Transcript Highlights:

• And so this is what the millage rate gets applied to, to determine taxes.
• But because of the growth in taxable value, more taxes are able to be levied with a lower millage rate
• You'll see the millage rate statewide for school levies has gone down from almost nine to a little under
• So that's an attempt to convey that in slides 10 and 11 based on here's the non-school millage rates
• and the amount they're able to levy in taxes and the same Rates and the amount they are able to levy

Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance and Tax met to hear a staff presentation on Florida property taxes. Staff Director Azar Khan gave an overview of the property tax system, including constitutional limits, January 1 assessment rules, homestead and non-homestead residential property, commercial and agricultural classifications, tangible personal property, and centrally assessed property. The presentation highlighted major exemptions and assessment caps, such as the homestead exemptions, Save Our Homes, the 10% cap for non-homestead property, and favorable treatment for agricultural/classified use land. It also reviewed long-term growth in just value and taxable value statewide, along with declining millage rates over time as taxable values have risen. Members then discussed the possibility of eliminating property taxes and the fiscal consequences of doing so. Senator Jones asked about the impact on local governments and referenced estimates that replacing property tax revenue could require roughly $43 billion; staff responded that current levied amounts are in the ballpark of more than $30 billion for non-school levies and more than $20 billion for school levies, but that the exact impact would depend on county and district budgets and collections. Senators Bernard, Passidomo, Gates, and others emphasized the need for more data on alternative revenue sources, such as sales tax increases or other combinations, and for input from counties and cities before considering broad tax changes. Chair Avila explained the presentation was intended to give members a foundation before property tax proposals are heard in committee, noting that several bills had already been filed involving homestead and tangible personal property. No bills were voted on, and no formal action was taken beyond the informational presentation. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• are grateful for the support of the eighty-eighth legislature, specifically the increase in formula rates
• The second cohort had the highest first-time pass rate in the nation on their board exams.
• That's a 99% pass rate. This latest cohort passed 100% first time. Again, number one in the nation.
• Currently our placement rate varies between 89% and 90% upon graduation.
• We appreciate greatly the formula funding rate from the past session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are observing some signs of consumer stress with higher delinquency rates in certain loans, credit
• Minnesota's unemployment rate has continued to increase over the past year.
• c> delinquency consumer stress with higher delinquency consumer stress with higher delinquency rates
• in certain loans, credit cards, rates in certain loans, credit cards, auto<00:02:40.840> loans,
• unemployment rate has Minnesota's unemployment rate has continued<00:02:44.720> to<00:02:44.840

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget’s February forecast reported that the state’s projected deficit has turned into a surplus, with an estimated $3.7 billion balance for fiscal years 2026-27 and a projected $377 million positive balance for FY28-29. Officials said the improved outlook is driven by a slightly stronger national economy and higher forecast revenues, but they cautioned that the state remains in a strong yet not secure position. A major concern discussed was federal funding uncertainty. CMS has indicated it may withhold $515 million per quarter in Medicaid Assistance reimbursement, and separately notified the state it would defer $260 million in Medicaid reimbursements pending further information. Those potential losses are not included in the forecast, but lawmakers were told federal funds account for about one-third of state agency spending and that budget flexibility may be needed if cuts occur. Speakers also noted that Minnesota still faces a structural budget imbalance despite progress made last session. Current biennium spending is projected to be $68 million lower than earlier estimates, but planning estimates are up $152 million since the last forecast. Several lawmakers emphasized affordability concerns for residents, citing rising delinquency rates, increasing unemployment, flat wages, and the need to focus on tax conformity, vehicle tab fees, and property taxes. Members from both parties said they want to continue working together on budget solutions and spending restraint.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill would also cut the interest rate in half.
• ><00:10:05.600> cut<00:10:05.839> the<00:10:06.080> interest<00:10:06.320> rate
• <00:10:06.560> in bill would also cut the interest rate in bill would also cut the interest
• Now they want the federal government to reduce interest rate and extend payment to 25 years.
• and extend payment to 25 interest rate and extend payment to 25 years.<00:11:22.079> So<00:11

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, January 2, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• evidence um regarding the regret rate evidence um regarding the regret rate for<00:49:09.880>
• the rates of people who are satisfied with the surgery or regret rates for other types of life-changing
• because the dropout rates were about 30%.
• because the dropout rates were about 30%.
• because the dropout rates were about 30%.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and the tax rate on that's 1.25%.
• So this strictly makes the online tax rate the same as the in-person tax rate. That's the bill.
• So this the tax rate on that's 1.25%.
• <00:08:38.719> the strictly makes the online tax rate the strictly makes the online tax rate
• uh the tax rate so in my bill tax rate uh the tax rate so in my bill tax rate is is is 32.5%.<01

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on SB 60, which would expressly authorize advanced deposit wagering for horse racing in New Hampshire and set the online tax rate at 1.25%, matching the existing rate for in-person horse betting at Seabrook and Belmont. Senator Tim Lang said the bill is intended to clarify that online horse betting is permitted, regulate the activity, and create a revenue stream while keeping the tax rate consistent with brick-and-mortar wagering. Members asked about the rate compared with other states, whether the bill was really about casino front money, and whether geofencing would apply; Lang and later witnesses said the bill is narrowly limited to parimutuel horse racing and would use geofencing to keep wagering within New Hampshire. Peter Bragdon, speaking for Churchill Downs, supported the bill and described advanced deposit wagering as remote betting on horse races under the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978. He said Churchill Downs and other operators have long been active in New Hampshire, but the state’s lack of a specific statute has created a gray area. Bragdon said Churchill Downs stopped its own New Hampshire online operations in 2022 after discussions with the Lottery Commission and attorney general, while competitors continued operating, and he framed the bill as a fairness and consumer-protection measure that would clarify the law going forward. He also said the bill would not affect historic horse racing machines and would not create cannibalization of charitable gaming. Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre said the Lottery Commission and attorney general had identified the issue as similar to the earlier fantasy sports situation, where legislation was used to regulate an activity rather than pursue enforcement. He said the commission requested the bill, would serve as the regulator, and would address violations through rulemaking and penalties. McIntyre said operators would maintain customer and transaction records, with the commission reviewing them as needed, and he noted that three operators are currently active in the state and not paying the proposed 1.25% rate. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anybody in the public at market rate.
• hospitals via enhanced impatient rates hospitals via enhanced impatient rates directed<01:30:57.560
• <01:53:14.560> of that would create an effective rate of that would create an effective rate
• Um, and to better leverage rates.
• Um, there's a in the match rates.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 291, which would update religious land-use and property tax exemption rules for church-owned parsonages, parish houses, and similar properties. Senator Tim Lang, speaking for the sponsor, said the bill was intended to address situations where former parsonages are no longer occupied by clergy and are instead used for church-related purposes such as housing staff, religious education, or congregate living tied to ministry, including addiction recovery. He emphasized that the bill was not meant to create commercial rental housing and that it also preserves reasonable zoning and environmental regulations. Committee members pressed the sponsor on how the bill would be applied, especially the meaning of “religious purposes,” the six-unit limit, the “same lot” language, and whether churches could use the exemption to rent units for revenue. The sponsor said the six-unit cap was added to prevent large-scale commercial rental use, that congregate housing would be limited and defined, and that the bill was meant to cover uses like substance abuse recovery, homes for unwed mothers, and religious education, but not apartments converted for ordinary rental. He also said churches would still file annual exemption paperwork and towns could challenge claims they believed were commercial. Questions also raised concerns about whether the bill treated religious and nonreligious housing trusts differently; the sponsor responded that the bill was aimed at church-owned property used in pursuit of a religious mission. Several witnesses testified in support. Representative Mark Pearson, an active clergyman, said the bill would not remove additional property from the tax rolls because clergy housing allowances typically lead clergy to buy taxable homes elsewhere, while the church-owned parsonage remains exempt. Nick Taylor of Housing Action New Hampshire supported the bill as a modest expansion that could help create more attainable housing by allowing better use of existing religious land and structures, though he noted his organization would support even broader use. The hearing ended without a vote or final action, and the chair closed questions after the testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Homeowners insurance rates are also increasing.
• Homeowners insurance rates are also increasing.
• <00:49:31.319> to substantially below Market rates to substantially below Market rates to
• <01:51:21.239> Rose work and interest rates Rose work and interest rates Rose and<01:51:24.159
• <01:52:02.719> reached interest rates reached interest rates reached 7%<01:52:04.920> as

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now think about where mortgage rates are right now—roughly 7%, I think.
• to ask people to trade in a 3% rate for 7% and a more expensive home.
• :18.440> would us have hoped that interest rates would us have hoped that interest rates would
• Eder reiterated, is interest rates.
• <01:05:36.480> environment Rates, uh, this interest rate environment makes it very, very challenging

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention heard informational presentations from Housing First Minnesota and the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities on the state of housing in Minnesota. Mark Foster of Housing First Minnesota said the state has a severe housing shortage, with demand outpacing supply since the 2007-09 housing crash, and argued that Minnesota is nearly 100,000 units short of a healthy market. He said new homes are increasingly unaffordable, citing a median new single-family price above $530,000 and declining affordability in the Twin Cities metro, and he urged lawmakers to remove exclusionary zoning and other regulatory barriers that he said make starter homes and smaller-lot housing difficult or illegal to build in many growing cities. He also highlighted the group’s Housing for Heroes projects, including transitional housing for veterans and other crisis housing projects around the state. Members asked Foster about starter-home examples and his view that the committee’s top priority should be reforming residential development approvals. He said most new housing is negotiated through planned unit developments rather than built under base zoning, which he argued adds cost and reduces supply. The committee then heard from Elizabeth Wael of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, who said housing challenges outside the metro are different but equally serious. She said many Greater Minnesota cities face a lack of developers, inadequate infrastructure such as roads and utilities, and gaps in the housing continuum, especially starter workforce housing and senior housing. She thanked the committee for 2023 housing funding and said cities are contributing their own resources, updating zoning, reducing parking requirements, allowing ADUs, and partnering with developers and nonprofits. Wael also urged faster rollout of the Greater Minnesota infrastructure grant program and said the state should consider changes to the housing tax credit and housing TIF rules to make them easier to use. In response, senators said they shared frustration with the slow implementation of the infrastructure program and emphasized the need for state investment and locally tailored zoning reforms. No bills were heard and no votes were taken; the meeting was informational and focused on stakeholder testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• rate should be. rate should be.
• because of lower Medicaid rate.
• because of lower Medicaid rate.
• because of lower Medicaid rate.
• because of lower Medicaid rate.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:47:32.640> between reductions in our power rates between reductions in our power rates
• that to be used for setting their rates. that to be used for setting their rates.
• you know, water, the electricity rate you know, water, the electricity rate going<01:20:04.239><
• We got low tax rates here in the state.
• We got low tax rates here in the state. We got low tax rates here in the state.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 28 senators present. The body agreed to excuse absent senators, dispense with reading and adopt the previous journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The presiding officer also recognized several guests on the floor and in the gallery, including an intern from the Lieutenant Governor’s office and guests of Senator Chambliss. Committee reports focused on confirmations for Alabama State University’s Board of Trustees. Patricia Anne Jones (Confirmation 79), Angela Star (Confirmation 80), and Bobby Singleton (Confirmation 78) each received favorable committee reports and were confirmed by the full Senate, with roll-call votes showing unanimous or near-unanimous support. The chamber spent considerable time in lighthearted debate and personal remarks during Singleton’s confirmation before adopting the motion and confirming him. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 81 commending the Coach Safely Foundation for youth sports injury mitigation, and several other resolutions honoring individuals and organizations, including Johnny Williams, Jim America, Senior Trooper Hunter Woodruff, and retired Army Colonel Shawn Thomas Prricett. A resolution encouraging Alabama public high schools to form a consortium was also adopted. On local bills, the Senate passed Senate Bill 243 regarding Jefferson County and House Bill 532 regarding Shelby County, both by using the previous roll and with no opposition. The Rules Committee then reported a special order calendar for the 22nd legislative day, which the Senate adopted 30-0. The special order calendar included bills on the Board of Funeral Services, the Public Service Commission, tax abatements, electric utilities, child support, dogs, school lands, Chambers County, and real property. The first special-order bill taken up was Senate Bill 107 by Senators Figures and Gudger, concerning the Alabama Board of Funeral Services. Senators discussed the bill’s purpose of funding the board’s increased duties, the effect on funeral home license fees, and an amendment offered by Senator Bell to reduce certain fees. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was explained as not affecting pre-need funeral arrangements. Debate continued as members asked questions about costs to families and funeral homes, but the chamber had not yet reached final disposition of the bill by the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We receive an enhanced Medicare reimbursement rate because of its rural designation.
• We receive an enhanced Medicare reimbursement rate because of its rural designation.
• , which would have a material impact on the MCO contracts and the capitation rates.
• unique rates for our community separate unique rates for our community mental<03:00:52.080> health
• <04:08:01.520> and establish a certain effective rate and establish a certain effective rate

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It comes at a lower cost to pay people's standard rates.
• Our clearance rate is way up.
• we have the authority to do that, unlike the rates for the attorneys.
• The state's continued investment has also impacted the turnaway rate.
• Approximately five years ago, the turnaway rate was approximately 60%.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was held in Clinton Town Hall as part of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means’ budget review, with local officials welcoming legislators and noting the long agenda of many panels. The main presentation was from Secretary Terrence Reedy of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, who outlined the Healey-Driscoll administration’s FY26 proposal for the secretariat, including a $1.7 billion budget and a 7% increase over FY25. He described investments in emergency preparedness, hate-crime prevention, reentry programming, technology modernization, internships, and public safety training, while also noting some reductions driven by resource constraints, including cuts to certain grant programs and administrative costs. Committee members also raised concerns about federal uncertainty and how it could affect state budgets and public safety planning. A major portion of the questioning focused on the Department of Correction. Secretary Reedy and Commissioner Sean Jenkins said the biggest challenges are staffing, officer wellness, facility safety, and contraband—especially K2. They described steps taken at MCI Souza and other facilities, including reducing population at the maximum-security unit, changing management, removing metal products and free weights, improving screening and roll calls, adding a rapid response team, and increasing investigative and technological efforts to combat K2. They also discussed the closure of MCI Concord, saying it was driven by high maintenance costs and staffing needs, and explained that savings are being used to improve staffing patterns and address deferred maintenance over time rather than producing immediate large budget reductions. Members also questioned the budget’s impact on police training and community policing. The administration defended the increase in police academy tuition from $3,200 to $6,000 as reflecting true training costs and said it would still be subsidized by the state, while acknowledging the burden on small municipalities. They said the MPTC is expanding regional training and considering proposals such as Greenfield Community College’s. On community policing, officials emphasized uniform statewide training, de-escalation, and communication skills. The State Police also announced an outside review of the academy by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and said the next class will be split into two smaller groups to improve oversight and allow quicker implementation of recommendations. Other topics included ICE and federal immigration enforcement, with Reedy saying state law prohibits Massachusetts law enforcement from acting in a civil immigration capacity and that no state dollars were used in the Tufts-related ICE operation mentioned by a member. Senators and representatives also raised the upcoming FIFA World Cup, warning that it will require significant public safety resources and likely federal funding. Additional discussion covered restorative justice and juvenile diversion, health care costs in DOC, electronic health records, and the need for more diverse and culturally competent public safety staffing. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:16:01.280> uh is to focus on the solve rate uh is to focus on the solve rate uh and<01
• initiative uh to improve the solve rate initiative uh to improve the solve rate for<01:16:28.960
• Paul, we had a clearance rate of 35%.
• We have a better uh, we're doing better around the dropout rate and our charging rate is now like any
• around the dropout rate and our charging<01:27:38.040> rate<01:27:38.400> is<01:27:38.600

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She mentioned there was a 50% match rate for the regular Medicaid, and then there's a higher match rate
• <00:41:19.839> at earlier there are different uh rates at earlier there are different uh rates
• She mentioned earlier the match rate right now for the federal government is 90%.
• It would go down to about the current match rate.
• looking at administrative map fmap rate looking at administrative map or<00:48:04.119> uh<00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This 20-year loan has an interest rate of 1% and was approved at the December 4th KIA board meeting.
• This 20-year loan has an interest rate of 1% and was approved at the December 4th KIA board meeting.
• This 20-year loan has<00:31:19.120> an<00:31:19.440> interest<00:31:19.679> rate
• <00:31:20.000> of<00:31:20.480> 1.75% has an interest rate of 1.75% has an interest rate
• This 20-year loan has an interest rate This 20-year loan has an interest rate of<00:34:07.360>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first received several information items, including University of Kentucky reports on medical and research equipment purchases, five school districts’ planned bond issues, and a School Facilities Construction Commission list of prior debt issues. Members then heard and approved an appropriation increase for a federally funded University of Kentucky project at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond. The project will construct a terminal building and is tied to EKU’s airport operations and planned flight school; members asked about the public funding, the role of EKU, and possible aviation expansion, and the item was approved by roll call. The committee next approved a University of Kentucky lease purchase for an 85,000-square-foot facility at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead for $6.4 million. UK said the property, formerly the Rowan County Board of Education site, is directly across from UK St. Clair and will be used for multiple purposes; members questioned the quarterly payment structure and why the county preferred not to receive the full amount upfront, but the item was approved. The committee then heard three appropriation increases in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: a Fish and Wildlife pump project at Ballard Wildlife Management Area and two Lake Barkley State Resort Park repair projects. Finance staff explained the Lake Barkley increases were mainly to cover construction contingencies after bids came in close to available funding, and the committee approved the action items. Janice Thomas then presented four pool projects requiring no action: HVAC upgrades at the Future Farmers of America Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg, geothermal and HVAC work at the Kentucky School for the Blind, a Brady Hall HVAC project at the Kentucky School for the Blind, and a renovation of Shanti Hall at Kentucky State University for the School of Engineering Technology. Members asked no substantive questions on those items. Finally, Natalie Broner presented a new CHFS lease in Wayne County and a Transportation Cabinet lease modification in Christian County. The Wayne County lease drew the most discussion, with members questioning the rent, the lack of other bids, and whether another county location might be preferable; CHFS said it maintains county-seat offices statewide and that the Wayne County site would replace an existing office. The Christian County item was described as a replacement site for driver licensing services with renovation costs largely absorbed by the lessor. Both lease items were presented for action after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:58:36.480> of but if we were to have a 0% rate of but if we were to have a 0% rate of
• I think worth highlighting here is the path for future contribution rates.
• the path for future contribution rates the path for future contribution rates um<01:09:38.759>
• It did get extended out from 2036 when we lowered the assumed rate of return.
• It did get extended out from 2036 when we lowered the assumed rate of return.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But most the top rated TV show and Happy Days the top rated TV show and Happy Days premiered<00:58:49.520
• trading partners at verifying rates trading partners at verifying rates subject<05:36:32.480>
• rather than regular rates.
• gains rates rather than regular rates. gains rates rather than regular rates.
• <07:51:52.718> for having a lower tax rate for having a lower tax rate for manufacturing<07

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 7, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and protect the rate and protect the rate payers<01:02:55.240> and<01:02:55.400> the
• interestate 71 access rate interestate 71 access rate filings<02:32:46.920> and<02:32:47.680
• <02:34:31.120> Center that's the rate Center that's the rate Center consolidation<02:34:33.120
• rate case first is the Liberty electric rate case doc<04:23:36.520> at<04:23:36.680> De
• to this regulatory process and the rate to this regulatory process and the rate payers<04:33:30.240

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, making energy efficiency a priority is an important strategy as we look to make utility rates as
• disappointed to read in the Star Tribune that President Trump is working to dissolve the Energy Star rate
• When we're asked why Minnesota has some of the highest industrial rates of electricity, it's primarily
• Ask them: would they rather have their rates go up or go down? The green energy economy...
• In fact, it's a rate of 0.00109. Cents per kilowatt hour.