Video & Transcript Research : 'remote worker'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 4 May 19th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The clerk will call the name of the member participating remotely. Her vote is aye.
- The clerk will call the name of the member participating remotely. Her vote is aye.
- I have heard all kinds of things from mostly DHS employees, frontline workers.
- The workers with NDHS are begging us to do this bill.
- You have a new way in frontline worker bonus pay, Evergreen Recovery Inc.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Nov 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- workers?
- Social workers, not just licensed social workers, but also case managers who do a lot of the ground work
- That's why in places where we can hire social workers, we hire social workers, but we also have created
- We are a remote jurisdiction.
- So, remote hearings are a blessing.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- We worked late hours from setting up frontline workers during the COVID years to addressing all of the
- Senator Stefanos talked about standardization and some other things for our workers.
- There are some employees that are still allowed to remote work.
- My personal belief about remote working is particularly for state government.
- But it comes at a cost to the service to the constituents to work remotely.
Keywords:
land grant, Las Vegas, governance, self-governance, judicial management, forced sterilization, coerced sterilization, Indigenous women, Native American women, women of color, reproductive justice, reproductive sovereignty, truth and reconciliation commission, memorial, trauma-informed care, reparative justice, human rights, bodily autonomy, Indian Health Service, Indian affairs
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- Proof of receiving workers' comp fulfills the injury report.
- For workers in groups two, three, and four who do not receive workers' comp, a record of the injury or
- Also on online, testifying remotely, Kevin Brousseau, Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO.
- Occupation presumptions are vital for our firefighters and other public safety workers.
- , some of those workers lose their lives in service to their communities.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting public safety and public sector employees, with most of the discussion focused on expanding occupational presumptions and retirement protections for police, firefighters, correction officers, court officers, and other public employees. Testifiers from the Legislature, police and fire unions, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, PERAC, and the AFL-CIO generally supported bills covering cancer presumptions, contagious disease presumptions, Parkinson’s disease for firefighters, PTSD-related disability and death, and equity for post-certified police officers under the Heart Law. Several speakers emphasized that these conditions are linked to long-term occupational exposure, that current law leaves out agencies such as UMass police, Environmental Police, DMH police, and other state or campus police, and that the bills would correct gaps in existing benefits and presumptions.
Representative Colleen Garry and Senator Joan Lovely spoke in support of expanding the Heart Law and cancer presumption protections, while Representative and Senator sponsors for the firefighter and PTSD bills described the health risks faced by first responders and urged favorable reports. PFFM and MassCOP representatives argued that firefighters and police officers face toxic exposures, infectious disease risks, and chronic stress, and cited studies and other states’ laws in support of the measures. PERAC testified that the PTSD accidental disability bill would clarify confusing case law and update filing requirements so traumatic incidents can be used in applications even when PTSD develops later, while still requiring medical review and retirement board approval.
Additional testimony came from correction officers and trial court officers seeking comparable disability and pension protections, including a bill to extend a 100% disability pension to correction officers injured in violent attacks and a bill to treat court officers more like police and firefighters when injured in the line of duty. The committee asked a few clarifying questions, including about whether the PTSD bill would address post-retirement claims and about the impact of excluding “forgotten” police agencies. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee ultimately adjourned after hearing all scheduled testimony.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 24, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- remote sensing industry remote<02:57:47.239>
sensing <02:57:47.680>uses <02:57:48.359>< - and National Security commercial remote and National Security commercial remote sensing<02:58:02.760
- effectively support and manage remote effectively support and manage remote sensing<02:58:17.680
- and the state of the commercial remote and the state of the commercial remote sensing<02:58:59.120
- in support of the commercial remote in support of the commercial remote sensing<02:59:55.399>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- School social workers, not the software, not the bus, not a door; a school social worker and who provides
- School social workers, not the software, not the bus, not a door; a school social worker and who provides
- School social workers, not the software, not the bus, not a door; a school social worker and who provides
- <00:26:04.159>
I spend a year as a childcare worker I spend a year as a childcare worker I - <00:52:51.319>
at buildings we need a social worker at buildings we need a social worker at
Keywords:
HF56, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Hutchinson Area Transportation Services, Hutchinson, McLeod County, transportation facility, vehicle storage, equipment storage, fueling facility, temperate storage, local infrastructure, public works, general obligation bonds, education finance, school funding, state aid, appropriations
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- Worker responsibilities would also shift so that if assigned to oversee self-checkout, workers cannot
- I've had, you know, co-workers tell me about the experiences.
- I either attend them in person when I can, remotely.
- I either attend them in person when I can, remotely.
- I either attend them in person when I can remotely. I attend them in person when I can, remotely.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, with the longest discussion focused on House Bill 426 and Senate Bill 263, which would prohibit the sale in Massachusetts of cosmetics known to rely on vertebrate animal testing. Supporters from Animal Defenders International, Humane World for Animals, and the Animal Rescue League said animal testing is cruel, outdated, and unreliable, and pointed to non-animal alternatives and similar laws in other states and countries. No opposition was heard on that bill during the excerpt, and witnesses urged the committee to report it favorably.
The committee also took testimony on House Bill 4543, which would clarify an existing pipe-fitting exemption for certain work performed on property owned by industrial plants, utilities, colleges, and similar institutions. A representative for Construction Industries of Massachusetts supported the bill, saying it would preserve longstanding practice for outside contractors doing yard piping work. Pipefitters Local 537 opposed it, arguing the work is properly licensed pipefitting and that the bill would weaken licensing standards and undermine state inspectors.
Another major topic was Senate Bill 237 on regulating self-checkouts in grocery establishments. The Mass AFL-CIO and UFCW Local 1445 supported the bill, saying self-checkout has reduced staffing, increased worker stress and customer conflict, and contributed to theft and safety problems. Workers described being responsible for multiple machines at once, verbal abuse, and even assaults, and said the bill’s staffing and machine limits would improve safety and customer service. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House Bill 355, which would allow veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship via telehealth; ASPCA, MSPCA, and several veterinarians supported it as a way to expand access to care, while the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association and several veterinarians opposed it, arguing that an in-person exam is essential for proper diagnosis and that telemedicine should only follow an in-person VCPR.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on House Bill 330, Senate Bill 221, and House Bill 371, which would preempt local boards of health from adopting tobacco-related age or sales restrictions beyond the statewide standard. Public health advocates opposed the bills, arguing they would block local innovation and undermine nicotine-free generation policies adopted by municipalities, while retailers and tobacco trade groups supported them as necessary to preserve a uniform statewide age-21 standard and avoid confusion for consumers and businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the excerpt.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (01/29/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- There's aund we had a thing about remote workers, 20,000 people who work u I guess be qualified as gig
- Well, remote workers because remember remote workers might be covered workers, >> Yeah.
- Well, remote workers because remember remote workers might be covered workers, that, they have one of
- There's aund we had a thing about remote<00:56:33.359>
workers >> Remote workers, remote workers - Well, remote workers, because remember remote workers might be covered workers, Remote workers might
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Years with increased access to remote Years with increased access to remote work<01:35:59.239>
- But if they do come in, there are some states that are asserting that those remote workers still have
- <01:46:41.040>
or those people that travel remotely or those people that travel remotely or- <01:46:59.560>
remote <01:46:59.840>workers <01:47:00.360>still that those remot- remote workers still that those remot remote workers still have<01:47:00.960>
to <01:47:01.119
Summary:
The committee met to hear a presentation from the Commissioner of Revenue on Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan’s tax proposal, with members told no public testimony would be taken because bill language was not yet available. The commissioner said the proposal would lower the statewide sales tax rate by 0.75 percentage points while expanding sales tax to selected professional services such as legal, brokerage, banking, and accounting, with several carve-outs. He emphasized that the plan would not add business-to-business sales taxes, arguing that taxing business inputs leads to tax pyramiding and higher hidden consumer costs.
The commissioner said the rate cut would be the first sales tax rate cut in state history and estimated it at about $95 million annually, while the service expansions would raise about $203 million to $205 million annually, for a net increase of roughly $110 million per year. He said the proposal is part of the governor’s broader budget, which he described as addressing long-term structural deficits and funding other priorities such as an R&D credit, an expanded sustainable aviation fuel credit, fraud prevention, and service-member retention bonuses. He also said the carve-outs and exemptions would be reflected in the revenue estimate.
Members questioned whether the proposal was truly a tax cut or instead a tax increase, and several asked for a revenue-neutral rate if all or more services were taxed. One member raised concerns about how pro bono legal work with a fee would be treated, and another asked about possible streamlining issues and whether fees are treated as taxes in statute. The commissioner said a fee would be taxable depending on the arrangement and that the department would review the language carefully once drafted. He also said the department would provide more detailed estimates later, including what the rate would be if the tax were made revenue neutral. No votes or formal actions were taken.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House lawmakers OK bill with digital payment protections for tenants, landlords 4/30/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- available when one resident endangers another, but at the same time, the threat is direct at maintenance workers
- direct but at the same time, threat is direct at<00:02:10.440>
maintenance <00:02:10.800>workers - ,<00:02:11.320>
property at maintenance workers, property at maintenance workers, property - The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely. Green votes aye.
- members participating remotely. members participating remotely. Green. Green. Green.
Summary:
The House took up Senate File 4171, a housing bill addressing sub-metered utility services and final billing for vacant tenants. Representative Igo explained that the bill allows shared-metered residential buildings to bill the last billing period before a tenant vacates based on estimates, requires landlords to offer digital rent payment with alternative payment methods for tenants who cannot use or afford digital options, and bars extra fees beyond administrative and late fees. Members described the measure as a cleanup bill developed with multiple landlord-tenant stakeholders.
Two amendments were adopted. Amendment A2 expanded expedited eviction language to cover threats or harm directed not only at other residents but also at landlords, employees, contractors, and others present at the property, while keeping safeguards such as sworn affidavits, judicial review, service timelines, and penalties for misuse. Amendment A1 protected minor children from appearing in eviction cases and from having eviction records attached to them later, with penalties for noncompliance. Supporters said both amendments were friendly, part of the broader agreement on the landlord-tenant package, and intended to improve safety and protect children.
After third reading and brief closing remarks from Representatives Howard and Igo, who thanked committee members, advocates, and stakeholders for bipartisan work, the House took a roll call vote. The bill passed as amended by a vote of 134 yeas and 0 nays, and its title was agreed to.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 10th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely. Gander. Gander present.
- The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely. Gander votes aye.
- The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely.
- It expands protection for our state workers.
- This means even less money in workers' paychecks.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
Transcript Highlights:
- Tyler, you're remote. Are you there? Okay. Yes, I'm here.
- We are now going to hear from Pamela Goodwin, who is remote on the same bill.
- The next person is also remote, Betty Teagle. Oh, I'm sorry. They didn't.
- And so, clinical clinic and certainly more social workers.
- The CSO social workers a few years ago, there were two for 40 in a shelter.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on a large docket focused on primary care, workforce development, and medical debt. Chairs Cindy Friedman and John Lawn outlined hearing procedures and noted that testimony would be taken on 17 matters. The committee first heard testimony on bills to establish a community health center nurse practitioner residency program and to strengthen mental health centers. Senator Keenan, Rep. Keefe, and health center leaders described the Worcester nurse practitioner residency as a successful pipeline and retention strategy, citing workforce shortages, training needs in community health centers, and the cost of the program. Rep. O’Day also supported the mental health centers bill, saying it would raise payment rates, improve reimbursement for behavioral health services, and help clinics retain staff and expand access.
The committee then took testimony on bills to address medical debt through hospital financial assistance reform. The Attorney General’s Office, Health Care for All, Health Law Advocates, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and individual patients supported the measure, arguing that hospital financial assistance policies are inconsistent, hard to find, and difficult to navigate. Witnesses said the bill would standardize eligibility criteria, create a uniform application, improve notice requirements, and expand access to discounted care up to 400% of the federal poverty level. Several personal stories described medical bills being sent to collections, confusion over insurance billing, and the burden of debt on low-income and chronically ill patients. Committee members asked about hospital concerns, the role of the health safety net, and whether the bill addressed root causes of medical debt; testimony emphasized that the proposal was meant to improve transparency and access rather than replace broader insurance reforms.
The hearing also focused heavily on “Primary Care for You” legislation, H. 1370 and S. 867, which would increase primary care investment and create a new payment model. Rep. Haggerty, physicians, a patient, community health center leaders, and the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers described a primary care crisis marked by low reimbursement, staffing shortages, long waits, burnout, and difficulty recruiting clinicians. Supporters said the bills would shift spending toward preventive, team-based care, improve access and equity, and reduce long-term costs. The Massachusetts Association of Health Plans said it was directionally supportive of increased primary care investment but warned that any new spending must stay within the cost growth benchmark and preserve existing contracting structures. The hearing ended with additional testimony on a community health center workforce and loan repayment grant bill from Rep. Stanley, and with further discussion from Dr. Alan Garo about the need for payment reform in primary care.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- We only had remote at that point, which is why the word remote shows up in those pieces of legislation
- It’s remote or hybrid, but the all-remote is easier because the juggling your staff is doing it beautifully
- committee from opting out of remote access.
- Now parents are remotely at every meeting.
- Next, we have also remote. Diana, who? We have also remote. Diana, who? Diana, who? Hello.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills related to open meeting law, municipal meetings, town meetings, and remote participation. Senator Rausch supported S. 2205 and S. 2206, and House companion H. 3382, saying they would make remote participation in public bodies permanent and streamline open meeting law and public records complaint processes to reduce burdens on local officials. Committee members and the senator discussed concerns about complaints being weaponized, the role of the Attorney General, and whether public testimony should be presumed allowed unless a chair limits it with justification. The senator said the bills do not change public records fees and are meant to improve process and transparency.
A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 3342 and S. 2197, which would modernize municipal meetings, town meetings, and local elections by allowing permanent remote or hybrid participation. Supporters included Wayland officials, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, MAPC, MACC, and others, who argued that hybrid and remote options increase participation, help parents, caregivers, people with disabilities, and residents with travel or work constraints, and have worked well during the pandemic-era extensions. Municipal officials emphasized that a mandate would be costly and difficult for smaller communities because of staffing, technology, room design, cybersecurity, and uneven internet access, especially in western Massachusetts. Committee members asked about equal access, funding, and whether local discretion should remain; the chair said the committee wants a permanent solution beyond emergency rules but must balance access with local capacity.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3328, which would allow remote participation to count toward quorum for statewide appointed bodies such as commissions on women and LGBTQ issues. Supporters argued this would improve regional equity and make it easier for people outside Greater Boston to serve, while committee members noted it is a separate issue from municipal meetings and may be easier to address than broader local-government changes. Another bill, H. 4351, was supported by Rep. Brandy Fluker Reed, who described it as creating an Office of Freedmen Affairs to address longstanding racial wealth disparities affecting descendants of enslaved Americans. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3299 from Common Cause and MASSPIRG in favor of guaranteed hybrid access for public meetings with public participation components, with advocates saying it would improve transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for joining us, whether you're here in person or remotely.
- Next we're going to hear from Andresa Akabani, also remotely. Andresa Akabani, also remotely.
- Eldrick Abreu, I believe also remotely, Mr. Abreu. Yes. Hello. Hello. Please go ahead.
- Matt Kregor, I believe you're also with us remotely. Yes, I am.
- I think you're with us remotely? Okay, no, she doesn't appear to be there.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with the chairs emphasizing time limits, written testimony, and grouping similar measures together. Early testimony focused on opioid use disorder education in schools (S.382), with Senator Keenan arguing that students should be taught about the risks of substance use disorder and naloxone use as part of health curricula. Representative DeCost also briefly introduced H.551, a narrow bill concerning parent rights for children in third grade and younger. Several bills were then closed without testimony, including measures on type 1 diabetes informational materials and other diabetes-related proposals.
A major portion of the hearing centered on school health and emergency response bills. Supporters of H.652/S.342 on diabetes management in schools described inconsistent district practices and urged clearer standards so students can receive care in classrooms rather than being sent out of instruction. Bills on epinephrine access and seizure disorders drew extensive testimony: advocates for stock epinephrine in schools argued that unassigned epinephrine can save lives and should be funded in a cost-neutral way, while a pediatrician opposed one version as an unfunded mandate. For seizure-safe schools (S.422/H.635), students, parents, educators, and advocates described missed or delayed responses to seizures, stigma, and the need for staff training, seizure action plans, and emergency medication protocols. A separate bill, H.645, allowing anti-seizure medication on school buses, was supported by a parent and student who said current law forces costly and restrictive transportation arrangements.
The committee also heard testimony on youth skin health bills (S.334/H.600/H.619), which would let students carry and apply sunscreen at school and camp without a physician’s note. Supporters from melanoma prevention, dermatology, and industry groups said the bills would remove unnecessary barriers and promote sun-safe habits, while one witness cautioned about drafting details and unintended consequences. The hearing then moved to CPR/AED education for graduation (S.456), where Senator Tarr, a student advocate, and the Red Cross all supported requiring hands-on CPR certification for high school students. Finally, the committee took testimony on healthy school lunches (H.539/S.401): supporters from the Healthy School Lunch Coalition and school food directors backed stronger nutrition standards and a standing advisory council, while Consumer Brands Association witnesses opposed the bill as too vague and potentially disruptive. A nutrition scientist also warned about unintended restrictions on medically necessary or innovative foods. The chairs closed the hearing on the healthy lunch bills and then opened testimony on universal school meals for virtual schools (H.700), with Superintendent Patrick Latuka supporting access for students in Commonwealth virtual schools who currently receive no meal support.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Jan 23, 2025, 10:00AM HST - State of Judiciary
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- proceedings so courts embraced remote proceedings so courts could<00:19:52.799>
continue <00:19 - That's why we're seeking funding for three additional social worker positions here on Oahu to expand
- He spent years at the Legislature advocating for Hawaii workers.
- He spent years at the Legislature advocating for Hawaii workers.
- He spent years at the Legislature advocating for Hawaii workers.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 Apr 24th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely. Hanson J. Swazinski.
- We put money in so that there is protection for workers, whether the farmer, the farm worker, or the
- Food, farmers, workers, and consumers.
- Now, workers and consumers, this bill also provides a number of protections that will protect both workers
- The clerk will call the name of the member participating remotely. Aye, Swazinski. Aye.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary Committee Interim Topics Meeting, March 6, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The topic that we've requested for interim review is around our remote public access to court records
- The topic that we've requested for interim review is around our remote public access to court records
- Um, on our remote public access to court records.
- toward a remote public access system. toward a remote public access system.
- Eventually, the daycare worker was charged with misdemeanor simple battery.
Summary:
The Judiciary Interim Committee met under time constraints and asked members to rank interim topics for a letter to Management Council. The committee then took brief public testimony on a series of proposed study topics, with no formal votes recorded in the transcript. Early testimony focused on landlord eviction rights, where speakers said the court eviction process is too slow, can worsen housing shortages, and leaves landlords unable to recover rent, fees, or damage costs. The foster care topic was presented as a request to examine whether the system gives too much weight to reunification and not enough to the child’s best interests, especially for younger children. A Blue Envelope Program proposal was also discussed; supporters said it would help law enforcement communicate with autistic or otherwise communication-challenged individuals during traffic stops and emergencies, and improve consistency statewide.
The committee also heard a proposal to study Wyoming’s homicide-by-vehicle statute, with testimony from a constituent whose mother was killed by a repeat dangerous driver. Speakers argued the current law leaves a gap because prior DUIs, high-risk driving history, and other aggravating factors do not meaningfully affect charging unless intoxication or extreme conduct is present. Related testimony from Wyoming Pathways said the change should be a tool in the toolbox for prosecutors and could improve safety for pedestrians and drivers. Senator Cooper then raised campaign finance reform and dark money, urging a resolution asking Wyoming’s congressional delegation to seek a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and restore state control over election spending transparency.
Additional topics included a request from the Wyoming Livestock Board to review peace officer statutes so its investigators could act on felonies committed in their presence or prevent imminent bodily harm, while remaining within their current duties and certification. Representative Lee asked for review of non-disclosure agreements in public-private partnerships and executive sessions so the public can eventually understand how such agreements were used. Senator Pearson asked for interim consideration of shared custody amendments, saying fit parents should have a fair opportunity for shared parenting after separation. Representative Storer proposed revisiting DUI penalties, especially for refusal of chemical testing, arguing that refusal often prevents prosecution and that the law should impose treatment and license suspension consequences. The committee also heard a request to review statutes involving political parties, and the state court administrator asked for interim study of remote public access to court records, citing ongoing automation efforts, privacy concerns, and funding needs.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- there's a worker impact fee required. there's a worker impact fee required.
- Um I believe he's remote. Um I believe he's remote.
- With the hard workers, With the hard workers, what<01:27:01.320>
would <01:27:01.520>happen - Um so, we have two remote testifiers. Um so, we have two remote testifiers.
- and other Minnesota workers. and other Minnesota workers.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- social worker.
- social worker.
- social worker.
- social worker.
- <01:58:39.480>
is remote uh and now educating remote is remote uh and now educating remote
Summary:
The Senate Education Finance Committee met on January 28, 2025, to receive updates on chronic absenteeism work funded in the 2024 education finance bill. The chair introduced presentations from districts in the student attendance pilot program—Minneapolis, Columbia Heights, Chisago, and Rochester—and noted that the committee would also hear the student attendance and truancy legislative study group report and later a bill from Senator Weber. The chair also thanked educational assistants and paraprofessionals for their work in schools.
Minneapolis Public Schools described common attendance challenges across pilot districts, including inconsistent attendance coding, weak family communication, difficulty identifying interventions, and uneven responses to absences. The district said pilot districts want statewide definitions for absences, tardies, and exempt codes, as well as better internal dashboards and clearer procedures. Minneapolis also highlighted strategies such as attendance teams at each school, quarterly postcards to families after five or more absences, Promise Fellows, home visits, multilingual communication through TalkingPoints, and a morning nurse line to help parents decide whether a child should stay home. The district said its main attendance goal is to raise consistent attendance from 68 percent to 80 percent by 2026.
In response to committee questions, Minneapolis said its main post-COVID absenteeism reason has been illness or medical issues, followed by transportation problems, and that it does not penalize students for transportation-related absences. The district said it counts secondary absences when students miss more than three periods in a day, with truancy beginning after seven such absences, while elementary students are counted absent for the full day. Members also asked about whether reduced truancy referrals reflected more attendance or diversionary supports; the district said its approach is to focus on understanding root causes and providing support rather than quickly referring students to truancy processes. The district reported improved communication, greater parent awareness, and fewer truancy referrals so far, and said the attendance team model should be sustainable because it uses existing staff with clearer direction.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- about all essential workers who didn't have the opportunity to just stay home during the pandemic.
- So I'll just go over a quick definition of what an essential worker is.
- An essential worker is someone whose job is considered vital to the health, safety, and well-being of
- And with that being said, we're not asking for a financial benefit on behalf of essential workers.
- And I have cousins who are health care workers, and the niece was in us.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a range of retirement-related bills, with several witnesses and advocates focusing on pension equity, veteran benefits, and recognition for public safety workers. Representative Dennis Gallagher and Mass Retirees supported legislation to increase the long-standing veterans’ bonus from $15 to $50 per year of service, up to $1,000 annually, and described it as a modest, overdue adjustment with minimal fiscal impact. Mass Retirees also backed bills to raise the minimum survivor allowance for public retirees and to address inequities in Option B and Option C survivor benefits for retirees whose pensions were calculated under older mortality tables.
The committee also heard a personal bill from Representative Jim Arceiro and Nathan McKinnon seeking creditable service for McKinnon’s years in the Nevada higher education system, which he said should count toward his Massachusetts retirement. Another individual bill was presented by Roberta Wollins, supported by Senator Keenan, to remedy what she described as misleading retirement advice from UMass Boston that affected her ability to buy back prior service and made her retirement planning inaccurate. Senator Keenan and others framed both cases as unique fairness issues rather than broad policy changes.
A large panel from police, fire, corrections, EMS, and related organizations testified in favor of a COVID-19 retirement credit proposal and a study bill, arguing that essential workers who reported in person throughout the pandemic should receive recognition and a time-based retirement credit. Witnesses described exposure risks, illness, deaths, staffing strain, and long-term effects from COVID-19, and several committee members voiced support and appreciation for their service. The hearing concluded with no votes taken on the bills and a motion to adjourn, which was approved.