Transcript Highlights:

• the state university teaching program. the state university teaching program.
• 28.880> ATRIP<00:07:29.520> program university programs, the ATRIP program university programs
• program in 2019 to 2025. program in 2019 to 2025.
• university directed payment program. university directed payment program.
• Um, it's not to replicate programs already supported by other federal programs.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board’s fourth meeting focused primarily on a presentation from University of Kentucky and University of Louisville health leaders about the state university directed payment program. Mark Birdwhistle and Ken Marshall described the program as a long-running, value-based Medicaid arrangement that began in 2019, uses university-provided matching funds rather than provider taxes, and ties a portion of payments to quality outcomes. They said the program has improved measures such as tobacco cessation, diabetes control, depression screening, and cancer screening, while supporting access to specialty care, medical education, and workforce training. They also emphasized that Kentucky’s model is nationally notable and has helped improve health rankings and generate cost savings. A major topic was the federal reconciliation bill signed July 4, which the presenters said will reduce directed payments by 10% annually for 10 years beginning in 2028. UL Health estimated a first-year loss of about $75 million and a cumulative loss of about $600 million over the decade; UK estimated about $100 million in the first year, for a combined first-year impact of roughly $175 million. Both speakers warned the cuts could affect access to care, training capacity, and the sustainability of Kentucky’s value-based model, though they expressed hope that congressional action could alter or delay the changes. They also noted that 340B drug pricing changes could further strain already thin operating margins, but did not provide exact figures during the meeting. Committee members responded positively to the program’s reported outcomes and the institutions’ role in Kentucky health care. Senator Berg praised the quality of care and shared a personal example of being advised to stay at UofL for breast cancer treatment. Representative Moer highlighted Kentucky’s strong cancer-control score and asked for more explanation of the value-based payment structure; the presenters said the system is built around ongoing measurement, accountability, and collaboration with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the amended August 27 minutes by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The JRS2 program is a retirement system for judges.
• We are making great gains in getting people who are eligible for the program to use the program.
• We have some content programs, data content programs.
• We are very proud of this program.
• There are always many programs that can be developed. We're not trying to develop any new programs.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations from the Legislative Budget Board and agency officials on several agencies, starting with the Texas Historical Commission. LBB described a large biennial reduction driven mainly by the removal of one-time funding and discussed capital projects, rider changes, and exceptional items including Presidio La Bahia and the National Museum of the Pacific War. Senators asked about heritage trails, courthouse grants, unexpended balance authority, and the status of historical-site funding. Historical Commission leadership emphasized preservation, courthouse restoration, heritage tourism, coordination with the Alamo and other Texas Revolution sites, and requested additional IT, staffing, and vehicle funding. No votes were taken. The committee then reviewed the Pension Review Board and the Employees Retirement System. The Pension Review Board’s budget was largely unchanged aside from IT maintenance and salary adjustments, with an exceptional item for additional IT enhancements. Members discussed the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System’s funding dispute and the need for a workable restoration plan. ERS presented a much larger budget, including funding for the retirement system, the group benefits plan, and the legacy payment intended to reduce unfunded liability. Senators focused heavily on pension investment returns, benchmark comparisons, and rising health-care costs, especially pharmacy spending driven by GLP-1 drugs; ERS said the plan covers about 540,000 lives and that premiums would rise 8% while benefits remain unchanged. ERS also said it had no exceptional items, and committee members requested more detailed benchmark information. The committee also heard from the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. TESSORS reported an unfunded liability, an infinite amortization period, and requested additional state support, staffing, and IT funding, including a statutory change to allow a higher contribution level; the agency warned that without more funding it may have to cut benefits. CEPRIT’s presentation covered its bond-funded cancer research and prevention portfolio, revenue-sharing from funded projects, and a request to increase salary limits for its CEO and chief scientific officer. Senators questioned CEPRIT’s accomplishments and return on investment, while CEPRIT cited screening, prevention, and research outcomes, including tens of thousands of detected cancers and precursors and hundreds of thousands of first-time screenings. The meeting ended after these presentations and questions, with no recorded committee action or vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The CARA program, nationally, has resulted in low engagement.
• We've specifically met with Focus Clinic, Milagro Program, and the Adobe Program, who also works with
• in our program.
• Without our programs...
• The summer EBT program again, continue that program, and make that as automated as possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• Program here in California.
• When the state faces a shortfall, our early childhood programs, otherwise known as our ECE programs,
• It's a capped program. The subsidy programs are capped.
• So within the child care system that falls under the CalWORKs program, so the Welfare to Work program
• For example, Michigan started a number of years ago a pilot program that has turned into a broader program

Summary: The California State Assembly Select Committee on Child Care Costs held its first hearing to examine the state of child care access, affordability, and provider compensation. Chair Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and other members described child care as essential infrastructure for working families and the economy, noting that costs are unaffordable for many households and that providers are underpaid. Early testimony came from a San Francisco parent, Quinn Chung, who described the difficulty of finding safe care and the financial and career sacrifices caused by lack of child care, and from Tuolumne County provider Anita Viscini, who detailed her monthly costs, low margins, and the need to work weekends and teach CPR classes to make ends meet. Assemblymembers also emphasized the crisis in rural communities and the need for a long-term strategy. The first policy panel featured Jennifer Troia of the California Department of Social Services, Laura Pryor of the California Budget and Policy Center, and Alexa Frankenberg of Child Care Providers United. Troia said the state has nearly doubled child care funding in five years, expanded subsidy slots, and reached a new tentative three-year agreement with providers that includes cost-of-living adjustments, stabilization payments, and continued work on an alternative rate methodology and single rate structure. Pryor argued that despite funding gains, child care remains too expensive, only a fraction of eligible children receive subsidies, and provider wages remain far below comparable jobs, worsening racial and gender inequities. Frankenberg said the tentative agreement is progress but not enough, calling for a true cost-of-care system, fair wages, paid time off, better support for emergency and nontraditional care, and stronger integration of family child care into the mixed-delivery system. Members asked about why the crisis persists, how the alternative methodology will work, how family fees and sliding-scale help are being used, and why middle-income families still struggle. The panel said the problem reflects long-term underinvestment, a broken market, and a system that still leaves many families without access. The committee also heard an economic panel from Ashley Hoffman of the California Chamber of Commerce and Sarah Bone of the Public Policy Institute of California. Hoffman described employer child care benefits and public-private partnership models in other states, including shared-cost programs and local chamber efforts. Bone said child care costs reduce family financial security and labor force participation, especially for mothers of young children, and estimated that if mothers of young children worked at the same rate as mothers of older children, more than 80,000 additional women could be in the workforce each year. In the final panel, parent and provider advocates, including Jennifer Greppie and Black Californians United for Early Care and Education co-founder Keisha Doyle, argued for fully funding child care, ending waiting lists, protecting culturally affirming care, and addressing racial inequities and private equity’s role in the sector.

Transcript Highlights:

• program.
• So, we have some content programs, data content programs.
• We have some content programs, data content programs.
• We are very proud of this program.
• We are very proud of this program.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• funds to HPHA for the state rent supplement program for Kapuna and for positions to support the program
• We've been a long time advocate and supporter of this program, and we're very happy to see this program
• So, the LIHTC programs. So, the LIHTC programs.
• <00:31:59.120> It payment loan assistance program. It payment loan assistance program.
• Our first testifier for SB 3285 is HHFDC in support. program. program.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing, meeting jointly with the Committee on Health and Human Services, heard testimony on Senate Bill 2787, which would expand use of the rental housing revolving fund to provide loans or grants for purchasing rental units, and Senate Bill 2957, which addresses tenant displacement and relocation protections, as well as Senate Bill 2866, which would make the state rent supplement program for kupuna permanent and appropriate funds for it. Testimony on SB 2787 included support from DHHL, HHFDC, AARP Hawaii, and others, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying language and standards for grants, and the Tax Foundation questioned whether grants fit the revolving-fund structure. On SB 2957, supporters including OHA, PACT, medical-legal advocates, and tenant representatives emphasized relocation hardships from the KPT redevelopment, language access, and the need for clearer minimum safeguards; the Attorney General suggested defining “comparable units” and correcting a drafting error. On SB 2866, HPHA, Catholic Charities, AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the kupuna rent supplement program permanent to prevent homelessness among low-income seniors. During discussion on SB 2957, members questioned HPHA and tenant counsel about the KPT low-rise relocation process and what “comparable housing” meant in practice. HPHA said all tenants were relocated, but counsel described disputes over comparability, disability and family-size issues, and at least one offered unit that was not livable. For SB 2787, members questioned DHHL about why it sought funding from the rental housing revolving fund rather than other sources; DHHL said it was still exploring options and had mostly used its funds for infrastructure, with only a small portion used as revolving funds. The chair expressed concern about relying on scarce housing funds and urged more efficient use of DHHL’s existing resources. In decision-making, the committees voted to pass SB 2957 with amendments and SB 2866 with amendments. For SB 2957, the amendments would replace the bill with a working group on tenant displacement and relocation, include a blank appropriation and defective date, and request $75,000 for the working group; the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator Favela excused. For SB 2866, the amended version would include a blank appropriation, defective date, and committee report language noting requests for $110,160 for two HPHA public housing specialist positions and $2.16 million for the state rent supplement program; this motion was also adopted, with Senator Favela excused. After the joint hearing adjourned, the committee returned to the housing-only agenda and continued discussion of SB 2787 before moving on to SB 3089, which would amend the down payment loan assistance program for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers; testimony on SB 3089 was beginning when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• purchasing program.
• program for larger grants.
• works<00:10:27.200> program<00:10:27.920> for programs.
• An agra works program for programs.
• farm down payment assistance program. farm down payment assistance program.

Bills: HF2446, HF2563, HF2444

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• parameters that each program has. parameters that each program has.
• assistance program.
• <00:23:34.159> That assistance program. That assistance program.
• of any such program. of any such program.
• adjustment would be to the program. adjustment would be to the program.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will call the State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee to order for June 17th.
• There really isn't an independent coupon management program or prior authorization program out there.
• This is our actuarial provider for the property insurance program.
• Thank you, sir, and for taking on a first-year program.
• We have seen over the past year that the program has worked.

Summary: The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee met on June 17 and reviewed a series of Employee Benefits Division and Office of Property Risk items. The committee approved formulary changes for March and April that favored lower-cost generics, removed some new-to-market drugs from coverage pending more evidence, and made maintenance changes to migraine and diabetes medications. Members also approved a cell and gene therapy policy that would route those therapies through prior authorization rather than automatic coverage; officials said the process should not delay urgent cases and that no current members would be affected. The committee then reviewed a UAMS pharmacy benefit consultant contract amendment, but after extended discussion about the written scope and dollar amounts, the motion was approved with the understanding that any use of optional services would return to the committee for further review. The committee also reviewed the U.S. Able Mutual/Blue Advantage third-party administration contract and the CompSack employee assistance program contract, which officials said would reduce per-member costs and add services. The subcommittee approved proposed 2027 rates for state employees and public employees, with a 9.8% increase for state employees and a 4.9% increase for public school employees. Officials also reported that the UnitedHealthcare rebid was in its final negotiation stage and would return in August, with medical and pharmacy coverage split as previously recommended. In response to questions, the director said the division was considering broader preventive-care offerings, including weight-loss drug coverage, but would proceed cautiously and with strong utilization controls and holistic support if such a program were adopted. On the property risk side, the committee reviewed permanent rules making prior temporary rules permanent, a contingency-fee subrogation contract, and renewals for claims management, actuarial services, and investment management. Members raised concerns about Sedgwick’s claim-adjustment timeliness and communication with school districts after severe weather events; officials said performance guarantees and communication expectations had been strengthened, but the renewal was kept at three years for continuity. Finally, the committee approved 2026-27 captive insurance program rates, which included no change to minimum deductibles, a 10% overall rate reduction, and bucketed rate changes by entity type. Officials said the captive program was working as intended, with improved actuarial support and claims experience, and the meeting adjourned after the approvals.

Transcript Highlights:

• about the way we fund our services and programs.
• about the way we fund our services and programs.
• The program indicated the program costs are currently being covered, so there's no additional fiscal
• The purpose of the bill is to rename the batterer intervention program as an abuse intervention program
• The purpose of the bill is to rename the batterer intervention program as an abuse intervention program

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first are mandatory spending programs.
• Far larger than what we pay for the entire Medicaid program.
• Um, discretionary programs.
• It needs to be limited to mandatory programs, so law changes for how a program that's under mandatory
• We have a proposed work program I'd like to talk about first.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is related to the Civic Media Program.
• I see that there's the California Civic Media Program.
• It's not government-run necessarily; the governor's office administers the program, but the program will
• The governor for including AB 617 program funding.
• We're supporting SB 155, the Civic Media Program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Revenue positive um in the program Revenue positive um in the program<00:04:29.600> um<00:04:
• This is an alternative program to the commercial program, so those businesses can stay in business.
• program to the commercial<00:11:57.320> program<00:11:57.800> so<00:11:58.360> those
• <00:11:58.600> businesses commercial program so those businesses commercial program so those
• So it's a long-time existing program versus implementing a new program. May I follow up? Of course.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next EDD program, but most importantly, we are clarifying that the program can accept private donations
• Have spent money marketing the program.
• As a thing that has helped them in their programs to become educators in their education programs.
• Times when we got these new programs or new names for programs, it kind of lowered the buy-in from folks
• It talks about that the program.

Bills: SB706, SB1262, SB1272, SB1546

Keywords: school funding, general fund carryover, State Aid, educational finance, budget penalties, emergency clause, tuition waiver, human trafficking, education, higher learning access, victims' rights, Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant, higher education, financial aid, income eligibility, student grants, scholarships, capital improvements, teacher incentives, Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act

Transcript Highlights:

• program.
• Um our program and local bridge program.
• This is a program that gave us program.
• program.
• And so, the state grant program program.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the Minnesota Building Families Program. the Minnesota Building Families Program.
• The newborn screening program is a mandated program that receives funding from fees.
• program integrity processes. program integrity processes.
• the whole program.
• the whole program.

Bills: HF4609, HF4401

Keywords: infertility, fertility treatment, fertility preservation, IVF, assisted reproductive technology, ART, oocyte retrieval, embryo transfer, egg freezing, sperm freezing, reproductive health, maternity coverage, health insurance mandate, health plan benefits, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, MinnesotaCare, family planning, oncology fertility preservation, chemotherapy

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we got a fourth of the people in the state in those public programs.
• Who is it open to and what program.
• uh program in the nation. nation. nation.
• >> It's a good program. Could it be better? >> It's a good program.
• And uh I think them into this program.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The segment focused first on Senator John Marty’s bill, SF 3612, which would remove private insurers and HMOs from Minnesota’s state health care programs and replace them with a statewide administrative services model. Marty argued that managed care has created churn, coverage disruptions, and administrative waste in Medicaid and MinnesotaCare, and said the state should instead pay providers directly while investing more in care coordination, case management, and wraparound services through primary care clinics and county-based purchasers. He said the goal is better care, not just savings, though he also cited potential taxpayer savings and pointed to Connecticut as a model. He acknowledged the bill is not expected to become law this year and said a fiscal note and more details are still pending. Marty said the proposal has support from the governor and groups such as the American Cancer Society, but that his current co-authors are all DFL members. He expressed hope for bipartisan support and said the simpler system would also improve fraud detection and transparency. He addressed concerns about insurance-industry jobs by saying workers should be treated fairly and that retraining and dislocated-worker assistance would be part of the transition. He also said the broader goal is universal coverage for all medical needs, including mental health and dental care, without co-pays or deductibles. The second half highlighted Senator Jeff Howe and Minnesota’s Hometown Heroes Assistance Program for firefighters. Howe described the program as a statewide effort for roughly 20,000 career, paid-on-call, and volunteer firefighters that provides up to $20,000 in assistance for occupational illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, along with training, counseling, and family support. He said the program helps firefighters process trauma and has been recognized as the nation’s most comprehensive firefighter well-being initiative. Howe said the most recent version of the bill received unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers, and he suggested future expansions could include retired firefighters and possibly peace officers. The segment also noted a separate therapy approach using retired racehorses to help first responders work through trauma, with participants saying it has helped them stay on the job and manage anxiety and PTSD.

Transcript Highlights:

• , also known as the IDD pilot program, that was established in 2023.
• You have to stay on the program, on the pilot, for one year.
• So share of cost is actually not a full Medicaid program.
• They have to go on a full Medicaid program, which is MWA or MTD. MTD.
• I'm excited about the adult pathways program.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills related to children, families, elder affairs, mental health, disability services, and child care. SB 1050 on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities was amended and reported favorably after discussion of expanding the voluntary IDD managed care pilot statewide, improving transparency on the APD wait list, creating a statewide family care council, addressing transition services for youth leaving foster care, and seeking federal approval for an adult pathways waiver. Testimony from providers and a parent emphasized workforce capacity, county-level identification of clients, Medicaid delays, and the importance of keeping the pilot voluntary; the bill passed with support and some discussion about possible future clarifications on services and Medicaid eligibility. The committee also passed SB 1310, which directs OPPAGA to evaluate student mental health outcomes tied to school mental health assistance funding, and members discussed the need for better data, coordination with managing entities, and avoiding duplication of services. SB 976 on court-appointed social investigators was amended and approved, with the sponsor describing due process protections and fee-shifting provisions for parents challenging court-appointed psychologists. SB 886, creating a crisis care coordination team pilot in Volusia and Polk counties to reduce Baker Act recidivism and improve follow-up care, was reported favorably after the sponsor described its law enforcement and community provider partnerships and an independent evaluation requirement. Later, SB 614 on child care facility and program background screening requirements was amended and passed; the bill requires a public educational webpage explaining Level 2 screening, the clearinghouse, disqualifying offenses, exemptions, and related job listings and timelines. Finally, SB 276 on sheltering or aiding unmarried minors was approved; it increases the offense from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, creates a presumption regarding knowledge of the minor’s age, and adds a defense when the conduct was necessary to protect the minor from danger. All bills considered were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is needed for eligibility of who qualifies for the program.
• So each child welfare agency has a different independent living program, but all of the programs are
• But it's that 90-day mark. ...or a tech program.
• With the Title IV-E extended foster care program, a youth can opt in.
• Youth in this program retained their court-appointed attorney.

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's the federal program, there's state programs, and there were new programs that were delivered
• We have to be able to flex and deliver on those programs.
• This is a new program.
• We are in active conversation with each of those other states that are administering programs, both programs
• Virginia has the power to improve its UI program.

Keywords: Commission on Unemployment Compensation, 976, house, all