Video & Transcript : 'prevailing wages' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill in Minnesota House proposes one-semester cap on developmental college courses 4/9/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- is helping clients advance their careers through on-site career pathways that help increase their wages
- They are vital for people to advance their wages, which we all want, so that students can advance into
- nursing degrees, into other degrees, so that they then can get a higher wage and support their family
- They are vital for people to advance their wages, which we all want, so that students can advance into
- nursing degrees, into other degrees, so that they then can get a higher wage and support their family
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
EDUCATION COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- , DESE rules require that one of the pathways offered must be designated by the department as high wage
- identifies simply just three programs of study that must be offered, one of which is one of those high wage
- diploma was identified, and this is more consistent with the requirement that schools offer the high wage
- the Arkansas labor market's high wage and high growth fields.
- the Arkansas labor markets high wage and high growth fields.
Summary:
The committee received a lengthy Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on Arkansas academic standards, accountability systems, and adequacy-related requirements. Staff reviewed the history of state curriculum and accreditation laws, the current standards for grades K-12, required high school units and graduation pathways, and recent changes such as career-ready pathways, embedded instruction requirements, and the distinction between courses required to be offered versus courses actually taken by students. Members asked for a chart comparing the 1997, 2003, 2015, 2017, and later law changes, and staff agreed to provide one.
The presentation then turned to the federal ESSA plan and Arkansas’s state accountability system. Staff summarized ESSA requirements, Arkansas’s long-term goals for proficiency, English learner progress, and graduation rates, and recent data showing that 2025 proficiency rates remained well below the 80% goal, while English learner progress and graduation rates were also below long-term targets. The committee discussed school support and improvement, equitable access to educators, report cards, and the apparent lack of evidence that equity labs are currently being conducted. Members requested follow-up from the Department of Education on equity labs, report card data, and whether the ESSA plan can be changed.
The presentation also covered state assessment results under the Arkansas Accountability Act, including ATLAS, DLM, ELPA 21, ACT, and NAEP data, along with teacher access measures and geographic shortage districts. Staff reported that Title I and high-poverty schools tend to have more emergency/provisional teachers and less experienced staff, and that shortage districts are concentrated in parts of the state. Members asked for additional information on test highs and lows, the number of assessments students take, dropout data, and whether higher teacher salaries have affected shortage areas. The committee also discussed district levels of support under the state accountability system, including the possibility of state intervention at the highest level of support.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor & Commerce Jan 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- benefits while being unemployed due to a strike and the individual subsequently receives retroactive wages
- These provisions expire on December 31, 2013. overpayment assessment upon receipt of retroactive wages
- unemployment insurance benefits of a potential overpayment assessment upon receipt of retroactive wages
- So often the retroactive wages come a period after the settlement, and I assume that the need to repay
- would not be until they receive the retroactive wages.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 5882 would extend workers’ compensation PTSD presumptions to local correctional facility workers after 90 days of employment, with staff explaining the bill’s scope, fiscal note, and how claims would affect employers’ experience ratings. The sponsor and labor representatives supported the measure as a response to correctional officer trauma, while cities, retailers, and self-insurers opposed it over cost, system sustainability, and the need for more study. Labor and Industries said the estimated five-year state-fund claim cost ranges from $6.7 million to $15.3 million, and the hearing closed after testimony from both sides.
The committee then heard SB 6196, which would impose a 95% excise tax on kratom products starting in 2027, create licensing and labeling requirements, and direct revenue to youth harmful substance prevention. Supporters argued kratom is unregulated and increasingly available to youth, and some urged age-gating and stronger restrictions on synthetic concentrated products. Opponents, including retailers and the American Kratom Association, said the bill is too punitive, would hurt legitimate businesses, and should be revised into a consumer protection framework rather than treated like a controlled substance. No vote was taken.
SB 6204, allowing adults to grow up to six cannabis plants at home with a 15-plant household cap, drew strong support from cannabis advocates and some medical users, who said home grow should have been part of legalization and would help consumers understand the plant. Opponents from law enforcement, cities, and public health warned about youth access, enforcement problems, fire and chemical risks, and possible impacts on cannabis tax revenue. The committee also heard SB 6134, requiring notice to striking workers about possible UI overpayments if they later receive retroactive wages, which the sponsor said would prevent surprise repayment obligations; testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Finally, SB 6195, aimed at reducing cannabis oversupply by tying producer canopy size to reported sales, drew broad support from cannabis businesses and trade groups, who said it would stabilize the market and address JLARC’s findings, with some stakeholders asking for implementation fixes and clearer language.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Jan 15th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health & Long-Term Care
Transcript Highlights:
- So the benchmark target is created as a measurement of inflation that really reflects consumer wages.
- The benchmark reflects consumer wages and consumer price growth in the domestic product in Washington
- that annual rate of growth target, I already stumbled through that, is based on our historic median wage
- It is weighted very heavily on the wage factor, at 70% weighted toward wages. So.
- It is weighted very heavily on the wage factor, at 70% weighted toward wages, so it is focused on that
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So the benchmark target is created as a measurement of inflation that really reflects consumer wages.
- Inflation that really reflects consumer wages and the consumer price growth in domestic product in Washington
- that annual rate of growth target, I already stumbled through that, is based on our historic median wage
- It's weighted very heavily on the wage factor, at 70% weighted towards wages. So.
- It's weighted very heavily on the wage factor, at 70% weighted towards wages, so it's focused on that
Summary:
The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee opened its 2026 session with a work session focused on the committee’s priorities of access, quality, and affordability. Health Care Authority staff Michelle Needham and Ross Florey reviewed the Health Care Cost Transparency Board’s work, noting Washington’s uninsured rate has fallen from 15% in 2010 to 5%, but health care spending growth remains above the benchmark. They said 2023 spending grew 6.2% versus a 3.2% target, with prescription drugs, hospital outpatient care, professional services, and non-claims spending driving growth. They highlighted ongoing work on market transparency, hospital spending, primary care, and federal policy changes that could reduce coverage and increase uncompensated care. Dr. Drew Oliva of the Washington Health Alliance added quality and safety data, saying many measures remain below top national performance, primary care attachment is weak, hospital pricing varies widely, and behavioral health data are limited. He urged stronger primary care investment, more transparency, and better patient safety oversight. Committee members then introduced themselves and staff before moving to public hearings.
The committee first heard Senate Bill 5877, a technical fix expanding the physician health program surcharge to certified anesthesiologist assistants so they can participate in the Washington Physicians Health Program and related educational resources. The bill sponsor and witnesses from the Washington Medical Commission, the Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, and the Washington Physicians Health Program all supported the measure, describing it as a consistency and access fix for a newly licensed profession. The bill drew 12 pro, 2 con, and 0 other sign-ins.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 5967, which would preserve access to preventive services by allowing the Department of Health to issue immunization recommendations based on multiple expert sources and by freezing state insurance coverage protections for preventive services and vaccines as of mid-2025, with OIC rulemaking authority to keep coverage at least as favorable. The sponsor, Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham, and Governor’s office staff said the bill is intended to protect existing coverage, not create new vaccine mandates, and to keep recommendations grounded in science amid federal uncertainty. Supporters included Dr. Helen Chu, Dr. Beth Harvey, Dr. Maria Huang, Dr. J. Miller, and Dr. Matt LaGalbo, who emphasized vaccine safety, rising vaccine-preventable diseases, and the importance of no-cost preventive care. Opponents, including Bob Runnels and Natalie Chavez, argued the bill politicizes vaccines, reduces transparency, and expands state authority without adequate fiscal detail. The hearing continued with additional testimony after the excerpt ended.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Medicaid currently underfunds RN and other worker wages by up to $13 an hour for our sectors.
- The amount currently recognized in the rate for a nursing assistant is less than Seattle's minimum wage
- For example, participants that begin the EXA program usually start at around a wage of about $10,000
- For example, participants that begin the EXA program usually start at around a wage of about $10,000
- We employ professional educators with a union contract, living wages, and health care benefits.
Bills:
HB2289
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
January 15, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- So I think we do need to do better looking at the wages.
- We have the wage supplements, and we have some other programs that are very helpful, but across the board
- it is still a very low-wage, low-growth industry, and we still don’t treat them like we treat the K-
- Making minimum wage, which, you know, I want to again emphasize that.
- So we also run some local programs with wage incentives, where we come alongside, and as they’ve stayed
Summary:
The Education Administration Subcommittee held an introductory meeting focused largely on member introductions and “homework” reports about education issues in each district. Members raised a wide range of concerns and priorities, including early childhood care and VPK access, school choice and school closures, teacher recruitment and retention, conflict resolution and school safety, early literacy and preparedness, technology and AI/STEM instruction, attendance and mental health, ESE services, dual enrollment and career/technical education, caregiving youth, and real-time student enrollment/funding tracking. Several members also emphasized local challenges such as housing-driven teacher turnover, disaster-related attendance problems, and funding inequities across counties.
The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Florida’s early learning system from Chancellor Carrie Miller of the Department of Education’s Division of Early Learning. She outlined the structure and funding of School Readiness, VPK, and the Gold Seal Quality Care program, the role of early learning coalitions and DCF, and the state’s quality and accountability measures. She highlighted the importance of kindergarten readiness, teacher quality, and the new School Readiness Plus program, which helps families transition off subsidy more gradually. Additional panelists from the Children’s Forum, the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe, and a Tallahassee child care provider discussed workforce shortages, low wages, provider turnover, the TEACH scholarship program, Help Me Grow, local coalition operations, and the need for more providers and more consistent regulation.
During questions, members asked about wait lists, special needs services, teacher retention, provider onboarding, and DCF regulation. The panel said Miami-Dade’s wait list was about 4,000 children and described priority categories for service; they also said children with disabilities are screened and referred for support, though not given a separate priority category. Panelists reported that TEACH has helped reduce turnover through education support and service commitments, but said wages and career pathways remain major issues. Members also pressed for clearer, more consistent licensing standards and more support for new providers entering the field. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the meeting.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So we do pay them higher than the minimum wage.
- And so, the wages that they earn, Uncle Sam and the state take out their share.
- So we do pay them higher than the minimum wage.
- And so, the kids we the minimum wage.
- And so, and the wages own is not free.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Hearing no objection, the motions prevail. >> Motions and resolutions.
- The motion prevails. Representative Niska moved that the House do now adjourn.
- The motion prevails. The House stands adjourned until 3:30 p.m.
- 00:58:51.359><c> adjourned</c> prevails.
- The House stands adjourned prevails.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, the garnishment limit is 50 times the minimum wage, $750, or 85% of a worker's gross wages
- The Debt Collection Fairness Act proposes to raise that mark to 65 times minimum wage, which is $975,
- excuse me, or 90% of the worker's gross wages, whichever amount is greater.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a ceremonial welcome for the Duxbury Bay Maritime School crew team, which was congratulated for winning the 2025 Massachusetts Public School Rowing Association spring championship. The chamber also adopted several congratulatory resolutions honoring Eagle Scouts Henry Skolsky, Gregory de Rochman, Colin Bauker, and Gabriel Bennett.
The Senate then took up and passed two sick leave bank bills for Massachusetts Department of Transportation employees: House No. 4104 for Daniel Yender and House No. 4161 for Mark Kratman. It also ordered a series of other calendar items to third reading without debate. The chamber later considered Senate No. 2550, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, with Senator Preen explaining that the bill would align Massachusetts with other states, reduce forum shopping, and better protect left-behind parents; the bill was amended by Ways and Means, ordered to a third reading, and passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 39-0.
The Senate next took up Senate No. 2551, the Debt Collection Fairness Act. Senator Eldridge described provisions to raise garnishment protections, lower post-judgment interest rates, prohibit imprisonment for consumer debt, and shorten the statute of limitations on debt collection, while noting support from consumer advocates and the Attorney General. After adopting a technical Ways and Means amendment, the Senate ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it to be engrossed by roll call vote. The chamber also adopted committee reports placing Senate Bills 137 and 1034 on the Orders of the Day and advanced a Ways and Means-recommended substitute draft for a bill on police interactions with people with autism spectrum disorder. The session adjourned in memory of Mark Sullivan.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Turnover and low wages are longstanding challenges in direct care, and really the wages, compensation
- We know that this is becoming very challenging for folks who work in fields that have these wages that
- know to be particularly susceptible to some of the impending policy changes and the lack of increased wages
Summary:
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities subcommittee on workforce supports met with Chair Andrew Lerault presiding. Members completed roll call, approved the August 2025 minutes, and then heard a presentation from Amy Doyle, director of the Behavioral Health Workforce Center at the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission. Doyle described the center’s launch in September 2024 and its legislative mandate to study behavioral health payment rates, workforce needs, and licensure/certification barriers, with an emphasis on recruitment, retention, capacity building, diversity/equity, and sustainability. She also shared data on unmet behavioral health needs, ED boarding, workforce shortages, aging and turnover in nursing and direct care, and the need to improve data collection on non-licensed workers and populations such as people with developmental disabilities and autism.
Committee members asked questions about what provider types were included in the workforce data and whether DDS-related residential and direct support roles were captured. Doyle said the center is still working to define and measure the full behavioral health workforce, including non-licensed roles, and welcomed follow-up on missing data sources. Members suggested additional sources such as CHIA and the Association of Developmental Disability Providers’ workforce survey. Doyle noted that the center is working with CHIA and that new licensure renewal surveys for behavioral health and allied mental health professionals will begin in 2025, which should improve future workforce data.
The discussion also touched on the Health Policy Commission’s broader workforce findings, including nurse attrition, burnout, low wages, and the importance of career ladders and advanced training. Doyle said the center’s first policy recommendations will come from its rate study, expected in the next one to two months, and will likely focus on capacity building and sustainability. After the presentation, members thanked Doyle and discussed subcommittee leadership. Chair Lerault announced he was stepping down, and Chris White volunteered to serve as co-chair; the committee agreed to move forward with that arrangement and to revisit FY26 goals once new leadership is in place. The meeting then adjourned by motion and second.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Apr 8th, 2026
Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence
Transcript Highlights:
- seen attempts to stretch that doctrine beyond that original purpose and turn it into a tool which wages
- Additionally, unauthorized aliens are barred from recovering general damages or lost wages in auto negligence
- You know, there's pain and suffering, potential lost wages.
- I mean, these are people who shouldn't have lost wages in the first place because they're not authorized
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and took up House Bill 3443, relating to court costs. Members adopted House Committee Amendment 1, which changed a January reference to July, updated language regarding the Department of Labor or its successors, and removed round-up numbers. The committee then rolled the amendment into a House Committee substitute and voted the substitute do pass by a roll call of 11 ayes and 1 no. House Bill 3304, concerning the offense of keeping a dangerous dog, was then amended to restore prior-bite language and narrow the injury definition to serious physical injury; the committee adopted the amendment, adopted a substitute, and voted the bill do pass 11-1. House Bill 2865, dealing with attorney’s fees and expenses in civil actions and agency proceedings, was approved do pass 12-0. House Bill 2255 was announced as not being taken up that day.
The committee then held public hearings on several bills. House Bill 2777, the Public Nuisance Reform Act, was presented as a measure to narrow public nuisance claims, limit suits involving lawful products and regulated activities, strengthen causation requirements, and restrict who may sue and what damages may be recovered. Supporters from consumer reform, insurance, and civil justice groups said it would curb abusive litigation while preserving traditional nuisance claims; no opposition testimony was offered. House Bill 2667, the Eliminate Criminal Profiteering Act, would bar negligence claims arising from a person’s own wrongful conduct, limit negligent security liability, require apportionment of fault in some cases, and restrict certain recoveries by unauthorized aliens in auto cases. The sponsor and supporters said it would prevent criminals from profiting from their wrongdoing and protect businesses, while committee members raised questions about scope, premises liability, and sovereign immunity.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2666, an anti-SLAPP bill intended to provide a faster dismissal process for lawsuits that are meant to chill speech or petitioning activity. The sponsor and supporters said it would protect free expression and align Missouri with other states, while still preserving claims for genuinely harmed parties. No opposition testimony was presented on either House Bill 2667 or House Bill 2666, and the hearing concluded without any votes on the public hearing bills.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- However, for disability service providers, rising wages in a competitive labor market creates increasing
- Medicaid reimbursements do not automatically adjust for wage growth or inflation.
- When wages rise statewide and Medicaid rates remain flat, providers fall further behind rather than closer
- the funds in the way they should, and ensure that providers who are doing it right, who are raising wages
Summary:
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the February 18, 2026 minutes and then heard House Bill 863 from Senator Julie Van Orden. The bill would reduce Medicaid residential habilitation rates by pulling back funding tied to a 2022 KW lawsuit-related service array while keeping the separate provider rate increase in place, and it would add audit/cost-survey language. Department of Health and Welfare officials said the 2022 funds were originally federal ARPA dollars, that the state share was later expected to be addressed, and that the bill would require third-party audits and broader cost surveys for home and community-based services. Van Orden and the department argued the bill would not eliminate services but would strengthen oversight and provide better data for future rate decisions.
Testimony was sharply divided. Providers and advocates said the proposed reduction would destabilize residential habilitation agencies, force wage cuts, reduce services, and risk closures, while supporting the audit and transparency provisions. Several witnesses emphasized that the services help vulnerable adults remain in the community and warned of downstream costs if supports are reduced. A litigation attorney testified that the bill’s findings were inaccurate, saying the KW case remains active, the department is still under court orders, and reductions could trigger further litigation or enforcement issues. Department officials responded that the bill would repeal certain rate-setting rules tied to current cost-survey methods and that the new audits would be phased in.
After testimony, Senator Van Orden closed by reiterating that the bill was intended to reduce, not remove, the service funding and to require a third-party audit. The committee then considered motions to hold the bill in committee. A substitute motion to hold House Bill 863 in committee subject to the call of the chair passed on a 7-4-2 vote, and the bill was held in committee.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- "However, for disability service providers, rising wages in a competitive labor market create increasing
- Medicaid reimbursements do not automatically adjust for wage growth or inflation.
- When wages rise statewide and Medicaid rates remain..." "...flat and decline, as they do under this bill
- the funds in the way they should, and ensure that providers who are doing it right, who are raising wages
Summary:
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the minutes of February 18, 2026, then heard House Bill 863 from Senator Julie Van Orden. The bill would pull back funding tied to a 2022 Medicaid residential habilitation rate and service package connected to the KW/Armstrong litigation, while retaining the provider rate increase and adding audit/cost-survey language. Van Orden and Department of Health and Welfare officials said the proposal would reduce rates by about 10% from September 2025 levels, but that the remaining rates would still be about 33% above 2022 levels; they said the audits would provide better data for future rate decisions. Department officials also explained that the original funding was largely federal ARPA money, with the state share for the service array to be about $21.8 million in general funds, and said the bill would require third-party audits and broader cost surveys over time.
Testimony was split. Several providers and family members argued the cut would destabilize residential habilitation agencies, force wage reductions, reduce services, or even cause closures, while supporting the audit and transparency provisions. A provider said the bill’s premise was misleading and that the 2022 rate increase was driven by staffing shortages and COVID, not the lawsuit. Other witnesses said the services help vulnerable adults remain in the community, avoid institutionalization, and maintain independence. An attorney involved in the KW/Armstrong case said the bill’s findings were inaccurate, that the court had ordered implementation rather than halted it, and warned that cutting funding could trigger further litigation and conflict with existing court protections on individual budgets. Department officials said the audits could begin right away but would likely take about a year for a report, and that the department would need to monitor access if rates were reduced.
After debate, committee members expressed concern both about the size of the cut and about protecting services for people with developmental disabilities. Senator Lenney moved to hold the bill in committee, and Senator Wintrow offered a substitute motion to hold it subject to the call of the chair. The substitute motion passed on a roll call vote, 7-4, with two absent. House Bill 863 was therefore held in committee subject to the call of the chair, and the meeting adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The motion prevails. And ask for a moment of silence in memory. All those in favor say aye.
- The motion prevails. And ask for a moment of silence in memory of Mrs.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted an order setting a joint convention of the two branches for Thursday, January 16 at 6:00 p.m. to receive a communication from Governor Maura Healey. The chamber then briefly recessed and returned to recognize guests, including the North Attleboro High School football team, which was welcomed for winning the MIAA Division III State Championship after a 35-0 victory over Mansfield. Senator Feeney and Representative Scanlon praised the team’s 10-2 season, the coaching staff, school officials, and the broader community for the accomplishment.
The Senate then considered and adopted a motion that, upon adjournment, it do so in memory of Mrs. Margaret C. Pegg Rooney of South Boston. The remarks honored her family, community involvement, faith, volunteer work, and long service at the State House Information Technology Department. A moment of silence was requested and observed in her memory.
Finally, the Senate adopted an order to adjourn and set the next meeting for Thursday at 11:00 a.m. The chamber adjourned in memory of Mrs. Rooney.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 15th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There being 87 ayes and six nays, the motion prevails. The doorkeeper will lock the door closed.
- The motion prevails.
Bills:
HB4, HB1, HB2, HB18, HB19, HB20, HB4, HB1, HB 2, HB20, HB19, HB18, HB 4, HB 1, HB 2, HB 18, HB 19, HB 20
Keywords:
redistricting, congressional districts, Texas Legislature, elections, 2020 Census, disaster response, emergency management, mass fatality, justices of the peace, training programs, emergency manager license, volunteer management, justice of the peace training, criminal history checks, state health services, emergency communication, interoperability, grant program, first responders, state council
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The motion prevails. Members, if you'll be so kind as to stand.
- The motion prevails. Now, Senator Rasmussen. Thank you, Mr.
- The motion prevails. I'm going to call on some individual senators. Senator Johnson Stewart.
- The motion prevails. The Senate is now in recess. Anticipation of a House File coming over.
- The motion prevails. The Senate is now in recess. noon, which is soon.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 9th, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- Zero present, not voting, and two absent, the motion prevails.
- The motion prevails. As pending business, House Bill 2679.
- In two, absent, the motion prevails. The chair lays out his pending business, House Bill 3711.
- The motion prevails. The chair lays out as pending business.
- Zero nays, zero present on voting and two absent, the motion prevails. Members, that concludes.
Bills:
HB 111, HB1545, HB2145, HB2467, HB2520, HB4136, HB4181, HB4214, HB4218, HB4219, HB4359, HB4437, HB4822, HB111
Keywords:
Texas Public Information Act, open records, public records, government transparency, confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, governmental body, Chapter 552, public information law, nonprofit association, quasi-governmental entity, economic development, trade secrets, proprietary information, commercial financial information, Alamo restoration, local workforce board, TDCJ contract facility, civil commitment facility, water supply corporation
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty Five - Tuesday, March 10 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- “And you won’t even increase their living wages.
- That we're going to make you more successful by changing entry wages, by modulating sales tax.
- And if people aren't doing that, the system is so ready against them to escape poverty in wages alone
- And then they have wages in their pockets, whether they're employees or independent contractors.
- I've got a report in front of me that says the average wage of a worker in Missouri.
Summary:
The Missouri House met with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior House journal, and numerous guest introductions, including a tribute to Harris-Stowe State University President Dr. Latanya Collins-Smith during Women’s History Month. The chamber then took up House Committee Substitute for House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174, which would place on the ballot a constitutional change to gradually eliminate Missouri’s individual income tax and allow the legislature to broaden the sales tax base to services if needed. The sponsor and supporters framed the proposal as a long-term tax reform that would let Missourians keep more of their earnings, spur economic growth, and ultimately let voters decide the state’s tax structure.
Supporters argued that no-income-tax states have stronger growth, more business relocation, and better population trends, and said the resolution includes triggers and revenue-neutral safeguards, including protections for school funding and local governments. Several members said the measure is only a referral to the voters, not an immediate tax change, and emphasized that the plan is designed to phase out the income tax only as state growth allows. Opponents countered that the measure would ultimately require a large sales tax increase on goods and services, shifting the burden onto working families, seniors, renters, and low-income Missourians, while threatening public schools, services, and tax-credit-supported nonprofits. They also criticized the ballot language as misleading and warned that the fiscal impact could be as high as an $8.5 billion revenue loss.
Members debated comparisons to Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Washington, Oregon, and Kansas, with supporters citing those states as evidence that lower or no income taxes can attract growth, while opponents said Missouri’s economy, tourism, and budget structure are not comparable and that the Kansas example shows the risks of tax-cut experiments. The sponsor and several allies repeatedly stressed that the proposal is a constitutional amendment for voters to decide, not a final legislative tax hike, and said the plan is different from Kansas because it uses triggers and a defined path to zero. The transcript does not show a final vote on the resolution in the excerpt provided.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Aug 18th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- able to set their own price in the approved supplier program, ensuring the ability to earn a living wage
- Interns must be paid at least minimum wage.
- And so it just probably kind of depends on what the hourly wage is, those sort of factors.
- Labor shortages, wage pressures, and funding in New Mexico.
- Wages are not competitive with other industries.