish, and whether the proposal was too vague to justify the cost. The issue was held open. The committee then took up a proposed $25 million statewide literacy network within the system of support. CCEE and CDE said the network would coordinate multiple existing literacy leads, create a clearinghouse of evidence-based resources, and improve coherence across the state’s many literacy initiatives. Members pressed on how a one-time, five-year allocation could support a long-term system, how the work would reach distressed and rural districts, and whether the proposal would translate into classroom change rather than just another layer of coordination. The issue was also held open. Next, the committee reviewed a $500 million proposal to expand literacy coaches and reading specialists and to create a math coaches program. CDE described the existing literacy coach cohorts as producing positive reports from participating LEAs, while the LAO recommended modifications, especially for the math coach portion, including limiting eligibility to elementary schools, setting minimum grant amounts, directing funds to eligible school sites, and making eligibility automatic rather than application-based. Members focused on whether coaches were actually being placed at the schools with the greatest need and whether the state has a coherent long-term strategy for literacy and math investments. The committee also heard a $40 million proposal for training and implementation of K-2 reading difficulty screeners, which the LAO said was reasonable but could be reduced because $25 million had already been provided for training; CDE said the new funds were needed for full implementation, procurement, and sustainability. Finally, the committee heard a $10 million proposal for a developmentally appropriate TK multilingual learner screener, with CDE explaining why the preschool language-identification process is different from K-12 EL assessment and the chair asking staff to explore whether a single, more consistent approach could be developed. The meeting concluded with a presentation on universal school meals and kitchen infrastructure, including a $31.5 million backfill, an $84.1 million increase for projected meal growth, a COLA adjustment, and $150 million for kitchen upgrades and training to support freshly prepared meals.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> program.
• The majority of the programs program.
• ID regional program.
• </c> community support program. community support program.
• Um, those grants, though, are up and going, and I mean individuals are the programs and the community

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 29 January, 2026: 8:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it prevents them from stealing from these programs and then getting more government grants.
• And it prevents them from stealing from these programs and then getting more government grants.
• And it prevents them from stealing from these programs and then getting more government grants.
• And it prevents them from stealing from these programs and then getting more government grants.
• and then getting more programs and then getting more government<00:10:05.839><c> grants.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Visiting Program with the infant and toddler program.
• They also work on other welfare programs, other benefit programs.
• Programs.
• Visiting Program with the Infant and Toddler Program.
• Because it seems like we're just funding programs to fund programs.

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations for several Department of Health and Welfare divisions, including Early Learning and Development, Public Health Services, and Family and Community Partnerships. The analyst and director explained recent reorganizations, such as moving the Idaho Child Care Program into Early Learning and Development, shifting Emergency Medical Services out of Public Health, and proposing to move the Idaho Home Visiting Program from Public Health to Early Learning and Development for efficiency. The presentations also covered ongoing and one-time funding requests for child care capacity, immunizations, HIV and hepatitis prevention, lab testing, disaster preparedness, and kinship navigation services. A major focus was the Idaho Child Care Program capacity funding. Committee members asked about the source of the money, how much was already set aside, whether the funds would create new slots rather than subsidize existing ones, and how the department would verify proper use. The director said the money comes from the federal Child Care Development Block Grant, is intended to expand provider capacity in underserved and rural areas, and can support both licensed and unlicensed providers as long as federal health and safety requirements are met. Members also questioned the proposed five new program integrity positions, including a fraud investigator, and the director said they are needed for a full annual review of providers and beneficiaries; she later corrected that the positions are ongoing, not one-time, funding. Public health questions centered on the effectiveness of HIV and hepatitis prevention spending, the immunization assessment fund, and the role of public health more broadly. The director said HIV and hepatitis funds support education, screening, and surveillance rather than treatment, that the state continues to see a need despite rising case counts, and that the department is revamping outcome reporting. On immunizations, she said the assessment fund is financed by insurer assessments and supports vaccine purchases at lower cost, with the governor recommending an increase based on the assessment board’s decision. Members also asked about the home visiting program’s funding history, the proposed transfer of funds between Youth Safety and Permanency and Switzie for rare complex cases, and the use of ARPA funds for one-time data modernization projects. No formal votes were taken in the transcript, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we have Sean Haskin, Director for State Scholarship and Grant Programs.
• I'm Sean Haskin, the Director of the State Scholarship and Grant Programs.
• So next up, we have Sean Haskin, Director for State Scholarship and Grant Programs.
• The Florida Student Assistance Grant is the largest need-based grant program that the state has.
• The First Generation in College Matching Grant Program provides need-based grants to degree-seeking undergraduate

Summary: The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the higher education programs under its jurisdiction. After roll call and member introductions, Chair Busatta outlined that the subcommittee oversees programs in the Department of Education and the State University System, including vocational rehabilitation, blind services, private postsecondary licensure, student financial aid, career and adult education, the Florida College System, and the Board of Governors. The chair and staff also noted that these areas represent roughly $9 billion in current-year funding. Officials from the Department of Education presented on several programs. Vocational Rehabilitation Director Kelly Rogers described services for adults and youth with disabilities, including pre-employment transition services, job coaching, assistive technology, and employer support; she said the program served more than 55,000 people last year, has no wait list, and reported a return of $7.61 to the economy for every $1 invested. Division of Blind Services Director Robert Doyle explained services from birth through older adulthood, including early intervention, school-age support, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, the Business Enterprise Program for blind vendors, and the Braille and Talking Book Library; he said the division serves about 12,000 people annually and also has no wait list, though some community rehab providers may have one. Tiffany Hurst of the Commission for Independent Education described licensure and consumer protection for independent postsecondary institutions, reporting oversight of about 1,100 institutions and 721 non-degree schools, along with enforcement actions against unlicensed operators. Sean Haskin of Student Financial Assistance reviewed 22 scholarship and grant programs totaling about $1 billion for more than 200,000 students, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, need-based grants, EASE, EASE Plus, veterans’ scholarships, dual enrollment reimbursement, first responder scholarships, and the Ocoee and Rosewood scholarships. Members asked about surplus funds, marketing, Bright Futures eligibility requirements, and whether EASE awards had changed; Haskin said any unused funds are reverted to the Legislature, that the department markets through schools and the Florida Lottery, and that EASE remained at $3,500 per FTE for the last two fiscal years. Several members raised concerns that students and parents may not learn about aid programs early enough, especially in economically disadvantaged communities. Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell then presented on Career and Adult Education, highlighting record participation in career and technical education, adult education, and apprenticeship. He said about 800,000 secondary students and 480,000 postsecondary students are in CTE, adult education serves about 183,000 learners, and apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeship programs include more than 22,000 participants. He also described the workforce development fund, Perkins, WIOA Title II, the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, workforce capitalization grants, CAPE performance funding, and the Pipeline nursing initiative, noting strong NCLEX outcomes and expanded outreach through the Get There, Your Way, Future of Work Florida, and Zello platforms. Kathy Hebda began the Florida College System presentation by emphasizing open access, workforce preparation, statewide reach, and strong enrollment and completion growth, including more than 672,000 students, over 131,000 degrees and certificates, and significant dual enrollment savings for students and families.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE HAVE MANY GRANT PROGRAMS OUT THERE AND WE HAVE OUR PARKS GRANTS, ARTS AND CULTURE GRANTS AND THINGS
• AS WE HAVE IN OTHER GRANT PROGRAMS?
• I WAS CURIOUS ABOUT HOW MUCH WOULD THE AVERAGE GRANT BE IN THIS PROGRAM.
• YOU'RE TALKING VERY MUCH ABOUT THE GRANT PROGRAM.
• IS THERE AN APPROPRIATION RIGHT NOW FOR THE GRANT PROGRAM? >> Sen.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The pollinator control agency is leading that grant program, and that grant program again has very impactful
• The pollinator control agency is leading that grant program, and that grant program again has very impactful
• A couple other ones I just mentioned that are smaller but important is our specialty crop grant program
• Coming from, they just, you know, signed up for a grant and a program, and now, you know, the promise
• But we have a grant from USDA through an ARPA program to provide technical assistance.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CDA worked collaboratively with provider associations, including CADS, to develop the grant program,
• Under this program, CDA has awarded the full amount of the grant funding to 767 organizations.
• Why would we cut this program?
• SSI grants.
• Reinstating this emergency grant program that is still in statute would provide a lump sum of funds to

Summary: The joint Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused first on long-term services and supports for older adults, especially the “forgotten/overlooked middle” who earn too much for Medi-Cal but cannot afford private long-term care. Administration witnesses from DHCS, the Department of Aging, and Social Services described Medicare’s limited long-term care coverage, Medi-Cal’s role, the elimination of the Medi-Cal asset test, and ongoing state studies and listening sessions on financing options. Testimony from advocates and researchers emphasized rising homelessness among older adults, the need for better navigation and coordination across health, aging, housing, and social service systems, and short-term policy steps such as share-of-cost reform, housing stability supports, and protecting home- and community-based services. Members highlighted the need for a coordinated, no-wrong-door approach and asked for the most impactful budget investments to address affordability and homelessness risk. The second major topic was the Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) program. CDA reported that CBAS helps participants remain in the community, that 304 centers operate statewide serving about 42,000 people, and that demand is stable but access gaps remain in some regions. DHCS explained that a 2024 rate increase authorized by SB 159 became inoperative after Proposition 35, and that a separate 10% rate change on the fee schedule was the result of a DHCS system error; the department said it would not require recoupment, though managed care plans may act under their contracts. CBAS providers and advocates warned that reimbursement rates have not kept pace with costs, that several centers have closed, and that clawbacks could trigger more closures. They requested $74.8 million ongoing General Fund to close part of the rate gap and preserve the program, while members expressed concern about closures and the cost savings of keeping people out of more expensive institutional care. The hearing then moved to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and statewide collective bargaining. CDSS reviewed provider recruitment and retention efforts, including electronic timesheets, direct deposit, and the now-completed IHSS Career Pathways program, which trained more than 59,000 providers. CDSS also summarized its AB 102 workgroup report on statewide versus regional bargaining, saying the final report would be sent to the Legislature soon and that statewide bargaining appeared more viable than regional bargaining, though it would require clear statutory scope and major fiscal changes. The department estimated that each $1 per hour statewide wage increase would cost at least $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion annually. Labor advocates argued that IHSS wages, benefits, and training are too inconsistent across counties and called for statewide bargaining, consumer participation, and ongoing state funding. County representatives supported stronger wages but cautioned that counties need protection from new costs and administrative burdens, and consumer advocates warned that moving bargaining to the state could weaken local consumer control and the program’s consumer-driven structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're spending a lot of money in our grant programs to do septic-to-sewer to get existing...
• We're spending a lot of money in our grant programs to do septic-to-sewer to get existing septic tanks
• And so the Legislature in 2020 created the Water Quality Improvement Grant Program.
• Then in fiscal year 21-22, the Legislature began funding that grant program, up until last year.
• So these numbers would only be specific to grants from the Resilient Florida program.

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee heard two informational presentations. First, the Department of Environmental Protection gave an overview of Florida’s water quality framework, explaining how numeric nutrient criteria, monitoring, TMDLs, and Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) are used to address impaired waters. DEP described recent changes intended to increase accountability, including five-year milestones in BMAPs, requirements for advanced wastewater treatment by 2033 in certain cases, limits on new conventional septic systems where sewer is available, enhanced nutrient-reducing septic requirements where sewer is not available, and a new agricultural regional water quality improvement element. The department also highlighted the Water Quality Improvement Grant Program, which has received nearly $1.4 billion over four years and funded more than 300 projects, as well as a public dashboard showing funded projects and a forthcoming trend-analysis dashboard for monitoring data. Members asked about enforcement of BMAP milestones, septic-to-sewer coordination with local governments, PFAS and microplastics monitoring, septic system performance standards, wastewater facility compliance, and how many facilities remain below advanced wastewater treatment standards. DEP said it can enforce BMAP obligations through administrative orders, consent orders, court action, fines, and permit conditions, and that it inspects and verifies wastewater facilities while relying on reporting and site inspections for sewer infrastructure. The department also said nutrient-reducing septic systems must achieve a 65 percent reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus, with verification required when projects seek BMAP credit. The committee then heard from the chief resilience officer on the Resilient Florida program, created in 2021 to address sea-level rise and coastal flooding. The presentation reviewed planning grants, vulnerability assessments, and the statewide critical-asset assessment, noting that all counties and most municipalities are expected to complete assessments by the end of 2026 and that vulnerability is now an eligibility requirement for future project funding. The program reported major statewide outcomes, including stormwater storage, miles of infrastructure and roadway protection, acres restored, and coastal protection projects, and highlighted examples such as breakwater improvements and lift-station elevation. Members asked about project delays, funding totals, overlap with other funding sources, and project prioritization; the program said delays often stem from design and permitting after award, that its reported totals reflect only grants it administers, and that projects are scored under the same criteria rather than being prioritized by asset type. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm not arguing for or against the program or the grants or anything.
• </c> program or the grants or anything. program or the grants or anything.
• </c><00:18:04.480><c> program</c> Street grant program Street grant program &gt;&gt; 22?
• program that was created, the Main Street Associations was the administrator of that grant program for
• </c> was the administrator of that grant was the administrator of that grant program<00:18:26.640><c>

Keywords: Public Property - Room 409, 26 February, 2026; 11:00 P.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any grants 50,000 or above. We um uh for many of our grant programs do 25,000 or above.
• Any grants 50,000 or above. We um uh for many of our grant programs do 25,000 or above.
• Again, the border-to-border grant program, the low population density program, the line extension program
• So, as I to our broadband grant program.
• </c> grant program, the low population grant program, the low population density<00:53:21.599><c> program

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program.
• grant.
• so</c> okay um these grants are 27mon grants so okay um these grants are 27mon grants so they<01:39:
• The federal grant ends, and we are wrapping up the program.
• Um, yeah, difficult to estimate. program predict EFA program enrollment program predict EFA program enrollment

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division II committee heard a Department of Education budget presentation from Commissioner Frank Edelblut and CFO Tammy Valen-cour. The department outlined its organizational structure and emphasized that it functions largely as a flow-through agency for school funding. The commissioner reviewed general fund and Education Trust Fund items, including state aid, dropout prevention, special education, building aid, lease aid, charter schools, Education Freedom Accounts, and the district adequacy calculation. He also highlighted the public school infrastructure fund, saying the state has invested well over $50 million in school safety since 2018 for measures such as access controls, locks, and window film, and argued that safety spending should be ongoing rather than reactive. Members asked about the variability in the school infrastructure line, special education aid, and the Discovery Education learning platform. Edelblut explained that some safety funding had come from one-time surplus appropriations rather than the agency line, and said special education aid was underappropriated because districts submitted more invoices than expected; he said the governor added $16 million to address the shortfall. He also described CTE renovation funding, noting four projects were initially proposed but only Jaffrey and Milford were still moving forward, with local votes required and the state covering 75% of costs. He said Milford’s project was omitted from the governor’s budget by oversight. The department also reviewed enrollment trends, noting public school enrollment has fallen from about 230,000 students in 2002 to about 185,000 today. Edelblut clarified that charter students are not eligible for Education Freedom Accounts, while EFA students attending non-public schools are counted as EFA students. He described several one-time surplus-funded initiatives, including Student Clearinghouse, MTSSB work, civics curriculum development, computer science education, and adult education. He also discussed a $4 million CTE tuition and transportation grant, saying it was kept as a competitive grant rather than a formula grant to avoid creating an ongoing maintenance-of-effort commitment that could jeopardize federal Perkins funding. In the final portion, Edelblut identified prioritized needs in the department’s budget, especially funding for a state administrator for assessment to support the legislatively required civics assessment, and additional support for the Discovery Education platform. He said every school in the state is using the platform and cited more than 1.5 million educator engagements, while a member raised concerns about mixed reviews and uneven district awareness of the program. No votes or formal actions were taken during the presentation and question period.