Transcript Highlights:

• , Workforce Housing Program, and other important housing programs in Greater Minnesota.
• , Workforce Housing Program, and other important housing programs in Greater Minnesota.
• , Workforce Housing Program, and other important housing programs in Greater Minnesota.
• /c> Workforce housing program and other Workforce housing program and other important<00:09:37.920>
• and other important housing programs such as the Workforce Housing Program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will call the State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee to order for June 17th.
• There really isn’t kind of an independent coupon management program or prior authorization program out
• They go out and adjudicate any of the losses that the program incurs.
• He viewed the issue as part of a growing program and said Mr.
• We have seen over the past year that the program has worked.

Summary: The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee met on June 17 and reviewed a series of Employee Benefits Division and Office of Property Risk items. Grant Wallace presented March and April formulary changes, explaining that the updates favored lower-cost generics, re-tiered some drugs, left several new-to-market drugs uncovered pending more evidence, and added quantity limits in some cases. The committee approved those formulary recommendations. The subcommittee also approved a cell and gene therapy policy that would exclude automatic coverage of those therapies and route them through prior authorization and review, with members noting the process should not delay urgent cases and that appeals remain available. Members then discussed a UAMS professional consultant services contract amendment for pharmacy benefit consulting. The discussion focused on confusion over the dollar amount and scope, with Wallace clarifying that the committee was being asked to approve up to $2.596 million, including optional services related to coupon and rebate management that could be used later without returning for another approval. Several members raised concerns about matching the written contract to the approval amount and about the relationship to the current pharmacy benefit manager, but the committee ultimately approved the item with the understanding that any use of the optional services would return to the committee. The committee also reviewed, without objection, a Blue Cross/Blue Advantage third-party administrator contract, a CompSack employee assistance program contract, and approved proposed 2027 employee and public school health plan rates of 9.8% and 4.9% increases, respectively. Wallace also said the UnitedHealthcare rebid was in final negotiation and would return in August. On the property risk side, the committee reviewed permanent rules for the property insurance program, a contingency-fee subrogation contract with Denenberg-Tuffly, and extensions for Sedgwick Claims Management, Actuarial Advantage, and Stevens Capital Management. Members asked about claim-adjustment delays after a major winter storm, and Wallace said performance guarantees and communication requirements had been added, with claims still expected to vary by case. The committee also approved 2026-27 captive insurance program rates, which included no change to minimum deductibles, lower rates for K-12 and higher education, a higher rate for state agencies, and an overall 10% reduction. Wallace said the reductions reflected improved actuarial foundations, better claims management, and the program’s first-year performance. The meeting adjourned after approving the rate item.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we know that this is a critical program.
• So, we know that this is a critical program.
• So, we know that this is a critical program.
• So, we know that this is a critical program.
• , government This is a federal program, government This is a federal program, and<00:10:36.280>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The meeting focused on a Minnesota Senate floor debate over a bipartisan 340B enforcement bill, with supporters arguing that the measure would require pharmaceutical companies to comply with federal and state law and continue providing discounted drugs to safety-net and rural hospitals. Senators and other speakers said the program is essential to hospital finances, especially for facilities facing operating losses and federal Medicaid cuts, and warned that without enforcement language hospitals such as Hennepin County Medical Center and rural hospitals could face severe financial harm or closure. Supporters also said pharmaceutical companies had spent heavily on media and lobbying to oppose the bill and that the Senate’s bipartisan vote showed the issue had broad support. Several speakers described how 340B revenue is used to sustain hospital services, including addiction treatment, trauma care, and other essential care in vulnerable communities. They said the program was designed to let hospitals buy drugs at low cost and bill insurers at standard rates, using the difference as a funding stream. When asked about claims that hospitals made large sums from the program, supporters said that was consistent with the program’s purpose. They also said some drug companies were not complying with 340B obligations, particularly around contract pharmacies, and that enforcement language was needed to ensure compliance. The discussion also addressed HCMC’s financial situation, with speakers saying 340B funding is not a full solution but is an important support and should not be reduced further. They rejected a proposed transparency/reporting amendment as too burdensome, while noting that federal authorities already have audit power over 340B dollars. The speakers urged the House to pass the same language, said eight Republicans joined the Senate vote, and expressed hope that the bill would advance despite concerns about House support and ongoing pharmaceutical industry opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• and our firefighting program.
• , and that program...
• We received fairly little information about that program, and that program information was supposed to
• One another, or developing a program that adds on to the Community Wildfire Mitigation Program, or the
• So the intent of that program is to increase adoption of mass timber and residential... ...program.

Summary: The subcommittee began by announcing a change in the agenda order, moving item 6 ahead of item 1 and then item 7, and noting there would be no votes taken on any items that day. Item 6 covered a proposed operational efficiencies control section for the Natural Resources Agency that would let multiple departments jointly fund landscape-scale or multi-jurisdictional projects and allow Finance to transfer climate bond funds to a lead state entity. The LAO said the proposal was reasonable but suggested the Legislature consider requiring summary notification on how it is used; Finance said it would consider that request. Item 7 focused on the 2026-27 biodiversity and nature-based solutions spending plan. Finance and the Wildlife Conservation Board described the climate bond funding for habitat restoration, wildlife crossings, public access, tribal nature-based solutions, and related work, including $111 million proposed for WCB and $30 million for Salton Sea habitat and public access projects. The LAO supported the overall approach but flagged the San Andreas Corridor Program as an area where the Legislature may want to specify geographic priorities. Members discussed the pace of Salton Sea work and whether the proposed projects would count toward disadvantaged community goals. Item 8 addressed Cal Fire’s aviation contract and staffing needs for wildfire response. Cal Fire said year-round fire activity, a larger and more complex aircraft fleet, and labor market pressures justified the proposed contract increase, including more mechanics, pilots, and maintenance support. The LAO recommended approval, saying the proposal addressed health and safety concerns. Members asked about contractor staffing, competition in the bidding process, and future technology for early fire detection and suppression. The committee then took up item 1 on golden mussel containment. Fish and Wildlife described the invasive species’ spread in the Delta, the task force and response framework, and a request for eight new positions funded by Prop. 4 to support control plans, outreach, monitoring, research, and coordination with partners and law enforcement. Members pressed the department on whether the state should fund more direct decontamination infrastructure and grants to local water managers, and on the realistic goal of containing the mussel. The chair and several members emphasized the urgency of the threat and requested an itemized breakdown of the $20 million request. The hearing then moved to a broader LAO overview of wildfire prevention and response funding, where the LAO summarized the state’s funding mix and warned that ongoing wildfire resilience funding will likely decline as one-time bond and GGRF funds are exhausted, prompting discussion of long-term funding options and the balance between prevention, suppression, and community hardening.

Transcript Highlights:

• need to implement the program.
• And we already have a litany of public assistance programs and child care assistance programs that are
• A temporary federal program—a temporary COVID federal program.
• But until we get this program operational...
• And while that's an important program, a vital program, and a necessary program, It's a program that

Transcript Highlights:

• This program has undergone multiple expansion since its inception.
• Most of the applicants to the program.
• need for the renewed support of the program.
• At the end of the four-year pilot program.
• This is a specific group that can be addressed through a pilot program.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are no programs.
• FMAP in the Medicaid program. FMAP in the Medicaid program.
• This is um a program that has program.
• mental illness program is 32%. mental illness program is 32%.
• are on the program.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:37.080> that in delivering quality programming that in delivering quality programming
• <00:08:29.879> like on to the TV and so um programs like on to the TV and so um programs like
• newly produced Legacy funded programming newly produced Legacy funded programming reaching<00:10
• > to program to program uh<00:31:58.720> it's<00:31:58.840> a<00:31:59.039> program<
• <01:09:02.600> that<01:09:02.719> is program that is op programming that is program

Bills: HF1679, HF1019, HF2321, HF1740, HF2278

Keywords: public television, funding, grants, arts and culture, Minnesota, Minnesota Public Radio, arts education, cultural heritage, community engagement, public radio, community radio, educational grants, community cable, public access, programming funding, civic engagement, ethnic media, public access television, Minnesota Humanities Center, funding appropriation

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the normal mode of operating because all these programs require it.
• dollars for the state highway operations and protection program, the SHOP account.
• I'll skip the overview of the grant program itself.
• 36 programs.
• Our dental program offers out-of-state coverage, just like our health plans.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee met to consider new audit requests and received a status update from the State Auditor, who reported 10 JALAC audits in progress, several statutory audits underway, and that all audits approved in 2025 are moving forward. The committee first approved a consent calendar covering audits on University of California library resources, law enforcement information sharing, EDD unemployment insurance claims, and Housing and Community Development housing development monitoring. One requested audit on local law enforcement and human trafficking had been withdrawn before the hearing. The committee then debated and approved an audit request from Assembly Member DeMaio on the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and its road project management and use of transportation funds. DeMaio argued the audit was needed to examine whether restricted funds, voter-approved revenues, and project commitments were properly used, while SANDAG officials said the agency already undergoes extensive oversight and that its funding sources and project uses are governed by multiple existing audits and reporting requirements. Several members questioned whether the audit would duplicate existing reviews, but the motion passed after roll call. Next, the committee approved Senator Valadares’s audit request on Board of State and Community Corrections Proposition 47 grant administration. Supporters said the audit would assess whether grant recipients and BSCC oversight are producing reliable outcome and recidivism data and whether the funds are achieving public safety goals; BSCC responded that it already has internal controls, that the State Controller conducts biennial audits, and that its reported outcomes show reductions in homelessness, unemployment, and recidivism among participants. The committee also approved Senator Cortese’s audit of CalHR’s dental benefits procurement and contract oversight, prompted by concerns about stagnant annual maximums, provider network losses, and out-of-pocket costs for employees and retirees. CalHR said its current dental network remains strong, that it recently completed an RFP adding MetLife as a second carrier beginning in 2027, and that it maintains performance guarantees in its contracts. All three regular-calendar audit requests were approved, and the committee then completed add-on votes approving the earlier consent calendar items before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a huge program, a huge planned program, so all that planned cash flow that we're looking at is
• On a programmatic program, I will say, there is, like the preservation program, for example, There is
• I'm here to introduce Rob Bourbon, who's the acting program administrator for the Cascadia program.
• Another program we offer, it's called the L. Protector Program.
• Another program we offer is called the L. Protector Program.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from WSDOT on balancing uncertainty in capital program estimates and cash flow management. WSDOT explained the differences between design-bid-build and design-build delivery, its tiered risk-assessment process by project size, and how it uses base estimates, inflation, and risk modeling to set budgets. Staff said design-bid-build estimates are generally accurate within about 1% across the program, while design-build projects carry much wider uncertainty and are better communicated as ranges; they cited a P85 budget approach and noted that large, complex projects can be affected by market competition and long procurement timelines. Members asked about the Columbia River Bridge cost growth and about value engineering, and WSDOT said it uses value engineering but has limited scope to cut costs because of project requirements and policy mandates. Troy Swing also discussed cash flow, noting that a few large projects can significantly affect biennial funding needs, and said a risk pool would not reduce overall program risk but could help manage timing if paired with appropriation and cash-flow controls. The committee then received the final presentation in the WSDOT Project Delivery and Innovative Practices study from HKA Global. The consultant said WSDOT’s estimating practices are generally robust and recommended improving transparency by presenting budget authorizations as ranges or estimate classes, better tracking estimate growth over time, and adjusting advertisement timing to avoid competing lettings. The report also discussed surety bonding, suggesting the legislature consider restoring authority for reduced bonding on select large design-build projects or using phased bonding and alternative securities. On indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracting, the consultant said current job order contract rules are restrictive and recommended legislative changes to make such tools more usable, especially for smaller tasks and to help use unspent funds more flexibly. The committee also heard a follow-up presentation on transit-oriented development policy recommendations tied to HB 1491. The Urban Institute’s Yona Freemark said Washington has been a national leader on TOD but that housing construction, especially in the Puget Sound, has slowed sharply since 2022. He said rising construction costs, high financing costs, and local tax and rent conditions are making many TOD projects infeasible, and recommended that the state fill infrastructure funding gaps around stations, revisit MFTE affordability requirements, consider minimum rather than average density requirements near transit, and create a statewide system to track TOD outcomes such as affordability, gentrification, and transit access. Members questioned the study’s developer interviews, the role of rent control and crime, property tax assumptions, and parking needs; the presenter said the study included five private developers, that rent control was not part of the study scope, and that parking was included in the model assumptions. Finally, the committee began a presentation on regulating emissions from ocean-going vessels at berth. Staff and consultants described California-style at-berth rules, which require shore power or equivalent emissions controls so ships can shut off diesel auxiliary engines while docked. The study is examining vessel traffic, emissions reductions, implementation costs, labor and operational needs, and possible effects on port competitiveness and cargo diversion. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• :09:22.320> operates<00:09:22.800> that programs that the state operates that programs
• program.
• The majority of the programs program.
• ID regional program.
• community support program. community support program.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 29 January, 2026: 8:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Department of Mental Health presented its FY27 budget request and described its statewide responsibilities, including more than 600 grants totaling about $140 million, 11 community mental health centers, and state-operated programs for mental health, substance use, and intellectual/developmental disabilities. The request included $291.2 million in general funds, about $33.4 million above the current year, plus spending authority tied to ID regional programs and the IDD waiver. Major components included funding to enroll 250 additional people in the IDD home- and community-based waiver, a projected waiver rate increase, and added support for state-operated 24/7 programs facing staffing and operational shortfalls. The agency also asked to continue selected ARPA-funded services before those dollars expire, including 988 call center support, peer respite sites, court liaison positions, intensive community services for children and youth, and adolescent offender programs. Other requests covered salary adjustments and longevity increases for hard-to-fill positions, electronic health record support, IT security upgrades, a Jackson County crisis stabilization unit expansion from 8 to 16 beds, capital needs such as generator and boiler/chiller replacements, inflation-related increases for community mental health center grants, and restoration of general funds under a Joint Legislative Budget Committee recommendation. Officials emphasized that community-based care now accounts for 58% of funding and that the goal is to keep people out of institutions unless they need the highest level of care. Committee members asked about ARPA balances, forensic referrals, Jackson County’s request, and county support for community mental health centers. The department said about $25 million in ARPA funds remained and should be spent by September 30, with some delays due to reimbursement revisions. On forensic services, officials reported the new 81-bed maximum-security unit at State Hospital has cut the wait list roughly in half, but admission orders are up 51%, and some referrals may be unnecessary or used to delay proceedings. Members also discussed county contributions to community mental health centers, which the department said total about $9–10 million statewide, with most counties now meeting their obligations and only a few using small in-kind contributions.

Transcript Highlights:

• of autism services and EIDBI program. of autism services and EIDBI program.
• to designate programs as high risk. to designate programs as high risk.
• And this the EIDBI TEFRA program.
• . programs. programs.
• other programs. So, thank you. other programs. So, thank you. Thank<01:43:26.640> you.

Bills: HF3542

Keywords: data privacy, investigative data, welfare system, public funds, transparency, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• a statewide bikeway program.
• two pilot programs.
• two pilot programs.
• program.
• and the statewide program.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several transportation and climate-related bills. AB 954 would create a Caltrans pilot program for bike highways in two metropolitan areas and require a report to the Legislature; supporters said it would expand protected regional bike networks and help climate and equity goals, while some members objected that it would divert gas-tax-funded transportation dollars away from road repairs and rural needs. The bill passed on a 7-3 vote, with the roll held open for later additions. AB 289 would authorize automated speed enforcement in active highway construction zones to protect workers. The author and labor and contractor witnesses described repeated work-zone crashes and fatalities and argued the cameras would supplement, not replace, CHP enforcement. Some members raised concerns about civil penalties and enforcement policy, but the bill advanced on a 9-? initial vote and later was approved 15-1 after the roll was completed. AB 674 would update the Clean Cars for All program to prioritize pre-2004 high-polluting vehicles in disadvantaged and low-income communities and improve reporting and incentive rules. Supporters said older vehicles produce a disproportionate share of emissions and that the program has already retired thousands of cars; the committee approved the bill unanimously on the floor vote and sent it to the Committee on Natural Resources. AB 1237 would let LA Metro and VTA add a $5 fee to primary ticket sales for 2026 FIFA World Cup and NCAA championship events to fund transit service, with ticket holders able to use transit on event day. Supporters said the fee would help manage congestion and security needs, while the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association argued it was an unconstitutional tax requiring voter approval. The bill passed and was re-referred to the Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism. AB 891 would create a Caltrans quick-build pilot for temporary safety improvements on state highways for pedestrians and bicyclists; supporters emphasized rapid, low-cost safety fixes, while opponents said the program could divert gas-tax funds and was not appropriate for rural areas. It passed 11-4 and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also approved a six-bill consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that will be a growing and pretty big program.
• I basically encourage you to restart the program.
• , it was a great program.
• It is modeled after the NMDOT program.
• programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a pilot program to train pilots. I mean, it truly is a CTE program as well.
• Programs like that help me.
• The PED already has tremendous oversight over CTE programs, and by directly funding the CTE programs,
• Programs.
• Could those funds be used for this program?

Transcript Highlights:

• It's program.
• <00:09:38.640> I'd Grants Program Senate file 2827. I'd Grants Program Senate file 2827.
• grant program 1.9 million. grant program 1.9 million.
• programs.
• this program. this program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, in order to be in this program, this was a new program that we worked on throughout the agency,
• , one of the number four on the... program.
• But one of the big programs is part of our master teacher designation program or mentoring other teachers
• This specific program, the teacher fellowship program, was to find out from our highest-level teacher
• If we're going to invest in state programs, because it's kind of hard to invest in federal programs that

Summary: The committee first approved the March 9 and 10 minutes, then heard a presentation from the Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship Program featuring three third-grade teachers from Poyen, Drew Central, and Cabot, along with Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva. The teachers described the fellowship as a year-long collaboration among 23 merit-pay recipients from across the state, focused on sharing classroom strategies, data use, and professional support. Members asked about teacher experience, how the fellowship information is shared locally, the role of merit pay, and how teachers are addressing third-grade reading and retention concerns under the ATLAS assessment system. The teachers emphasized early intervention, relationships with students, small-group instruction, progress monitoring, and communication with families; they also described community supports such as churches, food backpacks, and local donations. Several members raised broader questions about poverty, trauma, social services, DHS involvement, and whether similar professional learning should be expanded to more teachers. Secretary Oliva said the fellowship is a small subset of a larger merit-pay program, that participation was voluntary, and that the state is working to improve literacy supports, clarity, and alignment across grades. He also said ATLAS results are now available to schools and families much faster than in the past, often within 24 to 72 hours, and that the state is using the data to identify at-risk students earlier and support intervention before retention decisions are made. The committee then moved to the adequacy/resource allocation presentation from the Bureau of Legislative Research. Staff explained that the report is part of the statutory adequacy review and focuses on state funding sources beyond foundation aid, including categorical and supplemental funds. They noted that districts and charters spent more than $7 billion in the 2025 school year, with roughly 49% from foundation funding and 51% from other sources over the last three years. The presentation outlined the four categorical funds—Alternative Learning Environment, English Learners, Enhanced Student Achievement, and Professional Development—describing their restricted uses, student-based funding formulas, and the ability of districts to transfer some money among categoricals while keeping it within allowable purposes. Staff said categorical funds account for about 4% of total spending, or less than $300 million, and reviewed superintendent feedback on whether those funds met district needs, with responses varying by category and district.

Transcript Highlights:

• , what is the purpose of the program?
• Number two, what specific services are provided by the program? purpose of the program?
• Non-FEFP programs: so you have some other pre-K through 12 programs that are not the FEFP, New Worlds
• Non-FEFP programs: so you have some other pre-K through 12 programs that are not the FEFP, New Worlds
• Non-FEFP programs: so you have some other pre-K through 12 programs that are not the FEFP, New Worlds

Summary: The committee held its first meeting and received an overview of the Pre-K-12 education appropriations jurisdiction and base budget. Staff explained that education funding is driven largely by enrollment and per-student formulas, with most money coming from state and local sources. The presentation highlighted the major budget areas: early learning, the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), non-FEFP K-12 programs, federal programs, and the State Board of Education. Members asked about instructional materials funding and how scholarship students who return to public schools are counted and funded; staff explained that instructional materials remain in the base and that funding depends on survey timing, with districts ultimately funded through the enrollment count process. The committee then reviewed federal IDEA funding for students with disabilities. Department of Education officials explained how IDEA Part B funds are split between state set-asides and local educational agencies, and noted that Florida ranked fourth nationally in total IDEA Part B funding and received a 95% state determination for meeting IDEA requirements. They also described the bureau’s responsibilities, including monitoring, dispute resolution, instructional support, and the Hope Florida unit for ages 3 to 5. Members asked for more information on student performance outcomes and how the state measures success beyond compliance, and the department agreed to provide follow-up data. The final major topic was the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS), including associate centers, multidisciplinary centers, and specialized centers for deaf/hard of hearing and visually impaired students. Presenters described services such as child find, family support, assessments, professional learning, accessible instructional materials, and technical assistance. Committee members focused on whether families and schools have equal access to services across the state, how IEP disputes and reevaluations are handled, and whether more support is needed for parents, teachers, and rural districts. FDLRS representatives said they do not write IEPs but help connect families to districts, provide training and assessments, and support compliance and data collection; they also emphasized staffing and resource needs, especially for low-incidence disabilities and multilingual family outreach.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we have kind of a similar program to most Medicaid programs.
• We're looking particularly at this program in more detail. So, Mr.
• Hasn't this program been flagged nationally for abuse? Mr.
• They have a really amazing street medicine program.
• Hard for you to see how that program is doing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our seed program, the state education assistance program, we're asking for a little bit more this year
• you are very familiar with that program. you are very familiar with that program.
• 05:15.840> program.
• program, it's a very successful program program, it's a very successful program and<00:15:25.440
• And again, that program, Senator, out of the 34 that are in the United States, that program we have at

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 15 January, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard an update from the Mississippi National Guard leadership on deployments, operations, and the Guard’s budget request. The general described ongoing missions involving Mississippi units at the southern border, the National Capital Region, and Operation Safe and Beautiful, as well as the Guard’s role in Operation Midnight Hammer through the Meridian refueling unit. He also noted continued training of international partners at Camp Shelby and emphasized the Guard’s statewide, national, and global reach. The budget presentation focused on a modest increase over the prior year, including funding for state employees and the Youth Challenge Academy, the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, the state education assistance program, readiness center maintenance for armories, and an increase in AC escalation authority from $164 million to $225 million to allow spending of federal funds on approved projects. The general said federal investment in Mississippi National Guard activities totaled $784 million in FY25, with $384 million for payroll, and explained that most permanent positions are federally reimbursed. Members discussed the state education assistance program, which the general said has helped stop recruiting losses to neighboring states by making Mississippi more competitive on tuition benefits. He said the program especially helps retain midcareer noncommissioned officers and supports younger service members who may lack health coverage when called to state active duty. Senators also asked about Camp Shelby Youth Challenge facilities and armory projects; the general reported that recent appropriations have improved the campus, that the program remains among the top three nationally, and that armory work is moving forward in Amory, Southaven, Corinth, and Carthage. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with expressions of appreciation and adjournment.