Video & Transcript Research : 'equal access'

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CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Proposition 4 included $10 billion for various natural resource, energy, and outdoor access projects
  • grid operator, the California Independent System Operator, CAISO, and would allow us to securely access
  • These investments will help to close the longstanding gap in access and reflect our shared commitment
  • It is really about the 12-cent per access line surcharge.
  • Without it, you cannot access those essential services and public safety.
Summary: The hearing was an informational budget session on energy agency proposals, with no votes taken. Early discussion focused on Proposition 4 climate bond implementation, including funding for demand-side grid support, offshore wind development, and transmission financing. The Department of Finance said the budget includes allocations for demand-side grid support and offshore wind, but not yet for the $325 million transmission financing piece pending a required study. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to consider whether to wait on offshore wind funding, whether to keep shifting funds into demand-side grid support, and how to direct future transmission financing. Members also raised concerns about local technical assistance for offshore wind, Salton Sea priorities, and the need for more information before final decisions. The California Energy Commission and CPUC then reviewed the broader energy package. The CEC highlighted the demand-side grid support program’s growth, distributed energy backup assets, long-duration storage, hydrogen grants, and the SIRP clean energy reliability program. CPUC testimony emphasized affordability, wildfire mitigation costs, rooftop solar cost shifts, and efforts to reduce rates while maintaining reliability and clean energy goals. Members questioned CPUC staffing, delays in proceedings, coordination with the CEC and CAISO, and the impact of rate increases on customers. The agencies also discussed the AB 3264 transmission financing study, with CPUC saying work on the study had already begun and was on track for the July 1 deadline. Several trailer bill and implementation items were also discussed. The committee reviewed a proposal to extend the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program surcharge, with members split over whether it should be handled in budget trailer bill language or policy legislation; the administration said the surcharge supports a critical program serving about three-quarters of a million Californians. The committee also heard a CPUC data-sharing proposal to allow nondisclosure agreements for transmission and reliability data, which members generally supported as a technical fix. DWR explained a proposal to clarify language for the Electricity Supply Strategic Reliability Reserve so it can potentially sell three gas-fired units it owns, and the CEC presented a federal transmission grant proposal tied to grid-enhancing technologies and ratepayer cost recovery. Finally, the committee discussed California Lifeline and possible broadband pilot reforms in light of uncertainty around federal Universal Service Fund support, with CPUC saying it is exploring a statewide standalone broadband option for eligible customers.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 41 (3-6-26)

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • access will be allowed to property that is being worked upon right there to make sure that in the event
  • Direct<00:15:18.360> access<00:15:19.000> will<00:15:19.280> be<00:15:19.480
  • ,<00:49:29.680> and screenings remain accessible, and screenings remain accessible, and prevention
  • As a leader in the suffrage movement and president of the Kentucky Equal Rights Association, she helped
  • As a leader in the suffrage movement and president of the Kentucky Equal Rights Association, she helped
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The House convened, received the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. The clerk also announced Senate passage of Senate Bills 59, 137, 177, and 199 and requested concurrence. The chamber then moved into second reading, reporting a slate of bills and resolutions on health care, energy, child welfare, Medicaid, workplace violence, and coal/energy assessment, before proceeding to third reading and passage of several measures. A major focus was House Bill 542 on eminent domain. The sponsor described it as a transparency measure to improve communication with property owners, require better notice, prohibit misleading statements, allow owner-paid appraisals to be used throughout negotiations, and account for agricultural improvements and access. Members discussed the bill’s intent to treat property owners fairly and reduce court costs; the House adopted House Committee Substitute 1 and passed the bill 89-0. House Bill 565 on fire protection was presented as technical cleanup to clarify enforcement authority for local fire appeal boards created last year, and it passed 91-0. The House also passed House Bill 611 on domestic relations, which creates a 10-year interpersonal protective order for certain felony assault convictions involving family members, unmarried couples, or dating partners, and updates domestic violence data reporting requirements; the committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed 91-0. House Bill 657 on professional licensing background checks was explained as giving five licensure boards authority to obtain FBI ORI numbers so they can receive fingerprint background checks and comply with interstate compacts; it passed 91-0. House Bill 762 on legal representation was amended on the floor to avoid excluding appellate attorneys, then passed 91-0; it was described as clarifying Department of Public Advocacy representation and related salary provisions. The House also passed House Bill 108 on solid waste management, which its sponsor said closes a loophole allowing residual waste landfills to be sited in a different county from the industry without local input; it passed 79-8. House Bill 67 on schools, a cleanup measure to prior legislation requiring traceable communication systems for school employees, was introduced with a committee substitute and discussed as clarifying definitions and exemptions while preserving protections for students; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on that bill.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • The request for upgrading our theater you will see here noted for ADA accessibility, lighting, and audio
  • Student, do you get an equal amount of the SEG? Mr. Chair and Representatives, no.
  • There are a couple of other ways that you can access it.
  • I'm going to show you how to access it from the main LFC website here in a moment.
  • And mandatory fees that New Mexico, for the most part, cannot access.
Keywords: 996, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Apr 2nd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Collin College continues to expand access to affordable high-quality education and workforce development
  • Antonio Food Bank also helps folks in the region file for federal SNAP. benefits to improve their access
  • That's right on. our doesn't really have a easy kind of access and ingress egress and there was just
  • And it'd have to bear. the historical track that it is truly access.
  • Members this bill is about equal treatment under the law, equal opportunity under the law.
Summary: In this meeting, significant discussions revolved around the passage and modification of various Senate Bills, including SB1388, which pertains to family support services under the Health and Human Services Commission. Senator Kolkhorst advocated for the bill, emphasizing its focus on pro-life, family-centered care. The committee passed the bill after thorough examination, showcasing a collaborative effort among the members to ensure its alignment with successful past initiatives. In another session, Senator Hughes presented SB942, aimed at retroactive child support linked to prenatal care, which sparked a constructive dialogue reflecting bipartisan support for maternal and child welfare.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • And that equals about 192 victims each year that have been turned away.
  • And<00:15:38.840> that<00:15:39.040> equals<00:15:39.360> about<00:15:39.680>
  • 192<00:15:40.680> victims<00:15:41.160> each And that equals about 192 victims each
  • And that equals about 192 victims each year<00:15:42.160> that<00:15:42.280> have<00:15
  • Templin, so maybe this is going beyond what you have access to.
Keywords: 1183, house
Summary: House File 4738 was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill. Representative Keeler presented the bill as a funding source for Minnesota’s Safe Harbor program, arguing that trafficking and sexual exploitation are statewide problems and that current shelter and housing resources are insufficient. She and several supporters emphasized that the program serves youth across greater Minnesota, not just the metro, and that state and federal funding pressures make additional support necessary. Testifiers from Place Called Home/Life House, The Link, the City of Minneapolis, and a survivor all described the impact of Safe Harbor and related shelter programs. They cited data on youth served, bed nights, mental health services, and high unmet need, including waitlists and youth turned away because programs are full. Testimony stressed that stable housing and trauma-informed services help survivors recover and move toward education, employment, and family stability. One committee member, Representative Davis, objected to the proposed funding source, saying he would not support taking money from women’s sports scholarships and urging a different source. The bill’s tax mechanism was described as ending the sales tax exemption for preferred seating, suite licenses, and related amenities at athletic and entertainment events. Alec Williams of We Make Minnesota supported the proposal as a fair way to raise revenue from high-end discretionary purchases for a public purpose. Committee discussion also focused on the size of the revenue estimate and the breakdown of the impact, with nonpartisan staff saying roughly 85% would come from suite licenses, 10% from collegiate seating, and 5% from amenities. Representative Smith and others framed the issue as both a tax and moral question, and the chair moved the bill to be laid over.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Taxes - 02/06/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • What we see when you decertify once the amount of increment you've received equals the necessary costs
  • What we see when you decertify once the amount of increment you've received equals the necessary costs
  • Received is equal to the necessary costs, and you can decertify early.
  • <00:54:28.240> to<00:54:28.480> construction cost-effective access to construction
  • cost-effective access to construction materials<00:54:30.040> in<00:54:30.240> support<
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
Summary: The Minnesota Senate Taxes Committee met on February 6, 2025, and first approved the February 5 minutes. The main item was the Office of the State Auditor’s annual report on tax increment financing (TIF), presented by Jason Nord in place of Auditor Blaha, who was ill. Nord explained how TIF captures new property value to finance development, and reviewed statewide data for 2023 reported in 2024. The report said TIF was used by 382 authorities statewide, with 378 authorities reporting on 1,678 districts. Redevelopment and housing/economic development districts made up the vast majority of districts, with housing districts becoming especially common in Greater Minnesota. Of the $238 million in tax increment generated in 2023, 78% came from the metro area, and most dollars came from redevelopment districts. The report also noted $7.4 million in increment returned to counties, cities, and school districts, and described long-term trends showing early growth in TIF use, reforms in the 1980s and 1990s, a drop after 2002 property tax changes, and another decline after many older districts reached maximum duration. Committee members asked about uncodified districts, the location of the remaining pre-1979 district, whether the same cities continue using TIF over time, and how Minnesota compares with other states. Nord said the uncodified districts include housing replacement and special-law districts, the pre-1979 district is in Princeton, and the number of authorities starting or stopping use each year is usually small. He also said Minnesota differs from many states, including by allowing pooling. The presentation highlighted that TIF debt statewide is a little over $1.8 billion, mostly in pay-as-you-go notes rather than general obligation bonds, and that many districts decertify early—often years before their maximum term—supporting the chair’s interest in legislation to shorten redevelopment district duration and repeal renewal and renovation districts. No votes were taken on the report.
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:
  • EOHED would collaborate to create a new program focused on raising awareness about existing food access
  • and EOHED would collaborate to create a new program, focus on raising awareness about existing food access
  • If this bill has passed, it would essentially allow for these people who broke the law to have access
  • No one, especially in a state like Massachusetts, should struggle to access healthy food.
  • We support this bill because it will increase access to economic opportunity and local food.
Keywords: 995, all
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.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Education Finance - 03/17/26

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • should look at how do we equalize that? should look at how do we equalize that?
  • Access and cost.
  • multiple barriers to access. multiple barriers to access.
  • Access<01:41:40.760> and<01:41:40.960> cost.
  • The waiting lists are Access and cost.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Commerce Apr 15th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • So it's equally true in where I'm from as it is in the small communities.
  • So it's equally true in where I'm from, as it is in the small.
  • Is that, so it's equally true in where I'm from, as it is in the small communities, and is there any
  • And the way this is crafted, these businesses will have access to the state of Missouri.
  • It provides a limited, regulated option when that access isn't there.
Keywords: 959, house, all
Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1020, which would let the Department of Revenue contract for a Missouri license office without rebidding if no qualifying bids are received. Senator Sandy Crawford and Director of Revenue Trish Vincent said the change would help keep rural license offices open, reduce repeated bidding, and allow the department to work with local entities such as chambers, cities, counties, or other community organizations. Members asked about the current bidding process, why small offices struggle financially, and whether more services could move online. No opposition testified, and the hearing on SB 1020 was closed after no further questions. The committee then took up House Bill 3093, which would extend Missouri’s direct-to-consumer shipping rules from wineries to local distillers and breweries. Rep. Nick Kimball and supporters argued the bill is about fairness and parity for Missouri craft producers, saying the same age-verification, labeling, and shipping restrictions already used for wine would apply, with no change to tax collection or the three-tier system. Supporters, including craft distillers and brewers, said the current law excludes Missouri businesses from a market already available to wineries and that direct shipping would help small producers reach customers and keep revenue in-state. They also said existing systems require adult signatures and ID checks, and some suggested the bill could be paired with a shipping license fee or other safeguards. Opponents, including the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of America, Missouri grocers, beer wholesalers, convenience stores, and Anheuser-Busch, warned that expanding direct shipping would weaken the three-tier system, increase competition from large out-of-state shippers, and create enforcement and underage-access concerns. They argued the current wine-shipping system already shows compliance problems and that allowing beer and spirits direct shipping could open Missouri consumers to broader interstate competition. Several members questioned whether the bill should instead focus on allowing Missouri producers to ship out of state or on strengthening existing controls. The committee heard extensive testimony from both sides, but no vote was taken in the transcript.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 11, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The resolution shall be debatable for one hour, The resolution shall be debatable for one hour, equally
  • and justice for all. pursuit of equality and justice for all.
  • And until we change this, we cannot truly say that all persons are created treated equally.
  • All persons are created treated equally.
  • Although they are created equally, they are not treated equally.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Expanding and modifying Medicaid fraud provisions 2/26/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • records that county attorneys are able to access.
  • subpoena authority so it can get access subpoena authority so it can get access to<00:01:54.320>
  • The MAP Act will equalize penalties for fraud. And when I say equalize, I just mean equalize.
  • They'll equalize them.
  • They'll equalize them.
Keywords: 1183, house
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Natural Resources Jun 23rd, 2026

Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • I want to believe you represent a lot of good actors, but y'all have to be accessible.
  • One pivot of irrigation of corn equals one gigawatt of power.
  • The most accessible person to blame was their county commissioner.
  • Access to water is something ...time.
  • Access to water is something, access to water is something that the people in my precinct think about
Keywords: 1184, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Higher Education - 04/10/25

Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • have<00:07:03.599> to<00:07:03.680> be<00:07:03.840> an<00:07:04.000> equal
  • <00:07:04.240> amount<00:07:04.560> to actually have to be an equal amount to actually
  • has to be equal so that those<00:07:59.759> modifiers<00:08:00.240> that<00:08:00.479>
  • <00:08:39.599> as word uh used earlier was equally as word uh used earlier was equally as
  • to the lowest a limit that is equal to the lowest student<00:17:30.640> contribution.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Corrections Apr 30th, 2025

Corrections

Transcript Highlights:
  • A visual body cam, body cavity searches during access programming such as education, substance abuse
  • You're saying that it wouldn't show up, but if a police officer pulls me over, they will have access
  • We know that economic stability equals safety.
  • Law enforcement courts and over 30 agencies and entities still have access to that sealed record.
  • Please know this is not about just gaining access to documents.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/18/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • presence here today shows that they are committed to ensuring lawmakers know the importance of accessibility
  • , and now with this amendment, is another effort to limit abortion access while offering no legitimate
  • rights have consistently demonstrated that their underlying objective is to restrict or eliminate access
  • to abortion... ...their underlying objective is to restrict or eliminate access to abortion services
  • And so I have concerns with the assessors not having access to property and being input in such that
Keywords: 1182, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • I think education is a great equalizer.
  • Obviously, we want to keep expanding access.
  • Obviously, we want to keep expanding access. We have the new campus in Parrish that we're...
  • Obviously, we want to keep expanding access.
  • Unfortunately, not everybody has access or the ability to get the information to get access to a lot
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education heard a presentation from the Governor’s Office on the proposed education budget, which totals $32.5 billion overall and includes no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents. Officials highlighted major funding for financial aid and scholarships, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, veteran-related scholarships, EASE, Open Door, law enforcement/first responder programs, and workforce initiatives. They also emphasized increases for workforce education, Florida College System operations, nursing pipeline and line funds, and university operations, performance funding, and faculty recruitment and retention. Committee members asked questions about the Ocoee Scholarship, the proposed post-secondary Guardian program, and how university recruitment and retention funds would be used; officials said the Ocoee Scholarship remains funded at current levels, the Guardian program would offer flexible campus safety options, and the university funds would be distributed to institutions for faculty recruitment and retention without additional directives. The committee then heard from a series of appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities, who described their backgrounds and priorities. Testimony consistently focused on affordability, workforce alignment, nursing and allied health programs, dual enrollment, adult learners, and local economic needs. Several trustees highlighted strong nursing NCLEX pass rates, expansion of campuses or programs, and efforts to tailor education to regional workforce demands such as health care, construction, law enforcement, aviation, and hospitality. One appointee from Miami-Dade College emphasized helping adult students return and complete degrees by easing credit transfer and admissions barriers. After hearing from the appointees, the committee took up the full slate of confirmations as a block. A motion was made and the roll was called; the confirmations were approved favorably, with members voting yes and no opposition recorded. The committee then adjourned.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Insurance May 7th, 2025

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Unfortunately, I've witnessed how insurance barriers deny these children access to the care that they
  • as important and equally medically necessary, is covered by dental insurance, there is no coverage for
  • This bill ensures that Texans who want to take personal responsibility for preventing HIV can access
  • Currently, kids must be diagnosed before their 10th birthday in order to access ABA therapy, which is
  • of all ages can benefit from this therapy, and we really want to make this easier for families to access
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Transportation Jan 14th, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • Fixed-route services are accessed through bus... Utilizing a fixed schedule.
  • Fixed-route services are accessed through bus passes.
  • And that actually, time equals money when you're providing these kinds of services.
  • And that actually, time equals money when you're providing these kinds of services.
  • to acceptability, affordability, and accessibility.
Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met, took roll, and heard introductory remarks from members about their districts and transportation priorities, with several senators noting congestion and mobility challenges in their regions. The committee then received a presentation from the Florida Transportation Commission on its oversight role for FDOT, including annual and quarterly performance reviews, review of the five-year work program, and monitoring of tolling and transit authorities. Members asked whether the commission gets involved in project prioritization; the answer was no, because it is statutorily limited to high-level oversight rather than day-to-day project decisions. The committee next heard two reports related to transportation disadvantaged and paratransit services. FDOT’s Melissa Smith described the statewide Transportation Disadvantaged program, its governance structure, service models, and challenges such as fragmented administration, cost, inconsistent reporting, and rural service limitations. She outlined recommendations including better use of technology, regional partnerships, improved training, and alternative delivery models like microtransit and TNC partnerships. A University of South Florida researcher, Martin Katala, discussed best practices for paratransit and demand-response service, emphasizing route optimization software, dynamic dispatching, service standards, vendor accountability, and the use of TNCs and mobility management to improve efficiency and reduce travel times. A later presentation from UF’s I-Street program focused on emerging technologies for transit, including in-cabin monitoring, automatic restraints, accessible booking and tracking tools, and the need for statewide safety standards and better driver interfaces. Finally, FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue and District 5 Secretary John Tyler provided an update on the transition of SunRail local entities. They explained the differences among commuter rail, intercity rail, and light rail, and said SunRail’s financial transition to local partners was completed on January 1, with operational transition to follow over up to three years. They contrasted that with Tri-Rail, where FDOT still funds operations and discussions about a future transition are ongoing. Members asked about the differences between SunRail, Tri-Rail, Amtrak, and Brightline, and the presenters explained that commuter rail serves regional daily commuters while intercity rail connects regions. The committee concluded without taking any formal votes or other legislative action.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE Apr 22nd, 2026

JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • But not equal. No, it wasn't equal because of the placing of the plan. I mean...
  • No, it wasn't equal because of the placing of the plan.
  • from constituents about the hours that the office now keeps, about the inability for them to have access
Summary: The committee first reviewed a list of bills already ready for “do pass,” including several House bills (HB 1010, 1018, 1020, 1023, 1041, 1055, 1077) and Senate bills (SB 4, 16, 23, 24, 55, 59). It then took up the JBC Personnel Subcommittee report (B1), where a substitute motion to separate out the governor’s staff-related item for a separate vote was debated at length. Members raised concerns about transparency, a requested appearance by a governor’s staff member, and whether the administration should be compelled to testify. The substitute motion failed on a roll-call division vote, and the committee then adopted the subcommittee report as presented. The committee next questioned Treasurer John Thurston on House Bill 1034 and his office’s budget request, focusing on salary increases for his executive team, the size of raises under the new pay plan, office hours, and whether the increases were justified. Thurston said the request was to fully fund the approved pay plan, later reduced to a 10% increase after discussion with legislative leaders, and explained that salaries were set within the approved plan. Several members criticized the raises as too large or unfair, while others noted the compromise and thanked him for cooperating. The committee then adopted the HB 1034 letter. After that, the committee reviewed Schedule C and several special-language items, including amendments to SB 4, SB 58, HB 1052, and SB 77. It discussed a new item allowing DFA to establish a GAMP program for agricultural extension office improvements, with no funding attached, and adopted it. The committee then passed or adopted a series of measures, including SB 29, SB 51, HB 1034, and the remaining ready bills listed at the start of the meeting. SB 4 was set aside as not ready. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would reconvene in 15 minutes in another room to handle special language.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE Apr 22nd, 2026

JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • They all did, but not equal. No, it wasn't equal because of the placing of the plan.
  • I mean, No, it wasn't equal because of the placing of the plan.
  • from constituents about the hours that the office now keeps, about the inability for them to have access
Keywords: 1204, all