Video & Transcript Research : 'rate decoupling'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 2/12/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And you can see we have job vacancy rates high above that.
- <01:25:56.840>
for mortality rate for the death rate for mortality rate for the death rate - And then this is a regional look at rates of suicide by geography.
- <01:34:41.880>
for reimburse at a much lower rate for reimburse at a much lower rate for licensed - We won't get a good response rate if we make that stuff voluntary.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 02/05/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- The unemployment rate is not very useful, in my opinion.
- <00:53:43.359>
I'm uh labor force participation rates I'm uh labor force participation rates - And I don't know what the return rate is on that. And now this is old data.
- And I don't know what the return rate is on that. And now this is old data.
- And I don't know what the return rate is on that. And now this is old data.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- You talked about the rating agencies.
- You talked about the rating agencies. Those things are, in fact, important.
- And where I'll start is with rates of growth as opposed to revenue basis, spending basis, right?
- Pick whatever tax rates you want. They're going to be... Pick whatever revenue structure you want.
- Pick whatever tax rates you want. They're going to grow, if you're lucky, at 3% to 4% a year.
Summary:
The hearing focused on House Bill 55, the governor’s FY25 supplemental budget proposal to spend about $1.3 billion in surplus Fair Share revenue. House and Senate chairs framed the bill as a one-time opportunity to invest fairly in education and transportation, while also noting the need to protect the state’s long-term fiscal balance. Administration officials said the proposal should be considered alongside the FY26 budget and related bills, since the governor’s broader Fair Share plan aims for roughly an even split between education and transportation over time.
Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz, Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt, and Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler outlined the administration’s priorities. Transportation funding would go mainly to the MBTA and related reserves, including money for the Federal Transit Administration reserve, MBTA stabilization reserve, low-income fares, winter resilience, RTA workforce support, MassDOT workforce and project delivery, and micro-transit grants. Education funding would support universal preschool expansion, early education and care capacity, early literacy tutoring, adult basic education and ESOL, early college and career technical education, MyCAP expansion, and special education circuit breaker funding. The administration emphasized that many of these investments are one-time or multi-year measures designed to address current needs without creating unsustainable recurring costs.
Committee members raised concerns about regional equity, especially the large share of transportation money going to the MBTA versus regional transit authorities and rural areas. Several members asked for more detail on how the proposal would benefit Western Massachusetts and other non-MBTA regions, and whether micro-transit and Chapter 90-related investments would be sufficient. Education questions focused on special education reimbursement shortfalls, federal funding cuts to school districts, and how CTE and vocational investments would align students with workforce needs. The administration said it would provide additional data on MBTA versus RTA investment and explained that the special education circuit breaker and transportation reimbursement changes were intended to improve predictability and relief for districts.
After the administration panel, Jessica Tang of AFT Massachusetts testified in support of using Fair Share funds to protect public education amid federal uncertainty and cuts. She argued that schools are facing a fiscal cliff, that vulnerable students would be hit hardest by funding losses, and that the Fair Share revenue should be used to preserve services and support students’ needs.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Health Insurance Affordability Task Force, June 18, 2026
Health Insurance Affordability Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- So If we were trying to reduce that impact, you would do it by increasing the reimbursable rates for
- So, my thought is, are we being reimbursed at a national rate, but Wyoming being unique in its...
- Our nursing homes had their rates frozen for 12...
- Our nursing homes had their rates frozen for 12 years.
- We have the sixth highest rate of uninsured adults nationally.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-06-02 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- What's that going to do to our insurance rates?
- The maximum millage rate The maximum millage rate that a local government can levy with a simple majority
- will instead be the rollback rate.
- They can do that to get back to the rollback rate.
- So I know that we were talking, and you mentioned kind of the rollback rates and that the rollback rate
Summary:
The House met in special session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and adopted the special order report setting the day’s calendar. The chamber then took up CS/House Joint Resolution 1F, the Governor’s property tax proposal, which would raise the homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and restrict county and municipal ad valorem revenue to public safety and certain other uses. Sponsor Rep. Overdorf said the measure would return money to homeowners and give local governments flexibility, while opponents repeatedly argued the ballot language was misleading and that the proposal could create large local revenue shortfalls, shift costs to other taxpayers, and threaten local services and debt obligations.
Members debated a series of amendments aimed at protecting specific programs from the bill’s effects. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to exempt Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was defeated 25-74 after supporters said those entities fund child care, mental health, aftercare, and family support, while opponents said local governments could still choose to fund them. Rep. Cross’s amendment to include water management districts in allowable uses of ad valorem taxes was also defeated, despite testimony that the districts are essential for flood control, water supply, Everglades restoration, and drought response. Rep. Eskamani’s amendment to require the Legislature to backfill public safety funding failed 25-71 after debate over whether the proposal could reduce police and fire budgets and response times.
The House then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other aging services, and opponents saying the state already funds senior programs. Finally, Rep. Gant’s amendment to protect veteran services was introduced and debated, with members emphasizing housing, mental health, transition assistance, and homelessness concerns for veterans; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that amendment. Throughout the debate, sponsors and supporters of the main resolution maintained that local governments would retain spending discretion and could use other revenue sources, while critics argued the measure lacked clear backfill provisions and could force cuts or tax shifts at the local level.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Seventy - Thursday, May 14 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- we were charging to that individual member was the interest rate we were expecting to get, not what
- They say Missouri's death rate is higher than the national average.
- Oftentimes when we look at these, we hear things like rate of return and return on investment.
- Oftentimes when we look at these, we hear things like rate of return, and over again.
- Oftentimes when we look at these, we hear things like rate of return, rate of our rate of return and
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal for the prior day by a vote of 118-1. The rest of the session was dominated by points of personal privilege, including farewell remarks from several outgoing members. Those speeches focused on service, family, staff, veterans, law enforcement, integrity, and concerns about lobbyist influence, with members also thanking legislative assistants and recognizing guests and family members in the chamber.
The chamber then took up several bills. Senate Bill 1019, dealing with hospital finance and investment authority, was amended to align workplace violence, telehealth, prior authorization, physician licensure, and Lyme disease language, then passed 110-31. Senate Bill 1572, a pensions bill affecting police retirement, MOSERS, EMPERS, and related board provisions, drew extended debate over how to handle retirement overpayments; amendments were adopted to address technical and policy issues, and the bill passed 129-14. Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1196, concerning workforce diploma programs, Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grants, workforce Pell Grants, higher education funding, and university board residency rules, was amended and passed 115-20, but its emergency clause failed 2-132.
The House also granted further conference on Senate Bill 1020. Committee reports were read on several other measures, including bills recommended to pass by Fiscal Review. Later, the House began considering Senate amendments to House Bill 2508, an LLC-related bill involving certificates of good standing, court dissolution of LLCs in limited circumstances, and a St. Louis County property-management affidavit process for repeated ordinance violations.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- I've met with most of you about the rate increases and the rate study.
- So back in 2003, we came for a rate increase.
- And the rate study came back, I guess it was back in October. It came back and said that...
- The rate study says to bring it to $11.48, which is fantastic.
- We're a highly proficient-rated school in Lafayette, a preschool in Lafayette.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota lawmakers hear proposal to eliminate cash bail, permit universal pretrial release 4/28/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We also found that greater Minnesota counties have the highest rates of pre-trial detention.
- <00:03:06.600>
of counties have the highest rates of counties have the highest rates of pre-trial - Research consistently finds that the imposition of monetary bail does not increase appearance rates
- high interest rates. high interest rates.
- look at um the failure-to-appear rates look at um the failure-to-appear rates for<00:34:36.679><
Summary:
The committee held an informational hearing on draft constitutional amendment language from Representative Holland to create universal pre-trial release except in certain circumstances and eliminate cash bail. Representative Holland said the proposal is intended to make Minnesota’s pre-trial system fairer and more equitable by basing detention decisions on public safety and due process rather than a person’s ability to pay, and noted that a separate bill would later provide the detailed framework for an intentional release-and-detention system. He emphasized that no action would be taken at this hearing.
Testifiers in support included Joshua Page of the University of Minnesota and the Pre-Trial Justice Minnesota Coalition, Alicia Gransee of the ACLU of Minnesota, Jess Palia of Violence Free Minnesota, and Ramsey County Attorney John Choi. Supporters argued that cash bail creates unequal treatment, contributes to racial disparities, harms families and communities, and does not reliably improve court appearance or public safety. They cited research and coalition findings about high pre-trial detention rates, overrepresentation of Black and American Indian Minnesotans, the impact of detention on housing and employment, and the need for courts to use individualized risk assessments, conditional release, and services instead of money-based release decisions. Palia focused on domestic violence cases, saying cash bail can pressure survivors to pay for abusers’ release and that current hearings often give little time to victim safety concerns.
During member questions, concerns were raised that the amendment could remove an important tool for judges in the middle range of cases. Choi responded that conditional release and other protections could still be built into implementing legislation, and Page said detention would become an option but many cases would still involve conditional release and support services. He also argued there is no evidence that money itself motivates court appearance and said cash bail often shifts costs to low-income family members, especially women of color. The hearing ended without any vote or formal action, with members and testifiers noting that further legislation and discussion would follow if the amendment advances.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (06/10/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- But I mean the biggest thing I hear is our electric rates are high and we can't afford it.
- But I mean the biggest thing I hear is our electric rates are high and we can't afford it.
- But I mean the biggest thing I hear is our electric rates are high and we can't afford it.
- But I mean the biggest thing I hear is our electric rates are high and we can't afford it.
- But I mean the biggest thing I hear is our electric rates are high and we can't afford it.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Tue Apr 1, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- preliminary education outreach and vaccination drive efforts at schools in Hawaii with vaccination rates
- Hawaii with vaccination rates under 30%, beginning at the start of the 2025 to 26 school year.
- <00:22:06.120>
are schools because immunization rates are schools because immunization rates - Vaccine rates have decreased because parents now realize, with critical thinking, that vaccines build
- Autism rates have exploded since the vaccines came out and they started increasing vaccine.
Summary:
The House Committee on Education met on April 1 at 2:04 p.m. and first heard HCR 129/HR 125/HD1, which asks state and county transportation and education agencies to work together on pedestrian safety and traffic congestion around Haiku Elementary School. The Department of Education said it stood on its written testimony, and no other testimony was offered on that measure.
The committee then took up HCR 173/HR 169/HD1, urging the Department of Health to begin education outreach and vaccination drive efforts at schools with vaccination rates under 30 percent, starting in the 2025-26 school year. The Department of Education and Department of Health both supported the resolution and stood on their written testimony. Support also came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Nurses Association, the Democratic Party of Hawaii Health Committee, and Free Citizens of Malua.
A number of testifiers opposed the measure, arguing that vaccination efforts do not belong in schools, that the proposal would pressure families and undermine parental rights and religious freedom, and that it could create liability and misuse public funds. Several opponents also raised concerns about informed consent, government overreach, and vaccine safety. One supporter, Kye Swan, said vaccines are the way to fight infectious disease and asked the committee to pass the resolution so children could be vaccinated before the school year starts.
No vote or final committee action on the resolutions was announced in the portion of the transcript provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Mar 12, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- He said many people are being offered hurricane property insurance at extremely high rates, so they are
- They may be able to get coverage today at a very, very expensive rate.
- in many cases hpia would be able to rate in many cases hpia would be able to charge<00:39:55.599>
- Also, we're going to change the interest rate to the greater of a flat 2% or the interest rate offered
- Also, we're going to change the interest rate to the greater of a flat 2% or the interest rate offered
Summary:
The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills, with most measures drawing support from state boards, agencies, and industry groups. SB 102 (restaurants) had one supportive testifier and no questions. SB 1367 SD1 (installment loans) drew support from DCCA and other boards, but the chair raised concerns about a proposed $5 debit-card convenience fee, saying it seemed high and suggesting it might be amended downward; DCCA said it would check with industry on the likely impact. SB 1373 SD2 (administrative licensure action against sex offenders) received broad support from DCCA and multiple professional licensing boards, including psychology, physical therapy, naturopathic medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, massage therapy, nursing, optometry, barbering and cosmetology, the Hawaii Medical Board, and HPD.
The committee then heard SB 1142 SD1 (insurance proceeds), which was supported by DCCA, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, AARP, Hawaiʻi Realtors, and the Hawaiʻi Insurers Council, while State Farm offered comments and the Hawaii Bankers Association opposed. Testimony focused on insurance access after the Lahaina wildfires and the need to address underinsured homeowners. The committee also discussed SB 144 SD2 (stabilization of property insurance), with support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, AARP, Hawaiʻi Realtors, and the Hawaiʻi Insurers Council, and comments from the Attorney General and DCCA Insurance Division about revising the financing structure and correcting bill language. Opponents and reservationed supporters argued the bill may not help if applicants can still obtain coverage at very high prices, while supporters said it would expand market capacity and provide a safety net as climate-related losses continue.
Finally, SB 253 SD2 (condominium reserves) received support from Hawaiʻi Realtors, CI, and several individual testifiers. Supporters said it would enforce existing disclosure requirements under Act 199 and improve reserve funding transparency, while one individual argued stronger enforcement and an ombudsman-style office would be more effective. The chair reminded testifiers to stay on the bill at hand. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting reflected in the transcript.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Government Affairs May 30th, 2025 at 03:30 pm
Government Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We are at the combined rate property tax cap.
- , including the state $0.17 rate.
- They will put in what they can at the tax rate.
- So a property tax rate is included as a revenue rate that we're going to try to figure out how to get
- Blending down the interest rates, as we know the interest rates are still pretty high, so this can come
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Moving on to the next bill. over interest rates uh uh and I think over interest rates uh uh and I think
- are set in something called a general rate case, but for companies like ours that are not in rate cases
- a rate um allows you to establish a rate um outside<01:17:27.520>
of <01:17:27.639>a <01 - It's simply a means to allow us to get a renewable natural gas rate in place that's not tied to a rate
- It's simply a means to allow us to get a renewable natural gas rate in place that's not tied to a rate
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Veterans and military affairs panel approves HF194 2/12/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The exclusion amount for a veteran with a 70% disability rating is moved up to 200,000.
- /c> 150,000 for a veteran with a 70% 150,000 for a veteran with a 70% disability<00:01:54.439>
rating - <00:01:55.439>
the <00:01:55.640>valuation disability rating the valuation disability - rating the valuation exclusions<00:01:57.280>
have <00:01:57.520>not <00:01:58.119> - <00:02:57.360>
is veteran with a 70% disability rating is veteran with a 70% disability rating
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 1596 raises the rate from the current $1.78 rate, which was established in 2008.
- House Bill 1596 raises the rate from the current $1.78 rate, which was established in 2008.
- The rate went back to $1.78.
- the tax rate. the tax rate. >> Followup. >> Followup. >> Followup.
- >> We're increasing our tax rates. >> We're increasing our tax rates.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1596, which would raise New Hampshire’s cigarette excise tax from $1.78 per pack to about $2.80, using an inflation-based adjustment since the rate was last set in 2008. Representative Jerry Stringham, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure would keep New Hampshire competitive with neighboring states, generate revenue, and help offset other budget pressures. He also described the bill as repealing an income-based premium charge in Medicaid/CHIP-related programs and restoring cuts to the University System of New Hampshire, arguing that the combined package would still leave the state in a positive fiscal position. He said the tobacco tax increase would likely have some cessation effect but would remain low relative to other New England states, and he cited prior testimony from health groups supporting a larger increase.
Members questioned the sponsor about how the new rate was calculated, the prior tobacco tax reduction and restoration, whether tobacco companies would absorb or pass on the tax, and the fiscal note’s estimates for Medicaid premium revenue and UNH funding. Stringham said he used Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data, that the earlier 10-cent reduction did not produce the expected sales increase, and that the current bill would eliminate the premium charges now in the budget. He later clarified that the Department of Medicaid Services had updated the revenue estimate, but said the bill still showed a surplus overall. He also said the federal government already imposes a $1-per-pack tax and that New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase.
Two public witnesses testified in opposition to the tax increase. Anna Bettincourt, a tobacco category manager, argued that higher tobacco taxes would unfairly target smokers, reduce New Hampshire’s tax advantage, and likely shift purchases to other states or illicit markets rather than reduce use. She said tobacco companies generally do not lower prices and that Massachusetts’ flavor restrictions had not eliminated sales. In response to questions, she maintained that a smaller increase would still be harmful and that enforcement problems make bans ineffective. The sponsor and some members countered that smokers impose higher health costs and that tobacco taxes are a policy tool for both revenue and public health. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance (9-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- and that buyers expected interest rates to decline.
- Um, and that's where rates to decline.
- Um so a years with a zero default rate.
- Um so prior authorization denial rates.
- <01:09:33.920>
allow <01:09:34.319>for rate flat rate approach will allow for rate
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:23
Kentucky Bankers Association 00:02:32
How to Read and Understand KRS 6.948 Health Mandate and Federal Cost Defrayal Impact Statements 00:25:40
Proposed Amendments to Kentucky's Essential Health Benefit-Benchmark Plan 00:50:18
Proposed Health Insurance Legislation for the 2026 Session 01:04:22
Reimbursement for Covered Benefits Delivered Through the Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model 01:01:46
Coverage of Eating or Feeding Disorders 01:18:47
Coverage of Hearing Loss 01:25:31, 958, all
Summary:
The Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance met for its first interim meeting, established a quorum, approved routine opening items, and welcomed a new committee assistant and a legislative intern. The committee first heard a Kentucky Bankers Association presentation from Tim Shank and John Cooper focused on the state’s housing shortage, which they described as affecting all 120 counties and especially low- and moderate-income and workforce housing. They urged support for a proposed $20 million banker-backed revolving fund, paired with tax credits, to finance new housing construction; they said the program would be flexible, could support alternatives such as manufactured housing, and would use below-market loans with tax credits vesting over five years only after units are completed. They also asked for extension of the historical tax credit carryforward from five to seven years and for continued support of new market tax credits, arguing that supply-chain delays make the longer period necessary for historic rehabilitation projects.
The bankers also raised concerns about credit unions, arguing that because credit unions do not pay the same taxes as banks, they should not be allowed to acquire healthy state-chartered banks or hold state and local deposits. They cited the recent purchase of First State Bank of Middlesborough as an example, saying the transaction would reduce state, county, and city tax revenue and weaken local tax bases. In response to committee questions, the presenters said local regulations, zoning, parking, sidewalk, and utility easement issues can significantly delay housing projects, and they emphasized that state policy and infrastructure support are needed to help address affordability and development barriers.
The committee then shifted to a Department of Insurance presentation by Commissioner Sharon Clark on how to read KRS 6.948 health mandate and federal cost defrayal impact statements. Clark explained that the mandate statements were created in 1998 so legislators would have actuarial estimates of how proposed health insurance mandates would affect administrative costs, premiums, and total costs, and she noted that later legislation added federal cost-defrayal analysis. She also reviewed the background of the Affordable Care Act’s essential health benefits framework and said the department’s statements are intended to help lawmakers make informed decisions on proposed health coverage mandates. No votes or formal actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (03/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- They're just rated differently.
- They're just rated differently.
- It sets us a tax rate on video lottery terminals at 30%.
- come into the state at a 45% tax rate come into the state at a 45% tax rate and<05:39:30.718>
- 35.958>
what it's private operator a 30% rate is what it's private operator a 30% rate is what
Summary:
The committee first took up HB 713, which would require mile markers on Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway. The sponsor and DOT testimony described the road as a heavily traveled but isolated corridor with little or no cell or radio service, frequent accidents and breakdowns, and serious public-safety problems when emergency responders cannot quickly locate incidents. Members discussed where markers should be placed, how frequently they should appear, whether both sides of the road should be marked, and the potential cost; DOT said the project could be done with federal funds and might be combined with other work to reduce mobilization costs. The committee agreed the bill was straightforward and voted OTP 18-0, with discussion that a friendly amendment might be offered later to refine the language.
The committee then heard HB 563, concerning calculation of adequate education grants. Testimony explained that the bill would add fiscal capacity disparity aid in FY 27 and increase the special education differentiated aid factor, while also reducing extraordinary needs grants so the overall fiscal impact would be net neutral. Members noted the changes were limited to the second year because of the budget process and school district ballot timing. Supporters argued the fiscal capacity aid would help property-poor towns and should be expanded, while others emphasized the bill’s budget-neutral structure. The committee voted to retain HB 563 for further consideration in the budget process.
Finally, the committee opened HB 675, which would limit the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations. A Derry resident and former local official testified in favor, arguing that property taxes are too high, that school spending has outpaced town-side tax caps, and that local voters should have more control over school budgets. Committee members questioned whether the issue should instead be handled locally through existing processes or broader governance changes, and one member noted the state’s constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education. The discussion continued, but no final action on HB 675 was taken in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (03/04/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Like, how is that just not decrease in overall quality of care and wage rates and things like that?
- New Hampshire has the largest rate of people of deceased becoming cremated.
- Now, New Hampshire sees a cremation rate Now, New Hampshire sees a cremation rate of<00:30:45.320
- <00:31:42.240>
for Compounding that, retention rates for Compounding that, retention rates - c> amendments, Yet, rate setting, plan amendments, Yet, rate setting, plan amendments, administrative
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (01/14/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- payers so um if we're in we we get rate payers so um if we're in we we get the<01:49:23.080>
money - So the other thing I'm curious about is the default rate that you mentioned that you're getting when
- curious about is um the default rate curious about is um the default rate that<02:23:19.720>
- so they can be if they're Hazard rating so they can be if they're high<02:36:00.120>
Hazard <02 - of all the other Six States lowest rates of all the other Six States but<04:29:01.080>
how <04
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Jun 15th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for your rejection of the pace rate reduction and inclusion of level of care nurses.
- Also, we appreciate the delay in PPS rates.
- So with this 2% COLA, on poverty rates, they put a band-aid on this broken system.
- Reimbursement rates are so low that providers can't keep their doors open.
- When I already, I can't pay myself a salary on the state low rates. You're at a minute.
Summary:
The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard AB 109, the Budget Act of 2026, and related discussion of the legislative budget agreement. Committee staff and the Department of Finance described a two-year balanced plan with about $253 billion in General Fund spending, roughly $5.5 billion in higher assumed revenues than the May Revision, and about $36.5 billion in combined reserves. They said the package preserves or expands funding for schools and community colleges, child care, IHSS, Medi-Cal-related county administration, housing and homelessness programs, public hospitals, courthouse construction, and some criminal justice and prison-closure savings, while delaying or modifying several prior health care reductions and some Medi-Cal changes.
Much of the member discussion focused on Medi-Cal, H.R. 1, and the impact on low-income and immigrant Californians. Several Democrats argued the budget protects vulnerable residents by delaying some cuts, funding county eligibility work, indigent care, public hospitals, and food banks, and rejecting the Governor’s IHSS cuts and asset-limit proposal. Republicans criticized the budget for assuming future revenues, relying on new taxes, and not doing enough to address the structural deficit or improve accountability. Members also raised concerns and support around homelessness funding, Prop. 36, judgeships and courthouse funding, transit and GGRF allocations, local journalism, Caltrans fleet spending, and a proposed “fair share” revenue measure that was not yet before the committee.
Public testimony was largely supportive of the budget’s health and human services provisions, especially the rejection of IHSS cuts and the asset-limit proposal, and the inclusion of funding for child care, sickle cell centers, domestic violence services, trauma recovery centers, distressed hospitals, county eligibility work, and transit programs. Some witnesses representing hospitals and health plans cautioned about the effects of moving certain Medi-Cal populations to fee-for-service and about proposed tax changes affecting health care providers. The chair said revenue trailer bills were still being finalized and would likely come back later in the week; the committee then moved to public comment, with the chair limiting speakers to about one minute each.