Transcript Highlights:

• day to add additional time for recess, that would not constitute instructional time outside of the ED
• day to add additional time for recess, that would not constitute instructional time outside of the ED
• day to add additional time for recess, that would not constitute instructional time outside of the ED
• rules the way they are outside of the ED rules the way they are currently<01:29:18.639> written.
• rules either that I'm aware of in ED rules either that states<01:32:57.760> how<01:32:58.080>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I testified just a few weeks ago to the House Higher Ed Committee, where we were described as a small
• Committee where we were House Higher Ed Committee where we were described<00:59:10.079> as<00
• I'm the senior policy director at Ed Allies. We're advocates for students.
• the senior policy director at Ed Allies. the senior policy director at Ed Allies.
• The barrier is that, as currently designed, these dollars flow through the higher ed institution.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you know, I think there's only so much money that especially in a 790 bill that we can do for higher ed
• it should be substantial enough that we can kind of keep up with the deferred maintenance for higher ed
• you know, I think there's only so much money that especially in a 790 bill that we can do for higher ed
• we can do especially in a 790 bill that we can do for<01:01:40.000> higher<01:01:40.359> ed
• unfortunately and I would for higher ed unfortunately and I would like<01:01:42.160> it<01:01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:38:27.760> more ensure that shelters are Ed more ensure that shelters are Ed more appropriately
• ><01:31:26.679> the<01:31:26.800> department<01:31:27.159> of<01:31:27.280> Ed
• but I'm not I think the department of Ed but I'm not I think the department of Ed can<01:31:27.719
• our strong support of SB 17, which would allow our company to continue working with the Department of Ed
• our strong support of SB 17, which would allow our company to continue working with the Department of Ed

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• those funds come in on the lottery side, like you're saying... ...we will put them either in higher ed
• or K through 12 ed, correct?
• conference committee taking a step back and, again, going with the governor's recommendation on higher ed
• back to the direction that all the other language has, even in the intention of developing that higher ed
• to the direction that all the other language has in, even in the intention of developing that higher ed

Summary: The meeting was a lengthy conference committee review of multiple budget bills, with most of the discussion focused on House Bill 2 and related education funding. Members walked through numerous fund switches and appropriations tied to the foundation formula, blind pension, Capital Commission, Lottery Proceeds, and Classroom Trust funds. Several members urged fully funding the foundation formula or getting as close as possible, while others defended the compromise approach as a way to close the gap with available revenue. The committee also settled a number of education-related items, including child care grants, career ladder, school safety training, assessment pilots, Title I reallocation, parents as teachers language, child care subsidy language, and flex percentages on selected lines. The committee agreed to sign the House Bill 2 conference report after resolving the listed positions and language compromises. The committee then moved through House Bill 3 on higher education, agreeing to most Senate positions and a conference proposal directing the department to develop a new higher education funding model by December 1, 2026. Several members raised concerns about the timeline and whether the model would preserve separate funding buckets for two-year and four-year institutions, but the proposal was retained. House Bill 2004, covering transportation, was also reviewed, with compromises on items such as safety operations, low-volume roads, port funding, and several flex percentages. Members discussed the use of Capital Commission dollars and the status of road and port projects, and the bill was advanced with the agreed positions. House Bill 5, dealing with information technology and administration, generated substantial debate over a new Senate-added language proposal for OA/ITSD. Several members objected that the language was overly prescriptive, resembled a resolution, and could steer the state toward a specific cloud-computing direction or vendor; others said it was intended to create accountability and a plan for better oversight of IT spending. The committee left some items open briefly, then returned with a shorter conference proposal and agreed to distribute it. House Bill 7, House Bill 8, House Bill 9, and House Bill 2010 were also handled, with a mix of Senate, House, and compromise positions on public safety, veterans, agriculture, economic development, and behavioral health items. The committee recessed several times and repeatedly instructed members to sign the conference reports after the agreed changes were read into the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• is something quite a spectacle to see and amazing to see that we are able to support our kids in ag ed
• is something quite a spectacle to see and amazing to see that we are able to support our kids in ag ed
• , which continue to grow. able to support our kids in ag ed, which continue to grow.
• action planning process will also examine current funding streams, including WIOA, K through 16, adult ed
• You'll see the yellow dot in 2021-22, which was the year that our work was codified in Ed Code.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance heard an overview of the governor’s new Career Education Master Plan and related budget items. Labor Secretary Knox described the plan as an effort to reduce fragmentation across K-12, community colleges, workforce boards, and other systems by improving statewide and regional coordination, data sharing, skills-based hiring, career pathways, and wraparound supports such as child care, housing, food, and transportation. Members asked how success would be measured, how the plan would serve disconnected youth and adults, and whether the proposed data integration would rely on Cradle to Career; the secretary said it would. The Department of Finance said it was available to answer questions on the education side. The committee then reviewed existing CTE funding and oversight. The LAO, CDE, and Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office described the major ongoing programs, including CTIG, Perkins, K-12 Strong Workforce, and Community College Strong Workforce, and noted that many programs overlap in purpose and administration. Members repeatedly raised concerns about duplication, annual applications and reporting burdens, lack of clear outcome metrics, and whether funding incentives should be better aligned to regional collaboration. CDE and the Chancellor’s Office said they support alignment and dual enrollment, and Finance and CDE said LCFF/local match dollars are part of the funding structure. The committee also discussed child care as a barrier to participation and the need for better tracking of enrollment, completion, and job outcomes. On the consolidated application proposal, Finance proposed a study directing CDE to examine whether three long-standing CTE grant programs—Specialized Secondary Programs, CTIG, and California Partnership Academies—could be streamlined into a single application and reporting process. The LAO supported reducing administrative burden but noted that the largest programs, CTIG and K-12 Strong Workforce, were excluded from the proposal even though districts most often cite them as burdensome. CDE said it did not oppose the study but warned that statutory differences may limit consolidation. Members said the proposal should better address regional coordination, multi-year funding stability, and outcome measures rather than only simplifying paperwork. Finally, the committee heard a proposal for a $5 million ongoing California Education Interagency Council. GovOps said the council would provide a neutral venue for statewide coordination across education and workforce systems. The LAO opposed the proposal, arguing that existing bodies already provide coordination, the proposal does not change agency incentives, and the council would lack authority to implement decisions. Members expressed mixed views, with some supporting a coordinating body and others questioning whether it would differ from past efforts. No votes were taken during the portions summarized here, and the committee indicated it would hold some items open for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, so they do two years on the main campus doing their gen eds and other requirements, and then they
• Uh, so they do two years on the main campus doing their gen eds and other requirements, and then they
• Uh, so they do two years on the main campus doing their gen eds and other requirements, and then they
• Uh, so they do two years on the main campus doing their gen eds and other requirements, and then they
• Uh, so they do two years on the main campus doing their gen eds and other requirements, and then they

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 20 January, 2026; 2:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: Mississippi State University officials testified in support of the university’s separately funded agricultural, forestry, and veterinary units, emphasizing their economic impact, research output, and need for continued state support. Keith Cobalt, vice president for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, said the division generates a $1.7 billion impact on Mississippi, but warned that state and local funding has not kept pace with federal dollars or inflation. He argued that global competition, especially from China and Brazil, is hurting row crop and forestry producers, and highlighted a Vision 2030 study finding about $10 billion in agricultural and forestry value leaves the state through value-added processing. He also raised concerns about rural depopulation and proposed rural innovation hubs to help retain population and jobs. Nick Frank, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, said state appropriations make up about 25% of the college’s operating budget and are needed to support salaries, staffing, and service capacity. He described the college’s education, diagnostic, and clinical missions, including disease surveillance and responses to threats such as avian influenza, screwworm, and equine herpes virus. Frank said the college is expanding facilities with $18 million in 2024 state funding for a new farm animal hospital and cattle handling facility, but still needs additional support for equine and small animal renovations. He also requested support for rural veterinary scholarships and said inflation and salary competition from other schools and private practice are making retention difficult. In response to committee questions, Frank said the college enrolls about 118 to 119 students per class, with roughly 54 to 55 in-state students and tuition of about $29,900 for in-state and $53,000 for out-of-state students. He clarified that the “vet assistants” program is a four-year bachelor’s degree in veterinary medical technology, not a certificate. He also explained that staffing growth has largely been in the hospitals to address clinical shortages and improve care. Dr. Westberger, dean of the College of Forest Resources and director of the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, said Mississippi’s forests support a $19 billion economic impact, 84,000 jobs, and a $4.5 billion payroll, while also providing environmental benefits. He said the college and research center are nationally recognized, including an NSF ranking placing Mississippi State 10th in natural resource conservation research expenditures for a small university. Westberger highlighted research on forest management, pest detection, mass timber, wildlife disease surveillance, and value-added bioproducts, including efforts to attract mills and manufacturing. He said Mississippi has added 10 mills or mill expansions in five years with more than $1.5 billion in investment and over 1,000 high-paying jobs, and noted the college is planning a new mass-timber annex to address capacity and showcase the material. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• English is not their first language, and uh a lot of special needs, special ed students.
• English is not their first language, and uh a lot of special needs, special ed students.
• 01:16:53.600> directly<01:16:54.080> with<01:16:54.560> public<01:16:54.880> ed
• directly with public ed uh to support<01:16:56.239> all<01:16:56.560> students.
• The reason we were worried about our girls is because they came from public ed with very low scores.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September meeting minutes, and heard presentations from Carter G. Woodson Academy in Lexington and related school programs in Fayette County Public Schools. School leaders described the academy as an all-male public school option focused on culture, belonging, and opportunity, with a mission to educate, empower, and equip young men academically, socially, and morally. They emphasized culturally responsive instruction, restorative practices, mentorship, brotherhood circles, and access to advanced coursework, dual enrollment, and career pathways. Student speakers highlighted school culture, leadership opportunities, and clubs such as SGA, Beta Club, FFA, and the Bow Tie Club, along with service and community engagement. Presenters said the academy began in 2012, is housed with Frederick Douglass High School, uses an application and lottery process, and can serve up to about 350 students but is intentionally kept near 300 because of space. They reported 302 enrolled students, about 38 seniors, a 100% graduation rate, 95% average attendance, 100% postsecondary success, and $1.8 million in scholarship offers last year. They also shared demographic and achievement data, noting growth in MAP scores, strengths in reading and writing, and math as an ongoing focus area. The school said 90% of high school scholars are taking at least one dual credit class this year, and some students have earned opportunities at selective programs such as Gatton Academy and Craft Academy. Committee members praised the school’s results and asked about enrollment, funding, and whether the model could be replicated statewide. School leaders said the program is fully funded through Fayette County Public Schools, could be replicated with committed staff and training, and that teachers receive preparation through the Gearing Institute to better understand how boys learn. They also noted that Fayette County has other specialized programs, including girls’ academies and other options for underrepresented students. Members expressed interest in long-term tracking of graduates, and the school said it is preparing to study outcomes as the first graduating class approaches its 10-year anniversary.

Transcript Highlights:

• My parents first met Ed at a St.
• My parents first met Ed at a firsthand.
• He told me Ed was one assessment review.
• Ed never missed and was beyond reproach.
• Patrick's Day, Ed was Dingus Day, or St.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, and you also have Senate Bill 206, which the Senate passed and it's in ED policy.
• <00:41:30.640> So Senate passed and it's in ED policy.
• So Senate passed and it's in ED policy.
• Senate Bill 292 is currently in House ED funding right now.
• currently in House ED funding right now. currently in House ED funding right now.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislature in the Commonwealth had a very sad loss yesterday with the passing of Lowell State Senator Ed
• regional buses and transit overall, more money for literacy training, more money for public higher ed
• and transit overall, a better team, more money for literacy training, more money for public higher ed
• Public higher ed campus repairs, new vocational school seats, Fair Share—that is taxing the very wealthiest

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue, chaired by Senator James Eldridge and Representative Adrian Madaro, opened its hearing with a moment of silence for the late Lowell State Senator Ed Kennedy and reviewed hearing procedures and deadlines. The committee then took testimony on several corporate tax bills, including S. 2033/H. 3110 on offshore tax avoidance, H. 3248 on a manufacturing tax exemption, H. 3057 on a tiered corporate minimum tax, and S. 2041 on a corporate tax haven blacklist, along with a separate business interest deduction bill. No votes were taken during the hearing. Supporters of S. 2033/H. 3110, including labor unions, health care workers, educators, public health advocates, seniors, and several legislators, argued that Massachusetts needs new revenue to offset federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, health care, education, and other services. They said the bill would raise roughly $400 million annually by increasing the share of offshore profits included in the state tax base from 5% to 50%, and they framed it as a fairness measure that would require large multinational corporations to pay more while leaving most local businesses and workers unaffected. Testimony emphasized risks to MassHealth, PCA services, adult dental care, hospitals, schools, and public health programs if new revenue is not raised. Opponents, including the Mass Taxpayers Foundation and the Council on State Taxation, argued the proposal is poor tax policy and likely unconstitutional because it would tax foreign-source income without allowing foreign tax credits or a comparable apportionment method. They said Massachusetts should take a broader, coordinated approach to federal tax changes rather than a standalone bill, and warned of litigation risk and possible double taxation. Supporters such as MassBudget and former tax counsel Don Griswold countered that the bill is a reasonable rough-justice approach, consistent with federal and neighboring-state treatment, and that it would primarily affect a small number of very large multinationals. On S. 2041, the Global Business Alliance opposed the proposed tax haven blacklist, while supporting a separate bill allowing business interest deductibility.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, we represent about 117,000 educators across the Commonwealth, pre-K through higher ed.
• As you know, we represent about 117,000 educators across the Commonwealth, pre-K through higher ed.
• That includes our human capital, our students at the pre-K through higher ed level, our quality of life
• some of our greatest assets that includes our human capital, our students at the pre-K through higher ed

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on H. 4975, Governor Healey’s bill to manage the impact of the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OB3) on Massachusetts tax law and state revenues. Administration officials, led by Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorowitz, said OB3 would otherwise reduce FY26 revenue by about $442 million and argued for a phased-in conformity approach that would preserve the current-year budget while still adopting selected federal business tax provisions over time. The proposal would phase in the research and experimental expenditure deduction first, delay other major corporate provisions for two years, extend the pass-through entity excise to income subject to the 4% surtax, add a one-year delay mechanism for future federal tax changes over $20 million, limit opportunity zone benefits to Massachusetts investments, and make smaller technical changes to DFML contributions and casino reporting thresholds. Committee members questioned the rationale for phasing in rather than fully decoupling, the effect on the budget if the bill did not pass, and the treatment of opportunity zones, the surtax, and future federal tax changes. Public testimony was split. MassBudget, Progressive Massachusetts, and several labor and public-sector groups urged the committee to permanently decouple from the federal corporate tax changes rather than delay them, arguing that the bill would still send state revenue to corporate tax breaks, often for investments outside Massachusetts, and that the state should protect funding for schools, health care, human services, and other public services. The Massachusetts Society of CPAs supported the administration’s timing and the research-and-development provisions, citing filing deadlines and the importance of certainty for businesses and startups. Business and tax experts also testified that rushed conformity can create revenue losses and that the governor’s review-and-delay framework was a prudent improvement, though some said decoupling should be the default if the Legislature does not act. Unite Here Local 26 testified against sections 3 and 4, which would raise the slot-machine jackpot reporting threshold from $1,200 to $2,000, arguing the current threshold helps with problem-gambling intervention, preserves slot attendant jobs, and generates revenue. Several union leaders, including the Massachusetts Teachers Association, AFT Massachusetts, SEIU 509, the Massachusetts Building Trades, the AFL-CIO, and 1199 SEIU, urged permanent decoupling, warning that OB3’s federal tax cuts and related spending reductions would worsen budget pressures, harm public services, and shift costs onto workers, patients, and schools. No votes were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Ed Murray, Representative Ed Murray, is also a member of Afa Fiafah. Thank you so much.
• Senate Resolution No. 123 by Senator Fesi is a resolution to designate Tuesday, May 19, 2026, as Early Ed
• Senate Resolution No. 123 by Senator Fesi is a resolution to designate Tuesday, May 19, 2026, as Early Ed

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And uh, and we have Captain Ed Forte of the East Volunteer Fire Company here with us this evening.
• /c><00:08:35.839> have<00:08:36.240> uh<00:08:36.880> Captain<00:08:37.440> Ed
• <00:08:37.839> Forte And uh and we have uh Captain Ed Forte And uh and we have uh Captain
• Ed Forte of<00:08:38.719> the<00:08:38.959> East<00:08:39.519> Volunteer<00:08:40.159

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, February 9, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with an invocation by the Reverend Mihi Kim Court of First Presbyterian Church in Annapolis, and received remarks praising her social justice work and support for the LGBTQ community. The chamber also welcomed several visiting groups, including the Poolsville Town Council, the Maryland Commission on Women, Citizens for a Cleaner County, BUILD, District 37 visitors, and child care advocates participating in an “Evening in Annapolis for Child Care.” The Senate also introduced its weekly pages from schools across the state. Before moving to legislation, senators briefly discussed Senate rules and quorum procedures, including whether the 2025 rules govern the 2026 session and how presence and voting work during a protest. The presiding officer confirmed that the 2025 rules remain in effect, that physical presence counts for voting, and that senators present may vote when called. The chamber then referred a large batch of newly introduced measures to standing committees, including bills on artificial intelligence in education, pharmacist vaccine orders, parole commission matters, lead risk reduction, solar and energy storage policy, and several joint resolutions and bond initiatives. The Senate also noted that 234 bills had been introduced that day, bringing the total to Senate Bill 954, and thanked the Senate staff and Department of Legislative Services for their work. Later, the body heard a Black History Month presentation from the senator from Baltimore City and Baltimore County highlighting the importance of historical memory and honoring figures such as Pauli Murray, Ella Baker, and Fannie Lou Hamer, with detailed remarks on their activism and contributions. The remarks were journalized, and the Senate adjourned without objection until Tuesday, February 10 at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• EDs and K-12 on board.
• Okay, let's jump to higher ed. How many are participating, and how many are not?
• And with these cyber initiatives At these, Madam Chair, at the higher ed, are you helping if they have
• We have partnered with PE Ed and Its literacy program, and so when we do four hours of literacy training

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I did not know that the College of Ed had merged into this larger college, so I'm actually really glad
• And so I'm wondering if that's happening in the College of Ed and/or in the College of Nursing or anywhere
• called the HEST Ambassadors, who do everything from promoting events to attending conferences like Ed
• I know there's a budget process through higher ed that you have to go through, but I think this was a

Transcript Highlights:

• I became a teacher, a physics teacher, a Bible teacher, and even a special ed teacher before I got...
• The Florida Department of Ed spent a lot of time on this, and we're very confident. in the results there
• We're not choosing the Higher Ed Coordinating Board.
• So the Higher Ed Coordinating Board would be able to decide that. a university wanted to use CLT, they

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First up on our list from the Department of Transportation, Director Ed Sniffen or representative. expand
• the Department of<00:14:42.480> Transportation,<00:14:43.440> Director<00:14:43.839> Ed
• <00:14:44.000> Snifen<00:14:44.560> or of Transportation, Director Ed Snifen or of
• Transportation, Director Ed Snifen or Representative.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard and acted on several resolutions related to housing, emergency preparedness, public safety, corrections, transportation, and wildfire mitigation. Measures discussed included HCR 67 on developing a comprehensive strategy for updated building codes; HCR 164 on maintaining publicly accessible hurricane shelter lists; HCR 180 on coordinated homelessness response; HCR 37 on emergency outreach to kupuna; HCR 121 on expanding Kolekole Pass as an emergency exit route; HCR 43 on studying highway patrol and speed cameras; HR 69 on vegetation management and wildfire risk; HCR 133 on supporting a floating dry dock at Pearl Harbor; HCR 153 on reducing the use of private out-of-state prisons; and HTR 23 on the new Oahu Community Correctional Center design and inmate release procedures. Testimony was largely supportive across the agenda. Supporters included state agencies, advocacy groups, and individuals, with some measures drawing comments or suggested amendments. For HCR 69, the Division of Consumer Advocacy, PUC, Hawaiian Electric, Charter Communications, and Life of the Land all supported the measure, though some requested amendments or raised due process concerns. For HCR 121, the Department of Transportation said improvements were planned later in the year to allow emergency access through Kolekole Pass, and public testimony emphasized wildfire, tsunami, and evacuation concerns. For HCR 43, DOT supported the study, and testimony noted possible benefits for enforcement and court efficiency. HCR 37 received strong support from ARP Hawaii, social work students, caregivers, and other community groups focused on kupuna safety. The committees took action on all items. HCR 67, HCR 164, HCR 180, HCR 37, HCR 121, HCR 43, HCR 133, HCR 153, and HTR 23 were all recommended for passage, with some measures passed as is and others with amendments. HCR 69 was amended to add the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Education, and to incorporate suggested amendments from Charter Communications and Hawaiian Telecom. HCR 121 was passed with technical amendments. Votes were recorded in favor on each measure, with some members excused and one no vote noted on HCR 43. The meetings concluded with adjournment after the final votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• According to a July 2022 survey from the Ed Week Research Center, 6 out of 10 teachers say that compensation
• The way the system works is, okay, well, now that you're not in general ed, we're going to claw back
• room, and you didn't know which one was the special education teacher and which one was the general ed
• That general ed teacher is supposed to implement the IEP and the BIP by themselves and then teach the

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll also say the LFC recommendation we'll see in a minute has some growth items related to public ed
• Higher Ed.
• on legislation that would embed the performance management aspects of the GROW Fund into the Public Ed
• talking about the GROW dollars and the Public Education Department, those were generally from the Public Ed