Video & Transcript : 'educational stability' :
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 10, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- For helping others, Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a truly remarkable gift to higher education
- I commend Hendricks College and the Gill family for their commitment to advancing legal education in
- I commend Hendricks College and the Gill family for their commitment to advancing legal education in
- HER APPROACH TO SERVICE IS EVIDENT TEACHING FIRE SAIFORT IN SCHOOLS AND PURSUING EFFORTS IN EDUCATION
- The cost of living is climbing already, and the economic stability many workers have worked so hard to
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- These changes would both allow and direct the commissioner to weigh any concerning behavior and stability
- These changes would both allow and direct the commissioner to weigh any concerning behavior and stability
- </c><00:37:39.160><c> and</c> entertainment Recreation educational and entertainment Recreation educational
- Economic opportunity and educational attainment, these programs play a crucial role in combating gun
- </c><01:45:41.440><c> for</c><01:45:41.719><c> persons</c><01:45:42.040><c> in</c> housing stability
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 27th, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- The community college is stabilized.
- Chairman, Representative Hernandez, we audit all higher education institutions.
- Education institutions.
- So they get it at 18, so that front loads them to go get their education.
- If they don't get their education... Education, and the money is ever wasted. How do we fix that?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 4th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- that today's Latino Spirit awardees have not ignored the needs of your people, but have used their education
- ... ...on advocacy and a diversity of areas ranging from education to economic development to health
- She has served as a national adviser of the Mexican government in higher education, past chair of the
- Please join me, members, in welcoming our 2026 Achievement in Higher Education honoree, Lupe Gallegos
- He was our beloved labor leader, educator, and a dear friend.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the session on recognitions and resolutions honoring community groups and observances. Members welcomed the Far West region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Los Angeles South Bay alumni chapter, and later recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees after adopting SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing Mexican history, Latino resilience, and shared struggles for justice. The Latino Spirit honorees included leaders in higher education, philanthropy, labor, health, advocacy, business, environmental justice, journalism, culinary arts, and music, along with a legacy award for Los Tigres del Norte.
The Senate also adopted SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 honoring California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 recognizing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 designating Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and floor remarks focused on health disparities, mental health, veteran suicide, and the sacrifices of peace officers, with several caucuses speaking in support of the health equity resolution. Each of these resolutions passed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes.
The chamber then took up several appointments from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, confirming Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson, despite some protest votes from Senator Grove over the lack of action on another appointment. In third reading, the Senate passed SB 1159 on AI and public participation, SB 1416 on faster refunds for duplicate medical payments, SB 1273 on winery video advertising at instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 990 on a highway information sign near Ridgecrest, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, and SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader Kent Wong and Navy veteran-artist Vittaliano Victor Villar, and the Senate adjourned until May 7, 2026.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- We approved a lottery and said that we're going to use lottery funds for education.
- We approved a lottery and said that we're going to use lottery funds for education.
- You know, you have to have some funding stability there. Thank you, ma'am.
- We are a nonprofit service organization working to strengthen arts education in Missouri.
- organizations such as the Missouri Music Educators Association, the Missouri Art Educators Association
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee first met in executive session and voted 8-0, with one member absent, to do pass House Bill 3405. Members described the bill as clarifying how pass-through entity tax information and credits are handled, with supporters saying it would reduce confusion and administrative burden while preserving the tax credit.
In public hearing, the committee took testimony on House Bill 2457 and House Bill 1782, both related to food pantry tax credits. HB 2457 would extend the food pantry/soup kitchen/homeless shelter credit to 2032, add food banks as eligible entities, and raise the cap from $1.75 million to $4 million, while keeping the credit at 50 percent. HB 1782 would remove the sunset from the food pantry tax credit. Supporters said food banks and related charities need stable, predictable funding to address rising hunger and food waste; there was no opposition testimony.
The committee then heard extensive testimony on House Bill 3518, which would redirect the existing athletes and entertainers tax into a dedicated fund and require distribution to arts, humanities, libraries, public broadcasting, and historic preservation, while extending the sunset to 2060. The sponsor and supporters argued the money was intended for these purposes and that current appropriations fall short of the statutory split, creating instability for cultural and educational organizations. Witnesses from arts groups, libraries, and humanities organizations cited economic impact, statewide reach, and the need for long-term planning; some members raised concerns about oversight, general revenue impacts, and the long sunset, but no vote was taken on HB 3518 in this transcript.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Apr 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Taking away the entire portion of federal funding for prevention and education has been cut.
- It's critical that we continue to do prevention and education to prevent new cases.
- Taking away the entire portion of federal funding for prevention and education has been cut.
- It's critical that we continue to do prevention and education to prevent new cases.
- One final fact, to do prevention and education to prevent new cases.
Summary:
The subcommittee held an oversight hearing on federal actions affecting California’s public health and family planning systems, focusing first on the freeze to Title X family planning funds and then on broader CDC/public health grant terminations. Chair and members described the cuts as abrupt, harmful, and likely to create major gaps in disease surveillance, vaccination, contraception, STI testing, and other preventive services, while also criticizing the federal administration’s explanation that the actions were tied to DEI or civil-rights compliance. The chair thanked Attorney General Bonta for legal action and said the hearing was intended to document the real-world impacts and inform state budget responses.
Witnesses from Essential Access Health, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, a Central Coast clinic, and other providers said California’s Title X network serves more than half a million low-income patients annually and relies on the funds for staffing, outreach, training, mobile and school-based clinics, and confidential care. They warned that the freeze has already forced reserve spending, delayed services, and could lead to layoffs, reduced hours, longer waits, and fewer appointments, especially for sexual and reproductive health care. Public comment included support for a proposed state backfill of Title X losses, with advocates emphasizing impacts on low-income, LGBTQ+, and communities of color.
On the public health side, CDPH, county health officials, and local health officers testified that the CDC’s rescission of $11.4 billion in grants would affect California by an estimated $840 million and threaten lab capacity, immunization programs, health disparities work, and data systems such as CalConnect and vaccine registries. Sacramento County and others described how the grants supported outbreak response, sequencing, community vaccination clinics, and equity-focused partnerships, and said terminations had already led to canceled appointments, stopped contracts, and layoffs. Several speakers urged the Legislature to preserve and expand state “future of public health” funding and to backfill federal losses, while public commenters from HIV, immunization, labor, and county organizations echoed concerns about workforce losses and worsening health outcomes.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> your continued support of educators your continued support of educators across<00:07:37.360><c>
- It's foundational for education.
- So special education, world languages, and career and technical education.
- So, you have academic education.
- </c> working educators. working educators.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- right to access important records and information about their children, including matters of health, education
- parent shall have equal access to all records related to the parent's minor child, including medical, education
- I mean, there's not really a redaction of any of the medical, dental, health, school, or educational
- So the Educational records in there in this statute, so the concern that Representative Alfieri has is
- it comes out that this is not true, when that parenting time is lost, it's going to disrupt the stability
Summary:
The House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee approved the minutes from March 11, 2026, then took up House Bill 803 on execution procedures. The bill would extend confidentiality protections for people involved in firing squad executions to match those already used for lethal injection, with supporters saying it protects state employees from doxxing and is consistent with recent court rulings. Some members objected that the bill reduces transparency and removes even limited administrative review, but the committee passed it on a roll call vote, 11-2, with Representatives Matthias and Rubel voting no.
The committee then heard House Bill 857, which would give both parents equal access to a minor child’s records, including medical, educational, child care, law enforcement, and court records, unless a court order restricts access with written findings that the restriction is necessary to prevent substantial harm to the child. The sponsor said the bill clarifies parental rights and helps schools and providers know when records must be released, while opponents argued it could expose parents and children to danger, create a high burden for courts, and reduce privacy protections. After testimony from family law attorneys, a court representative, and parents, the committee sent the bill to General Orders unanimously.
House Bill 859, also from Representative Scott, would require restoration of parenting time when a parent loses time due to abuse allegations that are later found unsubstantiated or insufficient, and would require courts to order make-up time and report willful interference to prosecutors. Supporters said it would deter false allegations and restore time wrongfully lost, while opponents said existing family law rules already provide make-up time, the bill would burden courts, and the reporting requirement would compromise judicial neutrality. The committee rejected a motion to hold the bill and instead passed a motion to hold it in committee by a 7-5 roll call vote. The committee then quickly passed Senate Bill 1308, a cleanup bill related to mediator information, and Senate Bill 1293, which clarifies that crime victims compensation is not a public benefit under last session’s public benefits law. Both were sent to the floor with due pass recommendations.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 11th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I worked in hospital, clinical, and community education for 23 years.
- I worked as an educator for the trauma services department that focused on injury prevention.
- I also worked in antenatal and prenatal education in a hospital setting.
- The responsibility as an educator is to provide informed decision-making for patients.
- Department of Education prior to presenting this rule change at a state level.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 528, which would codify the ability for patients to use self-donated or directed donor blood under federal testing and collection guidelines. Representative Chris Bruce said the bill was intended to ensure Idaho patients have that option in state law after some hospitals or facilities had denied requests. Supporters testified that the bill protects patient autonomy, religious freedom, and medical choice, and described personal experiences where directed donation was difficult or impossible to arrange in Idaho. Opponents, including representatives from Vitalant and the Red Cross, said directed and autologous donations are already available when medically indicated, that the bill addresses a problem that does not exist, and that it could add cost, complexity, and strain to an already severe blood shortage without improving safety. After debate over terms such as “detrimental” and “gross negligence,” a substitute motion to send the bill to amending order failed 7-9, and the original motion to send HB 528 to the House floor with a do pass recommendation passed 7-6.
The committee then approved a rules docket for the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired’s Business Enterprise Program, which updates and streamlines rules governing vending and food service facilities operated by blind entrepreneurs. The committee next took up House Bill 550, a midwifery bill updating Idaho’s existing statute to allow licensed midwives to administer additional medications within their training and scope of practice. The sponsor and several midwives, nurses, and other supporters said the changes would modernize outdated law, improve care in rural areas, reduce unnecessary hospital transfers, and better address postpartum hemorrhage and other maternal or neonatal needs. One testifier described a tragic homebirth outcome and urged stronger safety limits, while the Idaho Medical Association said it had worked with the sponsor on compromise language.
At the sponsor’s request, HB 550 was held in committee and the related revised RS was moved forward. The committee then approved RS-33-250, which incorporated agreed-upon changes defining a formulary and protocol and clarifying maternal and neonatal care language, sending it to the second reading calendar with a do pass recommendation. The meeting adjourned after completing the agenda.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services May 13th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The substitute to the committee, substitute HB 18, the Rural Health Stabilization Innovation Act, has
- Why this bill has, this bill was to help rural health stabilization.
- We offer specialized training for professionals such as law enforcement and educators who often unknowingly
- It's to provide more information so that you can make a more educated decision, and it may be that, for
- You all need to make educated decisions; this is a bill that allows you to do that.
Bills:
HB35, HB138, HB754, HB1314, HB1612, HB2254, HB2510, HB2789, HB3560, HB3597, HB4224, HB4273, HB4643, HB4783, HB138
Keywords:
peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, human trafficking, trafficking prevention, medical assistant training, health care facilities, hospital compliance, clinic compliance, anti-retaliation, whistleblower protection, employee reporting
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary (8-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- experience positive impacts either way, such as increased access to treatment, improved housing stability
- experience positive impacts either way, such as increased access to treatment, improved housing stability
- Experience positive impacts either way, such as increased access to treatment, improved housing stability
- have supported participants in achieving other important milestones. 555 participants achieved educational
- goals such as earning their GED or pursuing higher education. 1,621 have secured improved housing.
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.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Rules Committee May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And throughout my educational career, I've witnessed firsthand the meaning of the mantra that education
- So, education. I've been passionate about education.
- system, but knew and valued education.
- Education.
- School districts and county boards of education.
Summary:
The committee first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Arthur Krantz to the Public Employment Relations Board and Christopher Ferguson, Brian Haynes, Anna Marie de Mars, and Ronald Fiore to the Student Aid or Student Athletic commissions, all by unanimous 5-0 votes. It also approved references of bills to committees by a 5-0 vote. The committee then heard from Julia Montgomery, nominated for a third term as General Counsel of the Agricultural Labor Relations Board, who described her work on farmworker rights, outreach, and enforcement of labor protections.
Members questioned Montgomery closely about card-check unionization procedures, signature authenticity, outreach to Spanish-speaking and indigenous-language farmworkers, make-whole enforcement delays, and a long-running Tri-Fanucchi farm case. Montgomery said objections and unfair labor practice charges can be investigated, that signature verification is handled by board staff rather than her office, and that delays often stem from appeals, difficulty locating workers, employer obstruction, and court backlogs. Vice Chair Grove voted no, while Senators Laird and Reyes supported the nomination; the committee advanced Montgomery to the full Senate on a 3-2 vote.
The committee then considered three State Board of Education appointments: Cynthia Glover Woods, Brenda Lewis, and Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez. In opening statements, all three emphasized long careers in public education and support for students, teachers, and families. Questions focused on math achievement, the 2023 math framework and access to Algebra I in middle school, transitional kindergarten, community schools, and the effectiveness of education spending. The nominees said the framework still allows ready eighth graders to take Algebra I, pointed to new instructional materials, professional learning, TK expansion, and community schools as key improvements, and said they had not been involved in the governor’s proposed education governance changes. Public witnesses and education groups testified in strong support. The committee advanced Glover Woods 3-1, Lewis 4-1, and Gonzalez 3-1 to the full Senate.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Dan Chisholm is with us, and I have the distinct pleasure of noting that he's an expert in civics education
- So he could run the tour here today because of his expertise in civic education.
- So we welcome Holy Name and one outstanding educational institution.
- doing outstanding work and formulating phenomenal students to move forward into the next level of education
- After retiring from GTE, Charlene's passion for the intersection of technology and education led her
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted several congratulatory and commemorative resolutions, and welcomed sixth-grade students from Holy Name School in West Roxbury, along with guests and chaperones. The chamber then took up House No. 4100, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill, which was described as addressing a roughly $240 million shortfall in the Group Insurance Commission. Senator Tarr emphasized the urgency of funding the GIC while also urging lawmakers to examine the causes of the deficiency and consider longer-term cost controls.
The Senate suspended the rules, ordered the bill to a third reading, passed it to be engrossed, and later received notice that the House had non-concurred in the Senate amendment and appointed a conference committee. The Senate then insisted on its amendment and appointed conferees. The chamber also passed Senate No. 2508, establishing a sick leave bank for Andrew Satera, an employee of the Trial Court.
The Senate observed National Law Enforcement Memorial Day with remarks honoring fallen officers and a moment of silence, and later adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Charlene Roberts Hayden, whose life and career in mathematics, software engineering, teaching, and public service were recognized. Finally, the Senate adopted the emergency preamble for H. 4100, passed the bill to be enacted, and adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Child education is a top priority for service members and their families.
- In partnership with the Idaho State Department of Education, our school liaison program manager corrected
- rectified other deficiencies in all four categories: advanced enrollment, Interstate Compact on Educational
- Committee that chairs five individual task forces of health care, housing, employment, child care, and education
- Finally, we are grateful for their efforts in highlighting how educational stability directly enhances
Summary:
The committee convened with a quorum, approved the March 6 minutes, and then heard an annual update from Colonel Ray Gunter on Mountain Home Air Force Base. His briefing focused on the base’s mission and readiness, including the 366th Fighter Wing’s role, F-15E operations and planned recapitalization, range and airspace improvements, recent joint and allied exercises, and support for deployed operations. He also highlighted infrastructure and quality-of-life priorities such as the Snake River water pipeline and treatment plant, school and child care improvements, housing efforts, and partnerships with local governments, tribes, education officials, and health providers.
Colonel Gunter emphasized the base’s economic impact, estimated at $800 million and more than 7,300 jobs, and thanked the Military Affairs Committee and community partners for their support. Members did not ask questions after the briefing. The committee then voted to dissolve into an executive session for an unclassified intelligence briefing from Mountain Home Air Force Base, later voted to reconvene in public session, and adjourned with no further business.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I think a big part of it for us is the discipline of being here and also educating parents, re-educating
- I think a big part of it for us is the discipline of being here and also educating parents, re-educating
- </c> us to prioritize retention and stability us to prioritize retention and stability of<01:26:52.960
- </c><01:36:03.080><c> special</c> students in general education special students in general education
- special education<01:36:03.960><c> and</c><01:36:04.080><c> alternative</c> education and alternative
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Our subcommittee worked together to produce a very thoughtful... education budget that addresses our
- state's most important priorities in public education.
- . early childhood education and virtual education.
- higher education more affordable and accessible for Texas students.
- the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-13 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- EDUCATION FREEDOM.
- SEVEN YEARS AGO FLORIDA HAD A MODEST APPROACH TO CIVICS EDUCATION AND LIMITED AVAILABILITY FOR SPEECH
- [APPLAUSE] SEVEN YEARS AGO MANY TOOK FOR GRANT THAT EDUCATION WAS HELD CAPTIVE BY THE IDEOLOGICAL FADS
- WE HAVE ENSURED THAT OUR SCHOOLS HAVE A DUTY TO EDUCATE NOT A RIGHT TO INDOCTRINATE. .
- AS WELL AS THE HAMILTON SCHOOL FOR CLASSICAL AND CIVIC EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- to what both forecasts agree on, it is that there's significant work to be done to ensure fiscal stability
- Proposition 98 is for funding our K-12, K-14 education. Proposition 2 is for the Rainy Day Fund.
- They're educating Rita as we speak. For those of you who are old enough... ...you guys.
- They're educating Rita as we speak.
- The last thing is on education. Thank you. The last thing is on education.
Summary:
The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard opening remarks on the Governor’s 2026-27 budget, which the chair described as roughly balanced in the budget year but still facing large out-year structural deficits. The vice chair criticized the revenue assumptions as overly optimistic and stressed the need to review recent program expansions and address the state’s $20 billion federal unemployment insurance debt. The Department of Finance said the budget is a “workload” plan with about $350 billion in total spending, $23 billion in reserves, a projected $2.9 billion budget-year deficit, and out-year gaps above $20 billion, while the LAO warned of downside revenue risk tied to stock market volatility and urged earlier action on the structural deficit rather than waiting for May.
Finance and the LAO discussed major budget components, including Proposition 98 funding, higher education base increases for UC and CSU, climate and wildfire spending, a new ZEV incentive, child care COLAs, and tax proposals involving marketplace facilitators, renewable aviation fuel, and an extension of the California Competes tax credit. Members raised concerns about proposed Medi-Cal and CalFresh changes tied to federal HR1 impacts, the MCO tax extension, hospital finances, county costs, and the decision not to backfill all federal funding losses. Finance said the administration is not in a position to replace all lost federal funds, but wants to work with the Legislature on priorities and timing before the May Revision.
Several senators used the hearing to preview subcommittee priorities and request more detail on spending growth, reserves, and program cuts. Topics included homelessness funding, Care Court throughput, wildfire and climate investments, AB 617, data centers, the judicial branch’s facilities backlog, displaced workers, transit funding, and preparations for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics. No budget action or vote was taken at this hearing; the committee mainly received presentations and member questions, with public comment scheduled later.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- to what both forecasts agree on, it is that there's significant work to be done to ensure fiscal stability
- Proposition 98 is for funding our K-12, K-14 education. Proposition 2 is for the Rainy Day Fund.
- About $4.1 billion is set aside for our education rainy day fund.
- They're educating Rita as we speak.
- The last thing is on education. Thank you. The last thing is on education.
Summary:
The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee heard opening remarks on the Governor’s 2026-27 budget and presentations from the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Chair Laird described the proposal as roughly balanced with $23 billion in reserves, while Vice Chair Niello argued the revenue estimates were overly optimistic and warned of a structural deficit, calling for a deeper review of programs and concern over the state’s $20 billion unemployment insurance debt. Finance said the budget is balanced in the budget year but still leaves a roughly $2.9 billion deficit, with out-year gaps above $20 billion, and characterized the plan as largely a workload budget with limited new spending or cuts. The LAO said its office sees substantial downside risk to the revenue forecast, emphasized the volatility of stock-market-driven revenues, and urged the Legislature to begin addressing the structural deficit now rather than waiting until May.
Members focused on the implications of federal policy changes, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and the MCO tax, as well as the state’s reserve strategy. Senators Menjivar and Richardson raised concerns about health coverage reductions, county costs, hospital finances, and the lack of a broader revenue solution, while Finance said the state cannot fully backfill federal cuts and is still assessing the impacts. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposal to suspend the rainy day fund deposit and setting aside the proposed Proposition 98 settle-up rather than using it for spending. Finance defended both proposals as necessary to balance the budget year and said it plans to begin discussions with legislative leaders before the May Revision.
The committee also discussed climate and transportation funding, including cap-and-trade/GGRF allocations for Cal Fire, interest earnings from the fund, zero-emission vehicle incentives, and AB 617 air quality investments. Senator Reyes questioned the focus on light-duty ZEV incentives instead of heavy-duty vehicles, and Finance said the proposal is intended to partially replace the federal consumer tax credit and that some heavy-duty funding remains from prior years. Senator Richardson also raised concerns about Olympics-related infrastructure, courthouse repairs, and displaced workers, while other members stressed homelessness funding and the need for more immediate action on out-year budget problems. No formal votes or actions were taken during the portion provided; the hearing was informational and moved into member questions after the presentations.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And throughout my educational career, I've witnessed firsthand the meaning of the mantra that education
- So, education. I've been passionate about education.
- system, but knew and valued education.
- Office of Education was awarded.
- School districts and county boards of education.