Transcript Highlights:

• Line 1442 reflects grants to change the outcome for opioid education. Line 1446 reflects.
• These provide for a supply of opiate antagonists at post-secondary education institutions and authorize
• This funding also educates health care providers in our state so that they can diagnose and provide care
• It is a bit of an education program. So that is all I can tell you about that.
• We have the stalwarts like Chair Liebling, who's been an educator for all of us for years, and I really

Bills: HF2435

Keywords: healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• But I I do opportunity to educate.
• will get help when they're educated. will get help when they're educated.
• I think education is a bad idea.
• <01:42:21.760> Um get for certification and so on. Um get for certification and so on.
• And the board voted 9 to certification.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• People should be educated about this. This and something similar to faster be fast.
• We need educational centers.
• And yes, we do need visitor centers and education centers and things of that sort.
• Let's take up Tab 18 tab, 2, 7, 4, 2, on workforce education by Senator Simon.
• programs that lead industry certifications, including an arcade industry certification funding list.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• public defenders, and regional councils, we are dealing with lawyers who have 7 years of higher education
• and significant student debt. education debt.
• I am a board-certified juvenile lawyer in a field that didn't even exist as a board certification field
• The first group to receive that board certification was in 2017, and I was part of that first group.
• retreat for law enforcement professionals and their spouses, where they will receive peer support and education

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Assembly Higher Education Committee is now called to order.
• Chair and members of the Assembly Higher Education Committee.
• Chair and members of the Assembly Higher Education Committee.
• Students lose critical continuity in their education.
• foundational coursework, certificates, and degree programs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it also excludes from this bill the two- and four-year higher education entities, the Port Authority
• 12:14.079> and<00:12:14.320> fouryear<00:12:15.279> higher<00:12:15.600> education
• This bill authorizes them to issue certificates of title to owners of manufactured homes designated as
• This bill authorizes them to issue certificates of title to owners of manufactured homes designated as

Bills: HB139, HB220, SB274, SB282, SB277

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bottom line is right now, two people who have the same training, same certification, but wear a different
• Who have the same training, same certification, but wear a different badge on their side—meaning one
• critical strategies: building a publicly accessible model alongside outreach initiatives to identify and educate
• system, charging the department with initiating a competitive grant program to create a research and educational

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee met to hear several bills related to insurance coverage, wildfire risk, workers’ compensation, and paid family leave. SB 8 by Senator Ashby would extend workers’ compensation and disability protections to Sacramento County park rangers, with testimony emphasizing that they perform law-enforcement-like duties and should receive the same protections as comparable officers. SB 429 by Senator Cortese would create a public wildfire catastrophe model and related wildfire safety program, with support from the Department of Insurance and consumer advocates who said public access to modeling data would improve transparency and help evaluate private insurance risk models. The committee also heard SB 525 by Senator Jones, which would require the FAIR Plan to offer coverage options for manufactured and mobile home owners, including replacement cost coverage. Supporters said the bill would help lower-income residents obtain meaningful insurance protection, while no opposition testified. SB 495 by Senator Allen, as amended, would require insurers to provide a larger contents-coverage advance after a total loss during a declared emergency without requiring an immediate itemized inventory, extend proof-of-loss deadlines, and require insurers to provide catastrophe modeling and reinsurance data to the Department of Insurance. Several insurers withdrew opposition after amendments, and the Department of Insurance and United Policyholders supported the measure. SB 590 by Senator Durazo would expand paid family leave to cover care for designated persons or chosen family members, with strong support from AARP, labor, civil rights, caregiving, and health organizations, and testimony from a parent describing the need to care for a non-legal family member during surgery recovery. The committee also took up consent items SB 230 and SB 854. After roll calls, SB 8, SB 429, SB 495, SB 525, and SB 590 all received do-pass votes, with SB 429 sent to the Committee on Emergency Management, SB 495 to Judiciary, and SB 525 and SB 590 to Appropriations. The consent calendar bills were also approved, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , representing the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. and Amy Copeland representing the Texas Education
• Education Committee right now, but this is a, I believe, a Bexar County School District, as I recall,
• When we send in the certification, and we have some that are local greater than.
• But again, it's to ensure equitable distribution of... state funding for public education.
• That's a tough thing to try to explain and educate.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Signed, public K through2 education. Signed, public K through2 education.
• regarding the Restoring Educational regarding the Restoring Educational Advancement of Completing High
• We educate them and they go state. We educate them and they go state.
• others regarding the Educational others regarding the Educational Advancement Completing High School
• On page Commission on Higher Education. On page Commission on Higher Education.

Bills: SB 66, SB 317, SB 393, SB 397, SB 456, SB 614, SB 628, SB 629, SB 636, SB 715, SB 731, SB 801, SB 872, SB 905, SB 986, SB 1012, SB 1013, SB 1015, SB 1032, SB 1113, SB 1181, SB 1212, SB 1241, SB 1250, SB 1278, SB 1285, SB 1376, SB 1444, SB 1449, SB 1524, SB 1525, SB 1528, SB 1556, SB 1588, SB 1660, SB 1704, SB 1708, SB 1802, SB 1833, SB 1844, SB 1854, SB 1863, SB 1957, SB 1959, SB 1965, SB 1999, SB 2035, SB 2056, SB 2082, SB 2119, SB 2138, SB 2165, SB 2199, SB 2201, SB 2203, SB 2245, SB 2284, SB 2419, SB 2422, SB 2452, SB 2487, SB 2523, SB 2529, SB 2533, SB 2541, SB 2586, SB 2595, SB 2605, SB 2615, SB 2675, SB 2690, SB 2717, SB 2753, SB 2778, SB 2835, SB 2841, SB 2891, SB 2929, SB 2933, SB 3016, SB 3039, SB 3044, HB 912, HB 2525, SJR 3, SB 5, SB 29, SB 326, SB 494, SB 530, SB 769, SB 783, SB 963, SB 1238, SB 1271, SB 1786, SB 1967, SB 2312, SB 72, SB 616, SB 1143, SB 1172, SB 1267, SB 1273, SB 1506, SB 1759, SB 2361, SB 1, SB 260, SB 1637, SJR 36, SJR 50, SJR 63, SJR 59, SCR 12, SCR 39, SCR 48, SCR 19, SB 2023, SB 1524, SB 2422, SB 2119, SB 2753, SB 1863, SB 62, SB 666, SB 847, SB 284, SB 854, SB 1073, SB 810, SB 1505, SB 583, SB 507, SB 1434, SB 1376, SB 1772, SB 2016, SB 1163, SB 1122, SB 731, SB 397, SB 508, SB 1436, SB 287, SB 261, SB 1882, SB 393, SB 1791, SB 209, SB 2429, SB 1999, SB 511, SB 2309, SB 510, SB 1085, SB 1975, SB 2717, SB 1262, SB 636, SB 2056, SB 884, SB 517, SB 1200, SB 1845, SB 2681, SB 2199, SB 2458, SB 801, SB 2533, SB 3014, SB 3013, SB 758, SB 1013, SB 2797, SB 2076, SB 2876, SB 2284, SB 2929, SB 2595, SB 715, SB 1640, SB 1241, SB 2538, SB 1449, SB 2529, SB 986, SB 1181, SB 1359, SB 2245, SB 410, SB 1234, SB 456, SB 1012, SB 2926, SB 2138, SB 2615, SB 2972, SB 2841, SB 3016, SB 1856, SB 2035, SB 1528, SB 1373, SB 672, SB 2891, SB 1854, SB 317, SB 2539, SB 2532, SB 1250, SB 2082, SB 2203, SB 1285, SB 1959, SB 1454, SB 2520, SB 2541, SB 1708, SB 1237, SB 1844, SB 1586, SB 3039, SB 2819, SB 66, SB 629, SB 1015, SB 2342, SB 2903, SB 2933, SB 1965, SB 2477, SB 3029, SB 2605, SB 2419, SB 1957, SB 375, SB 250, SB 777, SB 628, SB 2523, SB 2367, SB 2703, SB 2608, SB 2778, SB 3044, SB 2965, SB 2521, SB 865, SB 1032, SB 2165, SB 2501, SB 2675, SB 2452, SB 2835, SB 872, SB 1212, SB 1278, SB 1588, SB 1602, SB 1704, SB 1723, SB 1833, SB 1858, SB 1946, SB 2009, SB 2177, SB 2460, SB 2785, SB 2373, SB 1660, SB 614, SB 867, SB 1608, SB 1525, SB 905, SB 640, SB 2487, SB 1698, SB 383, SB 705, SB 748, SB 1113, SB 1117, SB 1802, SB 2340, SB 2586, SB 2680, SB 2690, SB 2994, SB 2747, SB 1950, SB 913, SB 1071, SB 1086, SB 1087, SB 1483, SB 1444, SB 1553, SB 1556, SB 1703, SB 2133, SB 2297, SB 2298, SB 2622, SB 2955, SB 3059, SB 2782, SB 2781, SB 2637, SB 2633, SB 2337, SB 2334, SB 1861, SB 2043, SB 1367, SB 946, SB 945, SB 2857, SB 128, SB 571, SB 1263, SB 3058, SB 612, SB 2221, SB 2587, SB 2044, SB 2363, SB 2713, HB 1109, HB 1392, HB 22, HB 2525, HB 3093, HB 517, HB 912, HB 1130, HB 142, HB 1689, HB 2018, SB 2311, SB 1986, SB 2565, SB 2943, SB 1888, SB 2417, SB 3048, SB 3052, SB 3053, SB 3036, SB 3057, SB 3056, SB 3043, SB 3037, SB 3050, SB 3063, SB 3047, SB 3035, HJR 98, HJR 99, HB 136, HB 2884, HB 1393, HB 2730, HB 1399, HB 1244, HB 467, HB 331, HB 2559, SB 66, SB 456, SB 628, SB 1012, SB 1015, SB 1032, SB 1241, SB 1376, SB 1708, SB 1959, SB 1965, SB 2035, SB 2199, SB 2245, SB 2284, SB 2419, SB 2523, SB 2529, SB 2541, SB 2595, SB 2605, SB 2778, SB 2933, SB 3039, SB 3044, SB 1524, SB 1863, SB 2119, SB 2422, SB 2753, SB 1844, SB 2533, SR 417, SR 500, SR 501, SR 502, HCR 128, HB 23, HB 45, HB 104, HB 519, HB 748, HB 791, HB 1056, HB 1481, HB 3181, HB 3211, HB 4044, HB 4290, HB 23, HB 45, HB 104, HB 519, HB 748, HB 791, HB 1056, HB 1481, HB 3181, HB 3211, HB 4044, HB 4290

Keywords: disability, supported decision-making, legal assistance, confidentiality, access to justice, autonomy, civil rights, advocacy, monuments, memorials, public property, historical significance, civil penalties, local governance, SB 393, Sparks, Middleton, local government, political subdivision, public securities

Transcript Highlights:

• There's been a lot of change in education, which is sort of the name of the game in education, but. the
• I think we need more education assistants, and we need to fund schools and districts so that an education
• We should be asking educators how to educate because they're the experts as someone who's been in the
• I think education now is just hard.
• That are so vital to actually funding the education policy that makes for better education for all our

Transcript Highlights:

• for the steward certification program.
• A lot of people on this committee are not on education policy or education funding or, you know, and
• A lot of people on this committee are not on education policy or education funding or, you know, and
• It's looking at outcomes of higher education.
• It's looking at outcomes of higher education.

Summary: The committee convened, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received a memo summarizing major audit items. The State Auditor’s office and outside auditors then presented a series of audits, many of which were clean with unmodified opinions and no findings, including the Bank of North Dakota, the Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Office of the Governor, the State Treasurer, the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Quality, Lake Region State College, and the Office of the Governor. The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association audit was also clean overall, but it repeated findings about limited segregation of duties and auditor assistance in preparing financial statements, which the auditor said were expected to continue because of the organization’s small size. Committee members asked about out-of-state board addresses, and the association explained those members were North Dakota residents using South Dakota mailing addresses. Several audits did include findings. The Council on the Arts audit identified two issues: payroll charged to federal awards without supporting time records, and $12,825 in Cultural Endowment Fund spending that was not allowable under state law, including staff training, retreats, and executive director candidate travel. The Department of Public Instruction audit found unsupported scholarship applications in the paraprofessional-to-teacher program, but additional testing confirmed the funds were credited properly and students completed required school district work, so no improper payments were identified. The University of North Dakota audit found a lack of documentation and transparency in School of Law admissions decisions; the auditor said the law school used a holistic process but did not keep notes or evaluation tools to show why applicants were admitted, waitlisted, or denied. UND leadership said the school is in good standing with the American Bar Association and agreed better documentation is needed, and the auditor said the issue was the missing documentation, not ABA accreditation itself. The most extensive discussion centered on the North Dakota Racing Commission audit, which found four findings: overspending the promotion fund’s 25% operating cap, grant conditions not being met, improper breeder fund awards, and improper procurement. The auditor said promotion fund spending exceeded the cap by $327,447 and the fund balance dropped sharply over the audit period. Racing Commission director Bruce Johnson said the agency had become complacent, that grant requests were treated as routine, and that controls and documentation need to be tightened. He also explained that the breeder fund overpayments involved two horses whose ownership transfers were not properly documented before racing, and that the procurement issue stemmed from an advertising contract that proceeded without proper written procurement procedures after a misunderstanding with the State Procurement Office. The auditor said the Racing Commission will now be audited every two years because of the findings. The committee also received updates on Dakota College at Bottineau’s bank reconciliations, which Minot State University said had been brought current after an 18-month backlog, with only one account still needing cleanup; members asked for a written report on the corrective actions. The North Dakota Fair Foundation was reported to have dissolved, with remaining funds transferred to another nonprofit account for continued support of the state fair. Finally, the Department of Public Instruction provided an update on school meal debt, revising the earlier estimate to about $1.1 million based on incomplete district survey responses, and said the Anti-Lunch Shaming law likely increased meal debt because schools must feed students regardless of account balance. Members discussed the need for a more accurate year-end debt figure and possible future reporting at a later committee meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• . and investing in the power of education.
• So we believe that apprenticeship education is an equally good first choice for post-secondary education
• So we believe that apprenticeship education is an equally good first choice for post-secondary education
• Apprenticeship education has progressive wage increases as you go through your education.
• Apprenticeship education has progressive wage increases as you go through your education.

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee met to discuss apprenticeship education and workforce development, with panelists from Santa Fe College, the Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association, ABC East Coast/ABC Institute, and Piper Fire Protection. Members heard that apprenticeships are growing in Florida, with panelists emphasizing that these programs offer paid, tuition-free training, progressive wage increases, and strong job placement in high-demand fields such as HVAC, electrical, fire protection, and construction. Panelists also described efforts to expand into new areas like accounting, cybersecurity, network infrastructure, and surgical technology, while stressing the importance of aligning programs with employer demand. A major topic was funding and reimbursement. Panelists said the current model is complicated and often leaves providers with only a portion of the funds appropriated for apprentices, with one provider saying reimbursement can be as low as 44% and others describing caps, contract delays, and inconsistent CareerSource support. They argued that more of the money should reach training providers, that small businesses need more support to participate, and that transparency and contract reform could help expand enrollment and improve program quality. Several also raised barriers such as instructor approval rules, paperwork, and facility costs. Members asked about admission criteria, program costs, employer incentives, outreach to high school students, and whether apprenticeships should have greater access to other funding sources. Panelists said the main requirements are being employed and willing to work and learn, and that outreach through schools, career fairs, community partnerships, and public awareness campaigns is essential. They also discussed articulation agreements that can provide college credit for apprenticeship training and suggested statewide credit recognition and possible direct funding to providers as policy improvements. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with the subcommittee adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Michigan implemented and then expanded a similar prison educational program that it calls vocational
• programs. relating to prison education programs.
• prison educational program that it<00:03:41.519> calls<00:03:42.239> vocational<00:03:
• And it amends current law to support re-entry documentation, including certificates of employability
• ,<00:15:05.600> will standard for vocational education, will standard for vocational education

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met for its sixth regular-session meeting and first took up House Bill 5, as substituted by committee amendment, which would authorize KCTCS to partner with the Department of Corrections to create a vocational training campus at North Point Training Center. The sponsor and witnesses described the bill as a prison education and re-entry initiative aimed at reducing recidivism, saving taxpayer money, and meeting workforce needs, citing Michigan’s vocational village model as evidence that prison-based training can lower reoffending. Testimony emphasized that the program would include high-demand vocational fields, credentials, eligibility and security safeguards, data collection, annual reporting, and re-entry documentation such as certificates of employability and employment protections. Several members voiced support, including comments that the bill builds on existing second-chance and employability efforts. One member asked whether post-release employment outcomes could also be tracked, and the sponsor said that would be encouraged and discussed as a possible friendly amendment. After discussion, the committee voted 19-1 to adopt the committee substitute and pass House Bill 5. The committee then began consideration of House Bill 468, which would update the Kentucky Civil Rights Act to conform the state definition of disability to the 2008 federal ADA amendments and clarify the meaning of “qualified individual with a disability.” The bill sponsor said it would remove the Kentucky Human Rights Commission’s adjudicative authority over employment and public accommodations cases, while leaving investigative powers intact and preserving housing-related adjudication, with the goal of placing those disputes in court and preserving jury-trial rights. In response to questions, the sponsor said a local mandate analysis found the court impact would be minimal to moderate, and cited commission data showing relatively few hearings. The transcript cuts off during continued discussion of HB 468.

Transcript Highlights:

• like housing, employment or education. like housing, employment or education.
• environments um has uh the certificate environments um has uh the certificate or<00:15:43.920>
• Thank you. education policy um comprehensive bill. education policy um comprehensive bill.
• the governor's education policy bill. the governor's education policy bill.
• 2743 be re-referred to the Education 2743 be re-referred to the Education Policy<01:03:39.119>

Bills: HF2354, HF1672, HF2389, HF2870, HF2743, HF1918, HF2551, HF1671

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis

Transcript Highlights:

• I look to within public education.
• does not spend enough on education. does not spend enough on education.
• So we spend plenty on education.
• Um, as long as we continue to underfund public education and the educational components of that, I don't
• Um, as long as we continue to underfund public education and the educational components of that, I don't

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met on October 30 to act on a series of bills that had been considered during the budget process, with many being recommended for inexpedient to legislate because their funding or policy language had already been handled in House Bill 2. Early actions were largely unanimous. House Bill 54, allowing alternate treatment centers to operate for profit, was recommended ought to pass and was approved 25-0, then placed on the consent calendar because it carried no appropriation. House Bill 97, a wastewater and infrastructure appropriation, was recommended inexpedient to legislate because its funding had been replaced in HB 2; Representative Rum opposed the motion and argued the grant funding helps local taxpayers and housing development, but the committee adopted ITL 14-11, with a minority report to follow. House Bill 111, dealing with the right-to-know ombudsman, was also unanimously recommended ITL because the budget had already made related reforms. The committee then took up House Bill 164, and adopted Amendment 225-2979H, which appropriates $150,000 in FY 2027 to the Secretary of State’s Division of Archives and Records Management for a local government records manager position. The amended bill was then recommended ought to pass as amended and approved 25-0. House Bill 197, the Property Tax Relief Act, drew the most extended debate. Supporters said it would restore a state contribution to retirement costs for local employers and provide property tax relief, while opponents argued the earlier change was largely offset by employee contribution increases and other retirement-system adjustments. The committee ultimately adopted ITL 14-11, and a minority report was requested. The committee also acted on House Bill 215, a landfill-related bill. Members explained that most of its language had been included in HB 2 but was removed in conference, so the bill was retained and amended to apply more narrowly to new landfills. Amendment 2025-2970H was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then recommended ought to pass as amended by a 25-0 vote. House Bill 216, which would change retirement eligibility rules for certain workers injured on the job, was recommended inexpedient to legislate after its sponsor said the fiscal impact was too uncertain to support. Finally, House Bill 219 received Amendment 2025-2988H to change its effective date to July 1, 2027, and discussion began on the bill’s broader purpose of returning about $5.7 million annually from RPS funds to ratepayers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clinically, genetic counselors are crucial educators and advocates, not just for patients, but also for
• This bill helps to solve this critical workforce shortage by establishing an education grant program
• to support students in the state who are pursuing an education in medical genomics to become genetic
• HB 753 removes two of the educator certificate requirements for school counselors: the mastery of general
• knowledge and professionalism, as well as professional preparation and education competence for school

Transcript Highlights:

• Several of my nephews and nieces are educators.
• And I worked in global education for one of the largest education companies.
• It just continues to drain the public schools, where our educators are one of the lowest paid educators
• If I'm going to be serious about education, however we're funding education, I believe that there should
• in the state of Florida is quality education, quality education... ...in the state of Florida is quality

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum and took up several education bills. SB 1150, by Senator Calatayud, was presented as a measure to help school districts retain school social workers by removing an exam requirement unrelated to the profession. With no questions or debate, the committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then moved to SB 1514, by Senator Smith, on anaphylaxis response in public schools. After adopting a delete-all amendment and a late-filed amendment clarifying FDA-approved epinephrine devices and weight-based dosing, the committee heard support from Orange County Public Schools and reported the bill favorably. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 1708, also by Senator Calatayud, which would expand Schools of Hope by broadening the definition of low-performing schools from those in the bottom 10% in both math and reading to those in the bottom 10% in either subject, and would authorize co-location of Schools of Hope in underused public school facilities. Senators questioned how co-location would work, who could enroll, how liability and contracts would be handled, and whether the bill would help the specific students most in need. Many public speakers opposed the bill, arguing it would strain already underfunded public schools, reduce space and resources, and unfairly favor charter operators. The sponsor said the bill would not reduce classroom space in use, would require contracts to address safety and liability, and would provide a net positive to districts through a $600-per-student facility payment plus associated funding. After debate from both supporters and skeptics, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered CS for SB 822, by Senator Rodriguez, which would give charter schools more autonomy over governance and operations, including deadlines, enrollment caps, student conduct policies, and data sharing. The Florida Charter School Alliance supported the bill, arguing it would create parity and reduce burdens on charter schools, while committee members pressed the witness on claims of district “harassment” and the basis for those concerns. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. At the end of the meeting, members recorded votes on prior tabs, thanked staff, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we do feel like, and that's one thing we're working towards more, is educating these men and women
• these men and towards more is educating these men and women<00:42:50.680> at<00:42:50.840>
• And maintain your current licenses, certifications, and insurances.
• out to the vendors and educate them. out to the vendors and educate them.
• , uh certifications, uh certifications, ensure<01:03:33.480> compliance,<01:03:34.960>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• me to education me to education i<00:13:46.639> always<00:13:46.959> thought<00:13
• realized that as a black male educator realized that as a black male educator that<00:14:34.880>
• development: education.
• I've been an educator in K-16 education for about 20 years.
• in k-16 education i've been an educator in k-16 education for<00:40:47.920> about<00:40:48.160

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Education Finance Committee met remotely on February 16, 2022, with a quorum present and approved the minutes from the previous day by voice vote. Chair Dabney said the committee was spending the week on public school staffing shortages, especially efforts to increase and retain BIPOC teachers, and introduced testimony on the Collaborative Urban and Greater Minnesota Educators of Color Grant Program (CUGMEC) and the broader Increasing Teachers of Color Act. Testifiers from St. Thomas, Augsburg, and Hopkins described the history and impact of the legacy educator-of-color programs. Kathleen Campbell said the original Q program was created to address underrepresentation, remove financial barriers, and provide mentorship and culturally relevant support; she argued that when the grant became competitive in 2017 without additional funding, support was spread too thin and student capacity dropped. Audrey Lensmeyer described Augsburg’s East African Student-to-Teacher Program, rooted in community advocacy in Cedar-Riverside, and said it has produced strong completion and licensure outcomes. Keenan Jones shared his path from paraprofessional to teacher and district leader, emphasizing the importance of scholarships, mentorship, and outreach to high school students, including a statewide co-enrollment Intro to Teaching course. Representative Hassan then presented House File 3079, saying the bill aims to attract, prepare, complete, and retain more teachers of color and American Indian teachers through several grant and program changes, including Closing the Educational Opportunity Gap grants, Cook Mac funding, teacher mentorship and retention updates, and revisions to CUGMEC. He said the bill responds to a severe shortage of BIPOC teachers and that the requested investment is small relative to the state surplus. Student and educator testimony followed, including a third-grade student from Crookston and Ava Roots, both of whom described the importance of having teachers who reflect students’ cultures and experiences. Natalia Benjamin, the 2021 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, also testified about retention challenges for educators of color and racialized workplace treatment. The committee indicated it intended to lay over HF 3079 for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill, and Representative Richardson moved the bill to be laid over for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• education in their teacher prep program. education in their teacher prep program.
• to finish their high school education to finish their high school education because<00:39:45.920
• I think five education things.
• happened education.
• And their education happened education.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate first received a House message reappointing a conference committee on Senate File 2077, the environment and natural resources appropriations bill, and took no further action on that message. The chamber then moved through motions and resolutions, including a failed attempt to suspend the rules to make House File 4102 a special order for immediate consideration. Senator Howe argued the bill was urgent because it would extend a study on state law enforcement pay and help address State Patrol recruitment and retention, while Senator Friends opposed suspending the rules; the motion failed on a roll call vote, 35 ayes to 32 nays. The Senate then took House File 3629 from the table, made it a special order, and adopted the A5 amendment. The bill, relating to grants management and the Department of Administration, was described as refining agency authority over exemptions, adding reporting requirements, expanding whistleblower protections, and broadening fraud-prevention tools. The A5 amendment added stronger payment-withholding authority for agencies based on credible allegations of fraud, removed the 60-day withholding limit, allowed cross-agency withholding in some cases, replaced court appeal with agency reconsideration, made the authority permanent, and added a reporting requirement for DHS and DCYF inspector general activity. Supporters said it would improve transparency and protect taxpayers; the bill then passed final roll call 67-0. Finally, the Senate took up House File 4492, which was amended with the A4 delete-everything amendment. The new version combined three articles: READ Act provisions, a veterans diploma provision, and early literacy field-experience changes. Senators described the veterans section as requiring school districts to award diplomas to veterans who left high school to serve in the Korean or Vietnam Wars, and the READ Act and literacy provisions as aligning teacher preparation and early literacy instruction with state standards. Members also discussed school discipline and classroom safety issues in the course of debate. The bill was then read for final passage, with senators speaking in support of the combined package and its education and veterans provisions.