Transcript Highlights:

• I know Chair Baker and I share this: workers are more aware of the opportunities that are available.
• I know Chair Baker and I share this: workers are more aware of the opportunities that are available.
• I know Chair Baker and I share this: workers are more aware of the opportunities that are available.
• I know Chair Baker and I share this: workers are more aware of the opportunities that are available.
• I know Chair Baker and I share this: workers are more aware of the opportunities that are available.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a student athlete, and I'm here today to share my story.
• Revenue sharing is the institution's entering into agreement.
• in a gain-share-like fashion, like an academic unit.
• So I sit at the intersection of revenue share, NIL, and life skills.
• their share?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on name, image, and likeness (NIL) financial literacy programs and how NIL is affecting student athletes in California. The chair opened by noting California’s early leadership on NIL and the need to ensure athletes have the education and support to manage contracts, taxes, budgeting, and other financial decisions. Witnesses across the panels generally agreed that NIL has created new opportunities but also significant risks, especially for young athletes who may lack experience, legal advice, or consistent institutional support. Tyree Dillingham and Brandon Copeland described widespread financial vulnerability among student athletes, including confusion about pay, taxes, credit, and contract terms, and warned about predatory deals, cash advances, and conflicts of interest. They argued for standardized, mandatory financial literacy and stronger protections, including a players association model and limits on predatory practices. Mikey Williams and attorney Anthony Coronae gave a personal account of a NIL-related advance they said functioned like a payday loan, with terms they said were not fully understood and that left Williams owing money while his name and image were used to raise additional funds. They urged legal review, clearer rules, and guardrails to prevent similar exploitation. Adam Shore, athletic director at the University of the Pacific, and San Diego State representatives Brendan Hill and Sloan Benchoff offered an institutional perspective. Shore said college sports are in a chaotic transition, with transfer rules, revenue sharing, and NIL creating pressure on schools, but he also described existing support structures and suggested California consider adapting sports-agent registration rules and pursuing a national solution. Hill and Benchoff highlighted San Diego State’s mandatory multi-year life skills program, which includes financial literacy, internships, and career preparation, and said that model should be standardized statewide. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and focused on testimony, questions, and policy ideas.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to share with the committee, Mr.
• I want to share with the committee, Mr.
• I want to just share, I think, you know, as it relates to what Ms.
• I want to just share, I think, you know, as it relates to what Ms.
• And the other thing that I want to share with you is the PIT count.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight held a hearing on California’s homelessness funding, focusing on the Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HAP) Grant and the Encampment Resolution Grant Program. HCD described new accountability requirements, including regional action plans, stronger reporting and expenditure conditions, housing-element compliance, encampment response plans, and public dashboards that track fiscal spending, service outcomes, and encampment resolution status. Officials said the goal is to use the data to identify underperforming grantees, provide technical assistance, and, if needed, withhold or reallocate funds. Local officials from San Diego, Fresno, and Santa Cruz said the programs have helped expand shelter, outreach, and permanent housing, and that state dollars have leveraged local and federal resources. Mayor Todd Gloria said San Diego has used HAP to expand shelter and safe sleeping options, reduce downtown encampments, and increase housing production, but argued the state’s new accountability website is too high-level and does not fully reflect countywide conditions, behavioral health outcomes, or the role of continuum-of-care partners. Fresno officials said HAP and other state funds helped the city add shelter beds and reduce homelessness, while Santa Cruz emphasized that state funding helped build local coordination and draw in federal vouchers. Members pressed the panel on whether HAP is actually reducing homelessness, what the best success metrics should be, and whether the state is getting full, usable data from grantees and subcontractors. Several members asked for more granular jurisdiction-level reporting, better tracking of nonprofit spending, and clearer measures beyond point-in-time counts and “people served.” HCD said it is still improving HMIS participation and data quality, but can already show outcomes such as exits to permanent housing and returns to homelessness. The hearing ended with broad agreement that transparency is important, but disagreement remained over the best measures of success and how much emphasis should be placed on housing, prevention, shelter, and treatment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sharing our stories and educating lawmakers is essential for this.
• I've shared it with committee staff, who hopefully shared it with all of you, but I'm happy to recirculate
• Like, what should I be sharing?
• There's a lot of sharing of tools like release of information or consent-sharing tools, as an example
• I'm here to support Soluna and share how it helped me.

Summary: The Select Committee on Youth Mental Health and Treatment Access held its third hearing to review the state of youth mental health, progress under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), and remaining implementation and funding challenges. The chair emphasized that schools are often the main point where education, health care, and social services intersect for students, and that the committee’s goal is to ensure public investments translate into better access and outcomes. The hearing featured testimony from researchers, a youth advocate, state officials, and local practitioners. PPIC researcher Shalini Mostala reported that teen mental health remains a serious concern, with high rates of chronic sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts, though recent California data show some improvement since the pandemic. She noted persistent disparities by gender, race, and rural status, and said school-based health centers, wellness centers, and community schools are associated with lower suicidal thoughts. Youth advocate Ella Cruz, speaking for NAMI California, described her own mental health struggles and argued that youth voice, peer-to-peer support, and reducing stigma are essential; she also said technology and AI cannot replace trusted adults or trained professionals. Committee members asked about phone use, stigma, cultural barriers, and how to make supports more accessible and relatable to students. Dr. Sohill Sood of the California Health and Human Services Agency said statewide survey data show declining stigma, increased counseling use, and lower suicide ideation among students, and he highlighted CYBHI’s certified wellness coaches, digital tools, awareness campaigns, and the first-in-the-nation fee schedule that allows schools and colleges to bill health plans for behavioral health services. He said the program is growing quickly, with more than 230,000 claims and over $11 million in new revenue to date, while acknowledging that billing systems and coordination are still being built. Trina Frazier of Fresno County described a multi-tiered system of care supported by CYBHI, CalAIM, and other grants, serving thousands of students through school-based services, wellness centers, and mobile therapy units; she said ongoing funding and flexibility are critical. Rachel Kroberniski of El Segundo High School’s James Morehouse Project described a long-running wellness center and peer mentorship model that supports students in multiple languages, and said peer programs help students feel seen, connected, and more willing to seek help. Members broadly praised the flexibility, collaboration, and peer-based approaches described by the witnesses. Questions focused on sustaining funding after one-time grants expire, improving coordination among schools, counties, and providers, expanding the fee schedule to higher education, and ensuring continuity of care for students after high school. Officials said county offices of education, DHCS, and other partners are using communities of practice and technical assistance to spread best practices, and that CYBHI services can follow some young adults through age 25, with additional supports through community-based programs and digital platforms.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then after we return to 67-67, we would revert to the power-sharing agreement that we negotiated.
• I think the Minnesota Senate set a really good example this morning: when we are tied, we share power
• we know that a tie is likely sharing we know that a tie is likely coming<00:01:40.640> uh<00:
• be in the position of having shared be in the position of having shared power<00:02:49.200> uh
• We've negotiated a power-sharing agreement; let's honor it.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Democratic House leaders Melissa Hortman and Jamie Long said Republicans were escalating the Minnesota House organization dispute by refusing to accept power-sharing, threatening to proceed as if they had a two-year majority, and planning to disregard the Secretary of State’s role on the first day of session. They argued that Minnesota law requires the Secretary of State to preside until a quorum is present, and that the House should follow the Minnesota Senate’s example of sharing power when the chamber is tied. They said Democrats had offered a compromise allowing Republicans to act as a majority for the first few weeks while they held a one-seat edge, then revert to the negotiated power-sharing agreement once the House returns to a 67-67 tie. Much of the discussion focused on the Brad Tabke election contest and whether Republicans could use a temporary majority to remove him or otherwise reorganize the House. Hortman and Long said the swearing-in of members is a ministerial act and does not affect the election contest, citing past Minnesota examples where members were sworn in while legal challenges were pending. They said if Republicans ignore the Secretary of State and try to organize the House without a quorum, Democrats would go to court to argue the House was not duly organized. They also said Republicans’ claims about the disputed district residency issue were misplaced and that the Tabke case should be decided by the courts. The leaders said Democrats were prepared to use denial of quorum as a backup if no agreement is reached, describing it as a quieter and less disruptive alternative to a long filibuster. They said the confidential swearing-in held the night before was done as an emergency backup because of security concerns and the possibility that quorum might be denied. They also said they were not worried about Republican recall threats, but warned that if Republicans proceeded with what they called a “kangaroo court,” Democrats might consider recall petitions for malfeasance. No formal vote or legislative action was taken in the exchange, and the leaders said they were still hoping to reach a compromise in later talks with Republican Leader Lisa Demuth.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kentucky's share of those costs, which covers the approach and the Kentucky assets and the shared 50%
• Kentucky's share of those costs, which covers the approach and the Kentucky assets and the shared 50%
• said that Kentucky bears a larger share said that Kentucky bears a larger share of<00:13:54.800>
• met our commitment with Indiana sharing met our commitment with Indiana sharing that<00:15:03.760
• it, we'll be glad to share it. it, we'll be glad to share it.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its June 3 meeting and received an opening update on transportation revenues. Leadership noted that the gas tax formula dropped 4.1 cents on July 1, reducing road fund revenue by about $125 million, and warned that city, county, rural, and secondary road funding will be affected. The chair said the committee would likely have to be selective about transportation project requests given the reduced revenue outlook. The main presentation was an update on the I-69 bridge project. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials said the project is the missing link in the Henderson-Evansville corridor and is being delivered in three sections, with Kentucky leading section two. They said section two is a $933 million project, with Kentucky’s share described as $58 million and the balance Indiana’s, and that toll revenue will be used to finance the project through a TIFIA loan and Garvey bonds. Officials said Kentucky and Indiana have executed an agreement under House Bill 546 to use tolls, are working on a broader bi-state development agreement, and will ask the General Assembly next session to carry forward $150 million in general funds without conditions and to ratify the agreement. Members asked about the timeline, toll sharing, whether tolls would sunset, and whether US 41 bridges would remain open for local traffic; officials said construction is planned for 2027, tolling would begin in 2031, toll revenue would be shared 50/50, and at least one US 41 bridge would remain open for local use. The committee then heard a combined update from the Department of Vehicle Regulation and the Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing on implementation of several recent changes. Officials reported that the new registration category for special-purpose vehicles is fully operational statewide, with all counties enrolled and 292 vehicles processed so far; they also said counties received at least five plates each and that the program is permissive, not mandatory. They described implementation of Senate Bill 43’s medical review board reforms and third-party driver’s license issuance framework, saying the medical review process has been updated and that third-party partners may eventually handle easier transactions such as renewals, name changes, and address changes, while initial issuances would remain at KYTC regional offices. They also reported that the sheriff’s inspection process has been integrated into CAVIS, reducing paperwork and fraud and improving tracking. Members asked about communication to counties and cities with differing local rules, the number of counties participating, and how to coordinate multiple policy changes; officials said all counties are enrolled, though not all have submitted applications, and that they are still finalizing the scope of third-party services.

Transcript Highlights:

• In line with the idea that these are shared guiding principles. This is a resolution.
• 21.520> the law has a duty to share the law has a duty to share the the<00:30:23.280> cost<
• So our goal with these shared principles is it's not the only thing.
• You mentioned the shared cost sharing, possibly, or maybe the state should be paying for the repair and
• Is that shared, or is it just the state's financial responsibility to maintain these?"

Bills: SCR8, SCR40, SCR83, SCR179, SCR90, SCR94, SCR159, SCR165, SCR177

Keywords: building permits, seniors, health care, disability, safety modifications, county regulations, expedited processing, environment, pollution, tourism, disposable bodyboards, polystyrene, marine ecosystems, lithium-ion batteries, environmental safety, recycling, public safety, waste management, Honolulu, Maui County

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions related to water, coastal management, and permitting. Early measures included SCR 8 on faster county action for certain home-modification permits for older adults and people with disabilities, SCR 40 on banning disposable body boards, SCR 83 on creating a lithium-ion battery disposal facility, SCR 179 on enforcing Maui fire-code provisions for brush clearance and emergency access, and SCR 90 on kupuna-friendly permit requirements. No testifiers were present for those measures, and the chair moved through them without taking votes in the portion provided. The most extensive discussion was on SCR 94, endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, and SCR 159, urging shared guiding principles for restoring and maintaining Waikiki’s beaches and shoreline. University of Hawaii testimony said the surfing-reserve designation would bring recognition, could help attract grants, and would require a stewardship committee and management plan, but would not itself block beach nourishment or shoreline restoration. Members asked about possible effects on dredging, beach nourishment, and shoreline structures; the witness said impacts on surfing were not expected to be immediate or significant. For SCR 159, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the resolution but requested clarifying amendments to broaden references to law, stakeholder collaboration, and coastal science expertise. The Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association also supported the measure, emphasizing coordinated maintenance, public access, and the economic importance of Waikiki beaches, while noting that existing legal agreements and court decisions should be reflected in the resolution. The discussion also covered whether the state and private owners share repair and maintenance obligations for Waikiki seawalls; testimony said existing agreements remain relevant but must yield to current law. The committee also heard SCR 165 designating March as Water Month, with support from the Board of Water Supply and others, and SCR 177 requesting DAGS to convene a cooperative working group on state projects needing county permits. Mary Alice Evans said the latter would help expedite permitting, especially for housing and other state projects, and would complement efforts to standardize county permitting processes. No final votes or dispositions were announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• enterprise data sharing.
• enterprise data sharing.
• enterprise data sharing.
• enterprise data sharing.
• common data sharing agreements. common data sharing agreements.

Bills: HB1813, HB2429, HB2423, HB1996, HB1851, HB2546, HB2028, HB2583, HB2490, HB2545, HB2114, HB1859, HB2534, HB2474, HB1863, HB2475

Keywords: taxation, general excise tax, use tax, exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, tax expenditure, tax expenditure evaluation, tax credit review, tax incentive, tax exemption, use tax exemption, income tax credit, DBEDT, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Department of Taxation, fiscal oversight, budget accountability, tax policy, revenue loss, public spending

Summary: The committee opened with HB 1813 on taxation and HB 2429 on tax expenditure evaluation, taking mostly written testimony and limited oral discussion. On HB 2429, the Tax Foundation and Department of Taxation raised privacy and federal-law concerns, warning that the bill could require taxpayers to file duplicative returns and could risk disclosure of federal tax information if released publicly. Members and witnesses discussed using anonymized or summary reporting instead of individual public release, with the department saying summarized data would be preferable and that the state can ask for the information as a policy matter, but individual public release could create problems. The committee then heard HB 2423 HD1 on biodiesel, where Pacific Biodiesel said it can supply all biodiesel needed for B5 in Hawaii without imports and asked to move the implementation date earlier to November 2027 to allow rollout planning. HB 1996 HB1 on hearing aids drew broad support; a disability access representative said earlier insurance-based efforts had run into administrative problems and that this bill would immediately lower costs for consumers. HB 1851 HD1, also related to hearing aids, received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, while the Tax Foundation argued the program would be better funded directly rather than through the tax system, citing overhead costs and blank provisions that should be filled in before passage. On HB 2546, the research activities tax credit, HCDC said the credit supports long-term R&D and should be converted from a first-come, first-served system to proration so more applicants receive some benefit; the agency described the credit as helping companies move from idea to commercialization and noted the state is leaving potential jobs and federal dollars on the table. HB 2028 HD1, relating to Labor Day for construction workers, drew support from labor representatives who said it recognizes construction workers and helps offset cost-of-living pressures, while the Tax Foundation opposed it as an industry-specific subsidy and flagged technical issues with undefined terms and blank credit amounts. The committee also heard HB 2583, HB 2490, HB 2545, HB 2114, and HB 1859 HD1. HB 2490, concerning coastal erosion at Mokuhiki Bay, received strong support from a temple representative who described severe shoreline loss, years of temporary emergency work, and the need for a long-term, nature-based solution in coordination with state agencies. HB 2545, involving HCDC and SBIR commercialization, was supported as a way to turn R&D into economic development; HCDC said it had more applications than it could fund and that the bill could help create high-wage jobs. HB 2114, the Hawaii Benefits Hub, received comments from ETS and DHS emphasizing support for the concept but cautioning that operational, policy, cybersecurity, and data-sharing standards must be carefully aligned. HB 1859 HD1 on workforce development drew strong support from workforce and philanthropic groups, who said Hawaii faces a long-term gap between projected living-wage jobs and the number of young people entering the workforce, and argued the bill would create durable infrastructure for coordination and long-term planning. No formal votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Turner shared.
• Today, I'll share an overview of the role, key successes, and best practices.
• But it's not only the person that you put in front; it's the person who shares a lived experience, shares
• a culture, shares a language, shares an ability to help them navigate that a teacher or a counselor
• CYCJ is just here in support of everything that was being shared today.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color held its second hearing, focused on the cradle-to-college-and-career pipeline, with an emphasis on education, school discipline, community schools, and higher education pathways. Chair Isaac Bryan opened by noting that two bills from the first hearing had been introduced and were advancing through the Legislature. Members Mike Fong, Senator Gonzalez, and Corey Jackson offered remarks supporting bipartisan, cross-sector work to address inequities affecting boys and young men of color. The first panel discussed school discipline and safety. Dr. David Turner cited major declines in suspensions since state reforms such as SB 274, SB 419, and AB 420, but said disparities remain for Black and Native boys and that school policing and “ghost suspensions” still push students out of class. Brandy Bowen-Bremont and LaQuan Muhammad described hidden disciplinary practices, police referrals, and the need for restorative, culturally rooted, and care-first supports. Members asked about the causes of the suspension decline, statewide versus local data, and whether MTSS and restorative practices are being implemented with fidelity. The second panel focused on community schools. Witnesses from Californians for Justice, Reclaim Our Schools LA, M.I.L.P.A., and the Center at Sierra Health Foundation urged a $1 billion ongoing state investment in the California Community Schools Partnership Act. They argued community schools improve attendance, school climate, academic outcomes, and family engagement while reducing suspensions and chronic absenteeism. The third panel addressed college and career pathways, with speakers from the California Faculty Association, UC Student Association, Brotherhood Crusade, A.M.E.N., and Improve Your Tomorrow calling for more financial aid, dual enrollment, mentorship, and student support. They also criticized state spending priorities, compared prison and higher education budgets, and urged investment in programs that keep young men of color connected to school and work. Public commenters largely echoed support for community schools, youth justice, and broader investment in boys and men of color, including rural and urban perspectives. Chair Bryan closed by highlighting the importance of representation and the role of mentorship and second chances in his own life, then adjourned the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• And third, how do we plan for variable and shared occupancy?
• Hybrid work means we shared occupancy?
• First, we've moderated our sharing ratio so it accounts for the new return-to-office requirements and
• <00:04:39.759> ratio First, we've moderated our sharing ratio First, we've moderated our sharing
• <00:05:00.560> model<00:05:00.720> as That includes using the sharing model as That

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I share that background to make this point.
• In your prepared testimony, you mentioned burden sharing.
• I'll remind you respectfully that the comments that I made that you've just shared were shared on my
• Yes, Senator, I share your interest in this.
• I agree with you and share your concern.

Keywords: Department of Defense, nominations, Matthew Lohmeyer, Justin Overbaugh, global security, military readiness, NATO, Russia, China, defense infrastructure

Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on discussing nominations for key positions within the Department of Defense, specifically for roles such as the Undersecretary of the Air Force and the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Senators expressed urgent concerns about global security threats, the need for robust military readiness, and the emphasis on effective collaboration with NATO allies amidst rising tensions with adversaries such as Russia and China. Several senators highlighted the challenges facing military infrastructure and defense capabilities, suggesting a critical need for improvements and investment in these areas to ensure national security.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I want to share. I want to share the next thing, which is a quick overview.
• Both of these have a 75-25 cost share.
• Number one, cost share requirements.
• Where's the cost share going to come from? And everyone's scrambling to find the cost share.
• Cost share.

Transcript Highlights:

• And immigrant communities, helping them preserve their stories and share their cultural heritage for
• I didn't know what to expect, but I think moving forward, we can both expect that we shared a mutual
• I didn't know what to expect, but I think moving forward, we can both expect that we shared a mutual
• that we supported another icon to share that we supported another icon to share the<00:15:31.360
• <00:15:46.880> the thousand that we are able to share the thousand that we are able to share

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• TO SHARE WITH THEM HOW WE HAVE DONE.
• I WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU SOME OF THE DATA FROM LAST YEAR.
• I KNOW THEY ARE PRESENTED TO SHARE THE UPDATES.
• I WILL SHARE THAT WITH YOU IN A LITTLE BIT.
• EARLY FINDINGS THAT WE WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Since the foundation, higher education institutions have been subject to shared governance between the
• Sharing your support for UC's total research costs, including direct and indirect costs.
• I want to share with you a case from Dominguez Hills. This is from the physics department.
• And one of the things that I shared with all of you was Cal Grant C.
• And that's the future, I think, of an opportunity. shared with all of you was Cal Grant C.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee held an oversight hearing on how federal actions are affecting California higher education, with opening remarks from the chair and members emphasizing the importance of state-federal shared governance and the need to protect access, affordability, and campus diversity. The first panel included leaders from the CSU, University of the Pacific, California Community Colleges, and UC, who described broad impacts from federal grant terminations, changes to student aid, loan limits, visa and immigration policy, and proposed reductions to research support. Testimony focused on the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, caps on Parent PLUS and Pell-related changes, the loss or suspension of hundreds of grants, and the resulting harm to student support services, research, workforce pipelines, food assistance, and health care training. UC and CSU representatives warned of major losses in research funding, indirect cost reimbursement, and student opportunities, while community college leaders highlighted uncertainty around federal grants and the need to maintain services for low-income, first-generation, undocumented, and other vulnerable students. Committee members asked how the state could respond, including through intersegmental partnerships, dual enrollment, transfer pathways, and support for basic needs and nutrition programs. Witnesses said California could help by sustaining financial aid, protecting minority-serving institution programs, and investing in research, housing, and workforce development. Several speakers stressed that federal changes were creating instability for students and campuses, and that the effects would likely be long-lasting, especially in health care, teaching, STEM, and social work pipelines. A second panel then focused on equitable access. The California Student Aid Commission described state efforts such as the $3.9 billion investment in aid programs, the Cal Grant system, the Dream Act, and possible reforms to better serve adult learners, foster youth, undocumented students, and students with dependents. The Los Angeles Community College District reported that federal cuts and policy shifts are discouraging students from applying for aid, threatening TRIO and MSI/HSI-funded services, and reducing support for basic needs, counseling, and workforce programs. The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities and the CSU Academic Senate echoed concerns about FAFSA confusion, international student restrictions, grant losses, and the erosion of equity-focused programs. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and discussed possible state responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Success wasn't just individual; it was shared.
• Success wasn't just individual; it was shared.
• <00:04:19.519> values grant reflects our shared values grant reflects our shared values bringing
• <00:32:09.639> things well so could you maybe share things well so could you maybe share things
• you being here thanks for for sharing you being here thanks for for sharing that<00:48:21.359>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard informational testimony from student and advocacy groups focused on higher education affordability and support programs. Representatives of the Minnesota Association of Private College Students urged full funding for the Minnesota State Grant, describing it as essential for low- and moderate-income students and noting prior successes such as increased support for hunger-free campuses. Two student witnesses, including one first-generation college student and one refugee student, said the grant made college possible for them and warned that underfunding or cuts would limit students’ ability to choose the right school, especially at private colleges not covered by North Star Promise. Members asked questions about the students’ schools, majors, and why they chose their institutions. The witnesses emphasized scholarship opportunities, campus community, faith-based support, and the importance of financial aid in making college accessible. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the hearing. The committee then heard from Vivian Dudley of Foster Advocates, who testified in support of the Foster Independence Grant. She described how the grant allowed her to begin college, stabilize housing and basic needs, and continue toward a social work degree, while warning that aging out of eligibility leaves foster youth facing renewed financial barriers. Members responded with supportive comments and asked about her educational path and work with youth; she said she wants to use her education to help others and to educate campuses on better supporting foster students. Finally, Shay Hornik of the University of Minnesota student government testified in support of North Star Promise, arguing that the program reduces financial burdens and signals that higher education should be accessible regardless of family income. Hornik cited student financial stress, rising living costs, and public opinion favoring greater investment in higher education, and urged expansion of North Star Promise to help middle-class families. No committee action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• This fiscally responsible budget reflects our shared commitment to recalibrate resources and address
• underlying budget challenges... ...reflects our shared commitment to recalibrate resources and address
• Together with the $1.39 billion fair share supplemental budget signed into law earlier this month, we
• Together with the $1.39 billion fair share supplemental budget signed into law earlier this month, we
• On the same token, we have also seen the robust collections from the so-called Fair Share surtax, the

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate first took up and passed several House bills establishing sick leave banks, including House 4182 for a Massachusetts Department of Transportation employee and House 1590 for Eric J. Awaniak. It also advanced and then enacted House 4237, a fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill providing interim funding before final action on the general appropriations act. During the session, Senator Collins also recognized Chaplain Clementina Cherry of the Lewis D. Brown Peace Institute as a distinguished guest, with remarks entered into the record. The main business was the conference committee report on the fiscal year 2026 state budget, House 4001/House 4240. Senate Ways and Means leadership described the budget as balanced, on time, and fiscally responsible, with $61.01 billion in spending, no new taxes or fees, and a $33 million deposit to the stabilization fund. They highlighted major investments in Chapter 70 school aid, special education circuit breaker reimbursements, unrestricted local aid, MassEducate, universal free school meals, MBTA and regional transit funding, MassHealth, food security, and mental health services. The report also included policy items such as broker fee responsibility, fare-free regional transit, housing studies, a gold star family annuity provision, and a crumbling concrete commission. Minority leader Senator Tarr and others questioned the spending reductions, use of one-time funds, and the treatment of excess capital gains, arguing for greater fiscal caution and concern about future federal actions and long-term spending growth. Supporters responded that the reductions reflected revenue uncertainty, federal policy risks, and the need to preserve budget stability, while using some one-time sources to balance the plan. The conference report was adopted by a roll call vote of 38-2, the emergency preamble for House 4240 was approved by standing vote, and the FY26 general appropriations bill was then enacted and sent to the Governor. The Senate also adopted an order to dispense with printing a calendar for the next session and adjourned until Thursday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• A willingness to share one another's concerns about what the result of this agreement could mean allowed
• minute that we have in the 2025 session to serve the people of Minnesota. common uh a willingness to share
• We're going to have power sharing up at the president's desk.
• This is a power-sharing agreement, so we're going to have to see what we can do going forward.
• All right, thank you. is a Powers sharing agreement so we're is a Powers sharing agreement so we're going

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senator Bobby Champion spoke after the Minnesota Senate’s opening day, emphasizing that the chamber was organized and ready to begin work for Minnesotans. He said the Senate had reached a good-faith power-sharing agreement with Republicans, describing the negotiations as respectful and focused on finding a workable outcome. He also noted that the Senate is in a temporary tie and that the chamber intends to use the early weeks of the session to prepare for the budget process ahead of the February forecast. Champion said the Senate will hear from state agencies about their budget priorities, listen to the governor’s priorities, and hold committee hearings as part of the budget session. Under the agreement, leadership and committees will be power-shared, with co-chairs and evenly split committees requiring bipartisan agreement to move bills forward. He said the Senate’s goal is to represent Minnesotans and work on “bread-and-butter” issues, while acknowledging that the House is dealing with its own separate disputes. He also discussed the Senate’s response to the death of Carrie Dick, saying members deeply felt her loss and that her legacy of courage and respect would guide the chamber moving forward. Champion contrasted the Senate’s agreement with the more contentious situation in the House, and said that if the House is properly constituted and passes bills by the required vote threshold, the Senate will work with it as required by law.

Transcript Highlights:

• 2024 our share was 588 million dollars. 2024 our share was 588 million dollars.
• increase your royalty share. Fine. increase your royalty share. Fine.
• <01:05:16.400> provided Federal Mineral Royalty Share provided Federal Mineral Royalty Share
• royalty shares from 37 and 1/2% to 60%. royalty shares from 37 and 1/2% to 60%.
• National Forest, and we have a shared National Forest, and we have a shared grant<02:02:32.920><

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Walter, we're sharing a computer, so all right.
• Walter, we're sharing a computer, so all right.
• I'm not sure where you're sitting, but I thank you so much for what you shared.
• Yesterday—or Monday—I shared with an MSBA panel.
• Yesterday—or Monday—I shared with an MSBA panel.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 1325 and adopted the author’s A2 amendment before hearing testimony. Representative Schultz presented the bill as a set of bipartisan changes to make Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law more workable for small businesses, public employers, and taxpayers, arguing the current law is an unfunded mandate that increases costs and property taxes. The bill’s supporters said it would add flexibility, including changes affecting coverage for certain workers, employer size thresholds, front-loading, weather-related exceptions, and a delay on penalties. Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach of the Department of Labor and Industry opposed the bill, saying it would exclude about 800,000 workers, or roughly 30% of the workforce, from earned sick and safe time protections and create confusion and enforcement problems. She also objected to the proposed penalty delay, saying the department already uses compliance assistance and needs penalty authority for serious violations. The Minnesota Chamber supported modifications to the mandate, saying businesses—especially small ones—have struggled with compliance and that the law has had unintended effects on PTO policies and leave use. The League of Minnesota Cities supported parts of the bill, especially changes affecting more generous city leave policies and weather-event exemptions, saying current language creates confusion and can interfere with emergency staffing. Opponents from Education Minnesota, SEIU Minnesota, TakeAction Minnesota, and a nurse from Unity Hospital argued the bill would strip protections from part-time workers, minors, and workers with family caregiving needs, and would weaken a law they said has helped workers avoid discipline or lost wages when sick. Supporters from counties and an HR consultant emphasized administrative burdens, emergency staffing needs during weather events, and the difficulty of applying ESS rules to existing leave policies. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the bill was laid over for further consideration.