Video & Transcript Research : 'blighted structures'
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ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So in terms of the timing, I know there's obviously a structure in place, but then they're sent to the
- comments along because invariably they will ask if there's a chance that that type of ownership structure
- Demolition or removal of a structure from a district would also be considered a decrease because it doesn't
- It's encouraging to note that the economics are more important than the tax structure.
- arguments every year with the Tax Foundation people because they ranked us so poorly with our tax structure
Summary:
The committee met to receive updates from the Tax Commissioner’s office on property tax relief programs and related compliance work. Commissioner Brian Croshys reviewed the Homestead Property Tax Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Primary Residence Credit, noting that the Homestead program expanded significantly after HB 1158, that some households are “adjusting out” of eligibility as incomes rise, and that the committee may want to consider indexing income thresholds. Members asked for additional data on bracket breakdowns, possible costs of eliminating income limits for seniors, and how many households are zeroed out by the combined programs. Croshys also discussed the simpler administration of the disabled veteran credit, the growth in participation, and the heavy workload and auditing safeguards built into the new primary residence credit system. He said the department found no material compliance findings and that the program is designed to be digital-first, with county auditors and the Tax Commissioner’s office both involved in review and notification. The committee recessed for lunch and later reconvened, with the chair noting that more detailed PRC information would likely be available at a September meeting.
Shelly Myers then presented the statewide property tax increase, or “zero growth,” report and the 2025 statistical report. She explained how county auditors report levy and valuation data, how increases and decreases are counted, and which jurisdictions showed the largest percentage changes in countywide, citywide, school district, and park district levies. In the statistical report, she summarized recent trends in assessed values: agricultural values remained relatively flat, while residential, commercial, and centrally assessed property values increased over the past five years. She also reviewed statewide tax levies by property class and clarified that centrally assessed growth figures were annual averages. Members discussed how shifts in land use and annexation can make it appear that tax burdens are moving from ag to residential/commercial property. Myers then summarized the interim study on the 3% levy limitation under HB 1176, saying most counties complied without budget changes, while some used hiring freezes, deferred purchases, or reserve funds; 23% of counties had to reduce levies, and the affected funds were mainly general, road and bridge, and weed control. She said 12 counties reported zero new growth in the data and that 35 counties reported not using all of their cap.
The committee also received an oil tax presentation from Croshys on the stripper well extraction tax exemption. He outlined the number of active stripper wells, the production and revenue implications of the exemption, and projections for future biennia under different tax scenarios. He said the exemption represents substantial savings to operators but also corresponds to production tax revenue that would otherwise be collected, and he emphasized that future outcomes depend on oil prices, well counts, and technology such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery. Nathan Anderson of the Department of Mineral Resources briefly answered a question about why Red River wells have a different production threshold than Bakken wells, explaining it was tied to completion costs and lateral length. The committee then heard from Charlie Gorecki of the EERC, who presented an analysis of typical Bakken well decline curves and argued that most oil is produced before a well reaches stripper status, but that keeping wells open and investing in refracturing or other interventions can recover additional production. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting; the main actions were receiving reports, asking for follow-up data, and scheduling further discussion for a later meeting.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- communities from juvenile gun violence, it's imperative that these types of crimes are addressed via structured
- I just think it's important for there to be a more structured environment.
- I just think it's important for there to be a more structured environment and accountability.
- state of California, unauthorized occupation of vacant lots and buildings is the leading cause of structure
- I'm the Chief of Police of the Riverside Police Department, and I'm also in a... structure fires and
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Energy Development and Transmission Committee Jun 2nd, 2026 at 09:00 am
Energy Development and Transmission Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- just like our oil and gas industry, which just turned 75 years this year, EERC are the physical structures
- just like our oil and gas industry, which just turned 75 years this year, EERC, are the physical structures
- There are representatives from Minnesota, South Dakota, and Manitoba, and we compare policies and structures
- There are representatives from Minnesota, South Dakota, and Manitoba, and we compare policies and structures
- So the advantage, if you're interested in the detail of this, the I, And structures.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Five - Tuesday, April 21
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That was Senate Bill 655, and it was a fairly significant structural shift.
- But today, our economy has changed, and our tax structure needs to reflect that reality if we want it
- everybody no matter what your income level is, and an opportunity to transform our state's taxing structure
- everybody no matter what your income level is, and an opportunity to transform our state's taxing structure
- Missouri's tax structure must evolve. Mr.
Summary:
The House first approved the journal for the 54th day by roll call vote, 117-5, after a prayer, pledge, and a long series of introductions of guests and school groups. The chamber then took up a motion from the Clay County member to reconsider perfection and adoption of House Committee Substitute for House Bills 3283 and 3306, which was described as a precautionary step to send the bill back for legislative review because of possible conflict with current case law involving arbitration and court jurisdiction. Members supporting the motion said the bill protects first responders and should be tightened up before returning to the floor. The reconsideration motions and the motion to commit the substitute to the Committee on Legislative Review all passed, each by roughly 98-43 or 99-43 votes.
The House then considered House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 982, a sex offender registry bill. The sponsor said it would streamline Missouri’s registry by moving to a clearer tier-based system, standardizing who must register, reducing litigation exposure, and aligning state law more closely with federal SORNA requirements. The bill also included language allowing the Department of Mental Health to contract with the Department of Corrections for housing sexually violent predators, plus other technical provisions. After a small technical amendment correcting a typo, members asked about whether the bill would allow offenders to petition off the registry; the sponsor said it would make removal easier for those who meet the tier requirements. The House adopted the substitute 141-4 and then third-read and passed the bill 141-4.
The main floor debate centered on House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174, which would place before voters a constitutional change aimed at eliminating the state income tax over time and potentially broadening sales and use taxes to replace lost revenue. Supporters argued the proposal would shift Missouri from taxing income to taxing consumption, improve economic development, help attract businesses and workers, and give taxpayers more control over how they are taxed. They repeatedly described the measure as revenue-neutral and emphasized guardrails such as requiring any sales-tax expansion to be tied to income-tax reduction, done in the same legislation, and limited to a five-year window. Opponents argued the plan would raise taxes on most Missourians, especially lower- and middle-income families and seniors on fixed incomes, and would shift costs onto everyday goods and services, health care, and local governments. They also warned it could weaken funding for schools, hospitals, and other public services and noted that many witnesses and constituents opposed the measure. No final vote on the joint resolution was shown in the transcript excerpt.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Five - Tuesday, April 21
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That was Senate Bill 655, and it was a fairly significant structural shift.
- But today, our economy has changed, and our tax structure needs to reflect that reality if we want it
- everybody no matter what your income level is, and an opportunity to transform our state's taxing structure
- everybody no matter what your income level is, and an opportunity to transform our state's taxing structure
- Missouri's tax structure must evolve. Mr.
Summary:
The House began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by roll call vote (117-5), and a long series of guest introductions, including school groups, YouthBuild students, sorority members, interns, and former legislators. The chamber then moved to third reading business and took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 3283 and 3306. The sponsor explained the bill needed to be sent back for legislative review because of possible conflict with current case law involving arbitration and municipal authority. The House agreed to reconsider and then committed the substitute to the Committee on Legislative Review by recorded votes of 99-43 and 98-43, respectively.
The House next considered House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 982, which revises Missouri’s sex offender registry system. The sponsor said the bill responds to concerns raised after the 2018 registry overhaul and litigation, and would move Missouri from a hybrid system to a clearer tier-based structure, standardize registration requirements, address out-of-state offenders, and include related provisions on civil commitment housing, name changes, and carnival employees. Members asked whether the bill would allow offenders to petition off the registry; the sponsor said it would streamline removal for those who meet tier requirements and align the state system more closely with federal SORNA standards. The House adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 141-4.
The chamber then debated House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174, which would send to voters a constitutional change aimed at eliminating the state income tax over time and shifting Missouri toward a broader consumption-tax model. Supporters argued the proposal would improve economic competitiveness, attract businesses and residents, give taxpayers more control, and reduce reliance on income taxes that they described as burdensome to working families. Opponents argued it would shift costs onto lower- and middle-income Missourians, seniors, and people on fixed incomes, and warned it could raise sales taxes and reduce funding for schools, health care, and other services. No final vote on the resolution was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- assessment and the interest rate that the city is incurring in the bonds, or however else it might be structuring
- She asked whether the bill includes the benefit structure. a single year.
- includes the the the the uh<00:32:34.640>
the <00:32:34.960>benefit <00:32:35.440>structure - uh the benefit structure. uh the benefit structure. >> Repres.<00:32:38.159>
Thanks.
Keywords:
microenterprise home kitchen operation, cottage food, home-based food business, home kitchen license, homemade food, prepared food, food entrepreneur, small food business, cottage food law, food safety training, ServSafe, food handler license, agriculture department, Minnesota food law, residential kitchen, local zoning, consumer labeling, allergen labeling, unpasteurized juice, time/temperature control for safety food
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- conduct extended operations here, they should do so in a way that respects Minnesota's laws and fiscal structure
- conduct extended operations here, they should do so in a way that respects Minnesota's laws and fiscal structure
- laws and so in a way that respects our laws and our<00:37:37.040>
fiscal <00:37:37.440>structure - our fiscal structure. our fiscal structure.
Keywords:
taxation, income tax, damage awards, sexual harassment, abuse claims, immigration enforcement, taxpayers, file income tax return, Minnesota-source income, tax regulations, detention facilities, gross revenues, private prisons, Minnesota law, 1183, house
Summary:
The committee first approved the March 3, 2026 minutes and then laid over House File 3611 for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill. Representative Finke described HF 3611 as creating a state income tax withholding deduction for damages awarded to individuals in lawsuits against federal agents such as ICE or CBP, including emotional and financial awards. There was no public testimony or member discussion on the bill before it was laid over.
The committee then took up House File 3909, which Representative Hansen said would impose a 50% tax on the gross receipts of detention centers operated by private nongovernmental entities. Hansen argued the measure would recapture public money, deter what he characterized as misuse of taxpayer dollars, and target profits made by private detention contractors such as GEO Group and CoreCivic. He also cited projected revenues and profits for those companies and said the bill was a response to human rights and civil rights concerns tied to private detention operations.
Testimony on HF 3909 included support from Nancy Fitz Simmons, a Minnesota State University, Mankato social work professor, who said social workers see the effects of these issues across the state and that the bill could return money to Minnesotans in need. Representative Swedzinski opposed the bill’s impact on the Appleton facility and emphasized local jobs and economic opportunity, while Representative Lee said Minnesota should seek better economic options than jail-related work. Representative Holland supported the bill as a way to offset costs to families and the state from detentions and deportations. Representative Weiner questioned the bill’s revenue potential and criticized the 50% gross-receipts tax as politicizing taxes. Representative Hansen responded that similar proposals were being explored in Washington and California and that the bill was intended to stand up to large corporate interests. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-26 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to lines 119 through 126 in the bill, with a particular focus on where it reads, 'enforces rate structures
- and other policies,' sorry, the commission to develop and enforce rate structures and other policies
- So really, the onus is certainly on the utility to know what that financial structure looks like when
- So really the onus is certainly on the utility to know what that financial structure looks like when
- They're not incorporated in our power structure as yet, but it's something we should think about, particularly
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, several introductions, and an announcement that there would be no conference that weekend. The chamber then took up a long special order calendar and passed a series of bills, often by substituting House companions. Early measures included trust law modernization to create a nonjudicial trustee discharge process, military affairs changes expanding leave and retirement-related provisions, a bill to prepare for the end of penny use by standardizing cash rounding, and a podiatric medicine bill regulating cellular or tissue-based products and informed consent. The Senate also approved veterans court expansion, RV park assessment clarification, alcohol-loss tax deduction authority, bail bond and pretrial release revisions, and a military-installation jurisdiction bill to allow juvenile cases on bases to be handled in state juvenile court under certain conditions. Most bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously, with the bail bond bill passing 36-1 after questions about charitable bail bonds and confirmation that existing law on return of charitable bail funds would remain unchanged.
The chamber then paused for a lengthy farewell presentation honoring Senator Lori Berman, featuring a video, remarks from many senators, and Berman’s own closing speech reflecting on her 16 years of service, her legislative priorities, and her call for civility, bipartisanship, and continued support for issues such as school safety, Israel, anti-Semitism, and affordability. After the tribute, the Senate resumed and passed additional bills, including one expanding insurance coverage definitions for portable electronics and eyewear, a workforce and nursing education funding bill broadening support for health science programs, a recovery residences regulatory streamlining bill, a felony battery enhancement bill adding resisting an officer with violence as a qualifying prior offense, and a child welfare bill extending visitor thresholds in out-of-home placements, making the Step Into Success program permanent, and creating a best-practices program. The chamber also advanced a candidate qualification bill tightening party-affiliation requirements and adding a House provision on recent legal name changes; debate began on that measure as the transcript ended.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I personally would be supportive of an administrative structure that limited and... ...supportive of
- an administrative structure that limited and equalized the number of bills, so all of our members had
- It's an attempt to identify structural areas in the system where there are gaps, where parts of the existing
- But at least this is structured to have an informed report about what that looks like.
- But at least this is structured to have an informed report about what that looks like, so that we have
Keywords:
constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, legislative session, even-numbered years, New Mexico Constitution, student behavior, physical restraint, seclusion, public schools, training, de-escalation, student safety, behavior interventions, criminal offenses, peace officer, Victims of Crime Act, law enforcement
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Indian Affairs Nov 13th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The way that the Zuni settlement worked, we structured it so that it's not going to be in conflict with
- engage and train them on how their projects need to be feasible, shovel-ready, and appropriately structured
- Get possibly more structure added for administration, so it's possible to...
- dance ground for ceremonies, and an outdoor area for the reintroduction of indigenous plants. and structures
- They are working on getting the structure in place, providing their volunteers to operate it while we
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House passes omnibus transportation bill, HF14, during 2025 special session 6/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The next budget is multibillion dollars structurally. a definitive answer um on on a on a a definitive
- c> dollars The next budget is multibillion dollars The next budget is multibillion dollars structurally
- Structurally, structurally, deficit.
- The next budget is multibillion dollars structurally. Representative Niska.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Send a message that Texas is closed for opportunity, a structure that brought definition to bear. appeal
- This bill does not sufficiently address corporate ownership. ...entities or corporate ownership structures
- commission would be able to provide these items and give the legislature the tools we need to have a structured
- We would recommend looking at the structure of other statutes we already have that allow civil investigative
- So, House Bill 5010 seeks to provide a respectful and structured framework to memorialize victims of
Bills:
HB256, HCR19, HB256, HB1308, HB1554, HB1743, HB2308, HB2351, HB2858, HB3676, HB3784, HB4312, HB4552, HB4823, HB4852, HB5007, HB5010, HB5520, HB5524, HCR19
Keywords:
severe weather, adaptation plan, vulnerability assessment, environmental protection, state agencies, federal agents, transparency, law enforcement, identification, public trust, immigration enforcement, HCR 19, Texas concurrent resolution, federal immigration enforcement, masked agents, facial coverings, visible identification, uniforms, badges, name tags
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation right-sizes the for routine violations of the permitting structure for the use of aircraft
- I intend to offer a committee substitute to create a more nuanced bracket structure for events held in
- The unique needs of smaller communities, especially in West Texas, are addressed by refining the structure
- The amendment provides clarity and structure, allowing for more inclusive participation for municipalities
- They do an amazing job, and I would like to work with them and structure it so that they would become
Bills:
HB2385, HB3349, HB3962, HB3883, HB4396, HB4811, HB5088, HB4588, HB4867, HB4895, HB5398, HB5616
Keywords:
NRA, funding, major events reimbursement, annual meetings, exhibits, events trust fund, Pan American Games, Olympic Games, motor sports racing, local control, event support contract, INDYCAR, Arlington, tourism, funding eligibility, sporting events, economic impact, local governments, American Performance Horseman, American Rodeo
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- this opportunity, but also for our credential program providers in incorporating this into how they structure
- professional learning opportunities that support them and our students, with particular emphasis on the structures
- professional learning opportunities that support them and our students, with particular emphasis on the structures
- can't remember what program specifically, but I think in the past sometimes these programs were structured
- Sometimes these programs were structured where, rather than having a specific subject shortage, it would
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance heard an extended discussion on state efforts to recruit, prepare, and retain teachers, with a focus on whether current programs are sustainable and well targeted. Testimony from the Learning Policy Institute, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Department of Education, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office described persistent shortages, especially in special education, math, science, bilingual education, and high-need schools. Speakers emphasized that residency programs, Golden State Teacher Grants, National Board incentives, classified employee pathways, and undergraduate teacher pipelines have helped increase preparation and retention, but many of these efforts rely on one-time funding and lack long-term certainty. Committee members repeatedly raised concerns about the “leaky pipeline,” working conditions, the burden of student debt, and whether the state should simplify and institutionalize support for aspiring teachers rather than rely on a patchwork of grants.
The agencies presented data showing continuing shortages and uneven distribution of fully credentialed teachers. CTC reported projected hiring needs of roughly 20,000 to 25,000 teachers annually, with the highest needs in self-contained classrooms, special education, and certain regions of the state. It also noted that emergency permits, waivers, and intern credentials remain high, and that teachers entering through those routes have higher turnover. LPI cited research showing residency-prepared teachers are more effective and more likely to stay, and argued that Golden State Teacher Grants attract candidates who might not otherwise enter teaching and help them complete preparation. CDE stressed that most new demand comes from attrition and urged support for multiple entry points, tuition assistance, and campus-based coursework. Several members also discussed the role of community college pathways, dual credentialing, and support for school leaders as part of retention.
The LAO recommended rejecting the educator pipeline proposals under discussion, citing limited evidence of effectiveness and suggesting that any new spending should be more narrowly targeted to the highest-need schools and long-standing shortage subjects. The LAO also said that if the Legislature funds new programs this year, Proposition 98 would be preferable given the state’s fiscal condition. Committee members pushed back on the idea that declining enrollment or layoffs would solve shortages, noting that shortages and layoffs can coexist in different subject areas and regions. The discussion ended with agreement that staff would continue working with agencies on how to make teacher pipeline investments more consistent, coherent, and easier for candidates to navigate.
The committee then turned to the Golden State Teacher Grant Program. Finance proposed $50 million in one-time General Fund support to extend the program for one additional year, while the LAO recommended rejecting the proposal because the first CSAC evaluation is not due until later in the year and because the funding would be non-Proposition 98. CSAC supported the extension, saying demand has been strong, over 20,000 aspiring educators have been served since 2021, and the agency had to pause applications after receiving more than 9,200 this year; it also said more than 2,500 candidates had already expressed interest for next year. Members asked how many students the new funding would serve, and CSAC estimated just under 5,000 awards at $10,000 each. The discussion also covered whether the grant could be moved into Proposition 98 and how the one-time nature of the funding affects confidence among prospective teachers.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Prasad and I are co-chairs of the governance structure for it.
- When we set that goal to get to 72, you know, moving from the 18 we have today, that will create a structural
- ><00:45:39.960>
will <00:45:40.200>create <00:45:40.480>a <00:45:40.640>structural - have today that will create a structural have today that will create a structural deficit<00:45:
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Mar 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We also changed the structure of the program from a lottery system to a jobs-based competitive application
- And right now we are fighting with our own structural deficit, the federal government, and we have...
- So that's, this is how the program was structured, and it's really working, and it's delivering on that
- With the proposed expansion of the credit, opportunities do exist to explore changes in the structure
- That's the way this tax credit is structured.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- we're entering our second year, we did notice that there is a revenue loss as a result of how it's structured
- we're entering our second year, we did notice that there is a revenue loss as a result of how it's structured
- is a revenue loss as a result of How is a revenue loss as a result of How It's<00:45:37.559>
structured - > so<00:45:38.319>
this <00:45:38.440>would <00:45:38.640>correct It's structured - so this would correct It's structured so this would correct that<00:45:39.680>
to <00:45:40.079
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Jan 15th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- different The six multidisciplinary and the two specialized each having a slightly different staffing structure
- The services and structure of CARD is in section 1004.55, regional autism centers.
- The services and structure of CARD is in section 1004.55, regional autism centers.
- I think we struggle with trying to understand sometimes how to exist within the structures that we operate
- I think we struggle with trying to understand sometimes how to exist within the structures that we operate
Summary:
The committee held its first meeting and received an overview of the Pre-K-12 education appropriations jurisdiction and base budget. Staff explained that education funding is driven largely by enrollment and per-student formulas, with most money coming from state and local sources. The presentation highlighted the major budget areas: early learning, the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), non-FEFP K-12 programs, federal programs, and the State Board of Education. Members asked about instructional materials funding and how scholarship students who return to public schools are counted and funded; staff explained that instructional materials remain in the base and that funding depends on survey timing, with districts ultimately funded through the enrollment count process.
The committee then reviewed federal IDEA funding for students with disabilities. Department of Education officials explained how IDEA Part B funds are split between state set-asides and local educational agencies, and noted that Florida ranked fourth nationally in total IDEA Part B funding and received a 95% state determination for meeting IDEA requirements. They also described the bureau’s responsibilities, including monitoring, dispute resolution, instructional support, and the Hope Florida unit for ages 3 to 5. Members asked for more information on student performance outcomes and how the state measures success beyond compliance, and the department agreed to provide follow-up data.
The final major topic was the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS), including associate centers, multidisciplinary centers, and specialized centers for deaf/hard of hearing and visually impaired students. Presenters described services such as child find, family support, assessments, professional learning, accessible instructional materials, and technical assistance. Committee members focused on whether families and schools have equal access to services across the state, how IEP disputes and reevaluations are handled, and whether more support is needed for parents, teachers, and rural districts. FDLRS representatives said they do not write IEPs but help connect families to districts, provide training and assessments, and support compliance and data collection; they also emphasized staffing and resource needs, especially for low-incidence disabilities and multilingual family outreach.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Moving on to technical assistance and the structure: in Cater, we truly cater to the providers and their
- And then moving on to technical assistance and the structure.
Summary:
The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities equity subcommittee met, approved the prior minutes, and heard a presentation from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Cater Center (Care Coordination Assistance, Training, Education, and Resources for Kids). Presenters Toria Haffey and Patty Loza explained that Cater provides training and technical assistance to MassHealth’s Cares for Kids providers serving children with medical complexity, with a focus on enhanced care coordination, family partnership, racial/cultural/linguistic equity, community resources, education systems, shared plans of care, and transition support. They described five e-learning modules, flexible one-on-one and group technical assistance, case review support, and informal virtual “cafes” for providers. They also noted the program has been operating for about two to three years and currently works with five hospital-based providers, including Boston Children’s, BMC, Tufts, NeighborHealth, and Baystate.
Committee members asked about the number of families served, the relationship to MassHealth, and whether the model could be expanded beyond Boston-area providers. The presenters said Cater does not track enrollment numbers because that is handled by providers and MassHealth, and they agreed there is room to broaden reach and improve data collection. Members suggested connecting Cater with regional disability and case management networks, the Health Equity Compact, ACOs, and DDS-related contacts. Questions also focused on funding stability amid federal Medicaid cuts and workforce shortages in family engagement roles; Cater said the work remains a priority for MassHealth, though funding is a concern, and acknowledged staffing gaps, especially for family partners with lived experience.
After the presentation, the committee discussed a NIH strategic plan for disability health research that had been circulated for future review. Because members had not yet read it, they agreed to place it on the agenda for the next meeting. The meeting then adjourned with no further business.
CA