Video & Transcript Research : 'awareness programs'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human Committee Meeting - 2025-04-09
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Moving on to page 3, on line 222 is a program integrity infrastructure item.
- For supported decision-making programs.
- , including PCA Choice, the CFSS program.
- It is good to know that you are aware of the The importance of this program is clear, but this increase
- Our goal is not to target programs or services.
Bills:
HF2434
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 063 Mar 18th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These programs equip ordinary people with the knowledge and confidence to respond in emergencies and
- These programs equip ordinary people with the knowledge and confidence to respond in emergencies and
- These programs equip ordinary people with the knowledge and confidence to respond in emergencies and
- It is an immediate threat to operations, programming, and jobs.
- to operations, programming, and jobs. to operations, programming, and jobs.
Summary:
The Senate convened, established a quorum, approved the March 16, 2026 journal, and received a series of committee and House messages. Committee reports included favorable action on House Bill 1136, confirmation recommendations for several appointments, and referrals of Senate Bill 68 and House Bill 1009 to Appropriations, House Bill 1185 to the Committee of the Whole, and a Juvenile Parole Board appointment to the consent calendar. The chamber also received notice of multiple House bills and amended Senate bills returned from the House and revisor.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to a tribute memorializing the Fort Logan All Veterans Honor Guard, with senators and guests speaking about the group’s volunteer service and the significance of military funeral honors. The Senate adopted Senate Joint Memorial 003 honoring former Senator Mary Ann Tebedo/Thibodeau, with a roll call vote of 32-0 and a moment of silence afterward. The chamber also laid over Senate Resolution 005 on Single Parent Day and House Joint Resolution 1023 on Latino/Latina Advocacy Day.
On third reading and final passage, the Senate passed House Bill 1042 on dry needling by occupational therapists and Senate Bill 126 on out-of-state teacher licensure by unanimous votes, House Bill 1103 on legal processes for certain vulnerable populations by a 34-0 vote, and House Bill 1017 on insurer restitution through the criminal restitution process by a 22-12 vote. House Bill 1038 on county commissioner redistricting and Senate Bill 66 on compounded weight loss medications were laid over. The Senate also granted leave for the Joint Budget Committee to meet while the Senate was in session.
In Committee of the Whole, members considered a consent calendar including House Bill 1142, Senate Bill 60 on youth athlete mental health training, Senate Bill 35 on traffic violation penalties, House Bill 1031 on protection for Colorado agricultural products, and Senate Bill 105 on county executive officers’ disclosures and removal mechanisms. The committee adopted the reports and advanced Senate Bill 60, Senate Bill 35, and Senate Bill 105 as amended, and House Bill 1142 and House Bill 1031 on second reading. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 62 on rodent control products, where sponsors described the bill as narrowing restrictions on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides to protect children, pets, wildlife, and ecosystems while preserving agricultural and pest-control uses; the committee report was adopted and discussion continued on the bill.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force (11-21-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:30:50.960>
and backfill and backfilling programs and backfill and backfilling programs - Of course, public education and awareness.
- We want to build awareness and, of course, funding and awareness.
- We want to build awareness and, of course, funding and awareness.
- We want to build awareness and, of course, funding and awareness.
Summary:
The Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force opened its sixth meeting by approving the minutes and then taking up a presentation from University of Pikeville representatives and local leaders on an Eastern Kentucky Disaster Relief Center at Bear Mountain in Pike County. Speakers included Greg May, Rep. Ashley Tacket Laferty, Lori Worth, and Laura Damron. They described repeated flooding and other disasters in eastern Kentucky, the lack of a single prepared relief location, and the need for a centralized, elevated site that could serve as a flood and broader natural-disaster hub.
The presenters said the Bear Mountain property, about 530 acres and well above flood levels, could support a multi-use facility combining disaster response functions with university and community uses. Proposed features included a command and communications center, distribution space, emergency shelter, medical and clinic support, food service, restroom facilities, RV hookups, and an indoor track/distribution building. They emphasized that the project would help avoid disrupting existing venues such as the Pikeville Expo Center and Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, while also supporting tourism and economic recovery. Committee members asked about community and emergency-management support, annual operating costs, and resilience standards such as tornado-related building codes.
In response, the presenters said local stakeholders, including Appalachian Wireless, Pikeville Medical Center, Community Trust Bank, the city of Pikeville, and emergency management officials, had expressed support. They said the university planned to absorb some operating costs through multiple uses of the facility, community camps, and budgeted maintenance, and that construction documents were nearly complete with plans to begin building within months. After the presentation, the chair thanked the presenters and moved the committee into its recommendations discussion, noting the broader fiscal and humanitarian importance of disaster preparedness and resiliency and indicating that future legislation would likely follow from the task force’s work.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Service (7-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Then you have the core services, which were defined by law as the WIC program, the HANDS program, and
- home visitation program.
- And then there's a local priorities program. The third leg is a local priorities program.
- were defined by law as the wick program were defined by law as the wick program the<00:33:56.000
- 56.960>
visitation the hands program and home visitation the hands program and home visitation
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Human Services met to review budget items carved out in the prior session budget, including long-term care surveyor contracts, funding for local health departments, and expansion of the central laboratory. The committee approved the June 4 minutes and then heard an update from the Office of Inspector General’s Division of Health Care on long-term care certification surveys and complaint investigations.
Officials said the $1 million annual appropriation for contracted survey work, along with salary increases and other resources, helped the state reduce its backlog. They reported that Kentucky completed 101 long-term care certification surveys in fiscal year 2024, up from 28 in fiscal year 2023, and had completed 186 surveys by July 7, 2025, with a goal of 40 to 50 more before the end of fiscal year 2025. Outstanding complaints fell from 1,565 at the end of fiscal year 2024 to 695 by July 7, 2025, and outstanding priority-one or immediate-jeopardy complaints were reduced to zero. Members asked about the definition of priority-one cases, survey timing, the number of facilities still overdue, vacancy rates, federal funding reliance, and the use of contract surveyors. Officials said priority-one cases involve serious harm or high risk of harm, that surveys are required within a 12- to 15.7-month window, and that the agency now has 40 contract surveyors and an outside team option. Several members praised the progress but warned that delays in surveys can endanger residents and urged continued funding and monitoring.
The committee then began hearing from Mike Tuggle of the Department of Public Health on the Public Health Transformation Initiative, with Tuggle noting the legislation’s importance to public health financing. The transcript cuts off as he began his remarks.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 4/10/25
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Um then under program delivery, you 81.
- Uh then for state road program.
- <00:50:12.800>
And assisted bicycle rebate program. And assisted bicycle rebate program. - Um and then article rebate program.
- As I'm sure you're aware, but so members are aware, the bill had passed out of committee and, as I had
Bills:
HF2438
Keywords:
transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Apr 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- At this time, there is not funding associated in the budget with this program.
- The whole program is geared to taking care of the children.
- The whole program is geared to taking care of the individual child.
- Every other managed care program is under AHCA.
- AHCA is handling the whole program now.
Summary:
The committee met to consider a large agenda of health and human services bills, moving quickly because of a two-hour time limit. Early measures reported favorably included SB 976 on challenges to court-appointed psychologists in family law cases, SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access and after-hours availability, and SB 584 on housing supports for college students and youth in extended foster care. SB 1412 on home health regulation modernization also passed, with one support appearance from the Home Care Association.
Members then approved several bills focused on research and care delivery, including SB 1800 creating a Parkinson’s disease research consortium at USF with an adopted amendment adding academic medical centers, SB 524 adding Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, SB 1156 revising a Medicaid home health aide program for medically fragile children, and SB 1490 transferring and redesigning the managed care program for critically ill children. SB 1174 on foster home licensure transfers, SB 1620 implementing mental health and substance use commission recommendations, SB 1568 revising e-prescribing exemptions, and SB 788 on veterans nursing home beds were also reported favorably.
The committee had more extensive debate on SB 1270, the Department of Health agency package, which included provisions on vaccination status, medical marijuana background screening, licensing and compact issues, and sovereign immunity for volunteer dental workers; it passed after an amendment and several members voiced concerns about patient treatment and “voting power” language. SB 1606 on patient access to records drew strong opposition from providers and health information professionals over privacy, HIPAA, and administrative burdens; it was initially reported unfavorably, then reconsidered and ultimately passed after a motion to reconsider. Other bills reported favorably included SB 1736 on insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives, SB 1808 on patient refunds from providers, SB 1842 on referral disclosure of network status, SB 1354 on behavioral health managing entity oversight, SB 1768 on stem cell therapies with informed consent requirements, and SPB 7032 on presumptive Medicaid eligibility for permanently disabled individuals, which was submitted and reported as a committee bill. The meeting ended after all agenda items were handled and the committee adjourned.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 8, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- time public schools being destroyed and fought against I don't know if the data has changed by I was aware
- about 80% of our students actually attend I don't know if the data has changed, but I was aware that
- If there has been, I'm not aware of one. Thank you.
- up on today's agenda, we will take up CS for House Bill 1213, K-12 School Route Optimization Pilot Program
- But I also am aware of some safe school transportation dollars that might be available to help with this
Summary:
The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee heard and advanced three bills. CS/HB 1267, by Rep. Boussada, would require school districts to allow Schools of Hope to use vacant or surplus facilities or co-locate in schools with capacity, with non-instructional services handled through a pro rata agreement and a performance-based agreement requiring Schools of Hope to meet expectations within five years. Supporters argued it would better use underfilled public schools and help students in the bottom 10% of schools statewide; opponents raised concerns about local control, funding, and the effect on public schools. The bill passed 13-2. The committee also heard CS/HB 1115, by Rep. Valdes, which would require sharing certain discretionary sales surtax revenues with eligible charter schools based on enrollment, create a standardized charter school monitoring tool, and align Schools of Hope sponsoring-entity rules with charter school processes. Supporters said it would improve consistency and accountability; critics questioned fiscal impacts and district flexibility. That bill passed 13-2.
The final bill, CS/HB 1213, by Rep. Alvarez, would create a K-12 School Route Optimization Pilot Program using five counties to test AI-assisted analysis of school bus routes and walking conditions, with the goal of improving child safety for students who currently walk long distances. Members discussed hazardous conditions, possible use of safe-school transportation funds, and the bill’s lack of fiscal impact. Public testimony included support from education and parent groups. The bill passed unanimously, 15-0. The meeting then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, September 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It has no programs funded. no website. It has no programs funded.
- programs are The commission's programs are duplicative<00:25:46.240>
of <00:25:46.559>other - programs.
- of federal student repayment programs of federal student loan<02:42:16.960>
programs. - persons are all aware of the history. persons are all aware of the history.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Apr 24th, 2025
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health
Transcript Highlights:
- Healthcare provider training on cultural competency and bias awareness is important also.
- It, it's going to help identify best practices and successful programs from other states.
- because only awareness will bring change.
- Some may have had preexisting conditions that they may not have been aware of during the time of the
- as to why that this could, this happened to these women, to these mothers, but we want to bring awareness
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Transcript Highlights:
- Were the students aware that this happened? Were they made aware that this happened?
- But I'm not aware of this specific scenario.
- And I'm not aware of any additional action taken by the police department as well.
- I was aware of our issues with fixed assets, which is the repeat finding.
- The process goes, and we're also a federal program.
Summary:
The meeting opened with prayer and approval of the January 8 minutes, then moved to review of education audit reports. The first report concerned Northwest Arkansas Community College, which had three findings, including repeat internal control deficiencies that caused financial statement misstatements and a tuition revenue loss tied to a new student information system. College officials said the issues were largely misclassification and process problems, not missing money, and described corrective steps such as monthly closing checklists, approval controls for journal entries, cross-training, and efforts to address staffing turnover and fill finance vacancies. Members asked about the tuition issue, whether students were notified or billed, and whether the software problem affected other institutions; audit staff said they were not aware of the same scenario elsewhere. The committee then filed the report as reviewed.
The next report was Cedarville School District, which had one finding involving $794 in improper credit card charges by a resigned elementary teacher. The district was reimbursed, a police report was filed, and the matter was referred to the Professional Licensure Standards Board; members asked whether any further action or license-related consequences were known, but staff said they were not aware of additional action. The report was filed as reviewed.
The final finding was for West Memphis School District, where auditors reported repeat capital asset issues, including failure to capitalize about $851,000 in construction costs for a baseball-softball complex and problems with inventory and asset inspection. The superintendent said the district had recently begun using Legislative Audit after prior private audits, and described new controls such as multi-level purchase approvals, separation of duties, tagging of equipment, and a cleanup of old inventory records. Members also discussed the relationship between private audits and Legislative Audit reviews, with staff explaining that private audit reports for public school districts still come before the committee and that the executive committee determines when Legislative Audit performs an audit. The committee filed the West Memphis report as reviewed and noted that 28 school districts had no findings before adjourning.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Kentucky Housing Task Force 2025 (10-21-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Urban League to go through their program Urban League to go through their program and<00:22:25.039
- <00:46:05.040>
The trades education programs. The trades education programs. - create such programs. create such programs.
- establish dual credit programming establish dual credit programming through<00:51:22.480>
the - <01:15:32.400>
of some issues that I was not aware of some issues that I was not aware of
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:07
Roll Call 00:00:25
Discussion of Lexington’s Housing Affordability Partnership 00:02:26
Discussion of Northern Kentucky’s Housing Blueprint 00:30:12
Discussion of Religious Institution Land Use 00:57:33
Discussion of Free-Market Solutions to Kentucky’s Housing Crisis 01:04:18
Adjournment 01:26:37, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met without a quorum and began informally, with members noting this was the final information-gathering meeting on housing before a November meeting to discuss findings and report back to the LRC. The main presentation focused on the Lexington Affordable Housing Partnership, a public-private effort supported by a $10 million state allocation. Presenters described Fayette County’s housing shortage, citing a gap of more than 22,000 units, rising home prices, and the challenge of assembling land and capital for affordable projects.
The partnership explained that five local banks created a $3 million capital investment fund to buy and hold land at no interest, with deed restrictions keeping the site at 80% or below area median income and allowing the banks to seek Community Reinvestment Act credit. The first project is a 12.5-acre former Transylvania University baseball field, planned for about 242 units, including detached homes, townhouses, garden-style apartments, and senior housing. Speakers said the project required extensive neighborhood engagement and zoning/development approvals, but that the planning phase is now largely complete and infrastructure work should begin soon.
Financing details included roughly $64 million in additional funding through tax credit equity, market-rate loans, city support, Kentucky Housing Corporation resources, and donations from nonprofit partners. Developers said the multifamily bond applications are due to Kentucky Housing Corporation the next day, and they expect the land purchase to be repaid into the revolving fund once the property is entitled and closed, allowing the original $3 million to be redeployed for future projects. They estimated rental units could be filled within about six months of completion, while for-sale units would come online over 12 to 36 months.
In discussion, members asked about regulatory barriers and project timelines. Presenters pointed to rising construction costs tied to new federal and state requirements, and one member highlighted the need to continue reviewing planning and zoning reforms to speed development plan approvals and reduce delays. The group also endorsed a possible statewide $20 million housing fund, a residential infrastructure fund, and efforts to avoid additional regulatory burdens on housing development.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Solar Garden Program. Solar Garden Program.
- Um the program nationleading uh program.
- . in this program.
- revised community solar program. revised community solar program.
- program in honor of Melissa Hortman. program in honor of Melissa Hortman.
Bills:
HF3556
Summary:
The committee approved the February 26, 2026 minutes and then took up House File 3556, which would rename Minnesota’s community solar garden program the Melissa Hortman Community Solar Garden Program. The bill’s author described the measure as a tribute to Hortman’s leadership and her role in creating the program, noting its importance to Minnesota’s solar industry and the broader clean energy transition. The author moved HF 3556 to the general register, and the committee proceeded to testimony.
Testifiers from the Public Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce, solar industry groups, clean energy organizations, and community solar advocates all supported the bill. They credited Hortman with authoring and advancing the 2013 legislation that created Minnesota’s community solar program and said it became a national model that expanded access to solar for renters, lower-income households, and others who could not install rooftop systems. Several witnesses highlighted the program’s growth, including more than 1 gigawatt of approved projects, strong participation by low- and moderate-income subscribers, and job creation and private investment in Minnesota.
Witnesses also emphasized Hortman’s personal leadership style, describing her as prepared, persuasive, collaborative, and deeply committed to clean energy and public service. Some recounted personal interactions with her and said the name change would preserve her legacy and ensure future Minnesotans remember her impact. No vote on the bill itself was taken during the testimony shown, beyond the motion to send HF 3556 to the general register.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I'm not aware of that.
- >> Um, I'm not aware of that. I I think >> Um, I'm not aware of that.
- Um, are you aware that people can have mixes beyond the XX or XY?
- Um, are you aware that people can have mixes beyond the XX or XY?
- Um, are you aware that people can have mixes beyond the XX or XY?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 1215 was based on a very successful program.
- We are aware of that bill. We've not yet taken a position on it.
- The remainder of that program is funded by the county general fund.
- Is that right, to run this program? The process is going to be fee-based.
- Fire costs, and like the consumer benefit programs that we all want to support, the CARE and FERA programs
Summary:
The committee heard several energy, water, and utility bills. SB 919 by Senator Grayson would extend the biomethane monetary incentive program through 2030 and authorize additional funding to support renewable natural gas projects by reducing interconnection costs. Supporters said high interconnection costs and the current tax treatment are major barriers to methane reduction projects; opponents, including TURN and environmental groups, raised ratepayer cost concerns and objected to rate-basing and additional public funding. The author said amended language would remove the rate-basing provisions and instead urge the CPUC to act quickly on its pending decision.
SB 931 by Senator Laird would reauthorize the Community Impact Mitigation Program for the Diablo Canyon plant through 2030 to continue funding local emergency preparedness, fire protection, public safety, and school district costs. The County of San Luis Obispo and labor groups supported the bill, while TURN opposed it as a statewide ratepayer subsidy that could be funded from existing PG&E revenues instead of higher rates. Members discussed the bill in the context of the 2022 Diablo Canyon extension deal and the possibility of a future longer extension.
SB 1215 by Senator Cortese would direct the CPUC to set deployment targets for EV charging in multifamily housing and evaluate progress, with amendments aimed at affordability and limiting system upgrade costs. Supporters said renters are largely locked out of home charging and that prior utility programs proved cost-effective; no opposition testified. SB 1359 by Senator Stern would require more deliberate CPUC review before major gas system investments, emphasizing electrification and non-pipeline alternatives. Gas utilities and several industry groups opposed it, arguing it could undermine the obligation to serve, create safety and reliability risks, and change the regulatory compact.
The committee also heard SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Senator Gonzalez, which would establish a statewide low-income water rate assistance program upon appropriation. Water agencies, environmental groups, and local governments supported the measure, while one member expressed concern that it lacked a funding source and could not overcome Proposition 218 limits; the bill was moved to Appropriations and the roll was left open. Finally, SB 1098 by Senator Perez would restrict the use of long-running memorandum and balancing accounts by investor-owned utilities, require exceptional circumstances for new accounts, and add sunset and cost-sharing requirements. Consumer advocates and large energy users supported tighter oversight, while the utilities and business groups opposed the bill as too rigid and potentially harmful to flexibility for wildfire, emergency, and safety-related costs.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Mar 18th, 2025
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Aeronautics and Transportation Feb 16th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Aeronautics and Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Before I was asked to run this bill, I was not really aware of it.
- We will still be able to do flight awareness. We will still be able to use all those apps.
- Situational awareness that allows people to see where others are.
- But, at the end of the day, there are various different software programs out there.
- And I think there's only, I'm only aware of Westheimer in Oklahoma is one utilizing this to charge it
Keywords:
vehicle registration, automatic payments, Service Oklahoma, taxes, motor vehicle, prepayment program, memorial designation, highway, Sheriff Marty Grisham, transportation, Oklahoma Statutes, memorial bridge, dedication, Oklahoma, commemoration, memorial highway, road designation, John Skelley, motor carrier, administrative hearing
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Education Postsecondary Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- OUR PROGRAM WAS SELECTED IN THE TOP FIVE.
- ONE OF THOSE PROGRAMS IS THE TECH PROGRAM WHICH IS IN AKRON FOR THE ENGINEERING CANDIDATE.
- IN ADDITION TO THE ENGINEER PROGRAM, WE HAVE DESIGNED AND IMPLEMENTED A 17 WEEK PROGRAM FROM MARINE ENGINEERS
- WE HAVE ALSO IMPLEMENTED A TRAINING PIPELINE TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY PROGRAM TO MAKE ELIGIBLE PROGRAMS
- ESPECIALLY IN THE MILITARY PROGRAM.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- training program training program the<01:19:55.360>
intent <01:19:55.639>of <01:19: - :56.639>
entice the intent of the program was to entice the intent of the program was to entice - We do operate two distinct statewide programs: our language program, grants program, as well as a cultural
- we do operate two distinct program we do operate two distinct program Statewide<01:28:59.040>
- programs our language program Statewide programs our language program grants<01:29:01.320>
program
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Louisiana Commission on Civic Education May 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- As far as civics education, we have a few other programs.
- We also have a program for high school students.
- of your program.
- But as it is now, it's a summer program.
- However, it will be a two-day program instead of a six-day program.
Summary:
The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with quorum, approved the minutes from its previous meeting, and took several action items related to the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LIAC). The commission unanimously approved the 2026-27 LIAC membership slate after reviewing recommendations from the selection committee, and it also approved the council’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, noting the only change was an updated IRS mileage rate. Members thanked the legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years when it relied on outside donations.
The meeting featured presentations on civic education resources and America 250 programming. Brandon Burris, representing the Lieutenant Governor’s office, highlighted Louisiana state parks, the Checkout Louisiana library backpack programs for parks and museums, Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s anti-litter campaign, and Homework Louisiana. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national civics education trends, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and LPB’s “Louisiana’s Hidden History” videos and teacher resources on Bernardo de Galvez and Spanish Louisiana.
LIAC members then reported on their work, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment concerns, and local civic engagement projects. Peggy Cotonia of the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported 87 Law Day presentations and 287 total Law Day and Constitution Day presentations reaching about 9,400 students, along with updates on awards and a shortened but still free summer institute for teachers. Barry Irwin reported that legislation to clean up outdated commission membership and quorum language had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education, moving toward final passage. The commission adjourned after no further business.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Representatives Zeleznikar, Baker and Bierman Press Conference 5/12/26
Transcript Highlights:
- 340 uhb drug pricing program 340 uhb drug pricing program at<00:01:19.119>
their <00:01:19.439 - And this program is a bridge delivered.
- There's a federal program. You're all aware of this. We call it 340B.
- federal program or a federal acronym. federal program or a federal acronym. 340B<00:20:36.480>
important program that we can't let end. important program that we can't let end.
Summary:
House File 369 was the main topic, with House authors Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar, Rep. Robert Bierman, and Rep. Dave Baker arguing that the bill would give Minnesota’s 2024 340B law “teeth” by enforcing protections for nonprofit and rural hospitals’ access to the federal drug pricing program. They said the measure costs the state nothing, aligns with similar laws in more than 20 other states, and is needed before adjournment to help hospitals close funding gaps, support services like emergency care, obstetrics, behavioral health, and pharmacy access, and preserve care in remote communities. Several hospital leaders from across greater Minnesota testified that 340B revenue helps keep their facilities viable and that losing it would threaten services and, in some cases, hospital survival.
Witnesses described severe financial pressure on rural hospitals, including reimbursement cuts, workforce shortages, inflation, and rising drug costs. Leaders from United Hospital District in Blue Earth, Lakewood Health System in Staples, Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, Northshore Health in Grand Marais, Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet, and Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby said their hospitals serve as safety-net providers and often operate with thin or negative margins. They emphasized long travel times to other hospitals, seasonal tourism pressures in some areas, and the importance of local emergency, ambulance, inpatient, and specialty services. The Minnesota Hospital Association president also criticized pharmaceutical company messaging and said nonprofit hospitals are working around the clock to maintain access.
In response to questions, Zeleznikar said she had considered other enforcement approaches but now supported using the original Senate-passed bill, citing concerns about fraud and the difficulty of alternative enforcement mechanisms. She and hospital leaders distinguished this bill from a separate hospital stabilization-grant proposal, saying both are needed but serve different purposes. No vote was taken at the meeting, and the speakers repeatedly urged House leadership to bring the bill to the floor before session ends.