Transcript Highlights:

• finding those common sense solutions finding those common sense solutions which<00:14:24.720>
• On the Education Workforce Committee, we On the Education Workforce Committee, we are<02:23:50.560>
• <03:50:37.760> This solutions across the country. This solutions across the country.
• work for solutions. work for solutions.
• On March 11, the Department of Education initiated a reduction in force affecting nearly 50% of its workforce

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, December 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we need to think about the workforce.
• And we need to think about the workforce.
• Department of Energy, where I also used to work.
• Department of Vetteri where I also used to work a long time ago.
• Hello, my name is Margaret Bolter, and I'm with Seam Solutions.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Select Committee on Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure focused on California’s EV market, charging infrastructure, and the effects of recent federal actions. The chair opened by emphasizing California’s progress on EV adoption and charging reliability, but also noted ongoing challenges with affordability, access, interoperability, heavy-duty electrification, and federal headwinds. She highlighted interest in technologies such as inductive charging and thanked host organizations and staff before moving to the first panel. State agency witnesses from Go-Biz, CARB, and the California Energy Commission described current programs and priorities. Go-Biz outlined its role in coordinating agencies, supporting permitting, and advancing the state’s ZEV market development strategy and equity action plan. CARB discussed federal attacks on its clean vehicle regulations, litigation to defend waiver authority, and the importance of incentives and regulatory programs such as Advanced Clean Trucks, Advanced Clean Fleets, Clean Truck Check, HVIP, and Clean Cars for All. The CEC detailed its funding and regulatory work on charging and fueling infrastructure, charger reliability, payment methods, roaming, and statewide planning, while stressing the need for more charging in multifamily housing and more public DC fast charging. All three agencies said federal rollbacks and permitting delays are major obstacles, but that California remains committed to expanding ZEV adoption. The second panel featured advocates, local government, utility, and research perspectives. CalETC urged continuous state funding through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and emphasized the low-carbon fuel standard, multifamily charging, and managed charging. An EV advocacy group proposed a conquest-style state incentive for new and used EV buyers and argued that multifamily housing is a major untapped market, while also favoring Level 2 charging over Level 1 for most home and apartment settings. Los Angeles County and LADWP described large-scale local deployment of chargers, fleet electrification, workforce training, and the need for sustained funding, agency coordination, and streamlined permitting and grid interconnection. UCS recommended prioritizing replacement of older high-emitting vehicles, using fuel policy revenues to support cleaner cars, and expanding bidirectional charging. The chair closed by asking for more discussion on Level 1 versus Level 2 charging and noted the importance of education, affordability, and practical deployment strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• It really aligns well with the state's economy and workforce.
• They're growing the workforce, helping us be better in every way that we can be.
• And we find that interesting because it's so important for our workforce needs.
• It would still not meet the workforce needs of the state.
• Theme number seven is about workforce alignment and economic vitality.

Keywords: 908, all

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• from early childhood through workforce. from early childhood through workforce.
• and in higher ed and workforce and in higher ed and workforce development?
• learning entering the workforce learning entering the workforce cognitive<01:00:01.760> offloading
• Despite many research and solutions.
• Minnesota Department of Psychiatry. Minnesota Department of Psychiatry.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

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• ...as written, does not create a freestanding emergency department.
• AB 1556 will provide a balanced, common-sense solution.
• The Department of Managed Health Care and the Department of Insurance govern communication between health
• emergency department than any other hospital in California.
• We heard from the departments about the distressed hospital loan program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

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• We are very proud to partner with the Department of Commerce.
• Moving over to an entrepreneurial mindset workforce, we don't have workforce responsibility anymore,
• My question goes back to workforce.
• It's about preparing somebody for the workforce.
• We may try to come up with a solution.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department transportation recently published its business plan.
• transportation for a panel discussion today, we'll be we'll watch the assistant Secretary and Co of Department
• Certainly private sector is going is that to approach any type of solution?
• But this this industry and so there's not a solution on.
• We as a department, we signed a lot of in the age with the OEM.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to cover five issues across a variety of state departments today, including various budget
• Elizabeth Landsberg with HCAI, the Department of Health Care Access and Information.
• Chloe King on behalf of the California Dental Association with Political Solutions.
• Chloe King on behalf of the California Dental Association with Political Solutions.
• Mary Watanabe, Director of the Department of Managed Health Care.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health heard updates on five health-related budget items. First, members reviewed state support for distressed hospitals and health facilities. The California Health Facilities Financing Authority and HCAI described the Distressed Hospital Loan Program as a lifeline for 16 hospitals, many of which remain financially strained and are expected to seek loan forgiveness rather than repayment. Speakers cited reduced contract labor, new service lines, strategic partnerships, and the reopening of Madera Hospital as signs of progress, but also warned that federal policy changes under H.R. 1 will likely increase uncompensated care and pressure emergency departments. Public commenters from hospital, dental, and consumer groups supported additional funding, including a request to refresh the program with another $300 million. The committee then heard HCAI’s update on the California Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded at $233.6 million for California. HCAI said the program will focus on rural care models, workforce development, and health technology, with grants to be rolled out on a fast timeline and all funds obligated by October 30, 2026. Members raised concerns about rural provider capacity to apply for grants, and HCAI said it will use a third-party administrator, a technical assistance center, webinars, and other supports to help applicants. HCAI also presented its budget request for the health care payments database, seeking ongoing non-General Fund support to continue operations and expand data, including pharmacy benefit manager data. The Emergency Medical Services Authority presented three budget change proposals: funding to replace disaster medical services fleet vehicles, funding for IT security work, and additional positions for HR, enforcement, and legal workload. A member also raised concern that EMSA has not yet completed the annual ambulance rate reporting required by AB 716, and EMSA said it remains committed to the requirement but lost prior funding through later budget reductions. Covered California reported that it is still finalizing its own budget, but expects a lower operating budget due to efforts to reduce baseline costs and align spending with actual expenditures; it also projected enrollment declines tied to the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, H.R. 1, and federal rule changes, while noting that revenues may still rise because premiums are expected to increase. Finally, the Department of Managed Health Care outlined budget proposals tied to menopause coverage and education, PBM licensure and enforcement under AB 116 and SB 41, credentialing reforms under AB 1041, and prior authorization reporting under SB 306. Public testimony generally supported the menopause and PBM proposals, while also urging clearer language and attention to Medi-Cal parity. The hearing concluded after public comment, including additional advocacy for sickle cell services and rural health workforce funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Health one? Yeah, the one you guys are housing.
• We'll help them fund a solution. We also handle capital outlay.
• Include workforce because you're going to need a trained workforce to be able to help mitigate.
• My department was working overtime coordinating with the fire department to figure out where to send
• Got some solutions. It's going to add some time and some steps.

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• H. 4119 offers a clear solution.
• The Compact was developed under a Department of Homeland Security Grant in 2017.
• When I worked in the emergency department, more and more patients are seeking the emergency department
• When I worked in the emergency department, more and more patients are seeking the emergency department
• That's not a sign of growth or workforce relief.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills involving professional licensure, clinical practice, and public health-related workforce issues. The chair explained that no votes would be taken at the hearing and that the purpose was to gather public input. Early testimony focused on Marnie’s Law, with supporters describing the bill as a no-cost, preventive measure to require nursing education on inflammatory breast cancer after a family tragedy and arguing it could reduce misdiagnosis and save lives. A major portion of the hearing centered on bills affecting clinical decision-making and licensure compacts. Supporters of the physician ownership/clinical autonomy bills argued they would protect independent practices from corporate interference after the Steward collapse, while supporters of EMS, dental, psychology, physical therapy, and physician assistant compacts said the measures would improve workforce mobility, reduce delays, and expand access to care, especially for rural patients, military families, and telehealth users. Several witnesses emphasized that the compacts would not reduce standards and would strengthen public protection through shared disciplinary databases and streamlined credentialing. There was also testimony on bills to ensure safe medication administration and to protect the independence of complementary and alternative health care practitioners. Nursing representatives urged that only licensed professionals administer medications in hospitals, hospices, and home care settings, warning that delegation to unlicensed staff could endanger patients and nurses’ licenses. A complementary and alternative care witness supported consumer access with mandatory disclosures and limits on reserved medical acts. On the dental compact, witnesses were split: some supported portability and workforce flexibility, while others warned the compact lacked a hands-on skills exam and could weaken Massachusetts’ regulatory authority and patient safety. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on the psychology compact, physical therapy compact, and physician assistant bills, with most speakers favoring expanded interstate practice and reduced administrative barriers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, this isn't this is just a piece of the solution.
• Donald is Leading a workforce strike force team. Workforce is our number one priority.
• Carson, as well as the Department of Workforce Solutions, who helped with this amendment and I really
• And so in Discussions with Workforce Solutions, who have put in a lot of work on this issue over the
• I'll mention, you know, New Mexico is unique and we need a unique solution.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's move on to page 23, economic and workforce.
• Then on the workforce page, it talks about workforce creating housing, and I'm thinking about efficiencies
• The Early Childhood Education and Care Department.
• In the Workforce Solutions Department, employment is strong.
• I do want to point out the Unemployment Insurance Program in the Workforce Solutions Department on page

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• LFPA programs, which our uh department LFPA programs, which our uh department says<00:26:29.120>
• <00:40:22.960> home put $2 million into workforce home put $2 million into workforce home
• Money is not the solution.
• Money is not the solution. money." Money is not the solution.
• <00:48:00.720> But solution that is workable. But solution that is workable.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Their students are trying to get in to meet workforce demands and struggling to do that.
• The CSU recognizes that access, affordability, and workforce needs are real issues that must be solved
• today, this bill, but the solution is to meaningfully update the master plan on higher education for
• to have been consultation with the workforce boards and with relevant employers.
• We remain committed to working with Senator Blakespear to find a solution that works for all of us.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 998, which would clarify and expand school discrimination prevention coordinator roles, including new coordinators focused on disability and anti-AAPI discrimination. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen school climate, provide clearer guidance and training, and help schools address discrimination before it escalates. Support came from education, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ groups, while some witnesses expressed support if amended but raised concerns about gubernatorial appointments and preferred civil service hiring. Several senators debated whether the bill duplicated existing protections and whether it diverted attention from academic priorities, but the chair and coauthors emphasized it as follow-up legislation tied to prior civil rights commitments. The committee voted SB 998 out on a due pass motion to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the bill was placed on call. The committee then took up SB 1082, which would streamline inter-district transfer appeals by requiring faster district action, concurrent review, and clearer notice when applications are incomplete. The author and sponsor said families often face long delays and inconsistent practices, and supporters argued the bill would improve fairness and reduce administrative burden without changing local approval authority. The California School Boards Association had an oppose-unless-amended position but said it was re-evaluating after amendments, and some other groups said they were removing opposition. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee and placed it on call. Next, the committee heard SB 960 on community college baccalaureate degrees. The author argued the bill would create a statewide framework allowing community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in unmet workforce areas when CSU programs are unavailable or effectively inaccessible because of impaction, while also limiting growth so community colleges do not drift from their core mission. Supporters said the bill would expand access for place-bound students and align with workforce needs, while CSU and faculty opponents warned it could duplicate programs, affect faculty jobs, and worsen pressure on the CSU system. Members debated the master plan, impaction, funding inequities, and whether the bill would siphon students from CSU. The committee ultimately moved SB 960 out on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the bill was placed on call. Finally, Senator Blakespear presented SB 965, which would make it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain public library cards without a parent or guardian physically present. The author and her son described inconsistent local rules and said the bill would reduce barriers while preserving local library policies on checkout and liability. The transcript ended during testimony on SB 965, before any committee vote or further action was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department has made tremendous progress toward that vision.
• Well, maybe talk to the marketing department. I know it sounds good, right?
• Forward and then just cannot have the skills to be in the workforce.
• To the workforce is supported.
• You could analyze it by region, but the solutions are very important.

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• solution.
• of salient solution.
• And then, of course, health care workforce needs.
• And all of those things, and then, of course, workforce, just base workforce.
• , and then, of course, workforce, just base workforce.

Summary: The committee first welcomed new DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez, who introduced herself and described her background in public service, federal and state legislative work, and health and human services leadership. Members emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with her and noted her focus on protecting services, using strategic approaches in a tight budget environment, and improving partnerships with the Legislature. Ramirez said she wanted to keep communication open and that her priorities would be shaped by what she learns from lawmakers and agency partners. The next work session focused on the West Coast Health Alliance and the broader Governor’s Public Health Alliance. Department of Health and governor’s office staff said the West Coast alliance, involving Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii, was formed to coordinate science-based public health guidance, especially around vaccines, return-to-work guidance, and responses to federal changes. They said the alliance is intended to reduce confusion, counter misinformation, and preserve access to evidence-based recommendations, with early actions including vaccine guidance for COVID-19, flu, and RSV, a statement rejecting any vaccine-autism link, and preparation for possible ACIP changes. Members asked about workload and coordination with other regional alliances, and staff said there is informal coordination but no formal regular meetings. The committee then heard from the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange about open enrollment and the effects of federal policy changes. Exchange leaders said the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, HR1 provisions, and immigration-related eligibility changes are affecting affordability and enrollment, with some customers facing large premium increases and some counties becoming harder to serve. They reported early open-enrollment traffic increases, nearly 10,000 new sign-ups, and nearly 12,000 active coverage drops so far, while noting that many more people may disenroll later if subsidies are not extended. They also described mitigation efforts such as silver loading, Cascade Care Savings, outreach through navigators and community partners, and planning for future HR1 requirements like ending auto-renewal and adding verification steps. In the final work session, staff from the Health Care Authority and Insurance Commissioner’s office reviewed Washington’s health reform history and the state’s current affordability and access efforts. They highlighted past ACA-related coverage gains, continued work on prescription drug affordability, PBM oversight, primary care and behavioral health access, and a pending legislative proposal to preserve access to preventive services. They also discussed federal changes affecting Medicaid and the exchange, including work requirements, six-month redeterminations, and the need to coordinate across agencies to implement new rules. Members raised concerns about network adequacy, provider access, and the complexity of the health care system, while staff said they are trying to mitigate harm, simplify administration, and keep coverage and access as stable as possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• This data comes from the Department of Finance.
• Mary Halterman, Department of Finance.
• And our workforce development programs.
• Department of Finance. I am not over the health budget.
• I'm Mary Halterman, Department of Finance.

Keywords: 988, house, all

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• We have Erika Lee from the Department of Finance.
• The Department of Finance met with the different departments to understand their program needs at the
• Just a moment; I think that's with a different department.
• So, I can save that for the Department of Water Resources.
• The Department of Finance, again, so you are correct.

Keywords: 988, house, all

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• Solutions Department.
• So this was a revenue solution to a revenue problem.
• I know we have the workforce to support that.
• Solutions has.
• We're not able to target a 7% return for that fund without In working with the Workforce Solutions Department

Keywords: 996, all

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• to contribute to their families, communities, and society by creating a skilled and knowledgeable workforce
• And essentially what it does is direct the Department of Labor and the Department of Education to create
• of Labor and the direct the Department of Labor and the Department<00:03:18.640> of<00:03:18.799
• for everybody and in fact our Workforce for everybody and in fact our Workforce suffered<00:03:57.239
• when we talk about ending the department when we talk about ending the department of<00:09:34.839

Keywords: 1187, senate, all