Video & Transcript Research : 'fee allocation'

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NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Finance Division I (02/27/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • it was included in the allocation it was included in the follow-up<00:49:42.760> presentation
  • <00:49:56.040> into because as the next allocation into because as the next allocation into
  • So, and so far you've been allocating 135 million—is that the first school year 2024?
  • allocating allocating 135<05:02:41.480> million<05:02:42.400> is<05:02:42.558> that
  • <05:20:03.320> in account wasn't 100 million allocated in account wasn't 100 million allocated
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs’ budget, with testimony from division leadership on staffing, funding sources, and program changes. Early discussion focused on vacant positions in the agency, including a senior planner tied to FEMA requirements, a federally funded program assistant, a program specialist to be reclassified during a planning reorganization, and two Housing Champions positions that were authorized but not funded in the current biennium and are requested for 2026-27. The witnesses also explained that temporary welcome center positions are filled as funds allow, and that the agency’s requested general fund increase is driven largely by the Division of Travel and Tourism Development and its formula-based funding. Members then reviewed rest areas, welcome centers, outdoor recreation, economic development, procurement, and workforce opportunity lines. The department said there are 12 rest areas, with 5.8 million foot counts in FY 24, and that welcome centers are generally open year-round, though Sutton is currently closed and staffing relies on a mix of full-time and temporary employees. The outdoor recreation position is federally funded through USDA and supports business outreach, trade shows, and industry promotion. In economic development, the agency said increased dues reflect participation in the Northern Borders Regional Commission, and that a marketing line item is intended to support recruitment and promotion of growth industries such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences. The Apex Accelerator Program was described as a state-federal partnership requiring a state match and providing government contracting assistance to businesses, while the Office of Workforce Opportunity was explained as a federally funded WIOA-related effort administered through multiple agencies and subrecipients. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which members said had generated significant public concern. The department described SBDC as a highly effective technical assistance program for new and small businesses, but said the cut was one of the few places it felt it had room to reduce funding. Members asked about federal support and matching requirements for various programs, and the department said less than half of its overall budget is generally funded by the state and that some programs require state match. The committee also discussed travel and tourism marketing and the Joint Promotional Program, with the department saying those funds support broader advertising campaigns and grants to chambers and trade associations for events such as Bike Week, Restaurant Week, and the Seafood Festival. No votes were taken during the work session.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Finance and Tax Feb 25th, 2026

Finance and Tax

Transcript Highlights:
  • Finally, the bill also makes changes to fiscally constrained counties' distribution factors that allocate
  • policies, expending government funds to support, implement, or advance net zero policies, imposing taxes, fees
  • sense, then, the answer to the questions asked by my colleagues is that there would be more money allocated
Summary: The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum and considered two Senate proposed bills. The first, SPB 7046, was the Senate tax package. It included changes to Live Local property tax exemptions, charter school distributions from voter-approved property tax levies, limits on special assessments for RV parks, revisions to fiscally constrained county funding and eligibility, a permanent sales tax exemption for small propane tanks, a hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday, restrictions on governmental net zero policies, and new voting thresholds for certain local millage actions. Staff estimated the bill would reduce general revenue by about $77 million in FY 2026-27 and about $50 million recurring. An amendment making the charter-school distribution change prospective starting July 1, 2026, was adopted. A late-filed amendment by Senator Gaetz on disability tax exemptions was withdrawn for lack of a fiscal analysis. The charter school provision drew the most debate. Senator Jones and Senator Bernard raised concerns that expanding eligibility to charter schools authorized through alternate authorizers could reduce funding available to traditional neighborhood public schools and that the effective date did not give districts enough time to plan. Senator Avila argued the change corrected an omission from earlier legislation and ensured public schools, including charter schools, were treated equally. Several speakers supported the fiscally constrained county provisions, while the Florida Association of Counties urged grandfathering for counties that could currently opt out of the Live Local exemption and asked the committee to review language on millage thresholds and net zero provisions. SPB 7046 was ultimately reported favorably as a committee bill by a roll call vote. The committee then took up SPB 7048, which updates Florida’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026, and partially decouples from federal changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill addresses federal changes to bonus depreciation, Section 179 expensing, research and experimental expenses, business meals, and business interest deductions, with some provisions phased in or adjusted over time. The Florida Chamber testified in support of continued conformity but expressed concerns about administrative burdens and the bill’s partial decoupling structure. After brief debate, the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill by roll call vote, and the committee then adjourned.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Council Apr 28th, 2025

Legislative Council

Transcript Highlights:
  • , and provide some recommendations with regard to both recurring and non-recurring funds as well as fee-based
  • It does each district office have a supplies budget that they have been allocated? Mr.
  • in the future regarding these supplies allows a bit of autonomy so that each, if each office is allocated
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Finance Division II (03/03/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:11:47.000> that period so this net tuition fees that period so this net tuition fees that
  • Hampshire unique program there's a fee Hampshire unique program there's a fee that<00:23:05.880>
  • habitat fee that Fisheries habitat<03:39:08.000> fee<03:39:08.439> is<03:39:08.680>
  • Agent fees are clear, right?
  • Going back to these machines and the groomers, are they getting $4 of your fee, the license fee?
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the University System of New Hampshire chancellor on the system’s budget, enrollment, finances, workforce role, and response to federal policy changes. The chancellor said the governor’s recommended budget would reduce university system funding by about $16.5 million over the biennium, or roughly 8.3%, and asked that state funding be held at the governor’s level. She described planned cost reductions already underway, including lower headcount, reduced benefits and retirement contributions, property sales, and lease reductions, and said the system expects to remove about $20 million from its cost structure in fiscal year 2026. A large portion of the discussion focused on enrollment and finances. The chancellor said fall 2024 enrollment was about 23,000, with New Hampshire enrollment increasing for the first time since 2013, and noted that the system remains a major workforce pipeline, with about 3,000 graduates entering the state workforce each year. She explained that net tuition has fallen over time because of declining enrollment and increased financial aid, while research grants and contracts have grown significantly. She also walked through endowment funding, explaining that payouts are based on a 12-quarter rolling average and are intentionally smoothed to reduce volatility; members asked for follow-up information on payout comparisons, administrative salaries, headcounts, and compensation per student. Members questioned the university about the relationship between state support, tuition, endowments, and research spending. The chancellor said the system has used state capital support to leverage major investments, including the UNH Life Sciences building, Plymouth’s Hyde Hall, and the Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, and described partnerships with businesses such as Lonza and regional manufacturers. She also explained a long-running New Hampshire 529-related revenue stream that has built endowment support for scholarships, and said the system’s endowment now totals about $988 million. In response to questions about possible cuts, she said the system is considering academic program sharing, consolidation of specialties, online delivery, AI-assisted administrative efficiencies, and footprint reductions, but declined to name specific programs. The committee also discussed DEI-related issues and federal grants. The chancellor said the system is reviewing executive orders and a U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague letter, and that general counsel is working through websites, programs, and more than 1,200 federal grants to ensure compliance. She said the system spends about $3 million on what it calls DEI-related offices and services, but emphasized that these services include disability support, veteran support, Title IX, ADA, and employment-law compliance, and that the system does not have race-based programs, separate housing, or separate graduation ceremonies. She reported that the system had received stop-work orders on four federal grants totaling about $700,000 and warned that reductions in federal direct or indirect costs could affect research, jobs, and innovation.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 2/12/25

Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:
  • They collected about $78 million in fees, and a large chunk of these fees do get deposited into the general
  • <00:03:50.400> during does also collect various fees during does also collect various fees
  • <00:03:59.239> do fees and a large chunk of these fees do fees and a large chunk of these
  • Has funding been allocated for that? Is it enough?
  • modernization has funding been allocated modernization has funding been allocated for<01:16:45.920
Keywords: 1183, house
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • to housing resources, employment resources, education benefits, such as the CalVet college tuition fee
  • Again, illegal to charge a fee on initial claim.
  • licensing fees.
  • So while we could benefit from greater support for enforcement, it would come from increased fees to
  • On the headwind side, I think the big issues are higher taxes and fees.
Keywords: 988, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JDC Public Hearing 01-28-2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Judiciary should think about this, but I would suggest if they're not going to raise court-appointed fees
  • Judiciary should think about this, but I would suggest if they're not going to raise court-appointed fees
  • ministerial work, like calling for hearings, setting up hearings, instead of charging the attorney fee
  • :02:41.640> charging<01:02:42.359> the<01:02:42.559> attorney<01:02:43.000> fee
  • instead of charging the attorney fee instead of charging the attorney fee time<01:02:43.640>
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Judiciary-related measures. SB 94 would increase the mandatory minimum jail term for a first knowing or intentional violation of a temporary restraining order from 48 to 72 hours. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence opposed the bill, arguing the current penalty is effective, the measure treats very different conduct the same, and the mental health assessment language is unclear and could be harmful or misapplied. Some other testifiers were listed in support or opposition, but no vote was taken. SB 15 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution. The Hawaiʻi Financial Services Association offered comments rather than opposition, suggesting the bill should be clarified as applying to creditor claims rather than property taxes and possibly limited to a primary residence, with restrictions on frequency of use. Committee discussion focused on how the exemption would affect unsecured creditors, the role of recorded mortgages and judgment liens, and whether the bill should instead establish a clearer homestead-style exemption. The bill drew both support and comments, with no action taken during the hearing. The committee also took testimony on SB 117, which would protect people making sexual misconduct claims from defamation suits unless made with malice; SB 121, a constitutional amendment to give the Senate more time to confirm judicial appointments; SB 14, a reapportionment amendment tied to the decennial census and resident population; SB 175, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 75; SB 173, creating a three-year pilot program for free child care for minor children of parties and witnesses attending First Circuit court hearings; and SB 261, increasing juror pay from $30 to $50 per day. Testimony on these measures was generally supportive in the case of SB 175, SB 173, and SB 261, with some opposition on SB 14 and SB 117. On SB 173 and SB 261, committee members asked questions about practical implementation, and on SB 261 the State Bar Association said the increase was overdue and intended to encourage jury participation.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Health Care Financing Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Health Care Financing

Transcript Highlights:
  • It was $9.54, MassHealth fee-for-service. The MCOs were paying about $7.58.
  • MassHealth fee-for-service. The MCOs were paying about $7.58.
  • Private insurance and Medicare provide higher fees for immunization.
  • For example, Medicare Part B provides a $30 administrative fee for a flu or a COVID shot.
  • Again, we support House Bill 1392 to increase administrative fees for vaccinations.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on a large docket of bills focused on MassHealth benefits and reimbursement, health equity, behavioral health, public health, dental access, 340B drug pricing, tobacco cessation, and coverage for children. The chairs emphasized rising health care costs, provider shortages, administrative burdens, and persistent inequities by income, race, geography, and immigration status. Much of the testimony centered on H.1416/S.901, an act to advance health equity, with legislators and members of the Health Equity Compact arguing for statewide benchmarks, stronger health equity leadership, reimbursement for interpreter services, community health workers and patient navigation, Medicaid graduate medical education support, and a health equity zone trust fund. Witnesses described disparities in life expectancy, maternal mortality, access to primary care, and the impact of federal Medicaid and social service cuts, and urged the committee to report the bill favorably. The committee also heard strong support for H.1368/S.847 on rapid whole genome sequencing for critically ill MassHealth children. Testifiers from industry, academia, hospitals, and families said early sequencing can end long diagnostic odysseys, improve treatment decisions, shorten hospital stays, and save money, while also providing emotional relief and information for families. The hearing then moved to H.1407 on MassHealth rate parity for inpatient behavioral health providers, where Rep. Scanlan and the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems said the bill would codify existing administrative parity so managed care plans cannot pay less than the MassHealth fee-for-service rate. On H.1392/S.853 to preserve and protect public health, witnesses supported higher vaccine administration fees to improve provider participation and immunization rates. The committee also heard testimony on H.770/845 to protect 340B providers in MassHealth, and on S.848 to require reporting and transparency around 340B revenues and outside administrative costs. Additional bills drew testimony on tobacco cessation coverage for MassHealth members, with advocates supporting broader access to counseling and medications through medical, behavioral health, and dental providers. On H.1409, a nursing home operator asked for more flexibility in a MassHealth staffing-related penalty tied to patient days per resident. On H.1401/S.888, supporters of the “Take 10” dental access proposal said adult MassHealth dental coverage is underused because too few dentists accept MassHealth, leading to long travel times and avoidable emergency room visits; they urged incentive payments for dentists serving new adult MassHealth patients. Finally, on H.1403/S.855, “Cover All Kids,” advocates and immigrant community members urged removal of immigration status as a barrier to full MassHealth coverage for children, while also backing a related bill to ensure 12 months of continuous coverage for children. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and asked questions on costs, reimbursement levels, and implementation details.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Revenue and Fiscal Affairs May 11th, 2026

Revenue & Fiscal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have not adjusted our fees inside of the department, the self-generated fees that we charge when we
  • So they wouldn't have a fee at all.
  • It looks like the electric fee is $110 and the hybrid fee is $60.
  • The fee adjustments are between $5 and at most $35, and not all fees have been adjusted.
  • So we increase this fee.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/28/2026 - House Transportation & Infrastructure

Transportation & Infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:
  • The bill further stipulates that of the $20 fee, $8 is an administration fee and $12 is an annual donation
  • I didn't realize these specialty plates—you could reduce the fee.
  • The fee, I think, is too low. There's not enough teeth to it.
  • have to pay the permit fees, whatever those are, insurance fees of at least a million dollars in insurance
  • So there are fees that have to go with that.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Wed Mar 19, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • something on the of administrative fee something on the order<01:25:50.960> of<01:25:51.080><
  • When we do request for allocations, we do ask for the full appropriation.
  • None of that 10%—I mean 5% for administrative fees—I can understand. Another 10% for fund...
  • <01:28:29.080> we when we do request for um allocations we when we do request for um allocations
  • I don't have any additional fees I don't have any additional comments<01:29:26.080> to<01:29:
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee met on March 19, 2025, and first heard SB 137 SD2 HD1 relating to electric utilities. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the Public Utilities Commission said they stood on their written comments, IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill, and Ulupono Initiative also supported it. Hawaiian Electric supported the intent but asked for an amendment, saying the bill’s definition of “acquiring entity” was too broad and could unintentionally cover purely local utility transactions. A later witness from Life of the Land supported the bill only if the merger/acquisition language were removed, arguing the PUC would not have a workable mechanism to let a cooperative intervene in a utility sale process. Committee members questioned whether the bill could still work without that section, and Ulupono said it was open to clarifying language but did not seek to remove the provision; the discussion ended without a vote in the excerpt provided. The committee then took up SB 1220 SD2 relating to a renewable gas tariff. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC again stood on written comments. HGas strongly supported the measure, saying it would create a faster, more cost-effective path for a voluntary renewable gas tariff without requiring a full rate case, while preserving PUC oversight and consumer protections. The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas also supported the bill, emphasizing that it would expand consumer choice and help Hawaii’s clean energy goals while keeping the program voluntary and shielding non-participating customers from costs. Henry Curtis of Life of the Land opposed the bill, arguing that HGas already had an active rate case and could have raised the issue there, and that the proposal did not increase renewable gas supply or speed up acquisition; he called it a gimmick. In response, HGas said the bill was mainly a mechanism to speed filing and that the details would be worked out in a PUC docket. Committee members pressed HGas on whether the measure would actually add renewable gas, what source would be used, and whether customers would simply be paying more for the same gas; HGas said it had two projects in development, including banagrass and hydrogen-related work, and that the tariff would be a voluntary opt-in rate for customers seeking renewable natural gas to meet sustainability goals. No vote was taken in the excerpt provided.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

February 18, 2025 - 03:30 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • It does not necessarily prevent the tragedy that happened at Champlain, and it doesn't allocate the funds
  • Tragedy that happened at Champlain, and it doesn't allocate the funds accurately.
  • more, but I do have a situation in my district where it was a condo, and they have been paying their fees
  • more, but I do have a situation in my district where it was a condos, and they have been paying their fees
  • However, the kind of They have been paying their fees and everything.
Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on condominiums, focusing on recent statutory changes, building safety, reserve studies, inspections, insurance, and related enforcement issues. Pete Dunbar, speaking for the Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, reviewed the evolution of Florida’s condominium law and recommended several refinements, including allowing boards to levy special assessments and borrow for post-inspection repairs, easing termination when repair costs exceed value, clarifying treatment of nonresidential condominiums, strengthening recall procedures, clarifying reserve and inspection standards, addressing conflicts of interest, improving electronic participation, and cleaning up notice and disclosure requirements. He also suggested revising insurance provisions so a third coverage option could be used more effectively. Ron Liseca and engineer Mr. Noguera explained the milestone inspection and Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SERS) process, emphasizing that milestone inspections assess structural deterioration while SERS estimates long-term repair and reserve funding needs. They described the 25- and 30-year inspection timelines, the lack of a central statewide database, and the practical challenges of finding qualified professionals and educating associations. Secretary Melanie Griffin said DBPR oversees 27,750 condominium associations, has increased outreach and complaint resolution, and has seen a 39% increase in complaints this fiscal year. She reported that about 11,270 associations self-reported buildings three stories or higher, and that as of early February DBPR had received 4,096 SERS completion submissions after follow-up outreach, with a median reported SERS cost of $6,000, though she cautioned that much of the optional data is unreliable. Emilio Rodriguez, a contractor, stressed the cost and capacity challenges facing associations and contractors, warning that some projects are delayed by board disputes, legal challenges, and a shortage of qualified labor, which can lead to higher assessments and repeated repairs. Members asked about enforcement, insurance availability, coastal deterioration, sinking and foundation issues, and private provider conflicts of interest. Witnesses generally supported more uniform standards, better local and state coordination, and possible tighter oversight of private providers, while cautioning against frequent statutory changes that could add confusion. In closing discussion, members highlighted the burden on older residents and fixed-income owners, the need to keep communities habitable, and the importance of clearer allocation of assessments and stronger board accountability.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-14 (4:00PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The housing investment: On housing, the bill raises the minimum SHIP allocation to a million dollars
  • For this, we pay the scholarship funding organizations a 3% administrative fee on over $4 billion.
  • The bill reduces SFO administrative fees so that more money can be actually spent on scholarships.
  • stabilization fund is for our public schools who might be under-enrolled to ensure that they can pay those fees
  • And you're moving the administrative fee that they received from 3% to 2%. Thank you.
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, including recognition of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Founders’ Day and a visiting debate student. The chamber then received and adopted, by a 39-0 vote, a committee report confirming 52 gubernatorial executive appointments to various state, regional, and local boards and commissions. The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities, described as a broad “Rural Renaissance” package. Sponsor Senator Simon outlined provisions creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program for counties facing population loss, housing and transportation investments, additional funding for rural education, and rural health care support. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping grant language tied to new federal rural health funding and to update hospital funding estimates. Senators from both parties generally supported the bill, though some raised questions about eligibility for certain rural areas and how funds would be accessed. The bill passed 39-0. The Senate then took up CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates said the bill responds to Auditor General findings by separating scholarship funding from public school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, requiring annual audits, and directing the Department of Education to develop a competitive selection and performance-based business plan for those organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including changes to the stabilization fund and documentation requirements. Senators from both parties debated transparency, accountability, and implementation concerns, with some also urging future attention to declining-enrollment school districts and the quality of scholarship providers. The bill passed 38-0. At the end of the session, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify SB 250 and CS/SB 318 to the House, welcomed Palm Beach County visitors in the gallery, and adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • He gets picked up and goes to the towing company and pays, and pays a tower fee, and comes out again.
  • Those fees are set and regulated, but however the record driver can. fees based on their business, when
  • The higher fees proposed in this bill aim to dissuade current and potential repeat offenders.
  • rail crossings can and should be addressed from time to time the Federal Railroad Administration allocates
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 16th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • OK, so it's part. of moving what's already been allocated around, correct? Correct.
  • The study done by the Austin American statesmen found that the buying power of the money allocated from
  • That those high tuition prices don't cover activity fees, application fees, registration. fees, book
  • So the $1 billion that is being set aside or allocated for this program.
  • We're just saying not the money that we're allocating for the vouchers.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, we have $2 million for legal fees.
  • These funds should actually be allocated instead to healthier programs.
  • These funds should actually be allocated instead to healthier programs.
  • These funds should actually be allocated instead to healthier programs.
  • clear budget no cap on assessment fees clear budget no cap on assessment fees and<02:21:33.399><
Keywords: 910, house, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Finance (02/20/2026)

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Donald Trump, issued an executive order on November 13, 2025, encouraging states that don't already allocate
  • 42.479> funds<00:07:42.720> in<00:07:42.960> a<00:07:43.120> separate allocate
  • these funds in a separate allocate these funds in a separate account<00:07:43.919> to<00:07:44.240
  • total cost of this bill is approximately $280,000 out of general funds, and that is for consultant fees
  • that over the course of the next fees that over the course of the next few<00:47:51.839> years,
Keywords: 1189, house, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • can be uh corrected by staff, but this is a provision that came from Senator Her and there was an allocation
  • that we put in there was an allocation that we put in the<00:04:47.840> 2024<00:04:48.720>
  • And then in committee, I know we did have an amendment to clarify the interest rate or fee equivalent
  • And then in committee, I know we did have an amendment to clarify the interest rate or fee equivalent
  • to clarify the interest rate or fee to clarify the interest rate or fee equivalent equivalent equivalent
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Now, um, there is a $6 transaction fee that happens per deed transfer and mortgage recording fee each
  • There is no recurring fee each.
  • we're going to on the other fee? we're going to on the other fee?
  • here because change fees around here because everybody<01:02:36.319> hears<01:02:36.640> fee
  • asking me for 7500 for the closing fees. asking me for 7500 for the closing fees.
Summary: The Housing Task Force heard a presentation from Anita Sanford of the Homebuilders Association of Kentucky and Sheri Cybert of Indiana’s Residential Infrastructure Fund about Indiana’s low-interest loan program for local housing infrastructure. They described the program as a voluntary, locally driven model that helps communities finance roads, sewers, sidewalks, traffic lights, turning lanes, and other infrastructure needed for new housing development. Sanford emphasized that infrastructure and regulation are major drivers of housing costs, citing estimates that infrastructure can account for up to 30% of a home’s cost and regulations another 25%, and said the association is studying Kentucky-specific regulatory costs. She also noted that every $1,000 added to new home construction can price out about 2,000 Kentucky households. Cybert explained that Indiana’s program, administered through the Indiana Finance Authority, began in 2023 with $75 million appropriated over two years and has since closed 17 loans totaling $60.7 million, with more than 2,700 projected housing units. The program reserves 70% of funds for rural communities and 30% for urban communities, requires applications from local governments rather than developers, and asks communities to show need through a market study, describe the infrastructure and housing to be built, and provide preliminary engineering plans and a repayment source. She said the loans currently carry an interest rate around 3.5%, reset quarterly, and that the program has generated about $25 million in savings to communities compared with private borrowing. She also described recent Indiana legislative changes that encourage higher density and other zoning reforms, and said a majority of those local ordinance changes must be adopted for an application to be fundable. Members asked about the ordinance requirements, the funding split between rural and urban areas, repayment mechanisms, and whether there were caps on project size. Cybert said repayment is worked out case by case, often through existing or project-specific TIFs, temporary tax agreements, or letters of credit, and that the program has no cap on request size or income/affordability restrictions. She said the largest request funded was $19 million for a 700-unit project. Co-chair Mills and others discussed whether Kentucky could adopt a similar model and what it would cost, while Sanford and Cybert said they were still refining budget estimates. Later, Scott Welch, president of the Homebuilders Association of Kentucky, testified that upfront infrastructure costs are a major barrier in his projects, citing a $1 million pump station and road-widening and utility relocation costs as examples, and said an infrastructure fund would help get projects off the ground.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • The actual cost of maintaining this will be included in the licensing fees for pharmacists.
  • <01:26:50.080> So,<01:26:50.320> it's licensing fees for pharmacists.
  • So, it's licensing fees for pharmacists.
  • We can completely sustain that just from increasing the licensure fees of the four entities that are
  • ,<01:45:40.960> they If public funds are allocated, they If public funds are allocated, they