Video & Transcript Research : 'security'

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25

Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our members may ultimately negotiate with and secure commitments to serve data centers in their service
  • Our members may ultimately negotiate with and secure commitments to serve data centers in their service
  • In Virginia, a similar measure was not advanced this year due to national security concerns.
  • um to a Department of Homeland Security um to a legislator<00:37:43.119> in<00:37:43.359>
  • concerns as it significant a security concerns as it would<00:39:02.480> be<00:39:02.640>
Bills: HF2928, HF2912, HF2297
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 1, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Security worker told us that weight Security worker told us that weight times<00:14:28.079> are
  • Rising Social Security and numbers.
  • We have taken Social Security off the table because by law we are not allowed to touch Social Security
  • Because if you self securing Correct.
  • We're securing around the ship.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • We can preserve food security and heating security for our working families.
  • We can preserve food security and heating security for our working families.
  • currently a transportation security currently a transportation security officer<00:34:48.639>
  • sustainable long-term security sustainable long-term security situation.<00:43:20.720> Um,
  • even with social security disability and even with social security<02:24:50.319> disability, security
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Transportation (01/14/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • State Police also has executive security and state house security, and the peer unit.
  • and state house the executive security and state house security<00:35:59.640> um<00:36:00.520
  • <00:53:27.720> of Portsmouth but also uh uring security of Portsmouth but also uh uring security
  • But it starts with employee safety and security.
  • security security notifications<02:27:03.920> unfortunately<02:27:04.439> he<02:27:04.600
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The Transportation Committee met for an opening/orientation session in which members introduced themselves and explained their interest in the committee. Several members noted backgrounds in trucking, piloting, boating, motorcycles, road safety, or constituent concerns about transportation issues. The chair also noted several absent members and said the committee would first hear agency presentations before covering committee procedures. The Department of Safety gave the main presentation, outlining its seven divisions and how they relate to transportation policy and the Highway Fund. The assistant commissioner emphasized that Highway Fund revenue supports both the Department of Transportation and the Department of Safety, with collections coming largely from the road toll/gas tax, DMV fees, and the new electric vehicle surcharge. He also noted that 12% of Highway Fund revenues go to local road repair through the DOT Betterment Fund, and warned that the fund has had a structural deficit for several biennia, requiring General Fund transfers that may be uncertain this session. He said the department aims to provide data and fiscal context on legislation and fiscal notes. State Police then provided a detailed overview of its structure and operations, including the Operations Bureau, Investigative Services Bureau, and Justice Information Bureau. Testimony highlighted Troop G’s role in vehicle inspections, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, fraud investigations, and consumer complaint handling, as well as statewide staffing shortages. The division reported rising calls for service, motor vehicle stops, DWI arrests, and other arrests despite a vacancy rate of about 17%. It also described aviation, K-9, bomb squad, special events response, SWAT, narcotics, major crime, forensic laboratory, and other specialized units, with statistics on drug seizures, investigations, and lab workload. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Public Service

Transcript Highlights:
  • They've contributed to Social Security and they've made the decision to join this.
  • H. 39 would be a simple but powerful step toward securing the financial future of thousands of public
  • enrolled are more likely to stay enrolled, save consistently, and retire with greater financial security
  • support H. 39 and help ensure that every public employee, especially us educators, has access to a secure
  • support H. 39 and help ensure that every public employee, especially us educators, has access to a secure
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public service and retirement-related bills. Senator Kelly Dooner and Rep. O’Rourke supported a Taunton home rule petition to extend Chief Walsh’s service during the city’s transition to a new public safety facility, citing the need to manage new equipment, cameras, and 911 systems smoothly. Senator Lovely testified in favor of bills expanding retirement savings access through the SMART Plan and the CORE Plan, arguing that automatic enrollment and broader eligibility would help state, municipal, and nonprofit workers save for retirement. No questions were raised on the Taunton petition, and the hearing later moved through the remaining testimony without any votes taken during the transcript. Mary Waldron of the Old Colony Planning Council and Jeffrey Walker of the Southeast Regional Planning and Economic Development District urged support for legislation protecting regional planning agencies from being required to make retroactive payments to the State Retirement Board for past employer contributions. They warned that the costs would be unsustainable, could force layoffs or closures, and would jeopardize their ability to provide transportation, housing, economic development, and planning services. Bill Keith and Patrick Charles of PEREC testified on several retirement administration bills, including measures to ease statement-of-financial-interest filing rules, require payment for certain creditable service purchases, and clarify the definition of wages to include sick, vacation, and personal time; committee members asked questions about regional transit authorities joining retirement systems and about adding local retirement board representation to a proposed commission. Jonathan Osimo and Rob Fabino of the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System supported bills to penalize delinquent pension reporting by employers and to create a special commission to study retirement credit purchases, saying better reporting would improve retirement processing and that a broader review could improve fairness and sustainability. Eddie Boynton of the Braintree Education Association backed the SMART Plan bill, describing how automatic enrollment and low-fee fiduciary oversight could protect educators from high-cost supplemental retirement products. Matthew Nugent testified for a bill to divest public pension funds from firearms and ammunition. After the final witnesses, the chairs asked if anyone else wished to testify, heard none, and then adjourned the hearing.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

State Bond Commission May 21st, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • The funds would be used for fire protection, agricultural centers, neighborhood security and beautification
  • Proceeds will be used to convert a work release facility into a full security facility.
  • The bonds will be taxable bonds secured by revenues of the Louisiana Historic Redevelopment LLC or an
  • The security for lease payments by the university to the foundation comes from general revenues of the
  • So the MFP, the security—and I don't know if counsel wants to come up and address this also—but the security
Keywords: 974, senate, all
Summary: The State Bond Commission met on May 21 with a quorum present and approved the April 16 minutes. The commission then reviewed and approved a large slate of local government and public authority financing requests, including election propositions for the November ballot, water and sewer infrastructure projects, fire protection and recreation district bonds, school board financing, and several refunding transactions. Most items were found to meet technical requirements and were approved on motions by Speaker DeVillier and seconded by Senator Talbot. Among the more notable items were the East Baton Rouge City-Parish refunding bonds for the Greater Baton Rouge Airport District, the City of Kenner’s retroactive approval request tied to a convention center agreement with GMB Basketball LLC, a Louisiana Housing Corporation financing increase for the Federal City Building 10 affordable housing project, and preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority’s Petro Tower redevelopment in Shreveport. The commission also approved financing for Southern University’s Scott’s Bluff student housing project and the Crescent City Schools/Harriet Tubman Charter School project. The Crescent City Schools item prompted questions about how MFP funds are used; staff explained that lease payments would support the bonds and that MFP funds are generally split between educational expenses and facilities-related costs. The commission received six monthly cost-of-issuance reports, which required no action, and a status update on the state debt schedule. It also approved Resolution No. 2 authorizing up to $425 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refund the Series 2016 bonds and tender other outstanding bonds for savings, with pricing tentatively set for June 16 and closing for June 30. During other business, New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morel thanked the commission for its role in helping address the city’s fiscal crisis and for approving a charter amendment election item aimed at strengthening budget oversight. The meeting adjourned after no further business.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

State Bond Commission May 21st, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • The funds would be used for fire protection, agricultural centers, neighborhood security and beautification
  • Proceeds will be used to convert a work release facility into a full security facility.
  • The bonds will be taxable bonds secured by revenues of the Louisiana Historic Redevelopment LLC or an
  • So the MFP, the security, and I don't know if counsel wants to come up and address this also, but the
  • security, the bonds will be paid from lease payments from the Crescent City Schools.
Summary: The State Bond Commission met on May 21, established a quorum, approved the April 16 minutes, and then considered a long agenda of bond, refunding, and election-related requests. Items 3 through 10 were election propositions for the November 3 ballot involving ad valorem taxes, parcel fees, and charter amendments for purposes such as fire protection, agricultural centers, neighborhood security, recreation, aging services, drainage, and roads and bridges; staff said they met technical and legal requirements, and the commission approved them. The commission also approved several local financings, including water and sewer projects, fire district equipment and facility improvements, school board and parish bonds, and refunding transactions for the East Baton Rouge City-Parish and St. James Parish School Board. A retroactive approval request from the City of Kenner related to a CEA with GMB Basketball LLC was discussed; staff made no recommendation because it was retroactive, but noted it appeared to be an oversight, and item 22, the related airport district agreement, was approved. The commission approved additional financing for the Louisiana Housing Corporation’s Federal City Building 10 affordable housing project, a preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority’s Petro Tower redevelopment in Shreveport, and two Louisiana Public Facilities Authority projects: Southern University’s Scott’s Bluff student housing project and the Crescent City Schools project for Harriet Tubman Charter School. During discussion of the Crescent City Schools financing, a commissioner asked about the use of MFP funds; staff explained that lease payments would be the repayment source and that MFP dollars are generally split between educational expenses and facilities costs, with the school’s typical split around 72% instructional and 28% administrative/facilities-related. Both items were approved. The commission then received six cost-of-issuance reports for previously approved bond issues, with various fee adjustments but no motions required. It also reviewed a debt schedule update and adopted Resolution No. 2 authorizing up to $425 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refund Series 2016 bonds and tender other outstanding bonds for savings, with pricing tentatively set for June 16 and closing for June 30. In other business, the commission heard a brief public comment from New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell thanking the commission for helping place a charter amendment on the ballot to improve New Orleans budgeting transparency and oversight. The meeting ended after monthly reports were noted and no further business was raised.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Elections Committee May 6th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • and law enforcement agencies to permit law enforcement to provide logistical, transportation, or security
  • and law enforcement agencies to permit law enforcement to provide logistical, transportation, or security
  • The code provides a six-month retention period where ballots are secured.
  • We're going to— The code provides a six-month retention period where ballots are secured in the event
  • The care and consideration of securing ballots is of the utmost priority for all elections officials.
Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on May 6, 2026, with a quorum present and heard one bill, SB 73. The author described the measure as a response to perceived threats to California elections, including restrictions on armed or non-uniformed personnel at polling places, protections for ballots and voting equipment, and limits on law enforcement access to election materials without a court order. The chair reviewed a set of agreed amendments, including removing a section conflicting with AB 1664, deleting proposed criminal penalties, clarifying the role of the Attorney General and Secretary of State, and refining language on signature challenges, law enforcement support, and certified voting technology. Supporters, including AAPI Force, CHIRLA, the League of Women Voters of California, and Common Cause, argued the bill would protect voters from intimidation and preserve election integrity. Opponents from CALA argued the bill was unnecessary, would hinder legitimate investigations, and reflected distrust of law enforcement and federal oversight. Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the bill was responding to real-world threats and on the ballot seizure in Riverside County. Members questioned how the measure would affect signature challenges, chain of custody, and investigations into possible fraud. The author and supporters said ballots should remain in election officials’ custody and that federal or local agents should not be able to interfere with election materials or intimidate voters. The chair and other members also discussed the urgency clause and the need to move the bill quickly despite the proximity of the June election. The committee voted to do pass and re-refer SB 73 to the Committee on Public Safety. The roll call initially showed the bill passing 5-1, then after the absent member arrived, the final vote was 6-2, and the bill was reported out of committee.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Elections Committee May 6th, 2026

Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • and law enforcement agencies to permit law enforcement to provide logistical, transportation, or security
  • and law enforcement agencies to permit law enforcement to provide logistical, transportation, or security
  • The code provides a six-month retention period where ballots are secured.
  • We're going to— The code provides a six-month retention period where ballots are secured in the event
  • The care and consideration of securing ballots is of the utmost priority for all elections officials.
Keywords: 988, house, all
Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on May 6, 2026, with a quorum present and took up one measure, SB 73 by Senator Svantez. The author described the bill as an urgency measure intended to strengthen protections around California elections, including restrictions on law enforcement or military presence at voting locations, protections for ballots and voting equipment, and limits on access to election materials. The chair also outlined a set of agreed-upon amendments, including removing a section to avoid conflict with AB 1664, deleting proposed criminal penalties in one section, clarifying language on vote-by-mail signature challenges, and refining provisions related to law enforcement support and certified voting technology. Supporters, including AAPI Force and CHIRLA, argued the bill was needed to protect voters from intimidation and to safeguard election administration from interference, citing concerns about immigration enforcement at polling places and the Riverside County sheriff’s seizure of ballots. Additional supporters from the League of Women Voters and Common Cause registered their support. Opposition testimony from CALA argued the bill would impede legitimate investigations and federal oversight of elections, and questioned the need for the measure. Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the bill addressed a real threat, the chain of custody for ballots, and the scope of the signature-challenge provisions. After closing remarks from the author and the chair, the committee voted to pass SB 73 and re-refer it to the Committee on Public Safety. The initial roll call was 5-1 with one member absent, and after the absent member’s vote was added, the final vote was 6-2-1. The bill advanced from committee.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • 04:33.759> u noticed any or have you heard of any u noticed any or have you heard of any u security
  • issues with uh candidates or security issues with uh candidates or incumbents<00:04:37.919> in
  • It allows a change in the use of campaign funds for the use of reasonable costs for security measures
  • It allows a change in the use of campaign funds for the use of reasonable costs for security measures
  • Campaign funds for the use of reasonable costs for security measures for a state candidate office holder
Summary: The House Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee met with a quorum and opened with the pledge and prayer, followed by routine reminders about microphones, cell phones, and the 24-hour rule for committee substitutes. The only item on the agenda was House Bill 136, sponsored by Representative Wade Williams of Hopkins County. The committee first considered and adopted a committee substitute for HB 136 without opposition. Williams explained that the substitute removes a $15,000 cap that had been added in the Senate, saying the cap was arbitrary and created more problems than it solved. He then presented the bill as amended, describing it as a campaign finance modernization measure that would allow campaign funds to be used for reasonable security costs for a state candidate or officeholder, their family, campaign employees, or office staff. He cited recent political violence and threats as reasons for the change and said the language aligns with federal election guidance and a recent KURF recommendation. Members asked about whether threats and security concerns are common in Kentucky, and Williams responded that such threats do occur and that the issue is not limited to one party or office level. The committee then took a roll-call vote on HB 136 as amended by the substitute, and it passed favorably 15-0. Afterward, the committee had no further business and adjourned without objection.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 5/4/26

Rules and Legislative Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is a bill in response to Capitol complex security. And, Mr.
  • I do think we all saw on June 14th and some other security issues last summer that we do need to make
  • ><00:02:44.520> and<00:02:44.640> some<00:02:44.800> other<00:02:45.200> security
  • saw on June 14th and some other security saw on June 14th and some other security issues<00:02:46.600
Keywords: 1183, house
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/16/2026 - Senate Federalism

Transcript Highlights:
  • Securities, one thing. $3.8 billion for Luke Air Force Base contributes to the state of Arizona. $15.8
  • understanding is that'll be with assistance from the Department of Treasury and Department of Homeland Security
  • understanding is that'll be with assistance from the Department of Treasury and Department of Homeland Security
  • You know, I understand that this bill is being brought with some national security concerns.
  • going to be impacting transactions that may get swept up, that may not be relevant to the national security
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The Federalism Committee met to consider one measure, Senate Bill 1683, an emergency bill expanding Arizona’s restrictions on foreign adversary involvement in real property. The bill would bar foreign adversaries from leasing or otherwise obtaining a substantial interest in Arizona real property, lower the definition of “substantial interest” from 20% to 5% for contingent interests, prohibit foreign adversaries from installing or accessing equipment or data on Arizona property, and make violations a Class 5 felony. It also covers transactions designed to evade the law through intermediaries, shell companies, partnerships, or trusts, and requires certain utilities, telecom providers, critical infrastructure owners, and agencies to notify the Attorney General and Arizona Corporation Commission if they suspect prohibited equipment or lease arrangements. The committee heard supportive testimony from retired Lt. Col. James Rusty Mitchell, who said Arizona has been a national model for protecting military training and argued the bill would strengthen those protections, especially around Luke Air Force Base. Committee members questioned the breadth of the bill, particularly the reduction of the ownership threshold to 5% and the definition of a person acting in support of a designated foreign terrorist organization. Mitchell said he was not the expert on those legal details, while Department of Emergency Affairs legislative liaison Travis Schulte said the definition is tied to federal statute. One member expressed concern that the bill could sweep in non-adversarial transactions and implicate First Amendment activity. After discussion, the vice chair moved SB 1683 for a do pass recommendation. The committee voted 5 ayes and 2 nays to advance the bill, and the meeting adjourned.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (02/10/2026)

Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • . >> So, I met with Secure Democracy.
  • Chair. >> Certainly. >> So, I met with Secure Democracy.
  • Our current secretary of state has said that they are safe and secure.
  • Bills like this perpetuate the myth that our elections are not safe and secure.
  • making sure these elections are secure making sure these elections are secure but<01:57:59.599><
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • And Social Security has a process for that.
  • And Social Security has a process for that.
  • And Social Security has a process for that.
  • And Social Security has a process for that.
  • Have social Security, it takes about 90 days for us to get access to their money.
Summary: The committee’s first interim meeting opened with roll call and a reminder that Kentucky had 8,641 children in out-of-home care with active placements as of June 1, 2025. The first presentation was from the Center for Courageous Kids (CCK), a donor-funded camp in Scottsville that serves children with lifelong illnesses and disabilities at no charge. Representatives described the camp’s history, its year-round family retreats and summer sessions, its medical and accessibility supports, and its impact on campers’ confidence and independence. They said CCK has served more than 43,000 campers from 46 states and 13 countries, including 22,000 from Kentucky, and noted plans to reach all 120 Kentucky counties. CCK also outlined future capital needs: a new art barn and a medical lodge. The organization said the art barn project would cost $2.5 million, with a legislative request of $1.5 million, and the medical lodge would cost $2.875 million, with a legislative request of $1.75 million. Members responded very positively, with several praising the camp’s work and one member asking about operational challenges. CCK said its main challenges are awareness, staff and volunteer recruitment, and expanding medical and housing capacity; it also said it is accredited by the American Camp Association and receives health and safety visits and audits. The committee then moved to a presentation on adult protective services and state guardianship programs from Jessica Wayne and Cliff Bryant of DCBS. They explained the legal framework for guardianship, the difference between full and limited guardianship/conservatorship, emergency appointments, and the state’s role as a last-resort guardian when no family member or private entity is available. They reported 4,464 individuals under state guardianship as of June 1, with most cases involving dementia, developmental disability, intellectual disability, nursing home or long-term care placement, severe mental illness, or brain injury. They also said the division has 89 field workers across 14 regional offices, with an average caseload of 52 and a goal of reducing that into the mid-40s through additional hiring.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Taxes - 03/27/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • Recently, at our merit price, we got 15 of our security officers who got laid off and a reduction of
  • maintain, and secure buildings across the<00:53:44.079> Twin<00:53:44.319> Cities.
  • I finally received training and security and CPR.
  • received training and security and CPR. received training and security and CPR.
  • <01:31:00.639> a vital education programs, and securing a vital education programs, and securing
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • for all families. ...to make their own choice and create their own path toward housing security for
  • This is the first time in my life that I have felt safe and secure.”
  • And the tenant signs these agreements because they just want to secure their housing.
  • Because they just want to secure their housing.
  • My husband and I, as seniors, now don't make enough money on Social Security to pay the rental in.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a long public hearing focused mainly on two sets of issues: proposals to amend or repeal the MBTA Communities Act, and bills to allow local rent stabilization. Committee chairs opened by explaining the hearing would be tightly managed because of the very large number of speakers, with testimony limited to two minutes per person and written testimony still accepted by email. Members and witnesses were called in a mix of in-person and virtual order throughout the hearing. On the MBTA Communities Act, several legislators and local officials argued the law is too rigid and should be revised to account for local conditions. Speakers from small, rural, or infrastructure-limited communities such as Hanson, Halifax, Marshfield, Winthrop, Dracut, Carver, Rehoboth, and others said the law’s one-size-fits-all approach does not fit towns with limited water, sewer, transit access, or buildable land. Some filed bills would repeal the law, exempt certain communities, or create appeals processes based on infrastructure, environmental, or historical constraints. Supporters of the law’s changes emphasized local control and the need to avoid forcing development where communities believe it is impractical or inconsistent with town character. A large portion of the hearing was devoted to rent stabilization legislation, especially S. 1447 and related House bills. Supporters included legislators, city councilors, tenant advocates, labor leaders, housing nonprofits, public health organizations, and residents who described sharp rent increases, displacement, homelessness risk, and the strain on working families, seniors, students, and people with disabilities. They argued local-option rent stabilization would let municipalities cap excessive increases and prevent no-fault evictions while preserving flexibility for local conditions. Opponents, including small landlords and property owners, said rent control would discourage investment, worsen housing quality, burden responsible owners, and drive small landlords out of the market. Some witnesses also supported a Cape Cod/Island transfer fee bill and a suburban infrastructure fund, arguing those would provide local revenue for housing or roads. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, April 20, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • community banker and investment adviser, helping Arkansans understand their finances and plan for a secure
  • community banker and investment adviser, helping Arkansans understand their finances and plan for a secure
  • For the first time in this decades-long poll, State College secured the top spot, a reflection of the
  • With determination and grit, Rory McIlroy secured his second straight green jacket, a feat only three
  • Last month, they made history, defeating Kirkwood, 64-58, to secure the program's first-ever national
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Judiciary Committee Meeting - 2026-03-25

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • State troopers and House security personnel are present to ensure everyone's safety.
  • plans and things like that, obviously, to make sure that they stay secure.
  • , description of sites, security, description of sites, security, operations,<00:31:14.399> accounting
  • So, that is the entirety of my secure.
  • To provide security site plans to show us how their security is set up, where the cameras are, and where
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Intergovernmental Affairs Mar 18th, 2025

Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • And one theme that I think runs throughout our work is the notion of economic security.
  • We believe that our state is stronger when more Texas families are economically secure.
  • I'm here to testify to the economic growth and security that guaranteed income provided for me and my
  • But what's wrong with Social Security? How does that differ from this program?
  • Representative Troxler: People who receive Social Security payments have worked for many, many years
Bills: HB21, HB211, HB223
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • a bank would send email messages through a secure portal.
  • Okay, Social Security and benefit replacement pay. Mr. Posey, you can present.
  • And this time I'm presenting recommendations for Social Security and benefit replacement pay.
  • Recommendations for Social Security total $2.6 billion.
  • Recommendations for Social Security totaled $2.6 billion over the biennium, which again is just over
Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard budget presentations for the Texas Historical Commission, the Pension Review Board, the Employees Retirement System (ERS), Social Security and benefit replacement pay, the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System (TESSRS), and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The Legislative Budget Board outlined recommendations and major changes for each agency, including reductions tied to one-time projects at the Historical Commission, continued funding for courthouse grants, heritage trails, and Holocaust/genocide education, as well as new or modified riders and capital items. For the pension-related items, LBB described funding changes for PRB, ERS, Social Security, and TESSRS, including ERS health plan cost growth driven largely by pharmacy costs, the status of pension funding reforms, and TESSRS’s request for additional state support to address its unfunded liability and staffing needs. Members asked extensive questions about the Historical Commission’s one-time funding, unexpended balance authority, courthouse preservation, the Presidio La Bahia and National Museum of the Pacific War projects, and coordination of Texas history messaging across sites such as the Alamo, San Jacinto, Washington on the Brazos, and other heritage locations. The Historical Commission chair emphasized heritage tourism, economic development, and the need for continued investment in historic sites, staffing, IT modernization, and vehicles. On the pension items, senators discussed PRB oversight of local systems, including the Dallas police and fire pension situation, and ERS investment returns, benchmark comparisons, and rising health costs. ERS officials said the plan remains well funded overall, noted a 2021 cash balance reform and a planned supplemental legacy payment, and explained that GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro are a major driver of pharmacy spending; they also said the agency is working with the Texas Pharmacy Initiative and that rebates are contractually returned to ERS. For TESSRS, LBB and agency staff said the system serves volunteer and part-paid emergency personnel, is facing an infinite amortization period, and is requesting additional appropriations, staffing, and IT funding, along with a statutory change to allow an actuarially determined state contribution. The agency said it may otherwise need to cut benefits for volunteer firefighters. For CPRIT, LBB reported about $600 million in recommended funding for the biennium and a 10-FTE increase, while the agency described its $6 billion voter-approved program, $3.75 billion in grants awarded to date, and $10.4 million in revenue sharing since 2011. CPRIT’s only exceptional item was a request for a 10% salary increase for two exempt positions. No committee votes or formal actions were taken in the transcript.