Transcript Highlights:

• Mark McDonald, on behalf of a number of community college districts—Southwestern, San Diego, Los Rios
• Thank you, Mark Martin, and the Office of Assembly Member Burr on the budget request to extend Santa
• Thank you, Mark Martin, and the Office of Assembly Members Burr on the budget request to extend Santa

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held a hearing focused on California Community College budget proposals. Chair Alvarez opened by emphasizing the system’s role in access, transfer, workforce training, and serving more than 2 million students, while also noting persistent challenges in enrollment, persistence, transfer, and graduation. Public commenters and system representatives broadly supported COLA, enrollment growth funding, deferred maintenance, student support block grants, and additional flexibility for districts facing uncertainty. The first major panel covered the student-centered funding formula, COLA, and enrollment growth. The Department of Finance said the Governor proposes a 2.43% COLA ($230.4 million) and 0.5% enrollment growth funding ($30.4 million). The LAO said the COLA was reasonable and recommended funding at least the proposed growth amount, citing uneven enrollment recovery and regional differences. The Chancellor’s Office supported both proposals and asked for additional changes, including using the greater of current-year or three-year average for apportionments and lifting the 10% local enrollment cap, arguing these would better fund growing districts. Members questioned how the formula works, whether SCFF is improving outcomes, and how much additional funding would be needed under different growth scenarios. The committee then reviewed categorical program COLAs, Rising Scholars, career education proposals, IT proposals, and student housing. The Governor proposed a 2.43% COLA for selected categorical programs ($31.9 million). For Rising Scholars, the Governor proposed $30 million ongoing and removal of the cap on participating colleges; the LAO urged waiting for outcome data before doubling funding, while the Chancellor’s Office said the program is serving more students and supports equity for justice-impacted students. On career education, the Governor proposed $50 million for credit for prior learning and $50 million for a career passport; the LAO supported more reporting on credit for prior learning but recommended rejecting the career passport as too undefined, while the Chancellor’s Office supported both. On technology, the Governor proposed $162.5 million for a common cloud data platform and $168 million for a common ERP system; the LAO said both were premature or lacked sufficient planning and recommended rejection, while the Chancellor’s Office argued they would improve real-time data, security, and systemwide efficiency. The committee also heard an update on student housing: the administration said the 2024 shift to a lease-revenue bond model remains in progress for 13 approved projects, with 11 still active, and members asked about withdrawn projects and possible use of any returned funds. No votes were taken, and several items were held open for further discussion and May Revision updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• This fall, we. admitted our largest incoming freshman class, and now have over 8,000 students, marking
• That means they walk in there through our doors and say, Mark, I have no money, but I want to go to school
• This spring semester marks the fourth consecutive term of record university enrollment A&M Texarkana

Keywords: 1184, house, all

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• I know you have marked Senator Chang is present as well. Are there any announcements today?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

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• Seeing none may mark everyone in the room in the affirmative on this one. you have a due pass on your

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• We come to you in this session marked with rules. You and speak with precision.

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• This development marks another critical investment in ensuring the Massachusetts veteran homes have access
• In November, we celebrated a topping-off ceremony, marking a major milestone with the placement of the
• And how do we get to these other important issues that we missed the mark on as a commonwealth for many
• services will be down for about a 12-hour period toward the end of April, and just want to be able to mark
• that's on live stream, we encountered some difficulties in setting up today and not quite meeting the mark

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from Senate Chair Robyn Kennedy and House Chair Chynah Tyler, who emphasized that the fiscal year 2026 hearing was focused on the Health and Human Services budget, asked members to keep questions budget-related, and noted that no public testimony would be taken. They also highlighted the choice of Doherty Memorial High School as the venue to showcase Worcester’s investment in career and technical education. Committee members then introduced themselves before the first panel, the Executive Office of Veterans Services and the state veterans homes, began testimony. Secretary John Santiago said the governor’s FY26 proposal would support implementation of the HERO Act, which he said is now about 95% implemented, including higher disabled veteran annuities, expanded behavioral health benefits, and other service expansions. He described efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, including nearly $20 million in ARPA-funded housing and outreach initiatives, and said the agency has delivered more than 100,000 supportive services to nearly 8,500 veterans. Leaders from the Chelsea and Holyoke veterans homes reported on staffing, quality measures, electronic medical records, and major construction projects at both facilities, including a new Chelsea campus and the new Holyoke home. Members asked about funding transfers, geographic equity in access to the homes, outreach to women veterans and veterans of color, suicide prevention, Gold Star family support, and the impact of federal uncertainty; Santiago said the homes are now licensed and certified, that the current budget is sufficient, and that the agency is expanding engagement and data collection. The second panel, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, testified that its FY26 request is about $3.3 million, up from the current $2 million, to cover staffing, a larger office, and higher technology costs. Veteran Advocate Bob Notch said the office is a new independent oversight agency created in 2022 to examine systems, coordinate with local veteran service officers, and investigate fatalities or serious harm involving veterans in state care. He said the office’s work depends on research, data, and collaboration with other agencies, and that current funding is only enough for minimum operations. In response to questions, Notch and Deputy Commissioner David O’Callaghan discussed the difficulty of tracking veteran suicides, the need for better data across agencies, and the office’s role as an oversight body rather than a direct service provider. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mark Sanford [member_10831] is present. Landon Bahl [member_13928] is present.
• Really great mark of those that came before me, that you achieved R1 status.
• Really great mark of those that came before me, that you achieved R1 status.
• But this year marked the seventh consecutive year of record research expenditures, supporting innovation
• But this year marked the seventh consecutive year of record research expenditures, supporting innovation

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met at NDSU and heard an extensive presentation from President David Cook/President Stewart and NDSU leadership on the university’s priorities, including enrollment, student success, research growth, and use of New Horizons funding. Leaders emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission, its role in workforce development, and its goal of becoming more distinctive through strategic planning, recruitment and retention, commercialization, and partnerships. They highlighted that NDSU awarded 2,370 degrees in 2025, produces a large share of the state’s engineering, nursing, and agriculture graduates, and reported strong outcomes for graduates staying and working in North Dakota. They also noted enrollment headwinds, competition from other institutions, and the need to manage tuition waivers more carefully through a scholarship optimization effort. Provost Sherry Vale outlined academic stewardship efforts, including review or consolidation of low-producing programs, strategic hiring tied to institutional priorities, faculty workload policy changes, and expanded online and regional offerings. She said the university is using New Horizons dollars to strengthen advising, student support, and programs in engineering, agriculture, and health. NDSU leaders also described new or expanded academic offerings such as robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, material science and engineering, nuclear engineering certificates, accelerated nursing, nurse practitioner certificates, a Master of Health Administration, and a clinical research master’s program with Sanford Health. They stressed that these investments are intended to improve student completion, meet workforce needs, and increase return on public investment. The committee also heard testimony from students and recent graduates who described the value of NDSU’s education, mentorship, internships, research opportunities, and support services. Alyssa Hodges spoke about pharmacy education, public health work, and campus support as a parent and student; Ethan Blessy described engineering coursework, internships with Marvin, and career preparation; and Aiden Freolic discussed neuroscience research, federally funded projects, and plans for graduate study. Their testimony was followed by presentations on partnerships with Gateway to Science for K-12 STEM outreach and with Sanford Research on biomedical research, clinical trials, obesity research, and a joint biostatistics hire. NDSU also highlighted systemwide shared services, Governor’s School programming, and research growth, including a reported 8% increase in research expenditures from $199 million to $215 million. No bill votes were taken; the meeting was informational and featured presentations, testimony, and discussion of future planning and partnerships.

Transcript Highlights:

• This fall marked the first year for girls flag football as a club sport in Prince William County, and
• THIS FALL MARKED THE FIRST YEAR FOR GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL AS A CLUB SPORT IN PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY AND
• Last Tuesday, we marked Veterans' Day.
• Next year, our Nation will mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
• NEXT YEAR, OUR NATION WILL MARK THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 9/11 TERRORIST ATTACKS.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, November 17, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As they get more attempts at it, we've been able to get them through, but we are below the mark where
• And as the new guy, In the wing, today's presentation marks at least the official start of that collaboration
• So for this project in particular, we're up to the 25-year mark as far as the investigation phase goes
• groundwater, so it's going to stay on top of it, and as that fuel receded to the 2009 low water level mark
• The problem is that you'd also have to put on at least 21 Mark 4 Forty-eight ADCAP torpedoes that are

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• Will you mark members present as they arrive? There are some presenting bills in other committees.
• My name is Alexander Marks.
• Good morning, Alexander Marks with the Nevada State Education Association.
• So it's not something that small businesses at this time prior to this program have had to actually mark
• And so, have had to actually mark and say we're 50 or fewer businesses, or 50 or fewer employees.

Bills: AB568, SB90, SB133, SB147, SB229, SB233, SB240, SB245, SB280, SB378, SB393, SB417, SB434, SB494, SB495

Keywords: higher education, Nevada System of Higher Education, operational expenses, instructional expenses, public funding, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel, civics education, Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, funding, youth programs, civic involvement, Southern Nevada, Clark County, Las Vegas Valley, regional planning, economic resiliency

Transcript Highlights:

• The next panel will consist of Mark Lee Dixon, Nicholas Russo, and Kim Batchelor. Are you Tiffany?
• The Chair calls Mark Lee Dixon, Nicholas Russo, and Ken...
• Mark Lee Dixon. Okay. The record shows you're Mark Lee Dixon.
• My name is Mark Lee Dixon. For about 20 years, I was a director with Right to Life of East Texas.

Bills: HB229, HB229, HB3990, HB5082, HB5510

Keywords: HB 229, Texas, political subdivision, local government, county dues, county association, state association of counties, lobbying, lobbyist, public funds, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Government Code Chapter 556, Local Government Code Section 89.002, legislative advocacy, municipal government, county government, city government, special district

Transcript Highlights:

• Aker, am I missing the mark on the provisions of the legislation regarding the disclosure of the medical
• There were tons of brake marks on the road, tire marks, excuse me.
• Mark Valenti, just to be on the same page, why that percentage I think is really important.
• front fender of a car, both times, very minor incidents, with very small damage—really just scuff marks

Bills: SB 30, SB 517, SB 1313, SB 1314, SB 1316, SB 1541, SB 1698, SB 1845, SB 1860, SB 2420, SB 2429

Keywords: gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• caseloads and enrollment, compared to California, I can't imagine that they're at the 15 million member mark
• Mark Farouk on behalf of the California Hospital Association.
• Good afternoon Mark Farouk on behalf of the California Hospital Association.
• Mark Faruque, on behalf of the California Hospital Association.
• Mark Faruque on behalf of the California Hospital Association.

Summary: The committee heard a budget oversight hearing on the Department of Health Care Services, focusing first on the overall Medi-Cal budget and a March General Fund loan to cover a current-year shortfall. DHCS said the 2025-26 budget proposal totals $193.4 billion, with Medi-Cal projected at $188.1 billion total funds and $42.1 billion General Fund, driven by higher enrollment, pharmacy costs, managed care growth, and costs tied to eligibility expansions and the COVID-era redetermination unwinding. The department said the $3.44 billion loan was needed to manage cash flow and ensure timely payments to providers and plans, while the LAO noted Medi-Cal’s cash-basis budgeting creates volatility and that more detailed estimates would come with the May Revision. Members discussed federal Medicaid threats, the need for transparency on cost drivers, and the impact of pharmacy spending, long-term care, and immigration-related coverage expansions. The second major topic was family health programs, including California Children’s Services, the continuous coverage unwinding, and opioid settlement fund spending. DHCS described CCS funding methodology changes, ongoing county stakeholder work, and a delayed rollout of CCS monitoring and oversight until July 1, 2025, while county representatives and advocates argued the program is underfunded and asked for more technical assistance and a delay in implementation. On the unwinding, the department explained that federal redetermination flexibilities helped maintain coverage after the pandemic, but the Governor’s budget proposes ending them at the end of June 2025; advocates urged making the flexibilities permanent to avoid coverage losses. For opioid settlement funds, DHCS and Finance said the budget increases funding for naloxone distribution while reducing other harm-reduction spending based on updated settlement revenues, prompting criticism from members and public commenters who argued the change would weaken effective harm-reduction programs. The hearing also included an update on Proposition 35 implementation. DHCS said the voter-approved measure continuously appropriates MCO tax revenues beginning in 2025, with up to $4.6 billion annually available for specified Medi-Cal and provider investments in 2025 and 2026, but implementation depends on consultation with the required stakeholder advisory committee. The department and LAO noted uncertainty about future federal rules affecting the MCO tax after 2026. Public testimony largely supported maintaining Medi-Cal expansions, protecting immigrant coverage, preserving harm-reduction funding, and increasing support for community health workers, pediatric dental care, and CCS county administration. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• She came in off the crane and said, “Mark my words, I will be a crane operator someday.”
• She came in off the crane and said, “Mark my words, I will be a crane operator someday.”
• 10:26.480> said uh she came in off the crane and said uh she came in off the crane and said mark
• :28.240> be<00:10:28.399> a<00:10:28.519> crane<00:10:28.800> operator mark
• my words I will be a crane operator mark my words I will be a crane operator someday<00:10:30.279>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Senators will remember former Senator Mark McDonald.
• Uh, and Mark McDonald schooled me on many things.
• Um Senators will remember former<02:26:21.800> Senator<02:26:22.200> Mark<02:26:22.520>
• former Senator Mark McDonald. former Senator Mark McDonald.
• Uh<02:26:24.320> and<02:26:24.520> Mark<02:26:24.800> McDonald<02:26:25.320>

Keywords: 927, senate, all

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• time we get to finance committee, I will have dollar amounts in those two areas that have question marks
• 00:20:04.880> that<00:20:05.120> have<00:20:05.280> question<00:20:05.600> marks
• areas that have question marks. areas that have question marks.
• Mark Johnson: Okay, Madam Chair, for the record, my name is Mark Johnson.
• I'm the executive name is Mark Johnson.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of times when legislation gets passed, it sometimes misses the mark, and this absolutely was not
• A lot of times when legislation gets passed, it sometimes misses the mark, and this absolutely was not
• A lot of times when legislation gets passed, it sometimes misses the mark, and this absolutely was not
• A lot of times when legislation gets passed, it sometimes misses the mark, and this absolutely was not
• A lot of times when legislation gets passed, it sometimes misses the mark, and this absolutely was not

Bills: HF1082, HF1042, HF1295, HF1686, HF1998, HF1775, HF1163

Keywords: public safety, law enforcement, mental health, domestic violence, appropriations, criminal justice, Minnesota corrections, victim services, task force, personal safety, Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers, law enforcement oversight, Minnesota National Guard, U.S. armed forces, military installation, armory, air base