Transcript Highlights:

• That's our total program, total package. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• We could have a small system application.
• Department, are better suited to small acequias.
• But from a city perspective, they're all different.
• The legislature to change small process changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Great programs that we have in New Mexico.
• Madam Chair, if in the future this passes, and it goes forward in a big city or even a small village
• A big city or even a small village, for that matter, that the capacity for water delivery becomes problematic
• What did the Roswell City Planner have to say?
• or the Carlsbad or the Artesia city planners as well.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> It is also a city of justice seekers. It is also a city of justice seekers.
• Akran is a city of world changers. It Akran is a city of world changers.
• </c> compliance costs on small businesses. compliance costs on small businesses.
• The paycheck protection program imposed significant compliance burdens on small businesses.
• Such time as he may consume. solutions to lift up small small solutions to lift up small small businesses

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This program has a sunset.
• of Greater Kansas City.
• Tailored to small businesses.
• Existing program, got to love that.
• Existing program, got to love that.

Summary: The Committee on Economic Development met with a quorum and first heard House Bill 2409 from Rep. Brenda Shields, which would create three child care-related tax credit programs to help address Missouri’s workforce and child care shortages. Shields said the bill is aimed at expanding affordable, reliable child care through community partnerships involving businesses, nonprofits, and providers, with credits for contributions to child care facilities, employer-provided child care assistance, and provider facility improvements. She and supporters cited child care deserts, high costs, and lost economic output, arguing the bill would help parents work and businesses recruit and retain employees. Witnesses in support included the Missouri Chamber, Kids Win Missouri, Associated Industries of Missouri, local chambers, economic development groups, and child care-related organizations; there was no opposition testimony. The committee then moved into executive session and approved House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2508 and House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2517, both by unanimous 12-0 roll call votes and both sent do pass on consent. The 2508 substitute dealt with series LLC language, including searchable records and stand-alone certificates of good standing. The 2517 substitute addressed wholesaling, adding a 14-day disclosure period and changing Attorney General enforcement language from “shall” to “may.” Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2654 from Rep. Knight, which would create a Missouri Works capital investment track for projects with at least $50 million in investment, offering a 2.5% tax credit without requiring new job creation. The sponsor and Department of Economic Development said the proposal is modeled on programs in other states and is intended to help Missouri compete for large investments, especially in manufacturing and automation. Many business and economic development groups testified in support, emphasizing retention, expansion, and regional competition; several members asked whether the $50 million threshold could be lowered, and the sponsor said he was open to discussion. No opposition testimony was offered, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• For decades, this program has been the foundation of our partnership with cities and towns.
• This is a key program, and as cities and towns are collectively responsible for more than 1,700...
• This is a key program, and as cities and towns are collectively responsible for more than 700 lane miles
• I cannot overstate the... this is a key program and as cities and towns are collectively responsible
• So this new program, since 2021, has just been a huge, important program for those cities and towns.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 4987, the administration’s transportation bond bill centered on Chapter 90 roadway funding and related capital programs. Administration officials described the bill as a roughly $5.5 billion package that would continue $300 million per year for Chapter 90 over four years, with part of the funding distributed by the traditional formula and an additional $100 million based solely on road miles to better support rural and smaller communities. They also highlighted authorizations for municipal pavement work, Shared Streets and Spaces grants, accelerated bridge and pavement repairs, MBTA rail modernization and reliability, housing-related transportation improvements, and a new DCR-focused PRISM program for parkways and related infrastructure. Officials emphasized that the bill is financed through the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and Fair Share revenues, and said it would help municipalities plan more predictably, speed project delivery, and support housing, safety, and climate goals. Committee members and witnesses discussed the bill’s broader scope beyond traditional Chapter 90, especially the $200 million for transportation projects that support housing development and the $200 million for MBTA modernization and rail reliability. Members asked about the rationale for a four-year authorization amid fiscal uncertainty, federal funding volatility, and the status of commuter rail electrification. Administration officials responded that the capital authorization is backed by dedicated transportation revenues rather than the operating budget, and said multi-year certainty helps cities and towns make better long-term repair decisions. They also said the MBTA’s rail modernization funds would support locomotive procurements, including battery-electric and Tier 4 diesel locomotives, as part of a longer-term regional rail and electrification strategy. Municipal officials and regional advocates strongly supported the bill. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, along with town and city officials from Sherborn, Conway, and Yarmouth, said the increased Chapter 90 funding and road-mile-based distribution are especially important for small and rural communities with limited local revenue capacity, and that multi-year funding would let them bundle projects, bid at better prices, and address backlogs more proactively. A Better City and MAPC also supported the bill but urged the committee to treat it like a traditional bond bill by adding policy provisions and considering new transportation revenue tools, such as TNC fee changes, road pricing, parking taxes, and other mechanisms. The committee took no vote during the hearing and adjourned after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• spending increased overall and for all city types, large to small.
• We know that state grant programs like TIB and WSDOT active transportation are essential to cities.
• on an existing program or a new program altogether, and whether a program is working with existing recipients
• We saw that in some programs that were built on legacy programs that predated the CCA.
• So City of Spokane has been experimenting with a quick build program.

Summary: The committee began with member introductions, then heard a presentation on a draft final report studying alternative funding mechanisms for sidewalks and related pedestrian infrastructure. Consultants said current local funding sources are insufficient, with most jurisdictions unable to complete planned sidewalk networks within 50 years. They evaluated four options: a sidewalk utility fee, a modified transportation benefit district sales tax, a new real estate excise tax option, and expanded stormwater fee use for ADA sidewalk ramps. The consultants recommended authorizing the modified TBD sales tax and new REET option, considering a sidewalk utility despite legal uncertainty, broadening any authorization to all pedestrian improvements, and not pursuing the stormwater fee option. Members asked about legal authority, fairness, revenue adequacy, and whether jurisdictions had been consulted; the presenters said state enabling legislation would likely be needed for a sidewalk utility and that fairness could be defined either by direct benefit or by need. The committee then received an update on the 2025 assessment of city transportation funding needs. The consultants reported that city transportation revenues have grown in some local and federal categories since 2019, but state revenues have remained relatively flat and smaller cities are especially affected by declining fuel tax revenues and limited tax bases. They estimated annual city transportation needs at $4.25 billion, average annual spending at $1.89 billion, and a funding gap of $2.37 billion, larger than in the prior study because of updated data, inclusion of system improvements, and higher preservation costs. Draft recommendations focused on reducing costs and improving efficiency, preserving and increasing state support, and expanding local funding options, including preservation-first spending, a permanent federal fund exchange program, streamlined review processes, better coordination with WSDOT, possible property tax flexibility, and exploration of new local tools. Members raised questions about design standards, the role of density and transit, federal compliance, and whether the report would identify specific consolidation or process changes. The committee also heard a project update on evaluating zero-emission vehicle and electrification programs funded by the Climate Commitment Act. Consultants said they had reviewed roughly 23 programs and projects across seven agencies and were now evaluating options to improve delivery, including process improvements, reorganizing programs, or consolidating governance and administrative functions. Early findings highlighted staffing shortages, duplication and variation across agencies, differing levels of risk, and the challenge of coordinating climate priorities across agencies with other core missions. Members asked about program outcomes, administrative costs, whether some programs should have exit strategies, and how to strengthen the EV Coordinating Council. Finally, WSDOT provided an implementation update on its new public-private partnership authority under SB 5801, saying work is underway to prepare governance, legal, policy, and organizational structures ahead of the January 1, 2027 effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• STEM programs.
• From Houston water, we serve more people outside the city than inside the city.
• Army Corps of Engineers Reservoirs that we sponsor and provide water to small cities with.
• Corporations districts and small cities we provide as an organization on site technical assistance through
• Most small systems, as we've heard today, rely on local groundwater or purchased from neighboring cities

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's a process that works well for the tax credit program, the HCD programs, and other local government
• funding programs.
• And then certain cities, you know, the bigger cities, the suburbs, and the Central Valley get gobbled
• How programs and even the social programs have been to take care of the...
• We have to change small cities. Like, for example, I'm going to use my own little city.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The way the program works is a small business, you know, might be looking to do compliance testing.
• The SEED entrepreneurship program is a program that will support small businesses throughout the state
• The SEED entrepreneurship program is a program that will support small businesses throughout the state
• The SEED entrepreneurship program is a program that will support small businesses throughout the state
• The SEED entrepreneurship program is a program that will support small businesses throughout the state

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Most cities are very small to medium-sized.
• ><00:51:40.240><c> to</c><00:51:40.440><c> mediumsized</c> cities are very small uh to mediumsized cities
• city.
• /c><01:08:26.719><c> our</c> less like a small City uh lots of our less like a small City uh lots of
• > rental</c> programs food Housing Programs rental programs food Housing Programs rental assistance<01

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , um, empowering small Minnesota communities program.
• The Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program ensures that infrastructure investments and small
• The Empowering Small Minnesota Communities program is currently providing my city, Two Harbors, Minnesota
• Small Minnesota The Empowering Small Minnesota Communities<00:07:16.639><c> program</c><00:07:17.440
• Seems much bigger than what we would assume as a small city here.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And just to kind of explain that to you, that program allows a small business to come in and speak to
• </c><00:14:15.120><c> to</c><00:14:15.360><c> come</c> program allows a small business to come program
• So we've really put small business development to the test, and I think we have a well-rounded program
• As Tyrone mentioned, you have the Small Business Administration guarantee programs.
• c> accelerator program in the city of accelerator program in the city of Louisville<01:19:10.000><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony focused on barriers facing minority-owned businesses and on local programs intended to improve access to capital and contracting opportunities. A representative from the U.S. Black Chambers described disparities in minority spending, argued for more intentional and transparent investment in Black communities, and emphasized the need to disaggregate data, hold officials accountable, and expand tools such as the byBlack certification directory. He also stressed that businesses need technical assistance, resources, and opportunities to grow through mergers, consortiums, and joint ventures. The main presentation then came from Larry Forester and Tyrone of Commerce Lexington, who outlined what they called eight major barriers for minority businesses, including limited access to capital, weak mentorship networks, discrimination and bias, bureaucratic hurdles, branding and visibility challenges, stereotyping, generational knowledge gaps, and limited financial literacy. They described several Commerce Lexington initiatives: the Access Loan Program, which brings small businesses before a pool of 26 lenders; a Minority Business Accelerator to help firms scale and connect with prime contractors; and an Opportunity Exchange for business owners to share experiences and lessons learned. They said the Access Loan Program has funded nearly $26 million in loans with an average loan size of about $62,000. Members asked about bias in lending and how to make contracting and certification easier for minority firms. Forester said applications are vetted by a subcommittee before reaching the full lender group, with attention to completeness and readiness, and that only one lender needs to say yes. On contracting, the witnesses said certification can be burdensome and suggested more hands-on help from the state, relationship-building events that include decision-makers, and incentives rather than mandates. They also relayed policy ideas from a business owner, including culturally informed underwriting, public-private matching grants, supplier diversity enforcement, and mentorship tied to capital access. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the city administrator with the city of Eveleth.
• That's under the affordability using the programs that are available to the city.
• programs.
• programs.
• programs.

Bills: HF4710, HF4055, HF3848, HF3989, HF4599, HF3767, HF3592, HF3575, HF3574, HF3543, HF4606, HF4489, HF3891, HF3438, HF3811, HF3400

Keywords: capital investment, water infrastructure, sewer systems, public funding, municipal development, Eveleth, wastewater treatment, state bonds, environmental compliance, infrastructure, bonds, economic development, local government, transportation, intersection improvements, Lake Elmo, HF4599, St. Joseph, Minnesota bonding bill, bond proceeds fund

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's different than living in a city, and there are traditions and Than living in a city.
• That would still go to the city.”
• “That would still go to the city, and then the city would then have to review that certification.
• Our program has been working very well. This committee has passed our program.
• The program from the Mexico program or the proposed Salvadorian program assured that they're just going

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's what cities do. And so that's what we've done. And so far, it's worked. Cities do.
• after city after city individually.
• Any questions from the city? All right.
• The city is controlling the negotiations, if you will.
• I'm going to throw my city council hat to the former city council boss, because we have an issue going

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on zoning, Chapter 40B, and related housing bills. Much of the testimony focused on the “Yes in My Backyard” bill (H. 1572/S. 962), which would expand by-right development of missing middle housing, reduce barriers such as minimum lot sizes and parking mandates, and support duplexes, triplexes, and other small-scale housing. Supporters included housing advocates, developers, local officials, and municipal leaders from places like Cambridge, Salem, and Braintree, who argued that state action is needed because local zoning often blocks needed housing and that the bill would help create more affordable, neighborhood-compatible homes. Several witnesses also backed a companion “Yes in God’s Backyard” bill (H. 2347), which would allow faith-based institutions to build housing on their property by right, with testimony emphasizing the potential for new units, added municipal tax revenue, and partnerships between religious organizations and housing developers. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 1021 to modernize Chapter 40R incentives. Senator Pavel Payano and others said the program’s payments have not kept pace with inflation since 2004 and should be increased to better encourage smart-growth zoning near transit and town centers. Another major topic was H. 2298 on site plan review, which would codify and standardize the process in state law. Rep. Kristin Kassner and witnesses from MAPC and NAIOP said current site plan review practices vary widely across the state, creating confusion, delays, and litigation, while a uniform framework would give municipalities clearer tools to review by-right projects without undermining local oversight. The hearing also included testimony on Chapter 40B reform, including S. 1005 and H. 1537. One witness supported further review of 40B and stronger regional planning, while another backed a proposal to allow certain pre-2010 40B condominium owners to sell at market value under a framework that would recapture some of the subsidy benefits. Committee members asked several questions about local zoning changes, housing goals by county, and how the proposed bills would affect communities. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs indicated that written testimony would be welcomed for technical details and additional comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I will tell you that your city, what city do you live in? San Antonio?
• So you have to be within the city limits of at least a 2,500-person city to pay the tax.
• If you're outside the city or live in a smaller city, you don't pay.
• program, or the Star Plus Home and Community-Based Service and Support programs.
• And I serve as the city manager for the city of Temple, which is a city located in Bell County near Fort

Bills: HB511, HB972, HB 1035, HB2481, HB2723, HB2742, HB2894, HB2962, HB3077, HB3093, HB3307, HB3684, HJR67, HJR72

Keywords: ad valorem taxation, caregiver exemption, Medicaid, long-term services, tax relief, assisted living, housing support, property tax exemption, caregiver support, residence homestead, tax exemption, unpaid caregiver, state tax code, property tax, caregiver, waiting list, intellectual disability, developmental disability, ad valorem tax, family support

Transcript Highlights:

• program to stabilize prices.
• I'm the deputy city manager with the city of Richland, and we're a first-class charter city and the operator
• As Boeing, I led a new technology development program for a multi-billion-dollar global program with
• Given in 2017 and 23 outright failures of two small nuclear reactor programs, both due to cost overruns
• , and Lazard's version, Small nuclear reactor programs, both due to cost overruns, and Lazard's version

Bills: HB2090, HB2215, HB2245, HB2272

Keywords: nuclear energy, renewable energy, energy strategy, sustainable development, state energy policy, climate change, fuel regulations, compliance obligations, sustainability, environmental policy, consumer-owned utilities, clean energy, port districts, market customers, energy transformation, ski areas, winter sports, terminology update, recreation, regulatory changes

Transcript Highlights:

• Working within the urban ag system for the last 5 years, there's not really a program through the city
• Working within the urban ag system for the last 5 years, there's not really a program through the city
• small plots within the city, so uh uh come on up to Moorhead, too. >> [snorts] >> Schreiber or Ms.
• Working within the urban ag system for the last 5 years, there's not really a program through the city
• small plots within the city, so uh uh come on up to Moorhead, too.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, keeping that in mind, when you have a small city that has a budget of $5 million a year, the
• And so keeping that in mind, when you have a small city that has a budget of $5 million a year, When
• you have a small city that has a budget of $5 million a year and you have a $3 million claim, there is
• We also apparently have the city of Bartow, the city of Belglades, the city of Moorhaven, the city of
• , fiscally constrained cities.

Summary: The Budget Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. HB 677, relating to state-covered fertility preservation for employees undergoing cancer treatment, was introduced as coverage for egg and sperm preservation for up to three years, with an estimated fiscal impact of about $813,000. After brief questions and no public testimony or amendments, the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/HB 59, which would reform Florida’s wrongful incarceration compensation process by extending the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, removing the clean-hands requirement, and allowing exonerees to choose between the state compensation process and a civil lawsuit; it was supported by the City of Flagler Beach and passed unanimously. CS/HB 1313, which recreates the Resilient Florida Trust Fund in the Department of Environmental Protection before its scheduled termination in 2025, also passed unanimously after supportive testimony from advocacy groups. The committee received a lengthy presentation from the Department of Management Services on the State Group Insurance Program and the recent Revenue Estimating Conference. The presentation covered enrollment, revenues and expenditures, rising medical and pharmacy costs, emergency room utilization, GLP-1 drug spending, and options for tighter formulary and utilization management. Members asked about ER cost growth, GLP-1 coverage and copays, PBM oversight and potential conflicts, avoidable ER visits, cancer screening claims, dental and vision costs, specialty drug biosimilars, and possible savings from more restrictive pharmacy models. DMS said it would follow up on several questions and noted ongoing work on cancer coordination, preventive screening, biomarker testing, and a proposed member-facing benefits platform. The committee also heard extensive testimony on HB 301, which would raise sovereign immunity caps from $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident to $1 million and $3 million, align limitations periods with private claims, and allow government entities to settle above the caps without a claims bill. Local governments, school-related entities, and county and city associations opposed the bill, warning of major fiscal impacts, higher insurance costs, and pressure on services; several speakers urged smaller increases or a tiered approach. Proponents, including families affected by catastrophic injury or death, argued the current caps are too low and the claims bill process is inefficient and unfair. After debate, the bill passed on a recorded vote, with some members voting no, and was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I, I will tell you that your city, what city do you live in? San Antonio.
• Um, I, I do want to know though, um, so cities cities collect taxes from their, their citizens and then
• So you have to be in within the city limits of at least a 2500 person city to pay the tax.
• managed Care Program, or the SAR Plus Home and Community-based service and support programs.
• to city er provide city services for all.