Video & Transcript : 'expenses' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Republican Members Introduce Tax Relief Bills - 03/02/26
Transcript Highlights:
- than North Dakota, 728% more expensive than Wisconsin, 831% more expensive than South Dakota, and even
- than North Dakota, more expensive than North Dakota, 728% 728% 728% more<00:08:39.400><c> expensive<
- ><c> South</c><00:08:44.720><c> Dakota,</c> more expensive than South Dakota, more expensive than South
- expensive to drive to work or pick up the kids, and more expensive to work extra hours as a server or
- expensive to drive to work or pick up the kids, and more expensive to work extra hours as a server or
Summary:
Minnesota Senate Republicans held a press conference unveiling a package of affordability and tax-relief bills aimed at property taxes, taxes on tips and overtime, and vehicle registration costs. Leader Mark Johnson said the proposals were meant to counter rising costs for wages, homeownership, and driving, and argued that Democrats’ policies had made life more expensive. Several senators echoed that theme, saying Minnesotans need immediate relief and that the state has room to act because of a reported surplus.
Senator Michael Kunesh described a property-tax cap bill that would limit increases for cities and counties to inflation plus 50% of population growth, with higher increases requiring voter approval. He said constituents, including seniors, a disabled veteran, and young people, are seeing unsustainable property-tax hikes, and he argued that state and federal mandates have driven local costs. In response to a question about added county workload from federal SNAP and Medicaid changes, he said the solution is both to pause new mandates and to cap property-tax growth.
Senator Karin Housley outlined a proposal to end state taxes on tips and overtime, with deductions up to $25,000 for tips and $12,500 for overtime, phased out at $150,000 for individuals and $300,000 for families. She said the measure would help workers keep more of what they earn and would not cost small businesses directly. Senator John Jasinski proposed rolling back vehicle registration tab fees to pre-2023 levels, saying Minnesota’s fees are far higher than neighboring states and that the change would save drivers money over time. Senator Julia Coleman also supported the package, saying the bills would provide practical relief for families facing high housing, driving, and work-related costs. No votes were taken; the event ended with questions from reporters about fiscal impacts, offsets, and whether the proposals would worsen the state’s structural budget imbalance.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Did you read all the expenses that are covered? Don't over-talk me, please.
- I have also seen in the bill the allowance of any homeschool expenses.
- And this bill is modeled after the Coverdell K-12 expenses, which includes...
- And so when we think of the offset here, right, so these expenses, but we know these expenses largely
- I think there are some small businesses that are already taking the whole expense because their expense
Bills:
SB1042 , SB1043 , SB1044 , SB1135 , SB1136 , SB1142 , SB1180 , SB1221 , SB1252 , SB1254 , SCR1003
Committees:
Senate Finance , Senate Senate Finance Committee of Reference
Keywords:
public funds, virtual currency, bitcoin, investment, Arizona Strategic Digital Asset Reserve Act, state treasurer, retirement system, state payments, cryptocurrency, Arizona law, payment methods, government transactions, property tax, tax exemption, Arizona Revised Statutes, digital currency, workers' compensation, death benefits, burial costs, spousal compensation
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 087 Apr 11th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Operating expenses.
- Operating expenses, $64,027.
- Operating expenses, motorpool vehicle lease and 152,000 operating expenses.
- </c> lease and 152,000 operating expenses. lease and 152,000 operating expenses.
- Operating expenses, $340,882.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Higher Education Committee Dec 3rd, 2025 at 10:30 am
Joint Higher Education Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- As Sarah said, UW provides monthly revenues and expenses.
- We send all of our revenue and expense detail to the state every month. We translate that in...
- All of our revenue and expense detail to the state every month.
- The viability ratio shows and operational expenses.
- Again, and it compares available assets to operating expenses.
Committee:
Joint Joint Higher Education Committee
Summary:
The Joint Higher Education Committee met with introductions from members and then held a work session on higher education and statewide accounting practices. OFM Deputy Director Sarah Rupp explained how state and university accounting/reporting differ, including current AFRS/SAM requirements and the transition to Workday/WAM, and described what higher education data are currently included in state reporting versus what will remain excluded, such as transaction-level detail and vendor payment information. University of Washington and Washington State University officials then described the complexity of their institutions’ financial structures, including multiple campuses, auxiliary enterprises, component units, hospitals, clinics, bonds, and other reporting obligations, and how they submit summarized data to the state while maintaining more detailed local accounting systems. The Education Research and Data Center also presented the public four-year finance dashboard created under Senate Bill 5512, emphasizing that the metrics are best used to examine trends within institutions rather than direct comparisons across schools; members asked about data availability and federal reporting delays, and ERDC said it was on track to update the dashboard with newer data and additional metrics.
The committee then heard a presentation from the Washington Student Achievement Council on the Workforce Education Investment Account (WIA). Joel Anderson reviewed WIA’s creation under House Bill 2158, its revenue sources, and its intended purpose of supporting postsecondary attainment, high-demand fields, student aid, and workforce education. He said WIA revenue has grown substantially, especially after recent tax changes, and noted that most current appropriations go to higher education, including the Washington College Grant, community and four-year institutions, and some workforce-related programs. Members asked whether WIA supports apprenticeships and trades, and Anderson said it has in some cases, though nearly all current appropriations are now within higher education.
Anderson also highlighted a major policy shift in the 2025-27 budget: WIA is now being used to supplant some general-fund higher education spending, especially a large transfer for University of Washington general operations. He said this has reduced the general fund share of higher education funding and increased the share from WIA, raising concerns about whether the account is still being used as originally intended. He also described how WIA is increasingly covering Washington College Grant caseload growth and faculty compensation costs, and said WSAC is working to improve public documentation of ongoing and carry-forward appropriations. The committee did not take any substantive votes on the presentation topics and then moved toward executive session and adjournment.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Gas infrastructure is expensive to build, expensive to fill, and expensive to maintain.
- Number one: volatile and expensive gas prices.
- We need clean, affordable energy, not dirty, expensive gas.
- Mass Save expenses over the last 10 years, Mass Save expenses over the last 10 years collected from gas
- Expensive gas transmission expansions increase costs.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a wide range of late-file energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on battery storage siting, gas system expansion, propane consumer protections, gas workforce safety, and a Taunton home-rule petition on water rates for manufactured housing communities. Representative Sweeney urged support for H. 4689 and H. 4690, which would impose a moratorium and setback requirements for lithium battery storage facilities, citing fire risk, proximity to homes, and environmental concerns. Several local officials and residents from Oakham, Tewksbury, and other communities described proposed battery projects near homes, schools, wetlands, and conservation land, while industry and clean-energy advocates argued the bills would effectively block storage development and conflict with state energy goals and existing fire-safety standards.
The committee also heard strong support for S. 2290/H. 3547, a bill to prevent gas expansion near environmental justice communities, from environmental justice advocates, municipal officials, and clean-energy groups. Testimony emphasized rising gas bills, the cost of new pipelines, methane and health impacts, and the need to avoid locking in long-term gas infrastructure costs. Witnesses also discussed related bills on gas workforce safety, gas shut-off valves, and gas meter replacement plans, with labor representatives supporting safety-focused measures and opposing changes they said would weaken inspections, while consumer and environmental advocates argued that some utility replacement practices are unnecessarily expensive and should be reined in to reduce ratepayer costs.
Other testimony included support for H. 3518 on propane gas ratepayer protections, with the witness arguing for clearer contract terms and website price disclosure, and support for S. 2652, which would authorize Taunton to create a separate water billing rate for manufactured housing communities because residents there are effectively paying higher water costs through rent due to a single master meter. No committee votes or final actions were taken during the hearing, and members mostly asked brief clarifying questions or made no comment after testimony.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Aug 14th, 2025
Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So it's like an expense or deduction that taxpayers get.
- And then also, the immediate expensing under Sections 164E and 164A.
- and the non-direct expenses to those items.
- So the expense provision that limits the ability of businesses to deduct expenses related to illegal
- One thing I would also say is that the immediate expensing for research and development expenses is an
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Apr 21st, 2025 at 05:00 pm
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- expense in increased operating was due to fleet... ...that the Senate added.
- expense in increased operating was due to fleet...
- You've got the operating expense, and that's general operating costs there.
- We got the salary and wages, of course, the operating expense.
- And then we get into 22 and 23 is the, well, 22 is administrative expenses.
Committee:
House Appropriations
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 2014, the budget for the Industrial Commission, with Representative Kempenich walking through the agency’s major components: the administrative office, Bank of North Dakota, housing finance, Department of Mineral Resources, and the State Mill and Elevator. He described mostly special-fund operations, including bond payments, economic development programs, the rail loan program, the Rebuilder’s Loan Program, housing incentive funding, abandoned well reclamation work, lignite research, litigation reserves, and a capacity purchase arrangement for a future natural gas pipeline. He also explained several one-time funding items, such as grid resiliency grants, housing-related transfers from the Strategic Investment Fund, and enhanced oil recovery funding repurposed from a prior salt cavern study.
Members asked about the reduction in housing incentive funding from the Senate version, the use of one-time Strategic Investment Fund dollars for ongoing housing programs, and whether a trigger should be added to increase housing funding later. Kempenich said no trigger was discussed and emphasized that housing needs vary widely across the state. Another exchange focused on the enhanced oil recovery grant program, which he said would be driven largely by the Energy and Environmental Research Center and would use repurposed funds. A longer discussion covered the natural gas pipeline capacity purchase, including its purpose, possible routes, and the idea that the state would be buying capacity rather than immediately building a pipeline.
The committee adopted Amendment 25.0181.0207 on a 21-1 vote, with one member absent and not voting. The committee then passed HB 2014 as amended on a 21-1 vote, with one member absent and not voting. Representative Kempenich was designated to carry the bill. The chair then noted this was the final budget hearing for the committee, with one bill remaining to be heard later.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a $100,000 transfer from operating expenses to professional fees.
- More operating expenses are needed due to increase volunteer participation. operating expenses.
- This is $100,000 transfer from operating expenses to professional fees.
- It may not be enough if expenses are surging too much.
- But I really do want to circle back to the point on the expense side of things.
Committee:
All JBC-PEER REVIEW
Summary:
The PEER Review Subcommittee met to consider a large agenda of budget, appropriation, transfer, and contract items. Members approved temporary appropriation requests for several agencies, including the Auditor of State, Department of Education, and Labor and Licensing; ARPA return requests from Workforce Services; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests for State Police and Agriculture; restricted reserve transfers for teacher scholarships, school facilities, and economic stimulus; a Commerce reallocation of positions and spending authority; cash fund, budget classification, overtime, and pay plan requests; and 17 methods of finance items for universities and other agencies. Most items were approved without objection after brief explanations from staff and agencies.
Several items drew questions and were held or discussed further. A Department of Human Services discretionary grant package for the RSVP program was held over after Senator Irvin raised concerns about whether the grants were an effective use of state general revenue and asked for more information on administration costs and program operations. In the contracts section, Representative Richardson questioned a DHS sole-source contract with EMS Link for document management software and a DHS contract with Presidio; the EMS Link item was held for additional answers, while the Presidio item was clarified as not sole-source and was allowed to proceed. Members also asked for more information on a Department of Education mental health referral contract with Care Solace, which officials said is a statewide concierge/referral service connecting students to Arkansas providers and telehealth options.
The committee also reviewed monthly reports, including the Medicaid Trust Fund. DHS and DFA officials said the fund was currently sufficient to finish the fiscal year, though it was being drawn down and would likely require a $100 million transfer from restricted reserves in FY27, with another $100 million set aside in the governor’s budget as a backstop. Members discussed the need to define a minimum reserve level and to better account for ongoing Medicaid costs in the budget. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:19:20.160><c> or</c> deduct for domestic research expenses or deduct for domestic research expenses
- </c> the domestic research expense. the domestic research expense.
- business interest expense Unused business interest expense expenses<00:22:24.000><c> have</c><00:22:
- Thank you for that explanation. >> Senator Nelson. it like a 5% expense adback for the it like a 5% expense
- So expensed under a longer class life.
Committee:
Senate Taxes
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Tue Jan 28, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- We all know how expensive child care is, and, as has been said, elder care.
- </c> for it itself it's extremely expensive for it itself it's extremely expensive and<00:36:16.640><
- </c> that you could claim for care expenses that you could claim for care expenses um<00:40:30.760><c
- </c> subsidies and For Whom the care expenses subsidies and For Whom the care expenses are<00:41:59.200
- No, Chair, for the vote. expenses between the proposed tax credit expenses between the proposed tax credit
Committee:
House Human Services & Homelessness
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies.
The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted.
For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And it's for expenses related to this Great American State Fair.
- And it's for expenses related to this Great American State Fair.
- Do we anticipate to spend the contingent expenses funds down to zero?
- This is the core for the institution, expense, and equipment.
- This is the core for the institution, expense, and equipment.
Committee:
House Budget
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 22 January, 2026; 8:00 AM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh this request contractual expenses.
- And and and a lot of other um expenses.
- expense to put in the new licensing system.
- </c> 2027 we will begin seeing more expenses 2027 we will begin seeing more expenses and<01:30:37.199
- All other expenses remain the same. We All other expenses remain the same.
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds (05/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, it is an expensive<01:09:32.799><c> extremely</c><01:09:33.679><c> uh</c><01:09:33.839><c> expensive
- </c> expensive extremely uh expensive expensive extremely uh expensive operation<01:09:34.799><c> to<
- </c><01:35:58.719><c> and</c> funds are used for capital expenses and funds are used for capital expenses
- <01:52:36.719><c> of</c><01:52:37.280><c> 14</c> expenses of 14 expenses of 14 million,<01:52:39.199>
- </c><01:52:51.840><c> That's</c> your actual expenses. Correct. That's your actual expenses.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds met to review the House budget provision that would impose a 5% administrative charge on a broad list of dedicated funds, with some exemptions. Members discussed the House approach versus the Senate’s more general approach of leaving the governor discretion over which funds could be charged. The chair explained the committee was hearing from agencies about any legal, contractual, or practical reasons their funds should be exempt, and the agenda was expanded to include several departments and written submissions from others.
The Department of Education testified first, identifying several funds it said should be exempt: a printing revolving fund that is funded by transfers rather than fees; teacher certification, which is self-funded by educator licensing fees and would require an immediate fee increase if charged; a vending stand set-aside tied to the federal Randolph-Sheppard program and subject to federal approval and vendor committee procedures; and a public school infrastructure/safety account, where most revenue is transferred from the education trust fund or general fund rather than generated by fees. Members questioned the department about the effect on school safety projects and whether the fee would simply reduce the number of projects completed each year.
The Veterans Home asked for exemptions for three funds: a donation benefit account used for recreational activities and quality-of-life expenses for residents, a small memorial trust fund whose interest supports veteran activities, and a resident member account that holds veterans’ personal income such as Social Security and pensions. The department argued the charge would reduce donations, cut services, and effectively function like an income tax on vulnerable veterans. The Banking Department also requested exemption for its consumer credit administration license fund, saying it is used to keep exam fees low and is expressly intended by statute to reduce costs on regulated businesses; it said the 5% charge would undermine that framework and could eventually force higher fees.
The Department of Justice began testimony on its dedicated funds, starting with the medical legal investigative fund, which pays for death investigations and related services under statute and without general fund support. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the committee mainly heard testimony and asked questions about the practical and legal effects of applying the administrative charge.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 1:30 PM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 2898 is the general bill that would put $20 million into, out of the capital expense fund
- But this we know we're going to have significant state expenses because we already got them mobilizing
- But this we know we're going to have significant state expenses because we already got them mobilizing
- because we already got state expenses because we already got them<00:21:38.880><c> mobilizing</c><00
- that will be are eligible expenses that will be reimbursed<00:29:11.760><c> under</c><00:29:12.720><
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
A joint hearing with the House Committee on Small Business to examine prosperity on Main Street, focusing on keeping taxes low for small businesses. Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 179, Small Business Expensing Deduction. Thank you. Gentleman yields back.
- Yeah, the equipment is very expensive.
- No one voted for more expensive groceries, more expensive children clothing, more expensive cars, and
- more expensive household goods.
- The R&D expensing How important, Mr.
Keywords:
joint hearing, small business, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, economic recovery, tax relief, job creation
Summary:
In this joint hearing of the House Committee on Small Business and the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, the primary focus was on the importance of making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) permanent. The chair emphasized that small businesses are crucial for the nation's economic recovery, especially in the wake of current federal policies perceived as detrimental. Witnesses shared their experiences and highlighted how the tax cuts facilitated job creation and business expansion, stressing the need for continued support through ongoing tax relief measures. The meeting included discussions about the economic implications of the TCJA's potential expiration, with members voicing their concerns regarding how this could impact small businesses and the broader economy.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- I’m just talking about items that might make up operating expenses.
- It is a $25,000 transfer from professional fees to operating expenses.
- It's from operating expenses to professional fees.
- This is a $100,000 transfer from operating expenses to professional fees.
- This is a $100,000 transfer from operating expenses to professional fees.
Committee:
All ALC-PEER
Summary:
The committee reviewed a large slate of appropriation, transfer, and continuation requests across multiple sections. In Section B, members considered temporary FY27 appropriations for agencies including Health, DHS, Education, Treasury, Public Safety, State Police, Emergency Management, Aeronautics, Military, Economic Development, Game and Fish, and others, covering items such as maternal health outreach, LIHEAP overpayment returns, Wynne High School tornado rebuilding, senior food services, cybersecurity, crime victim claims, airport grants, conservation incentives, and emergency tower maintenance. Questions focused on the DHS senior services carry-forward and Treasury custodial banking fees tied to lower balances after COVID funds were spent down. All Section B items were approved.
The committee then approved continuation requests, ARPA reallocations, and federal grant-related items in Sections B2, C1A, D1, D2, D3, E1, E2, E3, F1A, G1, H1A, I1A, J1/J2, K1/K2/K3, L1/L2, M1/M2, N1/N2, O1A, and P1A. These included university nursing and workforce programs, environmental and recycling grants, highway safety and emergency management grants, a transfer to the Merit Teacher Incentive Program, restricted reserve transfers for military, agriculture, UAPB, Game and Fish, and AETN, and various cash-fund and budget classification transfers. Several members asked for more detail on the State Police highway safety grant, VOCA victim compensation funding, the NSGP nonprofit security grant, and the Office of State Technology’s E-Rate-related transfer; agency officials explained the uses and noted that some funding levels depend on federal awards and collections.
A notable discussion occurred on the Department of Commerce reallocation, which shifts 68 positions and $3 million among divisions to support an organizational realignment and avoid shortfalls. The committee also reviewed a state central services deduction request to keep the rate at 2%, a DHS overtime request for child protection caseloads, and a year-end adjustments request authorizing up to $1 million in temporary actions to close FY26 books without disrupting payroll or vendor payments. Most items were approved or, in some sections, simply reviewed without objection. The meeting adjourned after completing the agenda.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 4, 2025 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Those related to expenses the university incurred for chartered private flights, expenses the university
- But can you talk a little bit about the P-card expenses?
- actual expenses.
- We were just looking at the actual expenses. Follow up?
- They were in various other states, and these expenses...
Summary:
The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to hear a presentation from the Florida Auditor General’s office on recent operational audits of four universities and to discuss how audit findings are handled. The Auditor General explained that financial audits occur annually and operational audits at least every three years, with universities required to respond in writing to findings; the office generally follows up in the next audit cycle, though it can audit sooner if needed. Members asked about accountability, whether findings are referred to other bodies, and how internal university audit functions interact with the state audit process. The chair emphasized the committee’s oversight role in ensuring public funds are used appropriately.
The audit findings highlighted issues at New College of Florida, Florida A&M University, the University of Florida, and Florida Atlantic University. At New College, auditors cited invoice/payment errors, delinquent student account collection delays, prohibited extra compensation, exceeding state remuneration limits for certain employees, weak purchasing card controls, construction management cost documentation issues, and subcontractor licensing documentation gaps. At FAMU, auditors found investment accounting classification issues, delayed bank reconciliations, late vendor payments, and incomplete annual employee evaluations. At UF, auditors reported concerns over a $6.4 million consulting contract, event and catering spending, president’s office hiring and salary practices, bonus and relocation payments, continued high compensation after the president transitioned to another role, travel expenses including charter flights, and remote work agreements. At FAU, auditors found distance learning fee revenue exceeded allowable costs by about $2.8 million, carry forward funds were underreported by about $77 million, and credit card controls needed improvement.
Members pressed the Auditor General on whether overpayments were refunded, whether any findings involved statutory violations, and what enforcement exists beyond the audit report. The auditor said some issues were corrected by the universities, such as New College recovering excess compensation from foundation funds, but others would be revisited in future audits; if potential fraud were identified, it would be referred to the state attorney’s office. The chair closed by noting that accountability for public spending rests with the Legislature and the committee, and the meeting adjourned without any vote or formal action beyond receiving the presentation.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
EDUCATION COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE Aug 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- When we put our expenses and revenue together, we're projecting a slight loss for 2026, so the expenses
- ago, and the growth in expenses has extrapolated even further.
- Medical expenses are up 15%.
- Below that is our expenses. We have our net income loss; that's just revenue minus expenses.
- The 17% to 18% above projected expenses from two years ago?
Summary:
The Joint Education Committee met to approve prior minutes and adopt an interim study proposal before moving into presentations on school health insurance funding and the 2026 adequacy study. Siegel actuaries reported that the Public School Employees health plan is facing rising medical and pharmacy costs, with expenses running about 17% above prior projections and projected deficits growing in future years if funding stays flat. They said the current $400 minimum district contribution would not be enough to maintain reserves, and outlined scenarios showing that keeping the district contribution as the only funding lever would require large annual increases, while spreading increases across the state, districts, and employees would require a smaller but still significant increase. Committee members asked about impacts on small districts, employee premium amounts, prescription drug costs, and whether cost containment or plan design changes could reduce the need for higher contributions. EBD officials said they are working on contract renegotiations, post-claim review, formulary management, and other cost-control measures, but that additional funding would still likely be needed to keep the plan solvent.
BLR then presented the preliminary final report of the 2026 adequacy study, summarizing findings from reports on funding, resource allocation, achievement, and stakeholder input. Staff said Arkansas has made some progress since Lake View, including higher teacher pay and improved test performance, but student proficiency remains below the committee’s adequacy goals and no subgroup has met the 2030 target of 80% proficiency. The report also found that districts spend more from local and other sources than in previous years, and that superintendents consistently identified mental health services, school safety, dyslexia support, and special education as areas needing more funding. Members asked for more detail on how non-matrix spending is categorized, how funds are sourced, whether survey responses could be broken down by district characteristics, and whether the committee should study the cost of homeschooling or legislation that created new requirements without funding. Department of Education staff said districts have broad discretion over spending, that recent legislative changes and the new state assessment are beginning to show gains, and that the committee can make recommendations or request additional studies if it wants more information. The committee was reminded that recommendations are due August 24, with final approval and report deadlines in October and November, and the meeting adjourned without further action.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (3-19-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Install cameras on their buses at that vendor's cost, which is an incredible expense.
- That would go to the schools, which in turn would help them pay off what the expense of these cameras
- That would go to the schools, which in turn would help them pay off what the expense of these cameras
- That would go to the schools, which in turn would help them pay off what the expense of these cameras
- off what the expense of these cameras<00:09:49.240><c> would</c><00:09:49.400><c> be</c><00:09:49.760
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jul 1st, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This expense is substantial, and, you know, Paid everything. This expense is substantial.
- It's simply less expensive to build new with a heat pump.
- It's simply less expensive to build new with a heat pump.
- You have every right to want a subsidy for Fitchburg at the expense of everyone else.
- That benefit a few cities at the expense of everyone in the state. Senator Kammerford.
Summary:
The Senate continued debate on House 5175, An Act Relative to Energy Affordability, Clean Power, and Economic Competitiveness, taking up a series of amendments focused on clean energy procurement, oversight, gas infrastructure, housing impacts, and ratepayer costs. Amendment 22, offered by Senator Rogers, was rejected 5-34 after he argued the underlying bill already improves clean energy procurement and reduces utility middlemen. Senator Tarr then offered Amendment 34 to expand reporting, oversight boards, and consumer representation, and to strike provisions on consumer choice, gas program frameworks, and municipal procurement authority; it was also rejected 5-34 after supporters of the bill said the legislation already strengthens oversight through the EEAC, a new review board, and DPU audits.
The chamber also considered Amendment 77 by Senator Eldridge to end ratepayer-funded gas line extension subsidies for new construction. Supporters said the subsidy unfairly shifts costs to all ratepayers, favors gas over cleaner alternatives, and could save about $1.6 billion over ten years; opponents argued it could raise housing construction costs, especially for gateway cities and large projects. After extended debate, the amendment failed 19-20. Senator Moore withdrew Amendment 65, which would have created a commission on reducing emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles while preserving long-term zero-emissions goals.
Several other amendments were adopted, including measures on low-income discount charges, environmental justice protections, data and tax printing, and increased access to plug-in solar. The Senate also adopted the Ways and Means amendment, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 32-8. Separately, the Senate adopted a Judiciary extension order after removing two bills from it, and agreed to adjourn in memory of Robert G. Najarian.