Transcript Highlights:

• For example, we want to see if the pre-K programs we are funding are yielding different results with
• This funding request includes our educator fellows program.
• This funding request also includes our summer reading program.
• So I'm really excited about these programs. So again, when... Funding comes from GROW and PERF.
• We have three years of stable funding, but we also have program evaluation with that. And so.

Transcript Highlights:

• and federal funds, there's actually many different federal programs other than the one-time federal
• Through the Workforce Commission, you have funded a JET grant program.
• We haven't really cut any funding for educator preparation programs because you never funded them in
• And that's the total funding? That's total funding.
• That's actually how you fund the foundation school program in the Appropriations Act, but I don't have

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's my understanding, is it not, that this is a voluntary program using public taxpayer funds for a
• So, by putting a private school program in the education trust fund, you are now draining that fund dry
• like the EFA program cannot exclude funds from flowing, for instance, to a religious institution on
• So we have a program in the state that funds private schools.
• in the state that we have a program in the state that funds<05:18:41.280> private<05:18:41.680

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• structure for this in the funding structure for this program program program is<01:17:06.719> definitely
• if we actually funded if we actually funded Medicaid<01:35:30.000> programs.
• The program general fund costs $53 million, 360,000.
• The program general fund costs $53 million, 360,000. General fund cost. Cash funds, zero.
• entitlement program that does not pull down any federal funds, and at the same time, you cut the programs

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the February 18, 2026 journal, and received several committee and House messages. Judiciary reported juvenile parole board appointments to the consent calendar for confirmation, and Transportation and Energy reported Senate Bills 28 and 25 along with other measures. The House transmitted multiple bills to the Reviser of Statutes, and the Senate later agreed to take up a large group of House bills on special order and consent calendar. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to personal-privilege remarks recognizing visiting groups, including the Mad Moms and Mad Dads advocating for people with serious mental illness, and the Colorado Gifted and Talented Association. Members spoke about stigma and the need for mental health legislation, and about supporting gifted students and their families. These remarks were welcomed by the chair and other senators. The Senate then considered a package of supplemental appropriation bills, including House Bills 1150 through 1179, covering agency budgets, school finance adjustments, education fund uses, and capital construction transfers. The committee of the whole adopted the package on second reading, and the full Senate later adopted the committee report by a vote of 33 ayes, with one excused and one vacant seat. The bills were ordered placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. House Bill 1151, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Corrections, drew extended debate. Supporters argued the bill was needed to cover existing obligations, avoid more costly jail backlogs, and prevent unsafe conditions, while critics said the department’s population management failures and broader sentencing policies were driving unnecessary costs and called for accountability and structural reform before more funding. Despite the debate, the bill was included in the adopted second-reading package.

Transcript Highlights:

• . $39 million and then for the water infrastructure funding program, uh, $26.484 million, and that's
• . $39 million and then for the water infrastructure funding program, uh, $26.484 million, and that's
• . $39 million and then for the water infrastructure funding program, uh, $26.484 million, and that's
• . $39 million and then for the water infrastructure funding program, uh, $26.484 million, and that's
• We know our federally funded programs have significant limitations and hamper the ability of housing

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The reason we're doing this is to try to better account for per student funding in scholarship programs
• Specifically 431.4 million for the vpk program to maintain the same per student funding is the current
• Specifically the bill funds, the Family Empowerment Scholarship program as a separate category cause.
• our soon you're talking about being able to get funding from the Family Empowerment Scholarship program
• The funds has for each county has for each program, articulate it in the budget, probably document as

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fund this funding has special Revenue fund this funding has not<00:14:52.320> yet<00:14:52.560
• Back to general funds?
• be a very broadly focused but focused on funding into government programs and those individuals.
• > uh<01:27:12.440> and funding into government programs uh and funding into government
• c> and Program Safeguard public funds and Program Safeguard public funds and establish<01:36:20.000

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On lines 236 through 240 are the traditional programs funded at the Historical Society.
• <00:15:10.079> funded<00:15:10.480> at<00:15:10.639> the traditional programs
• funded at the traditional programs funded at the historical<00:15:11.519> society.
• program that is currently funded.
• links to the different grant programs that each of the agencies offer with their legacy funds.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 776 is a bill to make sure that we can continue to fund the FAME program.
• The program provides financial literacy training and matching funds to help participants build a more
• lot of programs.
• He said the matching funds are great and that the program is helping people realize goals and work toward
• Representative Olson said that, while other areas do provide funding as well, he thinks this program

Bills: HF2135, HF776, HF1581, HF1158, HF2226

Keywords: child welfare, fiscal analysis, third-party consultant, program evaluation, Minnesota, HF776, Minnesota Family Assets for Independence Initiative, family assets for independence, FAI, asset-building, matched savings, financial literacy, family savings, economic mobility, children youth and families, general fund appropriation, family support, low-income families, financial stability, budget bill

Transcript Highlights:

• So these applicants are oftentimes requesting funding for either a different or unique program that may
• support the STAR Fund and request a report on the distribution of funds and the status of the fund on
• program, and if approved, it can implement it using federal and matching funds, while making clear that
• to fund the program.
• To use these funds for the Double Up Bucks program as part of the SNAP and WIC program.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program.
• program.
• They were approved for $251,000 in state funds and $1,000 in county funds.
• They were approved for $251,000 in state funds and $1,000 in county funds.
• You got to protect this fund. committee. You got to protect this fund.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee convened for its first meeting, called the roll, elected co-chairs under KRS 248.723, and approved the prior meeting minutes. Representative Michael Pollock was elected House co-chair and Senator Jason Howell was elected Senate co-chair, allowing the meeting to proceed. The Agricultural Development Board then reported on activity from December 2024 through April 2025. Staff described board and finance corporation funding totals for each month, county council meeting activity, leadership trainings, lender trainings, and outreach events such as Kentucky Proud breakfast, Ag Tag Month, and agriculture education week. The report also highlighted several funded projects: a Whitesburg farmers market project for Cowan Community Action Group, Community Farm Alliance’s work supporting farmers markets and nutrition programs, a Metcalfe County 4-H ham project, Hopkinsville Elevator’s rail expansion, and W and W Veterinary Services’ large-animal facility upgrade. Members discussed the importance of the tobacco settlement funds and the committee’s stewardship role. Senator Webb urged new members to read House Bill 611 and its history, emphasizing careful use of the limited funds and noting the committee’s statutory mission. Representative King asked about possible federal nutrition policy changes, and staff said Kentucky is already pursuing a “Food as Medicine” initiative and a partnership with the Kentucky Hospital Association. The meeting also recognized interns and announced a June 20, 2025, 25th anniversary event for the Agricultural Development Fund at the Kentucky History Center.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this is the uncommitted funds in that program, and this is also, I think, eliminating the program
• c> that<00:15:05.120> program<00:15:05.920> and uncommitted funds in that program and
• to fund the Granite Advantage Program?
• Program and some part of it goes to the alcohol fund.
• general funds to fund the granted general funds to fund the granted advantage<02:39:25.600> program

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee worked through several HB 2 budget amendments, focusing first on energy-related transfers and then on judicial funding. For the energy item, members discussed moving remaining money from the renewable energy fund into the general fund for the biennium, with later-year amounts going to the general fund rather than ratepayers. They noted the proposal was based on prior House Bill 111 language, that the exact amount was still being worked out with the Department of Energy, and that some language about “incentive payments” was being removed or clarified. Amendment 1211H was moved and adopted on a 5-4 vote. The committee then considered amendment 1040 on the governor’s scholarship fund, which would eliminate the program and sweep uncommitted funds. Members supporting the program argued it helps New Hampshire students afford in-state college and should be reworked rather than repealed; opponents said the remaining balance was limited and the program should be ended. Amendment 1040 was defeated 4-5. The committee then turned to a judicial council request tied to a Franklin Pierce criminal justice clinic that had previously used ARPA funds. Supporters said the clinic cleared 323 cases in nine months, provided training for future attorneys, and could reduce more expensive assigned-counsel costs by helping the public defender system handle cases more efficiently. The amendment would add $100,000 to the judicial council line for that purpose. There was some confusion over the line item and whether the request should be attributed to the judicial branch or judicial council, which was corrected during discussion. Members also discussed a larger issue: the judicial council’s budget request appeared lower than intended because of a possible clerical error in how prior-year funding was calculated, especially after the last budget combined HB 1 and HB 2 funding. The committee compared the public defender line and assigned counsel line, noting that if public defender funding is cut, more cases would shift to assigned counsel, which is more expensive. No final vote on the judicial council amendment is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• By and large, most of our projects are funded with the low-income housing tax credit program, which has
• funding programs.
• for this program.
• Support for this program.
• programs require that. funds that have already been awarded to housing projects.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related proposals and policy ideas. One speaker urged changes to the welfare property tax exemption for affordable housing, arguing that annual income recertifications are outdated and burdensome, and proposing a one-time qualification at move-in, streamlined monitoring through TCAC or HCD, and continued exemption protection for projects that remain in compliance. The witness said rising insurance costs and administrative burdens are hurting cash flow and threatening the viability of affordable housing operations. A major portion of the meeting focused on social housing and the SB 555 study. HCD described its ongoing study process, including public engagement with residents, practitioners, and experts, and noted that California already has many building blocks for social housing, such as public land tools, long-term affordability mechanisms, community land trusts, and tenant protections. Community land trust and housing policy witnesses argued that social housing will require legislative action, expanded public subsidy, tax abatements, public land, and simplified financing, and they emphasized the need to reframe the concept for the “missing middle” and middle-class households to build broader political support. Committee members discussed stigma around “social housing,” the need for a rebrand, and the possibility of a pilot program, especially on excess public land. The committee also heard a proposal for a certified professional plan-check system modeled on Vancouver, Canada. The presenter said California’s permitting delays, inconsistent reviews, and staffing shortages add cost and uncertainty even for streamlined projects, and proposed allowing state-certified private professionals to perform plan checks and inspections under state oversight while local governments retain zoning and enforcement authority. Members discussed local control concerns, infrastructure costs, and the need to reduce delays and uncertainty in the entitlement process. Finally, the committee heard testimony supporting changes to HCD loan disbursement so funds can be used during construction rather than only after completion. Witnesses said this would reduce interest costs, improve feasibility, and could produce additional affordable homes with existing funding. The discussion also referenced AB 1053 as the vehicle for implementing that approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our disability waiver programs are incredibly complex, from their funding to the complex needs of the
• Our disability waiver programs are incredibly complex, from their funding to the complex needs of the
• Our disability waiver programs are incredibly complex, from their funding to the complex needs of the
• c> has disabled funding for these programs has disabled funding for these programs has always<01:
• The housing support program has been a critical source of funding for support of housing programs addressing

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe it's only about 12% of the funding for this program, but this bill just cuts that funding.
• bill just cuts targets program, but this bill just cuts targets that<03:27:06.560> funding<03
• And this program that we funded last year is doing just that.
• And this program that we funded state.
• And this program that we funded last<03:28:52.000> year<03:28:52.720> is<03:28:53.120><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, a year after following our programs, today she says, Now, a year after following our programs, today
• It's an extensive program.
• We're funding the family empowerment scholarships as a separate state-funded categorical within the FEFP
• In addition to the increase in FEFP funding, the proposed budget provides funds for key pre-K-12 issues
• , including $432.8 million for VPK program to maintain the same per-student funding as the current year

Bills: S1062, S1718, S7038

Keywords: speech education, debate, high school, Florida Debate Initiative, civics, competitive teams, student participation, educational advancement, educator preparation, certification, professional development, temporary certificate, military service, collaboration, teaching effectiveness, education, Florida College System, tuition waivers, vocational rehabilitation, state universities

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met to consider several education bills and the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 Department of Education budget. The committee first took up CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate, which would formalize Florida’s Speech and Debate Week, strengthen the partnership between the Department of Education and the Florida Debate Initiative, require annual public reporting, and support statewide speech and debate programming. The bill drew extensive supportive testimony from students, alumni, and advocates who said debate improved civic engagement, literacy, confidence, and school performance, while also noting the need for equitable access and funding for travel and competition. The committee adopted a delete-everything amendment and then reported the bill favorably as amended by a unanimous vote of members present. The committee then heard SB 1718 on educator preparation and certification, which expands access to educator preparation coursework, broadens eligibility for temporary certification for some formerly certified professionals, and allows prior subject-area exam results to satisfy requirements. Public testimony largely supported easing barriers for experienced educators while emphasizing that certification changes are only a partial solution to teacher shortages and should be paired with better pay, retention, and professional respect. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 7038 on education, which included a wide range of higher education and workforce-related changes, including a tuition waiver for Florida State Guard members, residency clarifications, oversight changes for blind services and vocational rehabilitation providers, licensure updates for private colleges, dual enrollment and assessment revisions, scholarship and funding changes, and reserve-fund requirements. An amendment restored the Classical Learning Test as a qualifying option for a grandparent tuition waiver, adjusted a Pell Grant performance metric, changed accreditation timing, and made other technical revisions. A dental education stakeholder raised concerns that one provision could disrupt long-standing exemptions for dental assisting programs, and the Florida Dental Association said it was working with the sponsor to avoid unintended impacts. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. The final major item was a high-level review of the proposed pre-K-12 budget, totaling $34.9 billion with local funds. Highlights included $30 billion for public schools and K-12 scholarships, a $50 increase in the base student allocation, a 1.64% increase in total funds per FTE, $4.5 billion for family empowerment scholarships as a separate FEFP categorical, $25 million for districts facing future enrollment declines, $65.3 million to help districts with current-year enrollment losses, $432.8 million for VPK, and $30.4 million for regional education consortia. Senators asked about reductions or flat funding in some allocations, teacher pay, declining enrollment support, Schools of Hope funding, and support for non-teaching school staff. Public testimony on the budget focused heavily on concerns about charter and voucher funding, especially the $6 million for Schools of Hope, with speakers urging more investment in traditional public schools, teacher compensation, and school infrastructure. The committee concluded the meeting by adjournment after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• SENATE BILL 7016 AND 2024 ESTABLISHED THE TRAINING EDUCATION AND CLINICALS AND HEALTH FUNDING PROGRAM
• TWO PROGRAMS COMBINE WHAT WE CALL THE FLORIDA KID CARE PROGRAM.
• THE SCREENING GRANT PROGRAM AWARDS FUNDING TO NONPROFIT ENTITIES IMPLEMENT NEW HEALTHCARE SCREENING AND
• PROGRAM.
• IS IT A LACK OF FUNDING? ARE WE NOT ACCURATELY FUNDING IT?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we believe that we will be successful in receiving some federal funding to sustain this program in
• <00:08:33.519> in<00:08:33.760> for funding to sustain this program in for funding
• Um, that's why this bill proposes half a million per year in funding as an increase to the LSS core program
• Um, that's why this bill proposes half a million per year in funding as an increase to the LSS core program
• Um, that's why this bill proposes half a million per year in funding as an increase to the LSS core program

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And let's fund some block captain programs.
• They actually have full-time staff now working these block captain programs, privately funded.
• So that's my pitch: let's get a block captain funding program going to help community leaders not only
• Number two, increase funding and pace of scale from the Resilient Forest and Fire Capacity Program.
• Program.

Summary: The hearing focused on lessons from the 2017 Tubbs Fire and how Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and local partners have changed wildfire prevention, recovery, and rebuilding practices since then. Assemblymembers emphasized that the region has become a model for the state, with a shift from suppression to prevention, and panelists described improvements in defensible space, home hardening, vegetation management, alerting, and community coordination. The discussion also highlighted the continuing importance of sharing Sonoma County’s experience with other wildfire-impacted communities across California and beyond. Fire officials and local leaders described specific prevention measures now in place, including Santa Rosa’s vegetation management ordinance, ignition-free/Zone Zero requirements in rebuilding, restrictions on certain mulches, removal of dead and dying trees near roads and defensible space zones, and expanded prescribed burning authority. They also stressed the importance of community organization through block captains, Firewise/COPE-style networks, and the Mark West Area Community Fund. Speakers said these networks helped residents navigate recovery, avoid fraud and bad contractors, coordinate with local agencies, and support neighbors, but they argued that such efforts need more formal structure and stable funding. Water and permitting officials discussed how the fires changed their work. Santa Rosa Water described new regional coordination, generator and backup power upgrades, emergency training, and lessons learned about wildfire-related contamination in water systems, including the need to restore pressure, flush, and test quickly after a fire. Permit Sonoma said rebuilding was balanced by streamlining permits while still requiring safer, more resilient construction, and noted that reduced fees and one-stop permitting helped speed recovery. United Policyholders described helping residents maximize insurance proceeds, organize information, and avoid scams, while warning that insurance availability and affordability remain major barriers and that insurers are increasingly rewarding risk-reduction measures. Across the panels, the main policy requests were for faster and more flexible grant processes, more stable long-term funding for prevention and community programs, stronger support for home hardening and defensible space, better training and tools for local governments and legislative staff, and continued attention to insurance and utility-related resilience. No formal votes or actions were taken in the transcript excerpt; the hearing was informational and ended with a transition toward public comment and further discussion of remaining statewide wildfire policy needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• > you<00:16:29.959> would different programming that you would different programming that
• Program managed by the DNR.
• c><00:26:36.400> Program<00:26:37.440> managed Flood Hazard Mitigation Program managed
• was an appropriation for a general fund was an appropriation for a general fund cash.
• Enhancement Program. Credit Enhancement Enhancement Program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all