Video & Transcript Research : 'supportive services'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 8th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 7, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- TO NOT ONLY IMPROVE SERVICE BUT THE MEASURE PERFORMANCE.
- EACH BOARD WORKS WITH ITS FISCAL AGENT, SERVICE PROVIDERS AND STAFF TO PROVIDE WORKFORCE SERVICES TO
- IN ADDITION THEY PROVIDE CAREER COUNSELING AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES AND THE KEY THAT IS THEY DO THIS TO
- THE IDEA IS TO SHIFT SOME OF THE FUNDING OVER TO THE NON-ITA SERVICES. WHAT ARE NON-ITA SERVICES?
- SERVICES AS WELL UNDER THE ITA,.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (01/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- , Bureau of Child Support Services.
- , Bureau of Child Support Services.
- <00:20:22.679>
pleasure Support Services I've had the pleasure Support Services I've had the - <00:39:11.280>
and Services we also support Children and Services we also support Children - Long-term supports and services, early supports and services, that's also very critical for our Tier
Summary:
The meeting began with committee process reminders from the chair, including rules for questioning witnesses, time limits for testimony, and how motions and committee reports are handled. The chair also discussed the committee’s history, emphasized a cooperative approach with agencies and the Judiciary, and noted that a special committee on the Family Division of Circuit Court had previously done useful work; he said a new subcommittee could be appointed later to continue looking at judicial-system issues. He also mentioned that the Speaker’s office was expected to name members to the DHHS oversight committee by Friday at 1.
The substantive presentation was from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Child Support Services. Attorney John Williams introduced the bureau team, and Bureau Chief Lisa Dekowski described the program’s mission: encouraging responsible parenting, family self-sufficiency, and child well-being by locating parents, establishing paternity, setting or modifying support orders, and enforcing court-ordered child and medical support. She said the bureau operates statewide under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, works with courts, employers, and other partners, and serves both in-state and out-of-state cases, with some international and tribal coordination. She also cited program scale, saying the bureau dispersed about $76 million to families in New Hampshire in fiscal year 2023 and that most collections go directly to families.
Members asked about enforcement tools, especially passport denial. In response to a question about a case involving a very small shortfall, the bureau said the federal passport-denial threshold is $2,500 in arrears, not a few cents, and that denial remains in place until the balance is resolved or an arrangement is made with the agency, with hardship factors potentially considered. The bureau also explained that either parent can apply for services when a child support order exists and that the bureau can help initiate income withholding orders. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Health Policy Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- They support Steve Balmer leading age waives in support.
- That one hope United waiving in support Victoria's Up was also his family support services also waiving
- in support again.
- We just talked about and provide them with a tiered service options to improve support to the children
- Jennifer and grew one service medical waiving in support and Fernandez. Aarp, we support.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 2/12/25
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- In this manner, they support small local nonprofits providing important community services, including
- Hulquist, thank you for your continued service and support.
- Hulquist, thank you for your continued service and support.
- Hulquist, thank you for your continued service and support.
- Hulquist, thank you for your continued service and support.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THIS ENABLES DEPARTMENT AND PARTNERS TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND PLACEMENT SERVICES AND ALSO ALLOWING FOR
- WE KNOW IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO THESE YOUTH THEY DO REQUIRE A LOT OF OTHER SERVICES.
- INTENSIVE SERVICES BEING DONE. EARLY OUTCOMES FOR THOSE SERVICES WHICH IS GREAT.
- LOOKING AT ALL OF THE SERVICES AND MAKING SURE THEY ARE QUALITY SERVICES.
- DATA COLLECTION AND SERVICE GAPS.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We support having sufficient funding for reintegration services; however, we want that funding to be
- We support having sufficient funding for reintegration services; however, we want that funding to be
- > from<01:40:39.480>
um Services testimony and support from um Services testimony and support - services, and support.
- Investing in a new jail would be divesting in infrastructure and services that could truly support our
Summary:
The Public Safety Committee held a hearing on House Bill 433, which would appropriate $4 million for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation re-entry services to connect offenders with community-based services. Director Tommy Johnson said the department supports the bill’s intent but noted the governor’s executive budget already includes $4 million for the same purpose and asked that the measure defer to that budget. Supporters, including the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the ACLU, backed the funding but urged that it be tied to a clear re-entry plan, performance measures, transparency, and regular reporting to the legislature. They emphasized that re-entry should begin at intake and involve community partnerships, housing, treatment, employment, and family reunification services.
Committee members questioned the department about current re-entry services, pre-trial detainees, and how the new funds would be used. Johnson said the department’s current statewide re-entry budget is about $1.5 million to $1.7 million, separate from the larger Corrections Program Services Division budget for in-facility programs. He described the proposed $4 million as supporting a mix of services, including a pilot apprenticeship program, substance abuse treatment, navigator or warm-handoff services, and short-term transitional housing. He also said the department already tracks performance outcomes in its annual report and can provide a matrix showing the intake-to-discharge process, program contracts, and volunteer organizations.
The discussion also covered pre-trial detainees, electronic monitoring, and mental health services. Johnson said the department has limited jurisdiction over pre-trial detainees but works with courts to seek supervised release when possible; he noted that many requests are denied, though electronic monitoring has improved release rates somewhat. On mental health, he said the jail is not an ideal therapeutic setting for people found unfit to proceed and suggested a secure community-based step-down facility run by the Department of Health for those needing care above what the jail can provide but below forensic-level treatment. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the hearing.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- health counseling, support groups and cultural programs, harm reduction services, legal assistance,
- Michael Henning on behalf of the California Alliance of Child and Family Services in support.
- Michael Henning, California Alliance of Child and Family Services, in support. Good afternoon.
- Ignoster Hernandez, authorized to register support on behalf of APA Family Support Services, Asian Pacific
- Chris Strangen, with Capital Avesant, on behalf of Republic Services, in support.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/15/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Services. Services.
- Investing in 2-1-1 supports efficiency across our health and human services system.
- We thank the committee for extending support to our partners in community-based safety net services and
- primary care services. primary care services.
- support of this provision. support of this provision.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Apr 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm in Environmental Services at UC Davis, and I am here with my co-workers in support of ACA 3.
- I'm a hospital unit service coordinator at UC Irvine. I'm here with my co-workers to support ACA 3.
- I'm a food service worker. I'm here with my co-workers to support ACA 3. Thank you.
- I am a guest services representative over at UCSF, and I am joined today by my coworkers in support of
- Joining me in support today is Jeff Weiner with Jewish Family and Children's Services.
Summary:
The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard a series of bills focused on expanding access to higher education, addressing workforce shortages, student housing, and labor standards on campus projects. AB 662 would create a South County Higher Education Task Force to explore a mixed-use, intersegmental institution in Chula Vista; supporters said South San Diego County is a “college desert,” while the bill passed on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations. AB 885 would establish a College Access for All Fund to help make CSU and UC attendance more affordable; supporters cited student debt and affordability concerns, and it also passed to Appropriations. AB 730 would provide $15 million to help establish a medical school in the Central Valley to address physician shortages, and it advanced on a due pass motion. AB 1400 would let up to 15 community college districts pilot bachelor’s degrees in nursing; supporters argued it would expand affordable BSN access and keep students local, while CSU, UC, and other higher education groups opposed it as unnecessary and inconsistent with the master plan. The bill passed to Appropriations, with members raising questions about clinical placements, faculty shortages, and possible effects on associate-degree programs.
The committee also considered AB 1235, which would require CSU design-build projects to use a skilled and trained workforce, aligning CSU with other public higher education construction standards. Supporters said it would improve safety, training, and local job opportunities, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1247 would restrict contracting out of classified school and community college jobs unless workers meet training and qualification standards and would address pension and training concerns; supporters said it would protect students and classified employees, while school and college groups warned it would disrupt services and add unfunded mandates. The bill passed to Appropriations with one no vote. AB 1470, presented on behalf of Assemblymember Haney, would allow a portion of student housing revolving loan funds to be used for affordable student, faculty, and staff housing in downtown and commercial districts; it was discussed as a housing and downtown revitalization measure, but the committee held off on a motion pending more members. ACA 3, also on behalf of Haney, would require UC to offer limited down payment loans to eligible long-term support staff first-time homebuyers; it drew extensive support from UC workers and unions, while UC and business groups opposed it as costly and outside UC’s mission, and the measure was still under discussion at the end of the transcript.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- that come with permanent status under civil service law.
- I'm here today in strong support of House Bill 2995.
- I support my colleagues here and their testimony because I support H. 2812 and S. 1817.
- in support of those bills.
- hours limitations for certain professional services.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting public employees, retirees, and public safety personnel. Early testimony focused on House Bill 2859, which would make Massachusetts Department of Correction industrial instructors permanent civil service employees after years of provisional status, and House Bill 2995, which would reduce the Boston Fire Cadet Program service requirement from two years to one year. Supporters of the Boston fire cadet bill argued it would improve equity, expand opportunities for Boston residents, and help diversify the Boston Fire Department; committee members asked about the current makeup of academy classes and the effect of a hybrid model, and the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association was described as neutral on a separate age-related police bill.
The committee also heard several proposals related to post-retirement earnings and civil service rules for police and fire retirees. Testimony supported bills including H. 2903 and H. 2966, which would loosen earnings limits for retired public safety workers returning to work, and related measures affecting civil service exemptions and professional services for retirement boards. Speakers argued the current limits are confusing, discourage experienced workers from filling needed municipal jobs, and can create safety issues on public works and construction sites. One witness from Worcester Police supported raising the police academy age limit from 32 to 39 to improve recruitment, especially in BIPOC communities, while Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata supported a separate bill to raise the Boston Police Academy age cap from 39 to 45.
A substantial portion of the hearing was devoted to H. 2812 and S. 1817, which would increase the pension COLA base from $13,000 to $18,000 and freeze certain retiree health insurance contribution rates, with additional testimony about capping out-of-pocket health costs for some retirees. Educators and union representatives said the current COLA structure has eroded pension value and leaves retirees struggling with rising costs, while one witness described long delays and confusion in navigating retiree health coverage. The committee took no substantive votes on the bills during the hearing and adjourned after hearing all testimony.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 24, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Federal TRIO programs provide services to disadvantaged students to support their success from middle
- Through the years of tireless service, compassion, and leadership, she has worked to provide meals, support
- With that, I urge support of H.R. 7342 and I yield back. and the Financial Services Committee and the
- ,<04:46:24.560>
supporting <04:46:24.958>local essential services, supporting local - essential services, supporting local jobs<04:46:25.600>
and <04:46:25.840>strengthening
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- Support branch personnel at DFS, whether they are...
- So thank you for your time, consideration, and the continued support for the fire service.
- And I chuckle because service for us is our job.
- The Town Board of Selectmen has supported it, the Finance Committee has supported it, the town manager
- Spinelli deserves our support and deserves our support today.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 21st hearing and took up late-filed bills, with testimony focused mainly on firefighter and police personnel matters. The committee heard strong support for H.5429/H.6138, Governor Healey’s bill to provide injured-on-duty compensation and full pay and benefits to Chelmsford firefighter Nicholas Spinelli after he was seriously injured while instructing at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Testimony from Rep. Simon Cataldo, Rep. Rodney Elliott, PFFM leaders, Chelmsford Fire Chief Gary Ryan, and others emphasized that Spinelli was performing public service training work, that the incident exposed gaps in coverage for firefighters serving in academy roles, and that the bill should be a prompt, statewide fix. Several speakers also urged future legislation to address broader policy gaps for DFS support-branch and part-time personnel.
The committee also heard testimony on a Topsfield home rule petition, H.54435, to allow Police Chief Neil Hovey to continue serving until age 68 or retirement. Rep. Kristen Kasner and local officials praised Hovey’s leadership, training, regional coordination, and management of public safety at the Topsfield Fair, and asked for favorable passage. In addition, Sen. Ryan Fattman and Rep. Joe McKenna testified for S.3051, a bill to provide certain retirement benefits to the surviving spouse of fallen Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen LaPorta, describing his death while assisting a stranded motorist in a snowstorm and the town’s support for honoring his family.
PFFM and other police/fire union representatives generally supported the firefighter and LaPorta bills, while PFFM also stated opposition to H.5389, a separate bill authorizing continued employment of the Upton police chief. After testimony concluded, the committee adjourned without taking a recorded vote during the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your service. Much appreciated. We know how... Thank you for your service.
- We support new housing construction in Massachusetts and build on our We support new housing construction
- And investment in support to our...
- Services Program, and $10 million... ...for HHG Rehousing and Supportive Services Program, and $10 million
- for sponsor-based support of permanent housing to support new housing units and case management services
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted two commendatory resolutions honoring the Plimpton Historical Society’s Deborah Sampson Day recognition and Megan’s Light’s Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month observance, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several House petitions to committee. The chamber also briefly recognized Diane Talk of the South Shore Regional Emergency Communication Center on her retirement after 30 years of dispatch service. Later, the Senate passed two local bills to enactment: House No. 4006, authorizing Dartmouth to grant an additional all-alcoholic beverages license, and House No. 473, relating to the charter of Westwood.
The main business was the Senate Ways and Means presentation of the fiscal year 2027 budget, totaling about $63.3 billion. The chair described the budget as balanced, with no new taxes or tax cuts, based on a consensus revenue estimate of $986 million in growth over FY26 (2.4%), and including about $15.8 billion in federal financial participation and roughly $2.7 billion from the Fair Share surtax. The budget emphasized record local aid, including $1.376 billion in unrestricted general government aid, $7.66 billion for Chapter 70 education aid, increased minimum school aid, higher regional school transportation reimbursement, rural aid, and the revival of the Foundation Budget Review Commission. It also highlighted major investments in MassEducate free community college, food security, housing, and support for vulnerable residents.
Members then engaged in extended colloquy on the budget’s major cost drivers and policy choices. Questions focused on debt service, pension and OPEB liabilities, MassHealth caseload and rising per-enrollee costs, child care funding, and program integrity in DTA and other benefit programs. The chair said debt service would be about $2.67 billion, pension payments would be $5.1 billion, OPEB would receive a $150 million payment, and MassHealth enrollment was projected at about 2 million with costs driven by acuity and medical inflation. He also said the budget includes no collective bargaining agreements and no state tax changes. Senators supporting the budget praised its investments in education, local aid, homelessness prevention, public health, libraries, and housing, while minority leaders and others stressed the need for fiscal discipline, transparency, and further work on affordability and municipal support. The Senate also received a House message on House No. 5316, which the House had nonconcurred in, and a conference committee was appointed on the disagreement.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HLT/HSH Joint Public Hearing - Wed Feb 4, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, the Department of Human Services Uh, the Department of Human Services supports<00:29:54.720>
- <00:30:13.279>
and services and primary care supports and services and primary care supports - Meredith Nichols on behalf of the Department of Human Services, and we are standing in support of the
- Meredith Nichols on behalf of the Department of Human Services, and we are standing in support of the
- Meredith Nichols on behalf of the Department of Human Services, and we are standing in support of the
Summary:
The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1969, which would provide state funding for colorectal cancer screenings for uninsured and underinsured residents. The Department of Human Services said it supports the goal of early screening but would need new administrative capacity, including a program manager and claim pre-screening, to run the program. The Department of Health supported the measure and cited low screening rates in Hawaii, noting an educational campaign to encourage screening. The Insurance Division raised concerns about reliance on federal FAQs, warning that guidance can change and may create state cost exposure. Supporters including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Hawaii Medical Association argued the bill would close a preventive-care gap, reduce late-stage diagnoses, and save long-term costs; the committee also discussed implementation costs, estimated by DHS at roughly $1.4 million to $2 million annually plus administrative expenses, and a 6-month to 1-year timeline to establish the program.
The committee then took up House Bill 1965, which would require health carriers to spend at least 6% of total medical expenditures on primary care providers. The Insurance Division said several provisions raise technical and legal concerns, including the premium freeze, the medical loss ratio language, the lack of an existing external review process for downcoding claims, and a new mandate for medically necessary inter-island transportation that could trigger an ACA defrayal. The Department of Human Services supported the intent but suggested broader language to include primary care supports and services, and noted that QUEST integration plans already invested at least 9% of total medical expenditures in primary care in 2024, with additional spending on supports and low-value care reductions. State health planning officials strongly supported the bill as an investment in primary care, saying it could improve outcomes and lower long-term costs, though they acknowledged a possible temporary premium increase during the transition.
Testimony in support emphasized Hawaii’s physician shortage, especially on Maui, the Big Island, and other neighbor islands, and warned that clinics are under financial strain and may close without higher primary care reimbursement. The Hawaii Healthcare Task Force, AARP Hawaii, and other supporters said the bill would help retain providers, improve access for Medicare and Medicaid patients, and prevent downstream costs from emergency room use and avoidable hospitalizations. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Then you have student support, instruction support, administration, plant operations, food service, transportation
- Then you have student support, instruction support, administration, plant operations, food service, transportation
- From the classroom and into support services and plant operations.
- Into other things, including support services and plant operations. That's a problem.
- We all support veterans. We all are thankful for their service.
Summary:
The House convened, completed roll call, approved the journal, and took up several Senate bills and one Senate concurrent resolution through motions to reconsider, return bills for reconsideration, and refer measures to additional Committee of the Whole sessions for further amendment. Early actions included returning SB 1175 and SB 1198 to the Senate for reconsideration, rescinding passage of SB 1336 so it could be reconsidered, and referring SB 1111 and SB 152 to an additional COW. The House also recognized Representative Travers for a personal privilege statement honoring National Women Veterans Recognition Day and recorded attendance.
In Committee of the Whole, members adopted floor amendments and recommended passage for SB 1511, SB 1552, SB 1198, SB 1110, SB 1618, SB 1431, and SCR 1004, with some debate on SB 1110’s home-confinement/reentry program, SB 1618’s Military Affairs Commission changes, and SB 1431’s city and town authority over residential project standards and streetscapes. The House later adopted the COW reports and moved the measures to engrossing or third reading as appropriate. SB 1336 and SB 1519 were also advanced from committee, while SB 1004 was reconsidered and ultimately failed on reconsideration.
On third or final reading, the House passed SB 1127, SB 1180, SB 1428, SB 1198, SB 1336, SB 1511, SCR 1004, SB 1552, HB 2104, HB 2105, HB 2114, HB 2311, HB 2729, and HB 4117. SB 1687, SB 1004, SB 1519, and SB 1502 failed. Members explained votes on several measures, including support for tax administration clarity in SB 1180, objections and support for the May primary proposal in SB 1687, concerns about sex offender monitoring in SB 1004, support for the Arizona Beef Council in SB 1198, and debate over the photo enforcement referral in SCR 1004. The session also included recesses for caucuses, lunch, and dinner, plus a brief technical outage of the live stream.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, May 13, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <03:40:50.960>
victim deploy personnel, support victim deploy personnel, support victim services - I rise today in support of H.R. 1682, the benefits that endure for lifetimes of service act or Below's
- I rise today in support of H.R. 1682, the benefits that endure for lifetimes of service act or Below's
- Forest Service, it is a true multiple-use forest supporting timber harvesting, wildlife conservation,
- Supporting and providing essential<04:15:47.680>
ecosystem <04:15:48.479>services <04:15
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
PUBLIC HEALTH- HOUSE HEALTH SERVICES SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Who are receiving services.
- How do we support those rural providers that are not going to have the volume of services and be able
- So they provide a service... ...evaluation and provide some services.
- So we'll be able to provide that service and pay for that service for individuals.
- services manual.
Summary:
The House Health Services Subcommittee met to approve the October 7, 2024 minutes and then shifted to behavioral health as the main topic. Representatives Wooldridge and Vaught described the work of the behavioral health working group, saying Arkansas needs a more proactive system focused on access, workforce, reimbursement, and reducing red tape. Members raised concerns about provider shortages, licensure barriers, rural access, reimbursement rates, jail-based services, non-emergency transport, and the need for step-down options and crisis diversion before people end up in jail or the state hospital.
DHS Director Paula Stone outlined the behavioral health system, emphasizing that Medicaid pays for most behavioral health services in Arkansas and that many services cannot be billed once a person is in jail or the state hospital. She described current efforts including family-centered treatment for children, community reintegration group homes, a new adolescent substance use disorder unit, forensic evaluation and restoration changes, and a planned IMD waiver to allow Medicaid payment for certain psychiatric and residential services. She also explained the backlog at the state hospital and in forensic restoration, the role of therapeutic communities, and the challenges of serving rural and difficult-to-serve populations.
Members asked about crisis stabilization units, civil commitment, dashboards for bed availability, and whether Arkansas should expand step-down or long-term facilities. Stone said the state has supported crisis stabilization units in several cities, with mixed results, and noted that Fort Smith and Jonesboro have been more successful than Fayetteville and Little Rock. She said DHS does not yet have a statewide bed dashboard but sees it as a useful tool. The meeting ended with agreement that the discussion was a starting point and that the committee would continue the work, tentatively in August, to develop policy ideas for the 2027 session.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Rethinking Paying Subminimal Wage to Persons with Disabilities Task Force Apr 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I am encouraged, supported, and trusted.
- I am encouraged, supported, and trusted.
- We talked to program managers over programs that support 14(c), or who provide supports for individuals
- Some of them went into, you know, different services throughout their service system.
- services.
Summary:
The meeting was a 14(c) Task Force hearing focused on employment experiences of Oklahomans with disabilities and the state’s use of subminimum wage. Numerous self-advocates and workers testified about their jobs, accommodations, pay, transportation barriers, and the importance of community integration. Several speakers described positive experiences in competitive or community jobs, while others recounted being underused, fired without explanation, or paid by piece rate or minimum wage in sheltered or enclave settings. Many emphasized that fair pay, independence, ABLE accounts, and supportive employers matter to them, and several said they want future careers, promotions, or even to own businesses and help others with disabilities find work.
Task force members discussed recurring themes from the testimony: transportation as a major barrier, the importance of community and self-advocacy, employer misconceptions and stigma, the need for better transition services from school to work, and the difficulty families face navigating benefits and employment systems. Members also raised concerns about people being fired without explanation and about the need for meaningful options for those not ready for competitive employment. Suggestions included more employer education, reverse job fairs, job coaching, benefits planning, better coordination between DDS and DRS, and stronger transition supports in schools and through programs like Project SEARCH.
Staff then presented research on how other states have phased out or eliminated 14(c) certificates. Examples included Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington, with common approaches such as phase-out timelines, technical assistance, provider transition plans, and support for competitive integrated employment. The presenters noted that Oklahoma still has 40 entities using 14(c), most of them DDS providers, but many providers are already moving away from it. Members discussed potential unintended consequences, the need for a clear timeline, the possibility of blending or braiding services, and whether Oklahoma should create a more one-stop, employer-friendly system. No votes were taken, and the group agreed to continue gathering information and return in June to begin shaping priorities and possible policy directions.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We integrate public health, human services, and the county-run health plan to wrap services around our
- These services include the administration of basic maintenance medications or essential services like
- Who are essential services technicians?
- We're here today to support House File 1883, which would require new central service technicians to be
- Given the complexity and importance of their work in infection prevention, we support that central service