Video & Transcript Research : 'DROP'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Environment and natural resources committee hears HF8 - Pt. 1 2/13/25
Transcript Highlights:
- So if permit A is missing the goal, we have to drop permit B to work on permit A; then permit B misses
- the goal and we have to drop permit C to work on permit B, and we think that will...
- So if permit A is missing the goal, we have to drop permit B to work on permit A; then permit B misses
- <00:16:04.759>
any written it would have the mpca drop any written it would have the mpca - drop any permits<00:16:05.600>
being <00:16:05.880>worked <00:16:06.160>on <00:16
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- We have seen wages rise and vacancy rates drop.
- We have seen vacancy rates drop as wages... We have seen vacancy rates drop as wages...
- Where we represent our care workers, we have seen vacancy rates drop as wages improve.
- We added more than 250,000 jobs, and unemployment dropped to the lowest recorded rate ever.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hybrid hearing on legislation concerning unemployment insurance, non-compete agreements, prevailing wage, and minimum wage issues. Committee leaders outlined the hearing process, asked witnesses to keep oral testimony to three minutes, and invited written testimony through November 20. No votes were taken during the hearing; it ended with a motion to adjourn and notice of the next hearing on November 20.
Much of the testimony focused on bills to expand unemployment insurance for striking workers, including H. 2168 and S. 1319. Labor leaders, union members, and legal advocates argued that workers who are out on strike for more than 30 days should be able to receive UI benefits, saying the policy would help workers and families meet basic expenses, reduce employers’ ability to “wait out” strikes, and encourage good-faith bargaining. Speakers cited recent strikes, including the Republic Services strike, and said the proposal would not meaningfully increase strike activity or strain the UI trust fund.
Another major topic was minimum wage legislation, especially H. 2107/S. 1349 to raise the minimum wage to $20 by 2029 and index it to inflation, and H. 2191 to create a $25 enhanced care worker minimum wage. Supporters said current wages are not keeping pace with housing, food, and childcare costs, and that care workers, direct support staff, and human service employees face chronic vacancies, burnout, and turnover. Testimony also supported H. 2126 on prevailing wage by adding apprenticeship and training contributions to the wage calculation, and H. 2159 and S. 1363 on prevailing wage-related issues. One witness, Russell Beck, testified against S. 1336, which would ban non-competes, and against H. 2118, arguing Massachusetts’ current non-compete law is a balanced compromise that should not be disrupted.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And when we first started hearing these people talk about the start of the revenue drop in their county
- And I think Missouri has dropped the ball.
- You know, high-value goods, and I think Missouri has dropped the ball there.
- So if you look at a 30 percent drop from where it was, plus the inflation...
- So if you look at a 30 percent drop from where it was, plus the inflation of what things cost us, we're
Summary:
The Missouri House Legislative Rules Committee held a rare public hearing on House Bill 2243, sponsored by Rep. Bryant-Wolfen, which would repeal a local sales tax exemption for certain industries that was enacted in a prior omnibus bill tied to the Wayfair-related tax changes. The sponsor argued the exemption shifted revenue away from counties and onto local residents, and said the bill would restore local tax collections that had been lost without a guaranteed replacement. Several members questioned whether the proposal amounted to a tax increase on manufacturers and whether it could deter investment or job growth; the sponsor responded that the tax burden had already been shifted to Missourians and that other pro-business reforms could address competitiveness.
Supporters from Iron County, St. Genevieve County, and Adair County testified that the exemption had reduced local revenue for roads, law enforcement, ambulance, and 911 services. They described budget shortfalls, service cuts, and the impact on counties that had already approved local sales or use taxes by voter approval. One Iron County commissioner said the loss of revenue had forced higher property tax levies and reduced ambulance coverage, while St. Genevieve officials cited large drops in monthly sales tax receipts and rising costs. Adair County officials said the exemption affected revenue from large solar and wind projects and argued that the taxes were intended to support local infrastructure and schools.
Opponents, including Associated Industries in Missouri, argued the exemption was originally adopted to keep Missouri’s tax system uniform and compliant with the U.S. Supreme Court’s Wayfair framework for out-of-state sellers. They warned that removing the exemption could create a $35 million annual burden on manufacturers and potentially jeopardize broader local use-tax collections if the state’s system were challenged again. Committee members also discussed the possibility of requiring local voter approval or a replacement revenue source before changing the exemption. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the chair said he planned to execute the bill later in the week.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Business and Insurance 2ND REVISED Apr 23rd, 2026 at 09:30 am
Business and Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- m striking title is I do anticipate some additional changes to this bill and I don\'t want to just drop
- billions of dollars of profit they they look at a5,000 dollars fine and and it's like me or you dropping
- Members of the committee sub is simply dropping Senate Bill 1592 rate filing language into that bill.
- There was a floor amendment that was dropped in very late that wasn't discussed or debated.
- If that group was able to find some compromised language for me in all good faith, I would drop that
Bills:
HB4322, HB4202, HB4203, HB4457, HB3983, HB3660, HB3802, HB2933, HB2955, HB2956, HB3781, HB3521, HB3794, HB3796, HB3800
Keywords:
funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer, funeral director in charge, dual licensure, mortuary science, Oklahoma Funeral Board, funeral establishment, commercial embalming establishment, crematory, cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, apprenticeship, licensing requirements, professional regulation, undertaker, mortician, burial services, death care industry, workers' compensation
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Banking and Insurance Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I would just if you can just please go to the senator's office and dropped off the make one up and you're
- recognized to speak. >> Drop off the handouts to to handouts.
- starting to work based on the Florida Supreme Court ruling. 1.5, 1, 0, C that's the end up that I'll drop
- drop off. >> And everybody's office area just make sure that you're speaking to the bill and the bill
- So now dropping down from the 30,000 foot view that that we've been for some of these topics, right down
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the STOP CSAM Act. Mar 11th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Last year, we saw an unprecedented drop in cyber tip line reports submitted to NECMEC.
- While we continue to analyze the drop in incidents, we believe that there are three contributing factors
- Messenger's full implementation of end-to-end encryption has significantly contributed to the... 7 million drop
- We're seeing the drops, and at this point, more companies...
- We're talking about the drop in reports.
Keywords:
Stop CSAM Act, child exploitation, online safety, reporting requirements, tech accountability, NCMEC, survivor support, legislative testimony
Summary:
The committee meeting centered around the urgent need to address child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online, focusing primarily on the testimony and discussions surrounding the Stop CSAM Act. Several witnesses, including representatives from law enforcement and advocacy organizations, highlighted the significant drop in reports of child exploitation cases despite an alarming increase in actual incidents. Concerns were raised about tech companies' reporting practices, with calls for more stringent requirements to ensure timely and accurate reporting of suspected abuse. The legislation aims to fortify protections for child victims by imposing stricter obligations on tech platforms to report incidents and support law enforcement in investigations.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Banking & Insurance (2-26-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- But now that we see that the new administration has already dropped the lawsuits, they’re dropping them
- as they’ve been fighting, they’re going through them individually as they drop them.
- They’re already dropping them as they’ve been fighting.
- They’re going through them individually as they drop them, but it’s to make a change in the river, so
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum and first introduced a guest before taking up House Bill 701, sponsored by Representative Adam Bowling. The committee adopted a committee substitute by voice vote. Bowling explained that the substitute removed the bill’s mining-related language and added clarification that the bill does not require anyone to accept digital assets as payment. The bill was described as a measure to modernize Kentucky’s approach to digital assets and blockchain technology, protect the right to hold and transact in digital assets, and clarify that certain crypto activities are not securities; it also preserves authority for the Attorney General to pursue fraud under existing consumer protection laws.
Members asked questions about why Kentucky should act before federal regulators fully resolve whether digital assets are securities or commodities, whether the bill affected local zoning authority, and how the measure addresses consumer protection and money laundering concerns. Bowling and a Coinbase representative said the bill is intended to provide clarity, align Kentucky with emerging federal developments, and avoid stifling innovation. They noted that Coinbase remains subject to federal AML/KYC rules and that recent federal litigation over staking and securities issues had been dismissed. Several members said they supported the bill as a way to put Kentucky in a leading position, while others expressed uncertainty about the security-versus-commodity question.
The committee then voted on House Bill 701 as amended by the substitute. The bill passed on a roll call vote, with most members voting yes. Representative Camuel passed, saying she wanted more time to understand the issue, and Representative Grossberg voted yes with reservations. Representative Hancock and others said the bill’s regulatory clarity and consumer protection aspects were important, and Representative Lockett said the measure would help Kentucky be ready once federal regulators decide how crypto should be classified.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 3/2/26
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I noticed there was a slight drop between 2023 and 2024.
- I noticed there was a slight drop I noticed there was a slight drop between<00:17:21.000>
23< - <00:53:09.720>
Because to go oh yeah, it is 62% drop. - Because to go oh yeah, it is 62% drop.
- I mean 62% drop when this is a big deal.
Summary:
The committee met on March 2 and approved the February 23 minutes after a quorum was reached. The main presentation was from the Department of Human Services on non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), a federally required Medicaid benefit that helps Minnesota Health Care Program enrollees get to medically necessary appointments. DHS said the program served more than 250,000 people in 2025 at a cost of $127 million, with participation up about 14% over five years, and described the seven transportation modes, provider enrollment requirements, STS certification, background checks, prior authorization rules, and planned transitions to a single administrator for parts of the program in 2026 and 2027.
DHS officials emphasized fraud prevention efforts, saying NEMT is one of the agency’s high-risk Medicaid services. They described enhanced prepayment review, provider revalidation and site visits, removal of inactive providers, and a provider moratorium in metro counties. Inspector General James Clark said the governor’s anti-fraud proposal would add pre-enrollment risk assessments, more staffing and technology, and electronic visit verification. He also noted that about 80% of NEMT spending is in managed care and that managed care organizations have their own compliance and special investigations units.
Committee members raised concerns about fraud, oversight, and privatization. Chair Robbins questioned DHS about the absence of the commissioner and the program’s use of brokers, citing past concerns and asking about the vendor MTM’s history; DHS said the RFP for the new broker had closed and the vendor selection was still underway. Representative Pinto questioned why oversight is outsourced to managed care organizations and suggested bringing more oversight back in house. MTM representative Phil Stahlberger defended the company’s record, said the Missouri dispute was about contract terms from about 15 years ago, and said MTM currently works in Minnesota counties and many other states, with on-site reviews, trip verification, and complaint review processes. No further votes or final actions on the NEMT policy were taken in the portion provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Student got dropped on that one for whatever reason, and we wouldn't cover trainers.
- Student got dropped on that one for whatever reason, and we wouldn't cover trainers.
- Student got dropped on that one for whatever reason, and we wouldn't cover trainers.
- Student got dropped on that one for whatever reason, and we wouldn't cover trainers.
- Student got dropped on that one for whatever reason, and we wouldn't cover trainers.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- The counselor, who, as all three have stated, dropped the ball and didn't get the... ...in the third
- The counselor, who, as all three have stated, dropped the ball and didn't get the paperwork in because
- The adult in the room dropped the ball, and you're not going to get to go.
- ...saying the adult in the room dropped the ball and you're not going to get to go.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Feb 25th, 2026
Ways and Means General Fund
Transcript Highlights:
- Then we’ll see a drop. But right now, good. SSUT is still up. Uh, use tax is still up.
- Then<00:24:26.320>
we'll <00:24:26.559>see <00:24:26.640>a <00:24:26.880>drop - Then we'll see a drop. But right right. Then we'll see a drop. But right now,<00:24:27.840>
good.
Keywords:
teachers retirement, credit purchase, St. Clair County, DAY Program, pension reform, dental insurance, benefit rollover, healthcare, insurance policy, annual maximum, HB444, vaccines, vaccine exemption, religious exemption, religious liberty, private school, church school, faith-based school, parochial school, school immunization
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Boards, Agencies and Commissions
Transcript Highlights:
- our exam and have our education requirements, CPAs have to have one year of experience, and we just dropped
- experience<00:08:14.080>
and <00:08:14.319>we <00:08:14.479>just <00:08:14.639>dropped - <00:08:14.879>
a year of experience and we just dropped a year of experience and we just dropped
Bills:
HB150
Keywords:
improvement district, special assessment, assessment lien, public infrastructure, bond financing, bond interest rate, county commission, tax assessor, tax collector, judge of probate, ad valorem tax, tax lien, tax sale, foreclosure, delinquent taxes, municipal finance, public improvements, infrastructure financing, collection enforcement, property lien
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, someone drops a speedy trial demand on 180 days, and they're 208 for DNA.
- Someone drops a speedy trial demand on 180 days, and they're 208 for DNA. That's not good.
- And someone says, no, drop a speedy right now. No continuances for the defense. Where's the DNA?
- And someone says, nod, drop a speedy right now. No continuances for the defense. Where's the DNA?
Summary:
The committee convened with a quorum present and heard a presentation from FDLE Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard on homicide investigations, blood evidence, toxicology, medical records, and mental health records. Pollard explained that autopsy toxicology and medical examiner records are often critical in death investigations, but access to hospital blood tests, medical records, Baker Act records, and substance abuse treatment records is restricted by Florida law, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2, usually requiring subpoenas, court orders, or consent. He also noted that autopsy reports are generally public, while photographs are confidential, and that medical examiners can access relevant prior medical history of decedents.
Members questioned Pollard about what toxicology panels include, whether medications can be tested for, and whether medical examiner reviews can help determine if a deceased person had stopped taking prescribed psychiatric medication. Pollard said toxicology can include alcohol, drugs, and specific medications when relevant, but routine access to living suspects’ medical information is limited. He also discussed FDLE’s behavioral threat assessment work and said investigators may follow leads involving mental health treatment or facility releases when relevant to a case, though he could not speak to regulatory follow-up. The committee also discussed risk protection orders, with Pollard saying FDLE has used them effectively and that they can help prevent violence and connect individuals to services.
The discussion then shifted to FDLE laboratory turnaround times and public safety impacts. Pollard said the average DNA turnaround time was 208 days for some cases, while sex assault kits are prioritized and generally remain under 90 days, with rush cases sometimes completed within 24 hours. He said backlog is tied to staffing and analyst capacity, and that faster processing is especially important in unsolved violent and sexual assault cases because delays can leave offenders on the street. The committee also noted that increased toxicology demands would affect toxicology staffing and workload, though not DNA processing. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Agriculture and Forestry Committee Apr 23rd, 2025
Agriculture and Forestry
Transcript Highlights:
- The high was in around 2016, which had about 50, but it has really dropped off dramatically in the last
- After that time, the number of licensed rehabs had dropped off.
- opinion, based on the comments that I've seen from rehabbers, that is the reason the numbers have dropped
- The reason that a number of wildlife rehabilitators dropped off around 17 or 18 is because we didn't
Keywords:
wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, good samaritan, injured animals, orphaned animals, debilitated wildlife, wild birds, wild animals, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR, permit exemption, animal rescue, animal welfare, veterinary medicine, veterinary licensing, animal cruelty, wildlife care, rehabilitation act, non-federally protected species, endangered species
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Apr 10th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- How do you verify that it's actually the nexus and the reason the drop in revenue or profitability is
- How do you verify that it's actually the nexus and the reasoning for the drop in revenue or profitability
- that they have to be in business with the track record to show the long, sustained revenue before a drop-off
- So the drop in revenue may not be attributable to the public works project, but to the failure to enter
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met to consider a full agenda of bills, beginning with CS/CS/SB 1662, the Department of Transportation agency bill. Senator Collins presented a strike-all amendment that retained creation of the Florida Transportation Academy, clarified the Florida Transportation Research Institute, restored legislative budget commission review for certain work program amendments, adjusted small-business and supply-chain grant provisions, added airport and seaport accountability measures, and allowed special blanket permits for oversized cranes to travel at night under FDOT safety protocols. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also favorably reported SB 574, allowing Florida Purple Heart license plate holders to pass tolls free, and CS/SB 824, creating a specialty plate supporting Florida Highway Patrol troopers and scholarships.
The committee then took up CS/SB 324, which creates a revolving low-interest loan program at the Department of Commerce for small businesses harmed by significant public works construction. Senator Smith described a local example involving prolonged sewer work in Orlando that hurt businesses in the Lake Ivanhoe district. Members raised concerns about fiscal impact, eligibility standards, proof of loss, business age, and whether financial records should be protected from public disclosure. The bill was amended to remove a hotline, add a webpage, and refine liability language, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee also favorably reported CS/SB 1714, requiring local housing assistance plans to include support for mobile home owners, including lot-rent assistance; CS/SB 766, revising registration requirements for agents and organizations tied to foreign countries of concern; and CS/SB 1024, creating specialty plates for the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy.
Additional measures approved included CS/SB 1246, authorizing a Save Coastal Wildlife specialty plate with proceeds going to the Zoo Miami Foundation; CS/SB 1644, expanding warning light use for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and organ transport vehicles, with discussion focused on Hatzalah emergency services; SB 1152, increasing the Florida Wildflower specialty plate fee to support conservation, research, and native seed industry development; and CS/SB 532, exempting 100% disabled veterans from tolls. An amendment to SB 532 also added Purple Heart recipients to the toll exemption. Several members requested to be recorded voting in the affirmative on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned after all bills were reported favorably.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 26, 2025 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- There's not like a drop-off or a collective that will watch your children for free.
- for this, and what we've seen in the marketplace is residential insurance carriers are sometimes dropping
- And what we've seen in the marketplace is residential insurance carriers are sometimes dropping those
- But we want to make sure that the residential carrier is not dropping them solely because they are doing
Summary:
The Health Care Budget Subcommittee began with a roll call confirming a quorum, then heard a presentation of the proposed health care budget. The chair said the overall health care budget would total $46.7 billion, a 2.1% decrease in total spending and a 3% increase in general revenue, while reducing 3,585 state FTE. He highlighted funding for Medicaid, KidCare, developmental disabilities services, opioid settlement spending, mental health facilities, senior services, school health nurses, veterans’ dental care, and veterans nursing home improvements. The chair also presented PCB HCB 25-01, a conforming bill that eliminates the Health Care Innovation Program, the Health Care Innovation Council, and the revolving loan program; makes changes to cancer research and graduate medical education provisions; and adjusts Medicaid rebate-related language. The conforming bill passed favorably after no questions, public testimony, or debate.
The committee then considered CS/HB 47 on child care. The bill, as explained by Rep. McFarland, would reduce regulation for child care providers in good standing, speed background screening for child care workers, allow provisional hiring status in some cases, create license-exempt status for certain employer-provided child care facilities and DOD child care facilities, and remove outdated paperwork requirements such as the flu brochure. An amendment restored language protecting large family child care homes from being dropped by residential insurers and cleaned up statutory language; it was adopted. Members debated the bill at length, with supporters emphasizing common-sense deregulation and helping working parents, while some members raised concerns about safety, early learning quality, and the loss of informational reminders to parents. The bill was reported favorably.
The subcommittee also heard HB 1553 on a uterine fibroid research database. Rep. Dunkley explained that the bill would require health care providers to submit identified fibroid data to DOH so it can be de-identified for a research database, after the department had been unable to use prior de-identified submissions reliably. An amendment removed the current appropriation and was adopted. Members spoke in strong support, noting the prevalence of fibroids and the value of better diagnosis and treatment data. The bill passed favorably.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1529, which addresses the home health aide program for medically fragile children. Rep. Tremont said the bill would direct AHCA to seek a federal waiver so parents’ earnings from caring for their children would not count against Medicaid eligibility, and would revise training requirements and remove mandated annual program assessments. The bill drew supportive public testimony from home care stakeholders, had no debate, and was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Legislative Oversight Committee for the Education Improvement Program (03/17/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- And right now we've dropped a lot of the other years ago.
- Kids that are missing more than 10% of school are seeing 30-point drops in their test scores.
- As kids increase in dramatic drop offs.
- <00:59:44.480>
Um, point drops in their test scores. - Um, point drops in their test scores.
Summary:
The Legislative Oversight Committee met to review statewide education improvement and assessment issues under RSA 193-C:8-a, with the chair focusing on curriculum frameworks, academic standards, and resource elements tied to the state’s adequate education statutes. The chair walked through the statutory relationship between minimum standards for public school approval, academic standards, and local control of curriculum, noting that New Hampshire law requires curriculum frameworks to guide what students should know and be able to do while leaving districts flexibility in instruction. He also raised concerns that some subject areas appear to have current frameworks or standards while others do not, and suggested the committee may need to consider an amendment creating a curriculum frameworks and academic standards coordinator at the Department of Education.
Nate Green, director of the Division of Education Analytics and Resources, explained that the terms “academic standards” and “curriculum frameworks” have evolved over time and are often used interchangeably, but can mean different things depending on the subject area. He said the state’s more prescriptive standards largely developed after No Child Left Behind, especially in math, ELA, and science, while older or less-tested subjects such as arts, physical education, and health often retained looser framework-style documents. Green outlined one possible approach of standardizing terminology, but also said New Hampshire could instead define curriculum frameworks separately as a combination of standards, curriculum, and instructional approaches. He emphasized that state standards must support statewide consistency and assessment, while local districts retain control over how they teach.
Committee members discussed how these distinctions affect different grade levels and subjects, using examples from math and science to show that minimum standards are broad while academic standards are more specific and grade-level based. Green described how science standards are organized by physical science, life science, and earth/space science across grade bands, while math standards are more directly tied to individual grades. No votes were taken and no formal action was reported during this portion of the meeting; the discussion remained informational and exploratory as members considered whether statutory language or departmental organization should be updated.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 01/28/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- in sales under 300,000 over steep drop in sales under 300,000 over the<00:42:51.720>
past <00: - And it is actually quite frightening to consider the precipitous drop that's going to be happening in
- Class C rents dropped more than Class A rents in all of these markets. How?
- Class C rents dropped more than Class A rents in all of these markets. How?
- homelessness dropped in those markets<01:17:48.440>
when <01:17:48.600>we <01:17:48.719
Summary:
The committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention heard informational presentations from Housing First Minnesota and the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities on the state of housing in Minnesota. Mark Foster of Housing First Minnesota said the state has a severe housing shortage, with demand outpacing supply since the 2007-09 housing crash, and argued that Minnesota is nearly 100,000 units short of a healthy market. He said new homes are increasingly unaffordable, citing a median new single-family price above $530,000 and declining affordability in the Twin Cities metro, and he urged lawmakers to remove exclusionary zoning and other regulatory barriers that he said make starter homes and smaller-lot housing difficult or illegal to build in many growing cities. He also highlighted the group’s Housing for Heroes projects, including transitional housing for veterans and other crisis housing projects around the state.
Members asked Foster about starter-home examples and his view that the committee’s top priority should be reforming residential development approvals. He said most new housing is negotiated through planned unit developments rather than built under base zoning, which he argued adds cost and reduces supply. The committee then heard from Elizabeth Wael of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, who said housing challenges outside the metro are different but equally serious. She said many Greater Minnesota cities face a lack of developers, inadequate infrastructure such as roads and utilities, and gaps in the housing continuum, especially starter workforce housing and senior housing. She thanked the committee for 2023 housing funding and said cities are contributing their own resources, updating zoning, reducing parking requirements, allowing ADUs, and partnering with developers and nonprofits.
Wael also urged faster rollout of the Greater Minnesota infrastructure grant program and said the state should consider changes to the housing tax credit and housing TIF rules to make them easier to use. In response, senators said they shared frustration with the slow implementation of the infrastructure program and emphasized the need for state investment and locally tailored zoning reforms. No bills were heard and no votes were taken; the meeting was informational and focused on stakeholder testimony and committee discussion.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:01:31.119>
still going to drop my inter my bill. still going to drop my inter my bill. - This actually offers you a dropped out.
- college right out of high school, drop college right out of high school, drop out,<02:57:29.279>
- even dropped out. even dropped out.
- <02:59:49.040>
out, someone like star to school, drop out, someone like star to school, drop
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (03/10/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- If somebody drops off, right? We talked about that.
- Somebody might drop off, and then the next one comes up.
- :03.800>
and about that somebody might drop off and about that somebody might drop off and then - So in this estimate for fiscal year 2027, we assume no drop in poverty.
- <04:25:45.880>
but assume uh a drop in enrollment but assume uh a drop in enrollment but potentially
Summary:
The Finance Division II committee heard a Department of Education budget presentation from Commissioner Frank Edelblut and CFO Tammy Valen-cour. The department outlined its organizational structure and emphasized that it functions largely as a flow-through agency for school funding. The commissioner reviewed general fund and Education Trust Fund items, including state aid, dropout prevention, special education, building aid, lease aid, charter schools, Education Freedom Accounts, and the district adequacy calculation. He also highlighted the public school infrastructure fund, saying the state has invested well over $50 million in school safety since 2018 for measures such as access controls, locks, and window film, and argued that safety spending should be ongoing rather than reactive.
Members asked about the variability in the school infrastructure line, special education aid, and the Discovery Education learning platform. Edelblut explained that some safety funding had come from one-time surplus appropriations rather than the agency line, and said special education aid was underappropriated because districts submitted more invoices than expected; he said the governor added $16 million to address the shortfall. He also described CTE renovation funding, noting four projects were initially proposed but only Jaffrey and Milford were still moving forward, with local votes required and the state covering 75% of costs. He said Milford’s project was omitted from the governor’s budget by oversight.
The department also reviewed enrollment trends, noting public school enrollment has fallen from about 230,000 students in 2002 to about 185,000 today. Edelblut clarified that charter students are not eligible for Education Freedom Accounts, while EFA students attending non-public schools are counted as EFA students. He described several one-time surplus-funded initiatives, including Student Clearinghouse, MTSSB work, civics curriculum development, computer science education, and adult education. He also discussed a $4 million CTE tuition and transportation grant, saying it was kept as a competitive grant rather than a formula grant to avoid creating an ongoing maintenance-of-effort commitment that could jeopardize federal Perkins funding.
In the final portion, Edelblut identified prioritized needs in the department’s budget, especially funding for a state administrator for assessment to support the legislatively required civics assessment, and additional support for the Discovery Education platform. He said every school in the state is using the platform and cited more than 1.5 million educator engagements, while a member raised concerns about mixed reviews and uneven district awareness of the program. No votes or formal actions were taken during the presentation and question period.