Video & Transcript Research : 'Congress memorialization'
Page 149 of 353
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas in 1964, in the Economic Opportunity Act, Congress established Upward Bound, the original
- In the Higher Education Act of 1965, Congress created Talent Search to assist these students applying
- And whereas in 1964, in the Economic Opportunity Act, Congress established Upward Bound, the original
- In the Higher Education Act of 1965, Congress created Talent Search to assist these students applying
- And whereas in 1992, Congress officially renamed and combined these programs as the federal TRIO programs
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional by Representative Tiffany Lumley focused on lessons from horses and horsemanship, using the imagery to encourage legislators to lead, listen, stay patient, and remain attentive to constituents outside the chamber. The chamber then welcomed newly appointed Representative Kevin Scully of Burlington, who was sworn in and assigned to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs.
Members took up several procedural items and resolutions. Senate Bill 239, relating to a child abuse and neglect reporting working group and carrying an appropriation, was referred to Appropriations, and Senate Bill 157, relating to recovery residence certification and affecting state revenue, was referred to Ways and Means after a favorable report with amendment from Human Services. The House also read and adopted concurrent resolutions honoring the federal TRIO programs in Vermont, recognizing tourism economy day and the importance of the visitor economy, and honoring former Representative John Killacky of South Burlington for his artistic and legislative contributions. Multiple members offered personal remarks about John Killacky/Colacci, his arts career, activism, and service in the House, and guests connected to the resolutions were welcomed from the gallery.
The House then concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to House Bill 237, which would allow certain doctoral-level psychologists to prescribe medications. The committee explained the Senate’s changes, including revised training and rotation requirements, a later effective date, and a future OPR report, and said the bill was intended as one tool to address mental health provider shortages; the House agreed by voice vote. The chamber next began second reading of House Bill 955, a major education reform bill titled “next steps in transforming Vermont’s education system,” with the Education Committee describing mandatory cooperative education service areas, merger study committees, and related changes intended to improve efficiency, support local voice, and strengthen public education. No final action on H.955 was taken in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (02/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2023, Congress federally passed a law that the amount, the allocation to states of uncompensated care
- <02:15:28.760>
on <02:15:29.040>now <02:15:29.360>with <02:15:29.639>Congress - <02:15:30.119>
about what's going on now with Congress about what's going on now with Congress - sometimes Congress continues to delay<02:16:49.040>
but <02:16:49.439>eventually <02:16 - Beyond that, I think there's also a need to look at what Congress says about it.
Summary:
The House Finance Division Three work session on February 21, 2025 focused on the Division of Medicaid Services budget. The chair opened with procedural guidance, noting the division’s role is to make recommendations to the full Finance Committee, that the budget must be balanced, and that members should track possible amendments ahead of a March 26 target for House Bills 1 and 2. Members also discussed the importance of using official budget documents and online resources, and the chair said no motions would be taken at this session.
A major early topic was concern over a five-point Medicaid policy document and the timing of House Bill 2. Representative Tarki objected that the document appeared to be an unofficial draft and argued that significant Medicaid policy changes should have been transmitted by February 15 under state law. He said the lack of an official, posted document raised transparency concerns because the changes could affect tens of thousands of residents. Committee leadership responded that the five-point document was a working document, that it would be posted online within minutes, and that House Bill 2 is often delayed while the Office of Legislative Services finalizes and formats the governor’s proposed trailer bill.
DHHS Chief Financial Officer Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman then began the budget presentation. White said the committee would use the PowerPoint as the document of record, starting with the governor’s operating budget pages 885-893, and noted that Medicaid is the largest accounting area in the state budget. He said the governor’s budget reflects about $60 million in reductions within the Medicaid area, with Granite Advantage handled off-budget and another $10 million in reductions there, for roughly a $70 million difference overall. Members asked whether the comparison was being made against an efficiency budget or a prioritized-needs budget, and White said the department could look at it different ways.
The presentation then outlined Medicaid’s role in New Hampshire: it provides health coverage, serves as the state’s direct interface with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and helps finance related services such as long-term supports, school-based services, adult dental coverage, and re-entry programs for people leaving correctional settings. White also reviewed enrollment and program context, saying New Hampshire has about one in seven residents enrolled in Medicaid, making it the fourth smallest Medicaid program in the country by enrollment, and described recent efforts such as youth re-entry and the Medicaid unwind after the end of the federal continuous coverage period. He said the state had to process more than 238,000 redeterminations after the public health emergency and that the department tried to avoid unnecessary coverage loss during that transition.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 9 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Memories of work.
- From years of kneeling over tubs and scrubbing bathrooms—memories of work too many people never see,
- As I said, the Preston Settles Memorial Fund that exists is already raising money for families across
- Memorial Fund that exists is already raising money for families across the Commonwealth to be able to
- As I said, the Preston Settles Memorial Fund that exists is already raising money for families across
Summary:
The House began with routine procedural business, including adoption of resolutions congratulating Yolanda Kruger on her 100th birthday and two orders extending the Public Health Committee’s reporting deadline on House documents 4984 and 4988. The chamber then moved through a series of local bills and calendar items, passing to engrossment measures including authorization for the town of Hudson to grant an additional wine and malt beverage license, authorization for Cohasset to grant five additional liquor licenses, and an amendment to the Plymouth town charter. It also advanced several other bills on second reading, including a land conveyance for Barnstable County and Bourne, a bill requiring automated external defibrillators at sporting events, and a bill preparing apprentices through training and hiring in Massachusetts.
The House took up House 3417, designating June 16 as Domestic Workers’ Rights Day. Representative Sousa spoke in support, describing domestic workers as essential but often invisible workers and arguing that the designation would raise awareness of rights and protections under the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights. The bill passed to engrossment by roll call, 156-0. The House also passed House 4992, authorizing Barnstable County and Bourne to convey certain parcels of land, and later passed House 4994, the Paths Act, which would require a phased-in apprentice-hours requirement on large public construction projects, condition bidding on participation in approved apprenticeship programs, and create a commission to study apprenticeship participation.
The chamber then debated House 4993, the Preston Settles Every Minute Counts Act, requiring AEDs and trained personnel at sporting facilities and events. Representative Decker urged passage, citing the death of a young athlete and the need to close safety gaps outside schools. Representative Frost offered amendments to create a state fund to help communities pay for AEDs and to allow exemptions for remote fields without permanent power, arguing the bill could otherwise burden municipalities; both amendments were defeated on roll call. The bill itself then passed to engrossment by roll call, 154-1. The House also enacted a bill allowing Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, and the session ended with an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and adjournment.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I strongly oppose Senate Bill 194 to commemorate Charlie Kirk through memorial days, street designations
- So if this body is choosing a date to remember Charlie Kirk or memorialize an individual, then the alignment
- And it reminds us that how we legislate memory does not exist in isolation.
- just disagreeable, but also discriminatory, and we’re in this body saying that we can remember and memorialize
- just disagreeable, but also discriminatory, and we’re in this body saying that we can remember and memorialize
Keywords:
Charlie Kirk, remembrance, free speech, civic engagement, youth leadership, nursing shortage, health care, education funding, workforce development, LINE Fund, monetary contributions, nonmonetary contributions
Summary:
The Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum and first considered SB 1246, which would expand Florida’s Line Fund for health service workforce shortages. Senator Davis explained that the bill would broaden eligibility beyond nursing to include health science education programs and students, allow matching funds from private contributions, and permit use of funds for scholarships, faculty recruitment, equipment, simulation centers, and facility renovations. Senator Harrell asked for more specificity about which professions would qualify, and Davis said the bill was intended to add flexibility but could be made more concrete. Several witnesses supported the bill, and the committee reported SB 1246 favorably without additional funding being requested.
The committee then took up SB 194, which would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance. Senator Martin said the bill would recognize Kirk’s influence on civic engagement, youth leadership, and constitutional education without creating a state holiday. The bill drew both support and opposition from public speakers, with supporters emphasizing Kirk’s advocacy for free speech and unborn children, and opponents arguing that his public statements on race, civil rights, and Black leaders made him an inappropriate figure for state honor. Members also debated whether statute was the right vehicle for such recognition and whether the bill could encourage future requests for similar commemorations.
A late-filed amendment by Senator Jones would have added George Floyd to the remembrance language, framing the issue as selective remembrance and pointing to Floyd’s death as another national reckoning. Senator Martin opposed the amendment as unfriendly, and it failed on a roll call vote. The committee then debated SB 194 at length, with supporters describing Kirk as a defender of open debate and opponents saying the bill would legitimize divisive rhetoric. The committee ultimately reported SB 194 favorably, with Senators Berman, Harrell, and Jones voting no, Senator Rodriguez and Chair Simon voting yes, and Chair Calatayud casting the deciding favorable vote. The committee then adjourned after a motion to record Tab 2 in the affirmative was adopted.
AK
Alaska 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Jul 16th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Alaska House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress created this 70 years ago to encourage small businesses.
- And it reminded me of a famous former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, when she told Congress that
Summary:
The House met with a quorum, approved the journal, and received messages from the governor and Senate, including notice that the governor vetoed CSHB 16 and allowed HB 14 to become law without signature. The chamber then took up the conference committee report on HB 381, a major Alaska LNG-related bill that revises the project’s tax and regulatory structure. The conference report was explained as a compromise package that, among other things, changes required local contribution language, expands disclosure and notice requirements, adjusts foreign ownership reporting, extends the Phase 1 construction deadline, adds a $10 million workforce development/community impact fund, modifies project labor agreement provisions, and exempts the Alaska LNG project from the new pass-through entity tax while still requiring an informational tax return in 2027. The Speaker also announced the governor had issued a proclamation calling the legislature back into session on July 27, 2026, and said sine die would be moved after debate.
Debate on HB 381 was sharply divided. Supporters argued the bill is necessary enabling legislation to improve the project’s financial viability, protect Alaska’s interests, and move the North Slope gas line toward final investment decision, while also adding transparency, foreign ownership safeguards, and labor and workforce provisions. Several members said the conference committee process was collaborative and that the bill reflects hard-fought compromise with the developer, AGDC, labor, and the administration. Opponents focused on the addition of the pass-through entity/S-corp income tax and related reporting requirements, arguing it is a separate tax policy issue that should have been considered in its own bill, creates uncertainty and litigation risk, could harm existing oil and gas and Cook Inlet production, and may discourage investment. Multiple members also criticized the process as rushed and insufficiently transparent, especially the limited opportunity for the minority and the absence of Department of Revenue testimony during conference.
No final vote on the conference committee report is shown in the transcript excerpt. The debate continued with members alternating between support for the gas line project itself and opposition to the tax provisions and process used to advance HB 381.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Apr 27th, 2026
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- Congress would get involved and would consider legislation.
- Congress is not likely to do so now. The threats of retaliation are nothing but threats.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills, with the chair explaining that measures with significant revenue impacts would be sent to the suspense file. AB 1726, which would create a catastrophe savings account for homeowners to save pre-tax dollars for disaster mitigation and recovery costs, drew support from the Department of Insurance and the California Bankers Association, while the California Teachers Association opposed it because of the effect on the General Fund and Prop. 98. The bill was referred to suspense.
AB 1768, authorizing Los Angeles and Contra Costa counties to ask voters to approve a local transaction and use tax to offset federal funding cuts to health and social services, received broad support from county, health care, labor, and community groups. Opposition focused on the bill as a tax increase and on concerns about local spending priorities, while supporters argued it would preserve access to care and essential services. The committee approved the bill on a 5-2 vote and sent it to the Assembly Local Government Committee.
AB 1790, which would repeal California’s water’s-edge corporate tax election and require worldwide combined reporting for multinational corporations, generated extensive testimony. Supporters argued it would close a major corporate tax loophole, raise billions in revenue, and make the tax system fairer; opponents warned of double taxation, compliance burdens, retaliation from foreign governments, and job losses. After lengthy debate, the committee referred the bill to suspense. The committee also heard AB 2020, providing a full property tax exemption for the primary residence of 100% disabled veterans and surviving spouses, and AB 2069, creating a sales and use tax exemption to spur development on fairgrounds; both drew support but were referred to suspense. Finally, AB 2705, which would cap fees and require disclosures for third parties assisting with claims to excess proceeds from tax sales, was presented as a consumer protection measure and drew support from county officials, while asset-finder companies opposed it as too restrictive and harmful to claimants; the transcript ends during that item’s testimony.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 04/14/26
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
NM
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-01-06 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Sep 11th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- As you know, in the Budget Reconciliation Act, Congress was somewhat cognizant of the fact that there
- I think Congress really wants to see transformative changes to how rural health care is delivered, and
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 5th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- limited tool, it is an important tool in order to keep, make sure that federal agencies are doing what Congress
- their after they've served their sentences in TDCJ, and the refusal to build the border wall as Congress
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 33 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Haggerty of Woburn and Sokolow of Lexington, commemorating the dedication of the Woburn Battle Road Memorial
- will members, guests, and employees please stand in a moment of silent tribute in respect to the memory
- Dukakis's work included being a member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council and using her
- Representative Kearney of Scituate moves that when the House adjourns today, it do so in respect to the memory
- In respect to the memory of Philip W.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two ceremonial resolutions: one commemorating the dedication of the Woburn Battle Road Memorial as part of the Massachusetts 250th celebration, and another recognizing May 1-7 as Elks National Youth Week. The chamber then took up House Bill 4005, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill using FY24 Fair Share surtax surplus funds, and ordered it to a third reading before later considering it for passage to be engrossed.
During debate on the bill, the House heard a lengthy presentation in support of the proposal, which would direct about $828 million to transportation and $353 million to education. The transportation spending was described as primarily supporting the MBTA, including workforce and safety funding, reserve replenishment, station and infrastructure improvements, reduced fares, and reimbursement for tunnel closure costs, along with smaller amounts for regional transit authorities and unpaved roads. The education side included additional special education circuit breaker funding, vocational school capital, early education workforce supports, early literacy, universal school meals, higher education endowment matches, Green School Works, and ESOL waitlist reduction, with the Inspector General directed to review circuit breaker cost controls.
Members then debated several amendments. One amendment related to a school athletics policy was modified by a further amendment calling for DESE analysis before implementation; both the further amendment and the underlying amendment as amended were adopted. A transportation amendment to shift $50 million from MBTA funding to Chapter 90 municipal roads was supported by members emphasizing rural road needs but was rejected on a roll call, 25-120. Another transportation amendment adding at least $300,000 for Route 93 mitigation costs in Medford was adopted, 133-20. The bill itself then passed to be engrossed on a roll call, 140-14. The House also observed moments of silence for former First Lady Kitty Dukakis and for victims of the Santo Domingo nightclub collapse, and later adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning in memory of former Representative Philip W. Johnston.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- offer that uh I will be helping the our chamber join the other chamber in um offering a resolution memorializing
- um to announce that and offer that if anybody wanted to opt out of signing on to a resolution memorializing
- other chamber in um offering a other chamber in um offering a resolution<00:06:26.720>
memorializing - <00:06:27.600>
the <00:06:27.919>life <00:06:28.080>and resolution memorializing - the life and resolution memorializing the life and legacy<00:06:28.880>
of <00:06:29.440>uh
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Sep 4th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Although my mom passed away in 2003, this remains one of many loving memories I have of her.
- Loving memories that I will always cherish.
- We will move now to an adjournment in memory.
- Assembly Member Addis, you're recognized for your adjournment in memory.
- It is with great sadness that I ask that we adjourn in memory today for Dr.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then handled a long consent and concurrence calendar. Early procedural actions included moving several bills to the inactive file, waiving the floor amendment deadline for certain measures, rescinding prior action on SB 733, and approving a motion to withdraw AB 710 from committee to the third reading file by a 42-12 vote. The chamber also re-referred AB 406 to Labor and Employment and later AB 754 to Housing, while taking up numerous Senate and Assembly measures out of order to accommodate authors and guests.
The body adopted several resolutions recognizing October 2025 as California Promotoras Month (HR 58), National Fried Rice Day and National Rice Month (HR 71), Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (HR 70), and All California Day (HR 67). Members also concurred in Senate amendments on a wide range of bills covering insurance, horses, emergency vehicles, health facilities, restitution, education, tribal regalia at graduation, behavioral health, air pollution, energy, dams, greenhouse gases, foster youth, court interpreters, tenancy language access, patient privacy notices, discrimination in school facility rentals, hospital visitation rights, diversion, agriculture, insurance studies, electricity, and environmental stewardship. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, though a few drew recorded noes.
Several higher-profile policy bills drew debate. SB 694 on veteran claim assistance generated the most extensive discussion, with supporters arguing it would stop predatory, unaccredited companies from charging veterans for VA claims help, and opponents warning it could reduce veterans’ choices and should be paired with broader fixes to county VSO access; the bill ultimately passed 46-0. Other notable actions included concurrence on SB 576 limiting loud streaming ads, SB 512 on transportation tax initiatives, and SB 785 creating a tax credit for durable medical equipment for children with complex medical needs. The Assembly also concurred in SB 250 on Medi-Cal provider directories, SB 831 on the Geological Survey, SB 788 on CPA regulation, SB 456 on muralist licensing, SB 72 on the California Water Plan, SB 76 on used-car fee protections, SB 246 on rural health workforce support, SB 484 on coastal affordable housing, SB 680 on sex offender registration, SB 695 on climate-resilient highway projects, and SB 783 on outdoor advertising. Votes were overwhelmingly favorable across the board, with the chamber repeatedly adopting Senate amendments and resolutions by voice vote or recorded roll call.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 05/13/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, Miss James, this is a memorial resolution.
- Uh, Miss James, this is a memorial resolution.
- Chair, Senator Duskowski, and members, a memorial resolution needs to travel on its own.
- Chair, Senator Duskowski, and members, a memorial resolution needs to travel on its own.
- Uh, Miss James, this is a memorial resolution.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Collins moves that when the House adjourned today, it do so in the memory of Ralph Edward Pascarelli
- I now ask all members, guests, and staff to rise and join me in a moment of silence in memory of Ralph
- May his memory be a blessing. The Senate will be in a brief recess.
- And we are adjourning today in memory of Ralph Edward Pascarelli. Senate is adjourned.
Summary:
The Senate took up several committee reports and House and Senate bills, including a proposal to repeal archaic law criminalizing pregnancy, which was referred to the Judiciary Committee, and Senate bills designating October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, which were advanced through procedural steps. The chamber also passed to be engrossed local and special legislation, including changes to the Tewksbury town charter, a Boston Police Department age-waiver bill for Lewis Cabral, a Nantucket charter bill making the county charter gender neutral, and a sick leave bank bill for Sally DeRosia of the Department of Correction.
The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 on a House petition concerning the taxation of certain foreign government pensions and referred it to the Committee on Revenue. In addition, the Senate adopted an emergency preamble for a Warren election-validation bill. The chamber then considered final passage of several bills, including measures affecting the Cotuit Fire District, the Historical Society of Sandwich and Cotuit, and the Salem licensing board compensation, all of which were enacted and sent to the Governor.
A separate election-validation bill for Bourne required a two-thirds vote and was enacted by standing vote, with two members in favor and none opposed. The session also included a motion to adjourn in memory of Ralph Edward Pascarelli, which was adopted after a brief tribute and moment of silence. The Senate then adopted an adjournment order and recessed until the next formal session.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/23/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> It is a privilege to honor the life and memory of Staff Sergeant Ollis, a true American hero and
- undertaking important fundraising projects, including most recently establishing a foundation in memory
- And I want to thank Senator Fernandez and Senator Sepúlveda for making sure this day is memorialized
- I TOO WAS ALSO HONORED TO JOIN THE DELEGATION A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO, TO BANGLADESH, INCREDIBLE MEMORIES
- Senate Resolution No. 1629, by Senator Walczyk, memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, and then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing individuals, communities, and state traditions. The chamber honored Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis posthumously after his Medal of Honor recognition, with remarks from Senator Scarcella-Spanton and others praising his sacrifice and welcoming his parents. Senators also celebrated New York maple producers and Maple Weekends, Bangladesh Independence Day and the contributions of Bangladeshi New Yorkers, York Middle/High School girls varsity volleyball for winning a state championship, Pavilion/York Air Rifle for winning the state invitational championship, and Tartan Day. These resolutions were adopted, and the sponsors opened them for co-sponsorship.
The Senate then moved through the regular calendar and passed multiple bills, including measures on environmental conservation, personal property, agriculture and markets, insurance, state law, executive law, workers’ compensation, election law, correction law, public health, and parks/historic preservation. Most passed with broad support, though some drew a handful of negative votes. One bill on election law, allowing certain 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they will be 18 by the general election, prompted supportive floor debate from several senators and passed 43-17. Another bill on correction law also passed after debate.
A notable controversy arose over Calendar 227, a Public Authorities Law bill related to school energy planning and electric buses. Senator Borrello challenged an amendment as nongermane, the Chair ruled against it, and the Senate voted 22-0 to sustain the ruling. The underlying bill then passed, despite criticism from senators who argued the state should repeal the electric bus mandate and instead study safer, more practical alternatives for school districts. The Senate then completed its business and adjourned until March 24 at 3:00 p.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Joe Schomacker (R - Luverne) departing member remarks 5/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Just the lowly deputy at that time back in 2003, but that was one memory I had of my week at the Capitol
- <00:01:23.360>
that <00:01:23.560>was <00:01:23.760>one <00:01:23.920>memory - I had of 2003, but that was one memory I had of of<00:01:25.080>
my <00:01:25.280>week - And one memory, because especially the first term, you're still back home all the time.
- >> [laughter] I'll go for memory on it.
Summary:
Representative Schomacker delivered a lengthy farewell-style floor speech reflecting on his path into public service, from growing up around news and debate, to starting a teenage Republican group, serving as a page, and eventually being unexpectedly recruited to run for office. He described being elected despite early polling that had him far behind, and said the experience taught him to hold competing viewpoints at once and to focus on getting work done rather than ideological tests.
He then reviewed major policy accomplishments from his legislative career, especially in health and human services. He highlighted work on the Lewis and Clark water project for Luverne, the competitive workforce factor in disability waiver rates, expansion of bed capacity at Regions Hospital, and, most prominently, the overhaul of long-term care nursing home funding to a value-based reimbursement system. He emphasized that these efforts required extensive research, negotiation, and input from stakeholders, and said they helped support local care, businesses, and communities.
Schomacker also spoke about the importance of long-term care in his district, the aging population, and the role nursing homes play in emergencies. He thanked family, staff, colleagues, mentors, and friends for their support over 16 years in the Legislature, sharing several personal anecdotes and expressing gratitude for the relationships built across party and committee lines. The speech ended with applause and well-wishes; no formal vote or bill action occurred in the excerpt.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WAM-AEN, WAM-JDC Informational Briefings 01-09-2026
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But now that the Republicans have been in control of the Congress for a cycle, there won't be those same
- that was um And so part of the VOCA fix that was um done<03:03:38.200>
by <03:03:38.360>Congress - >
2021 <03:03:39.920>is <03:03:40.400>to <03:03:40.520>allow done by Congress - in 2021 is to allow done by Congress in 2021 is to allow states<03:03:41.120>
to <03:03:41.200 - So um it it is that's from Congress.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Massachusetts State Senate will adjourn today in memory of Sherry S. Mattel.
- Creem, requested that when the Senate adjourns today, it do so in memory of Sherry S. Mattel.
- Creem, requested that when the Senate adjourns today, it do so in memory of Sherry S.
- The ayes have it, and the Senate stands adjourned in memory of Sherry S.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and several ceremonial recognitions, including a tribute to the Oliver Ames boys cross country team and girls volleyball team for winning state championships, and a resolution honoring the 175th anniversary of the YMCA in Massachusetts. The chamber also observed a memorial adjournment for Sherry S. Mattel of Brookline, with remarks highlighting her long record of public service, including work with the League of Women Voters, Brookline Town Meeting, and local school and civic organizations.
On legislative business, the Senate gave final passage to several local measures, including bills waiving maximum age requirements for two Boston police officer applicants, setting an annual stipend for Bridgewater town council members, addressing temporary absence and appointment powers for the Bridgewater town manager, and establishing the Cambridge Employment and Job Training Trust. The Senate also passed to be enacted a bill on maintenance of private roads in Gloucester, a bill expanding financial eligibility for Williamstown’s senior property tax exemption, and a bill allowing Rochester to continue employing Fire Chief Scott Weigel.
The chamber also took up a petition to designate the Marion-Started Riverwalk in Groton, suspending Senate Rule 36 and Joint Rule 12 before referring the matter to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. Additional House petitions were referred to committees under suspension of Joint Rule 12. The Senate adopted an order to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in formal session with the calendar, and then adjourned.