Video & Transcript : 'nonemitting generation' :
Page 181 of 500
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- eligible for general obligation bonds.
- </c> to no longer assume future general to no longer assume future general obligation<00:09:04.320><c
- </c> that the full cost of the general that the full cost of the general obligation<00:09:11.200><c>
- </c> against the bottom line of the general against the bottom line of the general fund.<00:09:18.160
- </c> and so it's done once a year generally and so it's done once a year generally in<02:03:28.480><c
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- school in which they are generated.
- at the school in which they generated at the school in which they are<00:06:29.520><c> generated.
- </c> education of the students who generated education of the students who generated it.<00:34:48.480
- </c><00:35:38.960><c> compensatory</c> be generating compensatory be generating compensatory dollars.
- Who should generate these extra is. Who should generate these extra dollars?
Keywords:
charter schools, education funding, revenue calculation, general education revenue, special education, school library aid, education finance, school districts, funding eligibility, compensatory revenue, task force, free meals, school funding, education equity, HF2210, school unemployment aid, Minnesota Department of Education, general fund appropriation, unemployment insurance, unemployment claims
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EEP Public Hearing - Tue Feb 4, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:10:53.839><c> I</c> the Department of the Attorney General I the Department of the Attorney General
- I’m a fourth-generation Chinese and fifth-generation Japanese and Chinese.
- </c><01:27:14.320><c> fund</c><01:27:14.639><c> it</c> just a gen general fund it just a gen general
- Next, we have DCCA with comments in person. general Randall Nama I'm here on behalf general Randall Nama
- Equity everything we do has generational Equity everything we do has generational<01:46:49.239><c> equity
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1077, a governor’s administration bill to increase transient accommodations tax revenue and split it between two new special funds: a climate mitigation and resiliency special fund and an economic development and revitalization special fund for tourism/resort areas. Supporters, including the Governor’s Office, recovery and resilience staff, climate and conservation groups, and several state agencies, said the bill would create a dedicated, more reliable funding stream for wildfire mitigation, coastal resilience, land clearing, infrastructure, and community-led projects. Some supporters also urged changes to the bill, including moving the fund to DLNR, adding DHHL and OHA representation, clarifying community grants, and ensuring the fund can support both state-led and community-led resilience work.
The Attorney General’s office flagged a drafting issue, noting that the bill references fees deposited into the new fund even though the new chapter does not authorize fee collection, and recommended deleting that language or adding fee authority. The Climate Advisory Team representative also suggested adding DHHL to the decision-making body and requiring at-large members to have climate, resilience, conservation, or infrastructure expertise. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Kohala Coast Resort Association opposed the measure, arguing that the special fund structure does not meet statutory criteria, that the bill functions as a tax increase, and that the transient accommodations tax is not being collected equitably across all lodging types before any increase is imposed.
Other opponents, including tourism and lodging interests, warned that hotels and timeshares already bear most of the tax burden and that raising the TAT could hurt an already struggling visitor industry and drive tourists away. Supporters countered that current funding is far short of what is needed and that a dedicated revenue stream is necessary to address climate impacts now. Committee members questioned why the Legislature should cede spending decisions to a separate executive-branch process, and the administration responded that the bill is intended to create a transparent, recurring mechanism for funding priorities that can be adjusted over time. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Please identify yourself and proceed. then have the general fund then have the general fund uh<00:30:
- </c> general fund appropriation. general fund appropriation. um<00:31:15.039><c> which</c><00:31:15.360
- </c> capital investment committee general capital investment committee general fund<00:39:45.520><c>
- I'm the general manager of St. Vasi. I'm the general manager of St.
- </c> prohibitive through general prohibitive through general appropriations.<01:30:13.199><c> However
Keywords:
emergency shelter, grant program, homelessness, capital investment, Minnesota Statutes, appropriation bonds, public funding, housing, infrastructure bonds, funding, appropriation, Minnesota constitutional amendment, public debt, state bonds, general obligation bonds, information technology, IT infrastructure, software licenses, technology modernization, capital improvements
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee, February 17, 2026 - PM
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:10:59.760><c> significant</c> million or more, generate significant million or more, generate
- </c> answered my own question, general fund. answered my own question, general fund.
- And I think that another generation.
- , but for future generations as well.
- Thank you. but for future generations as well. but for future generations as well.
Keywords:
landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 119 May 13th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But generally speaking, I think we're okay...
- Nothing from this bill will impact the general fund.
- This bill doesn't rely on general funds to help.
- It is the only bill that we run in the general assembly with that we run in the general assembly with
- It would now go into the general fund if there are any damages. ...into the general fund if there are
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee Mar 17th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm generalizing.
- I'm generalizing.
- What I mean by this is that counties have a general fund; say in their general fund, they have a mill
- What I mean by this is that counties have a general fund, say in their general fund, they have a mill
- So, just some general takeaways.
Summary:
The committee met to continue its tax reform and relief study agenda, approved the December 3, 2025 minutes, and announced a new subcommittee to examine property tax statement issues with counties, auditors, and the tax office. Representative Headland was named chair, Senator Rummel vice chair, and Representatives Dressler and Dr. Dr. and Senator Patton were also assigned. The chair noted the group may need an additional meeting and thanked staff and attendees.
A major portion of the meeting focused on economic development incentives. The Department of Commerce presented on the Renaissance Zone program and TIF districts, describing Renaissance Zones as locally tailored tools that combine local property tax relief with state income tax incentives. Commerce said the program has supported thousands of projects since 1999 and cited examples from Beach and Mandan showing increases in property and taxable value, business retention, housing, and downtown revitalization. Committee members raised concerns that smaller rural communities often lack the staff and expertise to apply, and Commerce said it provides outreach through conferences, office hours, and one-on-one assistance. League of Cities and local officials from Bismarck and Ellendale echoed the capacity issue, discussed how the programs have worked in their communities, and suggested possible reforms or more targeted support for small towns. Ellendale’s mayor also described two TIF districts, one for industrial infrastructure in Oaks and one for housing infrastructure tied to a data center project in Ellendale.
The committee then turned to stripper oil taxation. The Tax Department gave a comparison of oil and gas tax structures in selected states, noting that most have some form of stripper or marginal well provision, while Alaska does not appear to have a specific stripper-well exemption. Members asked for more detail on definitions and North Dakota’s annual adjusted rate. The Department of Mineral Resources followed with a detailed presentation on North Dakota stripper wells, explaining the statutory thresholds, the 12-consecutive-month production test, and the fact that once a well qualifies it remains on stripper status even if production later rises. DMR said about 11,332 stripper wells are active, representing roughly 54% of wells and about 16% of state production, and emphasized that stripper status can extend well life, preserve tax revenue, and reduce orphaned wells. Committee members and industry witnesses discussed refracs, the economics of keeping marginal wells active, and the competitive disadvantage created by North Dakota’s oil price discount. No votes were taken on these informational items.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- of $1.1 billion of these new General Fund costs.
- , a net increase of 1.1 billion of these new general fund costs.
- Every dollar generates up to $1.80 in economic activity.
- And that's because most of that cost falls on the general fund.
- H.R. 1 was the biggest transfer of wealth we've seen in generations.
Summary:
The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on California’s safety net, focusing on Medi-Cal and CalFresh. The chair and vice chair framed the discussion around major federal changes to work requirements, eligibility redeterminations, immigrant eligibility, and financing rules, while noting the state’s own structural budget deficit and the need for a second hearing later in March on county and safety-net impacts. The first panel included the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Department of Finance, the UC Berkeley Labor Center, and the Food Research and Action Center.
LAO and Finance described H.R. 1 as driving major enrollment losses and cost shifts. LAO estimated that Medi-Cal work requirements and six-month redeterminations could affect 3.5 million people, with 1 to 2 million potentially disenrolled, while CalFresh changes could subject more than 800,000 people to work requirements and cause over 600,000 to lose food assistance. They also highlighted new ineligibility for certain non-citizens, reduced federal matching for emergency Medi-Cal services, tighter provider tax rules, and higher state and county administrative costs for CalFresh. Finance said the governor’s budget reflects about $1.4 billion in new General Fund costs in 2026-27 and a $2.4 billion reduction in federal funds, with larger out-year impacts and up to 2 million Medi-Cal disenrollments by 2029-30.
The UC Berkeley Labor Center projected up to 3 million Californians could lose full-scope Medi-Cal by 2028 when H.R. 1 is combined with state budget changes, though it said the state could limit losses by choosing not to apply some new requirements to state-funded populations and by keeping some immigrants in full-scope state-funded coverage. The Food Research and Action Center argued that CalFresh cuts and time limits would increase hunger, homelessness risk, and health costs, while also hurting local economies and increasing administrative burden. Committee members from both parties questioned the fiscal sustainability of Medi-Cal growth, the 11% CalFresh error rate and possible $2 billion penalty, county indigent care costs, and the effect of work requirements; several Democratic members argued the federal changes and state cuts would disproportionately harm low-income Californians, immigrants, and communities of color, while Republican members emphasized program growth, work incentives, and the need for budget restraint. No votes were taken in the portion provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- General, and Erica Connolly, Deputy Attorney General, to answer any technical questions.
- Attorney General Rob Bonta, who is the proud sponsor.”
- I'm a deputy attorney general at the California Department of Justice.
- We are moving to a more statewide system generally.
- We are moving to a more statewide system generally.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion.
AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes.
The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Seven - Tuesday, April 7
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I think, in general, most cereals will be off the table.
- These fees generate about $3.4 million a year.
- The wholesaler makes money generally in this way.
- Generally, we duck and cover, or generally...
- Generally, we duck and cover, or generally, these things are learned about when you hear gunshots in
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:03:53.599><c> population</c> the 30% of the general population the 30% of the general population
- I'm the deputy general counsel for the Speaker of the House. >> Thank you.
- I'm the deputy general counsel for the Speaker of the House. >> Thank you.
- House of deputy general counsel for the House of Representatives.
- that generated that concluded that Thank<00:31:16.799><c> you.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy. (2-11-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:15:58.240><c> I</c> They're actually building a generator I They're actually building a generator
- And those are more of the Generation 3, maybe 3-plus reactors.
- </c><00:45:02.400><c> public</c> kind of explain to the general public kind of explain to the general
- </c><00:45:57.920><c> assembly</c> action by the general assembly action by the general assembly to<00
- We can we in the general assembly here.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/10/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Members of the committee, I can give you some general numbers.
- So there's one general way that that happens.
- “So, it occurs to me that even though the Attorney General...”
- This would generate $28 million in ongoing transportation investment.
- It doesn't get deposited into the general fund. Okay, thank you.
Bills:
SB1072, SB1111, SB1114, SB1116, SB1122, SB1179, SB1250, SB1308, SB1455, SB1456, SB1457, SB1487, SB1547, SB1549, SB1551, SB1552
Keywords:
reimbursement rates, intellectual disabilities, community services, economic security, funding appropriations, automated license plate readers, law enforcement, privacy, data access, public records, behavioral health, patient brokering, appropriation, state funds, Maricopa County, claims review, medical necessity, American Indian health program, healthcare regulations, healthcare
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (10/02/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> or their um general fund appropriation. or their um general fund appropriation.
- be reduced to $4 million over the general fund.
- be reduced to $4 million over the general fund.
- </c><01:05:55.280><c> fund</c> budget that would go to the general fund budget that would go to the general
- So by pushing the date out to the next biennium, there's no impact on the general fund. general fund
Summary:
The committee opened a work session on 17 retained bills and moved through several measures, often with motions to ought to pass or inexpedient to legislate. House Bill 54, allowing alternative treatment centers to operate for profit, was supported as a way to improve efficiency and potentially lower costs for medical cannabis users, and it was recommended OTP by a 9-0 vote. House Bill 97, an appropriation for wastewater infrastructure, drew mixed views: supporters said the Senate’s reduced funding still met the bill’s intent, while opponents argued the funding was inadequate for critical infrastructure needs; the committee voted 5-4 to ITL. House Bill 111, extending the Right to Know Ombudsman and exempting certain assistance from unauthorized practice of law, was recommended ITL 9-0. House Bill 197, concerning state payment of a portion of local retirement contributions, was discussed as a recurring issue; members noted an amendment could fund it starting in fiscal 2027, but the committee ultimately voted 5-4 to recommend the bill itself rather than ITL. House Bill 215, requiring landfill permit applicants to submit a harms-and-benefits report, was amended to narrow its scope to future privately owned landfills only; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed 9-0. House Bill 216, on workers’ compensation credit toward retirement service, was ITL’d 9-0 after the sponsor said the proposal was too open-ended and could affect unknown numbers of people.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Select Committee on Older LGBTQ+ Californians Apr 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And the comparisons to sort of the generation before, when you might call the silenced generation and
- the invisible generation before, even before that from the 20s on.
- Without naming, systems default to generalization, and generalization often leads to exclusion.
- of a historic cohort, the first generation to age with HIV.
- These are generations that are accustomed to much more direct, formal language and not generally saying
Summary:
The Select Committee on Older LGBTQ Californians held an inaugural hearing focused on the health care and support landscape for older LGBTQ Californians, including people aging with HIV and transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex seniors. Opening remarks emphasized the long history of discrimination faced by older LGBTQ adults, the growth of the aging LGBTQ population, and the need to translate existing state commitments into concrete services. Senators highlighted concerns about nursing home vulnerability, the aging of people living with HIV, and the impact of federal actions and Medicaid cuts on California’s safety net.
The first panel featured Justice in Aging, CalHHS, the Department of Aging, and the Aging and HIV Institute. Testimony described widespread inequities, including discrimination, social isolation, economic insecurity, and gaps in culturally competent care. State officials outlined the Master Plan for Aging, the first statewide survey of LGBTQIA older adults, gender-affirming care protections in Medi-Cal, and efforts to improve coordination across departments. Advocates argued the state has been too slow to respond to federal threats and that services are often hard to find or fragmented. Committee members pressed the departments on how survey findings are being turned into action, how rural and underserved communities are being reached, and whether more formal stakeholder coordination or “no wrong door” access systems are needed.
The second panel focused on seniors living with HIV. A long-term survivor gave emotional testimony about the “survivorship penalty,” loss of benefits, housing insecurity, and the need for legal and navigation support, housing assistance, and protection from outdated disability standards. The Department of Aging reported on implementation of SB 258, which added HIV status to the definition of greatest social need for area agencies on aging; it said 20 of 33 area plans now identify HIV as a target population and many include specific strategies, such as LGBTQIA mental health connections programs. The Office of AIDS described Project Cornerstone, Ryan White, ADAP, HOPWA, the Medi-Cal waiver, and PrEP-AP, noting these programs serve thousands of older clients and rely on whole-person case management. Case management testimony underscored persistent needs for medication subsidies, transportation, food, and housing. Committee members questioned how ADAP rebate funds might be used, how SB 258 is enforced across local agencies, and how to reduce administrative barriers and auto-connect eligible people to benefits.
The final panel began with the Department of Social Services outlining protections for TGI seniors in licensed care facilities, including SB 219’s nondiscrimination requirements and related provider notices and resident rights materials. The hearing remained focused on identifying service gaps, improving coordination across aging, health, and social service systems, and ensuring state programs better reflect the lived experience of older LGBTQ Californians.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And then my parents' generation were punished for speaking French.
- Andrews, General Counsel, to share some insight. Thank you.
- I'll just have a general question.
- In general, I just wanted to be sure everyone understood.
- I think in general, it does not limit it to just maintenance, but...
Bills:
HB12, HB42, HB205, HB222, HB324, HB325, HB350, HB416, HB482, HB610, HB749, HB797, HB807, HB821, HB979, HB992, HB1193
Keywords:
survivor benefits, law enforcement, reserve officer, auxiliary officer, public safety, phased retirement, Teachers Retirement System, faculty retention, administrative fees, public postsecondary education, Medicaid, dental coverage, healthcare access, medical necessity, Louisiana Department of Health, judicial salaries, judges, judiciary compensation, cost of living adjustment, COLA
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Single-sex facilities... ...holds a multi-generational understanding of protecting women and girls.
- For generations, these spaces have been separated by sex because dignity, For generations, these spaces
- Tell us who you are, where you live generally, and what you think about this bill.
- We are proud, fourth-generation Idahoans and the parents of three remarkable sons.
- And I have an attorney general representative in the room to answer questions if you have them.
Summary:
The committee first approved the March 9, 2026 minutes, then took up House Bill 860, a cleanup bill tied to the 2024 medical parental rights law. Representative Ehart said the bill clarifies that schools and hospitals may provide non-emergency first aid, emergency treatment, suicide-related crisis support through 988, and care for pregnant minors without parental permission in certain circumstances, while also resolving conflicting language in existing statutes. Supporters included the Idaho Medical Association, Idaho 988, and several minors who described personal experiences with suicide crises and said the bill would prevent dangerous delays or hang-ups in crisis calls. The Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association raised a late concern about one subsection affecting criminal investigations and requested a narrow amendment. Despite that concern, the committee voted unanimously to send HB 860 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
The committee then considered House Bill 680, which would require audio or video recording of all interviews of alleged child abuse victims unless good cause is shown otherwise. Representative Skaug said the bill would protect children, improve the reliability of interviews, and align Idaho practice with broader best practices. Testimony from the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association and a virtual witness supported the bill as a way to preserve accurate records and reduce repeated questioning. The committee voted unanimously to send HB 680 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on House Bill 752, which would create criminal penalties for knowingly and willfully entering opposite-sex public restrooms and changing rooms, with listed exceptions for things like maintenance, medical aid, law enforcement, emergencies, and single-user facilities. Supporters argued the bill would protect privacy and safety for women and girls and said existing law is insufficient; opponents said it would criminalize transgender people, invite harassment, be difficult to enforce, and could lead to discriminatory or unsafe confrontations. Law enforcement representatives said the bill would create enforcement problems because officers cannot reliably determine sex in a restroom setting and noted existing trespass laws already address unwanted presence. The committee heard from many public witnesses on both sides and then recessed for a break while testimony continued.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. (3-5-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- This would allow more generation at that facility.
- Is it about new generation was online.
- . >> But, um, long-term, we get more generation.
- We all know that we need more generation.
- And ultimately, long-term, we need more generation.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EIG, EIG DEFER Public Hearings 03-20-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- and generations after us.
- > us</c> generation and generations after us generation and generations after us [Music] [Music] [Music
- and the generations yet born?
- and generations after us.
- and the generations yet born.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1295 HD2, relating to clean energy, and then on Senate Concurrent Resolution 140 and Senate Resolution 158, which seek an Article V Convention of States application. HB 1295 drew brief supportive testimony from listed supporters and one witness who said the bill would help future generations and address pollution, runoff, watershed planning, and cleaner energy alternatives. No committee action or vote was taken on the clean energy bill during the portion provided.
Most of the hearing focused on SCR 140 and SR 158. Supporters argued the resolutions would let states, including Hawaii, propose constitutional amendments to address federal overreach, fiscal responsibility, deficit spending, term limits, and the balance of power between Washington and the states. Several supporters said state legislators are closer to the people and that Article V gives states a legitimate role in proposing amendments; some also cited debt, executive orders, and the need for long-term reforms. One witness from Convention of States Action said the movement is active nationwide and that the convention process would still require ratification by 38 states.
Opponents, including representatives of Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Common Cause, Americans for Democratic Action Hawaii, and individual testifiers, warned there are no real guardrails on a convention and that it could open the door to broader constitutional changes. They said the effort is unnecessary, risky, and potentially harmful to environmental protections, social safety net programs, and civil rights, and argued that federal action is sometimes needed during recessions and emergencies. Committee members asked questions about whether the proposal was merely procedural and whether the states should act without Congress; the discussion ended with continued questioning, and no vote or final committee action is shown in the excerpt.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Mar 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It's reflecting higher General Fund estimates.
- Generally, the longer the deferral, the more of a challenge it is for districts.
- They also have increases for property and general liability insurance.
- They also have increases for property and general liability insurance.
- that is now going to burden the general fund.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students.
The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it.
The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.