Video & Transcript : 'event subsidies' :
Page 154 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Power Sharing Agreement Jan 29th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But even once that event happens and we have to do some reorganizing, there would be some parts of our
- And so in the event that something happens in the future that requires us to power share again, I think
- </c><00:03:45.840><c> happens</c> then but even once that um event happens then but even once that um
- event happens and<00:03:46.280><c> we</c><00:03:46.360><c> have</c><00:03:46.480><c> to</c><00:03:46.599
- that something happens in the event that something happens in the future<00:04:51.560><c> that</c><00
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution Jun 21st, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a state calendar of over 500 events. We have the blogs, as I mentioned.
- Send them to me, and we can create a blog from them, or if there's an event surrounding them.
- I was a speaker at their event. It was a wonderful cultural experience.
- People felt like there were a couple of events where they've seen.
- I've gone to some of the events.
Summary:
The State Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution DEIA Subcommittee met to share updates on 250th-related projects and to discuss how to ensure the commemoration is inclusive, statewide, and reflective of Black, Indigenous, and other underrepresented histories. Members described ongoing research and programming, including work in Quincy, Lexington, Bridgewater/Brockton, Mashpee, and other communities to identify Black revolutionary soldiers, Indigenous connections, and lesser-known local stories. Several members emphasized that the 250th should be framed as both commemoration and celebration, with attention to difficult histories as well as resilience, joy, and cultural contributions.
Dr. Noel Trent reported on the Museum of African American History’s exhibition Black Voices of the Revolution, funded by Mass 250, which opened June 30 and will run through 2026 or into 2027. He described the exhibit’s use of AI tools, archaeological finds from Nantucket and Boston, and related programming. Other members highlighted Mass Humanities’ Expand Massachusetts Stories funding round, including support for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and likely additional Indigenous-led projects, as well as a statewide equity playbook being drafted for Mass 250 fundraising and engagement. Sheila Green of Massachusetts 250 then presented an overview of the statewide campaign, including advertising, social media, a website with events and blogs, 96 grants totaling $3 million, partnerships with sports teams and cultural organizations, and major upcoming events such as Evacuation Day, the Henry Knox reenactment, Sail Boston 250, and World Cup-related activity.
During discussion, members suggested practical ways to improve inclusion and outreach, including sharing stories through blogs, podcasts, and a centralized project tracker, and highlighting museums and community programs that offer joy, rest, and cultural activities alongside historical interpretation. Dr. Trent raised concern that some Massachusetts 250 merchandise, such as T-shirts, did not adequately reflect the diversity of the state, and Green said the team was considering a redesign. The subcommittee agreed to compile a summary of stories, names, and examples for the full commission, and to continue sharing photos and materials by email for possible presentation at a future commission meeting. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was approved unanimously.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- for his peers, as well as events honoring first responders and military veterans.
- activities at the Teen Center, but with her JROTC group at school, taking a leadership position in event
- 12:45.720><c> in</c> school taking a leadership position in school taking a leadership position in event
- a winner will be selected to represent Hawaii in the regional Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year event
- We would like to send our Year event.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Jan 16th, 2026 at 08:00 am
State Government & Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- The second relates to collegiate sport events. In Washington, sports wagering is only...
- The second relates to collegiate sport events.
- As previously mentioned, the bill also concerns collegiate sport events.
- In Washington, wagers placed on any collegiate sport and athletic event are permitted unless they are
- As previously mentioned, the bill also concerns collegiate of sport events.
Committee:
House State Government & Tribal Relations
Keywords:
sports wagering, gambling regulation, state control, licensing, consumer protection, state employment, classified service, civil service, job qualifications, degree requirements, postgraduate degree, master's degree, doctorate, higher education, Office of Financial Management, OFM, classification plan, salary survey, market rate pay, compensation
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate 538, an act relative to emergency response and preparedness in the event of a surge in pediatric
- were greater than all combined adverse events from vaccines from the beginning of the VAERS system.
- The COVID reactions are vastly worse than all combined prior vaccine adverse events.
- Chart one talks about adverse events.
- events attributed to all of the other vaccines in the VAERS database going back to 1990.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management held a hearing on several emergency management bills, with most of the testimony focused on Senate Bill 539, which would prohibit COVID-19 mRNA vaccination or gene-altering procedures as a condition of entry, employment, school attendance, or access to public venues. Senator Durant and many public witnesses supported the bill, arguing that COVID-era mandates were coercive, ineffective, and harmful, and that the state should not require proof of vaccination in future emergencies. One witness, Joanne Tuller, testified in opposition, saying the government should retain authority to impose public health measures in emergencies and warning against permanently limiting that power based on the COVID experience.
The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 540, concerning the prevention of radioactive material discharge, with a Sierra Club representative and local residents opposing Holtec’s disposal of wastewater from the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant and citing health, environmental, and economic concerns in Plymouth and nearby communities. Senator Driscoll testified in support of Senate Bills 537 and 538, describing them as measures to strengthen the Commonwealth’s strategic preparedness stockpile and to create a framework for emergency response during surges in hospitalizations, including temporary waivers of prior authorization when hospitals are over capacity.
In addition, Dr. Jennifer Carlson testified in support of H.885, a resolve creating a special commission on the field of emergency management, arguing that the profession should be more fully professionalized and staffed by dedicated experts rather than part-time “second hat” officials. Several other bills on the docket, including H.883 and H.84, had no sign-ups. The chair closed each bill’s testimony section as the list was exhausted, and the hearing was adjourned without any votes taken during the session.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- or taxable event at that time you exchanged or not?
- So that's a separation event.
- There's going to be a separation event.
- And you can trigger a separation event if you wanted to do that.
- You could just trigger a separation event.
Committee:
House Insurance
Summary:
The House Insurance Committee met on May 19 and first took up Senate Bill 509 on bank-owned life insurance. The bill would clarify that banks retain an insurable interest in former employees for purposes of exchanging underperforming bank-owned life insurance policies for better-performing ones. Members adopted a revised amendment set after withdrawing a prior version. Testimony focused heavily on whether consent from the insured former employee is required for any transfer or exchange, with supporters saying the bill is needed to address underperforming policies and opponents warning about unclear consent standards, data-transfer concerns, litigation risk, and possible federal tax issues. After debate, the committee reported SB 509 as amended by a 7-4 vote.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 295, which requires health insurance coverage for medically necessary treatment for persons with acquired brain injuries, including cognitive rehabilitation and related services. Supporters from the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana and NeuroRestorative described gaps in post-acute care, high rates of discharge to unsafe home settings or nursing homes, and improved return-to-work outcomes when patients receive appropriate rehabilitation. An amendment was adopted to clarify federal essential health benefit limits and remove certain language, reducing the fiscal note to zero. The bill was then reported as amended without objection.
Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 155, which requires coverage for medically necessary dental procedures needed for cancer treatment clearance, such as exams, imaging, and extractions. Cancer advocates, oncologists, and dental representatives said untreated dental problems can delay chemotherapy or radiation and lead to worse outcomes and higher costs. Cleanup amendments were adopted, and the bill was reported as amended. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 465, which tightens prompt-payment deadlines for health insurers, adds pharmacy payment provisions, and creates a recoupment timeline for dental claims; after technical and substantive amendments, it was reported as amended.
Finally, the committee approved Senate Bill 276, creating a pre-appointment affidavit process for bail bond producers to ensure prior premiums, shortages, and forfeitures are resolved before a new insurer appointment, and House Resolution 260, which urges the Department of Insurance to study how out-of-network medical billing affects auto insurance rates. Both measures were reported favorably or as amended, and the committee adjourned after a motion to do so.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- event at the time of exchange, or whether there is a way to replace the asset with the other.
- or taxable event at that time you exchanged or not?
- But within the contracts, there are separation events that occur.
- So that's a separation event.
- But there's going to be a separation event.
Committee:
House Insurance
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 27th, 2026 at 11:14 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a fantastic event.
- New Mexico is becoming the destination for aviation aerospace events.
- Those two events are not in competition.
- What a wonderful event. Thank you for mentioning that. Senator Munoz. Thank you.
- It is a great event to see.
PA
Transcript Highlights:
- This event, now in its 79th year, was founded by a man named Carl Stotz, This event, now in its 79th
- Last year, as many of my colleagues, we participate in a lot of community events, whether it be a ribbon
- For example, or a festival or anything like that, folks that are sponsoring that event have to have an
- They don't go out to events. They don't knock doors.
- at basketball games, while also being the people in charge of those events.
Summary:
The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including a student advocate and family members connected to a resolution on scoliosis awareness. The chamber first took up committee reports from Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, Tourism and Recreation and Economic Development, and later Appropriations, Rules, Commerce, and Environmental and Natural Resource Protection, agreeing to the reported bills and resolutions. House Resolution 531, designating June 2026 as Scoliosis Awareness Month, was adopted 201-1 after remarks describing the condition and the advocacy of a young constituent. The House also adopted resolutions designating Diaper Need Awareness Week, directing a study on PANS/PANDAS, recognizing 717 Day, Little League World Series Week, and commemorating America 250 in Pennsylvania, with broad bipartisan support.
The House then considered several bills on final passage. House Bill 2146, updating the Sunshine Act’s 24-hour agenda notice rule after a court ruling, and Senate Bills 130, 511, 971, 972, 1181, and 1235 were agreed to. House Bill 1239, limiting HOA restrictions on rooftop solar, drew multiple amendments; some were withdrawn, and others failed on tied votes, after debate over HOA governance, native plants, and net metering. House Bill 2219, on license plates and transportation provisions, had an amendment agreed to removing indemnification language for elected officials at special events, and then passed as amended. House Bill 2558, banning non-compete agreements for broadcast workers, saw an amendment to preserve limited non-competes fail, and the bill passed. House Bill 2359, prohibiting government NDAs related to data centers, passed 171-31 after extensive debate over transparency and local control.
The chamber also passed House Bill 2455, granting Pittsburgh school administrators collective bargaining rights, despite objections that existing appeal protections already exist; it passed 106-96. House Bill 2460, creating hunting and trapping education provisions, passed 180-22 after debate over whether it duplicated existing law and imposed a mandate. House Bill 2499, expanding the State Workers’ Insurance Fund’s equity investment authority, passed 173-29. House Bill 2529, scheduling metatomidine as a Schedule III controlled substance, passed 198-4 amid testimony about overdose risks and concerns about criminalization. Senate Bill 604, joining the Counseling Compact, passed 188-14, and Senate Bill 1259, clarifying parole record privilege and expanding notice to denied parole applicants, passed unanimously 202-0. The House then made referrals and committee assignments, signed the two Senate bills for presentation to the Governor, and adjourned until July 1, 2026.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We work quickly to salvage timber that’s been impacted by wildfire or other natural events.
- So there was some significant damage to the timberland because of this wind event.
- We get lots of day use there, lots of events, lots of cross-country events and other things.
- We get lots of day use there, lots of events, lots of cross-country events and other things.
- And then we are going to be renovating that into an event center. Preserve it.
Committee:
House Resources and Conservation
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- [clears throat] It might be an individual responding to a particular traumatizing event.
- It is no longer one particular event<00:18:25.200><c> but</c><00:18:25.440><c> the</c><00:18:25.600><
- c> additive</c><00:18:26.160><c> impact</c><00:18:26.559><c> of</c><00:18:26.799><c> doing</c> event
- but the additive impact of doing event but the additive impact of doing this<00:18:27.280><c> work</c
- In the event of the death, government.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans’ & Military Affairs Oct 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Rachel Duncan, my program manager, is actually at Camp Murray this morning at an event, so we divided
- Back in 2024, we held over 70 events across the South Sound, and we are eagerly expanding to reach our
- Back in 2024, we held over 70 events across the South Sound, and we are eagerly expanding to, the South
- There were other activities, including a speed-friending event at the Cohen Clinic for military spouses
- We did a hike and some other events.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs heard presentations on several military and veterans-related topics. Dr. Dan Calvert briefed the committee on the JBLM Sentinel Landscape Partnership, explaining its voluntary conservation work to reduce encroachment around the base by protecting prairie habitat, supporting agriculture, and managing sensitive species. He described REPI funding, recent and proposed projects, and possible policy support such as state designation, dedicated funding, management endowments, prescribed fire flexibility, and water-right transfer tools. Members asked about seed sourcing, the distinction between natural-resource encroachment and development-related encroachment, and the impact of federal REPI staffing cuts.
David Puente of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs updated the committee on plans for a new state veterans cemetery in the Tri-Cities area and a replacement Spokane Veterans Home. He said the cemetery project has two candidate sites near Richland/West Richland, with pre-design funded by the legislature and a future request expected for land purchase and construction; he also noted the current cemetery funding source is limited and would not support a second cemetery without additional state operating funds. On the Spokane home, he described the current facility’s limitations and said the replacement would be a 120-bed, small-house model on a larger site, with the VA expected to cover 65% of construction costs if the state provides the match. He also reviewed agency budget reductions, including vacant positions, reduced outreach, cuts to counseling and wellness funding, and reduced support for veterans service organizations.
Blue Star Families’ Puget Sound chapter also presented on its programs for military-connected families, including Coffee Connects, a children’s book club, outdoor programming, career support, and Blue Star Welcome Week. The group said it is expanding beyond the South Sound and is using local outposts and online networks to reach more families, while also helping with food insecurity through grocery gift cards and partnerships with local nonprofits. Committee members discussed the need to expand the organization statewide and the ongoing food-security challenges facing military families.
During the final discussion on potential legislation, members raised ideas including restoring Washington National Guard retention efforts, expanding E-CAP eligibility to military families, revisiting the composition of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, and addressing veterans’ preference issues for service members who have not yet received a DD-214. The committee did not take any formal votes or actions, but members and presenters discussed future policy and budget requests, and the chairs thanked the presenters and staff before adjourning.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Capital Project Overview Committee (09/29/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:13:39.440><c> um</c><00:13:39.600><c> event</c> throughout our state. um event throughout our
- state. um event notification<00:13:40.720><c> which</c><00:13:40.959><c> is</c><00:13:41.120><c> for
- </c><00:15:56.560><c> The</c><00:15:56.720><c> event</c> Care Connections Network.
- notification system was initially event notification system was initially implemented<00:18:20.880><
- The closed referral system and event notification system both have non-capital funds supporting them
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes from its June 30 meeting and then considered Capital Project 2515, a request from the Pease Development Authority Division of Ports and Harbors to spend up to $125,000 from the Harbor Dredging and Pier Maintenance Fund to replace a deteriorated 99-foot floating dock at Rye Harbor. Acting Director Richard Hartley said the dock is used for passenger loading and unloading for charters and whale-watching tours and is in poor condition. Representative Edgar moved approval, Representative Wiler seconded, and the motion carried.
The committee then received several informational items, including quarterly and maintenance reports from the Department of Administrative Services, the Community College System of New Hampshire, and the Pease Development Authority. It also heard a presentation from the Department of Health and Human Services on Capital Project 2516, the Beneficiary Service Improvement project supporting closed-loop referrals and related systems. DHHS described the project as a mix of Medicaid enterprise functions and New Hampshire Care Connections tools, including provider modules, third-party liability, event notifications, and closed-loop referrals to connect health and human service providers. Officials said the project is largely federally funded, with capital funds representing only part of the overall effort.
Members asked about the accounting breakdown, prior committee review, provider participation, patient experience, and public response. Representative Burr questioned whether the project had been fully presented previously and raised concerns about the scope and necessity of the $8 million effort; DHHS responded that earlier work was discussed in other committees and that the current presentation covered only capital funds. Senator Waters asked about user response and patient experience, and DHHS said feedback has been generally positive but the system is still in design and implementation. In response to questions about participation, DHHS said 84 providers are currently on the network and clarified that a “provider” generally means an individual organization or health system, not each individual clinician. The committee also set its next meeting for December 9 at 9:00 a.m. at Granite Place, Room 228, and then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the posture of United States Northern Command and United States Southern Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by a closed ses Feb 13th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel
Transcript Highlights:
- Military drops recruiting efforts at prestigious black engineering awards event.
- Past BIA events have included the Army Chief of Staff and the Defense Secretary.
- This is one of the most talent event.
- pulled out of this event.
- So we have two events on January 31st.
Keywords:
national security, China, Russia, cybersecurity, border security, military deployment, transnational crime, defense modernization, military strategy
Summary:
In this meeting, key topics included national security concerns with an emphasis on threats from China, Russia, and transnational criminal organizations. Senior military officials provided testimony on the evolving risks posed by these adversaries, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and advancements in weaponry. The discussion highlighted the importance of a cohesive strategy among government departments to effectively respond to the challenges presented by these threats, emphasizing the need for modernization in defense capabilities. Committee members grilled the witnesses on border security and the implications of deploying military resources in domestic operations.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And thank you so much to you and to the entire team here for organizing today's event.
- For example, some of the Stop the Hate grantees hosted programs and events...
- Within days, someone had attended the event and published an article, To start over.
- So we go to prides and other community events and we distribute those resources.
- So we go to prides and other community events and we distribute those resources.
Summary:
The Assembly Human Services Committee held an informational hearing with members of the API Legislative Caucus on California’s Stop the Hate Program and broader efforts to address hate incidents. Opening remarks emphasized the rise in hate during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of culturally and linguistically competent services, and the program’s role in serving not only AAPI communities but also Latino, Black, Jewish, Muslim, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and other impacted communities. Legislators and presenters repeatedly highlighted the value of trusted community-based organizations (CBOs) in reaching people who may not report to law enforcement or seek traditional services.
The first panel included the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, the Department of Social Services (CDSS), and the Commission on the State of Hate. They described the program’s origins in the state’s equity budget, its funding structure, and its service model: direct victim services, prevention, and intervention. CDSS said 180 organizations statewide have participated, with grantees selected based on experience, capacity, and service to priority populations. The Commission on the State of Hate reported that hate remains widespread and underreported, citing survey data showing about 3.1 million Californians experienced at least one hate act in a year and that many victims need mental health, legal, and other supports beyond police response. Members asked about best practices, youth impacts, administrative costs, and the role of regional leads; CDSS said it would provide more detail on funding distribution and that the final evaluation is still in progress.
The second panel featured grantees from Jewish Family Service San Diego, Inland Chinese American Association, Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants, and Equality California. They gave examples of how Stop the Hate funding supported culturally specific response teams, counseling, language-access services, self-defense and safety workshops, youth and elder programming, legal navigation, and reporting tools. Several speakers said the program helped build trust, reduce isolation, and connect people to services they otherwise would not use. Legislators pressed the panel on lessons learned, whether the model should be reauthorized, and what would be lost if funding ends. Panelists emphasized that the program’s flexibility, regional convenings, and support for small, trusted organizations were key strengths, while also noting the need for more direct funding to frontline providers and more data on what interventions work best.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:09:10.880><c> And</c><00:09:11.120><c> today</c> this major geological event.
- And today this major geological event.
- Number two, attestation of an eligible weather condition or event.
- </c><00:43:43.839><c> Uh</c><00:43:44.160><c> section</c> weather condition or event.
- Uh section weather condition or event.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 2 March, 2026; 4:00 PM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the event for Wednesday night from 5 to 7:00 at the South. It is a ticketed event.
- This is the event for Wednesday night from 5 to 7:00 at the South. It is a ticketed event.
- There's uh some folks might like to attend that because it's a ticket event. >> I'm just picking them
- because<00:08:12.720><c> it's</c><00:08:12.960><c> a</c><00:08:13.120><c> ticket</c><00:08:13.520><c> event
- </c> >> because it's a ticket event. >> because it's a ticket event.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- because not all the stores can afford to have that space taken up with cans or have those kinds of events
- c> for</c><00:07:44.960><c> um</c><00:07:46.319><c> hardware</c><00:07:46.720><c> stores</c> great event
- for for um hardware stores great event for for um hardware stores or<00:07:47.199><c> anyone</c><00:
- taken up with cans or have those kinds taken up with cans or have those kinds of<00:07:56.400><c> events
- </c> of events. So, I would know. of events. So, I would know.
Committee:
Senate Ways and Means
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/18/26 - Evening Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The services have to qualify as medical treatment for recovery from a traumatic event.
- </c><00:01:52.480><c> And</c><00:01:52.960><c> uh</c> recovery from a traumatic event.
- And uh recovery from a traumatic event.
- So, the event is not a luxury service or event as determined by the Campaign Finance Board.
- is not a luxury service or event event is not a luxury service or event as<00:02:14.440><c> determined
Summary:
The committee first took up HF 2526 and received a walkthrough of the DE1 amendment from nonpartisan staff. The amendment revised the bill’s gift and ethics provisions by defining local government and public safety officer, narrowing covered mental health or wellness services to those provided by a qualified mental health professional and tied to recovery from a traumatic event, excluding luxury services or events as determined by the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, and allowing local governments to adopt additional gift restrictions. It also added a bribery-related provision for gifts made with intent to influence a public safety officer. Members noted the language had been worked on by Representatives Duran, Vernig, and Freiberg, and the DE1 was adopted unanimously. HF 2526, as amended, then passed to the floor on a voice vote.
The committee then turned to HF 3722, which would remove deceased voters from the state voter registration system. The bill author argued that deceased voters should not remain on the rolls and that removing them would clean up the voter list. Secretary of State staff testified in opposition, saying deceased voters are already kept in a separate deceased status, not on active rolls, and that retaining the record helps flag suspicious activity and preserves voter history in case of administrative error. A second testifier described a real case in which a deceased voter’s retained record helped election officials identify and investigate a fraudulent ballot. After discussion, the committee tabled HF 3722.
Finally, the committee heard HF 3723, which would require additional verification for absentee ballot applications and permanent absentee voters. Supporters said the bill would help ensure ballots are not sent to people who have died or moved out of state. Secretary of State staff opposed the bill, saying most voters are already verified at registration, that the proposed checks would duplicate existing procedures, and that additional verification could create delays or false rejections. A testifier also objected to the bill’s effective date, saying it would take effect only days after absentee voting begins. The sponsor argued that voters remain on the permanent list indefinitely and that periodic verification is needed because people move or die; the committee did not reach a final vote in the portion provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Mar 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We look forward to shaping another meaningful and impactful event together.
- And, as the chair just mentioned, certainly our upcoming event in October.
- It's going to be a two-day event.
- Again, please think of the planning committee for the October event.
- Again, please think of the planning committee for the October event.
Summary:
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly meeting virtually and in person at the State House. The commission approved the December minutes, then heard updates from the chair on planning for the next “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27, focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The chair also previewed planning for the commission’s October National Disability Employment Awareness Month event and invited commissioners and advisory council members to join the planning group.
The commission received an update on the advisory council orientation, which was described as well attended and productive, and then heard a detailed presentation from the Attorney General’s Office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts. Topics included challenges to federal actions involving diversity in education, immigration and Haiti Temporary Protected Status, NIH research funding restrictions, and mental health services grants; the presenter also addressed concerns about Medicaid-related federal actions and said the AG’s office is coordinating closely with the governor’s office and other states. Commissioners asked questions about whether disability-related work could be affected by vague DEI restrictions and about the status of CMS communications on Medicaid.
The meeting also featured a presentation from Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and apprenticeship liaison Amara Riemann on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. They described apprenticeship as paid, structured, employer-driven training with classroom instruction and wage progression, and highlighted the Bridgewater State University Excel program for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities as a model linking pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship. Commissioners discussed how to replicate similar pathways through community colleges and disability-service providers, especially in high-demand fields. Subcommittee reports followed, including updates on disability employment, long-term services and supports, and health equity, with discussion of a projected state budget gap tied to federal changes, PCA working group recommendations, crisis standards of care, and ongoing collaboration with MassAbility and the Massachusetts Office on Disability. The meeting ended with commissioner announcements, including several awards and upcoming events, and reminders about the Lowell forum and October planning efforts.