Transcript Highlights:

• This program, based out of EDD, was driven by this legislature to fund local grants and help identify
• The five grant programs support science and technology business startups.
• On that industry and also to build out a loan program for grants and technical assistance.
• There's not a special grant program for underrepresented filmmakers.
• program, and labor relations program.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee staff asked for my thoughts on innovative grant programs that were administered through this
• From there, we utilized new programs and grants like CalAIM and the CYBHI to expand to a multi-tiered
• And number three, future programs and grants should build upon existing programs and priorities rather
• So in addition to the fee schedule program itself, there's a paired grant that's gone out to schools
• So in addition to the fee schedule program itself, there's a paired grant that's gone out to schools

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the PINON grant.
• Any lending program.
• we do with any kind of grant.
• of any grants for SIPI?
• Just a reminder that we are not only looking for grants, but we are looking for other federal program

Transcript Highlights:

• But that block grant was given. It's a five-year block grant that was given.
• As Senator Lent mentioned, United Way is the grant holder from the federal grant for the expansion of
• They had after-school programs. Was that part of the grant funding that you have, Ms. Marshall?
• They had after-school programs. Was that part of the grant funding that you have, Ms. Marshall? Ms.
• What they think about this kind of a program.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 1439, which would extend the reporting deadline for a school construction and resource allocation study committee from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2027. Rep. Handy said the change had no fiscal impact and simply gave the nine-member committee more time to finish its work. A motion to send the bill to the floor with a do-pass recommendation passed unanimously. The main item of discussion was Senate Concurrent Resolution 126 on community schools. Rep. Galaviz, Sen. Lent, and several testifiers, including United Way’s Katie Marshall and American Falls Superintendent Randy Jensen, described community schools as locally driven partnerships that connect schools with families and community organizations to address barriers to learning. They cited examples such as tutoring, after-school programs, food support, GED and job assistance, early learning, mentoring, and limited health-related access such as mobile clinics, all with parental consent and local control. Supporters argued the model strengthens families and helps students succeed, especially in rural communities. Several members raised concerns that the resolution and the community schools model could expand schools into health, social services, and other roles better left to families or outside agencies. Questions focused on whether the approach could become too centralized or resemble a broader “wraparound” model. Superintendent Debbie Critchfield said Idaho was the only state of 19 to have its federal community schools grant reinstated after review, and emphasized that Idaho’s approach is parent-empowering and community-based rather than the school replacing the family. After debate, a substitute motion to hold SCR 126 in committee failed, and the motion to send SCR 126 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation passed on a roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2391, Arreguín, nursing grant support program, held in committee.
• AB 1980, Colosa, Erica Grant Program, do pass as amended to authorize grants for certain purposes only
• AB 1932, Elhawary, Crisis Grant Program, do pass out on an A roll call. Maybe 20.
• AB 1888, Ortega, grant program contractors, held in committee.
• AB 1888, Ortega, grant program contractors, held in committee.

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held a suspense-file hearing on May 14, 2026, reviewing hundreds of Assembly bills and a few committee bills. The chair opened by explaining the committee’s budget constraints and the factors used in suspense decisions, including fiscal impact, return on investment, effects on constituents, and protection of the state’s social safety net. The agenda was organized alphabetically by author, and the committee noted that results would be posted later that day online. The committee then acted on a very large number of measures, sending many bills to the Assembly floor on do pass or do pass as amended motions, while holding many others in committee. Topics covered a broad range of policy areas, including housing, health care, education, labor, public safety, wildfire mitigation, water, energy, transportation, cannabis, immigration, and state governance. Many bills were amended to narrow scope, make implementation contingent on appropriations or existing resources, remove provisions, or clarify agency responsibilities; several bills were held without further action. Among the notable actions, the committee advanced bills on items such as Medi-Cal services, child care, wildfire-related programs, housing financing, school and college issues, public safety and criminal justice, environmental and energy policy, and various consumer and business regulations. Some measures were sent out on A or B roll calls, with Republicans often not voting on amended bills. The hearing concluded after the committee reported that a large number of bills had been moved to the Assembly floor, either as do pass or do pass with amendments, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not create a credit program. That program has already been created by federal law.
• It does not create a credit program. That program has already been created by federal law.
• It does not create a credit program. That program has already been created by federal law.
• </c><00:03:45.000><c> to</c> to send their money, use this program to to send their money, use this program
• </c> to set up the scholarship granting to set up the scholarship granting organization<00:13:01.600>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House Republican leaders and Speaker Melissa Hortman held a press event promoting House File 3490, which would opt Minnesota into a federal education tax credit program. They argued the bill has no state cost and would keep donations made by Minnesotans benefiting Minnesota students and schools rather than out-of-state scholarship organizations. Supporters said the funds could help with tutoring, extracurriculars, school supplies, special education-related services, learning loss, and other school needs, and they repeatedly urged Governor Tim Walz to opt in or publicly explain why he would not. Rep. Andrew Myers, the bill’s chief author, said the proposal is personal to him as a parent and legislator and described recent school budget pressures, including staff and resource cuts and larger class sizes. Rep. Ben Bakeberg, a middle school principal, said the bill could generate significant funding if many taxpayers participate and argued it could help offset school district shortfalls and the Blue Ribbon Commission. Rep. Griesbach also backed the bill, calling it a “no-brainer” and saying he would not work with the governor on other budget items unless the governor opted in. In response to questions, supporters said scholarship-granting organizations could be created by a variety of entities, including education foundations, and could support both private-school tuition and public-school-related costs such as extracurricular fees, field trips, and transportation for summer learning. They rejected the idea that the bill pits public and nonpublic schools against each other, saying it is meant to expand educational opportunity for all students. No vote or formal committee action was taken during the event; it ended with questions from reporters on the bill and other Republican priorities such as rental assistance, gas taxes, and energy costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant Program provides funding of up to $750,000 for schools to acquire
• All state-designated CTE programs are required to have program advisory committees, which support program
• Program advisory committee supports the CTE programs in a Program Advisory Committee supports the CTE
• Each program area must have its own program advisory committee.
• One advisory committee member of a regional program, Grant, which we were awarded this past fall.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But the money—it's been an awesome program, the challenge grant program, to help all institutions build
• program with the supplemental state grant to really help those middle- and low-income families, which
• grant equals X.
• Last session, we talked about the Supplemental State Grant Program and initiated that; that was focused
• We talked about the Supplemental State Grant Program and initiated that; that was focused on students

Summary: The committee met at North Dakota State College of Science for a presentation from President Flanagan and campus leaders on the college’s mission, enrollment growth, workforce programs, facilities needs, and industry partnerships. Flanagan highlighted student success in national competitions, strong placement and retention, the college’s strategic plan, and new or expanding programs such as aviation maintenance, fire science, dental hygiene, community health worker, surgical technology, HVAC/plumbing, and precision agriculture. He also described the need for a new dorm and a remodel of the library into academic and allied health space, including a simulation center, to address capacity limits and support growth. Several committee members asked about program demand, faculty recruitment, pay competitiveness, and how the college shifts resources from lower-demand programs to high-demand ones. Industry partner Jim Albright of Comdell testified that the college has been essential to the local manufacturing workforce and that many employees and interns come from NDSCS. A major topic was dual credit. Flanagan said dual credit is important but financially challenging, noting that only a small share of dual credit students ultimately matriculate to NDSCS and that the college’s dual credit model is close to break-even. He explained that many dual credit credits are general education rather than CTE, and that the college pays instructors, supports high schools, and absorbs indirect costs. Williston State College President Bernal Herning added that his institution loses money on the front end but has shifted toward helping students complete associate degrees before high school graduation because many go directly to work after high school. Committee members questioned how dual credit is delivered, how instructors are qualified, and whether students are truly doing college-level work. The committee then received a University System presentation from Jamie Wilkie on the cost of delivering dual credit statewide. Wilkie explained the methodology used to allocate direct and overhead costs and said the analysis shows dual credit is not profitable at several institutions once tuition, instructor payments, and overhead are included. Members asked how much of the cost is borne by students, families, and the state, and whether K-12 funding should also be considered. Discussion also covered the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized dual credit, payments to high school teachers or schools, and the possibility of waiving tuition in the future. No votes were taken, and the committee mainly gathered information for the ongoing dual credit cost study.

Transcript Highlights:

• Another approach that was discussed that I think could be successful would be instead of a grant program
• </c><01:08:55.240><c> program</c><01:08:55.839><c> and</c> instead of a grant program and instead of
• a grant program and Representative<01:08:56.560><c> Elkins</c><01:08:56.720><c> I</c><01:08:56.799><c
• Um, and you know, we can get a lot of homes covered with this grant program. >> Members, any further
• </c> this grant program. this grant program.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant Program provides funding of up to $750,000 for schools to acquire
• computer science program.
• Program advisory committees support CTE programs in a and continuous improvement.
• Program Advisory Committee focuses on career and technical education programs.
• One advisory committee member of a regional program, Grant, which we were awarded this past fall.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held an informational hearing at Quincy Public Schools focused on career and technical education (CTE) and related legislation. Committee members said the visit was intended to gather input for ongoing statewide efforts to expand awareness and access to CTE, especially in middle school, improve equipment and facilities, and strengthen coordination with workforce partners. Quincy administrators described the district’s CTE system, including 15 Chapter 74 programs at Quincy High School and four at North Quincy High School, enrollment of about 1,360 students, updated DESE-aligned frameworks, safety practices, business electives, and funding supported by the district budget plus state, federal, and local grants. Presenters highlighted work-based learning, industry credentials, and partnerships with employers, unions, Quincy College, MassHire, and advisory committees. Examples included co-op placements, internships, clinical placements, Military Mondays, Credit for Life, Skills Capital and Perkins-funded equipment upgrades, and a planned engineering Chapter 74 application at North Quincy. Assistant Superintendent Aaron Perkins also outlined the district’s MyCAP college-and-career planning initiative and its goal of creating a vertically aligned readiness model beginning in the middle grades. Students Ellie Crump, Emily Infantino, and Alexander Liu testified about their pathways in welding, early education and care, and healthcare technology, describing hands-on learning, certifications, clinical or shop experiences, and postsecondary plans. Committee members praised Quincy as a model for integrating CTE with general education and said the testimony would inform future legislation. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded with a motion to adjourn and unanimous agreement.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, we're going to take up Tab 1, which is a program review of the district support programs.
• Part of the program also, part of the goal of that program is to increase the number of students not
• So what is a matching grant?
• A matching grant is a sub-grant from the consortium to a district foundation.
• A matching grant is a sub-grant from the consortium to a district foundation.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum and first heard a Department of Education program review on three district support programs: assistance to low-performing schools, the Florida Partnership program, and regional literacy teams (RAISE). Dr. Paul Burns described how the Bureau of School Improvement supports schools with D/F grades through regional teams, classroom observations, professional learning, and targeted funding, noting that 104 of 168 low-performing schools improved after 2022-23 and that the share of failing schools fell from 6% to 4%. He also outlined the Florida Partnership’s $4 million annual appropriation for advanced-course teacher training and student access, and the RAISE literacy program’s $5 million funding, universal/targeted/intensive supports, and progress monitoring results. Senators asked about rural participation, post-COVID reading data, parent support, and how long schools remain under monitoring after improving; Burns said rural districts can participate statewide, parents can access school and department support, and schools continue to receive monitoring after exiting low-performing status to prevent recidivism. The committee then received a presentation on the school district education foundation matching grants program from Suzanne Pridgen, who explained that the Consortium of the Florida Education Foundations administers the grants, which require private matching funds and support tutoring, literacy, STEM, career education, professional learning, books, and supplies. She said the program leverages about $1.44 in private support for every state dollar. The committee then moved to the regional education consortia, where representatives from PAEC, NEFEC, and Heartland, along with several rural superintendents, described the consortia as member-led organizations that provide economies of scale, professional learning, HR, risk management, purchasing, legal and operational support, crisis assistance, and leadership development for small and fiscally constrained districts. Superintendents from Lafayette, Holmes, Calhoun, Union, DeSoto, and Hendry counties testified that the consortia are essential because rural districts often have very small staffs, multiple-duty administrators, and limited in-house expertise. They cited support with insurance and hurricane recovery, training for new finance and HR staff, instructional coaching, CTE and leadership programs, and help with turnaround schools. Members emphasized that these districts can be high-performing despite limited resources, and several senators praised the consortia’s value. Senator Gaetz asked about additional back-office collaboration, possible regulatory relief, and FEFP issues tied to scholarship-related enrollment swings; rural superintendents responded that more local control would help. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• The third objective was to identify funding and grants obtained by the program and determine if funds
• The program received a $50,000 grant from the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District, which
• The third objective was to identify funding and grants obtained by the program and determine if funds
• The program received a $50,000 grant from the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District, which
• The study abroad, I think, was actually paid for through an external grant that the program pulled down

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting and then heard several audit-related reports. The executive committee report noted audit and special reports were scheduled for standing committees and the full Legislative Joint Audit Committee, with one requested report still in progress. The City, County, and Local report covered delinquent private water and sewer audits, reinstatement of turnback funds for entities that filed required reports, and action involving the town of Daisy, which was directed to repay misused street funds at 10% of general fund revenue annually. The education and state agencies reports included higher education audits and state agency findings, with some reports filed and others deferred to the February meeting for additional information or corrective-action details. The committee then took up a special audit of the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UA Little Rock. Legislative Audit reported that the program, funded with $10 million in desegregation money plus a $50,000 grant, awarded $1.87 million in scholarships to 379 students, with 116 graduates, but found numerous eligibility and disbursement problems, including scholarships to ineligible students, excessive awards, improper documentation, and unclear disposition of some assets. Committee members questioned UALR representatives about oversight, staffing, and whether funds were properly used, and also heard from Philander Smith College about its limited role in verifying enrollment. Members expressed concern about the program’s results and the lack of detail on accountability, and the committee voted to table the report until the next meeting for further review and requested additional information, including the federal court order and more detail on expenditures and oversight. Finally, the committee reviewed the annual disposition report on matters referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General for 2024. Staff said 164 matters were referred, with 28 resulting in criminal charges and convictions, 39 still under review, 96 not charged, and others dismissed or pending; 20 convictions produced fines, restitution, and audit-cost orders, and bond trust fund claims were paid in some cases. Prosecutor Coordinator and Attorney General representatives explained that some referrals do not meet criminal standards, may lack intent, or are otherwise not prosecutable, and members asked for more standardized reporting, clearer explanations of why cases are not charged, and more information on restitution efforts. The committee discussed possible templates, training, and better coordination, then voted to file the report and adjourned, with the next meeting set for February 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE FIRST IS A HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM.
• FLOOD MITIGATION ASSISTANCE IS OUR THIRD GRANT PROGRAM AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL.
• ONCE YOU PASS THE INSPECTION PORTION OF THE PROGRAM THEN A HOMEOWNER CAN APPLY FOR GRANT ALTHOUGH THERE
• THIS APPROACH HAS BEEN ADOPTED BY GRANT PROGRAMS USING OUR FORTIFIED PROGRAM IN ALABAMA, LOUISIANA, OKLAHOMA
• ADDING THIS TO THE FORM WOULD BRING THE PROGRAM WITHIN THE REGULATORY AND GRANT PROGRAM CONTEXT OF FLORIDA

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are national programs.
• We have several programs at TO.
• The Entrepreneurship Programmatic Support Grant is, as it sounds, providing funds for programming and
• I mentioned that one of our programs is our business assistance program, which started as a pilot last
• Evaluate the grants on.

Transcript Highlights:

• distribution program.
• and neuter program.
• distribution program.
• program.
• program.

Bills: HB25, SB38, SB101, HB199

Keywords: juvenile delinquency, firearm possession, criminal background checks, state law, gun control, youth offense, conviction, public safety, SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration

Transcript Highlights:

• program to incentivize the use of green fertilizer produced within the state.
• The department must establish criteria to implement the program by July 1, 2028, related to program eligibility
• The criteria must also provide for coordination with other incentive programs and ensure that the program
• I've also overseen grant and loan programs.
• And when we use grant programs like conservation futures or our CO funding, we often accept and hold

Bills: SB5919, SB5816

Keywords: fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• active programs.
• That includes government-to-government grants, federal programs, tribal housing programs, and the like
• There is a direct supervision program, which is called our new covered persons program.
• Yes, we will provide you information about the grant program after we leave today. All right.
• CAC grants support arts education, community-based programs, cultural districts, and local organizations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, the bill establishes the abortion savings program for DOH to provide operating grants to eligible
• served through the program.
• under the new program.
• A recent example of grant funding is the federal government's Clean School Bus Rebate and Grant programs
• The third program affected by the bill is the transition to kindergarten program.

Bills: HB2747

Keywords: budget sustainability, state finance, fiscal policy, economic growth, government spending, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that person got a grant of parole.
• And if there is a grant, we also say that a grant doesn't excuse and doesn't forget... me in the heart
• And if there is a grant, we also say that a grant doesn't excuse and doesn't forget.
• And he ended up with a grant.
• The fact that you have already granted, that the parole board has granted parole, and now this person

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee established quorum and first approved several governor’s appointments to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors and the State Mining and Geology Board, with one mining board appointment passing 3-2 and the others passing 5-0. The committee also approved a rule waiver request from the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee to allow budget subcommittees to meet during the blackout period, and it referred ACA 7 (Jackson) to the committees listed on the agenda after rejecting a motion to add Labor, Public Employment and Retirement as an additional referral. The committee then heard testimony from five appointees to the Board of Parole Hearings: William Munis, Michael Ruff, Rosalind Sergeant Burns, Mary Thornton, and Jack Weiss. In opening remarks, the appointees emphasized their corrections, legal, and public safety backgrounds and described parole work as evidence-based, collaborative, and focused on current risk rather than the original offense alone. Senators, especially Senator Jones, pressed them on recent high-profile parole grants involving child sex offenders, the extent of commissioner discretion, the use of coping mechanisms and risk assessments, transparency in en banc review votes, and whether the board’s decisions adequately protect public safety. The appointees said they must follow the law, rely on structured risk tools and expert assessments, and treat each case individually; several said they would defer to the Legislature on whether en banc votes should be made public. Members also questioned the board about use of MAT/drug-treatment records, commutation review, institutional behavior and write-ups, victim participation, elderly parole, and the role of community support and rehabilitation. The commissioners said treatment records are considered only in context with other reliable evidence, that reconsideration hearings and recidivism data help evaluate whether tools are working, and that victim and family members are given respectful accommodations and opportunities to participate. Senator Jones said he was not satisfied with the answers on discretion and accountability and stated he would not support Jack Weiss’s reappointment, citing ongoing concerns about professionalism. Public testimony at the end was overwhelmingly supportive of the five commissioners, with several advocates, formerly incarcerated people, and anti-recidivism coalition members praising the board’s rigor and the role of rehabilitation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last week, a bill by Senator Muhammad to completely remake our program accountability in Medicaid programs
• :18.200><c> programs.
• </c> called them high-risk programs. called them high-risk programs.
• </c> selecting and administrating grants. selecting and administrating grants.
• </c> with entities receiving those grants. with entities receiving those grants.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate DFL leaders held a press conference outlining a fraud-prevention agenda centered on transparency, accountability, and modernization of state systems. Majority Leader Erin Murphy said Minnesotans are angry about fraud and that the caucus has already passed multiple fraud-prevention measures, but more work is needed. She and other senators emphasized that outdated county and state IT systems leave programs vulnerable to waste and abuse, and said they want to pursue both immediate upgrades and longer-term funding solutions, including possible bonding for technology infrastructure. Senator Zena Mohamed described legislation to overhaul program integrity in Medicaid and human services by adding safeguards before, during, and after provider enrollment and service delivery. She said the goal is to prevent theft before dollars are spent, rein in third-party entities that profit without accountability, and improve consumer protections and reporting pathways. Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger highlighted a bill to ban cryptocurrency kiosks, arguing they are heavily used in scams targeting seniors and vulnerable people, and also backed a state consumer financial protection bureau and stronger False Claims Act enforcement. Senator Rob Kupec focused on ethics and conflicts of interest, including a proposal to bar legislative members and certain state employees from quickly moving into jobs tied to entities receiving state appropriations or grants. He also said lawmakers should strengthen penalties for theft of public funds and restrict state contracts for people convicted of fraud. Senator Heather Gustafson promoted her Office of Inspector General bill, saying oversight is fragmented and an independent office is needed for investigations, safeguards, and early detection; she said the Senate passed the bill 60-7 last year and she wants it enacted. In response to questions, Murphy and Gustafson said the OIG should have law-enforcement powers, that bipartisan support exists in principle, and that the House needs to settle on a single proposal. The senators also said prepayment review can be useful but can disrupt services, and they argued agencies must use the tools already given to them while lawmakers continue oversight.