Video & Transcript Research : 'workers comp'
Page 178 of 408
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Florida high school students who are registered or pre-registered to vote to volunteer to assist poll workers
- Go back and learn how poll workers work and what it takes to put on an election, and maybe actually generate
- interest so in the future they would be poll workers.
Keywords:
student volunteers, polling locations, election administration, community service, Florida statutes, ethics, public officers, employment of relatives, transparency, government accountability, campaign finance, child care, elections, fund usage, political candidates, candidate qualifying, federal office, election integrity, regulatory compliance, political candidacy
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and considered several election- and ethics-related bills. Senate Bill 572 by Senator Harrell, which would update ethics statutes so the definition of “relative” includes foster parents and foster children, received supportive testimony from the Commission on Ethics and passed unanimously. Senate Bill 414 by Senator Bracy Davis, allowing campaign funds to be used for campaign-related child care expenses, was presented as a way to reduce barriers to public service but was temporarily postponed after the sponsor said it lacked the votes to advance.
Senate Bill 500 by Senator Avila would require FDLE protective security details for major-party nominees for governor, lieutenant governor, and cabinet offices from nomination through assumption of office; members questioned the scope, definitions of major and minor parties, and whether taxpayers should bear the cost, and the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote. Senate Bill 620 by Senator Mayfield would require candidates for federal, state, county, district, judicial, and school board offices to disclose any non-U.S. citizenship or dual citizenship; testimony opposed the bill as stigmatizing dual citizens, but it was reported favorably.
The committee also approved CS for SB 92 by Chair Gaetz, which creates whistleblower-style protections for public employees who file ethics complaints based on firsthand knowledge and face retaliation, with support from the Commission on Ethics. In addition, the committee unanimously approved a block of gubernatorial appointments and then passed Senate Bill 564 by Senator Yarborough, allowing registered or pre-registered high school students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours; members discussed whether the bill would create new volunteer opportunities and whether the term “community service hours” needed clarification. The meeting ended with adjournment.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- ><01:19:15.400>
crisis health care providers, and crisis health care providers, and crisis workers - c> routinely<01:19:17.240>
work <01:19:17.480>with <01:19:17.680>victims workers - who routinely work with victims workers who routinely work with victims of<01:19:18.280>
abuse. - We are adding a member appointed by the National Association of Social Workers Vermont chapter to take
- National Association of Social Workers National Association of Social Workers Vermont<01:53:56.200
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional reading for St. Patrick’s Day, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of a resignation letter from Representative Hooper of Burlington. The letter said the House environment had changed significantly and that he was resigning before the next cycle, while thanking colleagues and urging bold leadership to address major problems facing Vermonters.
Members then received first readings and referrals for a large slate of bills. House bills introduced included measures on tax administration, hunting license fees, emergency management, oath and affirmation language in statutes, judiciary procedures, a Vermont homelessness response continuum, paperwork reduction, public utility subjects, municipal regulation of agriculture, miscellaneous agricultural subjects, and municipal permitting of ground-mounted solar arrays. Senate bills referred to House committees included vocational rehabilitation, home improvement and land improvement fraud, advanced metering infrastructure devices, water quality, and fair employment practices. Several other bills on the notice calendar were also referred to Ways and Means or Appropriations because they affected state revenue or carried appropriations.
The House adopted two concurrent resolutions on the consent calendar: HCR 214, honoring Irish-American patriots and their role in American independence, and HCR 220, welcoming the USS Vermont’s namesake visit and designating April 18, 2026 as USS Vermont Day. Members also offered announcements recognizing guests from the USS Vermont and related veterans’ groups, remembering former Representative Ken Harvey, and noting upcoming events such as March Madness pools, the Legislative Cabaret, a Rural Caucus meeting, and a NAMI Walks team.
On the floor calendar, H. 723 on posting of land was taken up, amended as recommended by the Committee on Environment, and ordered to third reading on a 10-0-1 committee vote. The House then began second reading of H. 757 on manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives; committee members described manufactured housing as a key affordable housing option in Vermont and said the bill would clarify how these homes are purchased, titled, taxed, and financed, while reducing costs and improving consistency for homeowners, lenders, and municipalities.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - Part 1 - 03/17/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- not included, the combination of details could reveal sensitive information about a neighbor, co-worker
- Asking a frontline county worker to make a determination about whether someone should be drug tested
- As I was reaching adulthood, my worker explained the extended foster care program to me.
- I never heard from my worker during this time.
- I sent this to my EFC worker hoping this would re-qualify me to receive my check.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And to the point of needing to fill these centers with workers, I know HPA just said it.
- <00:13:05.120>
I workers, I know HPA just said it. I workers, I know HPA just said it. - But I do need to point out that we use workers.
- Um and so that's the and workers.
- So, you've hearing this discussion about us struggling to get workers, staffing as an issue.
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 1525, which would appropriate funds to counties to open more voter service centers for in-person voting, provide money to the Office of Elections to print and mail the voter information guide to all registered voters, and support a public outreach campaign to increase voter participation. The Office of Elections supported the bill and estimated costs of a little over $2 million to print and mail the guide and about $178,000 for outreach, noting it spent about $441,000 on election advertising in 2024. Testimony from advocacy groups including Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Common Cause Hawaii, and Indivisible Hawaii strongly supported the measure, emphasizing access for neighbor island voters, people with disabilities, new voters, and voters who need ballot assistance.
County election officials from Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai provided comments or testimony that were more cautious. They said additional funding would be welcome, but staffing and logistics remain major constraints, especially for election-day service centers. Honolulu’s city clerk said funding alone would not necessarily solve long lines, while Maui’s county clerk explained that voter service centers require trained seasonal employees, extensive training, and the ability to handle many ballot styles. Maui also described its current pop-up sites, including Hana, as expensive but necessary for remote communities, and said the county is already running at bare minimum staffing.
Members asked questions about who decides how many service centers are opened, how staffing is handled, and whether there is a middle-ground model between the old precinct polling places and the current voter service center system. Honolulu explained that county clerks make those decisions under current law and that the county has tried pop-up sites in addition to its main centers. The discussion also noted that in 2024 most voters used vote by mail, while a smaller number used early in-person voting or final-day service centers. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (09/29/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- service worker, if there's anything<01:32:06.480>
that <01:32:06.719>the <01:32:06.880> - Does it just go to the case worker to find stuff to pay for?
- the case worker to find stuff to pay the case worker to find stuff to pay for?
- including training of our case workers including training of our case workers um<01:54:02.080>
- of over a the money as a as a worker of over a dozen<02:11:20.079>
years. - of over a the money as a as a worker of over a dozen<02:11:20.079>
Summary:
The House Finance Division 3 work session opened with routine announcements, including new and absent members, a tribute to former chair Rep. Jess Edwards, and an explanation that Division 3 is advisory and will make recommendations to full Finance. Chair Mooney also distributed a self-created index to the budget binder and reviewed the committee’s options under House Rule 45. Members discussed scheduling a future visit to the Veterans Home in Tilton, with several October dates unavailable, and the chair said she would circulate possible dates. The committee also reviewed the second-year budget context and sources of funding, including surplus monies, existing and new revenue streams, grants, reappropriations, and the rainy day fund.
The committee then took up several retained bills and repeatedly heard that their substance had already been addressed in the budget. House Bill 519, funding the Waypoint Youth and Young Adult Shelter, was moved ITL and passed 10-0. House Bill 547, county reimbursement funds, was also moved ITL and passed 10-0 after members noted the reimbursement had been included in HB 2. House Bill 570, repealing the prescription drug affordability board, was moved ITL and passed 10-0, with minority members saying they still believed the board had value but acknowledging the repeal had already occurred in HB 2.
House Bill 704, concerning caregiver respite and senior volunteer programs, received the most discussion. Mr. Ripple explained that most items were already funded or suspended in the budget, leaving only the senior volunteer grant program unfunded. Chair Mooney offered amendment 2963H to fund the RSVP program at $180,000 for one year, contingent on surplus funds, and DHHS witnesses explained that RSVP is a federally funded AmeriCorps program that would be added to existing state licensing structures. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was reported ought to pass as amended on a 10-0 vote.
The committee then heard House Bill 751, which would require licensure of outpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities and create an ombudsman-related complaint process. DHHS witnesses said the bill had been narrowed substantially from an earlier certification model with multiple positions and IT costs to a licensing model using existing department infrastructure, reducing the fiscal note to $211,000 for one position. They also said the ombudsman section was no longer needed because licensed facilities would fall under existing oversight. Members questioned how many facilities exist and whether licensing fees would cover costs; DHHS said it did not know the full provider landscape and that licensing revenue across the board does not cover the department’s costs. Rep. Daniels then proposed amendment 2964H to form a study committee because of the remaining questions and lack of a clear revenue stream, and the committee was still discussing that amendment when the transcript ended.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Our workers, teachers, child care providers, retail workers, and many others are struggling to find homes
- Our workers, teachers, child care providers, retail workers, and many others are struggling to find homes
- housing across New Hampshire our workers housing across New Hampshire our workers uh<04:48:59.080
- And I employ teachers and childcare workers.
- And I employ teachers and childcare workers.
Summary:
The House Housing Committee heard testimony on HB 577, a bill to expand accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in New Hampshire. The sponsor and supporters described the state’s housing shortage and argued the bill would make it easier for property owners to build ADUs by right, up to 950 square feet, either attached or detached, while still requiring compliance with building codes, septic/water limits, and other local requirements. Supporters said the measure would help seniors age in place, provide housing for young adults, caregivers, and workers, and make better use of existing property such as garages and barns.
Representative Reed raised concern that removing language related to short-term rentals could allow ADUs to be used for that purpose rather than long-term housing. The sponsor said he was open to clarifying language on short-term rentals, and another witness explained that current law already allows municipalities some choice on ingress/egress requirements, while the bill would standardize that and leave the design choice to the property owner. Several supportive witnesses followed, including the New Hampshire Home Builders Association, the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, the Business and Industry Association, AARP, Housing Action New Hampshire, 603 Forward, and New Hampshire Youth Movement. They emphasized affordability, property rights, workforce housing, intergenerational living, and the need for statewide consistency.
A Derry resident testified that his existing garage space could be converted into an ADU under HB 577, but current local rules prevent that because it is detached; he said the bill would let him rent it affordably. Supporters also argued that ADUs can increase property values and help homeowners cover mortgages and taxes. In opposition, the New Hampshire Municipal Association said the bill would impose a local zoning mandate, could add density pressure on already stressed infrastructure, and did not guarantee that new units would be affordable or workforce housing. No vote or final committee action was taken in the excerpt.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, January 14, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These are stories, these are numbers, that represent the American worker.
- Auto Workers.
- Auto Workers.
- Auto Workers.
- Auto Workers.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, December 16, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:28:46.960>
who our consumers but also our workers who our consumers but also our workers - Thousands of auto workers have and Ford.
- <02:46:54.240>
And workers, farmers, and manufacturers. - And workers, farmers, and manufacturers.
- putting American workers first again. putting American workers first again.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- They're not going to be adding workers. And so you really have to deflate.
- Um, overall GDP growth is half full. workers. And so you you really have to workers.
- Federal workers are all losing their jobs. Yes.
- for particularly for younger workers for particularly for younger workers >> and<01:29:37.600
- <02:32:21.840>
on dream to become um a federal worker on dream to become um a federal worker
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 3, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They want to destroy jobs and the American worker by unleashing unregulated technology that leaves the
- They want to destroy jobs and the American worker by unleashing unregulated technology that leaves the
- They want to destroy jobs and the American worker by unleashing unregulated technology that leaves the
- <04:57:01.080>
trapped <04:57:01.520>in encounter workers trapped in encounter workers - in protecting vulnerable workers and holding traffickers accountable.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation would classify funeral directors as public health workers, enabling them to receive
- Funeral directors are the first responders and end-of-life health care workers 100% of the time when
- Funeral workers qualify for vaccine priority because we are knowingly infection-facing and working in
- This legislation would classify funeral directors as public health workers, enabling them to receive
- We estimate that around 1,900 individuals are currently classified as funeral workers.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing on several vaccination-related bills, including proposals to eliminate non-medical or religious exemptions for school immunizations (notably H. 2554 and S. 1557), a bill to require or improve reporting and administration of immunization data and exemptions (described as the Community Immunity Act, S. 1618), and H. 2431, which would prohibit COVID-19, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccine requirements. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2463, which would classify funeral directors as public health workers for vaccine-priority purposes during emergencies. The chair reviewed testimony rules and repeatedly asked speakers to keep comments orderly and brief so the committee could hear as many people as possible. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Testimony on H. 2554 and S. 1557 was sharply divided. Pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, public health advocates, and groups such as the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Massachusetts Medical Society, March of Dimes, Massachusetts Families for Vaccines, and several parents supported eliminating religious exemptions, arguing that vaccination protects medically vulnerable children and adults, improves herd immunity, and helps prevent outbreaks of measles, pertussis, and other diseases. They cited local school data showing pockets of lower coverage and incomplete reporting, and several speakers referenced outbreaks in other states and the need for stronger, more consistent reporting and exemption management. Opponents argued the bills would infringe on religious freedom and parental rights, force families to choose between faith and education, and unfairly target a small number of families; some also said Massachusetts already has high vaccination rates and that the real issue is incomplete data or the gap population rather than religious exemptions.
H. 2431 drew testimony from supporters who said COVID-era mandates caused job losses, privacy concerns, and harm, and that the bill would prevent future requirements for COVID, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccines in schools, workplaces, and public settings. Supporters described personal experiences with alleged vaccine injury or mandate-related hardship. H. 2463 was supported by the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association, which argued funeral directors work in infection-facing settings and should be eligible for vaccine priority during public health emergencies. The hearing featured extensive public testimony but no committee action beyond hearing the bills and taking questions from members.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It increases the income tax credit available, uh, for employers to certain additional workers.
- It increases the income tax credit available uh for employers to certain additional workers.
- It increases the income tax credit available uh for employers to certain additional workers.
- It increases the income tax credit available uh for employers to certain additional workers.
- employers to certain additional workers. employers to certain additional workers.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- requirements for election poll workers requirements for election poll workers to<01:04:12.640>
- We have no doubt that election judges and election workers in Maryland polling places have done their
- working, and now you got a bus workers working, and now you got a bus driver<01:18:06.320>
coming - Um, Senator, this amendment says for the bus and election workers and the individuals responsible for
- <01:21:02.719>
and <01:21:03.440>the workers and the workers and the individuals<01:21:
Summary:
The Senate convened, confirmed a quorum, and heard several ceremonial recognitions, including an invocation by seminarian Benjamin Oler and a resolution honoring Taiwan’s ambassador, Alexander Ui Tore, for strengthening Maryland’s partnership with Taiwan. Senators also welcomed the day’s doctor, Dr. Larry Green, AFCEA Central Maryland chapter members, Chesapeake Bay Foundation student leaders, and Salisbury University students visiting for committee work.
On legislation, the chamber referred Senate Bill 995 on cannabis licensing, labor peace agreements, and collective bargaining rules to the Rules Committee, and a bond initiative for New Market Town Hall to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 241, which would automatically restore voter registration for individuals released from state correctional facilities; the committee amendments were adopted without objection, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading.
The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 323, the Juvenile Court Jurisdiction Youth Charging Reform Act. One amendment to keep first-degree assault in automatic adult charging was offered and debated at length, with supporters arguing the offense is extremely serious and should begin in adult court, and opponents saying the bill allows judges to make individualized decisions and aligns Maryland with other states and federal juvenile practice. The amendment failed by a 27-vote negative roll call. A second amendment from the minority whip sought to exclude firearm-in-drug-crime offenses and firearm use with felony drug convictions from automatic juvenile court treatment; the sponsor argued these offenses involve serious armed drug activity and should remain in adult court, while the bill’s supporters emphasized juvenile services and judicial discretion. The transcript cuts off before the vote on that second amendment.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 19 February, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the Workers' Compensation Commission. The Senate action is $6,416,102.
- This is the Workers' Compensation Commission. The Senate action is $6,416,102.
- This is the Workers' Compensation Commission. The Senate action is $6,416,102.
- ' >> Senate Bill 3069, appropriation Workers' >> Senate Bill 3069, appropriation Workers
- Workers' Compensation Commission. Workers' Compensation Commission.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, received an invocation from Reverend Kenny McGill, and approved dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber then spent a substantial amount of time introducing guests in the galleries, including local officials, electric cooperative and farm bureau representatives, a doctor of the day, and student groups, with repeated recognition of workers involved in storm recovery and other public service efforts. Senators also offered brief remarks of support for Senator Warren Barnett’s recovery.
The main business was the appropriations calendar. Senator Hopkins gave an overview of the budget process and projected FY 2027 general fund figures, noting that the Senate was still early in the process, had only considered Senate-originated bills, and was awaiting House bills such as education and Medicaid. He highlighted major budget pressures and items including university professor pay raises, agricultural unit increases, education enhancement funds, CAPEX projects, TRICARE funding, and a veterans home appropriation. He also noted that some bills were final passage while others contained reverse repealers and would go to conference.
The Senate then considered several appropriations bills. Senate Bill 3051, the Department of Finance and Administration budget and related agencies, was explained by Senator DeBar; it included reductions tied to vacancy projections, contractual and nonrecurring funding changes, and reappropriations for America 250, the Capital City Water Project, coronavirus fiscal recovery expenses, and Bureau of Buildings invoices. It was adopted and passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3052, the Governor’s Office and Mansion budget, was presented as final action without a reverse repealer, with funding reduced from last year due to the loss of federal GEAR and EANS funds; it also passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3053, IHL general support, included a $2,000 professor raise and a $20 million CAPEX item, with a total budget of about $1.673 billion; it passed. Senate Bill 3054, IHL subsidiary programs, was explained as having no dollars over LBR and a total of $87.8 million, with a reverse repealer; after a brief question about the university professor raises, it too was adopted and passed.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee, February 11, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I will say the other element is, um, uh, Senator Styets mentioned that she was a poll worker, and
- Um, I will say the other element is, um, uh, Senator Styets mentioned that she was a poll worker, and
- Um, I will say the other element is, um, uh, Senator Styets mentioned that she was a poll worker, and
- Um, I will say the other element is, um, uh, Senator Styets mentioned that she was a poll worker, and
- <00:43:36.720>
and mentioned that she was a pole worker and mentioned that she was a pole
Keywords:
voting, elections, electronic voting systems, transparency, public testing, voter registration, qualified elector, residency requirements, voting rights, mortgage modification, priority, electronic signatures, real property, financial covenants, 911 services, emergency response, grant funding, next generation technology, government accountability, public safety
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 04/03/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- represented by SEIU, homeare workers represented by SEIU, Minnesota,<01:09:54.239>
and <01:09: - Senator Maye Quade responded that there are 55,000 workers in this contract, but there are more than
- <01:13:23.520>
Um, estimated at about 55,000 workers. - Um, estimated at about 55,000 workers.
- members, the workers outside of the<01:15:35.920>
bargaining <01:15:36.560>unit, <01:15
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:30:48.000>
happened <01:30:48.440>with <01:30:48.639>this Public library workers - Public library workers are charged with a seemingly impossible task: serving everyone, the entire public
- Public library workers are committed to building bridges between neighbors and to providing opportunities
- are charged with a Library workers are charged with a seemingly<01:31:08.560>
impossible <01:31 - <01:31:40.000>
are unexpected Public Library workers are unexpected Public Library workers
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- seeking to treat healthcare workers seeking to treat them.<02:05:40.159>
Then, <02:05:40.400>< - The<02:25:41.200>
railroad <02:25:41.920>workers <02:25:42.560>who <02:25:42.800> helped <02:25:43.120>build The railroad workers who helped build The railroad workers- The<02:25:47.040>
farm <02:25:47.439>workers <02:25:48.319>who <02:25:48.640> - organized<02:25:49.280>
for The farm workers who organized for The farm workers who organized
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-11 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This streamlines it and makes it easier for poll workers. ...come with varying identification cards.
- This streamlines it and makes it easier for poll workers to verify identities at the polls.
- Senator Grohl: The signature and photo may match the person that is in front of the poll worker, and
- And so if that's the case, the poll worker is going to allow them in to vote.
- Obviously, a poll worker would be able to tell they're not old enough to vote.
Summary:
The Florida Senate convened with a quorum, opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and heard several member introductions recognizing guests, interns, public servants, and a resolution honoring Indiana University quarterback Fernando Mendoza for winning the Heisman Trophy. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and took up a series of bills, with some measures temporarily postponed and others advanced after brief debate and, in several cases, substitution of House companions for Senate bills.
The first major bill passed was CS/CS/HB 355 on health care patient protection, which requires hospitals with emergency departments to have pediatric emergency care policies, training, equipment, and a designated pediatric coordinator; it passed 36-0. The Senate also passed CS/HB 1113 on public records, expanding confidentiality protections for victims and temporarily protecting the name of a law enforcement officer who becomes a victim in the line of duty; it passed 33-4. CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity was amended to place the program under the Florida Digital Service and to adjust grant timing, then passed 37-0. CS/CS/HB 925 on clerks of court passed 38-0 after amendments affecting revenue retention, legal notices, traffic citation distributions, and municipal fee sharing. CS/CS/HB 679 on trademark registration modernization and CS/CS/HB 589 on septic permit timing also passed unanimously.
The most extensive debate centered on CS/CS/HB 991 / SB 1334, an elections bill that would use Real ID data to verify citizenship, change voter ID rules, alter candidate qualifying requirements, and revise election administration procedures. Senators offered and debated numerous amendments on documentation fees, senior exemptions, human review versus automated systems, student and retirement-center IDs, and effective dates; most were defeated, though one amendment adding stock-trading disclosure language for candidates was adopted. The bill’s sponsor cited election-crimes reports and specific prosecutions involving non-citizens as justification for the measure, while opponents argued it could disenfranchise eligible voters, especially students and seniors. The transcript ends during continued questioning and debate on that elections bill, before final disposition is shown.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 28 January, 2026; 8:15 AM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- We would also need to continue using the ladders for youth service workers, food service workers, and
- We would also need to continue using the ladders for youth service workers, food service workers, and
- We would also need to continue using the ladders for youth service workers, food service workers, and
- We would also need to continue using the ladders for youth service workers, food service workers, and
- We would also need to continue using the ladders for youth service workers, food service workers, and
Summary:
The committee heard a budget presentation from the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), including its consolidated tourism and agency request. MDA said it has had strong recent results, citing about $65 billion in capital investment since 2020, roughly 25,000 jobs, record tourism, clean audits, and oversubscribed incentive programs. For FY27, the agency requested $26.4 million in general funds, level special-fund operating support, restoration of eight pins reduced in the LBR process, and several general-fund increases for a career ladder, a new HR system, training, and operating costs. MDA also discussed a $1.25 million request for America 250 activities, including a Mississippi event and participation in the National Mall “Great America State Fair,” plus an energy accelerator program tied to the governor’s energy initiative and a broader three-tier energy preparedness strategy.
MDA also explained its incentive refill requests, saying it was not seeking additional funding for the ACE grant program this year and had shifted that support toward the governor’s port/rail/road investment fund and energy-ready sites. The agency highlighted a renewed request to restart funding for the small municipal and limited population counties grant program, which it said had previously helped smaller communities with water, sewer, downtown, and other projects. On tourism, MDA presented a breakout showing what the budget would look like if tourism were separated into its own department; officials said the current tourism budget within MDA is about $5.7 million in general funds and $7.9 million total, and estimated about $1.3 million in additional cost would be needed to stand up a separate tourism agency.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on criticism from Senator Wiggins that MDA has not delivered enough economic development for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He argued that constituents believe MDA does little for the coast and objected to the agency’s role in the GCRF and coastal projects, saying the coast has not seen meaningful results in years. MDA officials responded that complaints about uneven distribution are common across the state, that MDA works with local economic development partners rather than dictating project locations, and that it has helped support major coastal projects such as Relativity Space, Lockheed Martin expansions, PCC Gulf Chem, BWC Terminals, and AWS. The exchange also touched on the Port of Pascagoula and local leadership disputes, with both sides disagreeing over whether the port and the coast have been adequately supported. No votes or formal actions were taken in the excerpt.