Video & Transcript Research : 'bargaining unit 5'
Page 175 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee May 5th, 2026
Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- He is the second vice president of United Steelworkers Local 675. It's steelworkers Local 675.
- He is the second vice president of United Steelworkers Local 675. it's steelworkers local 675.
- No one else crosses $6; only a couple cross $5.
- But the war has definitely destroyed 5 to 6 percent of that cushion.
- As everyone knows, there's more oil available in the United States.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- The division is also requesting the continuation of the current 5% flex between PS and E&E.
- This registers manufacturers, dealers, and installers of new manufactured homes and modular units.
- The Guidehouse report was generated under HB 5, which y'all passed last year.
- In FY 27, it does include a $5 million reduction due to a continuing decrease in benefit payments.
- In FY27, it does include a $5 million reduction due to a continuing decrease in benefit payments.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Part 2 Feb 12th, 2026 at 12:58 pm
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I just wanted to mention that it's the 110th year of operation for United Supermarkets.
- and to get this unit.
- Back in the 1980s, we used to produce 40% of the units as starter homes. Now...
- I think it's important we continue to try to put more units online.
- Speaker, is on page 5, it's K and L.
Bills:
HB111, HB108, HB145, HB164, HB291, HJR6, HR1, HB63, HB64, HB165, HB184, HB200, HB4, HB7, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB88, HB96, HB166, HB285, HB295, HB306, SB29, SB37, HJM2, HJM3, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50
Keywords:
water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 51 (3-20-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Jones to 5 Judge Goodman sentenced Mr.
- The United States Supreme Court state.
- <01:16:10.719>
States 14th amendments to the United States 14th amendments to the United States - car out of the garage today by 5:00 p.m. car out of the garage today by 5:00 p.m.
- Now, I out of the garage by 5:00 p.m.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We are 100,000 units behind demand.
- We are 100,000 units behind shortage.
- requirement uh as to the number of units requirement uh as to the number of units that<00:42:52.800
- practically to keep some units practically to keep some units commercial<00:43:06.319>
uh - Over the past 5 years, interest uses.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development - 03/31/2026
Housing, Construction, and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- For more, in any building having five or more units. Four or more. Okay.
- So four or more units can be... Okay.
- buildings smaller than six units.
- , that they can't find a unit.
- And this particular issue has not been, again, a six-unit building.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Housing, Construction, and Community Development met on March 31, 2026, with a quorum present and noted that the Legislature was in budget negotiations and approaching a scheduled break. The committee took up several housing-related bills, with most being reported to Finance after discussion. The first bill, S.3742A, would require information to be provided in new and renewal leases for certain housing accommodations, and it was reported without opposition. S.4659B, the Rental Emergency Stabilization for Tenants Act, generated the longest debate; supporters said it would give local governments outside New York City a more flexible way to determine a housing emergency and opt into rent stabilization, while opponents argued it lacked a clear vacancy-rate standard, could discourage development, and would benefit higher-income tenants. The bill was ultimately reported, with some negative votes and one or more votes without recommendation.
The committee then discussed S.8168, which would create a deconstruction and salvage framework for building materials, including local options, technical assistance, grants, and related code updates. Supporters said it could reduce landfill use, lower disposal costs, and encourage reuse markets, while opponents questioned costs, market demand, and whether the program would raise housing and demolition expenses. The bill was reported, again with some negative or without-recommendation votes. S.8595, dealing with how certain valuations and amounts due are calculated in foreclosure actions, was also reported. S.8672, the Employer-Assisted Housing Matching Grant Act, would provide a state match for employer housing assistance for certain nonprofit human services employers; members raised concerns about scope, possible double-dipping, and whether the program should be expanded to other workers, but the bill was reported with some negative and without-recommendation votes.
The final bill, S.94A, made a minor amendment to the Housing Access Voucher Pilot Program regarding priority applicants and unit inspections, and it was reported as well. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly emphasized that several proposals were optional for local governments or employers rather than mandates, and many of the exchanges focused on affordability, housing supply, local control, and the fiscal effects of the bills. No floor votes were taken; the committee’s actions were limited to reporting the bills to Finance, with some reported favorably and others reported with negative or without-recommendation votes.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, March 27, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code
- > of<00:55:41.680>
the 8 of title 5 United States Code of the 8 of title 5 United States Code - Res. 25, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under Chapter 8 of Title 5, United
- <02:42:39.600>
United <02:42:39.920>States Chapter 8 of Title 5, United States Chapter - 8 of Title 5, United States Code,<02:42:40.720>
of <02:42:40.880>the <02:42:41.040>
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Most recently, we created the K-12 Plus program units. That was done in 2023.
- So we don't fund based on students; we fund based on units.
- That means for every first grader, they're generating 1.2 units of funding.
- If we can move the whole family unit at one time, maybe we would see some different results.
- Family unit at one time, maybe we would see some different results. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- They're in 15-minute increments, so is the unit based on a 15-minute increment?
- <00:42:51.800>
rate Medicare that might include a 5% rate Medicare that might include a 5% - This past Saturday, I got a call at 5:30 in the morning that his sugars were 606.
- million from the state general fund and $5 million from the federal government.
- /c> oversimplified it's going to be 5 oversimplified it's going to be 5 million<01:26:26.880>
from
Bills:
HF1005
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Regulated Industries Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- In addition, this potentially violates the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
- mandate has been to hear claims against the United States since 1855.
- I would say Texas rivals Florida as the tort reform champion of the United States.
- The next closest would be Germany with 530, which makes up 5% of the global total.
- The next closest would be Germany with 530, which makes up 5% of the global total.
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries heard and voted on several bills. SB 986 would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and also restrict smoking in rooms and bars; the sponsor said it is intended to protect public health and outdoor spaces, while the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the goal but raised concerns about impacts on designated smoking areas, and cannabis advocates warned about unintended effects on patients and property rights. The committee reported SB 986 favorably.
The committee also passed SB 678, which restores statutory authority for DBPR’s long-standing rule allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise taxes; a strike-all amendment was adopted, including retroactive application to January 1, 2025, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 800, which increases penalties for repeat unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts, was amended and reported favorably as well.
Members then considered SB 408 on vaccine advertising and liability. The sponsor argued the bill would address declining public trust in vaccines by allowing claims against manufacturers that advertise in Florida, while opponents said the measure is preempted by federal law, raises First Amendment concerns, and would create unnecessary litigation. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee reported SB 408 favorably. The committee also heard SB 484 on data centers, which would set PSC tariff requirements so large load customers pay their own costs, preserve local planning authority, and limit water permits for large data centers; testimony was mixed, with supporters emphasizing ratepayer protections and economic benefits and critics warning about overregulation and confidentiality limits. The bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee approved SB 1118, which creates a time-limited public records exemption for certain data center development information held by local governments, after the sponsor said it was meant to prevent extended NDAs while still allowing local notice and input. SB 1050, requiring veterinarians to provide written prescriptions so pet owners can choose their pharmacy, was also reported favorably. The meeting ended after several members recorded votes on bills they had missed.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, Section 5 looks at crisis response.
- Next slide, slide 5.
- Is $5 million going to be enough, Mr. Chair? Mr.
- Chair, Senator Acampos, no, $5 million will not be enough.
- It was $5 million, and then it turned into $27 million.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/26
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- My oldest son, Carter, died four years ago on 12/5/21. My two younger kids are now 17 and 13.
- <00:09:13.839>
on <00:09:14.080>Sunday, <00:09:14.800>12:5 <00:09:15.839> - was >> At about 400 p.m. on Sunday, 12:5 was >> At about 400 p.m. on Sunday, 12:5 was
- She also said there is a 5% surcharge on canteen spending.
- and behavioral health units. and behavioral health units.
Keywords:
public safety, coercion, criminal penalties, law enforcement, victim protection, HF3496, supervision abatement, earned compliance credit, earned compliance credits, conditional release, supervised release, corrections, Minnesota Department of Corrections, restitution, willful nonpayment, probation-like supervision, release supervision, community supervision, lifetime conditional release, early termination of supervision
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 15, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He found joy in the 5 minutes. But in no event shall debate 5 minutes.
- Kiley, for 5 minutes. Mr.
- Isel, for 5 minutes. Mississippi, Mr. Isel, for 5 minutes.
- Tiffany for 5 from Wisconsin, Mr. Tiffany for 5 minutes.
- Joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jul 14th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- it is that we can come here to the United States and be accepted and be accepted and call this place
- policy of the United States.
- How do we unite? How do we propose legislation that will help people in the future, right?
- But a united leadership, a united front will help every single Californian.
- A united leadership, a united front will help every single Californian from north to south.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, adopted the previous day’s journal, and handled several procedural motions, including suspending rules to allow committee notices and moving some bills and items on and off the file. Members also introduced a number of guests and fellows on the floor, including Equality California Comcast Fellows, tribal youth visitors, interns, local officials, and community representatives.
On the floor file, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1216 (TK-12 omnibus education technical changes), AB 377 (high-speed rail), and AB 951 (health care coverage), and adopted ACR 103 declaring July 14-18, 2025 as California Western Monarch Protection Week. The body also adopted AJR 18, a resolution calling for an official legislative apology to California Native Americans for historic injustices and affirming support for healing and reconciliation, and ACR 71 designating a portion of State Route 101 as the Little Saigon Freeway. Each of these measures drew supportive remarks from multiple members, and co-author rolls were opened before final adoption.
The Assembly also adopted SCR 66 proclaiming Law Day, after a lengthy partisan debate over the rule of law, executive power, and recent federal and state actions; the resolution was ultimately adopted by voice vote after 51 co-authors were added. Members then adopted SJR 3 urging Congress to reverse SNAP cuts and protect CalFresh benefits, with debate focused on food insecurity, fraud, work requirements, and the impact on low-income Californians; the resolution passed with 69 ayes and no noes after 70 co-authors were added. SB 757, authorizing local governments to use nuisance abatement liens or special assessments to collect abatement costs, also passed 68-0, and ACR 94 on anti-microbial resistance was adopted on the consent calendar.
The session concluded with adjournments in memory honoring Jane Day, agricultural leader John C. Harris, and Willie Earl Arno, followed by announcements of committee meetings and the schedule for the next floor session. The Assembly adjourned until Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 9 a.m.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Apr 10th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- We are taking up first Tab 5.
- Matt Herndon from the United Way of Florida? Are you waving? Waving. There you go.
- I'm going to hand the chair back over, but also say that on Tab 5 and Tab 7 I was a yes, but go ahead
- And also say that on Tab 5 and Tab 7 I was a yes, but go ahead, the chair. It's back to you.
- I'd like to be recorded as voting in the affirmative for Tabs 5, 7, 2, 10, and 11.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met and considered a wide range of education-related bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports. Early in the meeting, the committee approved CS/SB 754 on International Baccalaureate bonus funding, CS/SB 1122 on Florida Virtual School updates, and CS/SB 430 requiring public schools to adopt cardiac emergency response plans, train students and staff in CPR/AED use, and maintain accessible AEDs. Testimony on the cardiac bill came from the American Heart Association and the Florida chapter of the American College of Cardiology in support, and the chair noted a survey suggesting many districts already have AEDs in schools. The committee also approved CS/SB 1528 on educational opportunities for military children, which expands coordination and training under the interstate compact, and CS/SB 364, which would move the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys from the Department of Legal Affairs to Florida Memorial University for research and administrative support.
The committee then adopted amendments and favorably reported CS/SB 1590 on educator preparation, which modernizes teacher standards and certification pathways, including updates to FEAPs, a revised teacher exam, and an alternative certification program. The SPLC testified in opposition to part of the bill, arguing that language on historical instruction and systemic racism was contradictory and could limit accurate teaching of history. The committee also approved CS/SB 1702 on education, incorporating a wireless-device-in-schools pilot and other education provisions, with support from the Florida Charter School Alliance and others. CS/SB 444 on human trafficking awareness was amended to require no-cost training for school employees and charter schools; FSU law students testified in support, emphasizing the need for school personnel to recognize trafficking indicators. The committee also approved CS/SB 650 on hazardous walking conditions, expanding transportation eligibility for students walking near limited-access facilities, though members noted the bill carried an indeterminate fiscal impact and no dedicated funding.
Later, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 1102 on school readiness, which expands how disabilities can be identified for early learning services and ties additional funding to training on early identification of delays. It also approved SB 1382 on access to school readiness programs for economically disadvantaged households, revising eligibility and priority tiers to use state median income rather than federal poverty level and refining the waitlist and forecasting process. Several members recorded votes on bills they had missed during the meeting, and the committee adjourned after reporting all of the above measures favorably.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment committee hears 'Keep it Clean' bill, HF1120 2/25/25
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a follow-up bill that is going to request grant funding for local units of government and organizations
- This is a follow-up bill that is going to request grant funding for local units of government and organizations
- you know<00:12:28.760>
did <00:12:28.920>we <00:12:29.040>get <00:12:29.360>5% - the<00:12:29.959>
need <00:12:30.320>50% <00:12:30.880>of know did we get 5% - of the need 50% of know did we get 5% of the need 50% of the<00:12:31.120>
need <00:12:31.480>
Summary:
The committee heard House File 1120, the follow-up “Keep It Clean” bill from Representative Andrew Myers, which would create grant funding for local governments and organizations to improve garbage removal and related clean-water programs, especially around frozen lakes and winter recreation areas. Myers said the earlier Keep It Clean effort to enforce litter laws on frozen lakes had already reduced garbage in the water, and he framed this bill as a way to expand that success with additional resources. Testifier Robin Dwight of the Upper Red Lake Area Association and Keep It Clean Coalition described growing problems with trash and human waste on ice, said the coalition now has 60 members representing more than 10,000 lakes, and explained that local programs use dumpsters and separation systems to manage waste. Tom Johnson of the MPCA and Assistant Commissioner Bob Myers of the DNR both testified in support, saying improper disposal of human and solid waste is a real and growing problem and that the public education campaign has changed behavior on the ice.
Members asked about the bill’s results and funding needs. Representative Pelz asked for more context on the coalition’s impact, and Dwight said the group has been active for about three years and recently launched a survey to gather more data on infrastructure needs for wheelhouse users. Representative Fiser asked what dollar amount would be needed, and Myers said the bill seeks general fund dollars, with a rough ideal range of one to two million dollars, though he emphasized he wanted to work with the committee on the final amount and funding mechanism. The discussion also noted a second related bill with a $10 wheelhouse fee as another possible funding option.
No opposition testimony was presented. After discussion, the chair renewed the motion to lay over House File 1120 for possible inclusion in a future bill, and the bill was laid over.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriation and Revenue. (1-28-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh high postcoid uh to over 5 billion.
- governor is proposing a 2 and a.5% governor is proposing a 2 and a.5% increase<00:19:12.880>
- <00:20:52.960>
rate got an assumption of 4 and a.5% rate got an assumption of 4 and a.5% rate - South Korea is becoming a big investor in the United States.
- It served at the medical services unit.
Summary:
The committee met to hear a presentation from Dr. Hicks on the governor’s recommended budget for the next biennium. He reviewed the revenue outlook, noting modest general fund growth, a large rainy day fund balance, and the impact of recent income tax reductions. He said the budget was built around recurring reductions, lower debt service and retirement contribution rates, and the use of excess restricted funds, while protecting K-12 education, Medicaid, postsecondary education, public safety, and pension obligations.
Dr. Hicks outlined several major spending and reserve proposals, including $350 million from the Department of Insurance’s excess restricted funds to support Medicaid in the first year, $150 million for the affordable housing trust fund, $125 million for rural hospitals, $100 million to offset lost federal ACA premium tax credits, $75 million for utility assistance, and $50 million for food assistance. In education, the proposal included a phased pre-K for all plan funded by sports wagering tax revenue, a 3% annual salary increase for full-time school personnel, continued full funding of teacher pensions, a 2.5% annual increase in SEEK base funding, and additional support for career and technical education and school facilities.
He also discussed Medicaid cost pressures, including higher managed care, pharmacy, behavioral health, and nursing facility costs, and explained the expected effects of federal HR1 changes on Kentucky’s Medicaid program. Those changes include work and community engagement requirements and more frequent eligibility redeterminations for expansion members, which the administration estimated would reduce enrollment by about 4,300 in the first year and 28,000 in the second year. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting, which was limited to the budget presentation and member questions.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
- Title 36, Chapter 6, Article 10, Arizona vice statute, 8, 799-9-5-4-4-4, kratom.
- number of terms of members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate
- Come down at 5 o'clock, warm up at 6, but we'll all have food down there.
- So remember, tomorrow at 5 at Diablo Stadium. Thank you, Mr. Pro Tem. All right. Sounds great.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the journal. The body then extended the session under Rule 27 and agreed to request House consent to adjourn until April 27, 2026. It moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several House bills, including HB 2170 (procurement code-related), HB 2415 (kratom regulation), HB 2700 (housing technology study committee), and HB 2950 (special districts/tourism improvement areas). Amendments were adopted on HB 2170, HB 2415, and HB 2950, and the committee reported HB 2170, HB 2415, and HB 2700 do pass; HB 2950 was later defeated on third read. The Senate also heard a brief welcome for visiting students and a personal privilege statement on Earth Day and environmental issues.
The Senate then entered an additional Committee of the Whole for HB 2035 (child welfare and placement), HB 2249 (parental bill of rights), and HB 2573 (DUI/local referendum-related language). HB 2035 received a Warner amendment expanding the definition of extended family to include adoptive family members; HB 2249 received a Mesnard amendment adding liability and technical changes; and HB 2573 received a Rogers technical amendment. All three were reported out do pass as amended. On third read, HB 2573 passed 20-9, with several senators explaining opposition based on referendum and emergency-clause concerns tied to a Marana data center dispute; HB 2170 passed 17-12; HB 2415 passed 22-7; HB 2035 passed 26-3; and HB 2249 passed 17-12. HB 2950 failed 10-19.
The Senate also considered House Concurrent Resolution 2043, substituting it for the Senate version and sending it to third read. The resolution, which calls for a convention to propose a federal constitutional amendment limiting congressional terms, passed 16-13 after several senators warned about the risks of a constitutional convention and the lack of limits on its scope. The House’s message on adjournment was read, committee meetings for April 27 were announced, and members made personal privilege remarks, including birthday wishes and an announcement about the annual legislative charity softball game. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, April 27, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Jan 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
- Okay, tab 5, Senate Bill 572 on ethics for public employees.
- And it's considered a family unit.
- Please mark me in the affirmative for tab 5 and tab 9. Senator Grall, thank you.
- Please mark me in the affirmative for tab 2, 5, and 9 and in the negative for tab 3.
Summary:
The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met with a quorum present and first postponed SB 1650. The committee then heard and favorably reported SB 308, which implements the Florida Museum of Black History task force recommendations by designating St. Johns County as the museum site and creating a board to work with a supporting nonprofit. It also favorably reported SB 7020, which reenacts a public records exemption for certain Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services aquaculture and shellfish production records.
Members then considered SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability. The bill creates a presumption against liability for private businesses that follow updated cybersecurity frameworks and reporting requirements, and a similar protection for local governments that comply with state standards. An amendment was adopted to prevent local governments from imposing separate cybersecurity standards on vendors and to clarify vendor definitions and effective dates. The Florida Justice Association opposed the bill, raising concerns about local government immunity, the practical effect of the presumption for private entities, and retroactivity, while business and industry groups supported it. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended.
The committee also favorably reported SB 572, which updates ethics law to include legally recognized foster parents and foster children in the definition of relative; SB 1442, which revises the long-range program plan to require more specific performance metrics and agency-specific measures; SB 1106, which replaces references to the West Bank with Judea and Samaria in state agency and educational materials; SB 474, which revises military leave and related benefits for public employees and officials, with three amendments adopted; and SB 350, which revises public records protections for crime victims and law enforcement officers who are victims, including a 72-hour confidentiality period for officers in certain cases. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7032 as a committee bill to shift more fleet management responsibility from DMS to state agencies while preserving reporting to DMS. The meeting ended after members recorded additional votes and the committee adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands
- We find that expanding ADU units is going to help with affordability significantly.
- Senators, I'd like to skip to tab 5.
- Tab 5 is for us to consider an appointment to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
- Tab 5 is for us to consider an appointment to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.
Summary:
The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum and heard two bills, a confirmation, and two agency presentations. SB 48 by Senator Gates would require local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, preserve homestead exemption for the owner-occupied portion, limit parking restrictions, require 30-day minimum leases, extend density bonuses for military-family housing, and allow reusable tenant screening reports. The bill drew strong support from the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals and several others, and it was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call. SB 34 by Senator Sharief would expand the Historic Cemetery Program, particularly to help historic African-American cemeteries preserve and maintain themselves by allowing sale of excess vacant land only if proceeds are used for long-term upkeep; it also passed unanimously and was reported favorably.
The committee also recommended confirmation of Fox Henderson to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors by unanimous vote. In addition, the Department of Commerce presented on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and Rebuild Florida, describing more than $4.3 billion in HUD disaster recovery funds since 2017, housing repair and replacement efforts that have completed more than 5,200 homes, and infrastructure and mitigation projects across the state. Members asked about average project costs, contractor oversight, corrective actions for deficient work, and clawbacks from a prior vendor; Commerce said it had ended the earlier vendor relationship, imposed about $3.6 million in financial consequences, and now uses stronger oversight and competitive procurement for contractors.
The Division of Emergency Management then presented on Elevate Florida, a federal mitigation program that allows homeowners to apply directly for elevation, reconstruction, acquisition, or wind-mitigation projects, with a 75/25 federal-homeowner cost share and no state funds used. Director Kevin Guthrie said the program is intended to reduce repetitive flood losses, keep homeowners in their communities, and serve as a national model; he reported more than 12,000 applications, about 1,500 prioritized for review, 500 on a wait list, and 305 submitted to FEMA for final approval. Members asked about assistance for seniors who cannot meet the 25% match, the wait-list process, contractor selection, and the mix of project types, and Guthrie said contractors were selected through competitive procurement and that most projects are elevations, though some may become reconstructions or acquisitions depending on inspection results. The committee adjourned after the presentations.