Transcript Highlights:

• committee should take a close look at exactly what is going on under the surface and verify services and pricing
• committee should take a close look at exactly what is going on under the surface and verify services and pricing
• committee should take a close look at exactly what is going on under the surface and verify services and pricing
• committee should take a close look at exactly what is going on under the surface and verify services and pricing
• committee should take a close look at exactly what is going on under the surface and verify services and pricing

Bills: HCR92, HCR46, HCR172, HCR147, HCR112, HCR100, HR84, HR42, HR139, HR104, HR92

Keywords: automated external defibrillator, AED, cardiac arrest, state buildings, health education, public health, lifeguards, first responders, public safety, ocean safety, emergency response, Hawaii, workers' compensation, auditor, procurement audit, compliance, Department of Human Resources Development, transparency, accountability, medical care

Transcript Highlights:

• The ongoing rise of food prices, housing costs, and current political climate are forcing parents to
• The ongoing rise of food prices, housing costs, and current political climate are forcing parents to
• begins to ripple through our communities, federal uncertainty persists into the new year and food prices
• We also saw increasing prices during that time. And then since then... ...wages.
• We also saw increasing prices during that time.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on CalFresh enrollment, food insecurity in California, the recent federal shutdown’s disruption of SNAP benefits, and the long-term effects of H.R. 1 on eligibility, benefits, and state and county costs. Opening remarks emphasized that millions of Californians rely on CalFresh, that the shutdown briefly delayed benefits for the first time in the program’s history, and that state and local governments, including Alameda County, stepped in with emergency food aid and funding. Members also framed the issue as both a hunger and affordability problem, with several noting that California’s agricultural abundance contrasts sharply with persistent food insecurity. The first panel presented research and advocacy perspectives on food hardship. PPIC’s Tess Thorman described food insecurity rates, disparities affecting households with children and Black and Latino households, and the role of nutrition programs in reducing poverty. Nourish California’s Betzabel Estudio argued that hunger is a policy choice and highlighted campaigns to expand state-funded food assistance for immigrants, support reentry populations, and continue the CalFresh fruit-and-vegetable incentive program. The California Association of Food Banks’ Josh Wright said food banks are seeing sustained high demand, lower federal food supplies, and cannot replace CalFresh, while urging more state support for food purchasing, school meals, and SunBucks. The second panel reviewed CalFresh operations and participation. The California Department of Social Services reported that CalFresh participation has risen over the past decade, with the state closing much of the participation gap through outreach, simplified applications, and demonstration projects such as the Elderly Simplified Application Project and a minimum nutrition benefit pilot. Alameda County Social Services described local caseloads, application trends, and emergency food distributions during the shutdown, while also warning that H.R. 1’s work requirements, immigrant eligibility restrictions, and possible cost-sharing could reduce enrollment. A student CalFresh ambassador testified about the burdensome application and recertification process and urged more funding for campus basic-needs centers and outreach to reduce stigma and administrative friction. In the final panel, county, food bank, and policy witnesses described the shutdown response and the expected impact of H.R. 1. Alameda County Community Food Bank and the County Welfare Directors Association said counties, food banks, and community partners mobilized emergency funds, pop-up pantries, and food purchasing to bridge the shutdown gap, but warned that hundreds of thousands of Californians could lose benefits under the new federal rules. The California Budget and Policy Center began outlining the scale of federal cuts, noting that H.R. 1 will significantly reduce SNAP funding and shift costs to states. No votes or formal committee actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible state responses, including backfilling benefits, preserving outreach funding, and improving administrative systems to protect enrollment.

Transcript Highlights:

• during my presentation, which is the process that we did select, which is going through a statewide price
• So in going through CES as part of a statewide price agreement, that really should help.
• So I'm just wondering, how do we synthesize that into a statewide price agreement circumventing the RFP
• And regardless of the Moving to a statewide price agreement from an RFP does Allow us to say that in
• if we wrote an RFP that it would go to any particular vendor, and additionally, Having a statewide price

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:16:22.319> had<00:16:22.440> an<00:16:22.600> average<00:16:23.040> price
• Commerce E15 had an average price Commerce E15 had an average price discount<00:16:23.759> of
• improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions while giving drivers a higher-octane fuel at a lower price
• ranging from the University of Illinois to Harvard, MIT, and UC Davis. higher octane fuel at a lower price
• a 50 higher octane fuel at a lower price a 50 6<00:18:59.039> pound<00:18:59.240> bu<00

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Price? Senator Sessions? Senator Singleton? Senator Smitherman? Senator Stewart?
• Senator Price? Senator Sessions? Senator Singleton? Senator Smitherman? Senator Stewart?

Bills: SB25, HB243

Keywords: SB25, community development district, community development districts, alcoholic beverage tax, alcohol sales tax, sales tax proceeds, county treasury, special fund, grant distribution, tourism funding, economic development, local grants, education grants, civic activities, community activities, tourism activities, Alabama Code 35-8B-5, county revenue, legislator recommendation, local government finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's just one of the components, but they have a pretty big price tag. So, Mr.
• We've seen the average home prices since 2017 go up 70%.
• The price is reset to those folks.
• We've asked for $50 million. $50 million to focus on people priced out of home ownership.
• Prices for those particular units. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you. So, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got one bill today, SB293 by Randy Price. We've got one bill today, SB293 by Randy Price.

Bills: SB293

Keywords: SB293, Lee County, solid waste, waste collection fees, garbage fees, trash collection, county commission, fee exemption, low-income households, poverty level, federal poverty level, public sanitation, local act, municipal services, waste management, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Prices like these are keeping several groups from the housing market.
• Prices like these are keeping several groups from the housing market.
• keeping<01:09:18.240> several Prices like these are keeping several Prices like these are
• home in the state of New Hampshire. able to buy that median priced home.
• And able to buy that median priced home.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• His tariffs have increased prices.
• Their failure to address the prices.
• Speaker, I do yield back. his term, he would lower the prices of his term, he would lower the prices
• ,<02:54:13.680> and worried about prices, inflation, and worried about prices, inflation,
• <04:39:56.560> Many entire economy pays the price. Many entire economy pays the price.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These concessions include preferential contract terms, pricing, and strict fulfillment rate requirements
• , preferential contract terms, pricing, preferential contract terms, pricing, and<00:07:46.880>
• <00:07:58.800> to frequently charge higher prices to frequently charge higher prices to smaller
• The Straits of Hormuz are curtailed, and the price of fertilizer is skyrocketing.
• The Straits of Hormuz are curtailed, and the price of fertilizer is skyrocketing.

Bills: HF4080, HF3693, HF1857, HF4350

Keywords: agriculture, livestock, retailers, ownership interest, exclusive contracts, meat packing companies, dominant retailers, state law, Department of Agriculture, appropriation, funding, agriculture policy, state budget, animal welfare, cat declawing, animal cruelty, therapeutic procedures, civil penalties, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, aquatic life

Transcript Highlights:

• That means the tax will ultimately show up in the price consumers pay at the shelf.
• Retail operates on tight margins and intense price competition.
• That means the tax will ultimately show up in the price consumers pay at the shelf.
• Retail operates on tight margins and intense price competition.
• Retail operates on tight margins and intense price competition.

Bills: HF3793, HF3699, HF793, HF3322, HF3426

Keywords: groundwater, water use permit, data centers, public health, environmental regulations, municipalities, state park license plate, specialty license plate, Minnesota DNR, Department of Natural Resources, license plate design contest, North Shore, Lake Superior Agate, AI-generated art, artificial intelligence, Minnesota resident, state parks, specialty plates, vehicle registration, contest requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• may be the minimum advertised price allowable and that a lower price may be on offer.
• may be the minimum advertised price may be the minimum advertised<01:33:10.000> price<01:33:10.639
• allowable and that a advertised price allowable and that a lower<01:33:12.080> price<01:33:12.320
• <01:33:13.679> There<01:33:13.840> are lower price may be on offer.
• There are lower price may be on offer.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, journalized the prayer, and recognized Read Across America Day with a special resolution congratulating the Maryland State Education Association on the program’s 28th anniversary. Senators also welcomed several guests and student groups, including Eleanor Roosevelt High School students, Maryland Federation of Republican Women members for Red Scarf Day, medical shadows from Johns Hopkins, a student page prospect, and a group from Matthew Henson Elementary School. The chamber then took up multiple Finance Committee consent calendars and individual local alcohol-related bills, all of which were reported favorably, adopted without objection, and ordered printed for third reading. Measures included changes to alcohol license fee refunds for uniformed service members, Anne Arundel County license classifications and compensation for liquor board officials, a Baltimore City racetrack license extension, a Cecil County license quota change, and new or expanded licenses for golf courses, sports venues, and barber shop/beauty salon establishments. The Senate also advanced bills on social work licensing, a rural readiness economic development program, a Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission extension, peer-to-peer car sharing insurance rules, telematics-based auto insurance disclosures and appeals, and veteran status notation on public profiles. Several bills were amended before being advanced, generally with technical or clarifying changes and no recorded opposition. Senate Bill 18 would create a provisional social work license; Senate Bill 351 would regulate insurer use of vehicle telematics data; Senate Bill 395 would revise insurance and liability rules for peer-to-peer car sharing; and Senate Bill 197 would alter comprehensive plan elements in land use law. Senate Bill 439, protecting fire and rescue public safety employees from adverse action based on medical cannabis certification, also moved forward without amendment. One measure, Senate Bill 69, which would make permanent the nonprofit navigator position in the Department of Commerce, was discussed at length after a member raised concerns about oversight of nonprofit grant funding. On request, the bill was special ordered to the next day for further consideration. All other bills discussed in the transcript were advanced to third reading by unanimous or near-unanimous voice action, with no recorded roll-call votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do they all agree on, you know, what they're going to serve and like what price they're going to offer
• They can serve what they want in those cups, and they can charge whatever price they want.
• But it's kind of up to them to price and to serve how they want to within the parameters of whatever
• <00:31:11.960> varies establishments so the pricing varies establishments so the pricing varies
• to get those prices down as well<00:47:01.000> so<00:47:01.200> that's<00:47:01.480>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So why support increasing the price of cigarettes?
• So why support increasing the price of cigarettes?
• So why support increasing the price of cigarettes?
• So why support increasing the price of cigarettes?
• So why support increasing the price of cigarettes?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met at the University of Hawaiʻi’s Bachman Hall and heard testimony on several UH-related bills. HB 542 would expand the Hawaiʻi Promise Program to provide unmet-need scholarships at four-year UH campuses. UH system officials, the UH Student Caucus, and a Honolulu Community College student testified in support, emphasizing college affordability, student retention, and workforce needs. Committee members asked about current program data, eligibility, transfer patterns, and cost; UH said it had data available, noted about 10% of current Hawaiʻi Promise students transfer to four-year campuses, and estimated the full expansion would cost about $12 million. UH also suggested a possible alternative of focusing on transfer opportunities from two-year to four-year campuses. The committee then heard HB 840, which concerns athletics appropriations for UH. UH Mānoa and UH Hilo supported the bill. UH officials said the funding would help cover recurring athletics operating costs, women’s sports travel and recruiting, Austin Awards, and a new nutrition fueling station, while Hilo said the money would help with travel, per diem, and conference-related costs. Members asked about the history of the athletics funding, the difference between Austin Awards and special talent waivers, NIL planning, and whether the appropriation should be restored to the base budget. UH explained that a $4 million athletics appropriation was originally made in 2018 or 2019, later removed from the base, and has been reappropriated annually since then. Finally, the committee heard HB 842, which would fund three additional permanent mental health practitioner positions at UH Mānoa’s Counseling and Student Development Center. UH supported the bill, and Academic Labor United and a high school student testified in favor, citing student stress, overwork, and the need for more counseling access. In questions, members discussed the current counselor-to-student ratio, recruitment challenges in a tight labor market, and strategies for hiring, including looking at candidates on soft-money grants who may be seeking stable employment. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Prices probably in all of your respective cities have grown over the past four, five, six years, which
• The total annual price tag has reached almost $80 billion, with increases close to 10% each year.
• additional services, increases reimbursements for provider groups, or prohibits cost sharing has a price
• There are increasing problematic actions against the 340B drug pricing program, which is one you'll hear
• Bob, how are those car prices with the tariffs coming now?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held an informational opening hearing for the Financial Services Committee, with Chair Murphy and Senator Feeney introducing new and returning members and explaining that no bills were being heard that day beyond brief introductory testimony. Commissioner of Banks Mary Gallagher thanked the committee for last session’s money transmission modernization law, and several members echoed appreciation for her office’s work. The hearing then featured a long series of stakeholder introductions and overviews of their priorities for the session. Testimony covered a wide range of financial, insurance, housing, health care, and consumer issues. Banking and mortgage groups discussed housing affordability, foreclosure delinquencies, flood insurance, regulatory changes, and the impact of federal policy shifts. Insurance representatives raised concerns about auto and homeowners market pressures, labor rates, tariffs, rebates, e-titling, third-party litigation funding, and public adjuster restrictions. Consumer and advocacy groups highlighted debt collection reform, earned wage access, retirement savings access, public banking, and consumer protections in financial services. Several speakers also emphasized the need for committee expertise and offered themselves as resources for future bills. Health-related organizations focused on insurance mandates, prior authorization, behavioral health access, pharmacy benefit manager reform, community health center funding, maternal health and midwifery reimbursement, and anesthesia reimbursement parity. Other groups, including credit unions, retailers, auto dealers, dental and medical associations, and behavioral health providers, described their roles in the Commonwealth and previewed legislation or policy areas they expect to follow this session. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational and ended after testimony from the sign-up list and a few late additions.

Transcript Highlights:

• the IPC of distorting malnutrition data, ignoring evidence of rising aid deliveries, falling food prices
• the IPC of distorting malnutrition data, ignoring evidence of rising aid deliveries, falling food prices
• this country, escaping five countries to get here to this great country, but it came at a very high price
• this country, escaping five countries to get here to this great country, but it came at a very high price
• related to Judaism or Israel is established in schools, we Jews are the ones who will pay the biggest price

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission held a public comment hearing as it continued work toward a November 30 statutory deadline for its final report. The co-chairs reviewed logistics for the hybrid format, two-minute testimony limit, respectful conduct, and the plan to alternate between in-person and virtual speakers. The commission approved the minutes from its previous September 8 meeting by motion and vote, with no nays. Much of the testimony focused on how the commission should define antisemitism, especially whether to adopt the IHRA definition and whether it improperly conflates antisemitism with criticism of Israel or Zionism. Many speakers, including Jewish educators, rabbis, academics, students, and legislators, described personal experiences with antisemitism and urged the commission to address hate while protecting free speech, academic freedom, and the ability to criticize Israeli government policy. Several called for the commission to reject or narrow the IHRA definition and instead consider the Jerusalem Declaration or other frameworks that distinguish antisemitism from anti-Zionism. Others emphasized that antisemitism should be addressed alongside racism, Islamophobia, white nationalism, and other forms of bias, and some urged broader anti-bias training in schools. A smaller number of speakers supported stronger action against antisemitism in schools and public institutions, including concerns about antisemitic materials in education and about organizations or events they viewed as promoting hate. A recurring theme was the conflict in Gaza and its impact on the debate: some speakers condemned Israel’s military actions as genocide, apartheid, or colonialism and said criticism of those actions should not be treated as antisemitic, while others defended Israel, rejected genocide claims, and argued that anti-Israel activism can fuel antisemitism. Several speakers also raised concerns about campus discipline, union materials, and state facility rentals, and one speaker asked that state resources not be used by groups they viewed as inciting hate. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the prior minutes and hearing public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we are now facing severe energy price volatility, there is need to As we are now facing severe energy
• price volatility, there is need for fuel diversification and increasing our resilience within the portfolios
• But these are very high prices because the market is incredibly small.
• this market gets off the ground, with California's help, economies of scale are going to bring those prices
• So we should be able to see these prices come way down.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard several bills focused on utility affordability, transparency, clean energy, and consumer access. SB 327 would bar investor-owned utilities from using ratepayer funds to oppose municipal utility formation and would clarify the Public Advocates Office’s authority to inspect utility books; supporters framed it as a ratepayer protection and accountability measure, while utilities and industry groups raised concerns about municipalization language and data-request procedures. After discussion about the scope of the bill and existing guardrails from prior legislation, the committee voted SB 327 out on a due pass as amended basis to Appropriations, with the roll left open and later updated to 12-2. SB 1350, a hydrogen bill, would allow renewable portfolio standard credit for power plants using green hydrogen in turbines. The author and supporters said it would help California meet clean energy goals, support the Lancaster hydrogen project, and create jobs, while opponents, especially environmental groups, warned about NOx emissions, the risk of paper transactions, and the need for stronger safeguards on feedstocks and delivery. Members discussed amendments already taken and the need for continued work on environmental protections; the committee passed the bill 14-0 to Natural Resources. SB 868 would create a framework for plug-in or balcony solar devices for renters and others without rooftop solar, with safety standards and a cap on system size. Supporters said it would lower bills and expand access to solar, while utilities and some others raised safety and backfeed concerns and asked for more review through existing interconnection processes. The author and witnesses said the devices are small, non-exporting, and covered by safety certifications; the committee approved the bill 17-0, later updated to 18-0, and sent it to Appropriations. SB 1233 would require additional disclosure about utility cash on hand, capital structure, and related information in existing reports to help inform rates and affordability. Utilities opposed the measure as duplicative of existing proceedings and potentially delay-inducing, while supporters said it would improve transparency for ratepayers. The committee passed SB 1233 10-3 to Appropriations. The committee also dispensed with the consent calendar, passing the remaining consent items, including SB 925, SB 667, SB 952, SB 742, SB 929, SB 943, and SB 1138, and noted that SB 905 had been pulled from the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Often these small businesses have higher prices than larger national franchises.
• would assume, like, the small local businesses, they have been there for a while so they know the prices
• I'm sorry for that, but I do think, like, as their local businesses, that is what they need their prices
• And with larger businesses, the prices are cheaper because we have manufactured goods.
• So the prices are cheaper versus local businesses that are making handmade, homemade goods.

Summary: The meeting was a Girl State House session in which members received a brief orientation on chamber rules, decorum, voting procedures, and how to use the floor, followed by prayer, the pledge, and attendance. The parliamentarian and House leaders emphasized respectful conduct, recognition procedures, live microphones/cameras, and how motions such as immediate consideration work. After the rules overview, the chamber began considering bills in order. House Bill 1001, which would have prohibited over-the-counter diet pills from being sold or transferred to anyone under 18, drew debate over eating disorders, teen health, and whether parents or sellers would be affected. Supporters argued it would protect minors from harmful diet culture, while opponents raised concerns about medical exceptions and whether the age limit should be 21 instead. The bill failed, 42-55 with two present. House Bill 1002, allowing lottery winners to remain confidential, was amended during discussion to cover a $100,000 threshold and special rules for elected officials; supporters said it would protect winners from scams and harassment, while opponents raised transparency concerns. It passed 79-17 with one present. House Bill 1003, requiring schools to provide resources and courses on child labor/workplace laws, was debated as a workforce-readiness measure, but members questioned whether it should be a required course, an online option, or limited to older students. The bill failed 22-73 with three present. House Bill 1004, creating the Arkansas Head Injury Act and requiring helmets and face protection for motorized cycle operators and passengers, received strong support based on safety and personal testimony about motorcycle deaths; it passed 94-4. House Bill 1005, the Adult Preparedness Act, would have required a year-long personal finance course before graduation; members debated whether the material was already covered in existing classes and whether schools had time and staffing to implement it. It failed 35-60 with four present. House Bill 1006, increasing the teacher classroom investment tax deduction from $500 to $1,000, was broadly supported as a way to help teachers pay for classroom supplies and student needs, and it passed 97-0 with one present. House Bill 1008, aimed at encouraging entrepreneurial businesses by limiting national franchises in local economic zones, sparked debate over how to define zones, whether existing chains would be affected, and the impact on jobs and affordable shopping options; it failed 23-69 with six present. The session then moved to House Bill 1009, establishing a blue envelope program for people with intellectual disabilities during police interactions; the sponsor explained it would be optional and included in law-enforcement training, and supporters said it could reduce confusion and improve safety. The transcript cuts off before the bill’s final action.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if the demand is going up but the supply stays the same, prices will increase.
• The price of electricity varies by location and by time, and so we call this locational marginal price
• question always from our perspective, and I think Commissioner Lewis is going to echo it, is what is the price
• Adults are perfectly capable of deciding whether or not they've received a quality service at a good price

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 11, 2026, with a quorum present and took up a series of Senate bills, a resolution, and one House bill. The committee reported favorably Senate Bill 79 to recreate Louisiana Economic Development, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 to establish the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, Senate Bill 375 on firefighting foam with amendments clarifying use in declared emergencies, Senate Bill 398 moving manufactured and modular housing oversight under the Contractors Licensing Board with technical and substantive amendments, Senate Bill 163 on virtual currency business licensing with an amendment providing for federal preemption if Congress enacts a national licensing regime, and Senate Bill 287 on virtual currency kiosks with consumer-protection provisions and technical amendments. The committee also reported favorably House Resolution 197, as amended, urging the Public Service Commission to study distributed energy generation and storage resources with LSU involvement, and Senate Bill 54, which would allow estheticians to blow-dry hair after certain services; that bill drew extensive testimony from supporters and opponents in the cosmetology and aesthetics industries before being reported favorably. Several bills prompted detailed discussion and testimony. On Senate Bill 398, the sponsor and Contractors Licensing Board representatives said the change would improve enforcement and consumer safety for manufactured-home installation, especially tie-downs, leveling, and foundation blocking, while not affecting HUD-regulated construction. On the virtual currency bills, OFI said it currently licenses 37 virtual currency businesses with 33 pending applications, and supporters described the kiosk bill as a response to fraud complaints by requiring clearer disclosures, refund procedures, live customer support, and reporting to OFI. For House Resolution 197, the sponsor, PSC officials, and energy stakeholders said the study would examine the value of distributed energy resources, including rooftop solar and battery storage, in light of rising demand and grid reliability concerns; PSC staff and LSU energy experts described the study as focused on market value and avoided-cost benefits. House Bill 744, which would have shifted regulation of certain New Orleans utilities from the city council to the PSC, generated discussion about constitutional history, rate impacts, and utility consolidation. PSC officials and the sponsor said the current city-council regulation is a constitutional exception dating back to 1921, and they argued that PSC regulation could reduce costs and simplify oversight, but the sponsor ultimately moved to defer the bill rather than force a floor fight, and the committee agreed. The committee then began consideration of Senate Bill 386, the Louisiana Data Privacy Act, adopting technical amendments and then a larger amendment package that revised definitions and compliance provisions; the transcript ends while that bill’s amendment process is still underway, with no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, across the country, whether it's because of the war with Iran and skyrocketing gas prices,
• We understood coming into the session that Minnesotans are paying a pretty significant price in their
• :16:56.080> a<00:16:56.120> pretty<00:16:56.320> significant<00:16:56.880> price
• <00:16:57.839> in paying a pretty significant price in paying a pretty significant price in

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate DFL leaders held a press conference focused on affordability, federal cuts, and end-of-session negotiations. Senators Heather Gustafson, Erin Maye Quade, Liz Boldon, Grant Hauschild, and Majority Leader Erin Murphy highlighted prior DFL accomplishments such as universal school meals, North Star Promise, paid family and medical leave, property tax relief, the child tax credit, and Social Security tax cuts, while arguing that House Republicans have not shown enough urgency on current affordability issues. A major theme was the impact of federal policy on Minnesota, especially cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, rising health care and energy costs, and cost shifts to counties and local governments. The senators said the state is spending heavily to backfill federal cuts and protect Minnesotans from higher costs, with particular concern for rural communities, hospitals, EMS, food shelves, and county property taxes. Hauschild emphasized that rural counties and seniors would bear added burdens from federal mandates, while Murphy said the Senate is trying to put money directly into people’s pockets through rental assistance, heating assistance, food support, and targeted property tax relief. The leaders also discussed a Senate Tax Committee proposal for about $100 million in direct property tax refunds, and Murphy said the Senate’s position on HCMC funding is the strongest, while also needing support for rural hospitals and providers statewide. In response to questions, she said the Senate hopes to reach a global deal before the weekend and by Sunday midnight, described the Senate’s proposals as public and already passed, and said some items, including rental relief for people affected by an ICE operation, still have support and may move in the House. No votes were taken at the event.