Video & Transcript : 'wage increases' :
Page 146 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Audit Committee Jun 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Increasing my office's staffing, particularly increasing the number of audit supervisors I have to manage
- But as our tax dollars keep increasing, the tolls also keep increasing; nearly our tolls may potentially
- We have not received an increase in COLA, COVID dollars. Those are our two funding streams.
- Construction input costs have increased nearly 40% since 2020 in the state of California.
- These increases affect some of the state's most economically disadvantaged citizens.
Summary:
The committee heard several audit requests and related testimony. The first major item was an audit of Coachella Valley Unified School District’s contract and fiscal management. The author and supporters described long-standing fiscal mismanagement, large budget shortfalls, layoffs, contracting concerns, and questions about the district’s foundation and use of public funds. District representatives and the Riverside County Office of Education said the district is already under fiscal oversight, has a stabilization plan, and is working to reduce deficits and improve student outcomes. After extensive debate and public comment, the motion to approve the audit was put on call because the committee did not have the required votes from both houses at that moment.
The committee then approved an audit of East Bay transit agencies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Senator Wahab argued the region’s many overlapping transit agencies create fragmentation, duplication, and inefficiency, especially amid a fiscal cliff and possible future tax increases. Transit agencies and labor representatives opposed the audit, saying the agencies already undergo multiple audits, serve distinct local needs, and are implementing regional coordination efforts. After testimony from agency leaders and public commenters, the committee voted to approve the audit.
The next item was an audit of California Community Colleges’ unrestricted reserves. Senator Archuleta and supporting faculty representatives said reserves have grown substantially and may be diverting resources from student services, instruction, and workforce programs. They argued there is little oversight when reserves become too high. The Chancellor’s Office and Calbright College were invited to respond, and the audit objectives focused on reserve growth, reasons for high balances, oversight by the Chancellor’s Office, and effects on students and staff. The transcript cuts off during the Chancellor’s Office response, so the final committee action on this item is not shown.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It increases risks while underfunding the mandates it creates.
- And have you considered the possibility that your bill will increase uncertainty for parents?
- I had a tremendous increase in autism, every neurological disease, diabetes, everything.
- We do not need to increase our exemptions. Thank you. Lisa Cantu, waived speaking in support.
- This bill increases this risk by... You mitigate it.
Summary:
The committee first took up CS for SB 896 on school safety, which would expand the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions, require active assailant response plans and threat management protocols, improve reporting and information sharing, and make it a felony to discharge a weapon within 1,000 feet of a campus. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty at a public postsecondary institution are not eligible for the Guardian program. The bill drew strong opposition from faculty, students, and gun-safety advocates who argued that more guns on campus would create confusion, weaken safety, and undermine campus police; supporters said trained guardians would improve deterrence and protection. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably by a roll call vote.
The committee then considered SB 1690 on child care and early learning services, which updates child care laws, reduces some regulatory burdens, and expands the Florida Education Foundation’s authority to fundraise for early learning from birth through VPK. Members discussed oversight of the related direct-support organization and the removal of certain notice requirements, while supporters from Moms Rising and other advocates said the bill would help families access affordable, high-quality child care and support home-based providers. One opponent argued the bill added more government regulation, but the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably.
Next, the committee passed CS for SB 118, a narrow bill on non-ad valorem special assessments for recreational vehicle parks, clarifying how assessments are calculated for RV spaces and campsites. The bill received supportive comments from RV advocates and was reported favorably without controversy. The committee then took up CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which included provisions on seaports and airports, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, broadband and utility permitting, and advanced air mobility. Amendments were adopted that revised research institute membership, limited some delivery-device provisions, and clarified cruiser light rules for law enforcement; after questions about utility preemption and PDD safety, the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require new vaccine educational materials, expand school-entry exemptions to include conscience-based objections, limit the Surgeon General’s emergency vaccination authority, and allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults with written information and liability protections. The bill drew extensive testimony from both supporters and opponents, with supporters emphasizing parental rights, informed consent, and vaccine injury concerns, and opponents warning about reduced immunization rates, public health risks, and the appropriateness of ivermectin provisions. The transcript ends during public testimony and debate on SB 1756, before final action on that bill is shown.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It increases risks while underfunding the mandates it creates.
- And have you considered the possibility that your bill will increase uncertainty for parents?
- I had a tremendous increase in autism, every neurological disease, diabetes, everything.
- We do not need to increase our exemptions. Thank you. Lisa Cantu, waived speaking in support.
- This bill increases this risk by... You mitigate it.
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Jul 21st, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- A smaller increase at Meadows, which is the nursing home.
- With the changes that are going to increase traffic to BHR and the increase of services that BHA is providing
- , BHI is also looking to increase.
- Do we need to increase the pay?
- We increased by 48%, so there was a significant jump.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, April 8, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> responsibly and to increase responsibly and to increase accountability<00:28:31.679><c> across</
- So, I mean, increases for consumers.
- This exponential increase demands action.
- This exponential increase demands action.
- This exponential increase 20th century. This exponential increase demands<03:10:41.080><c> action.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 014 Jan 28th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That could be anything from unpaid wages to lost gift cards, mutual funds, precious family heirlooms.
- :30:51.120><c> anything</c><00:30:51.440><c> from</c><00:30:51.679><c> unpaid</c><00:30:52.080><c> wages
- </c> That could be anything from unpaid wages That could be anything from unpaid wages to<00:30:52.720
Summary:
The House convened with 55 members present and 10 excused, established a quorum, and approved the journal of Monday, January 26, 2026, as corrected. The chamber then took up Senate Joint Resolution 5, designating Colorado 4-H Day. Representatives Johnson and McCormick spoke in support, noting the visit from 4-H members and reciting the 4-H pledge. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 59-0, with six excused.
The remainder of the meeting consisted largely of announcements and recognitions. Members highlighted upcoming legislative receptions for the Colorado Airport Operators Association and livestock groups, committee meetings including SMART Act hearings, Judiciary Committee items, Transportation/Housing/Local Government business, and a House Finance Committee meeting. Several members also recognized visiting groups and constituents, including behavioral health providers, Aurora Mental Health and Recovery, Heritage Heights Academy students, and House District 6 community leaders.
A significant portion of the floor time was devoted to a personal privilege statement by Minority Leader Caldwell, who responded to concerns about immigration enforcement, emphasized the rule of law and due process, and criticized rhetoric he said endangered law enforcement and others. The House then moved into recess later in the day.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:43:39.839><c> wages</c><00:43:40.319><c> because</c><00:43:40.560><c> they're</c> able to increase
- wages because they're able to increase wages because they're losing<00:43:41.200><c> this</c><00:43:
- of rent, increase of minute costs.
- of rent, increase of minute costs.
- of rent, increase of minute costs.
Committee:
Senate Education Finance
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> the</c><00:33:32.000><c> amount</c><00:33:32.320><c> of</c><00:33:32.640><c> engagement</c> increases
- in the amount of engagement increases in the amount of engagement with<00:33:33.600><c> this</c><00:
- Medical bills, long-term rehabilitation, lost wages, funeral expenses — those costs ripple throughout
- long-term uh medical bills, long-term uh rehabilitation,<00:53:49.119><c> lost</c><00:53:49.440><c> wages
- ,</c><00:53:50.000><c> funeral</c> rehabilitation, lost wages, funeral rehabilitation, lost wages, funeral
Committee:
House Transportation Finance and Policy
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- And then it will also increase costs.
- I had is: how would you reconcile, if you were to adopt ethical investment guidelines, with the increase
- In the face of increasing authoritarianism and terror, it is vital that we each take action within our
- As educators and union members, we fight for higher wages so we can afford to live in the communities
- There are almost 1,500 people over the age of 60 in DOC, and that number will only increase as people
Committee:
Senate Ways & Means
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Apr 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, the bill increases from three to six the number of programs for which each career center
- These are high-skilled, high-demand, and high-wage positions, many of which do not require a four-year
- Can you give us an idea of what the increasing enrollment looks like now and what your goal is in the
- Another goal has been to increase our four-year graduation rate.
- So we need to increase our on-campus housing in order for this university to grow.
Summary:
The committee heard and voted on two higher education bills before moving to a long series of university and college board appointment confirmations. CS/SB 742 would let charter schools directly access the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program for career and technical education programs tied to industry certifications, and would expand the money-back guarantee requirement from three to six programs at career centers and Florida College System institutions. A question was raised about whether the charter school access could reduce district funding or grant availability; the sponsor said it could, depending on available funds. The bill was supported by one appearance form and was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 892, which codifies the Florida State University Election Law Center so it can continue and receive recurring funding. The sponsor and FSU witnesses said the center is nonpartisan and focused on evidence-based research, especially on election administration issues related to natural disasters and public confidence in elections. After testimony and questions, including about the center’s scope and funding, the bill was reported favorably.
The remainder of the meeting consisted of testimony from numerous appointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, Valencia College, New College, Pensacola State College, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Palm Beach State College, Santa Fe College, Daytona State College, and Florida Atlantic University. Most nominees emphasized their personal ties to the institutions, support for workforce education, student success, and local economic development. Several highlighted priorities such as keeping tuition affordable, expanding internships and career pathways, strengthening nursing and other workforce programs, and improving graduation and retention rates. Some appointees also described campus-specific goals, including research growth at FAU and Harbor Branch, community engagement at New College, and continued support for health care workforce partnerships at FGCU.
The most notable exchange came during testimony from Dr. Joel Rudman for the Pensacola State College board, where Senator Leek questioned him extensively about prior public comments that appeared to reference threats and drug testing legislators. Rudman said his remarks were aimed at Florida House members and not the Senate, denied any knowledge of illicit drug use by current or former senators, and said he was speaking candidly as a private citizen. Public testimony on his nomination included both support and strong opposition, with one speaker praising his community service and another warning about his alleged disruptive behavior and social media posts. The committee also heard from several supporters and appointees who were not questioned further, and the meeting ended with plans to vote on the appointments after all testimony was completed.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy Nov 18th, 2025
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- know, the fact, the salary assumption, as we know, from the comments of the chair, that we are a high-wage
- We are a high-wage state.
- It does cost a lot of money to live in... ...Washington State because we are a high-wage state.
Committee:
Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy
Summary:
The executive committee approved the October minutes and received brief updates from the Assistant Attorney General and the committee actuary. The actuary reminded members that OSA prepares actuarial fiscal notes during session and said staff would begin work soon on analysis for the upcoming session, including updates related to the COLA bill and other pension measures. Senator Conway asked that updated actuarial materials be shared with committee members as they are completed, and staff agreed to do so.
Most of the meeting focused on committee discussion of pension policy issues, especially the ad hoc COLA for Plan 1 retirees and the broader study work on Left 1/Plan 1 topics, including merger and termination-restatement bills such as Senate Bill 5084. Members discussed the need for a COLA, the overfunding of some pension plans, the role of the legislature versus the committee, and the importance of keeping the State Investment Board separate from pension policy recommendations. Several members said the interim work had clarified many questions and would make future legislative decisions easier, while also noting that the committee’s study role had been completed.
The committee also reviewed constituent correspondence, which included 15 items, with substantial public interest in the ad hoc COLA and related pension bills. Staff presented the draft interim work plan and proposed December agenda items, including possible education on excess compensation and an update on demographic experience studies. After discussion, members agreed not to hold a December meeting, with the understanding that any remaining informational items could be sent by email. The motion to skip the December meeting passed unanimously, and the committee then adjourned.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And even though we've done the increased pay raises, a lot of it is getting swallowed up.
- What created this, as the sponsor said, is since COVID we have an increase in the number of students
- So, all other districts will actually see an increase in funding for the current fiscal year.
- So they will see more money for the current fiscal year because of the increase to the unit value.
- It appears to me then that everybody's taking a percentage hit or increase based on the numbers.
Committee:
Senate Senate Education
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The weight increase is a piece of that.
- The weight increase is a piece of that.
- So when you increase the Superior Court judges' salary, you're increasing the salary for JPs, court commissioners
- This increase alone increased our costs by roughly $8 million.
- This increase alone increased our costs by roughly $8 million.
Bills:
SB1041 , SB1088 , SB1118 , SB1128 , SB1168 , SB1176 , SB1189 , SB1207 , SB1250 , SB1272 , SB1274 , SB1286 , SB1428 , SB1457 , SB1461 , SB1503 , SB1519 , SB1537 , SB1582 , SB1618 , SB1654 , SB1713 , SB1827 , SCR1012 , SCR1020
Keywords:
electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, cybersecurity, homeland security, artificial intelligence, state appropriation, VPN security, zero trust, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 5th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And these cohorts of women have helped us to increase the pipeline so that they could get an apprenticeship
- and have a good living wage.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then handled routine procedural business, including dispensing with the journal reading, re-referring AB 2022, and rescinding prior action on SCR 112. Several bills on the second reading file and concurrence file were passed and retained, while reconsideration items were continued. The chamber then moved to third reading items and consent calendar business.
The main substantive item was ACR 145, by Assemblymember Koloza, declaring March 1-7, 2026 as National Women in Construction Week. Koloza, Davies, Bauer-Kahan, and Arambula spoke in support, emphasizing the need to expand opportunities for women in the trades, improve apprenticeship pipelines, address barriers such as childcare, transportation, safety, and restroom access, and support women-owned construction businesses. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 67 co-authors were added.
On the second-day consent calendar, ACR 135 on School Breakfast Week was also taken up for co-authors, with 66 added, and the consent calendar passed 65-0, including ACR 135, ACR 144, and SCR 122. The Assembly also observed an adjournment in memory for Eileen Hubb, and the house adjourned until Monday, March 9 at 1 p.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Mar 5th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And these cohorts of women have helped us to increase the pipeline so that they could get an apprenticeship
- and have a good living wage.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 3rd, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They have not increased any fees since 2009.
- The teachers this will benefit the most are teachers who are secondary wage earners in their households
Bills:
SB1534 , SB1473 , SB1379 , SB1743 , SB1769 , SB1195 , SB1245 , SB1420 , SB1945 , SB514 , SB346 , SB1593 , SB1782 , SB1366 , SB1497 , SB366 , SB1895 , SB2048 , SB2005 , SB2006 , SB710 , SB1480 , SB2135 , SB2130 , SCR16 , SB1457 , SB1732 , SB1317 , SB1533
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, received the day’s invocation, introduced the Doctor of the Day and a group of pages, and recognized several visitors in the gallery, including nursing students and Talakawa Day participants. The chamber then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 16, which honors Oklahoma women and recognizes March as National Women’s History Month. The resolution highlighted figures such as Kate Barnard, Angie Debo, Clara Luper, and Shannon Lucid. It was moved directly to the calendar, read, adopted by voice vote, and the author offered brief closing remarks.
The Senate then considered several bills. Senate Bill 1457, extending the sunset of the Construction Industries Board to 2031, passed 40-3 and was also approved as an emergency measure. Senate Bill 1732, which updates fees and licensing fees for the Construction Industries Board to support expanded responsibilities and staffing, passed 35-9. Senate Bill 1317, allowing local school boards to decide whether to recognize a teacher’s earned career status when moving districts, passed 43-0 and was likewise approved as an emergency measure after questions about safeguards for potential bad actors. Senate Bill 1533, a cleanup measure for the Dignity and Burial Act requiring the veteran to have been an Oklahoma resident, passed 43-0.
At the end of the session, leaders announced upcoming committee meetings and a weekly devotional. The Senate then adjourned until Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING Feb 13th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
Transcript Highlights:
- The goals of this program included providing preparation and application assistance for the ACT, increasing
- Over the life of the program, the majority of funds were spent for salaries, wages, and fringe benefits
Committee:
All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
Summary:
The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes and then adopted reports from its executive and standing committees. The Executive Committee reported on scheduled audits, denied a special report request concerning the I-owned fire department, approved questions to the Arkansas Department of Health about Title V sexual risk avoidance education funds, authorized the Office of Property Risk to hire a CPA for its annual audit, and asked staff to gather information on circuit judge caseload assignments in Benton County.
The Counties and Municipalities Committee reported progress on delinquent private water and sewer audits, including reinstatement of 19 entities after required reports were filed and 59 of 64 delinquent 2023 entities submitting reports. It also noted that Adona was now in substantial compliance with municipal accounting law, while officials from Denning and Gum Springs appeared regarding noncompliance. Of 109 current reports reviewed, 15 were referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General, two were certified to the Governmental Bonding Board, 94 were filed, and 15 were deferred. The Education Institutions Committee filed 31 audit reports, including one for Cedarville School District that was referred to the prosecuting attorney, Attorney General, and Governmental Bonding Board, and the State Agencies Committee filed 10 reports involving issues at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs.
The committee also heard a Medicaid Subcommittee report that included presentations from DHS, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General, and the Attorney General’s Office on their Medicaid-related roles. In special reports, Legislative Audit presented a review of Cleburne County’s library expenses, finding more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases lacking a documented business purpose, undocumented disbursements, and possible improper fuel expenses; the matter was referred to the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Attorney General. The committee also reviewed the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UALR, where auditors found scholarship awards to ineligible students, numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, and that the program had ceased in 2024 with remaining funds returned to the school districts. After discussion, the committee filed both special reports and adjourned, with the next meeting set for March 12-13, 2026.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- for the ACT, The program included providing preparation and application assistance for the ACT, increasing
- Over the life of the program, the majority of funds were spent for salaries, wages, and fringe benefits
Committee:
All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
Summary:
The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes. It then received and adopted reports from the Executive Committee, the Standing Committee on Counties and Municipalities, the Standing Committee on Education Institutions, the Standing Committee on State Agencies, and the Medicaid Subcommittee. Those reports covered audit follow-up items, delinquent private water and sewer audits, municipal accounting compliance issues, education audit findings, state agency audit findings, and a Medicaid oversight presentation. Several reports were filed after discussion, and in multiple cases agencies or local officials were present to answer questions about repeat findings or compliance concerns.
Among the notable audit matters, the committee reviewed a Cleburne County library audit that found more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases that appeared personal in nature and improper fuel expenses. The library director had been placed on leave, later charged with felony theft of property and abuse of office, and the matter was referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General. The committee also heard a special report on the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, which found scholarship ineligibility issues and numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, while noting that the program had ended in 2024 and remaining funds were returned to the school districts.
During the state agency report, Legislative Audit described findings at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs, including improper benefit payments, a cashed warrant by someone other than the intended payee, missing receipts, unauthorized fuel card purchases, and payroll and overtime issues. The committee filed that report after agency representatives responded to questions. The meeting ended with the filing of the Cleburne County and Donaldson Scholars Academy reports, and the next committee meeting was announced for March 12-13, 2026.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Then in fiscal 2021 and 2022, receipts were increasing, and we saw receipts increasing for individual
- </c><00:35:44.079><c> by</c> 2022 and increased by 2022 and increased by 0.43%<00:35:46.400><c> in</c
- </c> AIDS and credit spending um increase AIDS and credit spending um increase over<00:43:01.520><c>
- </c><01:05:59.039><c> to</c> cannabis Aid payments to increase to cannabis Aid payments to increase to
- percentage increases or uh increases percentage increases or percentage<01:23:28.080><c> drops</c><01
Committee:
House Taxes
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- to kindergarten is significantly underfunded, causing educators to leave the field to earn livable wages
- from increased sports betting.
- of the voters, and the district conducts at least one public hearing on the proposed increase.
- Members, this bill increases the amount a lender may charge for an origination fee, changing it from
- Members, this is dealing with the pay, increasing the pay for parish board commissioners.