Transcript Highlights:

• basically a private financing using the municipal bond financing structure through a local public trust
• Items 26 and 27 are under the next section for a public trust.
• and the mayor and Alina, through our time we’ve served together, y’all are taking it in the right direction

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The State Bond Commission met on May 21 with a quorum present and approved the April 16 minutes. The commission then reviewed and approved a large slate of local government and public authority financing requests, including election propositions for the November ballot, water and sewer infrastructure projects, fire protection and recreation district bonds, school board financing, and several refunding transactions. Most items were found to meet technical requirements and were approved on motions by Speaker DeVillier and seconded by Senator Talbot. Among the more notable items were the East Baton Rouge City-Parish refunding bonds for the Greater Baton Rouge Airport District, the City of Kenner’s retroactive approval request tied to a convention center agreement with GMB Basketball LLC, a Louisiana Housing Corporation financing increase for the Federal City Building 10 affordable housing project, and preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority’s Petro Tower redevelopment in Shreveport. The commission also approved financing for Southern University’s Scott’s Bluff student housing project and the Crescent City Schools/Harriet Tubman Charter School project. The Crescent City Schools item prompted questions about how MFP funds are used; staff explained that lease payments would support the bonds and that MFP funds are generally split between educational expenses and facilities-related costs. The commission received six monthly cost-of-issuance reports, which required no action, and a status update on the state debt schedule. It also approved Resolution No. 2 authorizing up to $425 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refund the Series 2016 bonds and tender other outstanding bonds for savings, with pricing tentatively set for June 16 and closing for June 30. During other business, New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morel thanked the commission for its role in helping address the city’s fiscal crisis and for approving a charter amendment election item aimed at strengthening budget oversight. The meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• basically a private financing using the municipal bond financing structure through a local public trust
• Items 26 and 27 are under the next section for a public trust.
• and the mayor and Alina, through our time we’ve served together, y’all are taking it in the right direction

Summary: The State Bond Commission met on May 21, established a quorum, approved the April 16 minutes, and then considered a long agenda of bond, refunding, and election-related requests. Items 3 through 10 were election propositions for the November 3 ballot involving ad valorem taxes, parcel fees, and charter amendments for purposes such as fire protection, agricultural centers, neighborhood security, recreation, aging services, drainage, and roads and bridges; staff said they met technical and legal requirements, and the commission approved them. The commission also approved several local financings, including water and sewer projects, fire district equipment and facility improvements, school board and parish bonds, and refunding transactions for the East Baton Rouge City-Parish and St. James Parish School Board. A retroactive approval request from the City of Kenner related to a CEA with GMB Basketball LLC was discussed; staff made no recommendation because it was retroactive, but noted it appeared to be an oversight, and item 22, the related airport district agreement, was approved. The commission approved additional financing for the Louisiana Housing Corporation’s Federal City Building 10 affordable housing project, a preliminary approval for the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority’s Petro Tower redevelopment in Shreveport, and two Louisiana Public Facilities Authority projects: Southern University’s Scott’s Bluff student housing project and the Crescent City Schools project for Harriet Tubman Charter School. During discussion of the Crescent City Schools financing, a commissioner asked about the use of MFP funds; staff explained that lease payments would be the repayment source and that MFP dollars are generally split between educational expenses and facilities costs, with the school’s typical split around 72% instructional and 28% administrative/facilities-related. Both items were approved. The commission then received six cost-of-issuance reports for previously approved bond issues, with various fee adjustments but no motions required. It also reviewed a debt schedule update and adopted Resolution No. 2 authorizing up to $425 million in general obligation refunding bonds to refund Series 2016 bonds and tender other outstanding bonds for savings, with pricing tentatively set for June 16 and closing for June 30. In other business, the commission heard a brief public comment from New Orleans City Council President J.P. Morrell thanking the commission for helping place a charter amendment on the ballot to improve New Orleans budgeting transparency and oversight. The meeting ended after monthly reports were noted and no further business was raised.

Transcript Highlights:

• He won in Will's Trust in the States and won in employment discrimination on Thursday.
• Because the Hunters need it far more than the individuals, the trusts, the estates, and the corporations
• priorities is to enact pro-growth policies that keep our economy growing, keep us moving in the direction

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• question and we can work at the next stop putting in some verification requirements and not just trusting
• Chair Botana: We have a proponent, John November, Public Trust for Conservation, wishes to appear.
• promoting nature-based solutions that work with natural systems to protect Florida shorelines and directs

Transcript Highlights:

• And really what that means or not, there's not a lot of trust funds that are specifically have to be
• You can see the various sources, general revenue, of course, we have ETF or education has been trust
• will tell you that Boca, you have has district offices and better across the state and they provide direct
• You have the base funding by general revenue interest on our trust funds are sort of group together and
• And then it's directed for the student scholarship dollars.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• fund dollars for the Brenpence trust fund dollars for the Brenpence Bridge<00:27:26.480> project<
• So, it comes from a lot of different directions.
• Uh we do a lot of different directions.
• <00:58:53.760> So >> So um we've got to change direction.
• So >> So um we've got to change direction.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met to review the Transportation Cabinet’s budget request and the recommended highway plan; no votes were taken. Secretary Jim Gray opened with praise for KYTC snow and ice crews, describing their response to recent winter storms and noting the scale of the effort, including about 2,300 workers, 1,438 pieces of equipment, and more than 948,000 miles driven in the first week. He then outlined the cabinet’s overall highway plan, saying it includes more than 1,300 projects and about $9.5 billion in anticipated state and federal funding over six years, with roughly 40% directed to existing pavements, bridges, and guardrails. He highlighted major priority projects such as the Mountain Parkway four-laning, the Brent Spence Companion Bridge, and the I-69 Ohio River crossing. Budget director Sean McCarron explained that the cabinet adjusted its request after the Consensus Forecast Group lowered road fund revenue estimates, and said the cabinet only included additional requests it viewed as essential. He described requests to support driver licensing regional offices, including funding to maintain temporary and contract staff used to reduce wait times, expand offices from 35 to 41 locations, and support improved customer service; he warned that without the current-year increase, wait times would rise again. He also discussed maintenance funding, saying the proposed increases would help cover rising costs for salt, snow and ice drivers, and mowing, while allowing continued litter pickup, vegetation management, pothole repair, and more in-house snow and ice work. Deputy Secretary Mike Hancock addressed specific capital questions, especially the Brent Spence Bridge and Cairo Bridge. For Brent Spence, he said the requested $125 million in general funds is needed because construction costs have risen sharply, citing a 61% increase in highway construction costs from 2020 to 2025, and said Kentucky and Ohio are both contributing to keep the project moving. He added that if the legislature does not provide the $125 million, KYTC would have to shift $100 million in federal highway funds and $25 million in state match from other projects. Hancock also reviewed several project reauthorizations for maintenance facilities and aviation projects, and noted a $5 million federally funded truck parking project aimed at addressing statewide truck parking shortages, especially along interstates and in areas such as Louisville, northern Kentucky, Frankfort, Somerset, and western Kentucky.

Transcript Highlights:

• $30,000, whatever the amount is, it is given. to be held in an account on behalf of the parent to direct
• it's so simple to But say, if a parent feels like there's something better, I guess I would rather trust
• It's a trust. A what? Yeah. He told me to ask you.
• Huge step in the right direction. Right. I appreciate that.
• We can trust them to make good calls. All right, thank you for your testimony. Mr. Mendoza.

Bills: HB3, HB3

Keywords: education savings account, educational expenses, certified educational assistance organization, school choice, funding, special education, tuition reimbursement, emergency communication, public safety, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, grant program, emergency communications, public safety radio, first responders, radio system, dispatch, 911, emergency management, Texas Division of Emergency Management

Transcript Highlights:

• fund as of the A1 highway user trust fund as of the A1 amendment.<00:13:34.639> Uh<00:13:35.200
• Senate File 1480's proposal to adopt a distance-based user fee is a step in the right direction toward
• Senate File 1480's proposal to adopt a distance-based user fee is a step in the right direction toward
• And so this is still a bargain, but it's a step in the right direction.
• It raises the raises funds direction.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fund, and the newly the Education Trust Fund, and the newly established<03:22:12.720> elderly,
• the department of health bill directs the department of health and<03:43:59.520> human<03:43:
• DHS to amend health care by directing DHS to amend its<03:45:27.359> contract<03:45:27.840>
• The people of New Hampshire bestowed upon us their trust by electing us to the state Senate.
• Hampshire bestowed upon us their trust Hampshire bestowed upon us their trust by<04:35:38.959>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• May they always remember the trust placed in them that they might strive to act in ways that promote
• <00:51:14.079> Uh<00:51:14.400> after Stewardship Trust Fund.
• Uh after Stewardship Trust Fund.
• <00:52:14.960> Uh<00:52:15.680> the outdoor stewardship trust fund.
• Uh the outdoor stewardship trust fund.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 25 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with an invocation by Reverend Bruce Wells and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved dispensing with the reading of the journal and committee reports. The chamber also recognized a joint resolution honoring the University of Southern Mississippi Army ROTC program on its 75th anniversary, and welcomed several guests and groups in the galleries throughout the morning. A series of special recognitions followed. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 53 honoring Katie Blunt on her retirement as director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History; Blunt spoke about the success of the Two Mississippi Museums, fundraising for exhibits and public programming, and her long service to the state. The Senate also recognized the Winston Academy Patriots football team for winning the 2025 MHSAA Class 2A Division 2 state championship, the Mississippi State University All-SEC basketball guard Josh Hubard for his athletic and community service achievements, and the Columbus High School Falcons for winning the 2026 MHSAA Class 5A boys basketball state championship. A South Panola High School Air Force JROTC drone team was also honored for its third consecutive grand championship, with its instructor describing the program’s statewide and national success and its role in preparing students for careers and research opportunities. On the legislative calendar, the Senate tabled a motion to reconsider Senate Bill 2588, the Safeguard Honesty, Integrity, and Elections for Lasting Democracy Shield Act. It then adopted the conference report on Senate Bill 2654, creating the State Security Operations Center within the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services, after members noted the changes were largely clerical and did not alter the bill’s substance. The Senate also confirmed several nominations by use of the morning roll call, including reappointments to the Mississippi Board of Animal Health, appointments to the State Board of Veterinary Medicine, and an appointment to the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund board.

Transcript Highlights:

• So say we have subpoenas flying around in a couple different directions.
• So say we have subpoenas flying around in a couple different directions.
• And that harms trust, public health, and informed decision-making.
• :51:32.800> and<03:51:33.040> informed harms trust, public health, and informed harms trust
• person is not suitable to be trusted person is not suitable to be trusted with<04:30:48.479>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The law also directs the Healthcare Authority to budget for rate increases to the request.
• have an issue not necessarily related to suicide but any behavioral health issue, they can go to a trusted
• Chair, Senator Lanier, we actually The Health Care Authority doesn't get a lot of direct money for School
• This is a direct recommendation and a requirement in our remedial order number two to overfill positions
• I've got the letter, and it does address trust and other areas.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He stated he would follow the law rather than an illegal directive from the president, and that is the
• What this CR does is not maintain current spending on the numbers and on the directions of how it will
• The Medicare trust fund will be insolvent within a decade.
• Your advice actually took the heart and it was directed at how do you lead a large organization.
• No guidance, no direction.

Keywords: Michael Falkender, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, IRS, taxpayer privacy, nomination process, committee hearing

Summary: The committee convened to discuss critical issues surrounding the nomination of Michael Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. This meeting included a series of remarks from committee members who expressed divergent views on Falkender's qualifications and the implications of his appointment. Senator Wyden voiced strong opposition, arguing that Falkender represents harmful policies expected to be perpetuated under the current administration, especially concerning taxpayer privacy and IRS tactics. Meanwhile, other members defended Falkender, noting his extensive experience, including a commitment to transparency in government operations if confirmed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's highly unlikely, highly unlikely, and this project appears to be a betrayal of trust.
• Are there opportunities that you see to direct federal funding?
• We're also, and the governor's directed us to advance what's called Zone Zero, which is really the next
• Good afternoon chair members Rico Mastradonato with the Trust for Public Land.
• Mark Fenstermaker on behalf of the California Council of Land Trust. want to echo the sentiments about

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Perhaps most importantly, these resources will be directed to cities and towns across the Commonwealth
• Outstanding CTF bonds are special limited obligations payable solely under the trust agreement for pledged
• special obligation bonds based upon certain criteria: financial markets, ratings, capital finance plans, trust
• Does the administration foresee... ...capital finance plans, trust agreements.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets held a public hearing on H. 5279, a bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. MassDOT and A&F testified in support, describing the bill as a more than $5 billion transportation bond package centered on a four-year, $1.2 billion Chapter 90 authorization, plus funding for MBTA rail reliability and modernization, housing-related transportation improvements, a new DCR/MassDOT PRISM program for parkways and other DCR assets, and reauthorizations of the Municipal Pavement Program, Shared Streets and Spaces, and highway programs. They said the bill would support safety, resilience, housing production, and multimodal transportation, and noted that some bonds could be issued as special obligation bonds backed by the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and Fair Share revenues. Committee members asked about the size and structure of the authorizations, the federal match for highway projects, the source of MBTA vehicle procurement, bridge repair needs, and whether the housing-related funds could be used flexibly for items like sidewalks, bike lanes, bus stops, and other local transportation improvements. Administration witnesses said the bill is intended as a temporary refill of existing programs until a larger transportation bond bill is filed next session, that the federal-aid line includes the full spending authority while the state only borrows the 20% match, and that the housing-related program is deliberately broad and not limited to MBTA communities. They also said Chapter 90 includes a road-mile component that especially helps rural communities and that preservation and safety are built into the programs. The Massachusetts Municipal Association also testified in strong support, emphasizing that Chapter 90 is the most important tool municipalities have to maintain the roughly 30,000 miles of local roads and bridges they are responsible for. MMA urged timely passage before construction season and praised the continued $300 million Chapter 90 level, especially the $100 million road-mile distribution that helps communities with large road networks and smaller populations. No votes were taken on the bill, and the hearing concluded with adjournment after testimony ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this bill is a major important step in the right direction of striking that balance.
• How can we make sure this is not going to be exploited, like a farmer's trust in the industry, and then
• We're also inquiring with the Farmland Trust to get their feedback as well, so we're in the process of
• position has been in the past, but we're actively in conversations with the Farm Bureau and the Farmland Trust

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 3256, a bill stemming from the Massachusetts Cranberry Revitalization Task Force that would remove Chapter 61A barriers for certain renewable energy projects on non-producing agricultural land. Supporters said the bill would let farmers separate adjacent land from Chapter 61A without a municipal right of first refusal, avoid rollback and advance tax penalties, and use small solar or other renewable projects to generate supplemental income while keeping the farm in operation. Testimony emphasized that the proposal is intended to be “farm-first,” limited to marginal or accessory land, and could also produce local tax revenue for municipalities. Some members raised concerns about whether the bill should be limited to solar, the appropriate project size, impacts on other agricultural sectors, and whether future sales or conversion back to other uses should trigger local rights of first refusal. Witnesses said the bill had been reported favorably in a prior session and noted that similar projects typically involve 20-year leases with extensions. The committee also took testimony on S. 2009, which would authorize regional transportation ballot initiatives. MAPC and Transportation for Mass argued that the bill would give municipalities and groups of municipalities a flexible tool to raise local revenue for transportation projects such as transit, roads, bridges, bikeways, and pedestrian infrastructure, with sunset provisions so the revenue ends when the project ends. They said the measure would not raise taxes on its own, but would allow local voters to decide whether to adopt a revenue source, and pointed to examples from other states where similar initiatives funded major transit and infrastructure projects. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony was also heard on S. 1922, which would create a Massachusetts fund allowing voluntary taxpayer donations to the UN Least Developed Countries Fund or related 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting climate-vulnerable communities. Climate Reality Project representatives said the bill would let Massachusetts residents support climate resilience projects in the world’s poorest countries at no cost to the Commonwealth, and could serve as a model for other states. Senators questioned how recipient countries and nonprofits would be selected, what safeguards would exist regarding countries such as Yemen, and how taxpayers would know where donations would go; witnesses said the fund would be administered through the UN system and that they would provide more clarification. Rep. Michelle Ciccolo also testified on H. 3051, seeking a one-year deferral of the higher interest rate that applies when deferred property taxes become due after the death of a senior or veteran, saying the current jump to 16% can burden heirs and discourage use of the deferral program. The hearing concluded without any votes or committee actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• touching the firearm, leaving the immediate area, and immediately notifying a parent, teacher, or other trusted
• Immediately notifying a parent, teacher, or other trusted adult.
• And so I personally just want to lift that up, that giving this direction to public schools without input
• If I had a nickel for every time I heard my Democrat colleagues saying trust the district schools and

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And third, are you involved in or do you have any assets in a blind trust? No. I do not. Thank you.
• And I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Wright for the trust that they have placed in me with
• I am absolutely committed to follow the law and follow Congressional direction on appropriated funds.
• proud of you and it's so obvious and I want to tell you how much I appreciate your character and your trust

Keywords: nominations, Undersecretary of Energy, Undersecretary of Science, Preston Griffith, Dario Gil, energy policy, scientific innovation

Summary: The meeting was convened to discuss several significant nominations, particularly focusing on Preston Wills Griffith III for Undersecretary of Energy and Dr. Dario Gil for Undersecretary of Science. The committee underscored the importance of these roles in shaping American energy policy and scientific innovation. The discussion highlighted the nominees' backgrounds, with Griffith having extensive experience at the Department of Energy and the White House, and Gil bringing expertise in quantum technology and energy research. Members expressed a strong desire to understand the nominees' perspectives on current challenges facing the energy sector, including regulatory mandates and national security concerns. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensuring thorough evaluations of the candidates and their proposed approaches to pressing issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have put our trust in you in the past and will continue to put our trust in you in the years to come
• You're riding. your staff still bring direction, comfort, and an unshakable confidence.
• imposition of a tax that is realized or unrealized capital gains of an individual. family, state, or trust

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• standing firm on. ...balance he does, earning respect while standing firm on principles, and earning trust
• Or maybe it's his direct, steadfast approach, a quality that commands both admiration and action.
• And trust me, Danny will make plenty of mistakes, okay?
• When times get tough, and trust me, they will get tough, have each other's backs.

Summary: The House convened for its organization session, opened with prayer, the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. The Secretary of State’s certification of the 2024 election was accepted as prima facie evidence, the members-elect were seated, a quorum was established, and the newly elected and returning members were sworn in by Florida Supreme Court justices. The chamber also recognized the Governor, Cabinet members, former speakers, former members, and other guests in attendance. The main business of the session was the election of House leadership and adoption of the chamber’s rules. Representative Fentrice Driskell was nominated by the Democratic caucus and delivered remarks emphasizing constituent service, opposition oversight, and priorities such as hurricane recovery, insurance affordability, reproductive rights, gun violence, education, and poverty. Representative Daniel Perez was nominated by the Republican caucus, seconded, and then elected Speaker by unanimous vote after a motion to close nominations and dispense with a roll call. Perez was sworn in and said his priority would be serving Floridians through practical action, fiscal discipline, and reforms that reduce bureaucracy and special-interest influence. The House then adopted House Resolution 10, establishing House rules for the 2024-2026 term, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 20, establishing joint legislative rules. Representative Gottlieb spoke in opposition to the rules, arguing that recent changes restricted debate and reduced deliberation. The House also appointed a committee to notify the Senate that the House was organized, elected Representative Wyman Duggan as Speaker Pro Tempore by unanimous vote, and announced caucus leadership selections, including Duggan as Speaker Pro Tempore and Driskell as Democratic minority leader. The session concluded with administrative motions authorizing technical corrections to the rules, spreading the organization-session remarks upon the journal, and adjourning sine die.