Transcript Highlights:

• We do expect that those invoices will start to increase, especially as they start to enter the urban
• they start to increase especially as they start to enter<00:20:23.440><c> the</c><00:20:23.559><c> urban
• 25.320><c> so</c><00:20:26.200><c> um</c><00:20:26.720><c> again</c><00:20:27.000><c> but</c> enter the urban
• core uh so um again but enter the urban core uh so um again but if<00:20:27.280><c> there</c><00:20:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• emerging reading, play-based learning, and gross motor skills, and how you would envision that interfacing
• 11:35.639><c> would</c><00:11:36.320><c> Envision</c><00:11:37.040><c> that</c><00:11:37.959><c> interfacing
• </c><00:11:38.920><c> with</c> you would Envision that interfacing with you would Envision that interfacing

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began by announcing that afternoon hearings, including House Bill 283, would be moved to Representatives Hall because of expected public interest. It then took up House Bill 671, which would establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, described the measure as a way to close gaps in early reading readiness and said it was intended as a first step, with only a placeholder appropriation while details are developed. He framed it as a targeted effort to help children who are not entering first grade ready to read. Testimony on HB 671 was largely supportive. Representatives asked about the bill’s structure, whether a specific program had been identified, how it would interact with play-based learning, and why the provider was limited to a registered nonprofit. Waterford.org representatives Teresa Rosenberger and Rob Riley testified in support, describing Waterford Upstart as a home-based, evidence-based early learning program already used in New Hampshire. They said the program provides adaptive instruction, family coaching, and technology support, including computers, tablets, internet access, and translation services in more than 100 languages. They also said the model has been successful in New Hampshire, including a Nashua pilot and later statewide efforts, and that similar legislation has existed in other states. Rep. Jonah Wheeler also spoke in support of the bill. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 671. After a fiscal note for HB 671 was distributed, the committee moved to House Bill 781, which would require school districts to adopt policies for a cell phone-free education and includes an appropriation. The transcript cuts off as Rep. Litchfield was introduced to testify on that bill, so no testimony, debate, or vote on HB 781 is included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The representative's point is well taken, though an interface with Fish and Game actually as a force
• well taken representative's point is well taken though<04:07:03.479><c> an</c><04:07:03.640><c> interface
• with</c><04:07:04.319><c> Fish</c><04:07:04.520><c> and</c><04:07:05.000><c> Game</c> though an interface
• with Fish and Game though an interface with Fish and Game actually<04:07:06.520><c> as</c><04:07:06.680

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that are included in the governor's budget here are a move and increase to the appropriations for urban
• We have two urban search and rescue teams in Minnesota, Task Force One and Task Force 2, and they are
• </c> increase to the Appropriations for urban increase to the Appropriations for urban search<00:53:25.400
• search and rescue teams have TWO Urban search and rescue teams in<00:53:34.799><c> Minnesota</c><00:
• search and rescue Training for urban search and rescue things<00:53:48.520><c> like</c><00:53:48.760

Bills: HF2432

Keywords: HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, and certainly, um, we're also looking at urban health with United Family Practice in particular
• Chairman, and certainly we're also looking at urban health with United Family Practice in particular,
• Chairman, and certainly we're also looking at urban health with United Family Practice in particular,
• and</c><01:14:50.400><c> literacy</c> On line 107, there is a proposal related to the collaborative urban
• an equal reduction to that program for the transfer from PELSB to MDE. related to the collaborative urban

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's also seven small urban transit systems for cities between 250 and 50,000 people.
• likely to commit suicide than<01:11:14.800><c> those</c><01:11:15.040><c> in</c><01:11:15.280><c> urban
• </c> than those in urban than those in urban areas.<01:11:17.120><c> And</c><01:11:17.360><c> lastly,
• Highways were designed to get people in and out of often urban, um, people of color communities as fast
• </c><01:42:28.080><c> um</c> people in and out of often urban um people in and out of often urban um

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The urban search and rescue team increase is $550,000 each year ongoing.
• Um German concurs.<00:14:50.079><c> The</c><00:14:50.399><c> urban</c><00:14:50.639><c> search</c><00
• The urban search and rescue concurs. The urban search and rescue team<00:14:51.920><c> increase.
• 15:07.040><c> both</c> Um, we're moving the the base of both Um, we're moving the the base of both urban
• and rural search and rescue teams urban and rural search and rescue teams from<00:15:11.040><c> the<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a proposal from the governor's budget that would move the Collaborative Urban and Greater Minnesota
• I already spoke to line 121, which moves the Collaborative Urban and Greater Minnesota Educators of Color
• urban and greater Minnesota<00:15:14.800><c> educator</c><00:15:15.279><c> colors</c><00:15:15.920><
• :10:10.800><c> of</c><01:10:10.960><c> the</c><01:10:11.120><c> collaborative</c><01:10:11.920><c> urban
• </c><01:10:12.159><c> and</c> transfer of the collaborative urban and transfer of the collaborative urban

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a statewide issue impacting rural and urban communities.
• 00:17:54.520><c> impacting</c><00:17:54.960><c> rural</c><00:17:55.280><c> and</c><00:17:55.400><c> urban
• </c><00:17:55.840><c> I</c> issue uh impacting rural and urban I issue uh impacting rural and urban I
• c> Metro</c><00:18:32.600><c> friends</c><00:18:33.120><c> need</c><00:18:33.679><c> so</c> our uh Urban
• The outcomes are seen in both our urban and our rural communities by helping families secure quality

Bills: HF2582, HF2266, HF2518, HF2039, HF1941

Keywords: child care, grants, appropriation, workforce development, families, YWCA Minneapolis, job training, child development, economic assistance, WomenVenture, economic development, entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs, business training, financial support, youth programs, funding, employment, Minnesota, American Indian

Transcript Highlights:

• Urban analysis, coverage of both disease-modifying and symptomatic treatment...
• Urban analysis, coverage of both disease-modifying and symptomatic treatments is not universal across
• Sarah DeKette, on behalf of the rural county representatives of California and the Urban Counties of
• Rural County Representatives of California, the California State Association of Counties, and the Urban
• the rural county representatives of California, the California State Association of Counties and the Urban

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 331 by Sen. Menjivar, which would require large-group health plans to cover hearing aids for children. The author and supporters described the bill as a long-running effort to address a developmental emergency and reduce out-of-pocket costs for families, while opponents were absent. Testimony from parents, advocates, medical experts, and organizations emphasized the importance of early access to hearing aids; committee members voiced strong support, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, with several members requesting to be added as coauthors. The committee then heard SB 608, also by Sen. Menjivar, to expand access to condoms in school-based health centers and related settings and to prevent barriers such as ID checks. Supporters, including students and school health advocates, argued the bill would improve sexual health and reduce stigma, while opponents from family and faith groups argued it would undermine parental authority and normalize early sexual activity. The bill was supported by committee members and moved forward on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Next, SB 971 by Sen. Choi proposed community-based healthy aging partnerships for older adults, with testimony from the California Senior Legislature and supporters from aging and dementia organizations. The measure was described as voluntary and focused on connection, independence, and local collaboration; there was no opposition, and the committee moved it on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 869 by Sen. Weber Pierson, which would require warning icons and statements on chain restaurant menus for beverages with very high added sugar content. Supporters framed it as a transparency and public health measure, while restaurant and beverage industry representatives opposed it unless amended, citing cost and menu-space concerns; the bill was nevertheless moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations after a roll call vote, with some members voting no and the measure placed on call. The committee also considered SB 950 by Sen. Weber Pierson, aimed at ensuring timely coverage of FDA-approved, medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease on commercial plans. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association and a patient advocate, said the bill would reduce delays and barriers to care, while health plan representatives opposed it over step therapy and utilization-management concerns. Members discussed the limited treatment window and the need for early access, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. In addition, SB 490 by Sen. Umberg would set timelines for DHCS investigations of unlicensed sober living homes and allow counties to assist if the department cannot act in time; supporters from Anaheim and a patient-brokering survivor described serious abuse and oversight gaps, while county behavioral health representatives opposed the county role as an unfunded and potentially liability-creating burden. After discussion, the bill was also moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1037 by Sen. Weber Pierson on health insurance affordability and rate review, with supporters arguing it would tie premium increases more closely to affordability targets and public reporting; the transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• House members—rural, urban, suburban, Democrat, Republican, conservative, and liberal—they all voted
• The veteran population is diverse: men and women, rural and urban, from every background, and younger
• and<01:04:15.520><c> women,</c><01:04:16.160><c> rural</c><01:04:16.560><c> and</c><01:04:16.760><c> urban
• ,</c><01:04:17.520><c> from</c><01:04:17.800><c> every</c> and women, rural and urban, from every and
• women, rural and urban, from every background,<01:04:19.080><c> and</c><01:04:19.280><c> younger</c>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee held a joint hearing recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and focusing on civic education, free speech, voting, and Minnesota’s America 250 commemorations. Opening remarks emphasized the importance of education, Indigenous land acknowledgement, and the idea that democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. The chair then invited student debaters from the Minnesota High School League to testify about how debate, free speech, and evidence-based reasoning have shaped their education and civic participation. The students argued that debate teaches critical thinking, helps young people engage with difficult issues, and should be protected as part of a healthy democracy; one also urged lawmakers to move beyond empty promises and take action on issues such as eviction moratoriums, ICE collaboration, and protest protections. Commissioner Willie Jett of the Minnesota Department of Education testified that public education is where citizenship first becomes real, and that schools, libraries, and educators help students learn to listen, question, debate respectfully, and understand both the ideals and failures of American history. He said democracy is something each generation must learn and strengthen, and thanked the committee for convening the hearing. Former students Sarah Griffin and Charlie Crocker then offered tributes to Senator Swedzinski, describing how his teaching encouraged civic engagement, disagreement, and action, and how his classroom shaped their lives and public service. Their remarks emphasized that democracy is not a spectator sport and that ordinary people build it through small, courageous acts. Secretary of State Steve Simon followed with testimony on Minnesota’s civic culture and voter participation. He said Minnesota has long ranked near the top nationally in voter turnout, including youth turnout, and attributed that to a combination of good election laws and a strong pro-voting culture. He highlighted school-based civic education efforts such as pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and the Students Vote mock election program, and noted that Minnesota’s congressional delegation was unanimous in supporting the Voting Rights Act in 1965 as an example of the state coming together on major moral questions. The Minnesota Historical Society then began its presentation on America 250, with Kent Whitworth describing the organization’s role, the new edition of the Northern Lights curriculum, and broader commemorative activities; Dr. Bill Convery introduced historical context about how Americans have celebrated independence and how the semiquincentennial can leave a legacy for future generations.

Transcript Highlights:

• students provide care to approximately 16,000 patients at our partnering 24 outreach sites in rural and urban
• There's been a great urbanization of a lot of services.
• ><00:53:19.960><c> been</c><00:53:20.160><c> a</c><00:53:20.280><c> great</c><00:53:20.640><c> urbanization
• There's been a great urbanization down.
• There's been a great urbanization of<00:53:21.520><c> a</c><00:53:21.560><c> lot</c><00:53:21.760><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Manuel Pasarragueen with the California Urban Policy Center, proud co-sponsors of AB 1537, and Isada,
• I am the Justice Transformation Policy Coordinator with Urban Peace Institute, and I'm here in...
• I am the Justice Transformation Policy Coordinator with Urban Peace Institute, and I'm here in support
• Law Center, Ujima, Adult and Family Services, Underground Grit, Unlocked Futures, Upward Together, Urban
• Olivia Shields from Urban Peace Institute, proud co-sponsor of AB 1646, in strong support.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• applications and the funding was from rural counties and rural participants, and the other 43% for urban
• He said they are dealing with an urban university with a president who is originally from Ireland and
• We we're dealing<00:19:53.200><c> with</c><00:19:53.360><c> an</c><00:19:53.600><c> urban</c><00:19:53.919
• ><c> university</c><00:19:55.200><c> with</c><00:19:55.440><c> a</c> dealing with an urban university
• with a dealing with an urban university with a president<00:19:56.000><c> who</c><00:19:56.160><c> is

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education heard presentations from the University of Louisville and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) on their strategic plans, enrollment trends, and budget priorities. University of Louisville President Bradley highlighted the university’s new five-year strategic plan, its R1 research status, community-engaged and opportunity college classifications, record enrollment of 25,005 students, and its role in serving first-generation, Pell-eligible, military-connected, and rural students. He also emphasized the university’s economic and workforce impact, including athletics, nursing, dentistry, and a recent Speed School building, and previewed major capital and program requests: a $142 million STEMH building, a $15 million one-time request for National Cancer Institute-related cancer research, and $5.3 million for the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership. He also discussed a planned $260 million health sciences building and the university’s efforts to expand health care access beyond Louisville through regional sites and residency partnerships. Members responded positively, with Representative Tipton asking about agency bond projects and regional health outreach, and President Bradley saying the university is evaluating debt capacity and exploring smaller projects while noting that the STEM building request would rely on state-funded debt service. He described UofL Health’s expansion into places such as Bullitt County, Shelbyville, Madisonville, and Paducah, and its efforts to train physicians for rural practice. Representative McCool praised the university’s military-friendly designation and cancer research priorities and noted personal family ties to UofL. Michaela Aman, a sophomore from Letcher County, also testified about how UofL has supported her as a rural student and emphasized the university’s commitment to opportunity and social mobility. KCTCS President Ryan Quarles and CFO Todd Kilburn then presented the system’s enrollment, completion, and workforce-training results. They said KCTCS now serves more than 110,000 students, graduated a record 24,000 students last May, and has moved from 45th to 4th nationally in graduation rate. They also highlighted that over half of students are first-generation, 60% work while enrolled, 70% of graduates work in Kentucky, and 74% graduate with no student loan debt. KCTCS described its common-course-numbering agreement with Morehead State as part of a broader transfer simplification effort, and said it trains about 200,000 Kentuckians annually when including workforce training and firefighter instruction. The system also outlined efficiency measures, including property sales, a new bookstore contract projected to save $4.3 million over five years, and a new evaluation process for real estate and facilities. KCTCS’s budget and capital requests included operating funding tied to enrollment growth, support for the TRAINs program, the ECTC training facility at Glendale, continued support for Health Force Kentucky, three capital construction projects at Jefferson, Bluegrass, and Gateway, and asset preservation funding focused on safety and security upgrades. Quarles also referenced House Bill 5, saying it would expand KCTCS’s correctional education and re-entry work and could help reduce recidivism. Members asked about the bill and its impact, and KCTCS said it already provides instruction in jails and prisons and sees the proposal as an extension of that work.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the civil wars in Africa and the urban violence in our own country, Lord, separate the light from
• centers, virtual outreach, and a whole-of-SBA approach, GAO recommended that SBA distinguish between urban
• centers, virtual outreach, and a whole-of-SBA approach, GAO recommended that SBA distinguish between urban
• That SBA distinguish between urban and rural outreach in their marketing plans and take steps to counter
• This has been allocated over $40 billion so everyone, not just a select few in urban areas, can enjoy

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 24, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Housing and Urban Development. Again, this is just an effort of precision.
• Department of Housing and Urban Development. Again, this is just an effort of precision.
• /c> determined by the US Department of determined by the US Department of Housing<01:02:25.920><c> Urban
• Development</c><01:02:27.119><c> again</c><01:02:27.319><c> this</c><01:02:27.440><c> is</c> Housing Urban
• Development again this is Housing Urban Development again this is just<01:02:27.720><c> an</c><01:02

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Losing population, am I correct that that tends to be more from the inner inner cities or big city urban
• We certainly have seen a concentration of D. population of with regard to students in our urban core
• over the last 10 to 20 years but To say that it's isolated to the urban core I don't think it's accurate
• ... for nearly 300 general aviation airports and then public transportation we provide funding for urban
• In an urban area, maybe a a small creek that turns into a raging river.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><03:37:26.800><c> give</c><03:37:27.120><c> rural</c><03:37:27.600><c> and</c><03:37:28.160><c> urban
• </c> process to give rural and urban process to give rural and urban communities<03:37:29.600><c> the
• And this struggle is in our rural towns, urban areas, and suburban neighborhoods across America.
• And this struggle is in our rural towns, urban areas, and suburban neighborhoods across America.
• these improvements in the 21st Century Housing Act fully apply to housing in rural areas, not just urban

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 9, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> recreation, people's use in the urban recreation, people's use in the urban areas.<03:46:52.640>
• But, um, if you're telling people in the urban areas, and wait till this really happens to them, this
• </c><04:07:37.760><c> I</c><04:07:38.000><c> was</c> to serve our urban centers.
• I was to serve our urban centers.
• Have there been adequate warnings going out to the urban areas when people expect that they're going

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 27, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• times it's on us in the country, so I see it on country roads, but I understand it's the same thing in urban
• times it's on we in the country so I see it on country roads but I understand it's the same thing in urban
• president of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents and Administrators, representing urban

Bills: HR118, HR196, HR237, HR285, HCR85, HB442, HB443, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR63, SB25, SB202, SB319

Keywords: water utility, tax credit, excessive rates, residential service, subcommittee, fallen trees, property damage, insurance, property values, hurricanes, storm damage, local government, homeowners, risk management, committee study, census, military population, Department of Defense, representation, federal funding