Transcript Highlights:

• by Hernandez, relating to a program to provide assistance for certain retail customers authorizing a fee
• structuring of water rates by retail public utilities to promote water conservation, authorizing a fee
• HB 1454 by TEP are relating to the waivers and reductions of tuitions and fees by institutions of higher
• HB 1487 by Ladderback, relating to the removal of a fee for of an original duplicate modified or renewed

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• IN 2011 THE LEGISLATURE PASSED HB MAY 04, 2005 WHICH REDIRECTED FILING FEES FOR THE MEDIATION AND ARBITRATION
• ANY AGREEMENT AND PROTECT VULNERABLE PROPERTY OWNERS FROM FRAUDULENT SCHEMES AND UNNECESSARY LEGAL FEES
• BECAUSE I ASKED, I SAID THE GENTLEMAN DIED, DIDN'T PAY THE HOA FEES, ESTRANGED FROM THE FAMILY SO THEY
• AND THAT WAS IT, IN ORDER TO PAY FOR THE HOA FEES BUT I ASKED WHY DIDN'T THEY GO FORWARD, DO A PUBLIC

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No filing fee or attorney representation required in 2021, the law was improved with help of the elder
• continually talks about is the workload and petitions motions things being filed for would there's no fee
• It allows these petitions to be filed without a fee.
• There is no filing fee. It happens quickly after that initial freeze.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• because I have been helped honestly through everything, from covering my shoes and scrubs to the class fees
• scrubs<00:08:44.959> to<00:08:45.959> the<00:08:46.240> class<00:08:46.600> fees
• ><00:08:47.200> to<00:08:47.720> helping<00:08:48.120> me scrubs to the class fees
• to helping me scrubs to the class fees to helping me through<00:08:48.600> a<00:08:48.800>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Not only was spending increased by about 40%, but taxes and fees were also increased by an additional
• spending increased by about 40% but<00:07:30.759> taxes<00:07:31.120> and<00:07:31.280> fees
• ><00:07:31.560> were<00:07:31.840> also<00:07:32.160> increased but taxes and fees
• were also increased but taxes and fees were also increased by<00:07:32.759> an<00:07:32.919><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senator Jeremy Miller discussed the Minnesota Senate’s new power-sharing arrangement with DFL Senator Bobby Joe Champion, describing it as a historic opportunity to restore cooperation after what he said were difficult and trust-losing last sessions. He said co-presiding officers should not slow progress, argued that the Senate has a tradition of respectful dialogue, and said his goal is to help rebuild relationships and focus on what is best for Minnesotans rather than partisan interests. Miller said he has heard positive feedback from constituents and emphasized that Minnesota is a “purple state” that expects balance and collaboration. He also said the legislature should address a looming budget deficit by reining in spending, reviewing the budget line by line, and targeting waste, fraud, and abuse, which he said could help create room for tax relief. He framed his legacy goal as cooperation and working together across party lines, saying he and Champion were entrusted by colleagues to lead in the best interest of the Senate and the state. No votes or formal legislative actions were taken in the interview.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the hard decisions that are going to be made after having a record surplus, increasing taxes and fees
• of the hard decisions that are going to be made after having a record surplus, increasing taxes and fees
• of the hard decisions that are going to be made after having a record surplus, increasing taxes and fees
• of the hard decisions that are going to be made after having a record surplus, increasing taxes and fees

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House Republican leaders spoke to reporters about the ongoing Minnesota House standoff, saying Democrats had still not returned to the chamber and that no meaningful progress had been made toward a power-sharing deal. They rejected claims by Rep. Hortman that the sides were closer to an agreement, saying the same proposal had been offered for about 15 days and that any deal would first require Democrats to “show up to work.” Republicans also said they were open to written negotiations on a tie arrangement, but only if the terms were new and acceptable to both sides. The discussion focused heavily on the consequences of the absent Democrats and the Republicans’ efforts to keep legislative work moving. GOP members said they were still meeting with constituents, discussing bill ideas, and preparing work on capital investment, roads, bridges, wastewater, school funding, and budget issues. They emphasized priorities such as stopping fraud, improving reading outcomes, public safety, and limiting taxes and wasteful spending, while also saying agencies had previously been told not to attend Republican-led committee hearings and that they hoped those meetings could resume. Republicans also addressed questions about pay and per diem, saying members were still receiving legislative salary but not per diem and arguing that lawmakers who do not show up should face penalties, including loss of pay. They said such penalties would need to be authorized by the Rules Committee. On other matters, they said there was nothing new to announce on possible legal action, they had not yet fully reviewed the president’s funding freeze, and they were open to meeting again with Rep. Hortman, including at 3:30 the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• between two to four years to obtain a judgment and cost between $5,000 to over $100,000 in attorney's fees
• between two to four years to obtain a judgment and cost between $5,000 to over $100,000 in attorney's fees
• But also, I know that they were talking about toll fees and storage fees and all of that.
• and also storage fees as well.
• What I would just add is that as you heard in testimony, the components related to the... storage fees

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills and took testimony on each, with members often noting amendments and continuing negotiations. SB 1009 by Senator Becker would require juvenile courts to find that less restrictive alternatives are unsuitable before ordering detention, and would require periodic review of continued detention and consideration of alternatives at disposition. Supporters argued it would reduce unnecessary youth detention and improve transparency; probation, judges, and police groups opposed it as an undue limit on judicial discretion and potentially unsafe in serious cases. The chair said he would recommend an aye with amendments, but the bill was held pending quorum and later remained on call. SB 1130 by Senator Gomez Reyes would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses, requiring consent before recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and banning devices or accessories designed to defeat recording indicators. Supporters said the bill addresses secret recording and invasive surveillance; opponents from tech and hospitality groups sought clarification to avoid unintended liability for businesses and exempt workplace communication devices. Members discussed those exemptions, and the chair recommended an aye, but the measure also remained on call. Senator Blake Spear presented SB 99, which would let courts consider military protective orders in domestic violence proceedings and require better communication between civilian law enforcement and military authorities. Supporters from the Department of Defense, local officials, and military representatives said it would close protection gaps for military families; the ACLU opposed it on due process grounds because MPOs are issued without judicial process. The chair and author emphasized that the bill only allows consideration of MPOs and does not require civilian enforcement of them. The bill passed out on a vote, though it remained on call for additional members. The committee also heard SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, restricting flashbang use for crowd control and banning flashbangs and explosive breaching charges in immigration enforcement, and SB 1022, creating a statewide anti-trafficking task force. SB 937 drew support from civil rights and community groups and opposition from police and sheriffs over the use-of-force standard and limits on tactics; it passed out on a vote but remained on call. SB 1022 was supported by survivor and faith groups and opposed by public defenders and sex worker advocates who raised concerns about racial disparities and enforcement harms; it also passed out on a vote. Later, SB 1395, extending criminal protective orders for certain felony sex offenses against minors up to 20 years, and SB 1230, increasing penalties for repeat illegal dumping, were both heard with mixed testimony and were held on call after committee votes. The committee also adopted a consent calendar and several bills were moved forward with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• My constituents aren’t really concerned with slashing permit fees so that the largest technology companies
• My constituents aren’t really concerned with slashing permit fees so that the largest technology companies
• My constituents aren’t really concerned with slashing permit fees so that the largest technology companies
• My constituents aren’t really concerned with slashing permit fees so that the largest technology companies
• My constituents aren’t really concerned with slashing permit fees so that the largest technology companies

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• passed the following measures: HB 21, Gates, relating to housing finance corporations, authorizing a fee
• The bill would hold claimants liable for the defendant's court costs and reasonable attorney fees.
• School districts have spent thousands of dollars in legal fees without attendant transparency.
• school districts regarding special education legal proceedings in which a certain amount of legal fees
• school districts regarding special education legal proceedings in which a certain amount of legal fees

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Pastor Tedrick Woods, followed by routine chamber actions including excusing Senator Gutierrez and receiving House messages that the House had passed HB 21 and HB 49. Senators also recognized advocates visiting the gallery on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis awareness and introduced the Doctor of the Day. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including HCR 66, by voice vote. The Senate then took up and passed a series of measures, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. Among the bills finally passed were HJR 2, which would prohibit state death taxes; HB 206, limiting counties from requiring cash bonds for pipeline construction; HB 517, barring property owners associations from fining homeowners for discolored vegetation during watering restrictions; HB 2756, requiring TDCJ correctional officers to receive de-escalation and behavioral health training; HB 451, expanding screening for commercial sexual exploitation risk among children in DFPS and TJJD custody; SB 705, cleaning up the air conditioning and refrigeration contractors advisory board; SB 2017, creating an offense for burnouts and wheelies; SB 1858, expanding body armor grant eligibility to ISDs; SB 1400, directing a study on transfer-student outcomes for community college funding; SB 2764, requiring notice to manufactured home buyers about converting homes to real property; SB 748, a licensing cleanup bill on laser hair removal; SB 2519, restricting certain ad valorem tax uses and bonds after amendment; SB 2878, the courts bill with amendments on Brazoria County courts and youth diversion provisions; SB 466, allowing families to request fetal death certificates at any gestational age; SB 1608, requiring timely physical exams for inpatient mental health admissions; SB 1730, limiting civil damages claims arising from certain uses of force or deadly force; SB 2417, clarifying Attorney General antitrust investigation work product and discovery rules; and SB 1946, creating a family violence, criminal homicide prevention task force. The Senate also passed HB 3204, renaming and updating the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State University, and SB 1986, requiring opioid warning labels. Several bills drew brief debate or amendments. Senators discussed broader HOA reform while considering HB 517, and SB 2203 on TCEQ discovery procedures was amended to require party motions, set a 15-day expiration for certified issues, and limit hearing abatement. SB 2017 was amended to change the mens rea language from knowingly to intentional. SB 2519 was narrowed by amendment to a forward-looking policy statement separating maintenance-and-operation taxes from debt-service taxes. SB 2878 also received amendments to reduce the number of new Brazoria County courts and add youth diversion and crisis-response provisions. SB 466 prompted a floor debate over whether fetal death certificates are appropriate for pre-20-week losses, with supporters emphasizing family closure and opponents arguing the document has no estate-related purpose. SB 1730 also prompted questions about the relationship between criminal findings and civil liability in self-defense cases. The session concluded with additional House and Senate measures being signed in the presence of the Senate and continued consideration of SB 2177, a grant program to help local law enforcement solve violent and sexual offenses.

Transcript Highlights:

• civil action to recover damages together with the cost of investigation and reasonable attorney's fees
• <00:04:02.519> addition<00:04:02.799> to<00:04:03.000> damages attorney's fees
• in addition to damages attorney's fees in addition to damages the<00:04:03.599> court<00:04:03.840
• um a problem of an organization that is um taking<00:30:49.279> exorbitant<00:30:49.840> fees
• for the services taking exorbitant fees for the services that<00:30:51.080> they<00:30:51.279

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• questions about the new green fee. questions about the new green fee.
• Does that go back the green fee money?
• Sorry, green fee. >> Yeah.
• was promised right so um the green fee was promised right so um the green fee you<02:45:10.640><
• "Do half of the green fee project." >> So, half of the green fee is go, right? >> Yeah.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• convenience fee, call it what you will. convenience fee, call it what you will.
• , a convenience fee, call it what you will.
• There's no statute that gives them this authority to tax the service fee.
• the service fee. the service fee.
• charge or this fee, then good luck<01:21:34.640> with<01:21:34.760> that."

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then quickly handled routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the prior journal, and allow bills and committee reports throughout the day. The chamber first took up House amendments to Senate Bill 19 on insurance, including a changed start date and a bill name honoring David McHanie and Roy Johnson. On a long roll, the Senate concurred 22-0 with one abstention. Senator Singleton then used personal privilege to present a Black History observance highlighting Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Benjamin O. Davis Sr., and Mahalia Jackson. Committee reports followed, with the Senate confirming Brandy Williams to the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards and Education Commission and Lynn Brewer to the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors. Senator Singleton spoke at length in support of the trades-related confirmation, emphasizing the importance of skilled labor, contractor oversight, and workforce training, while also discussing the need to support such professions and the role of boards in protecting consumers. The Senate also received favorable reports from Judiciary, Education Policy, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Tourism, and Local Legislation on a range of bills, many with amendments or substitutes, and placed them on the next day’s calendar. In motions and resolutions, Senator Elliott recommitted Senate Bill 310 to local legislation and introduced Senate Joint Resolution 50 honoring Coach Tim Carter, which was sent to rules. The Senate adopted Senate Joint Resolution 51 mourning Junior Harold Sorrells and several House resolutions from the Rules Committee, including recognitions for the Alabama State Games, Mack McCutcheon’s retirement, the Black pioneers of Macon County, Alicia Cannon, Joseph William Jones Jr., and Louis Vuitton the Pitbull Day. The chamber also recognized several school leaders in the gallery and then moved into local bills, beginning with Senate Bill 266, a proposed constitutional amendment regarding Covington County, for which a bill reading was requested using the previous roll.

Transcript Highlights:

• To ensure activities are available for all students, we keep the fees low.
• <00:53:07.599> The<00:53:07.839> district<00:53:08.160> contributes the fees
• The district contributes the fees low. The district contributes the<00:53:08.800> difference.
• And so, as a board member, do you know what percentage of a fee from a district to the MSHSL is?
• So, I wouldn't want to misquote anything. percentage of a fee from a district to percentage of a fee

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That included the sale of the draw prizes, the sale of the instant games, and then other retailer fees
• and so that net is added with the net from the draw games, and then from there you pay out contract fees
• , admin fees, salaries, et cetera, and then the net net is $105 million.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2768, interchange fees, payment card transaction; Commerce.
• HB 2768, interchange fees, payment card transaction; Ways and Means.
• HB 22, special plate fees revision; Transportation Infrastructure.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and took attendance. Members then recognized several guest groups and individuals, including the West Valley Regional Chamber, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics Arizona, Vitalant for National Blood Donor Month, and veterans and military family representatives in advance of a Veterans Caucus meeting. A proclamation was read recognizing January as National Blood Donor Month in Arizona and honoring Vitalant’s role in supplying blood to Arizona patients. The chamber also heard a declaration naming January 22, 2026, West Valley Regional Chamber Day, and members made personal remarks, including a memorial tribute to Jennifer Marie Walker Skaggs and announcements about committee meetings and caucus events. The House recorded attendance, entered committee reports, and processed a large number of bills through first and second reading, covering elections, education, veterans, health, housing, taxation, artificial intelligence, public safety, and other topics. Several bills were also withdrawn and reassigned to different committees, including referrals to Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, Government, and Public Safety and Law Enforcement. No substantive floor debate or final votes on legislation occurred in the transcript beyond procedural motions. The House later recessed and reconvened, continued first-reading referrals for additional bills and resolutions, and then adjourned on a motion approved by voice vote until 1:15 p.m. Monday, January 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• on cities and counties, all fees and taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, you name it, for four years
• They're going to continue to be raising fees. ...that the stylists paid for the licenses is not going
• They're not going to be raising fees, so I appreciate the amendment. We did that amendment.
• or felony conviction, $500 if it's a DCC charge, and then other smaller fees.
• felony conviction, 500 if it's D-CAC charge, and then other smaller fees.

Bills: SB1041, SB1050, SB1131, SB1138, SB1249, SB1267, SB1272, SB1317, SB1461, SB1488, SB1504, SB1517, SB1523, SB1580, SB1582, SB1584, SB1585, SB1602, SB1630, SB1654, SB1672, SB1673, SB1718, SB1761, SB1819, SB1826, SB1827

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, veterans, lifetime pass, state parks, Arizona, access, disabled veterans, cardiac arrest, defibrillators, school safety, emergency response, CPR training, Arizona education funding, automated license plate readers

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 1630, which would direct AHCCCS to seek federal approval for a home- and community-based services program for adults determined to be seriously mentally ill, with quarterly implementation updates, stakeholder input, and a cap on enrollment. The sponsor and advocates from Arizona Mad Moms argued the bill would create an assisted-living-style Medicaid option for the most disabled SMI individuals, improve continuity of care, and reduce state general fund costs by shifting some expenses to federal Medicaid funding. Access testified neutral, estimating a total fiscal impact of $27.7 million, including $5.83 million general fund, and explained the need for CMS approval. The committee adopted an amendment reducing the initial cap to 250 members, changing reporting frequency, and adjusting eligibility and expansion conditions, then passed SB 1630 as amended on a 10-0 vote. The committee next heard Senate Bill 1131, which originally required school districts and charter schools to adopt cardiac emergency response plans and appropriated $1 million for implementation. An amendment replaced the mandate with a reporting requirement on AED counts, CPR/AED-trained staff, and whether schools have a plan, while keeping a grant component for AEDs and prioritizing rural schools. The American Heart Association supported the amended approach as a way to gather baseline data and target resources, and members discussed AED training, school preparedness, and whether the funding should favor rural or high-population schools. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1131 as amended on a 9-1 vote, with Senator Kuby voting no and several members explaining concerns about funding and priorities. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1582, which concerned the school safety interoperability fund. An amendment shifted the appropriation from the Department of Education to the Department of Administration and allocated funds to specific county sheriff offices for continuing operation and maintenance of existing interoperability systems, while narrowing the program to public safety agencies and school districts and requiring twice-yearly testing. Sheriffs, a county school superintendent, and the Arizona Sheriffs Association described the systems as useful for drills and real emergencies, improving communication between schools and first responders; one speaker noted the program had been used in drills and at least one live deployment. Some members questioned the audit findings, the focus on rural counties, and whether the program was a good use of funds, while supporters emphasized its value for school safety. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1582 as amended on a 6-4 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 1504, which would change retirement rules for Tier 2 and Tier 3 public safety personnel by allowing earlier normal retirement and shortening the COLA waiting period, with an amendment exempting the changes from the statutory pre-funding requirement. Supporters from firefighter and police groups said the bill would improve recruitment and retention and let employees receive earned benefits sooner, while city, county, and taxpayer representatives warned it would add substantial unfunded liabilities and undermine the 2016 pension reforms. Actuarial testimony estimated significant costs, including tens of millions in annual or upfront impacts depending on how the change is funded, and members debated whether the amendment would shift costs onto future taxpayers or simply spread them over time. The transcript ends during continued testimony and discussion on SB 1504, before a final vote is reached.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our other contract had a monthly fee based on a system which we actually do think the hourly rate works
• Our other contract had a monthly fee Our other contract had a monthly fee based based based um<00
• Um, we've got to increase the legal fees.
• And I didn't know whether legal fees.
• increase the legal fees. increase the legal fees.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the September 19 meeting minutes and then took up a deferred University of Kentucky personal services contract amendment for guardianship services. UK officials explained that the contract covers court-appointed guardians for patients who cannot make medical decisions and are not eligible for state guardianship, with the work funded by UK Medical Center agency dollars rather than the general fund. Members questioned the large increase in the not-to-exceed amount, the number of cases, the hourly billing structure, and whether there are safeguards to prevent unnecessary costs or reimbursement issues if a patient later has resources. UK said the increase reflects shifting work from a prior firm, anticipated new cases, a move from a monthly fee to hourly billing, and the need for a second firm because one prior attorney died and another firm has had difficulty appearing in court promptly. The committee ultimately approved the contract, while Senator Thomas said he would vote aye but urged future review of attorney fee limits and broader guardianship statutes, which he described as outdated and inconsistent. The committee then deferred three Office of Energy Policy memorandum of agreement items to the November 2025 meeting without objection. After that, it approved the remaining agenda items, including the contract lists and deferred items not separately selected for review. The final major item was a University of Kentucky personal services contract related to fundraising and philanthropic outreach. UK representatives said the contract supports marketing and donor engagement efforts to grow the university’s endowment pipeline and philanthropic support. The transcript cuts off before the committee finished its questions or took final action on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of their fees now are set up and controlled through administrative rules.
• reason for the restrictions—is that we want to be sure that the people who hunt and fish are paying fees
• 00:47:49.680> match<00:47:50.160> from<00:47:50.560> license<00:47:51.040> fees
• <00:47:51.520> in<00:47:51.839> the plenty of match from license fees in the plenty
• of match from license fees in the state<00:47:52.240> of<00:47:52.480> New<00:47:52.680

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• have someone working at the tribal level, there is a 20% service charge and a 6% tribal transaction fee
• We could save about $40,000 on this bill if we didn't have those transaction or tribal fees.
• If we did, the room total would only be about $80,000, but it's a $20,000 service slash tribal fee on
• The room total would only be about $80,000, but it's a $20,000 service slash tribal fee on top of that
• this degree or that piece of paper or this thing, I mean, it can be $50, $60, $70 just in transcript fees

Summary: The commission met with a quorum and introduced Brett Farley, who was discussed as a possible partner to help strengthen the nonprofit side of the commission’s work. Members also welcomed a new participant, Naomi Janes of Owasso Public Schools, who described her role in instructional technology and AI integration. The group spent much of the meeting on planning for the upcoming AI symposium, including venue logistics, room and meal costs, audio-visual expenses, fundraising progress, keynote and vendor participation, and ideas for breakout sessions and after-hours demonstrations. Members discussed keeping attendee contact information private unless permission is obtained, and they also considered future regional meetings and year-round follow-up to sustain momentum beyond the symposium. A major portion of the meeting focused on legislation and grant strategy. Michael provided an update on House Bill 1782, saying floor amendments had been filed and that the bill now includes authority for agencies to pursue gifts and donations, an expanded advisory council, broader research purposes, and a fund structure that can support multi-year projects without fiscal-year pressure. He also reviewed Senate Bill 1734, which would require parental disclosure, allow opt-outs, and require reporting on data minimization and privacy compliance for AI tools used in schools. Members discussed how the commission could help schools, families, and the public understand AI policy and how the new law might shape future recommendations. The group also reviewed several grant efforts. Anna reported on the NSF TechABLE/AI HubZone proposal, a three-year, $1 million-per-year opportunity with a June 15 letter-of-intent deadline and July 15 full proposal deadline, and noted plans to include staff positions to support the project. She also updated the group on a rural health care transformation proposal of roughly $700,000 and asked for follow-up on its status. In addition, Anna outlined a broader K-20 pipeline concept centered on a shared learner record and microcredential system that would connect K-12, CareerTech, higher education, libraries, and workforce systems, with tools such as Career Coach and Skill of Eye to link credentials to jobs. Members generally supported the idea, noting benefits for transcript portability, special populations, teacher certification, and workforce alignment. The commission agreed to meet again on June 14 at 1:00 p.m., and the meeting adjourned after a brief announcement of an informal AI book club for the summer.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesotans who are out paying taxes, to business owners, to the folks who are trying to get car tab fees
• wanting to do a tax cut for Minnesotans right now, but that’s on the back of taxing services, banking fees
• on the back of taxing<00:10:17.200> services,<00:10:18.200> banking<00:10:18.680> fees
• <00:10:18.920> and<00:10:19.040> others taxing services, banking fees and others taxing
• services, banking fees and others that<00:10:19.640> have<00:10:19.760> never<00:10:20.040

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Republican legislative leaders reacted critically to Governor Walz’s speech, saying it was divisive and focused too heavily on Democratic priorities rather than unity or bipartisan work. Speaker Daudt and Majority Leader Liska argued the governor ignored the state’s affordability problems, including high property taxes, rising business costs, and what they described as mandates imposed under full Democratic control. They also said the speech downplayed poor educational outcomes and failed to offer a unifying vision for the final weeks of session. A major theme was fraud and accountability. Leaders said the governor waited too long to address the state’s large fraud scandal and then deflected blame to other states. They said Minnesotans want accountability and affordability, and they pointed to the House Fraud Committee and the Senate’s OIG bill as examples of anti-fraud work Republicans say Democrats have blocked. They also criticized the governor’s tax proposals as a “bait and switch,” arguing that promised tax cuts would be offset by new taxes on services and banking fees. The discussion also touched on school safety, gun policy, child care credits, and the HCMC bailout. Republicans said they were willing to work on bipartisan school safety measures, including mental health supports and funding for public, private, and charter schools, but believed gun-control proposals lacked the votes. On the child care credit, leaders said they would keep evaluating it but were concerned about future deficits and the need for a pay-for. In response to questions, they said they were not surprised HCMC was not mentioned and said conversations were continuing. One leader also objected to the governor’s comments about voting access for people of color, calling them disrespectful.