Video & Transcript Research : 'M.J. Foster Promise Program'
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HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Fri Jan 10, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- capital Improvement project program capital Improvement project program request<00:24:35.480>
- who are in this grant program with who are in this grant program with shamad<01:02:37.359>
now - Childhood special education program Childhood special education program accepts<02:06:37.559>
- The strategic alignment of policies, programs, and resources by connecting these elements fosters innovation
- These are existing programs.
Summary:
The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding.
Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support.
A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (04/16/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- vaccination requirements for foster vaccination requirements for foster parents,<00:51:57.359>
- /c><00:52:05.200>
the <00:52:05.359>most foster system are among the most foster system- > um<01:01:07.440>
I foster foster parents, which um I foster foster parents, which um I believe- that they've qualified to be foster that they've qualified to be foster parents<01:04:00.240>
- foster parents? foster parents?
- /c><00:52:05.200>
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 15, 2025 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- More of a voice without changes are about change is needed in APD programs.
- So group homes, foster homes and ADT programs will now be on Florida Health Finder so that people have
- I believe as far as a pilot program with this population.
- One is it's a voluntary program.
- I appreciate you amplifying the managed care program being voluntary.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, we're going back to the regular scheduled programming. Arthur. Thank you so much.
- Okay, we're going back to the regular scheduled programming. Arthur.
- I run the drone program at Columbia Construction.
- Our drone program is an essential part of the work we do each day.
- I'm a graduate of Bridgewater State University's Aviation Program.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 36 bills covering aviation, commercial vehicles, school buses, veterans license plates, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate Chair Brendan Crighton outlined the hearing procedures, then the committee heard testimony on a range of measures, including a bill to modernize alternative student transportation for vulnerable students such as those covered by McKinney-Vento, foster children, and students with disabilities; a bill on unmanned aerial systems that would define drones and restrict weaponization, interference with aircraft, and certain surveillance; and a bill addressing airplane noise and reporting at Beverly Regional Airport. Supporters of the student transportation bill argued it would update outdated school bus requirements while preserving safety standards, while drone-related testimony was split between sponsors and public safety advocates who supported stronger restrictions and industry representatives who warned the bills could conflict with federal law and harm legitimate commercial uses.
The committee also heard testimony on workforce and school transportation bills. Representatives and industry witnesses supported a proposal to create a grant program and career outreach for the trucking industry, citing a persistent driver shortage and the importance of trucking to the state’s economy. Teamsters Local 170 supported a bill to ease unemployment job-search requirements for school bus drivers and monitors who are expected to return to work within a short period, saying the current rules create unnecessary burdens during summer layoffs. Another school transportation bill would create an under-the-hood exception for CDL licensing of school bus drivers; several chiropractors testified in support, saying they already perform DOT-style exams and should be explicitly authorized to do school bus driver medical certifications.
Veterans-related testimony focused on license plate and disability-definition bills. Advocates supported a Medal of Fidelity license plate for Gold Star families and a separate bill to create an air medal plate. The Office of the Veteran Advocate testified in favor of revising the state’s definition of disabled veteran for RMV purposes, arguing the current language is tied to special monthly compensation categories and does not adequately reflect modern service-connected disabilities, including invisible wounds. The American Legion also urged clarification of the definition, while opposing a separate women veterans plate on the grounds that it could divide veterans unnecessarily. The committee took no votes during the hearing and ended with a motion to adjourn.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
04/29/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #20
Transcript Highlights:
- Then, members, number nine, that repeal of the new employment tax credit relates to a program that’s
- However, there's a separate statutory provision that terminates the Competes Fund program itself within
- We provided $5 million for them, and then $2 million for the Housing Stabilization Program last year,
- Madam Chair and members, SB 1798 establishes the Financial Aid Awareness Program within the Department
- Madam Chair and members, SB 1798 establishes the Financial Aid Awareness Program within the Department
Summary:
The meeting began with a JLBC presentation on the state budget proposal. Staff reviewed revenue changes from the April forecast, which lowered expected growth slightly, and then walked through major tax policy provisions. Those included full conformity with HR1 for the current tax year, a shift to the provisions of SB 1106 for future tax years, new deductions for retirement/pension distributions and Roth IRA contributions, an increase in the dependent credit, and a child and dependent care subtraction. Staff said the tax changes had an overall fiscal impact of about $1.4 billion over four years. They also described offsets from repealing several tax credits and exemptions, including solar-related tax breaks, a renewable energy production credit, a new employment tax credit, a refundable R&D credit for smaller employers, and a pollution-control device credit, totaling about $75 million in added revenue. Another budget item would redirect Arizona Commerce Authority Competes Fund lottery distributions to the general fund. Members asked questions about the budget’s effect on ACCESS eligibility checks, state employee health insurance funding, and cuts to one-time funding for area agencies on aging and Alzheimer’s programs.
The committee then moved to caucus items on several bills. HB 2249, as amended by the Senate, would expand the parents’ bill of rights to include access to a child’s complete educational record and notice if school staff facilitate social transitioning, and would require investigation of prior violations; the sponsor concurred with the amendment. HB 2035 would require DCS and courts to identify and consider extended family for kinship foster care placement, with Senate changes shortening a reporting deadline and adding adopted family members to the definition. HB 2170 would bar state contracts for electronic or IT goods with PRC-controlled companies, with a certification requirement added in the Senate. HB 2573 would remove a waiting period for ignition interlock restricted licenses after DUI revocation and adjust psychotherapy language. HB 2415 on kratom would classify synthetic kratom as a narcotic drug and add advertising, packaging, and retail restrictions, but the sponsor intended to refuse the Senate changes. HB 2873 would let local petition sponsors withdraw municipal referendum petitions retroactively, which members noted could affect the Marana data center petition effort.
The final bill discussed, SB 1798, would create a Financial Aid Awareness Program in the Department of Education to recognize schools that support FAFSA completion. Members questioned whether the department would need additional staff or resources, but no fiscal note had been provided. The meeting ended with recognition of interns and a brief photo opportunity before the caucus moved into closed session.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 06/03/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- When she and others were arrested, she did not suffer in silence; she fostered an equally proud tradition
- Building a better government begins with keeping our promise to pass independent redistricting.
- BUILDING A BETTER GOVERNMENT BEGINS WITH KEEPING OUR PROMISE TO PASS INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING.
- He led a local apprenticeship program, including the MAP program, which is the Multi-Craft Pre-Apprenticeship
- INCLUDING THE MAP PROGRAM WHICH IS THE MULTI-CRAFT PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM AND TRAINED COUNTLESS
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the journal, and then moved through a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills for third reading. The chamber also received and accepted a Finance Committee report on nominations for Kathleen Mosier as Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Terrence O’Leary as Commissioner of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and John Kagia as Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management. All three nominees were confirmed, with Mosier and O’Leary confirmed unanimously and Kagia confirmed 57-1, with Senator Walczyk voting no.
The Senate adopted previously approved resolutions recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and mourning the death of Susan Irene Wright of Harlem. Senators Brisport and Bottcher spoke at length in support of Pride Month, emphasizing LGBTQ+ history, resilience, and ongoing threats to the trans community. On the Susan Wright resolution, Senators Cleare, Bailey, and Bottcher praised her community leadership, philanthropy, and family legacy, and Assembly Member Jordan Wright was recognized in the chamber.
The body then considered and passed many bills on the calendar, including measures on insurance, environmental conservation, public health, education, business law, labor, social services, highway law, and local tax exemptions. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote, including a measure to end higher insurance premiums for widows, a bill to prohibit correctional facilities from denying visitation because of menstrual products or IUDs, and a Medicaid-related bill to expand access to blood pressure monitors for pregnant people. Most bills passed with broad support, though some had notable opposition from a small group of senators.
Late in the session, the Senate took up a proposed constitutional amendment on redistricting. Senator Stewart-Cousins sponsored the measure, and Senator Walczyk questioned it extensively, arguing voters had previously approved an independent redistricting process and objecting to changes that would remove the Legislature’s two-thirds map-approval requirement and alter the commission’s role. The sponsor said the changes were needed in response to aggressive partisan redistricting in other states and would still require voter ratification in future sessions. The transcript ends during that debate, with no final vote on the amendment shown.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
04/29/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #20
Transcript Highlights:
- However, there's a separate statutory provision that terminates the Competes Fund program itself within
- However, there's a separate statutory provision that terminates the Competes Fund program itself within
- We provided $5 million for them, and then $2 million for the Housing Stabilization Program last year,
- Child Safety and the courts to identify, notify, and consider extended family members for kinship foster
- Madam Chair and members, SB 1798 establishes the financial aid awareness program within the Department
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- For years, Kawaunoi has been a mentor for the We the People program.
- That's called the petition for temporary foster custody.
- the petition for temporary foster the petition for temporary foster custody.<00:58:38.280>
Um - approve um first temporary foster approve um first temporary foster custody<00:59:16.799>
is< - the petition there is a temporary foster the petition there is a temporary foster custody<00:59:
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 767, the nomination of Kanoi AD Jackson to serve as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit. The chair announced that the committee would not vote on the governor’s message or two judge nominations until Tuesday, April 15, but planned to vote that day on two Defender Council items. Testimony on Jackson’s nomination was limited to two minutes per speaker, and the hearing was conducted partly by Zoom.
Supporters emphasized Jackson’s qualifications, work ethic, judicial temperament, and community ties. Testifiers included the West Hawaii Bar Association, family members, a retired teacher, retired Judge Robert Kim, and the Hawaii State Bar Association. The West Hawaii Bar Association said Jackson received high marks from its review process and that the Third Circuit needed a permanent judge for stability. Judge Kim and others praised her preparation, intelligence, humility, and experience as a prosecutor and litigator. Jackson also spoke in her own behalf, acknowledging that her background is primarily criminal rather than civil, but saying she is committed to learning the civil docket and serving the community if confirmed.
Members questioned the Hawaii State Bar Association about the basis for its support, including how many members responded and whether concerns were raised about Jackson’s lack of civil experience. HSBA said it uses a confidential review process, receives both positive and negative comments, and does not track votes or percentages, but its board voted to support her. Judge Kim responded that judges can learn new areas of law, that civil dockets can be managed with benchbooks and help from other judges, and that Jackson’s trial experience would serve her well. No vote was taken on Jackson’s nomination during this hearing.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
2026 Joint Budget Subcommittee on Education - 03/18/2026
Transcript Highlights:
- the formula to provide support for populations of students who are experiencing homelessness and in foster
- pre-kindergarten for all four-year-olds statewide so all children have access to full-day pre-kindergarten programs
- Adding a new weight to the pupil needs index of 0.65 for students in foster care or who are experiencing
- past we've done this, is making sure critical investments of operating dollars for evidence-based programs
Summary:
The Education Budget Conference Joint Committee met on March 18 to begin negotiations on the state education budget. Co-chairs Senator Shelley Mayer and Assembly Member Benedetto outlined their chambers’ priorities, with the Senate emphasizing Foundation Aid changes to better support students experiencing homelessness or foster care, English language learners, a minimum 2% increase for all districts, expanded universal pre-K, and continued support for special education programs and nonpublic schools. The Assembly highlighted its one-house proposal, including a $1.4 billion increase in Foundation Aid, a higher ELL and pupil needs weighting, a new weight for students in foster care or housing instability, removal of the pupil needs cap, $600 million for New York City class size reduction, additional community schools funding, and restorations or increases for libraries, teacher resource centers, 4201 schools, My Brother’s Keeper, and educational television and radio.
Members from both chambers offered opening remarks stressing education as a top budget priority and expressing confidence that a compromise could be reached. Senator Tedisco focused on school safety and bullying, arguing that parents should be notified when their children are bullied and citing the need to protect students’ ability to learn. Assembly Member Vanel emphasized education as a tool for economic mobility and called for stronger financial literacy instruction. Assembly Member Carroll supported funding for libraries and evidence-based reading programs, while Assembly Member Smith said the Foundation Aid formula remains outdated and urged more support for English language learners, special education, and community schools. Assembly Member Chludzinski stressed local control, criticized the electric school bus mandate, and called for greater support for libraries and fiscal restraint.
No votes were taken. The meeting was an opening conference session, with both sides stating their intent to continue negotiations and work toward an on-time budget that reflects shared priorities for students, schools, and libraries across New York State.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I live here in Hawaii, and I work full time with foster youth in our state.
- I live here in Hawaii, and I work full time with foster youth in our state.
- Put money into prevention, into youth programs.
- Put money into prevention, into youth programs.
- Le, the acting program manager for the Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation.
Summary:
The joint Health and Human Services and Judiciary meeting heard testimony on several measures, with most of the discussion focused on SB 709 and SB 955. On SB 709, relating to mental health data and related appropriations, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent and said the funding would help maintain a data dashboard and positions, though it had no suggested amount for one blank appropriation. Members also discussed whether sections of the bill were duplicative of existing data reporting. The committees later recommended SB 709 be passed with amendments, including technical changes, deferring the date to December 31, 2050, and blanking out the appropriation for later clarification.
SB 955, relating to fitness to proceed, drew mixed testimony. Judiciary opposed portions of the bill, saying some changes could have unintended practical consequences. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill’s intent but urged keeping a three-member evaluation panel rather than reducing it to two, warning that a two-panel process could create delays if a third evaluator had to be added later. A former Hawaii State Hospital clinician said the bill placed too much blame on the courts and should address institutional and administrative problems at the hospital more directly. The Department of Health supported the intent and said it appreciated efforts to address overcrowding. After discussion about examiner shortages and status hearings, the committees recommended SB 955 be passed with amendments reducing the number of qualified examiners from three to one and making related technical changes.
The committee also heard SB 1228, a child welfare services measure creating a working group related to youth legal representation and child welfare reform. DHS requested adding a Child Welfare Services representative to the work group, and multiple advocates, including the National Center for Youth Law and Hawaii Youth Services Network, testified in strong support, emphasizing the need for youth voice and implementation of Malama Ohana recommendations. Members asked whether this working group overlapped with another recently passed working group bill; testimony indicated the two measures addressed different issues. The meeting then recessed and later resumed for decision-making on the 9 o’clock calendar, where SB 709 was adopted with amendments and SB 955 was adopted with amendments.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Delivery of Government Efficiency Mar 12th, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- Robert, do you know of other programs that y'all participate in that are... cooperative type programs
- We call it the RSB program, which can be found on page 10 of your packet.
- Rather than creating separate departments for each program, we integrate the 38 licensing programs into
- In other programs we recommend lowering barriers for out-of-state licenses. holders and in one program
- Early in 2024, we started our Unleash Texas Energy and Stop the War program.
Keywords:
regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/06/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The pilot program is just getting underway.
- <00:18:18.559>
this the emergency ambulance aid program this the emergency ambulance aid program - Rebecca will come up and talk about the pilot program up there with chase cars.
- We've made some pretty good progress toward getting this program started.
- licensed programs licensed programs we<01:32:24.880>
have <01:32:25.159>new <01:32:
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee met on February 6, 2025, for an update on emergency medical services (EMS) policy and implementation. Senator Seberger described the work of the EMS Task Force, which traveled statewide to hear concerns from providers about staffing, reimbursement, and retention. She said the task force led to the Sprint Medic model and two innovation zones in Otter Tail and St. Louis counties, and she urged continued monitoring and possible reconstitution of the task force to evaluate what is working and what could be expanded statewide. She also said future EMS work should continue to explore alternative response models and telemedicine, but that the most immediate need is additional funding, especially to address unpaid non-transport calls.
Dylan Ferguson, director of the newly formed Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services, gave a detailed update on the office’s structure and priorities after the transition from the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. He described the office’s three divisions, the appointment of deputy directors, the first meetings of the advisory councils, and work on a statewide EMS strategic plan. He also reviewed the $24 million emergency ambulance aid program, explaining its 40-40-20 formula, the emphasis on rural services, the reporting and spending deadlines, and the positive response from ambulance providers. He noted that the $6 million Sprint paramedic grant program is underway, with Otter Tail County moving forward and St. Louis County still finalizing its application.
Ferguson also outlined the office’s budget request for modest staffing and contract-cost increases, two rulemaking efforts to update outdated ambulance vehicle standards and expand medication options for basic life support services, and ongoing data collection on workforce needs, violence against EMS providers, and ambulance crashes. He highlighted the paramedic scholarship program administered by the Office of Higher Education, saying nearly 300 scholarships have been awarded. Members and Senator Seberger praised the EMS reforms and emphasized that non-transport calls create significant unreimbursed costs, especially for rural and volunteer services, but no votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 04/04/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- The report referenced air program.
- <00:31:45.120>
Our and having a combined program. Our and having a combined program. - program.
- <01:02:05.760>
in actually have a water quality program in actually have a water quality program - And in addition to habitat program.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 22nd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You'll also find a program featuring a QR code linking to the biographies of this year's 15 legendary
- You'll also find a program featuring a QR code linking to the biographies of this year's 15 legendary
- They also serve as director of strategic communications and advocacy programs at Rainbow Pride Youth
- They also serve as director of strategic communications and advocacy programs at Rainbow Pride Youth
- Elizabeth is a community advocate and program leader at ICON CDC, where she supports sidewalk vendors
Summary:
The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of several Senate bills, notices for committee hearings, and a successful motion to suspend rules so ACA 20 could be taken up later in the week. The chamber also recognized former Assembly Member Christina Garcia and later moved into a Pride Month observance.
The main ceremonial item was House Resolution 115 recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Assembly Member Ward opened on the resolution, and multiple members from different caucuses spoke in support, highlighting Pride history, LGBTQ+ rights, and the contributions of LGBTQ Californians. Assembly Member DeMaio offered supportive remarks while noting policy differences, and the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 53 co-authors were added. The Assembly then held a Pride honoree ceremony recognizing 15 individuals and groups for contributions to the LGBTQ community.
On the floor file, members also adopted several resolutions by voice vote after adding co-authors: ACR 187 on Men’s Mental Health Month, ACR 157 marking the 50th anniversary of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act, ACR 222 declaring Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Awareness Month, and ACR 224 recognizing Social Media Harms Victim Remembrance Day. Each drew personal testimony from members about the underlying issues, including suicide prevention, caregiving and dementia, mining reclamation, and harms to youth from social media. The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 46 on mental health diversion by a 51-1 vote, and later adopted the consent calendar 66-0. The House adjourned until June 25, 2026, at 9 a.m.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- speaker, you might have follow up with Chairman Dutton, um, I'm gonna try my best this evening to, to foster
- Medicare is a single-payer federal program for 65 and older.
- If there's any question, if there's any confusion, I can promise you that good lawyers like Mr.
- Chairman Leach, you've done a great job fostering that conversation.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:16:10.159>
that an excellent um sports program that an excellent um sports program that - :24:26.880>
by <01:24:27.199>state program that's been vetted by state program that's been - would require the state Medicaid program would require the state Medicaid program to<02:08:34.480
patients <02:14:18.800>utilizing programs found that patients utilizing programs found- :16:21.520>
and fosters resilience, reduces harm, and fosters resilience, reduces harm, and supports
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- and short and brief the program offering and short and brief the program we<00:28:47.039>
have - The DOE pays for this bus program.
- to use the city utilize a Holo program to use the city bus<01:00:44.240>
program <01:00:44.599- >
to <01:00:44.720>get <01:00:44.880>the bus program to get the bus program to get- We do have participation loan programs available. We have those programs available.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- by which you have to set up a program by which you know<00:20:53.440>
farmers <00:20:53.840>- Um, Lloyd, the fact that you live in Foster Village, you still live there, right?
- Village, you still live there, Foster Village, you still live there, right?
- <01:09:29.319>
Village <01:09:30.160>have the people of the Foster Village have the- Like, people think that there's going to be more robberies in Foster Village?
Summary:
The committee heard multiple governor’s messages for confirmation to the Agribusiness Development Corporation board and one appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. For GM 606, David Ige Hinazumi was supported by ADC and DBEDT, with testimony highlighting his private-sector experience, technology background, and ability to help with risk management and finances. He told senators he had attended board meetings since 2018, saw ADC as a state business arm for agriculture, and supported expanding land, facilities, and even aquaculture if resources allowed. Senators asked about ADC’s role relative to the Department of Agriculture, and he said the department’s strength is research/regulatory work while ADC should focus on business development, support, and facilities for farmers and aquaculture businesses.
For GM 607, Jason Watts was strongly supported by ADC leadership, DBEDT, and many agricultural and community groups, with one opposing testimony from Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters praised his governance, accountability, transparency, and frequent communication with the agency. In questioning, Watts said ADC’s top priority should be increasing land holdings, and he discussed ADC’s role in water systems, including preserving agricultural water sources and inventorying systems statewide. He also said ADC could potentially help small farmers comply with environmental permitting through a broader, regional approach if authorized by the Legislature. The committee also heard from Joshua Uyehara for GM 682, who was supported by ADC, county officials, and farm groups. He said his priorities would be accelerating ADC projects, expanding capacity, and possibly using ADC as a center of expertise for water systems and for helping farmers with environmental requirements; he also said biofuel crops and food production can be complementary, though food should be prioritized when water is constrained.
The committee then considered GM 513, Tracy Lester Smith’s appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. The stadium authority and DBEDT supported her, citing her experience in NASCAR, boxing, and Bellator MMA as useful for marketing, attracting events, and commercializing the stadium. Smith said she was eager to serve and would bring experience from both the landlord and tenant perspectives, helping the board think about venue operations, sponsorships, and event attraction. Senators asked about improving public perception and execution, and she emphasized accountability, timelines, and building a venue that can draw major sports and entertainment events. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Jul 8th, 2025
Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, I have concerns just like anybody else's that sometimes programs get abused.
- Karen Nelson, VP of Programs with the California Asian Chamber of Commerce.
- and establish small business utilization program to increase small business.
- It would fund small business programs regardless of federal matching the SBC TAP funds.
- , and private sector investments all focused on fostering our region's clean and green.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 22nd, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You'll also find a program featuring a QR code linking to the biographies of this year's 15 legendary
- They also serve as director of strategic communications and advocacy programs at Rainbow Pride Youth
- They also serve as director of strategic communications and advocacy programs at Rainbow Pride Youth
- Elizabeth is a community advocate and program leader at ICON CDC.
- Elizabeth is a community advocate and program leader at ICON CDC, where she supports sidewalk vendors