Transcript Highlights:

• He earned his higher education degree at the City College of New York and developed a lifelong passion
• He earned his higher<00:14:21.279><c> education</c><00:14:21.839><c> degree</c><00:14:22.560><c> at</
• c><00:14:22.880><c> the</c><00:14:23.040><c> City</c> higher education degree at the City higher education
• His project helped mentor low-income students in India as they pursued higher education. Dr.
• . education. education.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, the operational spending is much more vast. Mr.
• My concern is operational spending.
• education institutions that provide an athletic program.
• This is how it would now read, starting on line 8: Prohibit public schools, private schools, higher education
• education institutions, Sentence starts out with public schools, private schools, higher education institutions

Committee: Joint Legislative Council

Transcript Highlights:

• On the opening hearing, uh, we had a gentleman from the Minnesota Higher Education, the Center for Automotive
• On the opening hearing, uh, we had a gentleman from the Minnesota Higher Education, the Center for Automotive
• On the opening hearing, uh, we had a gentleman from the Minnesota Higher Education, the Center for Automotive
• On the opening hearing, uh, we had a gentleman from the Minnesota Higher Education, the Center for Automotive
• On the opening hearing, uh, we had a gentleman from the Minnesota Higher Education, the Center for Automotive

Bills: HF3169 , HF3749 , HF2605 , HF3541 , HF4102 , HF3513 , HF268

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Besides providing library services, they tend to provide early childhood education, after school programs
• , adult education.
• Strengthened communities, more education, connecting people with services that address their needs.
• So even though the state has a lot of programming, a lot of money for programs like public education,
• I say we spend money now, and could You imagine if we put 29 million into rural libraries next year?

Committee: Joint Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• to serve those households who were previously able to afford a home but now are unable to, those higher
• next thing I'd like to do, if I may, Now, the next thing I'd like to do, if I may, I would like to spend
• As of the year 2023, nearly one in three Floridians were spending more than half of their income on rent
• Now, for home ownership programs, that AMI will be higher, where we're reaching higher-income households
• , the higher low income and then the moderate income.

Summary: The committee met to hear a panel on workforce and attainable housing, with presentations from Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, Wendover Housing Partners, the City of Tallahassee, and Escambia County. Speakers described how state and local tools such as SHIP, the Live Local Act, land trusts, accessory dwelling units, infill development, and public-private partnerships are being used to expand housing supply and preserve long-term affordability. Several panelists emphasized that housing demand is rising across income levels, that workforce households often need subsidy to buy or rent, and that housing location, transportation access, and proximity to jobs and services are critical. They also highlighted challenges including rising construction costs, limited land, insurance, NIMBY opposition, and the need for more flexible financing tools and employer participation. Members asked about area median income thresholds, whether current programs are reaching the households most in need, and what additional tools might help. Florida Housing said its traditional rental programs generally serve households at or below 60% AMI, while need is increasingly reaching up to 80% AMI statewide and higher in some regions; staff also provided examples of AMI levels by county. Other discussion focused on the impact of local government opt-outs, tax abatements, corporate ownership of single-family homes, insurance costs, Fortified construction standards, and whether bonuses or other income calculations can unintentionally disqualify applicants. Panelists urged more political will, more local flexibility, and additional incentives for employers and landowners to support housing near jobs. The committee also used an anonymous interactive polling exercise, and members identified partnerships, SHIP funding, local government action, cost, and insurance as key issues. In closing, the chair said the committee would continue a member-driven process and likely hold a workshop on housing-related topics. No formal votes or bills were taken up in the meeting, and the session adjourned after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• The rate for Black Californians is 292% higher.
• I will not spend too much time on key data sources. They were, I feel, thoroughly covered by Dr.
• Certainly, I come from the role of education, and it's like we just spend one dollar in education, we'll
• and it's like we just spend one dollar in education we'll avoid all these costs which is true and also
• I think there's been a lot of mutual education during that and ability to begin to see us.

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee 4 met to hear an information-only agenda focused on homelessness. The chair and vice chair opened with remarks about affordability, accountability, and the need for flexible but effective state responses. The committee then heard an update from Dr. Ryan Finnegan of UC Berkeley’s Turner Center on homelessness trends, data limitations, and program impacts. He said homelessness remains high, with 2024 point-in-time counts showing about 187,000 people experiencing homelessness statewide, though unsheltered homelessness has declined somewhat as shelter capacity expanded. He emphasized that California’s high housing costs and shortage of affordable housing are the main drivers, while also noting persistent racial disparities, high chronic homelessness, and the importance of coordinated housing, health, and social services. He also warned that cuts or changes to federal programs and state funding streams like HAP could threaten progress. Members questioned Dr. Finnegan about the 9% decline in unsheltered homelessness, the timing and methodology of point-in-time counts, how to interpret trends over time, and the role of policy changes such as Housing First, Proposition 47, and Martin v. Boise. He explained that the 9% figure came from 30 continuums of care that had completed 2025 counts, and that HUD’s eventual statewide number would likely differ because not all regions counted that year. He also discussed how different funding sources are layered in local programs, including HAP, local funds, philanthropic support, federal funds, and CalAIM reimbursements. Several members stressed the need for clearer, more comparable measures of effectiveness and outcomes, including whether programs reduce long-term homelessness and move people toward self-sufficiency. The committee then heard from the California Interagency Council on Homelessness on statewide data systems, especially the Homeless Data Integration System (HDIS). Staff described HDIS as the first state-level integrated homelessness data system, built from local HMIS data and used to track demographics, services, outcomes, and program performance across all 44 continuums of care. They said HDIS has enabled statewide dashboards, system performance measures, and new accountability tools under AB 977 and AB 799. Cal ICH also said HAP Round 4 was highly cost-effective under the State Auditor’s methodology, estimating a cost of about $9,172 per person permanently housed, and that new AB 799 dashboards are intended to provide clearer public reporting on outcomes, fiscal data, and progress toward statewide goals. Members asked about measuring self-sufficiency, identifying the best local partners, detecting fraud, and whether the new dashboards will allow better comparisons among program types and funding uses. No votes were taken, and the one scheduled vote was postponed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:20:23.360><c> than</c> The the House was slightly higher than The the House was slightly higher
• </c> education across the Commonwealth. education across the Commonwealth.
• </c> Area Health Education Centers. Area Health Education Centers.
• :30.840><c> dues,</c> Southern Regional Education Board dues, Southern Regional Education Board dues,
• </c> Page 103, go to Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority.

Summary: The Free Conference Committee on the 2026 General Assembly budget met to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of House Bill 500. Leaders opened by thanking the other chamber’s work, asking members to turn microphones on and off to avoid feedback, and stressing the need to clearly note decision points so both chambers record the same actions. Staff then walked through the bill page by page, explaining that the committee was comparing only House and Senate differences, not the governor’s proposed budget. The discussion covered a wide range of appropriations and language items, including next generation non-911 services, school safety reporting tools, restored funding for brain injury, epilepsy, veteran service, homeless veterans, and rocket docket programs, debt service changes, rural infrastructure, disaster aid caps, Attorney General and Medicaid fraud funding, agriculture and county fair grants, auditor and pension-related appropriations, school facilities and SEEK funding, and numerous education programs. Members also discussed charter-related funding such as Star Academy, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, school resource officers, school-based mental health providers, AP/IB exams, Governor’s Scholars and Entrepreneurs, and several pilot or initiative programs in economic development, energy, and labor. Several items were described as technical corrections or restorations of language and funding, while others reflected differences in amounts or how funds would be distributed. There were several questions and comments from members about wording such as “implement and carry out,” the absence of the governor’s budget from the comparison document, and whether SEEK funding should be tied to teacher raises. The chair and other members emphasized that the committee’s role was to reconcile the two chambers’ budgets, not to adopt the governor’s proposal. Members also raised concerns about opioid settlement funds and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library match rate, with one senator urging restoration of the House language. No final vote or formal action was taken in the portion provided; the meeting primarily consisted of explanation, questions, and discussion of proposed budget differences.

Transcript Highlights:

• Calling the 1:00 p.m. joint hearing for the Health, Human Services, and Committee on Higher Education
• Chair, same recommendation for the Committee on Higher Education. Any discussion? All right.
• And with that, the joint session of Health, Human Services, and Higher Education is adjourned.
• </c><00:38:39.200><c> education</c><00:38:39.839><c> is</c> services, and higher education is services
• , and higher education is adjourned.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Higher Education hearing took up HB 441 HD2, a measure to increase cigarette taxes and dedicate the revenue to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. The Department of Taxation said it had no substantive objection but requested an effective date of January 1, 2026 if tax rates change so it can order new stamps. The Department of Health, the Deputy Attorney General/tobacco enforcement, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the American Cancer Society, the Hawaii Medical Association, and several other health organizations and youth advocates supported the bill, arguing that higher cigarette prices reduce youth initiation, encourage cessation, and help fund cancer research and care. Several supporters asked for a larger increase, including at least $1 per pack, while opponents from retail, wholesale, and tobacco-related groups argued the tax would be regressive, burden low-income smokers, and drive sales to the illicit market. The Tax Foundation and other opponents also criticized reliance on sin taxes and said smoking rates are already at historic lows. After testimony and questions, members discussed how the revenue should be used and whether higher taxes change smoker behavior or push people toward vaping or other alternatives. The chairs announced they would pass HB 441 HD2 with amendments, replacing the contents with SB 528 SD1 except for changes reflecting the Department of Taxation’s request and a provision directing all proceeds from the tax increase to the Hawaii Cancer Center’s debt reduction, with an effective date of December 31, 2025. The House Health, Human Services, and Higher Education committees then voted to adopt the recommendation; the Health, Human Services committee vote was adopted with Chair and several members voting aye and one member voting no in the Higher Education committee vote. The hearing also briefly covered HB 1334 on meat donation, which drew support from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, food industry, and community groups, though no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1098 on crimes against protective services workers. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying assaults on protective services workers can have chilling effects and deserve stronger deterrence; a committee question raised whether the bill should instead be part of a broader, more proactive approach to assault statutes. The Department of Human Services also described safety steps such as panic buttons and phone apps for social workers. The excerpt ends before any final vote on HB 1098.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Elementary and Secondary Education is to convene a work group, including educators and industry representatives
• She added that some institutions of higher education offer dual credit for a personal finance class taught
• Representative Mosley continued that some institutions of higher education offer dual credit for a personal
• making it the largest category of state spending.
• This is where financial literacy education becomes critical.

Committee: House Financial Institutions

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 2863 by a 14-0 vote. It then took up House Bill 2967, adopted a committee amendment that removed a fixed one-third allocation and allowed funds to be allocated by the body as needed, rolled the amendment into a substitute, and passed the House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2967 by a 15-0 vote. Members discussed how the bill related to another expungement-fund measure already passed by the House, and were told the two bills were intended to mirror each other and would not conflict. The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 2303 and the mirrored House Bill 2867, both aimed at expanding Missouri’s personal finance education requirements. Sponsor testimony said the bills would require a half-credit in personal finance for graduation beginning in 2027-28, broaden instruction to include budgeting, credit, investing, fraud prevention, taxes, contracts, and major purchases, and create a DESE work group with industry and educator input to update standards every seven years. Sponsors and supporters said the goal was to better prepare students for real-world financial decisions, reduce debt traps, and improve workforce readiness. Witnesses from the Missouri Bankers Association, mortgage bankers, consumer credit groups, financial advisors, and individual advocates testified in support, emphasizing the need for updated, practical financial literacy instruction and regular curriculum review as financial products change. Committee members asked about the bill’s interaction with existing personal finance requirements, whether it would apply to public, private, homeschool, and GED pathways, and how early course completion waivers would work. Members also suggested adding insurance and gambling/probability topics to the curriculum discussion. No opposition testimony was offered, and House Bill 2119 was postponed to a future hearing before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with a higher assessed value, if the personal property would go up, with a higher assessed value,
• But we don't have any limitations on what they're spending, right?
• There could be some districts that will incur some spending cuts.
• They want to spend $2 million in tax credits and giveaways.
• But if you touch the Blind Pension Fund, I'm going to have to have to spend.

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Transcript Highlights:

• education implementing bill; and House Bill 7031, relating to...
• William Fontaine, you are recognized to explain the higher education offer. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• For higher education... You are recognized to explain the higher education offer. Thank you, Mr.
• For higher education, on line one of the summary sheet, the House offers modified language to include
• deferred building maintenance cost as part of a university's carry forward spend plan.

Summary: The final conference committee meeting of the Appropriations Chairs on June 13, 2025, focused on exchanging and explaining offers on several budget-related bills. The House presented offers on SB 2502 (statewide implementing bill), SB 2504 (state employees collective bargaining), HB 5015 (state group insurance and higher education implementing bill), and HB 7031 (sales tax reductions). House explanations covered implementing bill issues in agriculture/natural resources and state administration, collective bargaining language, state employee insurance, higher education provisions such as carry-forward spending for deferred maintenance, nursing-related programs, fee waivers, direct-support organizations, capital outlay procurement, and presidential compensation, and a broad tax package including elimination of the business rent tax and new or permanent sales tax holidays and exemptions. A representative of the Florida Association of Counties testified in support of reducing the business rent tax but urged the committee to preserve local option sales taxes for local infrastructure needs. The Senate then presented offers on SB 7022 (retirement), SB 2506 (natural resources), the health and human services/health care implementing bill, and SB 2514. Senate explanations included maintaining positions on retirement language, a new land acquisition provision in SB 2506, modified language on I-Connect in the health care implementing bill, and proposed changes in SB 2514. After a brief recess, the Senate accepted the House offers on SB 2502, SB 2504, HB 5015, and HB 7031, and the House accepted the Senate offers on SB 7022, SB 2506, SB 2514, and the health and human services/health care implementing bill. The committee then adopted a motion allowing staff to make technical and conforming changes, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• > education</c><00:19:08.240><c> with</c> Davis pursued educ his education with Davis pursued educ his
• </c><00:36:57.119><c> costs</c><00:36:57.520><c> for</c> damage, and higher costs for damage, and higher
• </c> Representatives to spend its time. Representatives to spend its time.
• </c><05:47:40.480><c> share</c> The very rich are paying a higher share The very rich are paying a higher
• /c><06:08:54.240><c> patting</c> Republicans are spending time patting Republicans are spending time

Transcript Highlights:

• education.
• Whether you're in your college years, you were spending Spending time on the 40 acres, living at Jester
• Through my time as chair of the Senate Education Higher education and K-12 committee.
• I know firsthand that Texas higher education is ground zero for innovation and education. educating the
• education for all Texans.

Bills: SB26 , SB28 , SJR36 , SB26 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB28

Transcript Highlights:

• Education Working Group.
• Higher education has long supported the Commonwealth's nationally leading goal of carbon neutrality by
• I'm here in my role as the co-chair of the Boston Green Ribbon Commission Higher Education Working Group
• Electric rates are going to go up even higher.
• And there is no limit to the spending.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 4144, the Governor’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, with the administration arguing the bill would lower bills in the short and long term while expanding clean energy supply and innovation. The Governor and Secretary said the bill would reduce or restructure charges on customer bills, reform Mass Save, expand securitization as a financing tool, speed interconnection, create energy-ready zones, strengthen consumer protections in competitive supply, and allow broader state procurement of energy resources. They said the package could save consumers billions over time and would help address high energy costs, especially during extreme heat and winter spikes. Committee members pressed the administration on several provisions, especially securitization, asking whether the bill requires an apples-to-apples comparison of total costs over time, including interest and lost tax revenue, versus paying through rates. Administration witnesses said DPU review and public comment would be required and said they would work to clarify the language if needed. Members also questioned the bill’s solar and procurement provisions, including reduced net metering compensation for some large facilities, the scope of all-resource procurements, and whether hydro, solar, and nuclear would be included; the administration said those resources were contemplated and that procurement would still be reviewed by DPU. Other questions focused on the short-term relief from bill changes, the treatment of low- and moderate-income discounts, and whether the bill’s heat pump and Mass Save reforms would help customers who cannot afford upfront costs. Several witnesses and committee members discussed Mass Save reforms, including securitization of program costs, on-bill financing, pre-approval of rebates, and shifting program administration away from gas utilities. Administration witnesses said the changes were intended to reduce volatility, lower administrative costs, and better align costs with long-term savings. Questions also touched on geothermal permitting, municipal participation in offshore wind procurement, and the proposed repeal of the ballot requirement for nuclear power, which the administration defended as preserving future options under heavy review. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described. Supportive testimony came from labor, environmental, business, planning, and development groups. The AFL-CIO, NECA, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts backed the bill, emphasizing lower bills, job creation, labor standards, just transition protections, and cleaner energy. NAIOP, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and MAPC supported provisions on energy-ready zones, interconnection reform, microgrids, extreme-heat shutoff protections, and Mass Save improvements. A HEET representative praised the bill’s use of securitization, geothermal, and utility financing tools but urged guardrails and workforce protections. Overall, testimony was broadly favorable, with most witnesses calling for refinements rather than opposing the bill outright.

Transcript Highlights:

• From that, the state can then subtract what is called excluded spending.
• spend it.
• And so I appreciate the work of our, um, Use for our entitlement spending.
• How you spend your money matches, really, it's insight into your values.
• And so what we're saying is, That everybody gets is save first, then spend.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight heard ACA 20, the Safe for California Futures Act, a constitutional amendment to strengthen the state’s Budget Stabilization Account (rainy day fund). The authors, Assembly Members Gabriel and Valencia, said the measure would raise the reserve cap from 10% to 20% of General Fund revenues, change how reserve deposits are treated under the Gann limit so deposits would not count against the spending cap until withdrawn, and update eligible debt repayments to include items such as budget loans, Proposition 98 settle-up obligations, and unemployment insurance debt. They emphasized that the proposal was intended to protect schools and core public services and to help California better withstand revenue volatility and future downturns. Committee discussion focused heavily on the technical effects of the measure, especially its interaction with Proposition 98 and the Gann limit. LAO and Department of Finance staff explained that Prop. 98 funding would not be changed directly, that the reserve deposits would be treated as exclusions from the appropriations limit, and that withdrawals would count when spent. Members asked about current reserve levels, mandatory deposits, and whether the measure would create more room for discretionary spending; supporters argued it would simply allow the state to save more in good years, while one member expressed concern that it could function as a slush fund and expand spending opportunities. Several members cited recent budget volatility, record revenues, and the need for stronger reserves, while others stressed that the measure should be understood as a future-oriented savings reform rather than a response to this year’s budget choices. Public testimony was uniformly supportive. California Forward, Elevate California, and the California Chamber of Commerce all backed the proposal, with the Chamber noting support for the policy and highlighting the importance of addressing unemployment insurance debt for small businesses. The chair concluded by thanking the authors, staff, and witnesses, and said ACA 20 was expected to move to the Assembly floor the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a former family child care educator on a military base.
• I hold both a bachelor's and a master's in early childhood education.
• I'm a former family child care educator on a military base.
• I hold both a bachelor's and a master's in early childhood education.
• Students deserve to enter higher education knowing that they will be supported.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not a political stunt because I can't work on higher education and education issues when I have
• Youth and senior housing, in housing for higher education, and a couple of other areas, and I will give
• And we're spending more than we're taking in.
• We can't keep spending more than we're taking in.
• Members, let's control our spending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Education will be invaluable as we work together this session.
• We had Commissioner Morath before the Public Education Committee last week.
• Higher ed does not pay into that, for example.
• Higher education does not pay that amount, correct? They do not.
• But there's a lot of policy reasons. why higher ed wasn't included originally.

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> 200 accounts accounting for a higher 200 accounts accounting for a higher maximum<00:25:54.080><
• </c> And 37% pursued post-secary education. And 37% pursued post-secary education.
• I do also want to just defend the folks who did the survey just for a second, the higher education professor
• I do also want to just defend the folks who did the survey just for a second, the higher education professor
• I do also want to just defend the folks who did the survey just for a second, the higher education professor

Bills: HF2135 , HF776 , HF1581 , HF1158 , HF2226

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to talk about spending adjustments now.
• Ben tried to explain that as those who remain tend to have higher health needs.
• So it will likely not be 139; it will either be higher or lower.
• You spend more than that, you end up in a shortfall.
• It grew, and it was very educational. I'm not fond of government.

Bills: SB1024 , SB1032 , SB1059 , SB1062 , SB1064 , SB1097 , SCM1001 , SCR1004

Committee: Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Keywords: roadable aircraft, registration, vehicle title, license plates, aviation safety, corrections oversight, funding, state budget, criminal justice, reform, appropriation, Department of Transportation, right turn lane, traffic improvement, infrastructure funding, transportation funding, authorization, road improvements, intersection safety, transportation