Video & Transcript Research : 'Senate Concurrent Resolution'
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VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-03-20 - 11:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I see familiar faces like Senator Baruth and Senator Lyons, Senator Hardy, and Senator Cummings, yes,
- I think of Senator McCormick, Senator Kitchel, Senator Star, and sadly Senator Sears and Senator Mazza
- I think of Senator McCormick, Senator Kitchel, Senator Star, and sadly Senator Sears and Senator Mazza
- Senator<00:30:33.920>
from Senator from Senator from uh<00:30:35.240>Grand <00:30: - Senator<01:11:03.560>
from Senator from Senator from Rutland. Rutland. Rutland.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Rules and Administration followed by Rules Subcommittee on Committees - 03/19/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's move Senate the committee resolution<00:35:18.200>
Senate <00:35:18.720>Senate <00 - :35:19.000>
Resolution resolution Senate Senate Resolution resolution Senate Senate Resolution - The motion before us right now is taking up committee resolution Senate Resolution 127-3.
- <00:42:13.960>
Senate taking up committee resolution Senate taking up committee resolution - Senate the<00:42:14.720>
Senate <00:42:15.000>resolution <00:42:15.600>127-3.
Summary:
The Rules and Administration Committee met on March 19, 2026, to consider the referral path for Senate File 4139, the sports betting bill, rather than the substance of the proposal. Senator Franzen, the bill’s chief author, asked that the bill be referred first to the Commerce Committee, saying he had discussed the matter with the relevant committee chairs and that Commerce was the best place to address the bill’s consumer protection provisions. He emphasized that any final path to passage would still require the bill to go through State and Local Government as well.
Senator Rasmusson objected and argued the bill should go first to State and Local Government, citing Senate jurisdiction rules, which he said assign gambling bills to that committee. He noted that prior sports betting bills had been referred there first and said a predictable referral process is important. Senator Maye Quade, Senator Dibble, Senator Bar, and Senator Jasinski also supported sending the bill to State and Local Government first, arguing that the committee has primary jurisdiction over gambling and that the bill’s consumer protection language does not change that basic referral. Senator Champion and Senator Miller supported the Commerce referral, saying authors may request an initial committee and that the bill’s consumer protection sections fit Commerce jurisdiction.
Senator Marty moved to re-refer Senate File 4139 to the Committee on State and Local Government. Before the vote, members continued debating whether the bill’s structure and prior referral history justified Commerce or whether committee jurisdiction rules required State and Local Government first. The transcript ends with the motion pending and no final vote or disposition shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/19/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator<01:38:45.119>
Liur. Senator Liur. Senator Liur. - Senator<02:00:57.679>
Croom. Senator Croom. Senator Croom. - Senate floor. Senate floor.
- Uh, Senator, uh, Chair Latz, Senator Kun, Uh, Senator, uh, Chair Latz, Senator Kun, under the process
- Senator<02:40:38.479>
Kron. Senator Kron. Senator Kron.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS, HHS, Public Hearings 03-18-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- consent noting the excuse of Senator consent noting the excuse of Senator Favela.<00:08:16.120><
- and consent noting the excuse of Senator and consent noting the excuse of Senator Favela.<00:08:
- Thank you very much. the Senate companion of this. This is the Senate companion of this.
- So, thank you for the question, Senator. So, thank you for the question, Senator.
- Senator Favela. Anybody else? Senator Favela. Anybody else?
Summary:
The committee first took up gubernatorial message nominations. Margaret Jackson was heard for reappointment to the State Council on Mental Health, where she said her lived experience with family members facing schizophrenia, houselessness, and substance use issues motivates her service. Andrew Savaiano was heard for the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council and said he wanted to continue elevating youth voice and lived experience. Tao Yan was heard for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants and emphasized the importance of wastewater treatment to public health and the environment. The Department of Health testified in support of the nominations, and the committee later adopted chair recommendations to advise and consent to all three nominations, noting Senator Favela’s excuse and no recorded objections.
The committee then heard HB 1853 relating to dementia. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state agencies, advocacy groups, caregivers, and individuals with lived experience, including a person living with Alzheimer’s and his caregiver spouse, who described the value of early diagnosis and coordinated support. Supporters said the bill would expand memory care navigation and access, especially on neighbor islands and in rural areas, and help families connect to resources earlier. One member raised concerns about the cost and scale of the proposed program, asking about the number and cost of dementia specialists and noting broader budget pressures, but the bill remained under discussion with no final action shown in the transcript.
The committee also heard HB 1591 relating to health care, which would expand the preceptor tax credit to additional health professions, including physician assistant students and PAs, with testimony in support from nursing, public health, medical, and provider organizations. Supporters argued the measure would help address workforce shortages and improve training opportunities for local and economically disadvantaged students. A committee member asked about the aggregate cost of the credit and whether the existing credit had been fully utilized; the chair noted the bill was being kept narrower than broader proposals because of fiscal concerns. The transcript then moved to HB 1961 relating to health care access near facilities, with supporters arguing it protects access to legal reproductive health care and opponents saying it is unnecessary, vague, and burdensome on free speech and protest activity. No final vote on the bills appears in the excerpt provided.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WLA, WLA DEFER Public Hearings 03-18-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator<00:11:12.320>
Chair. Senator Chair. Senator Chair. - Sorry. >> [laughter] Um, yeah, aloha Senator Lee, Senator Inouye, Senator Chang.
- <00:36:45.720>
Senator Is excused. Senator Lomassau. I. Senator Is excused. - Senator<00:38:13.680>
Chang. Senator Chang. Senator Chang. - <00:38:16.240>
Senator >> I. Senator Lomassau. I. Senator >> I.
Summary:
The committee heard and then later voted on a series of gubernatorial nominations and several bills. In the nomination portion, DLNR and the nominees generally testified in support or briefly described their qualifications and goals. The nominees included Elray Moreno, Richard First, and Stephen DeWalt for the Game Management Advisory Commission; Noah Dolim and Graham Hart for the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board; Joseph Pickard, Jared Machado, and Elena Bryant for the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council; Kaipuloa Makanui Alona Kealoha for the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission; and Zachary Bentolina for the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission. Testimony emphasized public service, community representation, historic preservation awareness, and bridging communication between communities and DLNR. For the Kaho‘olawe nomination, testimony also discussed storm damage and ongoing assessments on the island. The chair asked questions about historic preservation outreach, board vacancies, and the status of Kaho‘olawe facilities. GM 651 was deferred so the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts could weigh in, while the others were later recommended for advise and consent and adopted without opposition.
In decision making on the 1:00 p.m. agenda, the committee voted to advise and consent on GM 641, 642, 703, 683, 743, 645, 646, 647, and 738. GM 651 was deferred to a later date. The committee also noted that some nominees were interim or reappointments, and clarified that the Kaneohe Bay and Kaho‘olawe-related appointments were being confirmed for the first time or as continuing service, as applicable.
The committee then moved into its 1:05 p.m. agenda on several bills. HB 2426 relating to state parks was passed with amendments, including an effective date change. HB 1881 relating to land use was passed with amendments that limited passenger ropeways for private single-home use, removed the mountain definition, prohibited passenger ropeways in all land use districts, and added a narrow exemption for certain government or recognized nonprofit projects subject to legislative approval. HB 1918 relating to taxation was passed with amendments changing the effective date to January 1, 2028 so it could proceed to Ways and Means. HB 1802 relating to conservation mitigation banks was passed with technical amendments. Each measure was adopted by the members present without recorded opposition.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair, Senator Favela.
- Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair, Senator Favela.
- >
Elefante Yes, good afternoon, Senator Elefante Yes, good afternoon, Senator Elefante and<00: - Senator Ihara, aye. Senator Moriwaki, aye. Senator Fevella, aye.
- Um, this definition is from our earlier version that we took up in Senate Bill 2076, Senate Draft 2.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 2271 HD2, making emergency appropriations for public employment cost items, drew support from state agencies and other entities, including HPHA, the University of Hawaiʻi, DLNR, OYS, DAGS, DOH, DOA/Biosecurity, and the Behavioral Health Administration; no opposition was noted. HB 2324 HD2, relating to the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Law, was supported by DLIR, which said the bill removes a duplicative Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board requirement and aligns whistleblower investigation timelines with federal standards. HB 2387 HD1, relating to workers’ compensation medical benefits, also received support from DLIR and the State Fire Council, with the chair noting 40 supporters and no opposition or comments.
HB 2116 HD2, relating to grants, was presented as a response to federal SNAP-related eligibility changes. Supporters included the Office of Community Services, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and several other organizations. Testimony said the bill would help nonprofits provide volunteer opportunities that could count toward an 80-hour monthly work requirement and help vulnerable residents avoid losing benefits; witnesses cited potential impacts on older adults and households with dependent children. HB 1682 HD1, relating to the disclosure of intimate images, drew strong support from advocates, the Uniform Law Commission, the Commission to Promote Uniform Laws, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and others. Testifiers emphasized the harms of non-consensual image sharing, the need for civil remedies, confidentiality protections, and the bill’s alignment with a uniform act already enacted in other states.
HB 2468 HD1, relating to internship programs, received support from the University of Hawaiʻi, DLIR, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others. Testimony focused on the Hālau Mua internship program, workforce development, and the need to clarify sponsor contracts, background checks, and onboarding; committee members asked about a former intern now working in an 89-day hire position and how to streamline hiring into civil service roles. HB 2091 HD2, relating to petitions to restrain and enjoin harassment of DOE employees, was supported by DOE, the Attorney General’s office, UPW, and others; the AG’s office requested a data-driven appropriation amount, and members discussed a $300,000 figure for the full two-year pilot. The chair also asked for confirmation of prior cost figures for HB 2116 before moving toward decision-making.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/19/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Resolution No. 1749 by Senator Skoufis, memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March
- >> THANK YOU, SENATOR MARTINS. SENATOR MATTERA ON THE RESOLUTION.
- Senator Stec on the resolution. >> Thank you, Madam President.
- >> THANK YOU, SENATOR STAVISKY. SENATOR STEC ON THE RESOLUTION.
- Senator Weik on the resolution. Thank you, Madam President.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Major Brittany Wooten, then took up Senate Resolution No. 1749 designating March 19, 2026, as West Point Day in New York State. Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Senator Skoufis, Minority Leader Ortt, and several other senators spoke in support of West Point, its cadets, and the academy’s history and role in national service. Colonel Daniel R. Stuewe, commander of U.S. Army Garrison West Point, also addressed the chamber, emphasizing the long-standing partnership between West Point and New York and the academy’s mission to develop leaders of character. The resolution was adopted, and the West Point Day observance included recognition of cadets and academy staff.
The Senate then moved through a calendar of bills, passing measures including amendments to the Public Health Law, Election Law, Executive Law, Penal Law, Elder Law, Real Property Tax Law, General Municipal Law, and Public Authorities Law. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote or debate. Senator Mayer spoke in support of a bill establishing Fred Korematsu Day, framing it as a reminder of the injustice of Japanese American internment and the need to defend civil rights. Senator Ryan supported a bill streamlining the senior citizen property tax exemption process, calling it a way to reduce burdens on older residents. Senator Helming opposed a local government planning mandate as an unfunded mandate, while Senators Walczyk and Martins criticized a housing-related reporting bill as burdensome and ineffective.
The most debated item was Calendar 457, a housing-data and reporting bill sponsored by Senator May. Supporters argued it would improve transparency and help the state understand zoning and housing capacity, while opponents said it imposed new reporting burdens on municipalities and could penalize poorer communities by threatening CDBG funding. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and ultimately passed by a vote of 37-23. The Senate then adjourned until the next legislative day.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 1 - 03/19/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Mann, Senator Liskkey, Senator Coopek, and Senator Dames, you are right that we have had 340B
- Uh, Senator Mann, Senator this bill.
- >
and <00:02:11.760>Senator Liskkey, Senator Coopek, and Senator Liskkey, Senator Coopek - >> Senator Wesland. Senate File 4064. >> Senator Wesland. Senate File 4064.
- Senator<03:00:43.840>
B. Senator B. Senator B.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/19/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Judiciary is now in session. My comrade, Senator Reardon, I think it's your turn.
- Senator Abvis. testimony. Senator Abvis.
- Welcome, Senator. Senator. Senator. >> Thank<00:27:44.000>
you, <00:27:44.159>Mr. - Senator Ren. questions. Senator Ren.
- Senator, Senator, Senator, >> thank<01:07:37.359>
you <01:07:37.520>very <01:07:37.680
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 3 - 03/19/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Senator Clark. Thank you, Senator Clark.
- And I'm going to answer that, Senator. Senator. Senator.
- Senator Latz, you have Senate File 3699. Senator Latz, you have Senate File 3699.
- Senator Kroon. Senator Kroon.
- Senator Latz. Uh Senator >> Madam Chair. Senator Latz.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/19/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Lang: Excused. Senator Bahr: Aye. Senator Drazkowski: Aye. Senator Fateh: No.
- Senator<00:13:45.000>
Lang? Senator Lang? Senator Lang? - Senator Lang excused. Senator Bahr. No. Senator Watzke. Yeah. Senator Dziedzic. Aye. Senator Fateh.
- Senator Kunesh-Podein. Yes. Senator Johnson Stewart. Yes. Senator Koran. No. Senator Matthews. No.
- Senator Senator Hemmingsen-Jaeger. Senator Senator Hemmingsen-Jaeger.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Children and Family Law (03/19/2026)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, I'm Abbis and, uh, Senator Long.
- >> Senator<00:07:37.840>
Long. >> Senator Long. >> Senator Long. - Senator<00:30:35.120>
Sullivan. Senator Sullivan. Senator Sullivan. - >> Senator<01:19:21.280>
Long. >> Senator Long. >> Senator Long. - Senate as Senator Sullivan well knows. Senate as Senator Sullivan well knows.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-03-19 - 11:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Balint. Yes. Senator Bray. Yes. Senator Brooks. No. Senator Chittenden. Yes.
- Senator Clarkson. Senator Collamore. Yes. Senator Cummings. Yes. Senator Giuili. Yes.
- Senator Ingram. No. Senator Lyons. Yes. Senator Mazza. Yes. Senator Mato. Yes. Senator Morrissey.
- Senator Sirotski. Yes. Senator Watson. Yes. Senator Weeks. No. Senator Westman. Yes. Senator White.
- Senator Williams. No. Senator Clarkson. Senator Sirotski. Senator Clarkson. Senator Clarkson.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Senator<00:24:28.840>
Rarick. >> Senator Rarick. >> Senator Rarick. - >> Senator<00:25:13.160>
Rairic. >> Senator Rairic. >> Senator Rairic. - words, Senator Muhammad? words, Senator Muhammad?
- Senator Omar >> Thank you, Senator Clark. Senator Omar for<01:01:36.960>
Baden. - Um and Senator >> Thank you, Senator Clark.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 03/18/26
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate File 4319 from Senator Her, then Senate File 3807 and Senate File 4183 from Senator Gustafson.
- And so first up will be Senator Her presenting Senate File 4319.
- Senate File 4183 from Senator Gustafson.
- And so first up will be Senator Her presenting Senate File 4319.
- Senate File Thank you, Senator Champion.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
2026 Joint Budget Subcommittee on Higher Education - 03/18/2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Senator Rachel May. We have Senator Gonzalez. We have somebody texting me.
- We have Senator Rachel May. We have Senator Gonzalez. We have somebody texting me.
- And we have Senator Griffo.
- Senator Griffo.
- Senator Griffo. >> Thank you, Madam Chair.
Summary:
The Higher Education Conference Committee met to discuss budget priorities for SUNY, CUNY, community colleges, TAP, student aid, and capital funding. Chair Toby Ann Stavisky emphasized the need for increased operating and capital support, protection against enrollment-based funding losses, no tuition increases, a review of TAP because it has not kept pace with living costs, and action on student loan access and research funding cuts. Assembly Chair Alicia Hyndman outlined the Assembly’s higher education proposal, including $475.7 million to expand TAP eligibility, raising income thresholds for TAP and the Excelsior Scholarship, creating a graduate tuition assistance program, adding community college operating aid, expanding the Opportunity Promise Scholarship, forgiving SUNY hospital debt service, increasing CUNY operating support, restoring opportunity program funding, creating a $110 million student loan support program called New York Rises, and funding five-year capital plans for SUNY and CUNY plus additional ECAP grants.
Members broadly supported making higher education more affordable and accessible, while highlighting district-specific needs. Senator May praised SUNY Reconnect, community college workforce programs, hospital debt service relief, and a five-year SUNY capital plan. Senator Gonzalez framed the budget as an investment in economic mobility. Senator Griffo supported affordability, operating and capital aid, and additional support for medical schools and hospitals. Assembly Members Walker, Colton, and Fall backed TAP expansion, opportunity programs, disability supports, SUNY Downstate’s transformation, and capital needs at CUNY and SUNY campuses.
Assembly Member Smullen, speaking for the minority conference, urged a five-way budget process, said TAP has not kept pace with inflation, and called for a more stable long-term funding model for community colleges. He also stressed aligning higher education with workforce needs. Assembly Member Pirozzolo pointed to the College of Staten Island as an example of the benefits of investment and warned that employers recruiting students directly from high school could weaken higher education unless colleges continue strengthening trade and career training. The meeting ended with no vote on the budget items, and the chairs adjourned the conference committee after concluding remarks.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
2026 Joint Budget Subcommittee on Commerce / Economic Dev. and Small Business - 03/18/2026
Transcript Highlights:
- like to introduce the following Senators: Senator Addabbo, Senator Gounardes, Senator Borrello, and Senator
- Any of the Senators wish to comment? Senator Borrello. >> Thank you, Madam Chair.
- In addition to being a New York State Senator from the 57th Senate District, I am a small business owner
- >> Senator Chan. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Senator Borrello.
- Thank you. >> Thank you, Senator.
Summary:
The joint Economic Development budget subcommittee meeting opened with introductions, review of subcommittee rules, and identification of the agencies to be discussed, including the Department of Economic Development, Urban Development Corporation, Alcohol and Beverage Control, Cannabis Management, and the Gaming Commission. The chairs also outlined broad budget priorities, including support for innovation hotspots, incubators, minority- and women-owned businesses, biomedical research, centers of excellence, advanced technology, workforce development, and grants tied to tourism, cultural institutions, public safety equipment, and food retail subsidies.
Most member comments focused on small business conditions and economic development policy. Senators Borrello and Chan emphasized that small businesses are the backbone of the economy and argued for reducing taxes, utility costs, fines, permits, and regulations; Chan suggested a possible one-year utility tax holiday. Assembly Member Slater similarly criticized New York’s tax and regulatory climate and promoted legislation to create a Department of Regulatory Review and Economic Growth. Assembly Member Buttenschon discussed one-house proposals such as changes to small business stock ownership rules and a hardship savings account, while Assembly Member Bendett said county infrastructure funding should be increased substantially.
Several members highlighted sector-specific investments. Senator Addabbo and Assembly Member Woerner stressed the importance of racing and gaming, including addiction treatment and recovery, integrity in racing, and stronger drug testing. Assembly Member Otis pointed to science and technology initiatives such as Micron, Empire AI, quantum research at Stony Brook, and broadband/digital inclusion through ConnectALL. Assembly Member Cashman supported investment in the Cornell Center for Food and Agriculture, and Senator Hinchey praised tourism matching grants, restaurant and farm food donation tax credits, and incentives for heat pumps and clean energy retrofits.
No formal votes were taken. The meeting ended with staff continuing consultations with members and the chairs concluding the session.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
2026 Joint Budget Subcommittee on General Government / Local Assistance - 03/18/2026
Transcript Highlights:
- On the Senate side, I am joined by Senator Monica Martinez, Senator Chris Ryan.
- Senator Mark Walczyk is serving as Senate ranker, and Senator Alexis Weik is serving as alternate to
- Senator Walczyk.
- Senator Mark Walczyk is serving as Senate ranker, and Senator Alexis Weik is serving as alternate to
- Senator Walczyk.
Summary:
The Budget Subcommittee on General Government and Local Assistance held its first meeting on the 2026/2027 state budget, with opening remarks from Senate Co-Chair Senator James Skoufis and Assembly Co-Chair Assembly Member Michaelle Solages. They introduced members, designated secretaries, and identified the agencies and budget areas under the subcommittee’s purview, including tax and finance, the Division of Budget, ethics and lobbying, financial services, general services, state charges, inspector general, state, audit and control, tax appeals, IT services, aid to localities, statewide financial systems, the Board of Elections, alcohol beverage control, and miscellaneous general government.
Discussion focused on affordability, local government aid, and the strain on municipalities from rising costs, aging infrastructure, and state mandates. Senator Walczyk emphasized lowering taxes, reducing regulations, and increasing support for local governments, including AIM and CHIPS funding, while criticizing high housing, energy, and insurance costs. Assembly Minority members echoed concerns about the 2 percent property tax cap, utility bills, mandated costs, and the need for more permanent aid rather than temporary assistance. Assembly Member Ari Brown argued that the proposals did not provide enough long-term certainty, noting differences among the Governor’s, Assembly’s, and Senate’s funding levels for municipal aid and related programs.
Assembly Member Burdick also supported stronger funding for municipalities, drawing on his local government experience. The co-chairs noted that no table target had yet been received and that negotiations would continue on open issues in general government. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after brief closing remarks about ongoing budget talks among the Senate, Assembly, and Governor.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
2026 Joint Budget Subcommittee on Human Services and Labor - 03/18/2026
Transcript Highlights:
- With us today is Senator Jessica Ramos, the other Jessica, Senator Scarcella-Spanton, Senator Steven
- Rhoads, Senator Rob Rolison, and Senator Jerry Zeller, and Stephen Rhoads. >> And I would like to turn
- I thank you and I thank my counterparts in the Senate, Senator Persaud.
- SENATOR RHOADS.
- Senator Zellner. >> Presley, yes. >> Thank you, Senator Persaud, for your leadership.
Summary:
The Human Services and Labor budget hearing opened with Senate and Assembly co-chairs introducing members and naming secretaries for the record. The agencies covered included Human Services, Labor, Temporary and Disability Assistance, Children and Family Services, Veterans Services, Human Rights, Workers’ Compensation, the Welfare Inspector General, and the Public Employment Relations Board. Members then gave brief statements on their priorities for the upcoming budget negotiations.
A major theme was affordability, with repeated discussion of child care, SNAP, housing, and worker supports. Senators and Assembly members highlighted the Senate and Assembly one-house proposals for a $500 million child care worker retention grant program, additional child care slots and subsidies, cost-of-living adjustments for human services workers, and expanded support for supportive housing, youth employment, HEAP, and energy affordability. Several members also emphasized food insecurity and SNAP-related issues, including funding to address payment errors, prevent penalties, expand SNAP education, and respond to expected federal changes.
Labor-related issues included workers’ compensation fraud, wage theft enforcement, workplace violence, temporary disability insurance reform, and the creation of dedicated enforcement funding for the Department of Labor. Some members supported using workers’ compensation assessments or insurance-company-related funding to pay for anti-fraud efforts, while others preferred grants to district attorneys or broader DOL enforcement. There was also discussion of occupational health clinics, labor standards in any SEQRA changes, and expanding access to doctors in the workers’ compensation system.
Veterans, child care, and public assistance fraud prevention were also discussed, including funding for veterans legal defense and mental health services, microchip/secure EBT cards to reduce skimming, and restoring or protecting various programs. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with the chairs stating that the Senate, Assembly, and Executive would continue negotiations toward a final budget.