Transcript Highlights:

• I think the Governor's main concern is the short-term forecasting risk, and this is associated with a
• And we had a similar question in our analysis, and we looked at past deviations and forecasts.
• But if you're specifically concerned about this forecasting issue and this prior-year adjustment, then
• But if you're specifically concerned about this forecasting issue and this prior year adjustment, then
• So again, the short-term forecasting risk, you need a certain amount in 2025-26 to address that.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held its first hearing of the year on Proposition 98, focusing on the Governor’s budget estimates for the three-year budget window, the Public School System Stabilization Account (PSSA), and repayment of education deferrals. The Department of Finance said the minimum guarantee would rise by about $21.7 billion over the 2025 Budget Act, with increases in each year, full repayment of the existing settle-up obligation in 2024-25, a new $5.6 billion settle-up obligation proposed for 2025-26, and a higher guarantee in 2026-27. Finance also noted revised downward estimates for transitional kindergarten attendance and Los Angeles County property tax reimbursements, and said community colleges would be funded above the split because of enrollment growth. The Legislative Analyst’s Office emphasized fiscal risk and volatility, warning that recent revenue gains are tied heavily to the stock market and tech sector and could reverse quickly. The LAO argued the Governor’s proposed $5.6 billion delay shifts risk into future years and recommended instead fully funding the current estimate, making a larger reserve deposit, considering advance payments or pension-related uses, and finding additional non-Prop 98 solutions to reduce the state’s structural deficit. On the reserve and deferral items, Finance described revised PSSA deposits and withdrawals that would leave about $4.1 billion in the reserve by 2026-27, and both Finance and the LAO supported paying off the remaining LCFF and SCFF deferrals as good fiscal practice. Committee members questioned the size of the settle-up amount, the degree of revenue volatility, the use of the reserve, and the ongoing K-12/community college split. Finance said the proposal is meant to avoid overappropriation if revenues fall, while the LAO said a buffer of roughly $3.5 billion would address typical forecasting risk. Public commenters, including school boards, county offices of education, teachers, and advocacy groups, largely opposed the $5.6 billion withholding or settle-up delay, calling it a manipulation of Prop. 98 and urging full funding and more stable revenue solutions. Several speakers also urged dedicated funding for students experiencing homelessness. The hearing ended with no vote, and the chair announced that broader program discussions would occur in later hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• by which projected revenues exceed 105% of projected expenditures, as determined by the November forecast
• by which projected revenues exceed 105% of projected expenditures, as determined by the November forecast
• projected expenditures as determined by the<00:02:17.360> November the November the November forecast
• 20.599> through<00:02:21.440> and<00:02:21.640> as<00:02:21.920> we're forecast
• as we go through and as we're forecast as we go through and as we're all<00:02:23.080> out<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 4, first adopting the H004A1 amendment without objection. The author described the bill as a constitutional amendment intended to create a tax relief account funded from projected budget surpluses, defined as revenues exceeding 105% of projected expenditures based on the November forecast. Supporters framed the proposal as a way to return excess taxpayer money to families, homeowners, and seniors rather than allowing the state to retain or redirect it. Testimony in support came from Ranna Lee of Americans for Prosperity, who praised the bill’s clarity and argued that taxpayers are overburdened and should receive surplus funds back; she also suggested broader tax and budget reforms, including rate reductions and tighter spending limits. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project testified in opposition, saying the legislature already has authority to use surpluses for rebates or tax cuts and warning that constitutionalizing tax policy would reduce flexibility, weaken accountability, and make it harder to respond to changing conditions, emergencies, or recessions. Members then briefly commented, with Republicans expressing support for returning money to taxpayers and citing cost-of-living pressures and fixed incomes. The committee did not hear a formal department position. At the end of the hearing, Representative Johnson renewed the motion that House File 4, as amended, be recommended to pass and sent to the Ways and Means Committee; the motion prevailed on a voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a few months ago in May, Tourism Economics downgraded our forecasts for 2025.
• It's the only time, other than the pandemic, that we forecasted a year-over-year decline in visitation
• Through the first half of this year, we've outperformed that forecast, although international arrivals
• We did take a look at forecasting for 2025, and we had forecasted flat performance for San Diego tourism
• We pushed that back from previous forecasts. We thought 2026 would be our year.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism held an informational hearing on the state of California tourism amid declining international visitation and broader economic and political headwinds. Visit California CEO Caroline Betetta said the industry remains a major economic driver, with 2024 visitor spending of $157 billion, 1.2 million jobs supported, and $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue, but warned that 2025 forecasts show the first post-pandemic decline in visitation, driven largely by a projected 9.2% drop in international travel. She cited concerns about the strong dollar, visa wait times, border and immigration rhetoric, and a proposed federal visa integrity fee, while emphasizing Visit California’s marketing campaigns and the importance of upcoming mega-events like the World Cup and 2028 Olympics. A second panel of destination leaders described local impacts and strategies. Visit Sacramento’s Mike Testa said the city has diversified beyond conventions into music festivals, sports, and food events, but noted that international apprehension is affecting events like Terra Madre Americas and that California should do more to incentivize major festivals to stay in-state. Santa Monica Travel and Tourism’s Lauren Salisbury said the city is seeing lower international visitation, especially from Canada, Australia, and Europe, and that wildfire coverage and later federal troop presence in Los Angeles hurt local sentiment and caused cancellations. Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau’s Rhonda Salisbury reported steep drops in international visitation to the gateway region, ongoing concerns about wildfire, reservations, insurance costs, and park access, and praised a new federal requirement for quarterly meetings between national parks and gateway communities. San Diego Tourism Authority COO Carrie Verbeck-Cappich said tourism is the region’s second-largest sector, but 2025 is softer than 2024, with spending down despite modest visitation growth. She pointed to weaker Canadian and Asian travel, government-related meeting cancellations, and the need for more support to bid on and host major events; she also highlighted border-crossing delays, insufficient federal staffing at ports of entry, and the Tijuana River sewage crisis as major regional issues. Committee members discussed the effects of federal rhetoric, infrastructure, and cross-border conditions on tourism, and several witnesses urged continued support for Visit California, Brand USA, event incentives, and efforts to present California as welcoming and open. Public comment then opened, beginning with testimony from the California Attractions and Parks Association.

Transcript Highlights:

• We talked about um<00:09:17.440> the<00:09:17.839> forecast<00:09:18.800> assumptions
• <00:09:19.440> of<00:09:19.680> a<00:09:19.839> bonding um the forecast assumptions
• of a bonding um the forecast assumptions of a bonding bill<00:09:20.399> of<00:09:20.720>
• is to display the numbers in a way that would be most easy for people to compare to the February forecast
• The February forecast presumed that we would spend 1.145 billion on discretionary inflation.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From FY27 onward, it's going to go up to $570 million and continue growing to the end of the forecast
• Okay, so now it's time to look at the last rosy picture, which is our long-run forecast.
• Do you see that right about at the end of our short-term forecast horizon in 2030, there is going to
• If we look on the next slide in 38, we see the total road fund forecast.
• What are other states doing that we can leverage to address the long-term forecast of the state road

Transcript Highlights:

• over time. ...because we have seen such wide fluctuations in forecast over time.
• <00:34:55.320> in have seen such wide fluctuations in have seen such wide fluctuations in forecast
• And I think that forecast over time.
• But, you know, we are talking about passing—we don't have the February forecast yet.
• which is going to start in March after the special election is settled, after we have a February forecast

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 18 was taken up in committee, with the chair noting a preference to hear testimony from people who had traveled farther before hearing from lobbyists or other local witnesses. Representative Engan presented the bill as a family-support measure that would exempt certain infant care items from sales tax, arguing that the cost of raising children has risen sharply and that the bill would provide immediate relief to parents. He cited examples of potential savings on cribs, mattresses, strollers, and baby bottles, and said he was open to expanding the list of covered items. Chair Gomez offered a DE1 amendment that would replace the blanket sales tax exemption with an expansion of Minnesota’s child tax credit, arguing that the child-rearing cost burden is better addressed through targeted assistance rather than a broad exemption that could also benefit higher-income purchasers. After discussing the policy differences and the fiscal impact, Gomez withdrew the amendment. Members then asked questions about the bill’s scope, whether luxury items should be excluded, and why the exemption was limited to baby items rather than older children’s needs. Engan said he would be open to excluding luxury items and to discussing broader expansions, including school supplies. The committee then heard testimony in support from Sarah Gangelhoff of the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, who said the bill would help families facing high housing, food, and child care costs and would especially benefit women and single-mother households. Maggie Hanggi of the Minnesota Catholic Conference also supported the bill, saying the tax relief could help families afford essential infant items and reduce fear for prospective parents. Members raised concerns about whether tax exemptions effectively reach the families most in need, with one member noting that low-income families may not even be in a position to shop for these items; Engan responded that the savings would still be real for those who do purchase them. No final vote or disposition on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a couple of comments, cuz, um, weirdly this sort of relates to the field that I came out of, meteorology

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Wait for the forecast. It's going to be illustrative.
• It's going to be wait for the forecast.
• So, I February forecast is going to say.
• We're not waiting for the February<00:48:23.599> forecast.
• We're not waiting for February forecast.

Bills: HF3403, HF3410, HF3424

Keywords: HF3403, emergency rental assistance, rental aid, homelessness prevention, housing crisis, imminent risk of homelessness, eviction prevention, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aids, general fund appropriation, Minnesota revenue commissioner, poverty level, low-income housing, housing stability, family homeless prevention and assistance, emergency housing assistance, eviction, rent, redemption

Transcript Highlights:

• But, you know, just from the presentation that I saw, it was just their actuarial forecast for the next
• however many years they were forecasting out.
• Just their actuarial forecast for the next however many years they were forecasting out, and what they

Bills: HB1784, HB1245, HB1268, HB2116, HB2193, HB2206, HB1739, HB1889, HB1904, HB3172, HB4225, HB4352, HB3625, HB4263

Keywords: education reform, local control, student outcomes, curriculum changes, school funding, retirement, pension, public employees, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, benefits, survivorship, contribution rates, disability retirement, deferred option plan, service credit, contributions, distributions, HB2116, Oklahoma Law Enforcement Retirement System, OLERS

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 98 revises the forecasting requirements related to Metromobility forecasts to eliminate a look
• metromobility forecasts to uh eliminate metromobility forecasts to uh eliminate a<00:53:21.359><
• a look back in the in the forecast a look back in the in the forecast materials<00:53:24.400>
• analysis on metroomobility forecasting analysis on metroomobility um<01:03:34.319> forecasting
• metropolitan council's um forecast metropolitan council's um forecast practices<01:03:48.000>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the forecast doesn't assume the continuation of these programs.
• forecast.
• And so the the forecast forecast.
• And so the the forecast doesn't<00:53:54.079> assume<00:53:54.960> the<00:53:55.359>
• the general fund forecast the general fund forecast um<00:56:15.839> incor<00:56:16.240><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I cannot share that at this time until after the February forecast is updated.
• Let me ask this first part of the question: are the changes reflected in the forecast?
• It might mean that the forecast changes. I don't know; we're currently assessing that.
• So, Senator... well, thank you, and um, I like talking about forecasts.
• I like talking about forecasts.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• forecast.
• All done in the forecasting process.
• not forecasted correctly.
• We as a legislative body do not do the forecast.
• The Education Estimating Conference provides the forecast.

Bills: HJR 99, HB 1399, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HCR 35, SB 14, HB 12, HB 1522, HB 422, HB 675, HB 204, HB 748, HB 912, HJR 99, HB 1399, HB 1400, HB 1094, HB 365, HB 1109, HB 647, HCR 35, HCR 123, HCR 124, HR 57, HR 87, HR 111, HR 228, HR 230, HR 322, HR 624, HR 625, HR 626, HR 627, HR 628, HR 630, HR 631, HR 634, HR 635, HR 636, HR 637, HR 638, HR 639, HR 640, HR 645, HR 646, HR 648, HR 649, HR 651, HR 652, HR 653, HR 654, HR 664, HR 665, HR 668, HR 675, HR 676, HR 678, HR 679, HR 680, HR 683, HR 686, HR 688, HR 689, HR 694, HR 695, HR 697, HR 698, HR 699, HR 472, HR 622, HR 632, HR 633, HR 643, HR 655, HR 657, HR 660, HR 661, HR 662, HR 663, HR 667, HR 670, HR 674, HR 681, HR 682, HR 696

Keywords: animal feed, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, retail, constitutional amendment, retail sale, tangible personal property, Texas tax code, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption, regulation, deceased transportation, HB 365

Transcript Highlights:

• We have budget forecasts coming out on Thursday, and we haven't yet had any budget overviews from the
• Chair and Representative Jones, the legislature—you'll see the forecast comes out on Thursday.
• They talk about a general fund forecast. They don't talk about the healthcare access fund.
• Thursday they talk about a general fund Thursday they talk about a general fund forecast<00:26:03.360
• It would be certainly important information as we move forward after hearing the budget forecast.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Our next hearing will be Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 8:15 for a budget forecast overview.
• Our next hearing will be Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 8:15 for a budget forecast overview.
• Our next hearing will be Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 8:15 for a budget forecast overview.
• Our next hearing will be Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 8:15 for a budget forecast overview.
• 8:15 for a budget forecast 8:15 for a budget forecast overview<00:35:35.480> thank<00:35:

Bills: HF958, HF688, HF702

Keywords: mental health, behavioral health, psychiatric care, collaborative care model, healthcare funding, service dog, service animal, service dog in training, assistance dog, guide dog, disability rights, housing accommodations, fair housing, landlord, rental housing, homeowners association, HOA, Minnesota human services, accessible housing, reasonable accommodation

Transcript Highlights:

• around the entire country, there are hundreds of gigawatts of potential data center projects that are forecast
• around the entire country, there are hundreds of gigawatts of potential data center projects that are forecast
• Of potential data center projects that are forecast.
• We've started to bake them into our longer-term forecasts, and they've signed contracts.
• We've started to bake them into our longer-term forecasts, and they've signed contracts to pay for that

Summary: The Committee on Utilities held an informational hearing on data centers in Missouri, with the chair explaining that the goal was to hear from three speakers with different perspectives and allow committee questions, but no public testimony. The first witness, Matt Edelow of the International Union of Operating Engineers and Columbia-Jefferson City Area Building Trades Council, spoke in support of data center development for its construction jobs, long-term employment, tax revenue, and local economic benefits. He said the Montgomery County projects had already put about 200 Missourians to work, described the facilities as using closed-loop water systems and generator noise levels that he said would be limited by setbacks and acoustics, and urged local hire and apprenticeship requirements. Committee members asked about water use, noise, cybersecurity, labor, and tax revenue, and he said one project could generate about $13.1 million annually at full buildout. The second witness, Rob Dixon of Ameren Missouri, testified that Senate Bill 4 and the Public Service Commission’s large-load tariff provide strong protections for existing customers. He said large data center customers must sign long-term contracts, pay 100% of interconnection costs, post collateral, pay at least 80% of contracted demand, and face exit and reduction fees, with load-shedding rules applying to them like other customers. Dixon said Ameren’s planning process includes engineering reviews and MISO review before projects proceed, and that the utility’s integrated resource plan calls for 5.3 gigawatts of new generation by 2030, with 2.2 gigawatts of signed large-load agreements already in place. He also said large customers can help spread fixed grid costs and put downward pressure on rates, and noted that the protections apply to investor-owned utilities, not co-ops or municipal utilities. The final witness, John Kaufman of the Consumers Council of Missouri, argued that the current protections are not strong enough and that data centers could raise rates through construction work in progress, stranded generation costs, and other risks if projects change or technology shifts. He urged greater consumer protections, including more upfront financial security from data centers, reconsideration of construction work in progress policies, and possibly requiring data centers to bring their own power in some cases. Committee members debated his claims about SB 4, QIP, and rate impacts, with some members saying the law already contains clawbacks and consumer-benefit requirements, while others echoed concerns about transparency and public understanding. The hearing ended without any votes or formal action, and the chair said the committee would continue the discussion in future meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• I should say this is the change from the February forecast.
• <00:09:22.640> debt So, on line four you can see the base debt service as of the February forecast
• And then on line five you can see, as a result of this bill and of other changes to debt service forecasting
• <00:09:42.640> uh<00:09:42.800> the<00:09:42.959> change debt service forecasting
• uh the change debt service forecasting uh the change amount<00:09:43.440> on<00:09:43.680>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under his watch, that program exploded from a $2.5 million estimate, a forecast, uh, to a hundred million
• Under his watch, that program exploded from a $2.5 million estimate, a forecast, uh, to a hundred million
• But our twice-yearly forecasts are not the place for that analysis.
• Um, but our twice yearly forecasts<00:12:14.320> are<00:12:14.480> not<00:12:14.560>
• the<00:12:14.720> place<00:12:14.880> for<00:12:15.040> that forecasts are

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The forecasted filings are shown with the dotted lines.
• And it uses for the trial court's forecasted filings.
• There was a time... ...and it uses for the trial court's forecasted filings.
• completed last spring, the Supreme Court approved use of the new weights, and we apply those to forecasted
• Approved use of the new weights, and we apply those to forecasted filings because we're projecting out

Summary: The committee first heard an update from the Florida Department of Corrections on the proposed Lake Correctional Institution mental health project in Clermont. Tim Fitzgerald explained the project’s history, including the 2016 Disability Rights Florida litigation, the 2018 consent decree, and the original plan for a 550-bed inpatient mental health facility. He said inflation and design changes pushed the project above the bond amount, leading the department to shift to a “continuum of care” alternative with 572 beds total: 92 inpatient beds and 480 residential treatment beds in three special housing units. Fitzgerald said the project is currently paused pending House concurrence, while the Senate has already agreed to the alternate plan, and noted the bond balance, prior expenditures, and the need to spend down the tax-exempt bond by August 2026. Members questioned how the new plan differs from the original facility, whether it satisfies the consent decree, and what caused the cost increases. Fitzgerald said the department believes it has already met the consent decree through systemwide improvements to housing, staffing, programming, and out-of-cell time, though he said he would confirm the court documentation. He also said the original scope grew from 275,000 to 350,000 square feet as treatment, nursing, security, and programming needs were refined, and that inflation, fees, permitting, and contingencies contributed to the higher cost. Several members asked for follow-up information on Senate approval, consent decree documentation, and the project’s impact on crisis-stabilization capacity. The committee then received a joint court-system presentation from State Courts Administrator Eric McClure and Clerks Corporation Executive Director Jason Welty on caseload trends, case tracking, and staffing. McClure described statewide filing trends, the use of weighted caseload studies to certify judicial need, and recent Supreme Court rule changes aimed at active civil case management, including differentiated case tracks, stricter deadlines, and proportional discovery. He said the latest workload study led the Supreme Court to certify a need for 23 circuit judges and 25 county judges. Welty reviewed clerk workload trends, the statewide case maintenance and CCIS systems, and declining clerk FTE despite rising case volumes, and said clerks are seeking additional funding for injunctions, Baker Act/Marchman Act/sexually violent predator work, and juror management. In questions, members pressed both presenters on data quality, case-weight calculations, filing fees, and whether current resources are enough to reduce delays. McClure clarified that the workload weights are based on judge time studies and that a capital murder case averaged 3,177 minutes, while other examples such as auto negligence and dissolution cases were much lower. Welty said the Legislature could help by increasing funding or potentially revisiting filing fees, and noted that many clerk services are unfunded or underfunded, especially indigent and protective filings. The chair and members also raised concerns about backlog, inconsistent case reporting across circuits, and enforcement of judicial time standards; McClure said there is no direct sanction in the rules, and compliance is largely managed through chief judges and the Supreme Court. The meeting ended with no votes taken and adjournment by motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the right time because the forecast, if presented, was pretty aggressive.
• the issues came from, it shows that we should not have any issues in the forecast.
• So all of that's done in the forecasting process.
• not forecasted correctly.
• provides the forecast.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the pledge, quorum call, and several recognitions, including guests for Education and Sharing Day, law enforcement officer of the day Detective Miata Anderson, and later FAMU Day at the Capitol and other visiting groups. The chamber adopted the special order report and then moved through a series of budget-related bills and conforming measures, with debate focused largely on recurring funding, environmental programs, housing, insurance reserves, and tax policy. Members approved HB 5011/SB 2506, which conform environmental resource funding to the proposed budget by shifting Seminole Gaming Compact-related dollars from recurring to nonrecurring funding; supporters said this preserves annual legislative review, while opponents warned it would reduce funding for the Resilient Florida program, wildlife corridor protection, invasive species removal, and other conservation efforts. The House then passed HB 5013, reducing state-funded property reinsurance reserves by lowering the RAP program and repealing FORA funding, and HB 5501, which redirects documentary stamp tax revenues from housing and transportation trust funds to general revenue; Democrats argued the housing changes would reduce affordable housing support, while Republicans said the move was needed to control recurring spending. The chamber also passed HB 5015 on state group insurance, HB 5201 on Florida PALM accounting conforming changes, HB 5203 on Capitol Center tenancy and utilities control, and HB 5009 creating a Florida Accountability Office and revising audit and budgeting functions. The most extended debate came on HB 7031, which permanently reduces the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25% and also lowers several related tax rates. Supporters described it as broad-based, immediate tax relief for Floridians, while opponents said property tax relief would be more targeted and that sales tax cuts also benefit tourists and out-of-state visitors. The bill passed 112-0. The House then took up the main budget bill, HB 501, and subcommittee chairs outlined the proposed $112.9 billion budget, including education, health care, transportation, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and IT spending. Members began questioning the pre-K-12 budget on school funding, vouchers, proration, mental health and safety allocations, and inflation, with the discussion continuing beyond the excerpt provided.