Transcript Highlights:

• want to ensure that those families are protected and also offer a safe place for our children in the event
• And secondly, it raises the cap on the subsidy of copays from 7% to 10%.
• And we have tried and tried to figure out ways to, when the subsidies stopped for the 5 dollars COId

Bills: HB1979 , HB1225 , HB3931 , HB4454 , HB3849 , HB1746 , HB3720 , HB4275 , HB4300 , HB3586 , HB2268 , HB3755 , HB4117 , HB4294 , HB3650 , HB4298

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: early childhood education, task force, governance structure, healthcare access, stakeholder engagement, quality services, vital records, birth certificate, birth registration, biological sex, sex designation, male, female, nonbinary, gender identity, X marker, transgender, vital statistics, State Department of Health, State Commissioner of Health

Transcript Highlights:

• We are trying to also increase some of our adoption subsidies.
• , that is a cost the state continues to bear, whether it is a federal subsidy or a state subsidy.
• In other words, that's anticipation in the event that that occurs.
• In other words, that's anticipation in the event that that occurs. Yes, sir. All right, thank you.
• So... ...for any events that happen that we may have to take on on our own.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee heard a series of Arkansas Department of Human Services budget presentations and questions, beginning with the Secretary’s Office and then the Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services. Staff described the divisions’ appropriations, funding sources, and major programs, including senior centers, Meals on Wheels, mental health grants, substance abuse treatment, community alcohol safety, the Medicaid tobacco settlement program, and crisis stabilization units. Members raised concerns about flat or limited funding for senior services, the use and tracing of federal block grants, the lack of a funding source for the veterans’ mental health grant, and the mechanics of the community alcohol safety and treatment programs. The committee also discussed patient benefits funds at state facilities, transportation for senior center clients, and whether some special-language appropriations or fund balances should be revisited. Executive recommendations were adopted for the divisions considered. The committee then reviewed the Division of Children and Family Services and the Division of County Operations. Questions focused on foster care growth, adoption subsidies, professional fees tied to staff training and onboarding, vacancies, the Children’s Trust Fund, and TANF subgrants. Members asked about the reduction or elimination of TANF funding to child advocacy centers and other subgrantees, and DHS explained that prior reserves had been spent down and that the department was now trying to live within the annual TANF block grant and rebuild reserves. County operations questions also covered summer EBT, SNAP employment and training, the farmers’ market program, and the expected impact of a federal SNAP administrative match change, which DHS estimated would increase state costs by about $24 million annually, with roughly $18 million affecting the current year because the change begins October 1. Executive recommendations were again adopted. Finally, the committee heard from the Division of Developmental Disability Services and the Division of Medical Services. DDS testimony covered vacancies, staffing shortages, human development center construction and repairs, the reopening of the Boonville work training program, and funding for infant infirmary and child/family life programs. Medical Services testimony covered the Medicaid program, the current FMAP rate, the Our Kids B CHIP program, Medicaid payments to schools, nursing home distress funding, and large appropriation lines used to provide flexibility for claims and potential facility closures. Members asked for more detail on school Medicaid payments, reserve balances, and why some appropriations were much larger than actual spending. In each division, the committee moved and adopted Executive REC after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the event of a network failure, it may be necessary to reschedule the hearing or schedule a meeting
• In the event of a network failure, it may be necessary to reschedule the hearing or schedule a meeting
• </c><00:29:00.559><c> or</c><00:29:00.960><c> the</c> looks like the subsidy or the looks like the subsidy
• We don't want people using or getting this subsidy when they shouldn't be.
• </c> um uh subsidy when they shouldn't be. um uh subsidy when they shouldn't be.

Bills: HB1602 , HB2246 , HB1707 , HB2216 , HB2594 , HB2595 , HB2155 , HB2113 , HB2207 , HB1832 , HB2015 , HB2152 , HB2548

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: agriculture, grant specialist, financial support, farmers, Hawaii, federal grants, grant administration, revolving fund, department of agriculture and biosecurity, grant compliance, transportation, reimbursement, food security, local production, sustainability, agricultural loans, financing, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii agriculture, loan portfolio

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, continuing health care subsidies for Cascade Care.
• Those subsidies would have expired in calendar year 2027.
• And so this adds the funding back at a flat rate to maintain those subsidies for Cascade Care in 2027
• And Working Connections subsidy is not done on a need basis.
• Lowering the base subsidy rate from the 85th to the 75th percentile jeopardizes child care providers'

Bills: SB5998

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: fiscal appropriations, budget, state funding, financial management, operating expenses, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No, the issue becomes is when that individual retires, then they're not getting the subsidy from their
• company any way. ...comes as when that individual retires, then they're not getting the subsidy from
• If a kid is severely injured or a severe weather event or, God forbid, an active shooting, those are
• If a kid is severely injured or a severe weather event or, God forbid, an active shooting, those are
• businesses also benefit as consumers are more likely to shop, dine out, and participate in community events

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Summary: The committee met in executive session first and took up House Bill 2330, reconsidering a prior due-pass vote and then voting the House Committee Substitute due pass by roll call. It then considered House Bill 2291, where an amendment meant to clarify municipal building-code and zoning authority was discussed at length and ultimately withdrawn after members raised concerns that it would undercut the bill’s purpose; the bill itself then received a due-pass recommendation. House Bill 2336, dealing with state property conveyances and title issues, also drew questions about unclear title and the status of several properties, but the committee adopted the House Committee Substitute and voted the bill do pass. The committee then moved into public hearing on House Bill 3136, which would remove the state prohibition on creating a Missouri-based health insurance exchange; the sponsor and a witness argued it could save money, keep exchange fees in-state, and give Missouri more control, while several members objected that it would reverse the 2012 voter-approved prohibition and could entrench federal health-care policy. No action was taken on that bill in the hearing. The committee next heard House Bill 1833, which would let certain state employees opt out of the state health plan and receive a partial cash payout if they have other coverage. The sponsor argued it could be cost-neutral or save money and give employees more flexibility, while members and the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan raised concerns about fiscal impact, adverse selection, administrative burden, and whether the proposal turns a benefit into an entitlement. The witness for the plan said the fiscal note was based on about 4,112 active employees who already opt out, warned the stipend would be taxable and could create a new benefit that is hard to remove, and said proof of outside coverage would need to be maintained. The hearing then moved to House Bill 2506, which would require DESE to post QR-code placards at licensed child care facilities linking parents to existing inspection and complaint records; supporters said it would help parents make safer choices at no fiscal cost, while DESE explained the portal already exists and complaints are investigated quickly, and a witness described serious problems at one facility to illustrate why the information matters. Finally, the committee opened public hearing on House Bill 1758, a proposal to move Missouri to permanent daylight saving time once federal law allows it. The sponsor argued it would improve safety, boost economic activity, and avoid the inconvenience of changing clocks twice a year, while members raised concerns about darker mornings for schoolchildren and commuters and questioned whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The hearing was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on House Bill 3136, 1833, 2506, or 1758 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• A copy of today's agenda has been made available online on the hearings and events page.
• through the state to receive payment through child care vouchers, but less than 1% of state child care subsidy
• through the state to receive payment through child care vouchers, but less than 1% of state child care subsidy
• there are a number of health and safety requirements in place for providers to be able to access the subsidy
• Right now, the state subsidy for this kind of care is for an average of $10 to $25 a day, okay?

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held its sixth public hearing and took testimony on a large slate of bills, with the chair moving H. 542/S. 341 on family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) child care to the top of the agenda so young constituents would not have to wait. Witnesses from labor, community organizations, and FFN providers strongly supported the bill, saying FFN care fills critical gaps for families working nonstandard hours, especially in low-income, immigrant, and BIPOC communities. Testimony emphasized that FFN providers are currently underpaid, often receive only about $24 per child per day, and should be guaranteed at least the state minimum wage. Witnesses also backed changes to the voucher system to allow families to combine formal and FFN care more flexibly, and they supported creating an FFN advisory council. Committee members asked about the difference between FFN and center-based care, registration requirements, fingerprinting/background checks, EEC’s ongoing study group, and the fiscal impact; witnesses said the current annual cost is about $1.8 million and could rise to about $6 million if all current FFN providers were paid minimum wage, still under 1% of the EEC budget. The committee then closed testimony on that bill. The committee next heard testimony on several preschool and universal pre-K bills, including H. 707 on public preschool facilities, H. 687/S. 339 on universal pre-K and mixed delivery, and related bills such as H. 606, H. 523, H. 618, H. 522, H. 510, and H. 615, many of which were later closed without additional witnesses. A Lowell school official testified that space and facilities funding are major barriers to expanding preschool and that the city has hundreds of children on voucher waitlists. Other witnesses and organizations, including the Early Care and Education Consortium and AFT Massachusetts, supported mixed-delivery universal pre-K and warned that public-school expansion should not undermine community-based providers, whose preschool tuition helps subsidize infant and toddler care. Several witnesses also urged stronger standards for preschool teachers, better staffing ratios, and more integrated special education and support services. The committee accepted written testimony on some bills and closed testimony on the others when no one else came forward. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 541/S. 373, which would ban school exclusion in pre-K through third grade. Advocates from Massachusetts Advocates for Children, Mass Appleseed, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, AFT Massachusetts, and the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee argued that suspensions and expulsions at young ages harm learning, worsen inequities, and contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline. They cited data showing disproportionate impacts on Black and Latinx students, students with disabilities, and low-income children, and described personal stories of children whose behavior improved when schools kept them in class and addressed underlying needs. Committee members asked for updated data on the number of students and districts affected, and witnesses said they would provide more detailed written information. After testimony on this and a few other bills, including S. 372, S. 357, and H. 275/S. 133, the committee closed testimony and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any difference can be covered by either the SpedCross subsidy or the basic supplemental aid; that'll
• And we invested in special education and English learner cross subsidies, boosted compensatory funding
• reduction in the reimbursement for special education transportation costs will increase the cross-subsidy
• Transportation costs will increase the cross-subsidy and add to budget challenges.
• scale, she grew the school's plant sale into its annual fundraiser and curated many other school-wide events

Bills: HF1388

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: BARR Center, Building Assets, Reducing Risks, education finance, school funding, grant appropriation, evidence-based program, student achievement, social and emotional learning, school climate, teacher effectiveness, high school graduation, students in poverty, students of color, BIPOC, equity in education, Minnesota Department of Education, urban schools, suburban schools, rural schools, school coaching

Transcript Highlights:

• used to take pride in farming their land until the government stepped in and offered outrageous subsidies
• That takes out all subsidies and all that stuff.
• And that takes out all subsidies and all that stuff.
• I'm not going to suggest the committee doesn't know what that means, but in the event that they don't
• know, a nameplate says if you're going to— The committee doesn't know what that means, but in the event

Committee: House Utilities

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2383, Representative Simmons’s bill addressing theft of copper and other infrastructure-related property. After a brief executive session and no further discussion, the committee voted the bill do pass by a roll call of 17 ayes, 1 no, and 1 present. The committee then heard House Bill 2711, sponsored by Representative Deal, which would lower the assessed valuation of broadband communications equipment from 33.5% to 12% for new broadband equipment placed in service after August 28, 2026, with a proposed sunset period discussed as part of a substitute. Representative Deal and several industry witnesses, including AT&T, Verizon, Missouri Cable Association, Missouri Broadband Providers Association, Missouri Chamber, and electric co-ops, argued the measure would improve Missouri’s competitiveness, encourage private investment, and help expand broadband in rural and underserved areas. Opponents, including county assessors, argued the bill would reduce local tax revenue, create unequal treatment, and could become a precedent for other industries. Committee members questioned whether the bill would apply only to new builds or also to upgrades and existing infrastructure, and whether the tax relief would actually drive expansion into rural areas. The committee then began hearing House Bills 2402 and 2816, which deal with solar energy siting and taxation. The sponsors described the bills as setting local assessment rules for solar projects, establishing a per-megawatt valuation, requiring larger setbacks from homes, schools, and churches, and limiting the amount of tillable land that can be used for solar in a county, while also addressing Chapter 100 agreements and decommissioning concerns. Supporters, including Missouri Farm Bureau and county officials, said the bills would provide needed guardrails, local control, and more consistent taxation. Opponents and affected landowners said existing solar projects have caused glare, dust, noise, and property value concerns, while some developers said they wanted clearer statewide rules and consistency for future projects. The committee did not take final action on the solar bills before going into recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, Lifeline is a subsidy program for low-income customers.
• definition of well-served only requires one Lifeline option, which could result in the loss of this subsidy
• And broadband does not currently have a Lifeline subsidy.
• And so in the event that a well-served household becomes no longer well-served for various reasons—doomsday

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee heard AB 470 by Assembly Member McKinnor, a bill to modernize California’s carrier-of-last-resort rules for voice telephone service and create a process for carriers to transition away from obsolete copper networks in favor of advanced telecommunications infrastructure. The author and supporters said the bill is aimed at preserving reliable voice and 911 access while encouraging private investment in fiber and other modern networks, and emphasized that it is not a broadband bill. Support came from AT&T, business groups, and a former Cal OES director, who argued the bill provides a careful, phased modernization with CPUC oversight and increased public-safety investment requirements. Opposition came from TURN, CWA District 9, digital equity organizations, labor groups, and several local governments and county representatives. Critics raised concerns about the adequacy of the mapping process, reliance on broadband and wireless coverage data, the lack of on-the-ground verification, the challenge process, possible loss of Lifeline protections, and the impact on workers and union jobs. They also argued the bill could allow carriers to reduce universal-service obligations without enough safeguards for rural and vulnerable customers. Committee members discussed those concerns at length, especially the map-making process, the challenge procedure, and whether the bill sufficiently protects workers and customers who could be left behind. The author said the bill includes a 10-year backstop if service is lost, a CPUC-led process, and a three-to-one fiber buildout requirement tied to relinquishment, and expressed willingness to continue working with labor on workforce language. The committee ultimately passed AB 470 on a 7-0 due pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The idea here basically is we have situations where people might be offering, they may be having an event
• The idea here basically is we have situations where people might be offering, they may be having an event
• The idea here basically is we have situations where people might be offering, they may be having an event
• And to me, that's different than somebody saying, "Hey, we'll give you a subsidy to help cover your security
• And to me, that's different than somebody saying, "Hey, we'll give you a subsidy to help cover your security

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But in no event shall debate continue beyond 11:50 a.m.
• But in no event shall debate continue beyond 11:50 a.m.
• It is a Hanukkah at a beach event. It is a bittersweet<00:52:30.160><c> month.
• Here in two mass shooting events.
• In the event that a power plant closure In the event that a power plant closure creates<05:33:20.718>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is because the few state monitors that exist are spread far apart amidst many hydrogen sulfide events
• Chiquita Landfill has experienced an elevated event where my residents, community members, and friends
• critical recycling infrastructure as part of the robust circular economy that operates without any subsidies
• These facilities safely and reliably recover... ...without any subsidies.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Environmental Quality heard four bills focused on environmental regulation and public health. SB 299 by Senator Cabaldon would extend a CEQA exemption to child care facilities in residential zones, with committee amendments adding guardrails to exclude sites on natural/protected lands and within 3,200 feet of oil wells or refineries. Support came from child care, planning, local government, and county groups, while one wildlife/plant organization opposed. Members emphasized the need for more child care access and noted the bill was a narrow fix to last year’s CEQA legislation. The committee later voted the bill out on a 7-0 vote. SB 58 by Senator Padilla would update California’s hydrogen sulfide standards and response framework, citing outdated rules and monitoring gaps in the Tijuana River Valley and Salton Sea areas. Testimony from UCLA and community advocates described health impacts and undercounted exceedances, while air district representatives and business interests raised concerns about the scope and timing of the proposal. The committee accepted amendments and advanced the bill on a 7-0 vote. SB 811 by Senator Caballero would establish a regulatory framework for metal shredding facilities, clarifying DTSC enforcement authority and incorporating prior negotiated environmental justice and fire-safety amendments. Supporters included the recycling industry and labor groups; opponents from community, environmental, and local government organizations argued the bill was too deregulatory and did not adequately protect nearby communities. The bill passed 5-0. SB 501 by Senator Allen would expand the state’s battery extended producer responsibility program to include medium-format batteries such as those used in e-bikes and portable power systems. Supporters said the change would improve collection, reduce fire risks, and shift disposal costs from local governments to producers; one battery recycler expressed interest in working on implementation details. The bill was amended and advanced on a 5-2 vote. After quorum was established and votes were taken on call, all four bills were reported out of committee and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is because the few state monitors that exist are spread far apart amidst many hydrogen sulfide events
• Chiquita Landfill has experienced an elevated event where my residents, community members, and friends
• critical recycling infrastructure as part of the robust circular economy that operates without any subsidies
• These facilities safely and reliably recover... without any subsidies.

Committee: Senate Environmental Quality

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• certainty, creating some sort of priority within the scoring system for tax credits, bonds, state subsidies
• And so the way you solve a lot of these problems about softer rent markets, now local subsidy sources
• Extended time away also affects family dynamics, as workers miss daily responsibilities and important events
• That is essentially billions of dollars of government subsidy to the money... Paid workers.
• That is essentially billions of dollars of government subsidy to the worst employers in the industry.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Big Oil is already getting at least $15 billion in subsidies from the federal government.
• Okay, now most of the math we did here is Obamacare subsidies for DACA recipients.
• Is this a woke publication, a waste of money, a subsidy for left-wing journalism and activism?
• <04:12:50.040><c> for</c> subsidy for subsidy for leftwing<04:12:53.840><c> journalism</c><04:12:54.840
• Uh, this is not a newspaper with events in my city. This is not a huge mass-market publication.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, February 7, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:45:10.000><c> at</c> residential uses, but in no event, at residential uses, but in no event
• </c><00:45:12.000><c> will</c> least for this project, in no event will least for this project, in no
• event will um um um there there there where<00:45:15.280><c> there</c><00:45:15.480><c> will</c><00:
• And I think in this committee we see a lot of uh support, subsidies, tax breaks going to developers to
• ,</c><00:57:47.160><c> tax</c><00:57:47.520><c> breaks</c> of uh support, subsidies, tax breaks of uh

Bills: SB2069 , SB2177 , SB2342 , SB2060 , SB2544 , SB3011 , SB2061 , SB2552

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: SB2069, Hawaii housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund, equity pilot program, housing affordability, homeownership, first-time homebuyer, for-sale housing, transit-oriented development, TOD, transit-oriented development zone, bus route, bus stop, critical workforce housing, health care workers, educators, law enforcement, correctional officers

Summary: The House Housing Committee opened its Friday morning hearing by noting potentially catastrophic flooding on the island and acknowledging that some members were absent helping their communities, so quorum for voting was uncertain. The committee then heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most bills drawing support from housing agencies and community organizations and little or no opposition in the room. On SB 2069 SD2, SB 2177 SD2, and SB 2342 SD2, witnesses largely supported the measures. HHFDC supported SB 2069 and SB 2177, and HPHA supported SB 2342. For SB 2342, HHFDC raised concerns that the bill would alter the Qualified Allocation Plan outside the normal open, public process required by federal law and could exclude stakeholders; Kathy Charities echoed those concerns and also objected to changing point allocations in ways that could raise rents and weaken long-term affordability. Members questioned HHFDC about how the QAP is normally updated, the meaning of the point system, and whether a legislative working group could mandate changes; HHFDC said recommendations would still need public hearing and board approval. The committee also heard SB 2060 SD2, which would create a mixed-income subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund. HHFDC said the subaccount would likely use tier-two funds, estimated at about $100 million total, to support mixed-income projects above 60% AMI, citing Front Street Apartments as a possible example. Members asked about project selection and funding needs. On SB 2544 SD2, OHA opposed the bill’s Chapter 6E-related exemptions and mandatory review timelines, arguing that burial review protections should not be weakened and that the SPEED Task Force process was a better venue for streamlining. The sponsor later clarified that the bill was not meant to eliminate the 60-day review process but to make the deadline clearer. For SB 3011 SD1, which concerns public housing and pet ownership, HPHA and several humane organizations supported the measure, saying it would help low-income residents and seniors keep pets and benefit from animal companionship. HPHA explained its existing pet policy, including deposits, monthly fees, and restrictions, and said the requested funding would support ADA-accessible pet areas and related administration. Finally, on SB 2061 SD2, HCDA supported the bill while OHA opposed it unless protections for Hawaiian Crown and Government lands were strengthened. Committee members questioned the project’s 60/40 split between income-restricted and market-rate units, the 10-year owner-occupancy restriction, and the procurement exemption; the sponsor said the exemption was tied to a real estate transaction and that the project would still use 103D-like solicitation procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing, and several items were left for later action because quorum was uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• have two lieutenant governors who are going to get introduced at the right time and just got some events
• They have put on multiple events and one of the largest alumni all-star games in The Pit every year.
• Athletically, as well as bringing our community together through family events.
• They have put on multiple events and one of the largest alumni All-Star Games in the Pit every year.
• Sammy C. gave his first play-by-play account of a high school sporting event and participated in the

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, opened with an invocation, pledges, and a series of announcements recognizing West Side Day, School Board Appreciation Day, Sierra Club Climate Solutions Day, Gallup-McKinley County Day, and New Mexico Athlete Trainer Day. Members also agreed to allow cameras on the floor and a relaxed dress code for guests. Numerous student and community groups were introduced, including West Side Day students, ABC Prep basketball students, Bernalillo High School AP students, MANA del Norte Hermanitas, honorary lieutenant governors, Taos Municipal Schools leaders, Classical Conversations homeschool students, Bloomfield school board members, and others. A major portion of the session was devoted to honoring Bueno Foods with a Senate certificate recognizing February 5, 2026, as Bueno Foods Day in the Senate and celebrating the company’s 75th anniversary. Senators praised the Baca family’s multigenerational business, its role in New Mexico’s chile industry, its jobs and community support, and its national reach. Several members spoke in support, sharing personal stories about Bueno products and the company’s help during COVID and over decades of family and community life. The Senate also adopted a condolence certificate for Kayla Reagan Van Landingham, a 19-year-old bicyclist killed in Albuquerque, with remarks emphasizing her life, advocacy, and the need for stronger pedestrian and bicycle safety. Her mother and family were recognized, and members observed a moment of silence. Senators spoke about the importance of traffic safety reforms and the local ordinance changes already pursued in her memory. On legislation, the chamber received House and governor messages and adopted several committee reports. The main floor debate was on Senate Bill 38, concerning the spay and neuter program funding stream. Senator Block offered a floor substitute to restore a sunset clause for review and transparency; supporters argued the program should be periodically evaluated and that the funding functions like a tax rather than a fee. Opponents argued the program is important and should continue without a sunset. The floor substitute failed by roll call, 15 in favor and 22 against, and the Senate returned to the underlying bill for further debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the event of a network failure, it may be necessary to reschedule the hearing or schedule a meeting
• </c> participate in that additional subsidy participate in that additional subsidy city<01:14:56.440>
• He also said the subsidy has now been, say again, and that this gets to the point from earlier about
• As a result of that subsidy, Earth Products has doubled its cost, and without a program specifically
• The additional issue with that effort is that that subsidy has now been, say again, this gets to the

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the child care assistance program, also known as a child care subsidy.
• That is the child care assistance program, also known as a child care subsidy.
• That is the child care assistance program, also known as a child care subsidy.
• That is the child care assistance program, also known as a child care subsidy.
• That is the child care assistance program, also known as a child care subsidy.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a Division 3 budget work session focused on the Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Economic Stability. Karen Hebert, the division director, and Nathan White, DHHS chief financial officer, walked members through the governor’s operating budget pages and a briefing book, explaining that the division was consolidated in 2018 and serves programs aimed at financial stability, poverty reduction, child care access, and related supports. Members repeatedly asked for clearer breakdowns of general fund spending, historical growth since consolidation, and how the division’s broad mission areas map onto specific budget lines. A major portion of the discussion centered on the Bureau of Child Development and Head Start collaboration and the child care subsidy program. Hebert said the child care scholarship/subsidy helps low- and moderate-income families access daycare so parents can work, attend school, or receive treatment, and that eligibility is based on state median income up to 85%. She reported a 45% increase in utilization, 4,032 children receiving daycare support as of the end of January, and about 15% of eligible children being served. She also described the quality improvement system “Granite Steps for Quality,” with 160 providers enrolled out of 717 licensed programs, and noted that 1,200 child care professionals added credentials in the last year. Members pressed for cost-benefit information, asking for data on how much the state pays, how many providers and children are served, and whether the department could quantify unmet need. The witnesses said some projects were funded with short-term ARPA child care dollars and that detailed cost data for specific examples, such as the Gorm Community Learning Center expansion, would need to be looked up. They also explained that the child care fund is a federal block grant with required spending set-asides of 9% for quality, 3% for infants and toddlers, and up to 5% for administration, and that unused funds remain available. The committee also reviewed slide 10’s accounting units, including that the Child Care Workforce Fund is 100% general funds and was created as a priority item under HB 2 from the 2024 session, while some other child care-related units are 100% federal funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• These cuts are only after a couple years after we made commitments to reduce cross-subsidy, cross-subsidies
• And in this year, he proposed another 50 million in a cut to cross subsidy.
• And in this year, he proposed another 50 million in a cut to cross subsidy.
• And in this year, he proposed another 50 million in a cut to cross subsidy.
• And in this year, he proposed another 50 million in a cut to cross subsidy.

Bills: HF3119

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: teacher compensation, educational staff, unlicensed staff, minimum wage, inflation adjustment, education finance, 1183, house