Transcript Highlights:

• What we are basically talking about is that on expert-level professional benchmarks, the latest models
• What we are basically talking about is that on expert-level professional benchmarks, the latest models
• uh from researchers uh global benchmarks uh from researchers at<00:13:55.279> uh<00:13:55.519
• A chat, an AI agent instead, you could say something like, create a website for me, and it will spend
• A chat, an AI agent instead, you could say something like, create a website for me, and it will spend

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• IN AN EFFORT TO SET A BASELINE OF WHERE WE'RE AT TODAY I PASSED THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO SPEND
• SRL THESE SPEND THE MAJORITY OF THEIR TIME IN RAISE INTENSIVE SCHOOLS PROVIDING SUPPORT AND INCLUDE SITE-BASED
• AS WE SPEND TIME OUT IN SCHOOLS PROVIDING DIRECT EMBEDDED SUPPORT.
• EXPLICIT AND SYSTEMATIC INSTRUCTION IS OCCURRING AND THE TEACHERS HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT BENCHMARK
• AND PROVIDE ITEM LEVEL STATISTICS, NOT THE ITEMS THEMSELVES BUT THERE WAS AN ITEM ALIGNED TO THIS BENCHMARK

Transcript Highlights:

• Really, over the past few years, we've focused on small business as being the benchmark of our success
• Really, over the past few years, we've focused on small business as being the benchmark of our success
• They're going to spend a billion dollars and create 330 jobs in rural Okaloosa County.
• seasonal residents again who are visiting, but to the folks that are trying to get to and from work and spend
• Should I spend the money? Should I not spend the money?

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met to hear presentations from the Department of Commerce and the Florida Department of Transportation. Jason Mahon of Florida Commerce outlined the state’s economic development strategy, emphasizing Florida’s GDP growth, business formation, and strengths in manufacturing, high-tech, life sciences, defense, and financial services. He described the department’s tools for small business lending, rural investment tax credits, venture capital support, infrastructure and workforce grants, performance-based incentives, and disaster recovery loans, and highlighted examples such as ServiceNow, Williams International, Asteris, and Point Blank Enterprises. Senators asked about grant availability for small businesses, foreign companies relocating to Florida, workforce shortages in manufacturing, and whether additional tools may be needed; Mahon said most small-business support is loan-based and noted ongoing workforce and infrastructure challenges. Jennifer Marshall of FDOT then reviewed major transportation projects and the Moving Florida Forward initiative, describing the state’s large portfolio of active contracts and major congestion-relief projects across Florida. She highlighted early completions and accelerated timelines on projects including the NASA Causeway Bridge, I-95 at US 1 in Volusia County, I-4 congestion relief lanes, the First Coast Expressway, the Howard Frankland Bridge, I-4 interchanges in Central Florida, A1A coastal protection work, I-75 improvements in Southwest Florida, and the I-395 reconstruction in Miami. Senators asked about how express lane projects are selected, whether toll revenues are used for local maintenance and improvements, the status of the Miami I-395 project, and the impact of losing electric-vehicle express lane exemptions. Marshall said FDOT works with local long-range plans and congestion data, and that she would follow up on several specific funding and project questions. Committee members generally praised both agencies for project delivery, cost savings, and coordination with local partners. Senator Mayfield noted the importance of using savings and working with local governments, while Senator Wright commended Commerce’s role in economic development and FDOT’s work on major road projects. The meeting concluded with no further business, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• requires the program to submit and present an improvement plan, including nationally recognized benchmarks
• When a school falls below benchmarks and gets on probation, it has to do a lot of work to improve.
• The school falls below benchmarks and gets on probation. It has to do a lot of work to improve.
• supports naturopathic and conventional care can improve health outcomes, reduce unnecessary health care spending

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum present and took up several health-related bills. CS/SB 1110, covering Medicaid and insurance coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics, including activity-specific devices without lifetime or continuous-use caps, received emotional testimony from families and athletes describing high costs and the importance of access for children and adults with disabilities. Members voiced strong support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 1574, which would add biliary atresia screening to the newborn screening program using the existing birth blood specimen. The sponsor and a parent testified that earlier detection could prevent severe liver damage, transplants, and deaths, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 794, dealing with background screening for employees at residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities and a review of waiver support coordination, was amended to align with the House companion and then reported favorably after testimony emphasizing the importance of strong support coordinators for APD waiver families. Members then considered SB 162, requiring hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. Nurses and other supporters described surgical smoke as a serious occupational hazard, while the Florida Hospital Association said hospitals are already regulated in this area and the bill was somewhat prescriptive; an amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 254, which tightens oversight of nursing education programs, adds preceptorship and provisional licensure pathways for graduates awaiting NCLEX results, and increases transparency and accountability for low-performing programs, drew support from nursing advocates and opposition from private nursing schools concerned about workforce impacts; after amendment, it was reported favorably. Finally, SB 688 to reestablish licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors in Florida was heard with testimony both supporting expanded health care choices and opposing the bill over safety and scope concerns, and it too was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just going to spend a minute giving you a little perspective on the work of the foundation and then
• I'm just going to spend a minute giving you a little perspective on the work of the foundation and then
• This chart here shows that construction spending in manufacturing spiked by 70% in 2023.
• <00:05:15.759> in shows that construction spending in shows that construction spending in
• similar States giving helpful benchmarks similar States giving helpful benchmarks for<00:43:43.079

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the January 21, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Chamber Foundation on its report about Minnesota’s environmental permitting system. The presenters said the report was based on research by Barr Engineering and the Policy Navigation Group and argued that permitting delays can discourage investment and make Minnesota less competitive for manufacturing, mining, energy, clean tech, and other industrial projects. They highlighted that Tier 1 permits are generally issued quickly, but Tier 2 air and water permits often take much longer than the state’s 150-day goal, with some median timelines ranging from 419 to 771 days for Tier 2 air permits and similar delays for industrial water permits. The report also said Minnesota’s permit timelines were longer than peer states and estimated that reducing delays could increase annual output by $260 million to $910 million and support 960 to 3,400 additional full-time-equivalent jobs per year. Committee members asked about which businesses fall under Tier 2 permits, the economic impact of permitting delays, and whether the Chamber had discussed the report with the governor or MPCA. The presenters said Tier 2 permits typically involve higher-emitting facilities such as manufacturing, utilities, mining, and other industrial operations, and that the economic estimates were based on modeling rather than exact lost-job counts. They also noted that the governor had been briefed and that MPCA had been invited to the hearing but did not attend. The committee then took up House File 8, which Chair Heintzeman said is intended to improve permitting efficiency while maintaining environmental standards. He described provisions that would reduce the number of 60-day wetland application extensions, require MPCA to issue permitting efficiency reports twice a year, break out data on missed timelines by municipal versus industrial applicants, treat failure to meet the 150-day Tier 2 deadline as a final action subject to judicial review, and require quicker notice when applications are incomplete. He also outlined sections that would allow separate construction and operating permits, expand expedited permitting, and change environmental assessment worksheet petition rules. The bill was moved to be re-referred to the Labor and Workforce Development Committee, and the discussion began, but the transcript ends before any final vote on the bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• The change also enables physicians and other facility staff to spend more time with their patients instead
• Our goal is for Florida to set the national benchmark for this work by incorporating best practices and
• Our goal is for Florida to set the national benchmark for this work by incorporating best practices and

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive an update from the Florida Department of Children and Families on implementation of House Bill 7021, which revised the Baker Act and Marchman Act and was funded with a $50 million appropriation. Deputy Assistant Secretary Bill Hardin reported that the department has updated reference guides, training, administrative rules, and forms; launched regional behavioral health collaboratives; and created the Office of Children’s Behavioral Health Ombudsman. He said early data show continued declines in Baker Act use, high diversion rates from involuntary examinations through 988, mobile response teams, and care coordination, along with generally positive provider feedback on changes such as allowing psychiatric nurses to initiate emergency treatment orders and clarifying the 72-hour examination period. Hardin also described Marchman Act changes, including a streamlined petition process, remote testimony, improved discharge planning, and a new annual data report. He said the department has completed or is completing multiple training courses for providers and law enforcement, and has adopted or is finalizing numerous rules and forms. He reported that the regional collaboratives are identifying common statewide needs such as service capacity, resource sharing, funding flexibility, and peer support, while the ombudsman office is handling complaints and helping families navigate services. Members asked about whether the current funding is sufficient, future budget needs, outreach for the new ombudsman office, and services for juveniles. Hardin said DCF has posted legislative budget requests for additional forensic FACT services and short-term residential treatment beds, including children’s beds, and noted the ombudsman office is staffed with two FTEs and supported through existing complaint-management and regional systems. He said outreach is being done through regional collaboratives and coordination with other agencies, especially the Department of Education, and that juvenile transport and placement issues have improved with the new law. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• These communities rely on visitor spending.
• I spend a lot of time in Yuma.
• These communities rely on visitor spending. But here's the reality.
• I spend a lot of time in Yuma.
• So I spend a lot of time in Yuma. So go ahead, sir. All right.

Bills: HB2107, HB2588, HB2946, HB2950

Keywords: SNAP, nutrition assistance, fast food, vitamins, waiver, food policy, municipal planning, homeowner association, building permits, single-family home, property rights, design standards, development fees, municipalities, infrastructure, public services, annual reporting, property development, tourism improvement area, TIA

Summary: The Rural Economic Development Committee first took up HB 2950, which would allow governing bodies to approve tourism improvement areas to promote lodging and tourism as an economic development tool. Supporters from the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, Visit Yuma, and Visit Phoenix said tourism is a major economic driver, especially in rural communities, and argued the bill would give local areas a voluntary, industry-led way to market themselves, attract visitors, and support jobs without raising taxes on residents. Members discussed tourism in places such as Yuma and other rural destinations, and the committee voted 7-0 to give HB 2950 a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard a presentation on rural economic development centered on Lucid Motors’ investment in Pinal County and its partnership with Central Arizona College. Speakers from the Arizona Commerce Authority, Central Arizona College, and Lucid described workforce training programs, including the Drive48 accelerator, which they said has helped train workers for advanced manufacturing jobs and raised local incomes. The committee read proclamations recognizing both Lucid Motors and Central Arizona College for their contributions to job creation, workforce development, and economic growth in rural Arizona. Finally, the committee considered HB 2946, which would revise development fee requirements, including changes affecting the timing and administration of fees and a prohibition on charging development fees for accessory dwelling units. The sponsor and housing advocates said the bill was intended to help address housing affordability and give developers more predictable costs, while city and league representatives opposed it, arguing it would shift costs from growth to existing taxpayers and interfere with local infrastructure planning. After adopting an amendment that removed county-related provisions and made clarifying changes, the committee passed HB 2946 on a 4-1 vote with two members present, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section four requires agencies to maintain energy and water benchmarks and goals.
• It requires energy and water benchmarking and goals, which is also a best practice in commercial real
• Um it requires energy<00:15:31.199> and<00:15:31.519> water<00:15:31.760> benchmarking
• and water benchmarking and goals which<00:15:33.760> is<00:15:33.920> also<00:15:34.160
• <00:43:16.880> more is to come in with a bill to spend more is to come in with a bill to spend

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on federal spending.
• spending visitor. spending visitor.
• is the higher the higher spending. is the higher the higher spending.
• high spend.
• high level of spending. high level of spending.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they're spending a lot of time on process redesign and actually making sure that it's got all the
• We spend an enormous amount of time, I think, in a lot of these projects doing data cleanup, curation
• We spend an enormous amount of time, I think, in a lot of these projects doing data cleanup, curation
• As well, it gives us some statewide visibility and some benchmarking.
• They don't need to spend the time to do it.

Summary: The committee approved the March 26 minutes and then received a quarterly update on major IT projects from NDIT. Staff reported the portfolio included 116 major projects totaling about $546 million, with the overall portfolio under budget but slightly behind schedule. They reviewed projects over the 20% variance threshold, including an Industrial Commission grants management system and DOT’s roadway pre-construction replacement, and then heard startup and closeout reports from HHS, OMB, DPI, and DOT. Several previously troubled projects were closed, including HHS bed management, vital records modernization, and DOT roadway capital planning; some projects finished under budget and ahead of schedule, while others were significantly behind schedule or over budget but were now closed or being remediated. The committee also reviewed NDIT’s annual report, including service-fund financials, peer-state rate comparisons, records management, and customer satisfaction efforts. Members asked about how service-fund revenue and grant administrative charges are accounted for, how chargebacks work, and whether NDIT tracks customer satisfaction scores. NDIT said it does track CSAT-type measures in some service areas and has survey data, but it is not planning another customer survey this summer. Members encouraged more regular reporting of customer satisfaction, service-level metrics, and performance data to help guide future improvements. A major portion of the meeting focused on the state’s mainframe modernization effort. NDIT said the overall effort is still targeting about 2030, with multiple HHS and DOT projects underway and a $15 million tech-debt appropriation already removing some components. Staff described the main obstacles as data cleanup, complex integrations, limited staff capacity, retirements, and vendor constraints, and said they are seeking a vendor with modernization support in the next contract cycle. Members pressed for clearer accountability and faster progress, and NDIT and HHS emphasized that they are working jointly but need continued support and better tools. The committee then heard a cybersecurity update on NDIT’s statewide services and maturity assessments. NDIT explained that it provides vulnerability scanning, endpoint protection, security awareness training, threat briefings, and penetration testing, and that these services are tied to a cybersecurity maturity assessment based on CIS controls. Members questioned the sharp drop in participation since 2020 and whether the self-assessment should be mandatory or tied more strongly to StageNet access or insurance incentives. NDIT said participation is voluntary, but Enderf is now requiring annual assessments to keep a 4% insurance discount, and members discussed whether stronger requirements or audit authority may be needed. The meeting ended as the committee began a follow-up discussion on BEAD broadband connection costs and why some locations are much more expensive to connect than others.

Transcript Highlights:

• It uh it uh corrects a uh technical cross reference error and it adds a 25% threshold to the uh benchmark
• and it adds a 25% threshold to the error and it adds a 25% threshold to the uh<00:05:10.320> benchmark
• um of of fraud that must be uh benchmark um of of fraud that must be uh<00:05:13.919> recouped.
• So there's a requirement that the agency create a corrective action plan and meet the benchmarks in that
• So there's a requirement that the agency create a corrective action plan and meet the benchmarks in that

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll call that a benchmark.
• And then that benchmark is a very specific test, and it tells you the skills that those kids are lacking
• We'll call that a benchmark.
• That benchmark is a very specific test, and it tells you the skills that those kids are lacking.
• and then uh the the The Benchmark and then uh the academic<00:46:16.160> standards<00:46:17.160

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several education bills and first received a presentation from Paige Cash of Kentucky FFA/Kentucky Association for Career and Technical Education. She described the reach of CTE in Kentucky, saying more than 143,000 secondary students are enrolled in CTE courses, and highlighted work-based learning, dual credit, industry certifications, and student organizations such as FFA, DECA, FCCLA, HOSA, TSA, and SkillsUSA. She said CTE funding has helped update lab equipment, support teacher training, fund field trips, and expand participation in career and technical student organizations. Representative Wilson presented House Bill 132, which would address home hospital instruction reimbursement in cases involving short stays, particularly mental health placements that are often under five days. He said schools continue providing instruction even when they are no longer reimbursed under current rules. The committee advanced the bill unanimously after a motion and second, with the measure passing with an expression of opinion that it should pass. The committee then heard House Bill 272 on dyslexia, sponsored by Representative Heavrin. The bill would require KDE to annually update the dyslexia toolkit, require local boards to adopt policies for identifying and assisting K-3 students with dyslexia, require KDE to report district implementation data to LRC, and require teacher preparation programs to include dyslexia instruction. Members discussed whether the bill would require teacher diagnoses, how it would interact with existing IEP/504 and RTI processes, and concerns about added reporting and district burden. Supporters said many students are falling through the cracks and that earlier identification is needed; Representative Willner noted a shortage of school psychologists. The committee passed HB 272 with a motion and second, though several members voted pass and explained concerns about reporting burdens, red tape, and district costs. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 193, a dual credit cleanup bill presented by Joe Carol Ellis of KHEAA. She said the bill would consolidate the statutes governing general education dual credit and CTE/work-ready dual credit scholarships to match current funding practice and reduce confusion for K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions. The presentation was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a benchmark rate, and then insurers could go above and below that by a certain percent.
• I'd have to look back at old TDI reports, and to be extra clear, Representative, that was a benchmark
• Now, some people don't save their money; they go spend it, and then they're...

Bills: SB1642, SB1643, SB2530

Keywords: Texas Department of Insurance, commission appointments, insurance regulation, oversight, consumer advocacy, insurance rates, property insurance, commercial automobile insurance, rate approval, consumer protection, windstorm insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, administrative penalties, coastal counties, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, seeing the crucial benchmark at the end of third grade is... ...that the end of third grade is
• a crucial benchmark; legislation that would really tighten up our discipline laws, ensuring that expulsion
• And there was a time where I decided to spend my own money and decorate my classroom.
• It's also, I think, clear to all of us in this room how much money we're spending on this population
• funding streams for transition-age youth, and as was still said, we don't really know how much we spend

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Juvenile and Emerging Adult Justice held an informational hearing focused on diversion programs and services for high-risk youth, with no bills before the committee and no votes taken. The chair and members emphasized that the session was intended to hear from invited testimony and discuss how to strengthen diversion, reduce court involvement, and improve outcomes for youth. The committee heard first from the Office of the Child Advocate and diversion providers, who described the Massachusetts Youth Diversion Program, its statewide expansion to 10 of 11 court counties, and its reported success rate of about 80% completion without reoffending. Testimony highlighted that diversion keeps youth out of court, connects them more quickly to community-based services, and can address needs such as mental health, education, and substance use. Witnesses also pointed to racial and ethnic disparities in arrests versus summonses, regional variation in diversion access, and the need for clearer statutory authority, more funding, and broader use of pre-arrest diversion. Committee members asked about the difference between arrest and summons, who can initiate diversion, why arrest rates have increased relative to summonses, and how diversion might prevent harmful downstream consequences such as detention or immigration enforcement involvement. Witnesses said police, clerk magistrates, district attorneys, and judges can refer youth to diversion, and argued that local policy, training, and legislative changes could expand use. They also discussed the impact of detention on youth, including stigma, lost school time, and the lack of credit for time served in the juvenile system. Testimony from Citizens for Juvenile Justice focused on prevention, school discipline, and the school-to-prison pipeline, arguing for more restorative practices, better data, and legislation to limit suspensions and expulsions, especially for younger students and nonviolent conduct. They also raised concerns about DCF-involved and foster youth, who are disproportionately represented in the juvenile system. The final panel, the Children's League of Massachusetts and transition-age youth providers, shifted to child welfare and young adult supports. They supported reducing court involvement in child requiring assistance cases, expanding family resource centers, and strengthening services for transition-age youth leaving DCF or DYS custody. Providers described housing instability, homelessness, and the need for education, employment, behavioral health, and supportive housing services for young adults ages 18 to 23. Across the hearing, witnesses consistently argued that early intervention, community-based supports, and diversion are more effective than court processing or detention for most youth, and that the legislature can help through funding, statutory clarity, expanded eligibility, and stronger data collection.

Transcript Highlights:

• figure out kind of what that average is for the industry, and then we kind of look at that as a benchmark
• I mean, a lot of times the loans are like X amount under benchmarks. Why does it vary?
• I mean, it's so, I mean, a lot of times the loans are like X amount under benchmarks.
• One of the scoring criteria is spending performance.
• Okay, the DMR right now is on track for our biennium spending, as you can see.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met as the Regulatory Division of the budget section and received updates on several Industrial Commission-related agencies and programs. Legislative Council first reviewed base budget materials, then the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported on its current appropriation and staffing, noting that its new FTEs were being filled gradually and that it remained largely funded through special and federal funds. Agency leaders described homeownership lending, loan servicing, and housing incentive fund activity, including below-market mortgage rates, down payment assistance, and a growing servicing portfolio that has increased workload but not yet required additional FTEs. Housing Finance also detailed use of the Housing Incentive Fund and homeless grant dollars. Officials said the multifamily HIF round drew more than $73 million in requests and awarded $25 million, while the single-family program supported rural development and community land trusts. Homeless grant funding was split between emergency shelter, prevention, and rapid rehousing, with performance-based scoring used to renew or reallocate awards. Members discussed housing affordability, aging households, rental assistance, and the need to coordinate housing and site-preparation messaging with Commerce. The agency asked that HIF, single-family, and homeless funding be maintained or increased in the next session. The Department of Mineral Resources then presented its budget and operations update. Staff said the agency was on track financially, had filled most of its new reclamation FTEs, and was not expecting major litigation costs beyond normal late-biennium invoices. The director reviewed agency initiatives including Project North Star IT modernization, organizational restructuring, succession planning, rulemaking, and implementation of the development incentive well tax program and critical minerals rules. He also discussed oil and gas activity, explaining that longer laterals, especially three- and four-mile wells and the first five-mile spacing case, are helping keep production relatively flat even as rig counts ease. Members asked about gas capture, hedging, break-even prices, and the effects of Iran and Venezuela on oil markets. The committee also heard about enhanced oil recovery grants and the Pipeline Authority. The EOR program’s $25 million appropriation was fully allocated to six projects, with total awards reaching about $45.1 million when other fund balances were included, subject to a possible 5% reduction if federal DOE money does not materialize. Officials said the projects are public, reimbursement-based, and will produce results over the next several years. Finally, the Pipeline Authority outlined natural gas transmission projects, including the imminent Bakken Express line and the proposed Bakken East project, which WBI was selected to advance after an Industrial Commission RFI process. The project is moving through open season, survey permission, and regulatory work, with in-service dates projected for 2029 and 2030.

Transcript Highlights:

• How much does that spend a year?
• <02:00:04.920> that<02:00:05.079> money spending that money spending that money on<02:00
• Hampshire saves how much does that spend Hampshire saves how much does that spend a<02:02:26.880
• at the point where we have met those benchmarks and we're sending that back to U.S.
• at the point where we have met those benchmarks and we're sending that back to U.S.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have not updated our state benchmark plan since 2013, so it's, you know, going on over a decade old
• So we plan to create a new benchmark plan.
• we anticipate that the new Benchmark we anticipate that the new Benchmark will<00:40:16.400>
• plan which will be this Benchmark plan which will be excluded<00:41:09.240> Comm<00:41:09.599
• continues and I think getting spending continues and I think getting that<01:20:03.040> addressed

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this connection led me recently to acquire a property here where I intend to spend a significant
• labs to create the Quantum Frontier Project, making New Mexico the third leg of DARPA's quantum benchmarking
• You know, how much are we spending on this and that?
• You know, how much are we spending on, this and that?
• And then, as a result of the quantum benchmarking initiative, our partnership with DARPA, the last numbers

Bills: SB145, SB143

Keywords: auditing, financial reporting, state auditor, public agencies, capital outlay, compliance, federal audits, agriculture, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, fee update, regulatory fees, egg inspection, egg grading, egg dealer, pesticide control, pesticide registration, pesticide applicator, pest management consultant, plant protection, nursery license

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, so, teacher pay would be at 120,000 dollars if teacher pay had kept pace with per pupil spending.
• Uh, so, teacher pay would be at 120,000 dollars if teacher pay had kept pace with per pupil spending.
• What happened was people pupil spending.
• , These are not just academic benchmarks, These are not just academic benchmarks, these<00:42:43.720
• This means teachers will spend more than $20,000 each year until services are fully covered.

Bills: HF3119

Keywords: teacher compensation, educational staff, unlicensed staff, minimum wage, inflation adjustment, education finance, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The subgoals for educational benchmarks, that sort of thing, is a piece that we may need to consider
• So, to start saying K-12 benchmarks.
• If they meet those benchmarks, they will be able to make it in the post-secondary world.
• ,<00:28:30.800> they And if they meet those benchmarks, they And if they meet those benchmarks
• The amendment is adopted. benchmarks. So, benchmarks.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee discussed a higher education attainment-goals bill and several related amendments. Members first reached agreement on funding changes: one amendment redirected money for fraud-prevention software for MnSCU and $5,000 for trees in Bemidji, and another moved $570,000 for workforce development-related funding. Members noted the use of general fund dollars to cover a FIG shortfall and expressed support for addressing fraud prevention while also saying MnSCU should be made whole in the next biennium. Both amendments were adopted. The main policy debate centered on an amendment updating the statewide attainment goal and related P-20 partnership language. Senator Um Ruebain proposed returning the attainment goal from 75 percent to 70 percent, and members discussed whether the bill’s expanded reporting and coordination duties would create costs for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Nonpartisan staff and Commissioner Olsen said the Office of Higher Education and the P-20 partnership expected no costs, while DCYF’s fiscal note assumed reporting and staffing costs. After discussion, DCYF indicated it would absorb the costs, but some members still objected to expanding the partnership and creating additional bureaucracy. Members also debated whether early childhood and K-12 subgoals should be included as part of the attainment-goals framework. Supporters said aligning early childhood, K-12, and higher education goals is necessary to improve postsecondary attainment, while opponents argued the committee should focus on existing higher education goals and basic K-12 achievement. The committee ultimately adopted the Senate language on the attainment-goals section as amended, including the change back to 70 percent and revisions directed by staff to ensure the correct references were updated. The A12 amendment on pregnant and parenting students was also adopted earlier in the meeting.