Video & Transcript Research : 'computational thinking'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- I think the Affordable Homes Act does a lot, but I think there is a lot more to do.
- Overall, I think we're all...
- I think...
- But I think if you think back, we sort of did it in the 40s. Why couldn't we do that today?
- So I think just that—I think you're right to sort of diagnose that.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing opened its second hearing of the session with remarks from Chairs Haggerty and Cyr emphasizing that the hearing was a broad look at Massachusetts’ housing crisis rather than a single bill. They highlighted topics including zoning, permitting, rental assistance, public housing, homelessness prevention, and housing production. The first witness, Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus, reviewed implementation of the Affordable Homes Act and the state’s new housing plan, citing a 1.6% vacancy rate, a projected need for 222,000 new homes over 10 years, and ongoing efforts such as ADUs by right, fair housing enforcement, eviction record sealing, seasonal communities planning, and new funding for affordable housing, public housing, and the Momentum Fund. He also discussed infrastructure support for municipalities, technical assistance for ADUs, and concerns about possible federal funding cuts.
Committee members questioned the secretary about ADU financing and technical assistance, the likely unit yield from the Affordable Homes Act, infrastructure barriers in suburban and rural communities, public housing waitlist management, supportive housing, and federal budget risks. MassNAHRO then testified that public housing authorities are facing rising operating and capital costs, a statewide waitlist nearing 300,000, and uncertainty over federal Section 8 and HUD funding. Witnesses described recent state support for operating subsidies, capital improvements, vacancy turnover teams, and resident service coordinators, while warning that proposed federal cuts could sharply affect voucher issuance and agency operations.
CDAC’s executive director Roger Herzog described the agency’s role as a quasi-public source of early-stage financing and technical assistance for nonprofit housing developers, noting its loan capital, supportive housing bond programs, home modification loans, and preservation work under Chapter 40T. He said CDAC has helped produce or preserve more than 55,000 units and stressed the importance of patient capital and preservation tools. CHAPA CEO Rachel Heller urged the committee to focus on production, preservation, planning, and political will, supporting goals for affordability, supportive housing, and homeownership, and endorsing policy changes such as YIGBY, clearer site plan review rules, stronger fair housing funding, and more support for vouchers and public housing. MassHousing then outlined its financing role, including mortgage lending, down payment assistance, the Community Climate Bank, and the Momentum Fund, while noting that permitting delays, capital gaps, and possible federal changes could affect production. Members also asked about transparency, prevailing wage compliance, and a recent internal restructuring related to diversity and business engagement.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, I think, I think, I think the bill author can tell us what his intentions were with that, but
- I think there is.
- I think that's bad.
- I think that doctor's fraudulent. I think that lawyer is in on it.
- And I just wondered if you were, I, I don't think, I, I don't think it's just, see, I, I think that's
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think the issues that I'd ask you to address during the interim are issues still today, I think
- And I think the issues that I'd ask you to address during the interim are issues still today, I think
- I don't think you did. I don't think you lost us at all.
- I don't think we're clarifying for the court. I think it was such a horrific crime.
- But that's what I think we're doing. And that's what I think we just did.
Bills:
SB100
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (01/13/2026)
Public Works and Highways
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that needs to be expanded some. I think that needs to be expanded some.
- <01:14:28.800>
the <01:14:29.040>mileage think that um but I think the mileage think - are are I think based exit numbers are are I think that's<01:14:31.920>
better. - So, I think it Yeah. in it like I am. So, I think it Yeah.
- > Um, I think I think uh I think some Um, I think I think uh I think some would,<01:22:26.159>
some
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Virginia Housing Commission - Fees in Residential Rental Agreements Workgroup Jun 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it makes a lot of sense.
- I think it's worth it to think about for our conversation that's coming up. So thank you.
- I think of it as a work group.
- And I think we're trying to, I think we have both drives before we switch to the idea of application
- I think this is a question/comment.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Then I think this bill, such as white supremacists, I think that it could address that.
- And I don't think there... ...which I think already addresses a lot of this, and I don't think there's
- Think of roads, think of repair... Think of roads, think of repairs, think of water and sewer.
- I think you need to hear this.
- I think, given the time constraint, I think it would be fine. Okay, thank you. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee first considered House Resolution 1016, which would have allowed introduction of a bill by Representative Richmond addressing disclosure and restrictions for certain real-estate arrangements where buyers purchase interests in entities rather than direct ownership of property. Richmond said the measure was aimed at transparency, consumer protection, and preventing private tribunals or discriminatory practices, while several members questioned whether it would affect homeowners associations, hunting clubs, arbitration clauses, or duplicate existing law. After discussion, the committee voted down the resolution.
House Resolution 1006, sponsored by Representative Schultz, proposed increasing the Homestead Tax Credit by $75, from $600 to $675, using a fund created by Amendment 79 and supported by sales tax revenue. Schultz argued the fund could support the increase now and that families needed relief amid high prices. The committee approved the resolution. The committee then heard House Resolution 1007, presented by Senator King and Representative Eaton, which sought to change how turnback funds are distributed to counties, with a focus on giving counties more predictable annual funding for roads, jails, water, sewer, public safety, and other infrastructure. Members raised concerns about taking $150 million off the top of sales tax revenue and about whether the bill should be handled through budget language instead; the resolution failed.
House Resolution 1008, by Representative Wooten and Senator King, would have amended the LEARNS education program to reduce costs, limit or change eligibility, and add performance-based requirements and reporting for certain school-choice funding. Supporters said the program was financially unsustainable and needed accountability, while opponents argued the proposal would create larger problems and that the issue should be handled in the regular session. The resolution failed after a point of order prevented reading a supporting letter into the record. Finally, House Resolution 1009 and House Resolution 1013, both tied to Senator Bryant’s proposals on local control over crypto mines and data centers, were discussed together with testimony about water use, energy demand, and local opposition; both failed. House Resolution 1015, which would have amended the IDEA economic-development bill to remove eminent domain authority and address board accountability, also failed after members said more concerns remained to be worked out.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't think it's going decline, right? I don't think it's going to<00:17:43.120>
decline. - where you think you want to go. where you think you want to go.
- I think we're seeing less smoking. I think we're seeing less drinking.
- I was thinking 220. I was at 220. I was thinking 220.
- I think it's 25. 225. Yeah. what's it? I think it's 25. 225. Yeah.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:14:18.079>
more service I guess I was thinking more service I guess I was thinking more - appreciate this legislation we think appreciate this legislation we think that<00:19:57.159>
- And so I think in consultation, I think we need to look at the definition of what a public employee is
- And we think of farming today, we think of the huge farms, but yet there's still 400 acres.
- I think this is a step.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 4/28/26
Rules and Legislative Administration
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING Jan 9th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING
Transcript Highlights:
- The federal court, I think I'd have to consult the report here, received status reports—I think totaling
- So that's a very good description, I think. So that's a very good description, I think.
- So the, I think my question, I'm sure that you guys are I think, well, my question, I'm sure that you
- But I think Representative Duke raises a really good question about But I think Representative Duke raises
- I think that's a very good suggestion. I think we need to provide to you what we want to see.
Summary:
The committee first adopted prior minutes and then heard several standing committee audit reports. The executive committee report noted audit and special reports scheduled for the month, one outstanding committee-requested report, and a request to gather information on a possible special report for February. The city/county/local report covered delinquent private water and sewer audits, including reinstatement of turn-back funds for 17 entities, 59 of 64 delinquent 2023 entities filing reports, and action on the town of Daisy requiring repayment of misused street funds. The education report filed three higher education audit reports and deferred one Northwest Arkansas Community College report. The state agencies report filed four reports and deferred audits of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism for more information on corrective actions.
The committee then received a special audit review of the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UA Little Rock. Auditors said the program received $10 million in desegregation funding and a $50,000 grant, awarded $1.87 million in scholarships to 379 students, and saw 116 students graduate. The review found many scholarship eligibility exceptions, including awards above the maximum and to students who did not meet GPA, enrollment-hour, or full-time requirements, and numerous disbursement documentation and authorization problems. Committee members sharply questioned the program’s oversight, the role of former staff, the use of funds for travel and cultural activities, and whether any improper spending should be referred for criminal review. UALR representatives said the program was overseen as a sponsored program, that some controls were later strengthened, and that Philander Smith only verified enrollment rather than eligibility. The committee voted to table the report until the next meeting and asked staff to gather the federal court order and additional information.
Finally, the committee reviewed the annual report on matters referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General for 2024. Staff said 164 matters were referred, with 28 criminal charges filed, 39 still under review, 3 dismissed, 5 pending in court, and 96 not charged; convictions in 20 cases led to fines, restitution, audit costs, and some bond trust fund payments. Prosecutor representatives explained that many referrals do not become criminal cases because of intent, timing, or other legal limits, and said they generally seek restitution even when charges are not filed. Members asked for more standardized reporting, including whether restitution was recovered and why cases were not prosecuted, and discussed possible training and a checklist for future reports. The committee then voted to file the report and adjourned, with the next meeting set for February 12-13.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I would so I think I don't think anyone I would so I think I don't think anyone ever<00:21:29.840
- So that's why I think, you know, I think that's wrong. I've tried to change that.
- It would actually be the one acquiring the land, would be the piece to think about as we think about
- So that's why I think, you know, I think that's wrong. I've tried to change that.
- so that's why I think you know I<00:24:55.120>
think <00:24:55.320>that's <00:24:55.600
Summary:
The Transportation Committee met on January 29, 2025, to hear the Metropolitan Council’s presentation on the Governor’s proposed agency budget requests. The Council outlined three main budget items: authorization to advance funds to MnDOT to help coordinate a highway project with arterial bus rapid transit construction; a proposal to make free regular-route transit rides permanent for eligible Metro Mobility riders, after a successful pilot that produced nearly 75,000 rides; and a reduction in general fund support for rail operations, which the Council said it could absorb in the near term. The Council also noted it was seeking $15 million in the bonding bill for bus rapid transit, including support for the H Line, and described other capital requests for an infill/infiltration program and regional parks.
Council leadership said the advance-funds proposal would let two projects move together more efficiently, reduce disruption, and potentially lower costs by avoiding repeated reconstruction and maintenance. On the Metro Mobility fare pilot, they said the lower fare increased rider freedom and spontaneity while saving state money because fixed-route service is cheaper than individual Metro Mobility trips. On the general fund reduction, they said the agency is expanding service, opening the Gold Line, B Line, and E Line, and can manage the cut because of its diversified revenue sources, though it could affect future expansion.
Senator Nelson raised concerns about the proposal to expand the Right-of-Way Acquisition Loan Fund to include regional parks and trails, warning that the legislation should clearly avoid creating condemnation authority for park or trail projects, especially where they are adjacent to MnDOT projects. Council staff responded that the program would finance local acquisitions rather than give the Met Council condemnation power, and said they would take the concern under advisement and ensure the legislation is carefully drafted. Members also discussed federal funding uncertainty; Council officials said federal transit operating support is about $30 million and that a pause or cut could affect future capital projects and some existing awards, while the region’s diversified funding base would help cushion operations. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting.
MN
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Interim Topics Meeting, March 4, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:29:52.680>
we if we think if the committee thinks we if we think if the committee thinks uh think it's a good topic and I think uh think it's a good topic and I think uh definitely<00- if you think about it, it's if you think if you think about it, it's if you think about<01:04:55.840
- think this is a large ask and I think think this is a large ask and I think it's<01:09:53.520>
- I think it's a good topic. I think it's a good topic.
Summary:
The committee opened by taking roll for the Joint Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs Committee and noting that 20 topics had been submitted for discussion, including one late addition. Members were asked to number the topics for reference, and the chair explained that each presenter should give a brief overview before the committee returned to the dais for questions and possible ranking or action. No votes were taken during the portion provided.
The first topic was a request from the Associated General Contractors of Wyoming to have TRIP, a third-party transportation research organization, present a report on Wyoming’s highway system. The report is intended to identify transportation needs and 25 priority projects, and the committee generally supported hearing the report and methodology directly from TRIP. The next topic combined two similar railroad safety proposals. Representative Chestek described a bill addressing train length, wayside detectors, and track inspections, citing the East Palestine derailment and concerns about reduced inspection frequency. Committee members raised questions about federal preemption and enforcement authority; Chestek said states can be more protective of safety where federal rules leave gaps, and WYDOT said it would need additional expertise and staffing to administer such a program. No public testimony was offered on the railroad topic.
The committee then heard two proposals from the Wyoming Military Department. One would study Tricare subsidies for mental health providers by comparing Tricare reimbursement rates with other insurers, gathering de-identified data on eligible members and provider participation, and then returning to the committee with findings before any legislative recommendation. Members discussed whether the issue might fit better in Labor, Health, and Social Services, but the military department said it believed the committee had a strong connection to the topic. The second military topic would study Service Group Life Insurance for state active duty, comparing state and federal death benefits for Guard members to identify any shortfalls. The committee also briefly discussed a VSO program review raised by Representative Neff, focusing on the number of veterans service officers and retention, but no action was taken in the excerpt.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I think um in can't get one again.
- Well, Senator Re, what do you think on the amendment? I think it is so similar.
- I I think it is so similar. amendment? I I think it is so similar.
- <00:26:04.559>
a you think if you think there's a you think if you think there's a conflict - I don't think so. In your opinion, Mr. I don't think so. In your opinion, Mr.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Jun 21st, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't think we can go backwards, but I think...
- I don't think we can go backwards, but I think how about we do that vote if we need to.
- I think, speaking to Rep... the idea there are some of no-brainers. I think, for example, Mr.
- I don't second that because I think I think that it looks a little unfair, right?
- I think that's a great idea.
Summary:
The Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Feasibility Commission met to continue its work toward making recommendations to the Legislature on establishing a cultural center in Boston. The chair reviewed the commission’s mandate, upcoming monthly meetings, site visits, listening sessions, and the plan to eventually hire a consultant for the feasibility study. Members also discussed the importance of capturing the broader 200-plus-year Cape Verdean history in Massachusetts, especially in light of Boston’s 250th anniversary and Cabo Verde’s recent 50th independence anniversary.
A major portion of the meeting focused on reviewing and narrowing a list of potential additional commissioners. Members discussed the need for geographic, sector, and generational diversity, and several commissioners raised concerns about overrepresentation from New Bedford and the need to include people connected to other Cape Verdean communities such as Brockton, Boston, Wareham/Onset, Taunton, the Cape, and Haverhill. Testimony and comments emphasized including people with skills in arts, culture, history, construction, philanthropy, law, education, museum curation, and community organizing. Members also discussed whether to use a slate, an inventory of skills and regions, or individual votes, and whether abstentions should be treated as “reserve your rights” instead.
The commission voted to appoint three individuals: John Cruz, former State Senator Vinny deMacedo, and Angelo Lopes Barbosa or a designee from the Center for Cape Verdean Studies at Bridgewater State University. The body then voted to pause the remaining commissioner appointments until the next meeting and directed the chair and staff to create an inventory of candidates by skills, region, and other relevant criteria. Members also agreed to add two newly suggested names—former Brockton City Councilor Tina Cardoso and Maria Gomez-Pena—to the candidate list. The chair said the next meeting would be scheduled for January, and the meeting adjourned after the commission approved the motion to adjourn.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I think we positive uh step to take.
- Uh, so I think it's a better bill.
- think it does more than just lot size. think it does more than just lot size.
- I think we had um a we did a lot I think I think we had um a we did a lot of<00:07:30.800>
movement - And I think the I think the >> Yeah.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (03/04/2026)
Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't think that's a viable situation, so I don't think we should pass this bill.
- Uh no, I think we're good. Uh no, I think we're good. Okay. Okay. Okay.
- I think that number is way too low. I think it needs to be higher.
- Which I think is the same comprehensive. Which I think is the same thing. thing. thing.
- But I think it's a great idea to do this. But I think it's a great idea to do this.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy Jul 21st, 2026
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I think we'll get from me.
- What do you think? We just also have... What do you think?
- I think that's... I think that's right. I think we're saying the same thing there.
- I think we are resolved. I think we're ready. We know what we're going to have on.
- I think we're resolved. I think we're ready. We know what we're going to have on.
Summary:
The Executive Committee of the State Committee on Pension Policy approved its June minutes and received updates from legal and actuarial staff. Counsel reported on two class-action matters: the Fowler/Probst case, where a court ordered the state to pay $118 million in additional interest to teachers and the state has appealed and sought a stay, and the Dawson case challenging last year’s HB 2034, where the complaint was amended to leave only a federal contract-impairment claim and the state plans to move to dismiss. The actuary also provided a brief educational update on asset smoothing and offered to provide more detailed follow-up, noting it affects funded ratios and contribution rates.
The committee then discussed its interim work plan and September agenda. Members agreed to add a bill and fiscal analysis for a PERS/TRS Plan 1 ad hoc COLA, with discussion focused on whether it should be capped and how to frame the cost estimate. Staff also outlined a memo on possible approaches to a permanent COLA for Plan 1 retirees, including making it part of the base budget or otherwise structuring it so future budgets would address it; no action was taken, and the topic was deferred for further discussion. The committee also heard constituent correspondence supporting COLAs and raising concerns about survivor benefits.
A representative of the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association testified in support of advancing survivor medical benefits, explaining that the smaller size of the State Patrol system makes new benefits more costly per member and that any new benefit would require member approval. Staff said a cost estimate could be prepared for September if the proposal excluded retroactive coverage, but October would be needed if retroactivity were included. The committee agreed to move the survivor medical issue to October, while keeping the LEOFF 1 medical study update, animal control officer eligibility, and the ad hoc COLA on the September agenda, along with preliminary 2027 meeting dates. The meeting adjourned without further action.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think, I think... ...bringing the parents back in.
- I think many of you are parents. I know some of you. Think of that.
- I think this is a great bill. I think this is a great idea.
- I think this is a great bill. I think this is a great idea.
- I think it's a really complicated area. I think it needs to work.
Keywords:
constitutional amendment, legislative sessions, veto override, New Mexico legislature, session length, legislative session, even-numbered years, New Mexico Constitution, student behavior, physical restraint, seclusion, public schools, training, de-escalation, student safety, behavior interventions, criminal offenses, peace officer, Victims of Crime Act, law enforcement
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that we need to think more about those unintended consequences.
- I think this is a new years.
- think that I want to work towards. think that I want to work towards.
- <00:58:02.880>
So, <00:58:03.040>thank think more systemic thinking. - So, thank think more systemic thinking. So, thank you,<00:58:03.320>
Mr.
Keywords:
workforce development, appropriations, nonprofit organizations, employment services, state funding, paid leave, S corporations, employment law, exemptions, Minnesota Statutes, cancer, healthcare, appropriation, Rural Cancer Institute, Minnesota clinicians, pilot program, nursing, education, University of Minnesota, equity