Video & Transcript Research : 'Internal Revenue Code'
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the President's 2025 trade policy agenda. Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Trade today is the centerpiece of our international economy.
- , over an international trade to the executive branch.
- They have an International Trade Desk there. I have an office that also deals with small business.
- So is the goal here to raise revenue for the Federal Treasury? Senator, this is not a trade war.
- Certainly there's a tariff revenue effect.
Keywords:
tariffs, Trump administration, economy, public testimony, trade policy, market access, export controls
Summary:
The meeting focused on various significant topics concerning the recent tariff policies and their wide-ranging implications on the American economy. Members expressed their concerns regarding the negative impact of increased tariffs as proposed by the Trump administration, with specific emphasis on how families might suffer from higher costs and market access issues. The discussion was lively, with members questioning the clarity of the tariff plan and raising concerns about its potential effects on small businesses and American exports.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Of $329,344 from the general revenue dedicated lottery account.
- Additional general revenue funding to draw down $260.2 million.
- This transfer of general revenue to the VR.
- Those first three programs are funded through general revenue.
- One, costs are rising while revenue is not. Two, gentrification.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We have worked with the AMA and ASCO on coding and payment improvements.
- Currently, there aren’t even proper billing codes or protocols for treatment.
- During the surgery, I almost died as I had internal bleeding.
- There are no current diagnostic codes specific to detransition.
- I have heard that doctors can use workarounds with billing codes, but this is not...
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a wide range of health insurance and public health bills, with most speakers focused on expanding coverage for specific treatments and services. Bills discussed included H. 1187/S. 792 on rehabilitation counselors, H. 1173/S. 692 on patient navigation, S. 2600 on scalp cooling for chemotherapy patients, S. 2599 on medically necessary treatment for port wine birthmarks, H. 1164 on licensed educational psychologists for child and adolescent mental health services, S. 754/H. 1254 on autism diagnosis and treatment by nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists, S. 714/H. 1137 on infectious disease response and coverage, and S. 791 on making nature a prescriptive therapeutic intervention. Speakers generally argued these bills would improve access, reduce out-of-pocket costs, and address gaps in current insurance reimbursement rules.
Testimony in support emphasized personal stories and clinical evidence. Cancer patients and providers described the benefits of patient navigation and scalp cooling for dignity and quality of life during treatment. Boston Children’s Hospital staff and families said port wine birthmark treatment is medically necessary, can prevent complications, and should not be denied as cosmetic. Rehabilitation counselors and school psychologists argued their services are effective, cost-saving, and underused because they cannot bill insurance. Autism advocates said current insurance statutes are outdated because nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists already provide evaluations and should be recognized for reimbursement to avoid delays in early intervention. Public health and GLAD Law testimony supported stronger infectious disease coverage to remove barriers to testing, treatment, and PrEP access.
The hearing also included extensive testimony on H. 1172, a bill requiring insurance coverage for detransition-related care. Supporters said it would ensure coverage for medically necessary care for people who regret or reverse gender transition, while opponents argued it would legitimize anti-trans narratives or, conversely, that detransition care is needed because transition procedures can cause harm. The committee also heard strong support for S. 791 from advocates who described nature access as a health intervention that could help with trauma, anxiety, substance use recovery, and environmental justice, with claims that insurance coverage and reduced park fees would improve access. No votes were taken during the transcript, and the chair repeatedly thanked speakers and moved through the long list of public testimony.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (01/13/2025)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:07:53.920>
that effort and expense than the revenue that effort and expense than the revenue - municipalities uh need to raise revenues municipalities uh need to raise revenues obviously<01:57
- lastly while this would have a revenue lastly while this would have a revenue negative<03:12:46.520
- <03:12:51.399>
positive adopted it would have a revenue positive adopted it would have a revenue - and ultimately to Department of Revenue and ultimately to Department of Revenue Administration<03
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/18/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- medical graduate training international medical graduate training grants.<00:43:18.880>
Um <00 - As of 2024, 17% of Minnesotans live in a zip code without a pharmacy.
- The largest of these, which is Caremark, generates more revenue than Ford or Home Depot.
- top 40 US companies by revenue. top 40 US companies by revenue.
- revenue than most companies<01:09:02.960>
in companies in companies in America<01:09:05.040><
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget 3rd Reviion: SB1427 added to agenda Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So the gold standard is that put forth by the International Association of Assessing Officers.
- And so we're not talking about international law or something like that.
- It doesn't have anything to do with international law.
- So what you have is it's kind of like a code enforcement officer for a city.
- So what you have is it's kind of like a code enforcement officer for a city.
Summary:
The committee took up a long series of Senate bills, beginning with SB 44, which extends a sales tax exemption to contractors working for nonprofits. It was presented briefly and reported out 24-0. The committee then considered SB 237, with a PCS and a written amendment that delayed the effective date and phased out the manufacturing exemption for solar and battery energy storage systems; members discussed the impact on ongoing projects, the treatment of solar and storage like prior wind and data center exemptions, and concerns from the renewable industry before the bill was advanced.
Several other measures were heard and passed, including SB 248 on reinvesting proceeds from any sale of tourism real property back into state park maintenance and capital improvements; SB 1360 on the Pro Tem’s numeracy bill for the Department of Education; SB 985 codifying the local food for schools program; SB 1204 requiring three days of paid bereavement leave for school district employees; SB 1239 extending the bridge funding formula and moving certain motorcycle and moped fees to Service Oklahoma; SB 1307 cleaning up statutory language related to the ARCS Council, J.M. Davis Arms Museum, and Historical Society; and SB 2143 allowing county assessors to use aerial imagery, but not drones, to identify property changes. The aerial imagery bill drew the most debate, with questions about privacy, assessors’ authority, and whether the measure would save counties money; it passed 13-11.
The committee also advanced SB 1428 creating an Alzheimer’s and related dementia services coordinator in the Health Department; SB 1390 extending a gross production tax sunset for tourism and water-related entities; SB 1400 combining sales tax exemptions for aircraft maintenance facilities; SB 1405 renewing the wildlife diversity check-off; SB 1732 raising fees for the construction industries board; SB 1832 adding voluntary ODVA checkboxes to licenses and hunting forms; SB 1859 creating a revolving fund for the OSBI cybercrimes and fraud unit; SB 1989 allowing electronic payment methods such as Cash App and Venmo for 529 accounts; SB 2018 changing valuation rules for new multifamily housing; and SB 1427, a bipartisan diabetes prevention and health bill. Most bills were reported out with overwhelming support, with a few receiving one or two no votes, and the committee adjourned after completing the agenda.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- These operations result in $4.5 billion in biannual revenue collections for the state.
- The remainder is allocated between general revenue and the TXDMV fund. Mr.
- those years, we can get you the numbers that we had for our internal enforcement investigations, but
- For every $1 invested in our ports, $53.46 is generated in state and local tax revenues.
- Uh, slide eight, our revenue slide, uh, total revenue for fiscal year 2024 was $96 million.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- districts' open enrollment charter schools if they receive a waiver under section 7056 of the education code
- The substitute amends section 11.059E of the Education code.
- Also, the substitute adds the repeal of Section 11.059F and G of the Education code.
- House Bill 824 builds on the Texas Education Code, which outlines curriculum requirements for public
- Thereby drawing into the statute reference to, a resolution of the International Holocaust Remembrance
Bills:
HB178
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- There is precedent through the Education Code to treat small LEAs differently.
- And yes, you know, it's my understanding that existing code would allow for— Right.
- And yes, you know, it's my understanding that existing code would allow for— Existing code would allow
- Districts, the bill requires districts, or cites the 4-4-225.7 in the Ed Code.
- My name is Jason Hammond, and I serve as CEO of the International Alliance Group.
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee heard several education bills, with AB 887 by Assemblymember Berman proposing that every school district and charter school adopt a plan so all high schools offer at least one computer science course by 2029-30. Supporters, including a teacher and student, argued California is falling behind other states and that computer science is essential for student opportunity and workforce readiness. ACSA opposed the bill, citing the shortage of qualified computer science teachers and administrative burden. The bill passed the committee on a 6-0 vote and was sent to Appropriations.
The committee also heard AB 1390 by Assemblymember Solache, which would allow local and county school boards to raise trustee compensation above long-standing statutory minimums that have not changed in decades. Supporters said the current stipends are too low to make board service accessible to working families and younger community members. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed with five votes, with the roll left open for additional members.
AB 865 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would create a $5 million, three-year grant program for dual-language immersion instructional materials, split between high-demand languages and other languages. Supporters said districts often lack standards-aligned materials in languages beyond Spanish, forcing teachers to create their own. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. AB 857 by Assemblymember Gibson, requiring annual cultural competency training for K-12 staff, also passed 5-1 after supporters linked it to the state reparations task force report and argued it would improve trust and student outcomes.
The committee additionally approved AB 677 by Assemblymember Bryan, which would make it easier for unhoused students to access school-based vision and dental screenings by allowing directory information to be used for that purpose with an opt-out process; it passed 8-0. AB 903 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, directing the Department of Education to develop best practices on education technology and digital equity, passed after amendments and with some opponents indicating they would remove opposition once the amendments were in print. Finally, AB 917 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, extending permanent-status protections to certain educators in small districts and county programs, drew significant opposition from small districts and regional occupational programs over flexibility and funding concerns; the bill still passed 5-2 with the roll held open for additional votes.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Four - Wednesday, May 6
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Wyatt has been my intern this session.
- Speaker, Wyatt has been a fantastic intern this year.
- She has been my intern all semester.
- She has been a great intern. She is going to be missed.
- He really didn't recommend any general revenue.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the previous day’s journal, and a series of special guest introductions recognizing family members, interns, students, public servants, and community advocates. Committee reports and Senate messages followed, including Senate refusals to concur on a large number of amendments to Senate Bill 1421 and the appointment of a conference committee on House Bill 2818.
The main floor action centered on the state budget, especially House Bill 2 (public education). The budget chair explained the conference report’s funding mix for K-12 schools, including $8.4 billion for public education, changes to the foundation formula, use of blind pension funds, and possible ARPA dollars later in the process. Members debated whether the report underfunded schools by $45 million or more, with opponents arguing the state was not fully funding the formula and supporters saying total school funding remained at record levels and that the issue was the source of funds rather than the total amount. A substitute motion to send HB 2 back to conference failed 62-89, and the conference report was then adopted 83-68; the bill was third read and passed 83-68.
The House then took up House Bill 2003 on higher education, where the conference report largely restored the governor’s recommendation and directed the department to develop a new funding formula by the end of the year. Members discussed performance-based funding, scholarships, apprenticeships, and the need for a slower transition to any new model. The conference report passed 119-28, and the bill was third read and passed 109-32. House Bill 2004, covering Revenue and Transportation, included about $20 million for rural roads and other transportation funding; members discussed constitutional concerns, MoDOT projects, and a small local safety fix. The conference report passed 128-21, and the bill was third read and passed 127-27.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- amendment also includes a technical correction to reflect the proper fund account name per Arkansas Code
- This updates Arkansas Code to designate the Department of Agriculture as the responsible agency for the
- This updates Arkansas Code to designate the Department of Agriculture as the responsible agency for the
- Okay, half a million more in revenue, or the whole thing is... About half a million dollars a year.
- Okay, half a million more in revenue, or the whole thing is...
Summary:
The Special Language subcommittee met with a quorum and reviewed several governor’s letters containing special language for appropriations bills. Members heard housekeeping about the subcommittee’s call-based schedule and its role in reviewing only special language, not appropriations or personnel items. The committee then considered amendments affecting the Department of Finance and Administration, Department of Correction, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Safety, shared administrative services, Commerce/Workforce Services, and Environment and Quality.
Key items included language directing DFA to limit administrative costs for pregnancy help organizations to 25% of awards; removing conflicting language so county jail reimbursement funds can only receive transfers in, not out; updating code to assign child nutrition responsibilities to the Department of Agriculture; implementing Act 909 of 2025 changes for school district EBD employer contributions and teacher equalization funds; and allowing the state CFO to waive a 3% central services fee for agricultural promotion boards to keep more funds in the industry. Members also discussed using Camp Robinson facility revenues for maintenance, allowing shared services billing under the Arkansas Forward Initiative, designating Arkansas Rehabilitation Services as the state unit for vocational rehab grants, and capping used tire program reimbursement rates at $2.31 starting July 1, 2026.
There was brief discussion on the agriculture fee waiver, with questions about its purpose, duration, and possible precedent; agency officials said it was a discretionary, point-in-time waiver meant to help the farm sector during a crisis. Another question addressed reporting on crisis pregnancy center grants, with DFA noting no grant funds had yet been distributed this fiscal year. Each amendment was adopted by voice vote, item 9 was skipped because it was superseded by item 10, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This change does not affect any tax revenues for the state, and the Department of Revenue has officially
- <00:02:31.840>
of 295.27 8% tax on the gross revenues of 295.27 8% tax on the gross revenues - <00:04:43.000>
I without impacting state tax revenues I without impacting state tax revenues - Tom Werner from the duth international Tom Werner from the duth international airport<00:20:50.559
- Revenue estimated that that change would Revenue estimated that that change would result<00:52:44.119
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Finance and Taxation Apr 16th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- So the current Century Code requires that all schools must be at the 60 mills.
- So the way Century Code reads right now...
- It is impossible to get to most of those unless we open up new codes for those mill levies, which we
- You'd want voter-approved mill levies in there, especially if we could do it by a code.
- You could put those codes in there because everybody in the state of North Dakota would vote yes on a
Bills:
SB2397
Keywords:
oil and gas, tax exemption, development incentive wells, gross production tax, flaring, 908, all
Summary:
The Senate Finance and Tax Committee met and first took up House Bill 1382, the gas tax bill. Members explained an amendment to ensure that the proposed three-cent gas tax distribution would include all counties and townships in oil-producing counties, rather than excluding non-oil-producing counties as in the original draft. The committee adopted the amendment unanimously, but then held the bill for the time being because of related work on the Department of Transportation budget in the House.
The committee then turned to House Bill 1168, a large hoghouse amendment that combined the bill with the contents of House Bill 1176 and added technical corrections. The proposal would raise the primary residence property tax credit maximum from $1,250 to $1,650, keep the 75% cap with a $500 floor, and extend the credit to voter-approved levies while excluding special assessments. Other changes discussed included aligning the disabled veterans property tax credit with the $200,000 exemption level, adjusting budget and distribution dates so taxing districts are made whole sooner, exempting townships from a general-election vote requirement for levy increases, and modifying school funding formulas so schools are not shortchanged if mill levies are reduced under the cap.
Testimony from the Association of Counties and the State Supervisor of Assessments was generally supportive of the technical cleanup and implementation changes, but they raised concerns about the June 1 distribution date, application timing, and the practicality of some programming and administrative changes. Committee members also discussed the policy and messaging implications of the 75%/floor structure and the difficulty of applying the credit to certain voter-approved levies. No final action was taken on House Bill 1168; the committee agreed to continue working on amendments and recessed until later in the day.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 02/27/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:09:48.760>
that's percent of the total revenue that's percent of the total revenue that's - she's been really focused on internal she's been really focused on internal controls<00:15:55.759
- That's on the revenue side.
- That's on the revenue side, and we have an expenditure tab.
- <00:24:35.840>
section there's a um there's a revenue section there's a um there's a revenue
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Our internal documents show that it's between $15,000 and $40,000 today.
- Even And the attendance system codes her absent because it's not correct.
- Even though it's in her IEP, it'll code her absent.
- my driver's license and take my hunting license and fine me because the system didn't necessarily code
- It amends Title 17, the Education Code, relative to special school districts, to provide relative to
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- that Revenue that's one of the revenues that Revenue that's one of the revenues that's<00:15:55.800
- uh- L and then be recognized by Internal uh- L and then be recognized by Internal Revenue<00:32:
- I made education this new revenue to education, so education will get a bump in its revenue.
- I made education this new revenue to education, so education will get a bump in its revenue.
- we<01:05:19.960>
would this Revenue to that Revenue we would this Revenue to that Revenue
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/26/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:03:47.440>
service encapsulated in four internal service encapsulated in four internal - <00:03:54.720>
rental funds are financed by internal rental funds are financed by internal - internal internal infrastructure.<00:07:27.840>
As <00:07:28.080>I <00:07:28.240>noted - explicit allowance in the zoning code explicit allowance in the zoning code meant<00:25:01.039><
- So building codes would still apply, safety codes would still apply if there were safety concerns.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (03/17/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So that would be less revenue to the fishing game fund.
- to the fishing game fund more Revenue to the fishing game fund more Revenue less<01:19:35.639>
uh but we can say so you'd have Revenue uh but we can say so you'd have Revenue associated<01:21- :19:36.440>
to <01:19:36.560>do less Revenue because they're going to do less Revenue because - :19:36.440>
- tomorrow uh when the fire fund Revenue tomorrow uh when the fire fund Revenue comes<01:43:56.440
Summary:
The Finance Division II work session focused on Fish and Game’s budget-revenue proposals and several statutory changes the department said it needs to support its operations. The department recommended raising the fisheries habitat fee and wildlife habitat fee to $5 each, estimating additional annual revenue of about $640,000 and $144,000 respectively. Members clarified that these are habitat fees added on top of licenses, not reduced by senior or youth license categories, and discussed the need for RSA changes to allow the revenue to be transferred into the Fish and Game Fund. The department also said it would work internally on any broader license fee increases through the commission process.
The committee then reviewed proposals to cap several dedicated accounts and transfer excess balances to the unrestricted Fish and Game Fund. Those accounts included the fisheries and wildlife habitat funds and the game management account, with the department proposing a $750,000 cap on each and transfer of amounts above that threshold. The department said the cap was based on several years of expenditures and the fact that dedicated funds are often used as match for federal funds. Members asked for reports on fund activity and questioned whether the cap and mandatory transfer language should be “shall” or “may,” with the department indicating it would prefer “may” for flexibility. The committee also discussed a Pheasant Management Program account, where the department said current law limits use of the money to buying and propagating pheasants and it wants authority to use it for broader program management.
A substantial portion of the meeting addressed Fish and Game’s environmental review unit and the transfer of ARPA-funded positions to DEES under the governor’s initiative. The department said four positions are currently ARPA-funded, that DEES supports keeping them in place through the end of the year, and that the transition will require time because environmental review work is intertwined across the agency. The department explained that before the ARPA positions, biologists handled the work and that current staffing has helped eliminate a backlog and meet deadlines. Members also discussed a proposal to expand environmental review fees beyond private developers to state, federal, municipal, and local governments, with the department saying it would need rulemaking and stakeholder input. Additional requests included authority to conduct raffles to raise funds, creation of a revolving account for donations and raffle proceeds, and repeal of the obsolete fish food sales statute because the vending machines are no longer functional and the account generates no revenue.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 12, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, is it 20% of gross revenue, net revenue?
- >
revenue? - <00:30:37.600>
Um gross revenue net revenue? Um gross revenue net revenue? - . revenues.
- >
internalize <01:47:24.080>the agency were to internal internalize the agency were to
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2046, which would establish and fund an Olo Hawaii Commission to coordinate and promote initiatives supporting the use of Olo Hawaii. The Attorney General suggested adding an end date because the bill creates a temporary commission, and several supporters from the University of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the commission could improve coordination, funding decisions, and consistency across agencies. Members discussed whether the commission should include broader representation, including expertise on Niihau dialect speakers and other stakeholders, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved to the next measure.
The committee next considered House Bill 2438, creating the Hawaii Cultural Trust within DBEDT, authorizing an income tax credit for contributions to the trust and qualified cultural organizations, and creating a special license plate to support the trust. DBEDT said it would need additional resources, including staff, to administer the program. The Department of Taxation recommended changing the effective date to 2026 to allow time for implementation and adding a requirement that credits be claimed within one year. OHA supported the bill but objected to language that would require it to maintain a prequalified list of organizations, saying that could limit applicants and conflict with its grant process. The Tax Foundation said it supported cultural funding but preferred direct appropriations and grants over a trust fund and tax credit structure.
The final measure discussed was House Bill 2584, which would temporarily increase public land trust revenues transferred to OHA while reaffirming the state’s obligation to the 20% pro rata share, with a repeal date of June 30, 2028. The Attorney General recommended deleting the bill’s requirement that OHA receive a minimum amount equal to the 20% share, arguing the constitution and Admission Act do not specify a precise dollar amount and that the legislature must determine allocation. OHA strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently pays only about 5% and that historical records show much higher amounts are owed; OHA also pointed to a carry-forward account it said held about $55 million. DLNR opposed the bill because the fiscal impact was unspecified and could affect land management and special fund budgets. Several OHA trustees and supporters urged the committee to pass the bill, and one testifier criticized the state for underfunding Native Hawaiian obligations. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the committee continued hearing testimony on HB 2584.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources Subcommittee - Afternoon Session Dec 17th, 2025
A&B Natural Resources Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- It had previously been over a million dollars, but through revenue failures and budget cuts it's been
- It had previously been over a million dollars but through revenue failures and budget cuts it's been
- First, we moved our international marketing program management in-house, and that saved us $130,000.
- Deposit tracking for parks into an internal system.
- We generate the additional revenue in our budget; we do our additional revenue, so anytime we don't have
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce on its FY26 priorities, recent performance, and budget requests. Commerce said it had helped announce about 8,000 direct jobs and nearly $14 billion in investment year-to-date, while noting challenges such as tariffs, workforce recruitment, staffing/FTE management, and the condition of its 100-year-old office building. The agency highlighted projects and initiatives including a new Taiwan trade office, Route 66 Centennial planning, the National Main Street conference in Tulsa, Olympic-related coordination, census outreach, and continued improvements to its grants and CRM systems. Requested funding included $8.3 million for building repairs or relocation planning, census support, $300,000 for EDGE, $135,000 for IT/cybersecurity upgrades, $250,000 for the Taiwan office, and additional support for Head Start, senior nutrition, and the Strategic Air and Space Commission. Members asked about the meaning of the investment totals, the building condition, delays in senior nutrition distributions, and staffing vacancies; Commerce said the investment figures reflected formal company capital announcements, the building had significant facade and roof damage, delays were due to multiple contracting layers, and several open positions were expected to be filled soon.
The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department then presented its FY26 budget and goals. New director Amy Blackburn and special advisor Sterling Zearley said the department oversees 38 state parks, six lodges, seven golf courses, and nine travel information centers, and emphasized tourism’s economic importance. They reported savings from bringing marketing and tracking functions in-house and from shared services, but said the department faces more than $271 million in deferred maintenance needs, staffing shortages, and connectivity problems at parks. Their goals include increasing park visitation to 10.2 million, raising occupancy to 36%, and growing travel to Oklahoma, with major marketing tied to the Route 66 Centennial, America 250, the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics, and other events. The department also discussed a request to raise its purchasing exemption cap from $25,000 to $75,000, a possible TravelOK.com redesign, and efforts to improve restaurant operations at lodges through a new RFP structure. Members questioned the apportionment cap, the size and timing of deferred maintenance requests, park revenue, and the use of parking pass funds; tourism said annual park-related revenue is about $32 million to $34 million and parking pass revenue is about $2.5 million.
Finally, the OSU Veterinary Medicine Authority presented its budget request and program updates. The authority said it supports the veterinary teaching hospital and related student training, and that its FY26 budget is entirely state-appropriated. It requested continued support for hospital operations, the large animal scholarship program, and a new $12.5 million annual payment tied to the $250 million Legacy Capital Fund authorization for the veterinary teaching hospital, along with additional funding to expand in-state enrollment. Officials said in-state enrollment had increased from 58 to 69 students after prior funding, with a goal of reaching 90 of 106 total seats, and that there were 195 in-state applicants this year. Members asked whether standards would be lowered; the authority said academic standards would not change and noted strong board-pass rates and retention outcomes. It also said accreditation concerns tied to faculty shortages and off-site teaching had been addressed by bringing students back to the main campus and improving staffing. The committee ended by thanking the presenters and announcing its next meeting date.