Video & Transcript Research : 'underserved communities'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House workforce panel considers HF661 2/25/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a win for the tax base, enhancing the communities and incomes therein together.
- A lot does go towards the tuition that comes for the training provided by the community and technical
- A lot does go towards the tuition that comes for the training provided by the community and technical
- Are you engaging that community in making sure that they know this is such a wonderful program?
- <00:14:55.199>
for reaching out to those communities for reaching out to those communities
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 01/29/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- Indian Community Nation Prairie Island Indian Community who<01:30:56.480>
are <01:30:56.719>- Island Indian Community and the Island Indian Community and the legislature<01:35:28.000>
to <01- Generating plant the pr Indian Community Generating plant the pr Indian Community is<01:36:30.760
- plant we are the closest Community plant we are the closest Community native<01:36:49.560>
or - where economic engine of their Community where economic engine of their Community is<01:40:20.040
- Island Indian Community and the Island Indian Community and the legislature<01:35:28.000>
Summary:
The Minnesota Senate Energy Committee heard Senate File 426, authored by Senator Icorn, which would remove the 100-megawatt cap on hydropower for purposes of qualifying as an eligible energy technology under Minnesota law. Supporters said hydropower is carbon-free, reliable, flexible baseload power that can help Minnesota meet its 100% carbon-free electricity goal by 2040. Testifiers from Missouri River Energy Services and Minnesota Power described existing hydropower resources, including allocations from federal Missouri River dams, Minnesota hydro stations, and Manitoba Hydro, and argued that the bill would preserve and expand options for clean energy development.
Several members raised concerns about the bill’s purpose and potential environmental impacts. Senator McEwen questioned why the size limit should be removed without specific proposed projects or more information about the need for larger dams, citing concerns about fisheries, water resources, and land use. Senator Port and others asked about costs, environmental effects, and where new projects might be built. In response, supporters said the bill is intended to open the door to future projects and allow agencies to review proposals through existing permitting and environmental processes, rather than approving any specific dam.
Committee members offered mixed reactions. Senator Frentz said he supported the concept but recommended laying the bill over for further discussion and possibly sending it to the Environment Committee, noting environmental concerns and the need for more conversation. Senator Gruenhagen strongly supported the bill, arguing that it merely lifts a cap while leaving permitting and review requirements in place. Senator Hoffman also supported the bill, saying current policy blocks consideration of new projects and that the change would allow regulators to evaluate proposals on their merits. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the bill was left open for further consideration.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Elections Committee Jul 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have also been called to support and advocate on behalf of communities.
- Cal is slow with the California Community Foundation, in support.
- and evidence of need to ensure undercounted communities and invisible communities are not excluded simply
- Calais Callis spoke with the California Community Foundation in support.
- Callisloe with the California Community Foundation in support.
Summary:
The Assembly Elections Committee met on July 1, 2026, heard a full agenda of election-related measures, and took final votes on several bills and one resolution. The committee also adopted two consent items, SB 1429 and SB 1430, without opposition. Members and the chair repeatedly noted committee membership changes and the final meeting of the session, and the chair emphasized the committee’s focus on protecting democracy and election integrity.
Among the bills heard, SB 1369 would shorten the signature-gathering period for judicial recalls in larger counties and require paid gatherers to disclose they are compensated; supporters argued it would protect judicial independence, while the chair and some members noted the need to balance recall rights with county differences. SB 900 would reformat campaign disclosure language on large print ads and billboards to improve readability while preserving transparency, with broad support from outdoor advertising, clean money, and good-government groups. SJR 18, which condemns Citizens United and urges action against corporate spending in elections, drew support from reform advocates but also concerns about the resolution’s focus and scope; it was advanced on a party-line split with some members voting no.
The committee also advanced SB 1164, a major voting-rights measure expanding California protections against vote dilution and voter suppression, adding preclearance-style review for some jurisdictions, and directing courts to interpret election laws in favor of voting access. Local government representatives opposed it unless amended, citing uncertainty, loss of safe-harbor protections, and implementation concerns, while civil-rights and labor groups strongly supported it. SB 1360, which expands language-access requirements for voters with limited English proficiency and lowers coverage thresholds, was supported by voting-rights and immigrant-advocacy groups but opposed by elections officials unless amended; the committee acknowledged the need for further work on county-level implementation and data standards.
The committee also approved SB 1418, which extends protections against seizure of election records and voting systems beyond voted ballots, and SB 884, which creates a buffer zone around polling places and vote-by-mail drop locations to prevent interference with voting and ballot custody, though sheriffs and police groups opposed the arrest restrictions. SB 46, which would give the Secretary of State clearer authority to remove constitutionally ineligible presidential and vice-presidential candidates from the ballot, and SB 715, which moves candidate ballot-designation challenge deadlines earlier, also advanced. Most measures were sent to Appropriations or otherwise held on call for absent members, and the meeting ended with final roll calls and adjournment.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (1-15-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- community storm shelters. community storm shelters.
- >
received <00:05:40.160>a His [snorts] community had received a His [snorts] community - to build a community storm shelter. to build a community storm shelter.
- with the community with the community and<00:16:16.720>
not <00:16:16.920>only <00: - That's why everybody in the community That's why everybody in the community get<00:22:04.760>
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met for its first meeting of the 2026 session, took roll, established a quorum, and heard three bills. The chair reviewed committee procedures, including deadlines for amendments, cell phone etiquette, and sign-in rules for testimony. Senator Clemons was welcomed as a new member, and the committee later noted that Senator Berg had arrived late and wanted his vote recorded on Senate Bills 11 and 13.
Senate Bill 11, sponsored by Senator Meredith, would create a pilot rebate program for residential safe rooms in response to increased tornado activity. The bill would reimburse homeowners for 50% of construction and installation costs up to $5,000, require FEMA and code compliance, and allow safe rooms to be used by neighbors during emergencies. Members asked about cost, oversight, and capacity; the sponsor said the bill was not seeking an appropriation this session and would be administered by Kentucky Emergency Management. The committee voted unanimously to pass the bill favorably.
Senate Bill 13, sponsored by Senator Deneen, would allow military installations to have an ex-officio, nonvoting representative on local planning and zoning bodies to raise national security concerns before zoning decisions are made near bases. Members spoke in support, emphasizing protection of military installations and surrounding land. The committee voted unanimously to pass the bill favorably. Senator Deneen also presented Senate Bill 42, which would require law enforcement to submit missing-person cases to Kentucky State Police for entry into the national database within 30 days for minors and 60 days for adults. Supporters said it could help in cases where children are missing but do not trigger an Amber Alert. After discussion about timing and law enforcement workload, the committee again voted unanimously to pass the bill favorably.
At the end of the meeting, the chair announced a later Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee presentation on Kentucky’s veteran centers, to be held in the same room after adjournment of both chambers, and then the committee adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- for our seniors, both the home and community-based care.
- , our business communities as well: the Community Development Block Grant for disaster recovery, $73
- The Community Development Block Grant for disaster recovery is $73 million.
- Visit which I know has gone to help a lot of members of your communities.
- with the community or transparency.
Bills:
S7010
Keywords:
Roth contributions, deferred compensation, retirement savings, Florida Statutes, tax benefits
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Appropriations met to take up SB 7010 by Senator Mayfield, which would authorize Roth post-tax contribution options in state and local deferred compensation plans. The bill was briefly explained, received one appearance in support, had no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget on the governor’s recommended $117.4 billion “Floridians’ First Budget.” The presentation highlighted major spending areas including education, health care, public safety, transportation, environmental restoration, and economic development. Key proposals included increased FEFP funding for K-12 schools, teacher salary funding, higher education support, Everglades and water quality funding, emergency preparedness reserves, corrections staffing and pay increases, law enforcement recruitment bonuses, cybersecurity, and affordable housing and infrastructure investments.
Members asked extensive questions about property tax reserve planning, litigation funding, emergency response fund balances and expenditures, the use of federal reimbursement for the Everglades detention facilities, the animal abuse hotline, Hope Florida, corrections staffing, and the proposed reduction in ADAP eligibility for HIV/AIDS medication assistance. A member of the public also testified at length about concerns that the ADAP changes would harm access to life-saving medications and alleged improper shifting of program funds. Committee members and the presenter acknowledged follow-up questions on several items, but no additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond the favorable report on SB 7010 and adjournment.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We also really need to thank our communications director, Morgan Jones.
- I have dedicated my career to the field of community association management.
- Key legislative updates for community association managers.
- Key legislative updates for community association managers.
- And it says three communities, not three associations.
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries met for a panel discussion on current issues affecting Florida condominiums. DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin highlighted the department’s expanded condo education, complaint, and ombudsman services under HB 1021, including new online resources, board member certification, increased outreach, and broader complaint jurisdiction. She said the division has filled most of its new positions and that the new condo website is intended to improve transparency and access to records and information.
Other panelists focused on insurance, inspections, and market impacts. Insurance agent Mike Clarkson said the condo insurance market remains difficult, especially for older buildings, and raised concerns about roof replacement demands, Citizens’ depopulation practices, and the mismatch between reserve studies and insurer timelines. Building officials representative Ron Laceca described challenges with phase one and phase two inspections, including incomplete databases, limited contractor capacity, and the need for local flexibility and better recordkeeping. University of Florida researcher Bill Hughes said his data show the condo market has not suffered a major overall decline from the new laws; he argued the rules have made costs more transparent and may strengthen the market over time.
Community association manager Jamie Ballard said the biggest pressures on associations are rising insurance costs and early roof replacement requirements, and she supported board certification while opposing the continuing education exemption for long-tenured CAMs. In committee discussion, members pressed witnesses on whether recent condo laws caused insurance and roof-cost problems, and witnesses generally said those issues are driven more by the market than by the legislation. Senators also discussed possible reforms, including better data collection, clearer reporting duties for managers, and possible changes to insurance and reserve practices. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force (9-10-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- support to individuals and communities support to individuals and communities in<00:25:36.799>
- :26:34.799>
and <00:26:34.960>communities impacted households and communities impacted- Our communities are not immune.
- firefighters and communities at risk. firefighters and communities at risk.
- restoration, and community outreach. restoration, and community outreach.
- :26:34.799>
Summary:
The task force met with a quorum, approved the August meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from Dr. Jerry Brosky of the Kentucky Mesonet and Kentucky Climate Center. He described the Mesonet’s statewide weather network, now with 84 stations in 78 counties, real-time data used by the National Weather Service, mobile apps, and more than a billion observations. He said recent legislative funding has allowed upgrades such as soil temperature and moisture sensors, cameras at every site, and improved communications and power systems, and has enabled expansion into new counties. He also highlighted products used for flooding, drought, and heat safety, including a wet bulb globe temperature tool being developed with the Department of Public Health. In response to questions, he said counties interested in a station should contact his center, that a station typically costs about $50,000, and that the program is already considering a second Pike County site.
The committee then heard from Ryan Drain of Blue Skies and Chris McGee of the American Red Cross on long-term disaster recovery and a software platform called Darcy, short for Disaster Aware and Ready Communities Initiative. McGee explained the Red Cross’s long-term recovery work, including support for recovery groups, direct financial assistance, grantmaking, and coordination with local and federal partners. He emphasized that disasters are occurring more frequently and with repeated impacts, and shared examples from Kentucky and other states showing the need for organized recovery and storm shelter support. Drain said Darcy was developed after the 2021 Mayfield-Graves tornado recovery to replace fragmented spreadsheets and PDFs with a centralized, survivor-led system for preparedness, response, and recovery, designed to improve coordination, reduce duplication, and shorten recovery time. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond adoption of the minutes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/16/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Apr 29th, 2025
Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials
Transcript Highlights:
- The health of our tribal communities.
- On behalf of the Community Water Center, in support.
- It's a community bill. Without changes to these regulations, our community stands to lose.
- First of all, they are the environmental justice. justice issues for low-income communities and communities
- As these things collect in fish, those fishing communities, or usually low-income communities, of color
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, the community misses it, including the neighbor island communities, the residents.
- Um, the community misses it, including the neighbor island communities, the residents.
- Uh and then business community.
- Uh, and communities, um, the residents.
- And the community desperately needs.
Summary:
The committee heard several resolutions focused on economic development, tourism, agriculture, and gaming. It first took up a measure to support advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity through the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, with testimony from DBEDT, HTDC, and APE Hawaii in support. Witnesses said the proposal aligns with federal and university partnerships, could help small and medium-sized businesses, and could support use of industrial sites such as the Mililani Technology Park. The committee then considered a resolution asking DBEDT to sponsor a Michelin Guide for restaurants statewide; testimony was mixed, with support for culinary recognition but concerns about cost and uncertainty over the return on investment. The committee amended that measure to require review and evaluation of the cost and benefit before sponsorship.
The committee also heard a resolution directing the Agribusiness Development Corporation to assume routine maintenance and repair of the Kohala ditch. ADC testified that it would need to meet with stakeholders, assess the damage, and likely spend the first year determining needed repairs before seeking additional capital funding; members noted a prior $10 million appropriation and asked that the committee report reflect a transfer of those funds to ADC. The measure was moved forward as is, with that comment for the report.
The most extensive discussion centered on a resolution to establish a tourism and gaming working group within DBEDT. Supporters included DBEDT, Aloha Halawa District Partners, labor representatives, the stadium authority, and Boyd Gaming, who described it as a first step to gather data and recommendations before any gaming policy decisions. Opponents argued the gaming industry should not help write the rules, warned about problem gambling and outside corporate influence, and urged the committee to reject the measure. The committee ultimately passed the resolution with an SD1 and technical amendments, and members said they would keep the issue open for further discussion, including possible inclusion of AHDP in the working group. The committee also heard and advanced a separate resolution urging the stadium authority to finalize the new Aloha Stadium contract and continue work on the entertainment district, with testimony both supporting the project and opposing it in favor of more housing. The committee voted to pass the stadium resolution as well.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
A New Senator Takes Her Seat – Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger Mar 13th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- went back to school for a second master's in policy and then just kind of got more involved in my community
- So, after talking with the community, talking with my family, talking with other colleagues, just really
- You've talked a lot about your ties to your community and you're doing this for them and that's what
- And then kind of if you take a step back, you know, my community is also really concerned about what's
- , our community, our community, impacting<00:05:20.880>
our <00:05:20.960>public <00
Summary:
Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger discussed her path from science and genetics into politics, saying her lab work showed her that research was not always translating into effective policy. She described getting involved through her union, helping pass paid parental leave for state employees, and then moving into elected office after opportunities opened up in 2022. She also said her House experience helped prepare her for the Senate by teaching her the legislative process, committee work, and relationship-building.
On policy priorities, she said her district is focused on affordable health care, climate change, education, PFAS contamination and drinking water, and concerns about federal actions. She framed her agenda this session as “protect, respond, and recover,” including protecting existing laws such as paid Minnesota leave, responding to possible Medicaid and SNAP cuts, child care costs, and tariffs affecting groceries, and helping the community recover from recent ICE activity that she said disrupted public safety, businesses, and residents.
She identified one specific bill effort: continuing work to ban cryptocurrency kiosk machines, which she said are being used to scam seniors. She said the idea came from the Woodbury Police Department and that she is working with House and Senate colleagues on it. She also described herself as a thoughtful, data-driven “scientist at heart” and said her butterfly earrings symbolize pollinators, native plants, and hope, as well as her own journey and the arrival of spring.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And we know that you all are going to go on to continue to make big changes for your communities.
- Board communications. SB 1423, WIC continuation. Education. I would like that.
- Board communications. SB 1423, WIC continuation. Education. SB 1430, Tax Aggressions Act of 2026.
- SB 1431, planned communities design prohibition. Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency.
- SB 1315, public schools interoperable communication requirements.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This achievement reflects our commitment to providing a safe and welcoming community to grow.
- It's always great to welcome some of my fellow EastEnders as a native of the East End community.
- And this is again home to the East End community. It was annexed by U.S. in 1926.
- They take care of their community, community of persistence and. survivorship in the oil and gas industry
- They're a great community, forward-thinking community, so welcome to those guys in embracing the history
Keywords:
Houston East End, Chamber of Commerce, East End Day, economic development, community involvement, scholarships, business events, McAllen, celebration, community pride, cultural events, economic growth, McAllen Day, community recognition, South Texas, local pride, Wise County Day, Texas Senate, Wise County, state recognition
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Audit Committee Jun 1st, 2026
Joint Legislative Audit
Transcript Highlights:
- And item four, Audit 119, Housing and Community Development housing development monitoring, by Assembly
- Board and State and Community Corrections, Proposition 47 grant administration.
- I'm the Executive Director of the Board of State and Community Corrections for BSCC.
- So it's not just being self-reported by community-based organizations.
- Board of State and Community Corrections Proposition 47 grant administration by Senator Valadares.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes HF2309, the omnibus housing policy bill 4/29/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And basically, in their community needs.
- It's not very Minnesota nice when you can't afford a place to live in your own community.
- Our community worked hand in hand on this policy bill that's before us.
- Our community worked a different story.
- office building spaces and community office building spaces and community spaces<00:15:49.120>
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Thu Apr 10, 2025 @ 11:30 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- recommendations to address this issue for our community.
- <00:11:22.079>
um very dire in our communities. um very dire in our communities. um particularly - I'm really these particular communities.
- our community. our community. our community. our community.
- <00:24:25.440>
wouldn't some of our disabled community wouldn't some of our disabled community
Summary:
The committee heard STR 73 SD1, which requests the Office of Wellness and Resilience to develop a report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Wellness and Resilience testified in support, saying it was eager to work with local researchers on evidence-based, community-informed recommendations. Support also came from a Zoom testifier, the Department of Education, and the Hawaii Community Foundation. The testifier emphasized the need for trauma-informed supports for children who were ages zero to five during COVID, especially in communities also affected by the Kilauea eruption and the Maui wildfires. Members discussed the long-term impacts of the pandemic and natural disasters on children, and one member said they would support the measure but vote with reservations because they wanted the phrase “climate crisis” changed to “natural disasters.” The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the resolution as is, with some members noting reservations.
The committee then took up SCR 239 SD1, which asks DAGS, DLNR, and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation to provide universal changing accommodations in state and county facilities and parks. DAGS submitted comments, DLNR State Parks testified that it supported the intent but raised concerns about the cost and feasibility of retrofitting existing facilities, noting it has 73 comfort stations statewide, ongoing vandalism and maintenance issues, and possible ADA space conflicts. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the measure, with testimony stressing that accessible changing facilities are important for independence and equity for people with disabilities. In response to questions, DLNR said it had not received complaints about the lack of such infrastructure and that any future installations should be considered in new designs rather than existing facilities. After discussion, the chair moved to defer the resolution, citing budget and implementation concerns and suggesting the issue be revisited in the future with a revised approach and possible needs assessment. The committee agreed to defer SCR 239 SD1 and then adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- , all employee ownership models are not only in their community, they're investing in their community
- , they're investing in in their community, they're investing in their<00:13:13.720>
community < - Nexus Community Partners. Nexus Community Partners.
- the statewide impact for community the statewide impact for community rooted<00:14:58.480>
work - Minnesota Consortium of Community Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers,<00:25:18.560>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services May 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And so that's all taken into account for those communities as well.
- And so we are resourcing communities that have been under-resourced.
- We'll move on to Community Services and Development, item number 53.
- These are communities that rely on this critical health care to survive.
- These are communities that rely on this critical health care to survive.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing: Committee on Education Policy and Committee on Education Finance - 05/06/26
Transcript Highlights:
- . community. community.
- Community bands played patriotic songs. Community bands played patriotic songs.
- strengthening communities. strengthening communities.
- Awareness and community remain real.
- coming Saturday bringing the community coming Saturday bringing the community together<01:07:26.640
Summary:
The committee held a joint hearing recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and focusing on civic education, free speech, voting, and Minnesota’s America 250 commemorations. Opening remarks emphasized the importance of education, Indigenous land acknowledgement, and the idea that democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. The chair then invited student debaters from the Minnesota High School League to testify about how debate, free speech, and evidence-based reasoning have shaped their education and civic participation. The students argued that debate teaches critical thinking, helps young people engage with difficult issues, and should be protected as part of a healthy democracy; one also urged lawmakers to move beyond empty promises and take action on issues such as eviction moratoriums, ICE collaboration, and protest protections.
Commissioner Willie Jett of the Minnesota Department of Education testified that public education is where citizenship first becomes real, and that schools, libraries, and educators help students learn to listen, question, debate respectfully, and understand both the ideals and failures of American history. He said democracy is something each generation must learn and strengthen, and thanked the committee for convening the hearing. Former students Sarah Griffin and Charlie Crocker then offered tributes to Senator Swedzinski, describing how his teaching encouraged civic engagement, disagreement, and action, and how his classroom shaped their lives and public service. Their remarks emphasized that democracy is not a spectator sport and that ordinary people build it through small, courageous acts.
Secretary of State Steve Simon followed with testimony on Minnesota’s civic culture and voter participation. He said Minnesota has long ranked near the top nationally in voter turnout, including youth turnout, and attributed that to a combination of good election laws and a strong pro-voting culture. He highlighted school-based civic education efforts such as pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and the Students Vote mock election program, and noted that Minnesota’s congressional delegation was unanimous in supporting the Voting Rights Act in 1965 as an example of the state coming together on major moral questions. The Minnesota Historical Society then began its presentation on America 250, with Kent Whitworth describing the organization’s role, the new edition of the Northern Lights curriculum, and broader commemorative activities; Dr. Bill Convery introduced historical context about how Americans have celebrated independence and how the semiquincentennial can leave a legacy for future generations.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Senate and Governmental Affairs May 27th, 2026
Senate & Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And then my last question would be regarding communication: communication with staff, communication with
- So consistent, constant communication. Okay. So consistent, constant communication. Okay.
- We also talk to our My Community Cares partners to let them know things that we're seeing in the communities
- But communication and how that's done, communication with your staff, communication— ...and how it's
- done, communication with your staff, communication with the individuals that you work with.
Keywords:
sales tax, exemptions, credits, rebates, uniformity, legislative rules, fiscal report, constitutional convention, Louisiana constitution, electoral process, government structure, delegate elections, delegates, state election, ratification, Louisiana, public meetings, broadcast, transparency, government accountability