Video & Transcript Research : 'termination statements'

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ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Education Apr 2nd, 2025 at 10:00 am

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • On H, closing the account upon graduation of the student, or termination in the program.
  • Or termination in the program.
  • page 7, further down, F, refund payment, for which if services are not provided, or the student terminates
  • So you can strike those, that particular statement, 18, 19, and 20.
  • The amendment that you have, 003, has an addendum from my perspective of striking on page 7 that statement
Keywords: 908, all
Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 1540, an education savings account bill. Senator Wobbema presented Amendment 040-003, describing mostly clarifying and reorganizing changes, including eligibility language, administrator duties, school participation standards, assessment provisions, and a correction removing a requirement that the department pay for state assessment materials if a parent selected that option. The committee adopted the amendment 4-2, then advanced HB 1540 as amended on a 4-2 vote and sent it to Appropriations, with Senator Wobbema designated as carrier. One senator opposed the bill, arguing it would divert resources from public schools and conflict with the state’s obligation to provide a free appropriate education while districts still face funding needs.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Transportation Dec 4th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • The terminal preservation number, that orange piece, is expected cost increase for the Fauntleroy terminal
  • electrification of 16 terminals.
  • There's also funding for the Clinton terminal and the Bremerton terminal.
  • There's also funding for the Clinton terminal and the Bremerton terminal.
  • a corresponding terminal might not be.
Summary: The committee received a detailed staff presentation on Washington State Ferries’ capital needs, current fleet status, and long-range funding outlook. Staff described the current service pattern, ridership recovery since the pandemic, the aging fleet, and the state’s plan to add three new hybrid-electric Olympic-class vessels under the 2025 budget, with delivery expected around 2030-2032. Members also heard that the fleet is operating with no reserve vessel, that preservation time is below the desired level, and that terminal electrification and vessel conversion plans face timing, cost, and procurement risks. Questions focused on ridership trends, biofuel supply, design-risk allocation in vessel contracts, sequencing of terminal electrification with new vessel delivery, and the cost and feasibility of restoring international Sidney service, which would require a SOLAS-certified vessel. Staff then outlined ferry capital funding, saying recent spending and programmed needs are far above regular ferry-specific revenues and that the system relies on a mix of dedicated accounts, transportation package money, federal grants, and transfers. They said the near-term budget is balanced through 2027-29, but the longer-term capital outlook shows a shortfall of roughly $250 million to $300 million per biennium, with broader unmet needs much higher. The presentation estimated costs for future vessels, life extensions, terminal electrification, and additional Jumbo Mark II conversions, and noted that the current enacted plan does not fully fund fleet replacement, full electrification, or life extension of older vessels. Members asked for follow-up information on terminal seismic/environmental issues, contract options for additional vessels, and the timing and cost of alternative vessel designs. The committee then shifted to WSDOT maintenance and preservation. Pascoe Focktich described maintenance operations, including winter response, guardrail repair, facilities, equipment, and the effects of underfunding and inflation. He said most of the maintenance budget is fixed cost and labor, that material prices have risen sharply, and that many facilities are in poor condition with asbestos issues and deferred upkeep. He also noted growing guardrail damage, increasing pavement claims, and the burden of maintaining aging bridges and facilities. Members asked about prior planning for these needs, the role of asbestos, and whether more proactive sequencing could help budget decisions. Troy Suing then presented the highway preservation program, saying WSDOT is in the early stages of critical failure and has stretched preservation dollars as far as possible. He explained the distinction between pavement, bridge, and other highway asset preservation, said the department is largely reactive, and estimated that delaying work can make it three to five times more expensive later. He said about 40% of roadways are currently due or overdue for preservation, bridge conditions are nearing the federal poor-bridge threshold, and the department’s 10-year preservation need is about $8 billion. Members asked about the cost of deferring work, whether the department could do more if funded, how priorities are set, and whether other states face similar problems. Finally, Evan Grimm and Mike Fay briefed the committee on bridge strikes by overheight vehicles. They described recent incidents on I-90 near Cle Elum and SR 410 near White River, the damage and closures caused, and possible countermeasures such as public outreach, improved trip-planning tools, and a pilot warning system with sensors and flashing beacons. Fay explained the state’s financial recovery process for third-party damage, saying WSDOT recovers roughly $20 million per biennium and about 78% to 80% of billed damages, with money going to the motor vehicle fund. Members asked about prevention, insurance recovery, and whether the state uses claim data to inform future design or safety changes.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Judiciary Mar 1st, 2025

House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's more of a statement. Thank you for bringing this bill and your co-sponsors.
  • She may wish to make a brief statement as well. We also have an amendment, Madam Chair.
  • Terminated classified employees are able to appeal their termination pursuant to this Personnel Act and
  • Statement, but I'd be curious to hear your response.
  • Is that a fair statement, Madam Chair? Madam Chair, Representative, I think they do.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Commander, you are now recognized for 10 minutes for your opening statement.
  • Hanson, thank you very much for the question and the statement as well.
  • Cano, for his closing statement.
  • McLaughlin for five minutes for your opening statement. Thank you.
  • Tennyson, you are recognized for five minutes for your opening statement.
Summary: This meeting focused on veteran services, emphasizing the urgent need to address the alarming rate of unemployment and homelessness among veterans. Numerous testimonies were presented detailing the impact of mass furloughs and cutbacks at the VA on personnel, notably veterans who were serving as employees. Various representatives expressed deep concern over how these firings could drastically affect the quality of care available to those who have served the nation. There was a strong call for Congress to bolster funding for existing programs aimed at alleviating veteran homelessness and improving overall care quality, especially in mental health services.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Labor - 03/26/26

Labor

Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, thank you, Madam Chair, and um no specific question, but I'm just uh going to make a statement
  • Um, but I think the concern I have is that, you know, statement made by Ms.
  • Heising, you know, statement made by Ms.
  • That actually has to terminate a worker.
  • a worker does have to be a terminate a worker does have to be a human<01:15:29.240> being.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • the medical care, which was a lot less costly to the state that they would have to pay for his statements
  • And but responsive to one of the statement that was made and the present ones that were given to us by
  • And one of the statement that was made today was that they get released to sponsors that are very good
  • But you know, to test came back and expedite termination of to write. The petition was filed.
  • Despite this exonerating evidence, our rights parental rights were terminated.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING Mar 13th, 2026

LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Transcript Highlights:
  • White updated the committee regarding the completion of the Arkansas legislative audit financial statements
  • conducted by a private CPA firm, and the audit reports contain clean opinions on the financial statements
  • Mayor, we'll start with you if you have an opening statement. Thank you. I do.
  • Mayor, we'll start with you if you have an opening statement.
  • Mayor, we'll start with you if you have an opening statement. Thank you. I do.
Summary: The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met to approve prior minutes and receive reports from several subcommittees and audits. The executive committee reported that audit and special reports were scheduled for presentation, one requested report remained outstanding, and staff had reviewed circuit-court caseload assignments in Benton County’s 19th West Judicial District. The committee also heard that Arkansas legislative audit financial statements and audits for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 received clean opinions with no internal-control findings, and that the report was accepted. The counties and municipalities report covered delinquent private water and sewer audits, with many entities reinstated after filing required reports, and reviewed current and deferred reports; several reports were referred to prosecutors, the attorney general, or the Government Bonding Board. The education audit report covered 57 school district audits, with three districts—Camden Fairview, Forest City, and Eudora—deferred until the June meeting because of findings and referrals. A substitute motion amended the report to file the Nettleton School District report, and the amended report passed. The state agencies report noted findings at the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Transportation and Shared Services, including duplicate payments, collateral issues, record-keeping problems, and missing vehicle logs; the committee filed five reports. The committee then reviewed the City of Pine Bluff’s 2024 financial audit. The city received clean opinions overall, but the management letter identified serious issues in the mayor’s office, Parks and Recreation, and Finance, including unaccounted-for receipts, altered invoices, unallowable and questionable purchases, missing equipment, and weak cash-receipting and reconciliation procedures. City officials, including the mayor and department heads, testified that the problems largely involved prior activity, said they had terminated involved employees, referred matters to law enforcement, and described corrective steps such as a forensic audit, new procurement and accounting procedures, electronic receipting and payments, and software upgrades. After questions from members, the committee voted to file the Pine Bluff report and adjourned, with the next meeting set for June 4-5, 2026.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Ways and Means (04/15/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:31:57.920> will And maybe this surplus statement will And maybe this surplus statement
  • :32:04.159> you<01:32:04.400> were surplus statement that uh you were surplus statement
  • <01:32:11.440> So some of the uh statements, chair. So some of the uh statements, chair.
  • because the surplus statements are us because the surplus statements are not<02:20:13.520> for
  • <04:06:59.040> out that there's a surplus statement out that there's a surplus statement out
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee held a public hearing on SB 60, which would expressly authorize advanced deposit wagering for horse racing in New Hampshire and set the online tax rate at 1.25%, matching the existing rate for in-person horse betting at Seabrook and Belmont. Senator Tim Lang said the bill is intended to clarify that online horse betting is permitted, regulate the activity, and create a revenue stream while keeping the tax rate consistent with brick-and-mortar wagering. Members asked about the rate compared with other states, whether the bill was really about casino front money, and whether geofencing would apply; Lang and later witnesses said the bill is narrowly limited to parimutuel horse racing and would use geofencing to keep wagering within New Hampshire. Peter Bragdon, speaking for Churchill Downs, supported the bill and described advanced deposit wagering as remote betting on horse races under the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978. He said Churchill Downs and other operators have long been active in New Hampshire, but the state’s lack of a specific statute has created a gray area. Bragdon said Churchill Downs stopped its own New Hampshire online operations in 2022 after discussions with the Lottery Commission and attorney general, while competitors continued operating, and he framed the bill as a fairness and consumer-protection measure that would clarify the law going forward. He also said the bill would not affect historic horse racing machines and would not create cannibalization of charitable gaming. Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre said the Lottery Commission and attorney general had identified the issue as similar to the earlier fantasy sports situation, where legislation was used to regulate an activity rather than pursue enforcement. He said the commission requested the bill, would serve as the regulator, and would address violations through rulemaking and penalties. McIntyre said operators would maintain customer and transaction records, with the commission reviewing them as needed, and he noted that three operators are currently active in the state and not paying the proposed 1.25% rate. No vote was taken during the hearing.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 03/03/26

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And happens when you terminate a plan.
  • <01:32:00.719> a the key here is that we're terminating a the key here is that we're terminating
  • fair to say that if we were terminating fair to say that if we were terminating this<01:32:31.360
  • And what do you want to do when they terminate?
  • do you want to do when they terminate? do you want to do when they terminate?
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Health and Human Services (01/14/2026)

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • > you're<00:48:02.079> just prepared statements that you're just prepared statements that
  • contract negotiations or terminations. contract negotiations or terminations.
  • , When provider contracts are terminated, When provider contracts are terminated, it<02:25:07.680
  • If the contract has already been terminated, or if it is prior to actual termination of the contract,
  • , the idea is that after termination, the idea is that after termination, there's<02:35:09.600>
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Health and Human Services Apr 8th, 2026

Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • If you'd like to introduce your staff and make any opening statement.
  • Members, anyone else want to make any statements?
  • , did something change to where it was not for terminal of late?
  • No, you don't have to be terminal because I thought I had heard it was only for people that are terminal
  • statement.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss interim charges regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas human services, particularly focusing on Medicaid and childcare programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of preventing misuse of taxpayer funds, with testimony from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs. Key points included the alarming rise in healthcare fraud in other states, the necessity for Texas to enhance its fraud prevention measures, and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet federal compliance standards. Several committee members expressed concerns about the impact of fraud on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid services. Testimonies from experts underscored the effectiveness of Texas's Office of Inspector General (OIG) in combating fraud, yet pointed out existing vulnerabilities, such as inconsistent enforcement and the need for better data sharing among agencies. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by hospice care providers, with a significant increase in the number of hospices in Texas raising concerns about quality and oversight. The committee heard from various witnesses, including representatives from health plans and advocacy organizations, who provided insights into the complexities of managing Medicaid and the importance of maintaining program integrity. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative solutions to enhance oversight and ensure that resources are directed to those in genuine need.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The two scenarios I put in my letter: One is, I mean, I file a personal financial statement.
  • But it wouldn't... ...client put on the state legislators' personal financial statement.
  • The only consequence there is potential termination of employment, but it basically says this is not
  • These are our proposed treasurer terminations.
  • Is there a motion to approve the terminations proposed by our staff and identified on the agenda?
Summary: The Texas Ethics Commission met on March 11, 2025, first in executive session and then in open session. The chair announced that, in light of Texas Attorney General Opinion KP-484, the commission would conform its practices to the opinion and move to repeal tolling rules for sworn-complaint deadlines. The chair also said the commission would dismiss 36 pending sworn-complaint cases in which the 120-day settlement deadline had been exceeded, even though the delay had been tolled under prior TEC rules. The commission then set future meeting dates for June 12 and September 17 and approved prior meeting minutes. The commission adopted a new criminal-referral rule clarifying that, once jurisdiction over a complaint is accepted, commissioners may vote to make a criminal referral. It also adopted revised advisory-opinion rules, with a clarifying amendment from a commenter, and republished proposed changes to the definition of “principal purpose” for political committees after staff recommended a 49 percent political-activity threshold and further public input. The commission published for comment proposed changes to ethics training rules, facial-compliance review procedures, late-filing waiver and reduction rules, and sworn-complaint procedures, including tighter discovery limits, a default-order set-aside process, and removal of tolling language inconsistent with KP-484. It also republished Chapter 28 rules on Speaker-candidate reporting. The commission adopted several advisory opinions. It declined to give an affirmative defense on whether certain school-district communications were political advertising because related litigation had already addressed the issue. It reaffirmed that a House member may use donated district-office space if it is not reimbursable with public funds and was accepted before the contribution moratorium. It also concluded that a judge may use political funds for travel to a Navy-hosted event as a local dignitary, that legislators’ use of a corporate aircraft for a border-region fact-finding trip could be permissible but would likely trigger reporting obligations, that a TCEQ commissioner’s revolving-door restrictions apply only to matters actually placed before the commissioner, and that a part-time legislative staffer may not take outside employment assisting a registered lobbyist. The commission then heard and acted on numerous fine-waiver appeals, granting several full waivers or reductions and approving staff recommendations on others, and terminated a number of inactive campaign treasurer appointments. Finally, the executive director briefed the commission on the 2025 legislative session, noting that staffing requests are tied to Sunset recommendations and that the House had preliminarily recommended about half of the commission’s appropriations requests.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • , or payment status with the administration and its contractors. ...not in suspension, termination, or
  • costs as amended, requires an employer that fails to reinstate a law enforcement officer who was terminated
  • The bill defines communication to include an electronic communication, a gesture, a verbal statement,
  • SB 1092, dangerous crimes against children probation, prohibits the court from terminating the period
  • SB 1092, dangerous crimes against children probation, prohibits the court from terminating the period
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of Senate bills covering elections, transportation, health care, land use, water, criminal justice, and local government. Several election-related measures were described, including SB 1037 on voting equipment custody and internet/port restrictions, SB 1568 on election system software timekeeping, and SB 1687 moving the primary date to May starting in 2028. Members also discussed bills on photo enforcement fines, roadable aircraft registration, motor vehicle booting, assisted living occupancy limits, and municipal permit and exaction rules. A number of measures were noted as third-read consent items, while others were flagged for further discussion or amendments. Health and public safety bills drew substantial discussion. The committee heard bills on insurance coverage for breast cancer screening, safe-haven hospital surrender of newborns, dialysis documentation, behavioral health licensing compliance, naturopathic IV drug administration, traumatic event counseling for public safety employees, sex offender registration limitations, and probation rules for dangerous crimes against children. Members raised concerns or requested removal from consent on several items, including SB 1095 and SB 1094 related to gender-affirming care for minors, SB 1346 on AHCCCS claims processing, and SB 1178 on naturopathic drug administration. There was also debate over SB 1520 on immigration data sharing and SB 1635 on warning someone about an imminent arrest, with objections citing civil liberties and First Amendment concerns. The committee also considered multiple property, water, and development bills. These included measures on effluent water use for landscaping, groundwater fee diversion in Pinal County, increasing the Water Supply Development Revolving Fund loan cap, creating a foreign entity review commission for real property transfers, and restricting transport of Mexican gray wolf pups into Arizona. Members discussed SB 1419 on solar roof inspections and financing disclosures, and SB 1787 on municipal exactions and appeals, with an amendment proposed to limit it to commercial property. Several members explained their votes or asked to pull bills from consent, and some items were noted as having split votes or anticipated floor amendments. The caucus ended with Rhonda’s election-related bills and a note that the group would move immediately into a closed caucus afterward.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Finance and Tax Jan 28th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • It adds clarity that leases containing a provision that terminates the leasehold interest upon the death
  • It adds clarity that leases contain a provision that terminates the leasehold interest upon the death
  • Is that a fair statement? Yes, sir. Okay. My second question, again, thank you, Mr.
  • Is that a fair statement? Yes, sir. Okay. My second question, again, thank you, Mr.
  • Is that a fair statement to begin with?
Summary: The committee took up three tax-related bills and a staff presentation on the state revenue forecast and the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. SB 856, by Senator DeSigley, would require online real estate listing platforms to display estimated property taxes using state-prescribed methods rather than the current owner’s taxes. Supporters from county, city, and property appraiser groups said the bill would improve transparency for homebuyers, especially first-time buyers and those facing large tax increases after a homestead cap reset. Senators discussed ensuring the estimate appears directly on listing platforms. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 110, by Senator Arrington, which clarifies that people holding 98-year-or-longer residential leases remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends upon death, aligning such leases with life estates for estate-planning purposes. An amendment was adopted to clarify that leases terminating at the lessee’s death are valid under current law. The Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section supported the bill, and Senator Gates noted its importance for long-term leaseholders on barrier islands. The amended bill was reported favorably. SB 434, by Senator Leak, would prevent property tax assessments from increasing because of improvements made to harden homes against wind damage, such as stronger roof attachments, shutters, and secondary water barriers. The sponsor said homeowners should not be penalized for resilience upgrades, and the bill was also reported favorably. Staff director Mr. Khan then reviewed the latest general revenue forecast, noting collections were running about $230 million above prior estimates through November and that the new forecast added roughly $500 million in the first budget year, with a smaller increase in the second year. He said corporate income tax was the main weakness in the forecast, due to softer collections and uncertainty around tariffs, while other sources were generally stronger. In the second half of the presentation, he explained that the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act would significantly affect Florida’s corporate income tax base if fully conformed to, with an estimated $3.5 billion general revenue impact in fiscal year 2026-27, largely because of retroactive provisions such as bonus depreciation and research expensing. Senators and the appropriations chair discussed the budget implications, including possible ways to limit the impact through decoupling or prospective treatment. No votes were taken on the forecast presentation, and the committee adjourned after members requested to be recorded as voting in favor on SB 856 and SB 110.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Health and Human Services (04/23/2025)

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:03:29.359> ill go further, allowing terminally ill go further, allowing terminally ill
  • The law should terminal illnesses.
  • journey near with a terminal diagnosis. journey near with a terminal diagnosis.
  • So I know I have a statement and I did make my statement. I'm sorry.
  • statement and I did make my statement. statement and I did make my statement.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Transportation Committee Dec 3rd, 2025

Joint Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • To be a covered terminal, the terminal has to receive 20 or more visits per year from one of those vessel
  • California has 12 public ports and private terminals.
  • Washington has 75 public ports as well as private terminals.
  • Next, there are power cables that run to the terminal.
  • There's a vision statement, a shared vision statement developed by the process.
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.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion

Transcript Highlights:
  • That statement holds true today.
  • Those terminations were illegal. ...$2.2 billion in federal grants.
  • Those terminations were illegal.
  • We created the value statement in 2016.
  • We reject all forms of biased statements...
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on “Protecting Equity in Higher Education” and emphasized that no bills were being heard. Members and witnesses focused on the effects of recent federal actions on DEI, admissions, financial aid, student loans, international students, and campus equity efforts in Massachusetts. Opening remarks from the co-chairs and the chair of Higher Education highlighted Massachusetts’ investments in free community college, expanded financial aid, and early college programs, while warning that federal policy changes could undermine those gains. Testimony from BU law professor Jonathan Feingold argued that many DEI practices remain legally defensible after Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, and that the decision did not end all race-conscious or equity-oriented efforts. He said the Trump administration’s anti-DEI actions and funding threats were legally suspect and had created confusion and a chilling effect. Bahar Akman-in-Boden of the Hildreth Institute testified that proposed federal cuts to TRIO, Gear Up, Pell Grants, SEOG, work-study, and student loan programs would disproportionately harm low-income, first-generation, Black, Latino, and other underserved students, and urged the state to prepare hold-harmless and advising supports using Fair Share revenue. Commissioner Noe Ortega described Massachusetts’ long history of equity in higher education and said the state has expanded aid, success programs, and early college, but still has work to do on attainment and completion. He said the state responded to SFFA by creating ACARE and continuing to defend equity practices, while also warning that federal disruptions and “dear colleague” letters have created uncertainty. In the second panel, state university leaders and campus officials said federal threats to Pell, DEI grants, Medicaid, and international student policies could affect access, campus operations, and the economy; they stressed that most state university graduates stay in Massachusetts and that institutions are continuing their equity practices despite federal pressure. Roxbury Community College’s president said RCC remains committed to open access and inclusion, noted enrollment growth, and said executive orders do not change existing law or the college’s obligations.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Fraud Committee Meeting - 2025-09-17

Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm sorry, I'm going to finish my statement.
  • So when, in fact, will the program be terminated?
  • I can tell you that at the earliest, it will be terminated in October. 20th.
  • And then on August 1st, I Stopped and asked CMS to terminate Housing Stabilization Services.
  • In your statement, you said you didn't have the... I don't know if I did. I misspoke.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, anyone else want to make any statements?
  • No, you don't have to be terminal?
  • It's terminal, and you certify.
  • They sign the document and they're approved for terminal illness.
  • Well, I would say it's not an appropriate statement.”
Keywords: 1185, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Elections - 02/11/25

Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • computer, my keys, and my phone, and said that I was going to be terminated.
  • They never gave me the opportunity to keep my... terminated or not it was my job to keep terminated or
  • When you're listed as terminated, nobody wants you.
  • I think it starts out by trying to make the statement and making sure people hear the statement.
  • But I think it's a statement that's worth making and worth our passing.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all