Transcript Highlights:

• In general government, the budget includes $79 million General Fund in 2025-26 to backfill insufficient
• AB 137 is the general government trailer bill.
• Upon reaching agreement on components, I emailed the language out to several tribal governments.
• Undocumented Californians will now face impossible choices at the hands of our state government.
• We try to push back on the federal government breaking up families and breaking up communities.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, then we'll procure long lead investments. They'll perform due diligence on the site.
• </c><00:15:36.160><c> long</c> So again, then we'll uh procure long So again, then we'll uh procure long
• One important element of Founders Fund is that it's worked very closely with the government in the past
• to solve problems that were previously the domain of government, but that required a new commercial
• um but that the domain of government um but that required<00:59:13.520><c> a</c><00:59:13.760><c> new

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force met with a quorum, adopted prior meeting minutes, and then focused on energy policy and economic development as they relate to AI and data centers. John Bevington of LG&E and KU, introduced by Caroline Clark of LG&E/KU and PPL, described the utility’s Kentucky-only service territory, vertically integrated system, 1.3 million customers, and about 7.5 gigawatts of generating capacity. He said the company has supported 76 Kentucky projects in 2024 totaling about $3 billion in announced investment and roughly 3,000 jobs, with a large share of statewide announcements occurring in its service area. Bevington said LG&E and KU’s current project pipeline is unusually strong, totaling about 170 projects and 8.5 gigawatts of requested power, with data centers accounting for about two-thirds of that demand. He broke the pipeline into existing customer expansions, new-to-Kentucky projects, and 20 data center projects representing about 5.6 gigawatts of potential load. He highlighted a Louisville data center project by PO Development Company and Powerhouse Data Centers that has announced a 400-megawatt facility and may expand to 525 megawatts, estimating that such a project could represent about $4 billion in investment. He also explained that large data centers generally must locate near transmission lines and that utilities must conduct studies, order long-lead equipment, and secure reimbursement commitments before proceeding so other customers are not harmed. Members asked about how Kentucky compares with other states, the size of data center projects, and whether regulatory reform is needed. Bevington said the 20 projects reflect current Kentucky interest, which he attributed in part to the state’s sales tax exemption for data centers, and noted that states like Ohio have had similar incentives for years. In response to questions from Senator Thomas, he confirmed that data centers can vary in size and said the state should have a regulatory environment that supports economic development, while emphasizing that the benefits would flow to the state, local communities, and schools rather than just the utility. He also cited national and regional data suggesting data centers generate indirect jobs and tax revenue, and said LG&E and KU are investing in transmission, reliability, solar, and gas generation projects, including proposed additional 645-megawatt natural gas units and other system upgrades, to meet expected demand.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then Section 5 is a Senator Eabler bill on the site governed schools. Section 6 is on page 17.
• Then Section 5 is a Senator Eabler bill on the site governed schools. Section 6 is on page 17.
• </c> governance process of charter schools. governance process of charter schools.
• are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
• SF3870 consent of the governed. Certainly, we consent of the governed.

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• identifying new joint capabilities and performing net assessments to ensure each of the services are procuring
• the applicable laws and regulations governing conflicts of interest? Yes Senator, I have.
• The Department of Defense... despite managing the largest discretionary budget of the federal government
• to form insidious tactics, linking criminal activities or undesired political speech to hostile governments
• What would we do differently than we're doing right now on the procurement side and the execution side

Committee: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: national security, military readiness, Kane nomination, defense budget, China threats, Russia, collaboration, modernization

Summary: The meeting centered on the nomination of retired Lieutenant General Dan Kane for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delving into various security concerns and the strategic environment facing the U.S. today. Testimonies highlighted the growing threats from adversaries such as China and Russia, with discussions around the necessity of maintaining and modernizing military capabilities to address these challenges. The need for agility in military operations and enhancing collaboration among various defense agencies was underscored. Further, concerns were raised regarding the defense budget and the importance of a strong national defense strategy were prevalent throughout the discussions. The committee members collectively emphasized the need for superior readiness and modernization to keep pace with global threats.

Transcript Highlights:

• can significantly delay or prevent DSH from procuring these critical resources.
• The immediate impact of this proposal cut would affect our current procurement.
• Put simply, we're the only entity in state government looking at innovation for a broken system.
• people who have unsatisfactory immigration status, as deemed by the federal government.
• This is also due to recent direction from the federal government.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held a May Revision hearing covering several health-related budget proposals and broader concerns about the state’s budget structure. The Chair opened by praising some May Revision changes, such as added health IT funding, county administration support tied to Medi-Cal changes, a delay in Medi-Cal cuts for some lawfully present immigrants, and additional support for Covered California subsidies, while criticizing proposed increases in Medi-Cal premiums, changes to senior eligibility, the lack of a Medi-Cal dental solution, and other reductions affecting counties, mobile crisis units, workforce incentives, and physician shortages. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the state’s budget condition remains weak despite progress on the structural deficit, and the Department of Finance said the May Revision uses a mix of reductions, reforms, revenue proposals, and fund shifts to cut out-year deficits. The committee first heard Department of State Hospitals proposals, including adjustments to county bed billing authority, contract exemption language for online clinical/pharmacy subscriptions, reversion of unspent funds, a revised Metro Central Utility Plant replacement project, electronic health record implementation, and workforce development funded partly through Behavioral Health Services Act resources. DSH also described savings and realignments in incompetent-to-stand-trial and conditional release programs, including extending the independent placement panel program and shifting funds to support additional bed capacity and a mental health rehab center. Members asked about the use of BHSA funds for workforce programs, and the department said the proposal would replace General Fund support with BHSA reimbursements. The Emergency Medical Services Authority proposed funding for statewide behavioral health crisis response guidance and for enterprise system development, and the Department of Managed Health Care proposed modernization of its complaint system and claims-settlement data system to improve oversight and comply with AB 3275. The largest discussion centered on the administration’s BHSA spending plan under Proposition 1, including state-directed prevention, workforce, and other uses, plus General Fund offsets for existing programs. The LAO questioned whether some proposed offsets fit Proposition 1’s non-supplant and eligible-use requirements, while the administration argued the uses were consistent with the measure and that the state-directed share can be adjusted annually. The Commission for Behavioral Health’s proposals drew the most public and member concern. The administration proposed cutting the commission’s Innovation Partnership Fund from $20 million to $10 million and reducing the Community Advocacy Program by $6.7 million, while redirecting BHSA dollars to other state purposes and direct services. Commissioners, advocates, and several members argued the cuts would weaken community voice, reduce support for underserved populations, and disrupt grants already in process; they also objected to using BHSA funds to backfill General Fund commitments. Public commenters, including youth, disability, behavioral health, LGBTQ, tribal, veteran, immigrant, and community-based organization representatives, overwhelmingly opposed the cuts and urged preservation of prevention, advocacy, mobile crisis, and innovation funding. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> government as I understand them. government as I understand them.
• entities or quasi-government government entities or quasi-government entities<00:18:36.919><c> come<
• Um, there are two articles, state government and local government.
• I would government and local government.
• </c> government-controlled land. government-controlled land.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, welcome to this meeting of the Government Contracts Committee.
• chief procurement officer for the university, identified themselves and were sworn in.
• </c> government relations at the university. government relations at the university.
• 00:40:43.680><c> the</c> chief procurement officer for the chief procurement officer for the university
• I work in the Division of Construction Procurement for the Transportation Cabinet. Okay.

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met with a quorum and approved the July 8 minutes. It then deferred several items from the July agenda, including a Kentucky Education Television contract because the vendor was not yet registered with the Secretary of State, and a University of Louisville contract at the university’s request. The committee also deferred a behavioral health memorandum of agreement and later a Department of Community Based Services contract after questions were raised about the scope of services and the need for additional information. The most extensive discussion involved the Seven Counties Services contract with the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities. Committee members questioned why the state continues to contract with Seven Counties despite its bankruptcy and pension-related liabilities, how the funding split was determined, whether the services are statutorily required, and whether the state or another provider could deliver the services more efficiently. Agency representatives said Seven Counties is the sole provider of core community mental health services in its region, serves about 24,500 people, and that service needs and acuity remain high even as the number served has declined. A cabinet attorney said the bankruptcy dispute is ongoing and involves roughly $20 million in contested retirement contributions, though members suggested the amount may be higher. Members also raised broader concerns about whether local governments, especially Metro Louisville, should contribute more toward services tied to social determinants of health, and whether the contract includes services beyond what statute requires. The committee requested additional information on the contract scope and possible offsets or recovery of unfunded liabilities, and then voted to defer the Seven Counties contract to the next meeting. The committee also heard a separate DCBS presentation on the Youth Villages Intercept program, where staff explained it was selected because it is an approved evidence-based Family First prevention service, provides intensive in-home and foster care stabilization services, and is headquartered in Tennessee but operates across Kentucky; members asked for clarification on Medicaid billing and additional funding needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're oftentimes in the state and federal government. Sometimes presume certain positions.
• But from the county perspective, what role can local governments play in strengthening water planning
• This is the amount of money that the federal government is bringing in through taxes.
• You can also think of it as the amount of money that the government is spending.
• Currently, it's a 50-50 split between the state and the federal government.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• So if a project owner of a LEED-certified building, if they were interested in wanting to procure lower
• carbon material, ...interested in wanting to procure lower carbon materials and wanted to take advantage
• Steven Wancoff, 911 Bureau Chief, with the Department of Finance, Local Government Division.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 253, a committee substitute dealing with virtual and distance learning programs and school funding. Sponsors and staff explained that the substitute removed several earlier restrictions on virtual education, including residency requirements, the 10% enrollment cap, the ban on K-5 distance programs, and the moratorium on new enrollments. It also changed the State Cyber Academy Act to the Distance Learning Act, added reporting and evaluation requirements for districts and charter schools, and allowed the Public Education Department to withhold funding if programs are out of compliance. Members discussed concerns about impacts on rural districts, charter schools, and programs like Mosquero and the New Mexico Communications Academy, as well as the temporary funding fix for Gallup Public Schools, which was amended to average prior-year and current-year enrollment rather than use current-year membership alone. Public testimony on HB 253 was largely supportive, with school leaders and education organizations backing the amendment and the broader substitute while noting that more work may be needed on oversight and funding formulas. Committee members then debated the bill’s temporary provisions, the study requirement, and whether the changes would adequately address the Gallup funding issue and broader virtual-learning accountability. The committee adopted the amendment and then gave the House Appropriations and Finance Committee substitute for HB 253 a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 153, a voluntary industrial decarbonization package that combines an Environmental Product Declaration grant program, a rebate or incentive program for lower-carbon building materials, and production tax credits and capital grants for eligible industrial products. Members asked detailed questions about environmental product declarations, hydrogen, anti-donation concerns, funding sources, and whether the bill would support sawmills, engineered wood, biofuels, and forest-thinning-related industries. Supporters from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and Clean Air Task Force testified that the bill would encourage innovation, attract private investment, and reduce emissions without imposing mandates. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted do pass on the bill, with Representative Brown noted in opposition. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 255, which consolidates public safety workforce funding into a single competitive fund for recruitment, retention, and professional development in law enforcement, firefighting, corrections, and public attorney offices. Testimony from counties, the chamber, AFSCME, and State Police supported the measure as a targeted response to staffing shortages and public safety vacancies. The committee took no extended debate and approved HB 255 with a do pass recommendation. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would meet again the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• can significantly delay or prevent DSH from procuring these critical resources.
• The immediate impact of this proposal cut would affect our current procurement.
• Put simply, we're the only entity in state government looking at innovation for a broken system.
• I mean, the federal government passed HR1.
• This is also due to recent direction from the federal government.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jenny Glumac, uh, director of government Jenny Glumac, uh, director of government affairs<00:35:08.880
• </c> couple weeks ago, the federal government couple weeks ago, the federal government has<00:53:23.680
• My name is Sarah Meredian, and I'm the government relations and policy director for Cure.
• The solar energy purchased represents about four and a half percent of the energy procured.
• So it's obvious that we can procured.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> stand here today the federal government stand here today the federal government is<00:08:36.120>
• He has commented on every government policy, including EPA policy.
• He has commented on every government policy, including EPA policy.
• </c> more money cost the federal government more money cost the federal government more<02:58:39.520>
• That is not responsible governing. That is not fiscal responsibility.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that the student government? Is this behind us right here?
• We hope to learn a little bit of student governance from you all.
• Um, keep up the great work. government? Is this behind us right government?
• </c> &gt;&gt; Student government from Kaitensville. &gt;&gt; Student government from Kaitensville.
• So, of student governance from you all.

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened on January 15 with a prayer offered by Reverend Sheridan Almond of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Kensington, introduced as a guest of the senator from the 18th district. Her remarks were journalized without objection. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including Carter Pry, a recent Crofton High School graduate interested in cybersecurity and AI, interns Isabelle War and Daniel Mora, and the Catonsville Middle School Student Council and adviser Katie Tucci. Members also recognized the day’s pages and thanked them for their service. The only bill read at the desk was Senate Bill 232, by Senator Salling, concerning state procurement preferences for historically underutilized business zone businesses; it was referred to the appropriate standing committee. Committee announcements followed, with Finance, Education, Energy, and the Environment, Judicial Proceedings, and Ethics all scheduling organizational meetings and related briefings later that day. Additional announcements noted Baltimore City and Baltimore County delegation meetings, a Fire EMS Coalition meeting, and Cecil Day events in Annapolis. A senator from Montgomery County highlighted an art exhibit, Art in Full Spectrum, on the fourth floor of the House office building, featuring artists with disabilities from many districts and a future reception. The Senate then confirmed a quorum of 45 members and, on motion of the majority leader, adjourned pro forma until Friday, January 16 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, we were unable to procure and get a vendor for in-state residential care, and so that's
• By my recollection, the substance use disorder waiver was a grant that we got from the federal government
• The federal share of those dollars, and we're not giving back any federal money to the federal government
• Yeah, so the federal government put a moratorium on family planning services, and so in recognition of

Summary: The Finance Advisory Committee approved the minutes from its May 14, 2026 meeting and then considered four fiscal transfers. FAC 2026-9 for the Office of the State Controller transferred $4.345 million among fringe benefit accounts in the General Fund and Special Transportation Fund. Members questioned several employee benefit accounts, including active and retiree health care, Social Security, higher education alternative retirement, and OPEB; agency staff explained the transfers were based on updated year-end projections, with some accounts showing surpluses and others needing additional funds. The item was approved, with two no votes noted. FAC 2026-10 for the Military Department transferred $150,000 from the Honor Guards account to personal services and Governor’s Guard accounts to cover operational needs, and it was approved without opposition. FAC 2026-11 for the Department of Social Services transferred $3.3 million among accounts. Most of the discussion focused on a surplus in the substance use disorder waiver/reinvestment account, lower-than-expected TANF/TFA caseloads, federal family planning backfill requirements, and staffing challenges in eligibility operations. DSS said some funds remained unused because a residential care vendor did not enter into a contract, some reserves were intended for future multi-year investments, and eligibility staff require 12 to 18 months of training; the item was approved. FAC 2026-12 for the Department of Children and Families transferred $3.05 million among accounts for year-end operational needs. Members asked about closures of day treatment and community-based prevention programs, and DCF said children were transitioned to other providers without service interruption, with closures driven by provider decisions and financial viability. DCF also explained that some prior funding had been used as gap funding and that ongoing support had been built into the budget. The committee approved the transfer and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:41.360><c> south</c> the department of correction south the department of correction south procure
• :44.000><c> the</c><00:12:44.160><c> second</c><00:12:44.399><c> part</c><00:12:44.480><c> of</c> procure
• a and then the second part of procure a and then the second part of the<00:12:44.720><c> amendment</
• Government is begging another branch for more money.
• Funding the system because, as a co-equal branch of government, they would fund it.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, the commission has adopted the civil rules as a way of governing the proceedings, governing
• The commission has adopted the civil rules as a way of governing the proceedings, governing the conduct
• It does not say you can't discuss state catering lists or how to sign up on a state procurement list.
• It does not say you can't discuss state catering lists or how to sign up on a state procurement list.
• It sign up on a state procurement list.

Summary: The commission heard argument on a renewed motion to compel discovery and related sanctions in an ethics case. Enforcement counsel said the respondent had provided incomplete and inconsistent discovery responses, including no authenticated medical records, and asked the commission to compel full interrogatory answers, bar the respondent from relying on unsupported medical claims at hearing, allow subpoenas for medical records and an LRC report, and continue the December 2 hearing. Respondent’s counsel replied that the defense had complied with discovery, that medical records were being withheld for reasons previously discussed, and that no outstanding discovery remained. The next matter was enforcement counsel’s motion in limine, which sought to exclude a wide range of evidence as irrelevant to the three ethics charges already found to have probable cause. Counsel argued the hearing should focus only on whether the respondent intimidated Fox’s, offered a favor in exchange for a donation, and engaged in inappropriate conduct while intoxicated in his office, and not on complainants’ motives, media coverage, bullying, religious discrimination claims, LRC policies, or other legislators’ conduct. He also argued that any claim of mental or physical condition should be excluded absent supporting medical proof. Respondent’s counsel opposed the motion, saying the excluded topics went to witness credibility, bias, motive, and context, and that LRC materials and testimony from additional witnesses were important to the defense. Commission members questioned both sides about the breadth of the motion in limine and whether any topics could be agreed to as irrelevant. Counsel for the respondent maintained that some challenged topics, including Lexington media coverage and broader legislative practices, were relevant to credibility and context. Enforcement counsel responded that even if such conduct were common, it would not excuse a violation of the ethics code. No final ruling or vote was announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1399 by Senator Durazo and relating to state government. Secretary, please read.
• Senate Bill 1399 by Senator Durazo and relating to state government.
• Senate Bill 1123 by Senator Wiener, relating to state government administration.
• These are all contracts with the federal government.
• Recent reports from multiple government oversight bodies like the U.S.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is responsible governance.
• The federal government sued.
• But now, when we talk about the government side of it, it appears government employees are exempt from
• Trust in government. And how was that delivered?
• That is government overreach.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is subsidized by the federal government, but they also use PBMs.
• It is subsidized by the federal government, but they also use PBMs.
• State and local governments are under increasing pressure.
• We are looking to procure expert services. right now so I'd like to understand right now so I'd like
• If we go past 6, I think that's a House rule that the speaker or somebody can procure food. and everyone

Summary: The working session focused on the New Hampshire Prescription Drug Affordability Board’s budget request and its recent work. Early discussion centered on a technical question about a statutory dedicated fund for donations: members asked why the budget did not show a line item for accepting donations, and DHHS CFO Nathan White explained that the statute already authorizes the fund, but because no revenue has been received yet, it does not appear in the budget. He said any future donations would go through the normal process under RSA 14:30-a, with fiscal committee and Governor and Council approval and a memo to the Department of Revenue Administration. The chair clarified that the account was not a prerequisite to soliciting donations, and White said the fund would supplement, not replace, General Fund support. Kirk Williamson, the board’s executive director, then presented the board’s mission and budget. He said the governor’s budget provides about $256,500 in the first year and slightly more in the second, all General Funds, and that the board had distributed a technical amendment to continue the executive director position. He described the board’s role as analyzing prescription drug costs, identifying savings opportunities, monitoring market trends, promoting transparency, and making recommendations to the legislature and public payers. He also emphasized that the board operates publicly, with live-streamed meetings and a stakeholder advisory council that includes unions, state agencies, Medicaid, corrections, higher education, and other stakeholders. A major topic was the board’s estimate of $6 million in potential savings, based on Medicare’s newly negotiated prices for 10 drugs. Williamson explained that the board used those federal negotiated prices as a benchmark to estimate what New Hampshire public payers might be missing by not having similar leverage, and said the board is trying to build evidence for future recommendations rather than directly setting prices. Members asked how those potential savings could become actual savings, and Williamson said the board is sharing findings through its advisory council and feedback loops, though it has not yet sent a formal recommendation letter to specific purchasers. He also discussed the difference between pharmacy-benefit spending, which relies heavily on PBM-negotiated rebates, and medical-benefit spending, which is administered differently and is being added to the board’s next report. Williamson highlighted other work, including a model on Humira and a pending legislative effort to improve biosimilar competition, plus a proposed state-backed pharmacy savings card that would be no cost to the state and could save users about $240 per prescription based on Connecticut’s experience. No votes were taken during the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• nine cabinet-level agencies across government—to participate in, because job growth doesn't just come
• It comes from places like CDFA and agriculture and other places in the government, so they've all been
• We're still in the midst of the state procurement process to select an external campaign partner.
• I would love to work with you because your one branch of government, we're another.
• So the graduate student position is a little bit unique how it's set up in state government.