Transcript Highlights:

• So they don't have to wait until the end of the year till the deductions catch up with the reimbursement
• catch up with till they the deductions catch up with the<00:06:46.880> reimbursement.
• It amends the amount that a disbursing officer may deduct from an employee's salary range, a wage or
• from an employes salary range a deduct from an employes salary range a wage<00:25:10.080> or<
• , excuse me, individual plans deductible, excuse me, individual plans that<00:52:06.079> qualify

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 2122, which would tie public service flexible spending account contribution and carryover limits to the annual IRS cafeteria plan caps. DEER supported the bill and said it would help the state keep pace with federal limits, though it suggested deleting the words “inflation/adjusted” and “for that calendar year” as unnecessary. HGA and UPW strongly supported the measure, saying state limits lag the IRS amounts and that higher caps would help employees offset rising health care costs. In response to questions, DEER said the plan has a fund balance of about $1.6 million but noted some risk if employees leave before contributing enough to cover reimbursements. The unions agreed to DEER’s suggested wording change so long as the bill still clearly required future increases to track the IRS limits. The committee then took up SB 2116, which would create a confidential process in the Attorney General’s office for anonymous complaints against public employees, with complaints forwarded to the appropriate agency and annual reporting required. DLIR and the Attorney General opposed the bill. The AG’s office said anonymous complaints cannot truly be guaranteed to remain anonymous, that existing laws already provide confidential complaint processes in specific areas, and that the AG would effectively be only a repository without meaningful authority over how complaints are handled. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying it would begin a conversation about protecting complainants while discouraging frivolous complaints. In questions, senators raised concerns about how anonymous complaints would be investigated and whether the AG could serve as an appeal body; the AG said the proposal would likely require broader changes to existing complaint laws. The committee also heard SB 218, which would amend the amount a disbursing officer may deduct from an employee’s wages to repay indebtedness to the state. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying it would create a more lenient repayment process for employees who were overpaid and should not have to repay large amounts in a single pay period. UPW said the bill would eliminate a provision allowing recovery of debts of $1,000 or less in one pay period, which it described as problematic for members. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii was listed in opposition, and additional comments were submitted by the state controller and the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly. Finally, the committee heard SB 2114, which would repeal the prohibition on certain exempt employees grieving suspensions or discharges and allow bargaining-unit members to grieve disciplinary actions. DHRD and the City and County of Honolulu opposed the bill, arguing exempt employees are at-will employees who serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and already have other legal remedies for discrimination or harassment; they also said the issue is a negotiable matter under collective bargaining agreements. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying exempt positions have increased in number and that just-cause protections would improve recruitment and retention. Senators questioned how unions would represent exempt employees and whether the bill would change the at-will nature of those positions; no vote or final action was taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So briefly, you may recall from this past session, there is a B&O tax deduction for amounts derived from
• And then endowments, donations, et cetera, have their own B&O tax deduction under the next statute, RCW
• And then endowments, donations, et cetera, have their own B&O tax deduction under the next statute, RCW
• And those three categories are called out in the statute as ineligible for the B&O tax deduction, and
• Generally, sales tax is due on the total sales price without allowance for deduction.

Summary: The House Finance Committee held a work session that began with welcoming new member Rep. Janice Zahn, who introduced herself as representing the 41st Legislative District. The Department of Revenue then gave an update on the Antio-related legislation following the Washington Supreme Court decision and the 2025 session changes. DOR explained its voluntary disclosure program and the new expanded voluntary disclosure agreement for taxpayers with unreported investment income, including broader eligibility and interest/penalty relief, but said utilization has been minimal so far because additional implementation questions remain unresolved. The committee next received the annual update on the Working Families Tax Credit. DOR reported record participation in 2025, with about $205 million refunded through October and a major increase in applications after TurboTax added the credit to its filing software. Officials said most dollars went to households with children, outreach efforts remained important, and community partners and state agencies helped increase uptake. Members focused heavily on fraud concerns, especially tax preparers allegedly filing claims without applicants’ knowledge or diverting refunds; DOR said it is using fraud detection tools, training preparers, and trying to make applicants whole, but current law does not provide direct penalties against preparers. The final portion covered implementation of engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5814, which expanded sales tax to certain services. DOR described the new tax framework, its guidance process, and the large volume of ruling requests and outreach since the law took effect October 1. Committee members asked about fiscal assumptions, the scope of taxable services, and whether the department had revised its implementation estimates; DOR said the fiscal note assumed broad application absent explicit exemptions and that no expenditure revision had been made. In stakeholder testimony, Expedia and T-Mobile argued the law creates complexity and competitive disadvantages for Washington businesses, while a construction training provider said the tax raises tuition for workers seeking required certifications. School and nonprofit representatives said the tax will increase costs for special education services, arts programming, and other public-facing activities, and urged exemptions or further legislative fixes. The chair closed by noting the committee would revisit 5814 in the next session and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• That $100 million building, who's carrying a 5% deductible, okay?
• Their deductible is 1.8. So they're going, wait, we're paying 336 plus 1.8.
• But the deductible is $22 million.
• But 30 deductibles is $22 million.
• Not when you're sitting there with $22 million deductibles. That's crazy.

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met for a panel discussion on current issues affecting Florida condominiums. DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin highlighted the department’s expanded condo education, complaint, and ombudsman services under HB 1021, including new online resources, board member certification, increased outreach, and broader complaint jurisdiction. She said the division has filled most of its new positions and that the new condo website is intended to improve transparency and access to records and information. Other panelists focused on insurance, inspections, and market impacts. Insurance agent Mike Clarkson said the condo insurance market remains difficult, especially for older buildings, and raised concerns about roof replacement demands, Citizens’ depopulation practices, and the mismatch between reserve studies and insurer timelines. Building officials representative Ron Laceca described challenges with phase one and phase two inspections, including incomplete databases, limited contractor capacity, and the need for local flexibility and better recordkeeping. University of Florida researcher Bill Hughes said his data show the condo market has not suffered a major overall decline from the new laws; he argued the rules have made costs more transparent and may strengthen the market over time. Community association manager Jamie Ballard said the biggest pressures on associations are rising insurance costs and early roof replacement requirements, and she supported board certification while opposing the continuing education exemption for long-tenured CAMs. In committee discussion, members pressed witnesses on whether recent condo laws caused insurance and roof-cost problems, and witnesses generally said those issues are driven more by the market than by the legislation. Senators also discussed possible reforms, including better data collection, clearer reporting duties for managers, and possible changes to insurance and reserve practices. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The award is deducted from the final award or repaid by the claimant if it exceeds the final award.
• Local restaurant owners may deduct $5 from the state sales and use tax liability for every 100 Texas
• Food service establishments will allow businesses with multiple locations to claim deductions separately
• , the comptroller is authorized to request documentation or information necessary to verify the deductions
• Restaurants that participate in a qualified oyster shell recycling program... ...can deduct from their

Bills: HB104, HB2434, HB2529, HB2688, HB3161, HB3486, HB3487, HB3745, HB4044, HB4226, HB4945, HB104

Keywords: Texas Future Fund, investment review board, economic stabilization, innovative technology, national defense, retirement, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, salary supplement, county judges, judicial functions, state law, government compensation, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age

Transcript Highlights:

• It would weigh the requirements of the final award appear likely and that an emergency award is deducted
• Eligible restaurant owners may deduct. $5 from the state sales and use tax liability for every 100 Texas
• per permitted food service establishment, allowing businesses with multiple locations to claim deductions
• And so we will, that's how we'll track it first based on purchases and the deduction based on our sales
• Shell recycling program can deduct from the tax liability $2 for every 50 pounds of oyster shells recycled

Bills: HB104

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tax rate election, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, de minimis rate, local government, special district, tax increase, tax notice, public hearing, tax code, Health and Safety Code, Texas property taxes, taxing unit, election threshold, two-thirds vote, majority vote, budget approval

Transcript Highlights:

• in your testimony, I think this is the second-to-last paragraph, you mentioned about the pre-tax deduction
• about<00:08:54.000> the<00:08:55.000> pre-tax about the pre-tax about the pre-tax deduction
• Stags<00:09:24.200> is<00:09:24.440> able<00:09:24.880> to<00:09:25.839> deduct
• <00:09:26.519> out<00:09:26.680> of<00:09:26.959> their Stags is able to deduct
• it out of their Stags is able to deduct it out of their their<00:09:28.279> gross<00:09:28.680

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the Government Operations and Transportation, Culture and the Arts committees considered three bills. SB 1092 would establish a transportation demand management program for state employees, including a parking cash-out option. Testimony was largely in support, including from state planning, energy, labor, and several individuals, while committee members raised concerns about whether the program was mandatory and whether there was a full implementation plan. The bill’s proponents said it was voluntary and intended to reduce long parking waitlists by incentivizing employees to opt out of parking. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1092 be passed with amendments, and the measure was adopted in both committees. SB 1093 would create a parking demand management program and require DAGS to transition state employees from monthly parking to daily-rate parking. Testimony included strong opposition from most individuals and several agencies, with one supporter. A committee question focused on the loss of pre-tax payroll deductions under a daily-rate system, and the Deputy Attorney General explained that the current monthly arrangement allows deductions from gross pay, which would not work the same way with daily payments. Given the opposition and concerns, the committees recommended deferral indefinitely. SB 1121 would establish a procurement preference, beginning in 2027, for construction companies with electric vehicles. Testimony included comments from DAGS, the Department of Transportation, and others, with opposition noted from DOT. Committee members questioned charging infrastructure and battery disposal for electric vehicles used in construction. After discussion, the committees concluded it was in the best interest to defer the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• . deductibles. deductibles.
• We have to pay until our deductible is covered. So our deductible right now is 6,000. >> Oh, okay.
• > deductible<00:31:29.120> co-ay.
• <00:34:28.879> is deductible is deductible is >> when<00:34:29.839> it<00:34:30.000
• employer to to change their deductible employer to to change their deductible which<00:34:43.839

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began by discussing 15 retained bills and the chair’s preference to keep them alive through interim study rather than kill them, using them as vehicles for further discussion and possible later amendments. The chair said the bills would be executed out by November and then move to the House floor in January, and members generally agreed that interim study was the prevailing motion for the retained bills. Several health-related bills were then discussed. On Senate Bill 247, concerning pharmacy network exclusion when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost, members said the issue had been presented differently in prior discussions and noted unfamiliar intermediaries such as PSAOs; the bill was viewed as too complex to resolve immediately, so interim study was favored. A bill on treatment alternatives to opiates was said to need an amendment from the Insurance Department, and a bill on self-funded employer access to claims data was described as having changed substantially through amendment; the sponsor explained it was intended to incentivize self-funded plans to opt into the state’s all-payer claims database (CHIS) so their data could be used for cost analysis, and members indicated a separate bill would be brought later. The committee spent the most time on a glucose monitoring bill, with testimony from a sponsor and a parent of a type 1 diabetic describing the medical benefits of continuous glucose monitors, especially for preventing dangerous lows and managing fluctuations. Opponents and committee members raised concerns about the cost of a mandate, the effect on premiums in the individual and small-group markets, and whether the bill should require coverage without a prescription; one member cited medical literature suggesting limited evidence for non-insulin users. The chair concluded the bill was headed to interim study and said the committee would do further homework on the economic impact, especially for type 1 coverage. The meeting then moved on to a bill about insurer audits and clawbacks, where the Insurance Department commissioner explained that the issue involved several separate provider-payment problems that had recently come to the department’s attention and that the department would provide a report and work with the sponsor on next steps.

Transcript Highlights:

• For high-deductible health plans, the bill applies the prohibition after meeting the deductible unless
• For high-deductible health plans, the bill applies the prohibition after meeting the deductible unless
• It's something about high-deductible plans only, or no? Mr.
• Chairman, Senator... ...high-deductible plans only, or no? Mr.
• name dated February 11, 2026, at 4:03 p.m. expands the aviation-related transaction privilege tax deduction

Bills: SB1165, SB1206, SB1212, SB1291, SB1347, SB1516, SB1554, SB1649, SB1689, SB1812

Keywords: breast cancer, screening services, health insurance, cost sharing, preventive care, storm damage, catastrophic storm, hail damage, wind damage, roof repair, roof replacement, post-storm repairs, insurance claim, property and casualty insurance, adjuster, public adjuster, contractor licensing, homeowner protections, deductible waiver, insurance fraud prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• 4% in the child support calculation, so they did not see it as a double deduction.
• <00:20:07.360> and have more than one or two deductions and have more than one or two deductions
• ,<00:20:16.480> how to be putting in your deductions, how to be putting in your deductions
• <00:21:10.799> it matter what if you've deducted it matter what if you've deducted it throughout
• I mean there's it calculates deductions.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , a new standard deduction for all those that take the standard deduction.
• It gives seniors an additional tax deduction.
• It increases the standard deduction. and additional tax deduction, it increases the standard deduction
• She didn't want the SALT tax deduction, so it wasn't in there.
• It included the child tax credit instead of doing the SALT deduction.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge, approved the journal, and welcomed several guests in the gallery, including a high school student and an advocate connected to the domestic violence bill HB 2995. The chamber then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, first advancing HB 4155, HB 4156, and HB 4157, then HB 4164, HB 4165, and HB 4166, all with do-pass recommendations and no substantive amendments on those calendars. Later, the House also considered SB 1326, a victims’ rights measure, adopted a floor amendment, and reported it out as amended. The House corrected an earlier clerical error regarding HB 4155-4157 being referred to engrossing rather than third reading. The House then took up a long series of final passage votes on Senate bills. SB 2174, SB 2611, SB 1011, SB 1012, SB 1016, SB 1018, SB 1038, SB 1039, SB 1040, SB 1053, SB 1055, SB 1057, SB 1060, SB 1061, SB 1068, SB 1069, SB 1075, SB 1100, SB 1113 on reconsideration, SB 1160, and SB 1170 all passed. SB 2873, SB 1004, SB 1009, SB 1042, SB 1043, SB 1049, SB 1093, and SB 1143 failed. SB 2995, the emergency family-law/domestic-violence bill known as the Alec and Lydia Act, passed with the required two-thirds vote after extensive debate; supporters said it would better protect children and clarify judicial standards, while opponents argued its definitions were overly broad and could harm families. SB 1018 on foreign laws also drew extended debate over Sharia law, with supporters framing it as a defense of American values and opponents calling it unnecessary and discriminatory. Several votes included explanations focused on policy concerns. SB 1004 on sex-offender registration and monitoring drew debate over whether electronic monitoring is effective. SB 1040 on voter registration transparency prompted arguments over public access to voter rolls versus privacy and security. SB 1118 on municipal zoning and historical homes was debated as a property-rights and local-control issue, with supporters saying it could help preserve affordable housing and opponents warning it would override local decisions. The House also adopted motions to reconsider prior actions on SB 1043 and SB 1100, and it requested the Senate return SB 1552 for reconsideration. The session ended with the House still processing additional Committee of the Whole business, including HB 4158, HB 4159, HB 4160, HB 4161, HB 4162, and HB 4163, with HB 4162 and HB 4163 receiving floor amendments and do-pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• HCR 2040 singles out one payroll deduction: union dues for educators. Let's talk about priorities.
• Payroll deduction is not a favor. Employers deduct insurance.
• They deduct for contributions to retirement accounts. They deduct for charities.
• They deduct for savings bonds. No one calls these political.
• This bill targets one deduction, and one only.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the individual income tax deductions of up.
• But we're the only state that allows you to deduct...
• We're the only state that allows you to deduct your federal income taxes in arriving at your Alabama
• But they don't deduct the federal income tax.
• When you deduct that, you actually pay less tax in Alabama.

Bills: HB188, HB52

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, patient rights, medical treatment, access, affordability, income tax, CHOOSE Act, education funding, ABLE account, tax credits, poverty threshold, legislative funding, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We start with gross; we don't deduct off anything.
• House Bill 4028 extends the sunset day of the qualified equity investment deduction.
• Again, this deduction remains pretty much immeasurable.
• President, with this deduction, the person who takes that deduction could be in turn getting a share
• This isn't just a tax break; it's a preemptive deduction from the state budget.

Bills: SJR50, SJR51, SJR52, SJR53, SJR54, SJR39, SB1290, HB4028, HB4029, HB4073, HB4074, HB4075, HB4076, HB4077, HB4078, HB1250, HB2951, HB2961, HB3151, HB3581, HB3705, HB3970, HB3972, HB3980, HB3981

Keywords: Medicaid, federal funding, state law, healthcare, low-income adults, Oklahoma Constitution, healthcare regulations, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, permanent rules, joint resolution, OHCA, health care rules, administrative rules, major rule, Title 75, Title 317, Oklahoma Administrative Code, OAC 317:30, health policy, state health programs

Transcript Highlights:

• on employee wages and deductions on employee wages and contributions<00:37:52.480> from<00:37
• Employers can deduct up to 50% of the premiums from employee paychecks starting on January 1st, 2026.
• Then in 2026 payroll deductions will start on January 1.
• will start on 2026 uh payroll deductions will start on January<00:47:50.920> one<00:47:51.440

• Each employer needs to notify their staff of the payroll deductions by December 1st, 2025.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, this bill seeks to originally IRS code change and created a $250 million 179 deduction.
• Our current deduction is, I think, 500,000, and we felt that that was too low, but we also thought getting
• . deduction. deduction.
• Our<00:44:22.520> current<00:44:23.240> deduction<00:44:23.800> is<00:44:24.000>
• Our current deduction is I think 500,000 and<00:44:26.160> we<00:44:26.280> felt<00:44

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• workman's compensation deductible range. workman's compensation deductible range.
• So, they go on payments for their deductible.
• Not for most. deductibles because they don't have the deductibles because they don't have the cash<01
• So, they cash to pay their deductible.
• go on payments for their deductible. go on payments for their deductible.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:11 Discussion HB 527 00:02:29 Vote HB 527 00:08:02 Discussion HB 627 00:09:09 Vote HB 627 00:24:29 Discussion HB 355 00:25:59 Vote HB 355 00:34:28 Discussion HB 568 00:35:18 Vote HB 568 01:12:10, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 527, a cleanup bill related to insurance matters and the Strengthen Kentucky Homes program. The committee substitute removed language that would have repealed the workers’ compensation deductible range, added a one-time grant/reimbursement provision for contractor fortified-roofing certifications, and added an emergency clause. The Department of Insurance said the bill also updates licensing language, addresses issues with unlicensed pharmacy benefit managers, and supports contractor training tied to the roof grant program. The commissioner noted the program is set to go live March 1 and asked members to inform constituents about possible roof grants of up to $10,000. House Bill 527 received a favorable report after the committee adopted the substitute and title amendment by voice vote and then approved the bill on a roll call vote. The committee then heard House Bill 627, a PIP reform bill. The sponsor and State Farm’s legislative agent said the substitute clarified language so the Attorney General can prosecute insurance fraud and reflected negotiations with hospitals, the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Kentucky Justice Association, chiropractors, and physical therapists. The bill would apply the workers’ comp fee schedule to most PIP claims, require bills within 180 days, prohibit balance billing and credit impairment, raise funeral benefits to $5,000 and weekly wage benefits to $500, require an annual fraud report, and give the Attorney General concurrent jurisdiction over insurance fraud cases. A physician testifying in opposition argued the bill would cut reimbursement for non-hospital providers, shift costs to hospitals and other payers, reduce access to care, and create an uneven playing field that favors hospitals. Committee members asked about the lack of a PIP fee schedule and the effect of the workers’ comp schedule relative to Medicare and commercial insurance. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and then passed House Bill 627 with favorable expression on a roll call vote, with one member voting no. The committee also considered House Bill 355 on real estate appraisers. The sponsor said the bill would restore an independent board, allow evaluations under federal guidelines, and move Kentucky from a voluntary to a mandatory appraisal state. Testimony from insurance and appraisal representatives said the bill would require licensure for real property damage appraisers, exempt insurance agents and claims adjusters licensed under the insurance code, and create clearer standards and oversight. Members asked about the cost of an executive director and whether the board could sustain itself through fees; the sponsor said the board had historically been self-sustaining. The committee adopted the substitute and then gave House Bill 355 a favorable report by roll call vote. Finally, the committee began House Bill 568, which would prohibit new public adjuster licenses while allowing current licensees to renew. The sponsor said the bill responds to ongoing complaints and investigations in the industry and noted that most licensed public adjusters in Kentucky are not residents of the state. The transcript cuts off as the bill’s presentation was beginning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is a six-month deductible. So let me just provide that example.
• And that is a six-month deductible. So let me just provide that example. So we have Mr.
• So based on his income, he has to pay the deductible.
• Then he would have to meet that $14,000 deductible again.
• Her gross income exceeded the MassHealth deductible threshold.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing focused on two broad sets of issues: home- and community-based care, and school-based Medicaid reimbursement. In the morning session, legislators and advocates testified on bills affecting children and disabled enrollees, including proposals to clarify rate-setting for home health and home care services (H. 767/S. 870), allow family members and spouses to be paid caregivers under MassHealth (H. 1394/S. 886 and related bills), extend MassHealth coverage for applied behavior analysis and other therapies beyond age 21 for adults with autism and developmental disabilities (H. 1351/S. 871), and protect medically fragile children by improving access to continuous skilled nursing. In the later portion of the hearing, testimony shifted to a bill to improve MassHealth reimbursement for schools (S. 862), with speakers describing the school mental health crisis and the need to reinvest Medicaid funds directly into school health services. Witnesses on the home care rate-setting bill said current reimbursement methods are opaque and outdated, contributing to workforce shortages, unfilled shifts, long waitlists, and patients remaining in hospitals longer than necessary. Home care providers and trade groups argued the bill would not set rates directly but would require more transparent methodology and fuller consideration of real costs such as wages, benefits, taxes, training, and technology. On caregiver bills, many family members and provider organizations described the financial and emotional strain of caring for disabled or medically fragile relatives, especially when parents, spouses, or guardians are barred from being paid caregivers. They argued the bills would recognize existing unpaid care, help families remain at home, and reduce reliance on more expensive institutional care. Advocates for adult ABA coverage said services remain medically necessary after age 21 and that ending coverage at that age creates an inequitable “cliff” for MassHealth members compared with those with private insurance. For the PACE/community care bill, elder law attorneys and PACE advocates said current MassHealth income rules force some older adults with modestly higher incomes to spend down to $542 per month, making community living unrealistic and pushing people toward nursing homes. They supported changing the eligibility structure to a premium-based approach that would allow more people to remain in the community. On the school Medicaid bill, advocates said schools are providing effective, preventive mental health care, but reimbursement currently flows to municipalities rather than directly back to school health budgets, limiting districts’ ability to hire and retain staff. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and several witnesses requested favorable reports on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, line 41 shows a change to the net operating loss deduction.
• <00:10:40.640> Um the net operating loss deduction. Um the net operating loss deduction.
• We also oppose the proposed reduction for the net operating loss deduction, or NOL.
• We also oppose the proposed reduction for the net operating loss deduction, or NOL.
• > strength<01:37:07.600> and deduction threatens that strength and deduction threatens

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , uh credit, mortgage interest deduction, uh credit, mortgage interest deduction, uh<00:21:28.480
• The couple has no dependents and they take the standard deduction.
• Their joint taxable income after the standard deduction is $43,350.
• Taxpayer A has a standard deduction.
• standard deduction is $43,350. standard deduction is $43,350.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• compensation for health and welfare, contractors are currently allowed to claim credit for cheap, high-deductible
• compensation for health and welfare, contractors are currently allowed to claim credit for cheap, high-deductible
• plans that are functionally worthless. ...to claim credit for cheap, high-deductible plans that are
• compensation for health and welfare, contractors are currently allowed to claim credit for cheap, high-deductible
• plans that are functionally worthless. to claim credit for cheap, high deductible plans that are functionally

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hybrid hearing on legislation concerning unemployment insurance, non-compete agreements, prevailing wage, and minimum wage issues. Committee leaders outlined the hearing process, asked witnesses to keep oral testimony to three minutes, and invited written testimony through November 20. No votes were taken during the hearing; it ended with a motion to adjourn and notice of the next hearing on November 20. Much of the testimony focused on bills to expand unemployment insurance for striking workers, including H. 2168 and S. 1319. Labor leaders, union members, and legal advocates argued that workers who are out on strike for more than 30 days should be able to receive UI benefits, saying the policy would help workers and families meet basic expenses, reduce employers’ ability to “wait out” strikes, and encourage good-faith bargaining. Speakers cited recent strikes, including the Republic Services strike, and said the proposal would not meaningfully increase strike activity or strain the UI trust fund. Another major topic was minimum wage legislation, especially H. 2107/S. 1349 to raise the minimum wage to $20 by 2029 and index it to inflation, and H. 2191 to create a $25 enhanced care worker minimum wage. Supporters said current wages are not keeping pace with housing, food, and childcare costs, and that care workers, direct support staff, and human service employees face chronic vacancies, burnout, and turnover. Testimony also supported H. 2126 on prevailing wage by adding apprenticeship and training contributions to the wage calculation, and H. 2159 and S. 1363 on prevailing wage-related issues. One witness, Russell Beck, testified against S. 1336, which would ban non-competes, and against H. 2118, arguing Massachusetts’ current non-compete law is a balanced compromise that should not be disrupted.