Transcript Highlights:

• rate.
• And then you're rate and dropout rate.
• Mississippi has a better base rate than we do.
• <04:31:20.080> rate<04:31:20.319> than Mississippi has a better base rate than Mississippi
• has a better base rate than we<04:31:20.640> do.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you like it, you apply a low discount rate. If you dislike it, you apply a high discount rate.
• The Legislature has indicated it prefers a low discount rate. The PUC wants a high discount rate.
• like it, you apply a low discount rate. like it, you apply a low discount rate.
• rate. It would like to kill NH Saves. rate. It would like to kill NH Saves.
• unrelated to reductions in rates. unrelated to reductions in rates.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, we have a 2% recidivism rate versus the 30-plus percent recidivism rate in Massachusetts
• PACT-WI addresses this critical gap by providing a team-based, intensive home- and community-based service
• They've planned for growth based on HIP.
• Based on the current rates, it's estimated that the PACE program will assist the Commonwealth in avoiding
• Based on the current rates, it's estimated that the PACE program will assist the Commonwealth in avoiding

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Ways and Means Committee held its final public hearing on the FY26 state budget, with chairs and members emphasizing that public testimony would help shape the budget and asking speakers to keep remarks brief. Committee leaders introduced members, explained the hearing process, and repeatedly thanked residents, students, and advocates for participating. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony focused heavily on education funding and the Chapter 70 formula. Students from Amherst, Northampton, Gateway Regional, Chester Elementary, and other districts described budget-driven cuts to electives, special education supports, paraprofessionals, counselors, transportation, and building maintenance. They urged higher Chapter 70 aid, increased minimum aid, rural school aid, and a reopening or restructuring of the funding formula, arguing that current formulas leave many districts unable to meet student needs and force local layoffs and overrides. Other speakers urged funding or protection for a range of programs and facilities, including the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute for homicide survivor services, the Museum of African American History, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and CART/interpreter services, the Access to Counsel housing legal aid program, the Department of Mental Health and Pocasset Mental Health Center, and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. One speaker opposed offshore wind-related spending and urged a reset of the state’s energy approach, while another advocated ending the aircraft sales tax exemption. Committee members responded sympathetically to many speakers, asked a few follow-up questions, and several expressed support for maintaining or expanding the programs discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• exceptions, which is the same timeline required for local GRT rate changes.
• COST is a nonprofit trade association based in Washington, D.C.
• Based on the fiscal no... or to provide rounding laws for all cash transactions.
• We've taken the tax and then we distribute it out to them based on whatever the rates are in place.
• we have time to program the rate and test the rate in GenTax and test the new distributions.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THERE ARE A NUMBER OF OTHER RATE CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS.
• SO PROVIDERS IN ALL SYSTEM CHANGES WILL BE ABLE TO BILL RELATED TO THE RATE CHANGES.
• RATE CHANGES FOR 384, 389, 388.
• THIS PROGRAM AWARDS GRANTS TO COMMUNITY BASED MEDICAL TREATMENT AND RESEARCH CENTERS.
• WE NOW SEE THE RATE IS GREATER THAN 50 PERCENT FOR RECERTIFICATION'S.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know what that number is. rates were astronomical. uh we we we had rates were astronomical. uh
• cost, and interest rates rising? cost, and interest rates rising?
• rate is a margin squeeze. rate is a margin squeeze.
• <01:29:18.639> our a banking standpoint we risk rate our a banking standpoint we risk rate
• <01:29:53.440> on we're we're putting a risk rating on we're we're putting a risk rating on

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:18 University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Economics Presentation 00:02:18 Farm Credit Mid-America Presentation 01:12:41, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:24:32.880> on then answer member questions based on then answer member questions based
• raising<00:42:33.920> rental Low vacancy rates are raising rental Low vacancy rates are raising
• Our built-in customer base right there.
• We need to do more, but market rate housing um delivers market rate housing um delivers affordability
• someone who's renting a market rate someone who's renting a market rate apartment<01:47:39.520><

Bills: HF3902, HF3895

Keywords: housing tax credit, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, qualified projects, taxpayer contributions, greater Minnesota, zoning, housing, local government, multifamily development, affordable housing, land use, urban development, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• As of October 1st, 2027, states will be assessed a fee that is based on the payment error rate.
• to the risk of the payment error rate. to the risk of the payment error rate.
• And so where we sit right now based off of the payment error rate in 2024 is where that $97 million comes
• off of the payment sit right now based off of the payment error<00:19:10.160> rate<00:19:10.400
• So other states have much lower rates of some states have 25% error rates.

Bills: HF45, HF1148, HF3624, HF3586, HF777

Keywords: HF45, Lake Benton, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Public Facilities Authority, public infrastructure, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, utility replacement, U.S. Highway 75, road reconstruction, municipal infrastructure, local government grant, Minnesota bonding, capital appropriation, food insecurity, prepared meals

Transcript Highlights:

• SUPPORT THE EFFORTS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BUDGET REPRESENT 1.8 BILLION DOLLARS INCREASE OVER THE BASE
• THE BUDGET RECOMMENDS $63 MILLION IN THE BASE BUDGET REDUCTION BASED ON HISTORICAL VERSIONS ENTERING
• 50 MILLION FOR DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION FOR HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED
• WE SPOKE BRIEFLY ABOUT THE METHODOLOGY FOR THE ROOM RATE.
• FOSTER YOUTH TO ENSURE THOSE RATES SUPPORT THE QUALITY OF LIFE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We were so proud that the governor announced yesterday a 92.2% graduation rate.
• Well, this year, our graduation rate is over 92%.
• This year, California's graduation rate is right around 83%.
• So some schools, based on the age of the portables, count the portables.
• Congratulations on your A rating.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education received a presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget and the Department of Education on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 education budget. Shelby Salmons outlined the overall budget framework, and Commissioner Stasi Kamoutsis highlighted major education investments, including $486 million for VPK, $30.6 billion for K-12 education, a $761.1 million increase in FEFP funding, the highest per-student funding level to date, and $201 million more for teacher pay flexibility. The presentation also emphasized school safety, mental health, civics education, and the Guardian Program, along with continued funding for TEACH, HIPPY, Help Me Grow, and civics debate and literacy initiatives. Members asked about how the mental health allocation would be used, counselor staffing ratios, school closures and whether the department intervenes, oversight of school choice and voucher-funded schools, and the Guardian Program’s pay structure and effectiveness. Senators also raised concerns about the FISH school capacity report, data collection, teacher pay, professional development, AI and tutoring technology, and whether the budget adequately supports mental health services and school safety. The Commissioner said many funding decisions are left to districts, that the department stands ready to assist, and that the Guardian Program has been successful and expanded over time. During public testimony, Pinellas County School Board member Laura Hine said her district spends far more on safety and mental health than it receives in state categorical funding, and urged the committee to consider full-day VPK funding, arguing it has improved third-grade reading outcomes in Pinellas. Senators followed up on district flexibility and local spending choices. The committee took no substantive vote on the budget presentation and adjourned after thanking the department for its recommendations and partnership.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's based on a long-standing, effective system used in Massachusetts for public employee disability
• They lose custody of their child or parenting time at alarming rates due to the disability.
• rates of trauma, higher rates of disciplinary problems, and Higher rates of trauma, higher rates of
• disciplinary problems, higher rates of childhood poverty, lower rates of academic achievement, and the
• ..alimony percentages based on a need or a 30 to 35% range.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on a wide range of state, probate, and family bills, with chairs Edwards and Day outlining strict testimony limits and accepting written testimony. Early testimony focused on H. 1911/S. 1138, which would clarify that a durable power of attorney may create a trust if that authority is expressly granted; sponsors and elder law advocates said the bill would resolve uncertainty created by the Barbetti decision and align Massachusetts with other states. A major portion of the hearing centered on S. 1102, a proposal to establish medical panels in Probate and Family Court. Supporters, including attorneys, parents, physicians, and advocates, said neutral three-doctor panels would help judges resolve disputed medical issues in guardianship and custody cases involving children, elders, and people with disabilities. Testifiers described cases where medical treatment was blocked or contested by one parent or guardian, arguing the panels would provide impartial expertise and protect vulnerable people. The committee also heard support for bills addressing disability discrimination in family court, military parents’ custody rights, and a shared parenting bill, H. 1710, which drew strong opposition from domestic violence advocates and others who said a 50-50 presumption could harm survivors and children. The committee also took testimony on several probate and court-administration measures. Senator Lovely supported a bill on nominee trust partition, and Senator Comerford and probate officials backed legislation to codify additional registry staff positions and modernize registry operations. Other bills discussed included foster care liability insurance, with providers warning that rising premiums and loss of coverage could force program closures; health care proxy storage and activation; access to decedents’ email accounts; uniform trust decanting; the Uniform Voidable Transactions Act; heirs’ property partition protections; a constitutional right to health care; alimony-related reforms; child-centered family law; and a right of disposition for funeral arrangements. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee repeatedly invited written testimony and follow-up questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's compared to the base.
• And the base is the existing budget for this biennium as determined in the last biennium.
• The House had set that at 100,000, an increase to their base of 160,000.
• So it's a $50,000 increase to that base. Section 10, Crisis Service Grants.
• Senator Magrum, my understanding is that it's gross, it's based off gross, not net.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1012, the Department of Health and Human Services budget. Senator Dever walked through the amended budget, highlighting a roughly $5.85 billion all-funds total, major one-time items for IT, child care, housing, behavioral health, juvenile justice, rural EMS, and supportive housing, along with funding for Medicaid expansion, CCBHCs, opioid settlement uses, and several studies and reporting requirements. Members discussed the provider inflation increase, with Senator Mathern urging a 2%/2% rate instead of 2%/1.5%, but the committee adopted the subcommittee amendment and then passed the amended bill 15-0 with a do-pass recommendation. Senator Dever was named as carrier. The committee then considered House Bill 1540, a school choice/education savings account-style bill. Senator Shibley explained the subcommittee amendments, including clarifying the Bank of North Dakota as administrator, adding a means test at 400% of the federal poverty guideline, and adjusting the fiscal note to about $21.7 million for the second year. In debate, members raised concerns about the bank being assigned duties outside its normal role, the lack of DPI involvement, and whether the means test should be tiered rather than a hard cutoff. The committee rejected a do-not-pass motion 5-10-1, then approved a do-pass motion on the amended bill 9-6-1, with Senator Wobama noted as the likely carrier. The meeting ended with the chair announcing the committee would adjourn and reconvene the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• increases for home and community-based services.
• To the Department of Economic Security for reimbursement rate increases for home and community-based
• We simply cannot do that with our current reimbursement rates.
• We have not had reimbursement rates that cover costs since 2004.
• , and this data is based through September of 2024.

Bills: SB1001, SB1011, SB1016, SB1052, SB1072, SB1100, SB1112, SB1113, SB1116, SB1118, SB1120, SB1121, SB1122, SB1123, SB1124, SB1125

Keywords: appropriation, economic security, blind individuals, older adults, state funding, medical examiners, sudden infant death, autopsy protocols, forensic pathology, public health, religious exemption, employment practices, COVID-19 vaccination, accommodation, discrimination, assisted living, health care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, physician orders, informed consent

Transcript Highlights:

• So under Medicaid right now, are there caps on qualified home and community-based services?
• So under Medicaid right now, are there caps on qualified home and community-based services?
• Physicians say they don't want to come to Florida because they're concerned about malpractice rates.
• Their rates went up 76 percent year over year, 101 percent over three years.
• Their rates went up 76% year over year, 101% over three years.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills. SB 398, by Senator Burgess, would create a statewide Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs, focused on early detection, brain health, risk reduction, clinical trial access, and community resources. Supporters said Florida has a large and growing Alzheimer’s population and that the campaign would help families and vulnerable communities; the bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also adopted an amendment to SB 714, by Senator Burton, which would create non-opioid advanced directives and add liability protections for providers in medical emergencies involving opioids. Supporters framed it as a patient-choice measure, while opponents argued it was vague and could interfere with appropriate pain treatment; the amended bill was then reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 756, which removes the current age-eight diagnosis requirement for autism-related insurance coverage and extends coverage beyond age 18 for those diagnosed with autism. Senator Burton said the bill would help families whose children are diagnosed later or whose needs continue into adulthood. There was brief discussion about existing lifetime benefit caps, but the sponsor said the bill did not change those limits. The committee then took up SB 734, a proposal by Senator Yarbrough to repeal Florida’s wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The sponsor and supporters described the current law as discriminatory and unjust, especially for families of older adults and disabled individuals, while opponents warned it would raise malpractice costs, increase premiums, and worsen provider shortages. The bill drew extensive public testimony from both grieving family members and health care/insurance representatives, and members debated whether caps or other safeguards should be added. No final action on SB 734 is reflected in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• stabilize and lower rates, to reduce rate<00:09:32.400> volatility, rate volatility, rate volatility
• , refinancing at a lower rate, refinancing at a lower rate, and<00:16:05.640> securitization
• <00:24:31.600> They our customers pay for in rates. They our customers pay for in rates.
• provide stability in rates. provide stability in rates.
• <00:51:27.680> and goals are lowering customer rates and goals are lowering customer rates

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:01:28 Introduction of Guests 00:02:08 American Electric Power and Kentucky Power Presentation 00:03:31 SB 89 Discussion 00:53:55 SB 89 Roll Call Vote 01:07:46, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for an initial natural resources hearing with a quorum present and introductory housekeeping, including prayer, roll call, and recognition of guests. Chair Smith outlined ground rules for questions and then invited Kentucky Power and American Electric Power representatives to the table to discuss a proposed plan involving the Mitchell Power Plant and future generation needs in Eastern Kentucky. Witnesses Cindy Wiseman, Alex Vaughn, and AEP CEO Bill Fehrman said the company’s goals are to stabilize and lower rates, reduce rate volatility, and expand generation in the Commonwealth. They explained that Kentucky Power seeks legislative authority to securitize its 50% interest in the Mitchell coal plant, describing securitization as a refinancing mechanism that would lower annual plant costs by about $34 million and help offset roughly one-third of the expected cost of adding new generation in Kentucky. They emphasized that the proposal is not intended to close Mitchell, and said Kentucky Power currently has no plan to divest its interest; the company still needs the plant to serve customers while it pursues additional dispatchable generation in Kentucky. Members pressed the witnesses on the plant’s book value versus fair market value, whether the Mitchell interest had ever been assigned a nominal value, how any divestiture proceeds would be handled, whether Kentucky Power owns Wheeling Power, and how long Mitchell can continue operating. The company said it values Mitchell at net book value for accounting purposes, not fair market value, and explained that Wheeling Power is a separate AEP affiliate and that West Virginia affiliates have already proposed securitization of their share. Witnesses said Kentucky Power’s interest cannot technically operate past 2028 without additional environmental control investment, while the West Virginia side is depreciating through 2040. They also described the financing timeline, saying securitization would require enactment of legislation, a PSC financing order, bond issuance, and then parallel work to acquire or build new generation, with any reinvestment terms to be addressed through the regulatory process.

Transcript Highlights:

• One is rent based on income and the other is fixed below market rent.
• It's not going to adjust based on your income level.
• So that includes market-rate units.
• For rent-based-on-income opportunities, the rent is set based on the percentage of the household income
• The next filter under eligibility, currently you can filter here based on...

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met with a presentation from Housing Navigator Massachusetts. Staff described the nonprofit’s mission to improve access to affordable housing through a free, 24/7 search tool and public data dashboards. They explained how the site distinguishes between rent-based-on-income units and fixed below-market rent units, how mobile vouchers such as AHVP and Section 8 interact with those listings, and what types of housing are included or excluded from the database. They also reviewed accessibility filters, supportive housing resources, and related state programs such as EOHLC resources and RAFT. Committee members asked about the organization’s funding, the availability of voucher programs, and whether the site tracks demand for accessible units or wait lists over time. Housing Navigator said it is primarily supported through the state, works closely with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and does not collect personal application data because it is not part of the application process. Staff said accessible units appear to be in high demand, but they do not have direct data on how many people are waiting or how many applications result from site visits. They also said they are working to improve data sharing, more frequent updates, and future research tools. Members discussed ways to increase public awareness of Housing Navigator, including sharing a one-page fact sheet or infographic through disability organizations, local disability commissions, independent living centers, and the Massachusetts Office on Disability. The subcommittee also briefly discussed future goals, including inviting MassHealth to a January meeting, seeking regular updates on federal Medicare and Medicaid developments, reviewing the annual report’s recommendations, and possibly planning a future health equity event. The meeting ended with the introduction of new commission member Victoria Gill and a motion to adjourn, which was approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• If this rate is above 6%, rate below 6%.
• aspect of this that mostly the rate aspect of this that mostly the error<00:46:25.119> rate<00
• So, error rate, excuse me.
• <00:49:27.040> And is a base. It is likely to be more. And is a base.
• threshold monitored by rating agencies. threshold monitored by rating agencies.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we have we call surface healing is based we have we call surface healing is based out<00:28:49.480
• country with the highest drowning rate country with the highest drowning rate no<01:20:19.639>
• So, um, prior to August 8th, Hawaiian Electric’s credit rating was A-minus; our current credit rating
• > rating<03:52:35.080> is<03:52:35.279> non-investment current credit rating is
• Nobody wants rates to increase.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But based upon that I'm off today. I'm interested to see how this moves along.
• I don't know what that phrase means, "primarily based."
• Immediately after the Prohibition passed, the death rates went up 300 percent.
• And I ask, where is the effort to address the higher suicide rates amongst queer children?
• LGBTQ individuals have higher suicide rates and higher attempted suicide rates, and because this bill

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to emphasize that the fee increase proposal is based on the needs of the department, based
• The fee increases for escrow and CRMLA are based on... ...increases for escrow and CRMLA are based on
• And for clarification, based on the proposal or... ...for clarification based on the proposal in terms
• Yes, but based on the proposal, based on the recommendation of the fee study, that with that new proposed
• Yes, but based based on the proposal, based on the recommendation of the fee study, that with that new

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration heard presentations from Go-Biz and the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation on the Governor’s budget proposals. Go-Biz described California Jobs First, the state’s 10-year economic development strategy, and emphasized support for small businesses, workforce development, and targeted investment in sectors such as ag tech, life sciences, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. Members raised concerns about federal policy changes, tariffs, tourism, housing, child care, and whether state incentives are truly additive; Go-Biz responded that it tracks federal actions closely, works with chambers and advocates, and uses programs like California Competes to target jobs that would not otherwise come to California. The committee then reviewed the proposal to restore the California Competes grant program with $60 million. Go-Biz said the grant would help businesses that cannot use the nonrefundable tax credit, and explained the program’s five-year contracts, milestone-based awards, and recapture provisions. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the grant could be effective but recommended stronger oversight and clearer eligibility criteria, while also noting the 30% cap in trailer bill language may be too restrictive given the smaller funding level. Public testimony supported the grant and suggested considering refundability or transferability for the tax credit to broaden access for smaller and startup businesses. Members also heard the CHIPS-related proposal for $25 million to support Natcast’s semiconductor design and collaboration facility in Sunnyvale. Go-Biz and public witnesses argued the state investment would help secure a major federal research facility, retain engineering talent, and leverage billions in broader investment, while the LAO recommended rejecting the item because of its dependence on uncertain federal funding and the state’s budget condition. The committee also considered a $17 million continuation of CA RISE, which supports employment social enterprises; Go-Biz and several grantees cited strong job placement and workforce outcomes, while the LAO recommended rejection absent a more rigorous evaluation, noting prior LA RISE evidence did not show long-term employment gains. Finally, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented budget requests for IT security and rent increases, and a trailer bill to raise fees across several programs. DFPI said decades-old fee schedules, inflation, and new regulatory responsibilities have created a structural deficit and warned the department could face insolvency without adjustments. The LAO recommended approving the fee increases only on a three-year limited-term basis and asked for more detailed revenue plans for programs not covered by the proposal, so the Legislature can assess actual collections and market impacts before making the changes permanent.