Transcript Highlights:

• application process, where we have a group of subject matter experts come together to design the rating
• ...out of the cohort two grantees, a 50% decrease in unemployment rates for the people participating
• , which is significantly lower than recidivism rates that we see coming out of CDCR.
• out of the cohort two grantees, a 50% decrease in unemployment rates for the people participating in
• , which is significantly lower than racism rates that we see coming out of CDCR.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit Committee met to hear status updates from the state auditor and consider several new audit requests. The auditor reported 10 JALAC audits in progress, including a new 2026 audit on DMV license revocation, and noted other statutory audits on the State Bar exam rollout, CSU/UC Title IX implementation, tobacco tax, state financial statements, federal compliance, and high-risk issues such as late financial reporting, Medi-Cal eligibility, and water infrastructure safety. The committee approved a consent calendar covering audits on UC library resources, law enforcement information sharing, EDD unemployment insurance claims, and Housing and Community Development housing development monitoring. The committee then considered Assembly Member DeMaio’s request to audit SANDAG’s road project management and use of transportation funds. DeMaio argued the audit was needed to examine whether restricted funds, voter-approved revenues, and project commitments were properly used and documented, citing prior problems with tolling and financial oversight. SANDAG’s CEO and CFO said the agency already undergoes extensive oversight and audits, has improved internal controls, and believed its funding uses were appropriate. Several members questioned whether the audit duplicated existing reviews and whether the issues were already public, and the request ultimately failed on a roll call vote. Next, Senator Valadares presented an audit of the Board of State and Community Corrections’ administration of Proposition 47 grants. Supporters said the audit would assess whether grant recipients comply with requirements and whether outcome and recidivism data are reliable, while BSCC said the program already has oversight, including biennial State Controller audits, and pointed to reported reductions in homelessness, unemployment, and recidivism. The committee approved the audit. Senator Cortese’s request to audit CalHR’s dental benefits procurement and Delta Dental contract also passed, with supporters citing rising out-of-pocket costs, provider network problems, and the long-running contract’s lack of competition; CalHR responded that most members have nearby access, it recently ran an RFP, and it will add MetLife as a second carrier in 2027. The committee then approved the remaining consent items and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, what is our current vacancy rate? the current vacancy rate for teachers? Thank you, Mr.
• Chair, can you tell me the current turnover rate for superintendents? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• In terms of what that means for the vacancy rate, you can do the math, and it's quite concerning.
• Chair, I am also interested in the turnover rate on principals. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• It is a concern, and we know that we have high principal turnover rates as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• CalWORKs has an excellent cross-enrollment rate.
• CDSS has been working to measure take-up rates of CalWORKs and CalFresh as standalone programs, and we
• So we have a 100% saturation rate, because if you're eligible for CalWORKs, you are more than likely
• And with the growth, we're still able to hit the 92% saturation rate between the programs.
• You know, we do see that other states are having higher participation rates than we do.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services heard an overview of efforts to streamline access to safety net programs and move toward more automatic, person-centered enrollment. CDSS, DHCS, and CalHHS described current cross-enrollment between Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and CalWORKs, including data showing high overlap among programs and a text-message outreach pilot that increased CalWORKs applications and enrollments but reached only a small share of potentially eligible people. Witnesses emphasized barriers such as differing federal eligibility rules, data-sharing limits, privacy concerns, and the need for better technology, consent management, and stakeholder engagement. Members pressed the administration on how to institutionalize these efforts across administrations and asked for concrete budgetary and regulatory steps to support “no wrong door” enrollment and automatic referrals. The committee also reviewed several chair priorities. On the proposed foster care multi-agency office, CDSS said existing coordination structures already address much of the intended work and asked to verify prior fiscal scoring. On the Employment First Office, CalHHS explained that the office’s $1 million budget was eliminated in the 2024-25 budget as part of deficit reductions, while noting that employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities remains an administration priority through existing departmental coordination. For the food insecurity proposal, CDSS said it could provide technical assistance but would need new data-sharing agreements, could not separately calculate a CFAP participation rate with current data, and would likely need until July 1, 2027, plus ongoing staffing, to complete the requested report. The mandated reporter proposal drew support for reform, with CDSS estimating low-millions in one-time training costs and ongoing costs in the hundreds of thousands. The subcommittee also discussed a guaranteed income proposal. CalHHS suggested drafting new statutory language and considering a county-administered model rather than a state-run competitive grant process to reduce administrative burden, while members and public commenters urged support for AB 661 and a study of a permanent statewide guaranteed income program. Public testimony also supported automatic enrollment, community-supporting mandated reporting reforms, and cash assistance for fire recovery. In the final items, CSD described how local nonprofit partners helped during the Los Angeles fires with food, housing vouchers, transportation, and emergency energy assistance, and explained that LIHEAP and CSBG remain important but limited tools for disaster response. CSD also said recent federal staffing cuts and possible future federal budget threats could affect LIHEAP and CSBG administration, though no immediate service disruptions had occurred and additional LIHEAP funds were expected to be released soon.

Transcript Highlights:

• Examples of our work include a 100% participation rate of our high school students earning CTE credits
• , 100% pass rates for our students enrolled in certified nursing assistance programs, a 98% pass rate
• Examples of our work include a 100% participation rate of our high school students earning CTE credits
• , 100% pass rates for our students enrolled in certified nursing assistance programs, a 98% pass rate
• , increasing rates of diabetes, and a significant decline in adolescent movement and physical activity

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education Postsecondary met to receive an update from Florida developmental research lab schools on articulated health care programs created under the Live Healthy initiative and Senate Bill 76. Chair Calatayud opened the meeting, confirmed a quorum, and heard presentations from P.K. Young/University of Florida, Florida State University Schools, FAMU Developmental Research School, and Florida Atlantic University Laboratory School. Each school described efforts to build K-12-to-postsecondary health care pathways, expand dual enrollment and industry certifications, and share replicable curriculum models with other districts. FSU Schools highlighted its HERO program, including CNA and food manager certifications, dual enrollment growth, reserve seating at colleges, and a paid internship with the Department of Health tied to emergency shelter operations. P.K. Young described its Healthy Lives Blueprint, which combines K-8 wellness experiences, a new high school health and human performance pathway, AP and science course expansion, a planned gymnasium redesign, and partnerships with Santa Fe College and UF. FAMU DRS reported growing dual enrollment, partnerships with FAMU, Tallahassee State, and Lively, and a goal of serving at least 100 students and 40 staff through health career exposure, certifications, and AA/AS pathways. FAU Lab School described a more advanced model that integrates elementary through high school research and health science experiences, including biotechnology, bioengineering, and partnerships with health and research institutions. The school reported 87 peer-reviewed student publications, more than $350,000 in student grants, six patents, and pipelines into FAU’s medical and nursing programs, including a Med Direct pathway and a National Merit Scholar pipeline. Committee members asked about student readiness for nursing programs, dual enrollment, articulation with state colleges, and how the lab school models could be disseminated statewide. The meeting concluded with praise for the programs and a motion by Senator Fine to adjourn, which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE MAKE NO CLAIM IT IMPACTS RECIDIVISM RATES BUT I WILL CLAIM THIS.
• THAT IS OUR RECIDIVISM RATE IN FLORIDA.
• THAT IS THE THIRD LOWEST RECIDIVISM RATE IN THE UNITED STATES.
• HOW ARE WE DOING ON THE RECIDIVISM RATE SPECIFICALLY WITH THE INCENTIVIZED PRISONS?
• IT DOESN'T DIVIDE IT OUT BUT I WOULD NOT CLAIM YOU WOULD SEE LOWER RECIDIVISM RATE AND THE IP'S.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• rate should be. rate should be.
• because of lower Medicaid rate.
• because of lower Medicaid rate.
• because of lower Medicaid rate.
• because of lower Medicaid rate.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:47:32.640> between reductions in our power rates between reductions in our power rates
• that to be used for setting their rates. that to be used for setting their rates.
• you know, water, the electricity rate you know, water, the electricity rate going<01:20:04.239><
• We got low tax rates here in the state.
• We got low tax rates here in the state. We got low tax rates here in the state.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 28 senators present. The body agreed to excuse absent senators, dispense with reading and adopt the previous journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The presiding officer also recognized several guests on the floor and in the gallery, including an intern from the Lieutenant Governor’s office and guests of Senator Chambliss. Committee reports focused on confirmations for Alabama State University’s Board of Trustees. Patricia Anne Jones (Confirmation 79), Angela Star (Confirmation 80), and Bobby Singleton (Confirmation 78) each received favorable committee reports and were confirmed by the full Senate, with roll-call votes showing unanimous or near-unanimous support. The chamber spent considerable time in lighthearted debate and personal remarks during Singleton’s confirmation before adopting the motion and confirming him. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 81 commending the Coach Safely Foundation for youth sports injury mitigation, and several other resolutions honoring individuals and organizations, including Johnny Williams, Jim America, Senior Trooper Hunter Woodruff, and retired Army Colonel Shawn Thomas Prricett. A resolution encouraging Alabama public high schools to form a consortium was also adopted. On local bills, the Senate passed Senate Bill 243 regarding Jefferson County and House Bill 532 regarding Shelby County, both by using the previous roll and with no opposition. The Rules Committee then reported a special order calendar for the 22nd legislative day, which the Senate adopted 30-0. The special order calendar included bills on the Board of Funeral Services, the Public Service Commission, tax abatements, electric utilities, child support, dogs, school lands, Chambers County, and real property. The first special-order bill taken up was Senate Bill 107 by Senators Figures and Gudger, concerning the Alabama Board of Funeral Services. Senators discussed the bill’s purpose of funding the board’s increased duties, the effect on funeral home license fees, and an amendment offered by Senator Bell to reduce certain fees. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was explained as not affecting pre-need funeral arrangements. Debate continued as members asked questions about costs to families and funeral homes, but the chamber had not yet reached final disposition of the bill by the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• HBA by Meijer relating the reduction in the maximum compressed tax rate in the school district for the
• . in room JHR 140 to consider HB 8 by Meijer relating to a reduction in the maximum compressed tax rate
• HB 160 by Leo Wilson relating to the enrollment, including resident status and tuition rates.
• The tax rate that exceeds the taxing unit's vote approval tax rate, making conforming changes, referred
• of taxing unit in a manner in which a proposed ad valorem tax rate that exceeds the voter approval rate

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our poverty rate stays the same. It's the highest in the... And employed.
• Our poverty rate stays the same. It's the highest in the country.
• Our poverty rate stays the same. It's the highest in the different results.
• Our poverty rate stays the same. It's the highest in the country.
• It says that you shall pay that rate.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It comes at a lower cost to pay people's standard rates.
• Our clearance rate is way up.
• we have the authority to do that, unlike the rates for the attorneys.
• The state's continued investment has also impacted the turnaway rate.
• Approximately five years ago, the turnaway rate was approximately 60%.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was held in Clinton Town Hall as part of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means’ budget review, with local officials welcoming legislators and noting the long agenda of many panels. The main presentation was from Secretary Terrence Reedy of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, who outlined the Healey-Driscoll administration’s FY26 proposal for the secretariat, including a $1.7 billion budget and a 7% increase over FY25. He described investments in emergency preparedness, hate-crime prevention, reentry programming, technology modernization, internships, and public safety training, while also noting some reductions driven by resource constraints, including cuts to certain grant programs and administrative costs. Committee members also raised concerns about federal uncertainty and how it could affect state budgets and public safety planning. A major portion of the questioning focused on the Department of Correction. Secretary Reedy and Commissioner Sean Jenkins said the biggest challenges are staffing, officer wellness, facility safety, and contraband—especially K2. They described steps taken at MCI Souza and other facilities, including reducing population at the maximum-security unit, changing management, removing metal products and free weights, improving screening and roll calls, adding a rapid response team, and increasing investigative and technological efforts to combat K2. They also discussed the closure of MCI Concord, saying it was driven by high maintenance costs and staffing needs, and explained that savings are being used to improve staffing patterns and address deferred maintenance over time rather than producing immediate large budget reductions. Members also questioned the budget’s impact on police training and community policing. The administration defended the increase in police academy tuition from $3,200 to $6,000 as reflecting true training costs and said it would still be subsidized by the state, while acknowledging the burden on small municipalities. They said the MPTC is expanding regional training and considering proposals such as Greenfield Community College’s. On community policing, officials emphasized uniform statewide training, de-escalation, and communication skills. The State Police also announced an outside review of the academy by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and said the next class will be split into two smaller groups to improve oversight and allow quicker implementation of recommendations. Other topics included ICE and federal immigration enforcement, with Reedy saying state law prohibits Massachusetts law enforcement from acting in a civil immigration capacity and that no state dollars were used in the Tufts-related ICE operation mentioned by a member. Senators and representatives also raised the upcoming FIFA World Cup, warning that it will require significant public safety resources and likely federal funding. Additional discussion covered restorative justice and juvenile diversion, health care costs in DOC, electronic health records, and the need for more diverse and culturally competent public safety staffing. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:16:01.280> uh is to focus on the solve rate uh is to focus on the solve rate uh and<01
• initiative uh to improve the solve rate initiative uh to improve the solve rate for<01:16:28.960
• Paul, we had a clearance rate of 35%.
• We have a better uh, we're doing better around the dropout rate and our charging rate is now like any
• around the dropout rate and our charging<01:27:38.040> rate<01:27:38.400> is<01:27:38.600

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She mentioned there was a 50% match rate for the regular Medicaid, and then there's a higher match rate
• <00:41:19.839> at earlier there are different uh rates at earlier there are different uh rates
• She mentioned earlier the match rate right now for the federal government is 90%.
• It would go down to about the current match rate.
• looking at administrative map fmap rate looking at administrative map or<00:48:04.119> uh<00:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But most the top rated TV show and Happy Days the top rated TV show and Happy Days premiered<00:58:49.520
• trading partners at verifying rates trading partners at verifying rates subject<05:36:32.480>
• rather than regular rates.
• gains rates rather than regular rates. gains rates rather than regular rates.
• <07:51:52.718> for having a lower tax rate for having a lower tax rate for manufacturing<07

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 7, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so this is what the millage rate gets applied to, to determine taxes.
• But because of the growth in taxable value, more taxes are able to be levied with a lower millage rate
• You'll see the millage rate statewide for school levies has gone down from almost nine to a little under
• So that's an attempt to convey that in slides 10 and 11 based on here's the non-school millage rates
• and the amount they're able to levy in taxes and the same Rates and the amount they are able to levy

Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance and Tax met to hear a staff presentation on Florida property taxes. Staff Director Azar Khan gave an overview of the property tax system, including constitutional limits, January 1 assessment rules, homestead and non-homestead residential property, commercial and agricultural classifications, tangible personal property, and centrally assessed property. The presentation highlighted major exemptions and assessment caps, such as the homestead exemptions, Save Our Homes, the 10% cap for non-homestead property, and favorable treatment for agricultural/classified use land. It also reviewed long-term growth in just value and taxable value statewide, along with declining millage rates over time as taxable values have risen. Members then discussed the possibility of eliminating property taxes and the fiscal consequences of doing so. Senator Jones asked about the impact on local governments and referenced estimates that replacing property tax revenue could require roughly $43 billion; staff responded that current levied amounts are in the ballpark of more than $30 billion for non-school levies and more than $20 billion for school levies, but that the exact impact would depend on county and district budgets and collections. Senators Bernard, Passidomo, Gates, and others emphasized the need for more data on alternative revenue sources, such as sales tax increases or other combinations, and for input from counties and cities before considering broad tax changes. Chair Avila explained the presentation was intended to give members a foundation before property tax proposals are heard in committee, noting that several bills had already been filed involving homestead and tangible personal property. No bills were voted on, and no formal action was taken beyond the informational presentation. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• are grateful for the support of the eighty-eighth legislature, specifically the increase in formula rates
• The second cohort had the highest first-time pass rate in the nation on their board exams.
• That's a 99% pass rate. This latest cohort passed 100% first time. Again, number one in the nation.
• Currently our placement rate varies between 89% and 90% upon graduation.
• We appreciate greatly the formula funding rate from the past session.

Transcript Highlights:

• other words, what this bill does is it removes any type of bias and just allows them to use a Nielsen rating
• or viewership rating to rate the advertisements.
• Viewership rating to rate where that ad dollars go.
• This term does not include organizations that rate media outlets for audience size, viewership, or demographic
• There was a letter left off; it should say "news" so it will provide rankings or ratings of news sources

Bills: HB282, HB283, HB95

Keywords: government contracting, state agencies, local agencies, procurement, marketing contracts, advertising contracts, media monitoring, fact-checking, news ratings, bias ratings, misinformation, journalistic standards, news accuracy, vendor certification, contractor certification, public relations, media analytics, government procurement, Alabama, data privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• This 20-year loan has an interest rate of 1% and was approved at the December 4th KIA board meeting.
• This 20-year loan has an interest rate of 1% and was approved at the December 4th KIA board meeting.
• This 20-year loan has<00:31:19.120> an<00:31:19.440> interest<00:31:19.679> rate
• <00:31:20.000> of<00:31:20.480> 1.75% has an interest rate of 1.75% has an interest rate
• This 20-year loan has an interest rate This 20-year loan has an interest rate of<00:34:07.360>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first received several information items, including University of Kentucky reports on medical and research equipment purchases, five school districts’ planned bond issues, and a School Facilities Construction Commission list of prior debt issues. Members then heard and approved an appropriation increase for a federally funded University of Kentucky project at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond. The project will construct a terminal building and is tied to EKU’s airport operations and planned flight school; members asked about the public funding, the role of EKU, and possible aviation expansion, and the item was approved by roll call. The committee next approved a University of Kentucky lease purchase for an 85,000-square-foot facility at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead for $6.4 million. UK said the property, formerly the Rowan County Board of Education site, is directly across from UK St. Clair and will be used for multiple purposes; members questioned the quarterly payment structure and why the county preferred not to receive the full amount upfront, but the item was approved. The committee then heard three appropriation increases in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: a Fish and Wildlife pump project at Ballard Wildlife Management Area and two Lake Barkley State Resort Park repair projects. Finance staff explained the Lake Barkley increases were mainly to cover construction contingencies after bids came in close to available funding, and the committee approved the action items. Janice Thomas then presented four pool projects requiring no action: HVAC upgrades at the Future Farmers of America Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg, geothermal and HVAC work at the Kentucky School for the Blind, a Brady Hall HVAC project at the Kentucky School for the Blind, and a renovation of Shanti Hall at Kentucky State University for the School of Engineering Technology. Members asked no substantive questions on those items. Finally, Natalie Broner presented a new CHFS lease in Wayne County and a Transportation Cabinet lease modification in Christian County. The Wayne County lease drew the most discussion, with members questioning the rent, the lack of other bids, and whether another county location might be preferable; CHFS said it maintains county-seat offices statewide and that the Wayne County site would replace an existing office. The Christian County item was described as a replacement site for driver licensing services with renovation costs largely absorbed by the lessor. Both lease items were presented for action after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:58:36.480> of but if we were to have a 0% rate of but if we were to have a 0% rate of
• I think worth highlighting here is the path for future contribution rates.
• the path for future contribution rates the path for future contribution rates um<01:09:38.759>
• It did get extended out from 2036 when we lowered the assumed rate of return.
• It did get extended out from 2036 when we lowered the assumed rate of return.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are observing some signs of consumer stress with higher delinquency rates in certain loans, credit
• Minnesota's unemployment rate has continued to increase over the past year.
• c> delinquency consumer stress with higher delinquency consumer stress with higher delinquency rates
• in certain loans, credit cards, rates in certain loans, credit cards, auto<00:02:40.840> loans,
• unemployment rate has Minnesota's unemployment rate has continued<00:02:44.720> to<00:02:44.840

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget’s February forecast reported that the state’s projected deficit has turned into a surplus, with an estimated $3.7 billion balance for fiscal years 2026-27 and a projected $377 million positive balance for FY28-29. Officials said the improved outlook is driven by a slightly stronger national economy and higher forecast revenues, but they cautioned that the state remains in a strong yet not secure position. A major concern discussed was federal funding uncertainty. CMS has indicated it may withhold $515 million per quarter in Medicaid Assistance reimbursement, and separately notified the state it would defer $260 million in Medicaid reimbursements pending further information. Those potential losses are not included in the forecast, but lawmakers were told federal funds account for about one-third of state agency spending and that budget flexibility may be needed if cuts occur. Speakers also noted that Minnesota still faces a structural budget imbalance despite progress made last session. Current biennium spending is projected to be $68 million lower than earlier estimates, but planning estimates are up $152 million since the last forecast. Several lawmakers emphasized affordability concerns for residents, citing rising delinquency rates, increasing unemployment, flat wages, and the need to focus on tax conformity, vehicle tab fees, and property taxes. Members from both parties said they want to continue working together on budget solutions and spending restraint.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill would also cut the interest rate in half.
• ><00:10:05.600> cut<00:10:05.839> the<00:10:06.080> interest<00:10:06.320> rate
• <00:10:06.560> in bill would also cut the interest rate in bill would also cut the interest
• Now they want the federal government to reduce interest rate and extend payment to 25 years.
• and extend payment to 25 interest rate and extend payment to 25 years.<00:11:22.079> So<00:11

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, January 2, 2026, 1012, house, all