Video & Transcript Research : 'Pell grant program'
Page 164 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Floor Session: 2025 First Special Session 6/9/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and we had to fight new programs and we had to fight new programs<00:07:40.720>
coming <00:07: - 40.960>
into <00:07:41.280>this programs coming into this programs coming into this bill - if it was a competitive grant process. if it was a competitive grant process.
- library grants and grants for cardiac library grants and grants for cardiac emergency<00:48:01.920
- less programs to kids within this bill. less programs to kids within this bill.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary (8-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, so those are grants that the program has been awarded um to operate on any um large initiative that
- Um, so those are grants that the program has been awarded um to operate on any um large initiative that
- Um, so those are grants that the program has been awarded to operate on any, um, large initiative that
- Um so those are grants that<00:33:22.000>
the <00:33:22.480>program <00:33:22.799>has - <00:48:28.240>
um <00:48:29.119>they for these programs. um they for these programs
Summary:
The subcommittee received an overview of Kentucky’s specialty courts from Audrey Collins of the Department of Specialty Courts and the Administrative Office of the Courts, along with testimony from Christian County District Judge Foster Cutoff. Collins described the mission and structure of drug, mental health, and veterans treatment courts, emphasizing therapeutic jurisprudence, individualized treatment, judicial oversight, and multidisciplinary teams. She said Kentucky currently has about 2,991 active participants across the three court types, with drug courts in all 120 counties, mental health courts in 17 counties, and veterans treatment courts in eight counties. She also highlighted reported outcomes such as 7,658 entrants and 4,384 successful completions from 2020 to 2024, a five-year average completion rate of 57%, and lower recidivism among graduates than the statewide average.
Collins also reviewed funding and costs, saying the department’s fiscal year 2025 budget was $18.6 million, with most of it from general funds, plus restricted and federal funds. She noted spending on personnel, treatment services, and drug testing, and said specialty courts allow participants to remain employed and meet obligations such as child support and restitution. She said participants paid more than $5.4 million in child support, restitution, and other court-related obligations over five years, and that a statewide evaluation by Morehead State University is underway. In response to questions, she said a dip in 2024 collections may have been affected by a case management system overhaul, and that court costs can be waived in some indigent cases while restitution is still required.
Judge Cutoff described veterans treatment court and mental health court in Christian County, saying the programs are especially important because of the nearby Fort Campbell military community and because they help veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance use, and related issues. He said the courts rely heavily on staff, treatment providers, and the VA, which helps connect participants to benefits and therapy. He also said mental health court participants receive housing, benefits, and medication support, and that the programs can keep people out of jail and help them stabilize. Committee members asked about the legal basis and history of the courts, and Collins explained that Kentucky’s specialty courts began as pilot programs in the mid-1990s, shifted from federal support to state funding around 2008-2009, and are now largely state funded. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution Jun 21st, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- We have an online store, and we have links to our different programs that we've created, the grants that
- lunch-and-learn virtual programming.
- We have given 96 grants.
- Ninety-six organizations have received $3 million in grants over the grants that we gave out in 2024
- Labor and Workforce Development did an apprenticeship program, so it's called the 250 program, building
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.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on the Census Jun 21st, 2026 at 09:30 am
Senate Committee on the Census
Transcript Highlights:
- , it's $2.5 unless there were other grants that I wasn't aware of.
- development programs, jobs programs, or youth jobs programs.
- , and supporting on the post-grant reporting process.
- That's how we get programs, that we have funding for so many important programs.
- Tomorrow, probably because of the SNAP program, it's November 1st.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on the Census held an early planning hearing on how Massachusetts can maximize participation in the 2030 census, with Chair Will Brownsberger and Vice Chair Rebecca Rausch emphasizing the need to start well in advance. The first panel, made up of leaders from the Massachusetts Voter Table, MassVOTE, MIRA, and MESA, stressed that grassroots community organizations are trusted messengers and should be funded early to do multilingual outreach, training, and direct assistance in hard-to-count communities. They described lessons from 2020, including the shift to internet response, reduced federal census infrastructure, the importance of coordinated statewide networks, and the need to begin messaging several years before Census Day because building trust and staffing outreach takes time.
Panelists repeatedly warned that immigrant communities are facing heightened fear because of federal immigration enforcement and the possibility of a citizenship question or other federal changes, making census participation more difficult. They said 2020 funding arrived too late to fully staff and train outreach teams before the pandemic, and argued that future resources should be deployed earlier and more flexibly. In response to committee questions, they estimated Massachusetts should invest roughly $8 million to $10 million or more in state census outreach, with one proposed model of about $3 million to $5 million at the start, additional funding in the middle years, and a larger final push closer to 2030. They also suggested that funding should support communications infrastructure, translation, social media and ethnic media outreach, and possibly a permanent complete count structure or trust fund to preserve institutional knowledge.
A second panel from Common Cause Massachusetts and the ACLU of Massachusetts echoed the call for stronger, earlier investment and stronger privacy protections. They urged the legislature to expand existing census line items, consider a trust fund or other dedicated funding stream, and coordinate census outreach with other state programs that already work through trusted community messengers. The ACLU testimony focused on racial inequities in census counts and warned that federal efforts to exclude non-citizens or add a citizenship question would deepen distrust and undercount immigrant communities. Committee members asked about the 2020 overcount/undercount results, funding levels, timing of grant distribution, and whether census outreach should be routed through the Secretary of the Commonwealth or other state mechanisms; no votes were taken, and the hearing moved on to a later panel on immigrant-community outreach.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (03/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- , and two competitive grant programs, as well as a newer program.
- , and two competitive grant programs, as well as a newer program.
- will<00:59:45.960>
see <00:59:46.240>as fund Grant programs as you will see as fund - administered through the non-residential commercial industrial competitive grant program.
- <01:10:38.640>
program <01:10:39.640>uh industrial competitive grant program uh industrial
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 224, which would redirect most money from New Hampshire’s renewable energy fund back to electric ratepayers. The bill sponsor argued the measure would lower energy costs, noting recent utility rate increases and estimating annual savings of roughly $2.5 million to $7.3 million for ratepayers. Supporters said the fund has accumulated money that should be returned to customers rather than used for subsidies, and they emphasized that the state has already rebated similar funds from RGGI for years.
Opponents, including Rep. Kat McGee, argued the renewable energy fund is a successful, nonlapsing dedicated fund that supports local clean-energy projects, energy resilience, emissions reductions, and private investment. McGee said the fiscal note overstated the benefit of rebates and understated the loss of investment, claiming the average annual rebate would amount to less than $10 per customer while the program has helped leverage significant private dollars and nearly 10,000 projects. She urged the committee to reject the bill as a poor deal for the state and ratepayers.
Committee members questioned the fiscal note, the size of the rebate, whether the bill would set a precedent for other dedicated funds, and whether the program’s incentives amount to picking winners and losers. The Department of Energy testified neutrally, explaining how the renewable energy fund works, including renewable energy credits, alternative compliance payments, and the fund’s use for renewable energy initiatives. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee - (5-21-26) - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- are three grant...
- Castle, the one for town that I thought these were grants. Okay. These were the grants.
- these were grants. these were grants.
- These were the grants. Okay. These were the grants.
- approved line item grant. approved line item grant.
Keywords:
The live stream ended prematurely due to a network issue. A full recording will be uploaded as soon as possible, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first discussed and approved a new airport-related project involving two 60-by-80 corporate hangars. Members asked about how the project would generate revenue, and staff explained that hangar rent and fuel sales would help repay the costs, with more than half of the funding coming from the FAA. The project was approved by roll call vote.
The committee then approved two large capital pool projects: a $1,715,120 roof replacement and skylight project for the Libraries and Archives building in Frankfort, and a $2,105,400 exterior renovation project for several state buildings, including Health and Family Services, the Kentucky History Center, and the State Office Building. After that, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented one loan increase and five grant reallocations. The loan increase was for Springfield’s wastewater treatment plant project, rising by $262,300 to just over $2.88 million because bids came in higher than estimated. Members asked about the delay between approval and bidding, and staff explained the design, environmental review, and state approval process can take one to two years. The committee approved the six action items, and then received informational updates on additional water projects that required no action.
The Cabinet for Economic Development next presented one forgivable loan and 11 KPDI/KPDI EDF grant projects. The loan was a $1 million forgivable loan for the Perry County Economic Development Board to acquire the Coalfields Industrial Building, with repayment forgivable if a project creates at least 75 jobs. The grant projects included site-readiness and industrial development work in Pendleton, Elizabethtown/Hardin, McCreary, Floyd, Marion, Fleming, Graves, Eddyville/Lyon, Caldwell, Mercer, and Johnson counties. Members asked how local match percentages are set and were told they are based on county population and updated every two years; staff also explained that beneficiaries usually provide the match and are reimbursed after submitting costs. The committee approved the action items.
Finally, the Office of Financial Management presented two new debt issues and three SFCC debt issues. The new debt items were a Kentucky Housing Corporation bond authorization of up to $600 million for single-family mortgage revenue bonds, including a $100 million initial transaction, and a $5.5 million multifamily conduit bond for 98 apartments in Lexington. Informational items covered University of Kentucky refunding bonds and Turnpike Authority refunding bonds, both of which produced savings. The three SFCC debt issues for Campbell, Edmonson, and Perry counties were then approved by roll call vote. The meeting ended with brief discussion of the upcoming calendar and scheduling before adjournment.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries
Transcript Highlights:
- issue grants to nonprofit organizations.
- And so the Food Justice Frontline Program is aimed to do four things.
- First, grant funding: the program would provide financial support to nonprofit food security organizations
- And so the Food Justice Frontline Program is aimed to, as proposed, would do four things, grant funding
- incentive grants to supplement the state funding.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries held its second hearing and heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including food security, cottage food entrepreneurship, hemp regulation, lobster industry support, pesticide restrictions, pollinator protections, pet cemeteries, and municipal land rights. Committee chairs outlined hearing procedures, noted that 19 bills were on the docket, and took testimony both in person and remotely, with several legislators testifying out of turn because of scheduling conflicts.
Several speakers supported food access and local economic opportunity bills. Representative Howard and Senator Oliveira backed the Food Justice Frontline Program and a cottage food/food entrepreneur bill, arguing they would fund nonprofit food security organizations, create jobs, improve SNAP/HIP outreach, and reduce barriers for home-based food businesses. Eastie Farm representatives and a student testified in favor of the food justice bill, describing food insecurity in East Boston and the need for grants, youth involvement, and multilingual outreach. Sidney Travis of the Institute for Justice also supported cottage food reforms, saying current municipal permitting rules create unequal access and that cottage foods are generally safe.
The committee also heard sharply divided testimony on hemp legislation. Senator Comerford supported S. 54 as a public health measure to ban synthetic THC products, restrict intoxicating hemp sales to licensed dispensaries, and fund local enforcement, while Laura Beiner, John Nathan, and Elizabeth Wendorf opposed the bill or parts of it, warning it would harm compliant hemp businesses and small farmers. Representative Arena-DeRosa testified in support of a related pollinator bill, and Adam Karachi opposed pesticide restrictions for schools while Deborah Smith supported them, arguing existing protections should be expanded to other child-centered locations. The committee also heard support for a bill to aid lobstermen affected by right whale protections, a bill to preserve private pet cemeteries, and a municipal right-of-first-refusal bill for agricultural and recreational land. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill establishes the Renaissance grant program to help them rebuild capacity by closing technology
- , aptly called the FARM program.
- I saw that you changed the name of the HOPE Scholarship Program to just the HOPE Program.
- I saw that you changed the name of the HOPE Scholarship Program to just the HOPE Program.
- in the program?
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. The first, SB 250 on rural communities by Senator Simon, was described as a broad rural development package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance grant program, housing and transportation investments, added funding for rural education consortiums, and health care initiatives for rural areas. Senator Harrell asked about overlap between road funding programs, and the sponsor explained that eligible counties could receive both SCRAP and FARM funding. Several organizations waived in support or spoke in support, and the bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote.
The committee then heard SB 318, the committee substitute for educational scholarship programs by President Gates. The bill was presented as a response to Auditor General findings about the rapid growth and administration of Florida’s school choice and scholarship programs. It would separate Family Empowerment Scholarship funding from the FEFP, require more frequent student enrollment verification, lower scholarship funding organization administrative fees, require return of overpayments, create a student ID system, establish a $250 million stabilization fund, require annual audits, and direct DOE to recommend future program administration through competitive procurement. Gates also offered five amendments, including technical changes to eligibility documentation and a substantive amendment requiring a DOE report on future administration and competitive selection; all five amendments were adopted.
During debate and public testimony, senators and witnesses discussed accountability, software solutions, reimbursement delays, monthly attestations, and impacts on public schools and families. Supporters and opponents alike raised concerns about bureaucracy, fraud prevention, special education services, and whether the bill would help or burden parents. Gates said the bill aimed to fix tracking and payment problems without capping the program, and he noted the IEP timeline would be aligned with public school timelines. After debate, the committee reported CS for SB 318 favorably by unanimous vote, and then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/7/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- functions of the program. program. program.
- fee-for-service program. fee-for-service program.
- So, the disproportionate share program is a program on the EW program where if a person has low needs
- . program. program.
- The next item is the MnChoices modifications grant. are grants that began in 2016 and the are grants
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Finance Subcommittee REVISED: Oklahoma Broadband Office added Jan 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
A&B Finance Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Our job is to award and monitor over a billion dollars in broadband infrastructure grant programs with
- Once our programs are completed, Oklahomans will have at least 95% coverage. and once our last program
- down of grants.
- For ARA, these particular programs and projects, yes, however, however The final program that we will
- There are other federal programs in the broadband lane, which means our programs have set rules we can't
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband Mar 24th, 2025
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband
Transcript Highlights:
- is a competitive grant program to award grants to expand the availability of high-speed internet service
- program.
- Um, so often what you tend to see in federally funded, uh, broadband grant programs in particular is
- Grant programs have become more ubiquitous in recent years, and providers of all kinds are leveraging
- programs.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 4/13/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- incentive programs. incentive programs.
- We have a series of legislative reports that are required as part of our agri grant program.
- We have a series of legislative reports that are required as part of our agri grant program.
- We have a series of legislative reports that are required as part of our agri grant program.
- We have a series of legislative reports that are required as part of our agri grant program.
Keywords:
bioincentive payments, agriculture, job creation, environmental compliance, financial reporting, waste handling, sewage sludge, PFAS regulation, environment, record retention, fertilizer disposal, pesticide disposal, environmental impact, safety regulations, burning prohibition, 1183, house
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (5-12-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- new federal grant. when that new grant new federal grant. when that new grant was<00:37:59.040><
- We had a grant. The grant will funding. We had a grant.
- health design parts of the uh program. health design parts of the uh program.
- programs. And I'm not saying yes or no. programs. And I'm not saying yes or no.
- I am the program manager over the impaired driving program. >> And Alan Cold Iron.
Summary:
The committee first approved the April 13 minutes and then turned to a large agenda of contracts. Chairman Douglas said there were 52 contracts totaling about $369.3 million, and noted that most vendors were registered with the Secretary of State except for item 118 on the routine personal services green list and item 19 involving Morehead State University and Kentucky State University. The committee voted to defer item 118 to the June 26 meeting and later also deferred the Kentucky State University contract on the deferred list to the June 26 meeting.
The main discussion centered on a deferred personal services contract for the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, involving outside legal counsel. Senator Meredith raised concerns about KRS 320 and whether the board had authority to hire outside counsel when the statute says the Attorney General shall provide legal services to the board. Dr. Mary Beth Morris, the board president, and Christopher Thacker of the Attorney General’s office testified after being sworn in. Thacker explained that the statute and related law allow both Attorney General assistance and independent counsel, and argued that outside counsel is appropriate for day-to-day legal work because it avoids conflicts, especially on open records issues, regulatory advice, and disciplinary hearings.
Senator Meredith said he agreed with approving the contract but questioned how the board had reached this point and whether the current statutes reflect modern practice. He raised concerns about transparency and accountability, referencing a prior advisory opinion involving the board’s handling of exam requirements during COVID and saying the board should have consulted the Attorney General before acting. Thacker responded that the Attorney General’s office serves the Commonwealth as a whole, not as counsel to one board, and that the board’s use of outside counsel is a reasonable and economical arrangement. The exchange ended with Meredith suggesting that broader legislative action may be needed to clarify reporting relationships and oversight for the board.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 04/01/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- Moving on down to line 84 for the Greater Minnesota Housing Infrastructure Grants Program from the general
- Grants Program. uh from the<00:14:04.240>
general <00:14:04.560>fund. - Section 11 amends the high-rise sprinkler system grant program to allow loans and amends the definition
- c> a trust fund grants program to require a trust fund grants program to require a grantee<00:19:
- :32.400>
program <00:19:32.640>to <00:19:32.880>allow sprinkler system grant program
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding Revised Apr 15th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding
Transcript Highlights:
- program to address gaps in the critical water and wastewater projects.
- Program to address gaps. A motion and a second. Will there be questions?
- Being chaired by Representative Osborne and Senator Grant Green.
- I moved To accept $384,253.50 in excess funds from the Food Insecurity Grant Program, appropriated to
- This grant was turned back by a recipient. We have a motion. A second by the chairs.
TX
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 5th, 2025
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- The council would administer a grant program to help local government, uh, local governments purchase
- What we're asking for is a grant program.
- And when a county applies for a grant, The carrot and the stick. The grant money's available.
- For the council to come together before it starts granting the grants and where would those grant funds
- The Texas In Interoperability Council and the grant program for local governments to improve their emergency
Keywords:
youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Juvenile Justice Oversight Council (8-29-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- grant applications.
- Um, and the grant recipients.
- Although to my the grant recipients.
- now um the the recommendations for grant now um the the recommendations for grant recipients<00:
- <00:18:10.240>
in Disabilities, as you're granting in Disabilities, as you're granting in
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:03
Roll Call: 00:00:09
Agency Updates: 00:01:44
Juvenile Justice Advisory Board Update: 00:03:36
Department of Juvenile Justice Update: 00:23:10, 958, all
Summary:
The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council approved the minutes from its November 8, 2024 meeting and welcomed new member Representative Nick Wilson. The council also heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on a school attendance awareness campaign aimed at reducing truancy referrals to court, and a member requested a future, more detailed presentation on truancy trends.
The council then received an update from the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board from Dr. David Frink and Elsie Berger. They described the board’s membership, meeting schedule, public access, annual report and three-year plan, and its role in helping Kentucky remain compliant with federal juvenile justice requirements so the state can receive Title II funding. They said the board reviews grant applications for community-based services, substance use, and early intervention programs, with about $584,000 in federal funds this year and a little over $600,000 expected next year. Members asked about participation, board vacancies, and how to engage with the board, and the presenters emphasized the importance of statewide representation and community input.
The Department of Juvenile Justice then provided a broader update through Commissioner Randy White and Deputy Secretary Mona Wamik. White said DJJ is under an ongoing U.S. Department of Justice investigation focused on conditions in detention facilities, including use of force, isolation, abuse, mental health care, and special education, and said the department has cooperated with repeated information requests and site visits. He also reviewed recent legislative and administrative changes, including 2023 Senate Bill 162, regional detention planning, facility segregation requirements, staffing and salary investments, improved staffing levels, reduced mental health vacancies, and training efforts related to security threat groups. He said DJJ has made progress but continues to work on staffing, safety, and facility improvements.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- new types of block grant administrators for its clean transportation program, and various technical
- To establish the Tribal Police Pilot Program, which grants tribal law enforcement officers of specified
- Program.
- We also preserved funding for rehabilitation programs through the Right Grant, as well as funding to
- , affordable housing program, and the Wildfire County Coordinator program.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So we have a Min-SHARP program as well as a MINSTAR program.
- > sharp<00:31:56.679>
is as a minstar program um the Min sharp is as a minstar program um - We do have grant money available for partnerships to create and implement youth skills training programs
- We do have grant money available for partnerships to create and implement youth skills training programs
- <00:38:38.720>
money occupations um we do have grant money occupations um we do have grant
Summary:
The committee met under a new Senate power-sharing arrangement with co-chairs, began with member and staff introductions, and then received a jurisdiction overview from Senate counsel. The overview explained that the Labor Committee’s jurisdiction has not changed from the previous biennium and covers fair labor standards, minimum wage, workers’ compensation, occupational safety and health, and related agencies and boards such as the Department of Labor and Industry, Bureau of Mediation Services, PERB, and the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals. It also noted that some topics, including paid leave, fall under other committees, while earned sick and safe time remains within Labor and Industry jurisdiction.
Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach and Josiah Moore then gave a detailed Department of Labor and Industry presentation. They reviewed the department’s funding sources, emphasizing that workers’ compensation funds and construction codes/licensing revenues make up most of the budget, while the general fund is a small share. They described the department’s major divisions, including workers’ compensation, construction codes and licensing, labor standards, nursing home workforce standards, and OSHA consultation and compliance, and highlighted practical examples of their work.
Examples included return-to-work assistance for an injured worker, compliance training that reduced penalties for self-insurers and claim administrators, and use of the Special Compensation Fund when an employer lacked workers’ compensation insurance. The labor standards section highlighted enforcement actions involving unpaid overtime, pregnancy and parental leave retaliation, wage deductions, and child labor violations, along with totals for 2024 collections and inquiries. The presentation also noted the Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board’s adopted rules, the expansion of construction licensing exams statewide, and OSHA consultation programs such as Min-SHARP and MINSTAR, including a Minnesota employer that recently achieved MINSTAR status. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (03/24/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- They're piloting a program.
- They're piloting a program.
- loan program.
- This one is grants, non-federal. So, we're taking a haircut on these grants. Is that it?
- <05:27:19.680>
Melissa's uh state aid grant? Yes. Yes. Melissa's uh state aid grant?
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 733, a third-party litigation financing reporting bill. Representative Cole explained that the bill shifts reporting from the Secretary of State to the courts, which he said removes the fiscal note and helps insurers obtain information for underwriting and premium-setting. The committee accepted the explanation and voted ought to pass; the roll call was 8-0 in favor, with one member taking a pause.
The committee then heard House Bill 219, dealing with the renewable portfolio standard and the renewable energy fund. Representative Bose argued the bill would reduce electricity costs by lowering the REC purchase obligation from 220,000 to 170,000, which he said would reduce payments into the renewable energy fund by roughly $1 million to $2 million and save consumers only pennies a month. After questions about timing and whether to wait for a DOE report, the committee voted to retain the bill for further discussion rather than advance it; the motion to retain passed 5-4.
House Bill 365 was then discussed as an election-related bill intended to help verify citizenship for voter registration and create a voucher process for people who cannot afford a birth certificate. The sponsor said the Secretary of State may be able to use federal and state databases to verify citizenship, and if not, indigent applicants could receive a voucher reimbursed by the state, with a $25,000 appropriation included. Members raised concerns about the Secretary of State’s access to databases and the bill’s timing and cost, and the committee decided to hold the bill until Secretary Scanlan could come testify.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 552, which updates retiree health coverage rules so dependent children can remain on the plan until age 26, consistent with the Affordable Care Act. DAS officials said retirees pay the full cost for dependents, about $1,000 per month, while the state covers only the retiree and spouse. The committee voted ought to pass unanimously, 9-0. The committee then began discussion of House Bill 572, a housing bill aimed at missing-middle housing, describing a voluntary program to identify developable public land, support construction, and streamline review, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.