Video & Transcript Research : 'program participant'
Page 240 of 500
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- By January 1, 2029, AZ POST must submit a report on the pilot program containing participation levels
- It is modeled after the 585 program, which is the state program. It is about 20 hours.
- It launched program, which is the state program. It is about 20 hours.
- Many police departments want to move beyond crisis response and build proactive, wellness-based programs—programs
- If officers believe that participating in a wellness program could later be used against them in ways
Keywords:
juvenile services, Coconino county, rehabilitation, detox center, financial appropriation, Arizona Rangers, statutory repeal, security, state law, regulatory changes, probation, dangerous crimes, children, Arizona Revised Statutes, criminal justice, juvenile offenses, appropriations, salary increase, corrections, public safety
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, so currently, um, we're having an increase in demand for this program because this program is so
- this would help bolster the program? this would help bolster the program?
- is<00:14:15.680>
so <00:14:16.160>um program because this program is so um program - of the schools for arson schools program of the schools for arson schools program but<00:14:39.199
- <00:25:50.000>
and specialized arts programs and specialized arts programs and therapeutic
Keywords:
arts education, student engagement, cultural literacy, public schools, funding, public art, cultural preservation, community identity, art management, performing arts, ticket surcharge, arts funding, education, community support, therapeutic arts, neurodiverse, autism, attention-deficit disorder, underserved communities, mental health
Summary:
The Committee on Culture and the Arts heard several measures focused on arts funding, public art, performing arts, and libraries. HB 2437 would appropriate funds for the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ Artists in the Schools program; the Foundation testified in strong support, explaining that demand has increased and that additional funding would allow more schools to be served. HB 2461 would raise the ceiling for the works of art special fund and provide money for maintenance and a collections manager position; the Foundation supported it and described major conservation needs, including large-scale repairs to public artworks such as the Tadashi Sato work in Hilo and the King Kamehameha statue, as well as ongoing bronze maintenance and new commissions affected by rising materials costs. HB 2604 would create a performing arts ticket surcharge; the Attorney General and Department of Taxation raised drafting and administration concerns, while the State Foundation supported the concept. HB 2605 would create a position to coordinate specialized arts programs and therapeutic arts interventions for underserved neurodivergent populations, and the Foundation supported that measure as well. HB 1860 would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state symphony orchestra and require annual reports; the Attorney General suggested clarifying the public purpose, and the Symphony, youth symphony, and many community supporters testified in favor, emphasizing educational, cultural, and civic benefits. HB 20001 would designate the first Friday in February as Love My Library Day; the State Public Library System, Friends of the Library, and individual testifiers strongly supported it, describing libraries as essential community and educational resources.
After hearing testimony, the committee took action on several bills. HB 2437 was recommended for passage with amendments in HD1, with the appropriation blanked out and the additional needed funding to be noted for Finance consideration; the vote was unanimous among members present. HB 2604 was also recommended for passage with HD1 and technical amendments, including deleting the term “Hawaii-based,” clarifying that student performances at public charter schools are exempt, aligning recordkeeping provisions with tax law, and setting an effective date of January 1, 2027. HB 2461 was deferred to decision-making on Friday, February 13. The transcript also indicates the committee moved through the remaining measures after testimony, but the excerpt ends before final votes are shown for HB 2605, HB 1860, and HB 20001.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
PSM-EIG, PSM DEFER, PSM, PSM-EDU Public Hearings 02-13-2026
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- State Tuition Assistance Program. State Tuition Assistance Program.
- be able to extend to graduate programs. be able to extend to graduate programs.
- ,<00:37:10.960>
democracy, US history, participation, democracy, US history, participation - Do you have award<00:48:41.119>
programs award programs award programs like<00:48:44.000>his - One program that is um about programs.
Summary:
The committees heard and then took action on several measures. Senate Bill 3048, relating to the State Building Code Council and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, received support from OPSD and the Chamber of Commerce, with OPSD requesting amendments tied to software licensing and a public permitting dashboard. The committees ultimately recommended passing the bill with amendments, including an effective date, and later adopted that recommendation by vote. Senate Bill 3083, relating to protective orders, drew support from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Military and Community Relations Office, and a member of the public, while the Judiciary asked that the bill be deferred or amended because a prior notification process had lapsed and a new mandate could be difficult to implement. The committees nevertheless recommended passage with amendments and an effective date, noting implementation concerns in the report, and that recommendation was adopted.
The committees also considered Senate Bill 3010, which would allow law enforcement, animal control officers, and firefighters to enter unattended vehicles to rescue animals in distress. The Animal Legal Defense Fund supported the measure as a common-sense good Samaritan protection, and the Hawaii Association for Justice recommended a small amendment. The bill was recommended for passage with amendments and later adopted. Senate Bill 3187, relating to off-site construction and SPEED Task Force recommendations, received OPSD testimony in support with comments; the committees recommended passing it with amendments, deleting the dollar amount and adding an effective date, and adopted that recommendation.
In a later joint hearing with the Committee on Education, Senate Bill 2138, which would expand the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to graduate study, received support from the University of Hawaii, the Department of Defense, the Hawaii Army National Guard, and the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office. Members asked whether the current law limited assistance to undergraduate degrees and whether the program would require new funding; witnesses said the bill would simply expand authority and could be implemented within the current budget. Senate Bill 2614, authorizing high school diplomas for certain veterans whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices, also drew support from DOE and the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, with DOE explaining it had previously issued diplomas under an earlier version of the law and would verify eligibility through an application process. Senate Bill 2687, requiring a 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum plan and pilot program, drew mixed testimony: DOE said the topic is already covered in existing social studies standards and the bill was unnecessary, while supporters argued the history is not being consistently taught and should be mandated. The transcript cuts off before final action on the education bills.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee (5-22-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Five staff members attended competitive leadership programs, different programs.
- program.
- Five staff members attended competitive leadership programs, different programs.
- program.
- Just an update there: they are participating in this program.
Summary:
The committee convened for its first meeting, called the roll, elected co-chairs under KRS 248.723, and approved the prior meeting minutes. Representative Michael Pollock was elected House co-chair and Senator Jason Howell was elected Senate co-chair, allowing the meeting to proceed.
The Agricultural Development Board then reported on activity from December 2024 through April 2025. Staff described board and finance corporation funding totals for each month, county council meeting activity, leadership trainings, lender trainings, and outreach events such as Kentucky Proud breakfast, Ag Tag Month, and agriculture education week. The report also highlighted several funded projects: a Whitesburg farmers market project for Cowan Community Action Group, Community Farm Alliance’s work supporting farmers markets and nutrition programs, a Metcalfe County 4-H ham project, Hopkinsville Elevator’s rail expansion, and W and W Veterinary Services’ large-animal facility upgrade.
Members discussed the importance of the tobacco settlement funds and the committee’s stewardship role. Senator Webb urged new members to read House Bill 611 and its history, emphasizing careful use of the limited funds and noting the committee’s statutory mission. Representative King asked about possible federal nutrition policy changes, and staff said Kentucky is already pursuing a “Food as Medicine” initiative and a partnership with the Kentucky Hospital Association. The meeting also recognized interns and announced a June 20, 2025, 25th anniversary event for the Agricultural Development Fund at the Kentucky History Center.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Families & Children (2-25-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Kentucky's program helps provide supports to SNAP participants between 16 and 59, and that's a group
- , we could see this program be utilized more throughout the state for the SNAP participants that are
- employment programs. employment programs.
- program? No. program? No.
- They have psychiatric programs, pediatric psych programs.
Keywords:
Roll Call - 00:10
Discussion on SCR 61 – 01:46
Vote on SCR 61 – 11:33
Discussion on SR 18 – 12:30
Vote on SR 18 - 30:01
Discussion on Ky Residential Autism Services – 32:34
Questions & Comments – 56:56, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 61, sponsored by Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer and Representative Matt Lockett. The resolution, as amended by committee substitute, would create a legislative task force tied to the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) framework to study Kentucky health policy, including Medicaid drug approvals, preventive and alternative therapies, holistic health education, oversight and transparency in health care, and research into integrative approaches. Supporters said the goal was to address chronic disease and reduce over-medication, while emphasizing the effort was not intended as an attack on agriculture or the pharmaceutical industry. The resolution received favorable expression and passed the committee 9-0.
The committee then heard Senate Resolution 18 from Senator Neal, urging Kentucky to maximize participation in the federal SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program. Testimony from Jessica Klein of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy and Secretary Eric Friedlander explained that SNAP E&T provides job training, education, and support services for SNAP participants, and that the program is federally matched and does not require additional General Assembly funding in the normal course. Members discussed how the program works, whether it could create new state costs, and how it fits with efforts to connect food assistance, workforce development, and local agriculture. Questions also focused on whether SNAP spending can be steered toward healthier foods and farmers markets, including Kentucky’s Double Dollars program, which was described as helping participants buy produce, meat, and dairy at participating markets and some retailers.
Several members expressed support for the workforce goals but asked for more information on fiscal impacts and purchasing data. Secretary Friedlander said the SNAP E&T funds are separate from nutrition benefits, and that the state match generally comes from employer, university, or workforce partner contributions rather than new state appropriations. Senator Herron explained her vote in favor by saying the program could help people gain education and employment and reduce reliance on SNAP over time. Senate Resolution 18 was then adopted by the committee.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/22/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- >> I'm the domestic violence program >> I'm the domestic violence program manager<00
- Um, it in the youth operator program.
- So, um, that's why I am moving >> Were counties that even participate so far in this program. >> And
- <04:31:56.800>
or county from not participating or county from not participating or supporting - part of that program. part of that program. That's<04:32:05.920>
interesting.
Summary:
The hearing focused primarily on House Bill 1087 and House Bill 123, both related to firearms. HB 1087 was introduced as a Second Amendment measure, but after questions from the chair and discussion with law enforcement, the sponsor agreed it should be set aside and referred to a study committee for further review, rather than advanced as written. The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association testified in opposition to the bill as written, while also indicating support for the sponsor’s proposed amendment or a study approach.
The bulk of the discussion centered on HB 123, which would require the return of firearms after a not guilty verdict or dismissal. The sponsor and several members described the bill’s purpose as speeding up the return of property, but law enforcement and judicial branch witnesses raised concerns about federal law, the need to ensure a person is still legally eligible to possess firearms, and the bill’s 24-hour return requirement. Witnesses from the State Police and judicial branch explained the current process, including background checks through the state police gun line, and said the existing procedure already aims to return firearms promptly while allowing time to verify disqualifying information.
Members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, including removing language that would bar background checks and instead tying return of firearms to completion of the check within a set time frame. Judicial branch and State Police witnesses said a process that requires a background check and return within a reasonable period, with notice if there is a delay or denial, would better address safety and legal concerns. The hearing ended without a vote; the committee closed the public hearing and indicated it would continue working on the language before executive session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you all for your continued participation and advocacy.
- Thank you all for your continued participation and advocacy.
- This is a hybrid hearing with participation both in person and virtually.
- We also know that Congress has proposed a bill that would switch D.C. to a voucher program.
- A voucher program would put my son and our family even further from the services he needs.
Summary:
The hearing of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs was opened by Chair Joe McGonagle and Vice Chair Senator Mike Rush, who noted that Chair John Velis was deployed with the Massachusetts National Guard. The chairs explained the hybrid format, three-minute testimony limit, live streaming, and filing deadlines, and said the committee would hear 11 House bills and eight Senate bills dealing with federal and overseas issues. Much of the hearing centered on competing resolutions about Article 5 constitutional conventions, along with related resolutions on D.C. statehood, child labor, Citizens United, and Cambodia.
Supporters of H. 4692 and S. 284, a joint resolution to rescind all prior Massachusetts Article 5 convention applications, argued that old resolutions from the 1930s and 1970s could be used to count Massachusetts toward the 34-state threshold for calling a federal constitutional convention. Testifiers from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, the ACLU, Reproductive Equity Now, labor groups, and others warned that a convention would have no clear rules, could not be reliably limited to specific topics, and could put civil rights, reproductive rights, labor protections, and other constitutional protections at risk. Several speakers also cited a recent federal lawsuit and said the safest course was to remove outdated applications from the books.
A large opposing panel testified in support of H. 3888, a resolution calling for a Convention of States to propose amendments limiting federal power, imposing fiscal restraints, and establishing term limits. Supporters argued that Article 5 provides a lawful way to address federal overreach, debt, and congressional stagnation, and said the process would be limited by state applications and ratification by 38 states. Some committee members and witnesses raised concerns about a runaway convention, broad language in the resolution, and whether Congress could or should set rules for such a convention. Representative Gentile also testified in support of several related resolutions on overturning Citizens United, D.C. statehood, and the child labor amendment, while Representative Howard and Representative Tongue supported a Cambodia resolution condemning political oppression and urging free and fair elections. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Tran Committee Meeting - 2026-04-08
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And that really is for the 2031 project, a program of projects.
- So you can’t have a program that is not going to get you the results you want.
- The program cannot be implemented. So anyway, thank you, Mr.
- So you can't have a program that is not going to get you the results you want.
- We do have programs for reducing the number of gas water heaters.
Bills:
HF4807
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Administration (01/22/2026)
Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- not have your town participate in NHMA? not have your town participate in NHMA?
- Does your town participate in NHMA? Does your town participate in NHMA?
- It says that if the public is invited to participate, their participation must matter.
- , public is invited to participate, public is invited to participate, their<01:48:11.600>
participation - their participation their participation must<01:48:13.679>
matter.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- heights in downtown Austin in order to try to get developers to participate in density bonus programs
- in the program anymore.
- San Antonio has a similar program.
- that program right now.
- . ...program in place for several years.
Summary:
The committee met to monitor implementation of several housing-related bills from the 89th session, with the chair emphasizing Texas’s housing shortage and the need to review land-use laws. For House Bill 24, witnesses from the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Reason Foundation, a church-affordable housing project, Habitat for Humanity, developers, and housing advocates said the bill’s higher protest threshold and simpler council override had reduced procedural barriers to rezoning, helped projects move forward, and supported lower rents and more multifamily development. Public testimony largely praised HB 24 as working as intended, and the chair noted it had passed the committee 6-1, the House 83-56, and the Senate unanimously.
The committee then heard testimony on Senate Bill 1567, which preempted certain municipal occupancy limits based on unrelated-adult restrictions. Supporters, including Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Realtors, Texans for Housing, and Texas A&M student leaders, said the law improved clarity, reduced arbitrary local limits, and helped students and property owners use existing housing more efficiently. Opponents from College Station and Bryan-College Station neighborhood groups argued the law has encouraged investor purchases, tear-downs, and “stealth dorms,” displaced working-class residents, and harmed family homeownership. The chair noted SB 1567 had passed the committee 5-1, the House 101-19, and the Senate 30-1.
The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 15, which reduced minimum lot sizes in covered jurisdictions. Ed Pinto of AEI said the law had already led to thousands of new small lots and lower-cost starter homes, while recommending expansion to more counties and broader application to attached housing. Other witnesses from builders, Pew, and housing advocates said smaller lots can increase affordability, but some cities, such as College Station and Grand Prairie, were adding local standards that could blunt the bill’s effect. City representatives from El Paso described how they implemented the law by reducing lot sizes and widths, while urging broader applicability to more of the city. The chair said SB 15 had passed the committee 7-0, the House 86-43, and the Senate 24-7.
Finally, the committee began hearing testimony on Senate Bill 840, a by-right multifamily redevelopment measure. City officials from Garland and Plano described how they had updated local standards to comply while preserving design and setback rules, and said the bill could help redevelop built-out commercial corridors and add housing without expanding city footprints. The transcript ended as the committee continued taking testimony on SB 840.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/19/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 25th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Over $1 billion for home ownership programs to help people permanently climb up the economic ladder.
- Over $1 billion for home ownership programs to help people permanently climb up the economic ladder.
- “This bond addresses the entire continuum of these challenges, not only the multifamily program, but
- It is an honor to welcome the inaugural cohort of Assembly District 13th Young Leadership Program to
- events, and achieved 100% student engagement throughout the program.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- for E.E., which, automatic annual transfers to directly support programs for EEE, which is economic
- I was part of the first cohort of the state's social equity program, and for those of you who do not
- I'm in the social equity program.
- I'm a participant in the social equity program, and I am the founder and CEO of Delivered Inc.
- So were there any other virtual participants? I don't believe so. Ellen, are you on the call?
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Cannabis held a hearing on a package of cannabis bills focused on equity funding, delivery expansion, advertising restrictions, medical use, first responders, and ownership limits. Testimony strongly supported S. 87/H. 184 to direct a larger share of cannabis revenue into the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund and related equity programs, with speakers arguing the current funding is insufficient and that automatic transfers would better support businesses and communities harmed by the war on drugs. Several witnesses also backed H. 145/S. 89 to allow licensed cannabis delivery into municipalities that ban retail sales and to hotels, saying current rules unfairly limit social equity delivery operators and consumer access. There was also support for H. 176 on medical cannabis eligibility and S. 76 on cannabis use by first responders, while H. 177/H. 178 on new taxes drew opposition from several business owners who said the industry is already heavily burdened and overtaxed.
A major point of debate was S. 94/H. 157, which would prohibit billboard advertising for non-prescription marijuana. Public health advocates, parents, and neuroscientists argued that cannabis billboards normalize use, are seen by youth, and are difficult to regulate effectively under the current 85% adult-audience standard. They urged a public health approach similar to tobacco restrictions. In contrast, several industry witnesses opposed further advertising limits, saying cannabis businesses already face strict marketing rules, billboards are privately owned, and additional restrictions would hurt small operators and raise First Amendment concerns. Some witnesses also criticized the proposed increase in ownership caps and consolidation provisions in the broader cannabis bill, warning they would favor large multistate companies over small and social equity businesses.
Committee members asked questions about billboard ownership, enforcement of the current advertising rules, and the legal basis for restricting sign content. Witnesses and members also discussed the Cannabis Control Commission’s role, the difficulty of enforcing audience-composition standards, and whether delivery should be treated more like alcohol. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair noted that written testimony would continue to be accepted.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- Wanted you all to be School Program.
- incentivize other schools to participate incentivize other schools to participate as<00:07:09.320
- , whole language immersion programs, whole language immersion programs, which<00:29:17.840>
in - , for the scholarship programs, for the scholarship programs, uh, >> Madam Chair, would just add
- <03:06:14.680>
or about prescribing programs or about prescribing programs or structuring<
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:01:44.479>
and um uh Minnesota reinsurance program and um uh Minnesota reinsurance program - that the AC was adopted the MCH program that the AC was adopted the MCH program that<00:10:34.240
- ><00:10:50.240>
are participants in the MJ program are participants in the MJ program are already - <00:18:06.400>
by to pay for the reinsurance program by to pay for the reinsurance program - He said, as the saying goes, if you've seen one Medicaid program, you've seen one Medicaid program.
Bills:
HF837
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- and through Hazard Mitigation. ...grant program.
- And houses the State National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP.
- Another key flood grant program that we manage is the FMA program.
- Program as part of FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program.
- These are our current programs. Yes.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- public has an opportunity to participate public has an opportunity to participate with<00:07:29.080
- But that was a very popular program, and we have run the course on that program.
- c><00:15:23.399>
uh course on that program another one uh course on that program another one uh - /c> course that particular program I think course that particular program I think we<00:17:53.799>
- I worked with all types of HUD programs, including many housing programs.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Property Tax Div. Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Eight counties participated.
- It has pre-scripted, pre-programmed exports that are already in the program that users can automatically
- program it.
- So it's a brand new program.
- But again, those become programming discussions and how it looks.
Summary:
The subcommittee of the Tax Reform and Relief Committee met to begin its study of the feasibility and desirability of revising the content of the real estate tax statement to improve property tax transparency. Legislative Council staff reviewed the study directive under House Bill 1176 and the statutory requirements for tax statements, including required line items such as true and full value, mill levy, legislative tax relief, primary residence credit, and the Legacy Fund portion of that credit. The Tax Department then explained how the current uniform statement is prescribed and approved, and noted that changes are typically driven by statute and implemented collaboratively with counties and vendors.
County officials from the North Dakota Association of Counties described the full annual tax cycle, from county budgeting and valuation notices to budget hearing notices, levy certification, cap calculations, and final tax statement mailing. They emphasized that counties and auditors do extensive coordination with taxing districts and neighboring counties, and that the process is labor-intensive and often manual. Members discussed the limited public response to budget notices and tax statements, the difficulty of explaining the legislative tax relief line, the 3% cap and valuation issues, and whether more frequent assessments or different timing would improve understanding. Several members and witnesses noted that many taxpayers only engage when they receive their final bill, and that clarity may be more important than adding more detail.
NDACO also presented a rough cost survey from eight counties, estimating an average tax statement cost of about 74 cents and a statewide total near $600,000 for printing and mailing tax statements alone, with outsourcing generally cheaper than in-house printing. Witnesses noted that House Bill 1176 added other mailings and notices, increasing county workload and cost beyond the statement itself. The committee then heard from software vendors, who explained how their systems handle tax billing, budget notices, valuation notices, primary residence credit processing, and tax levy calculations, and they identified the 1600/1685 primary residence credit and discount interaction as a current programming challenge. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational and focused on gathering testimony and identifying issues for possible future recommendations or bill drafts.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee May 13th, 2026
Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's what we have asked with the Edison relief program.
- And one thought to throw out there: I think we have some existing programs to leverage.
- When you say state-administered utility liability program, what does that mean?
- Is that like a fast pay, do you mean fast pay program? What is that?
- That program is required by state law.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas A&M established back in 2017 the academic security and counter-exploitation program.
- Two weeks ago we hosted the largest research security event in the world with over 500 participants in
- , research programs, etc.
- I don't, I don't track data related to my students or any students in my program.
- Some participation, as always. It was very excellent, very excellent.
Keywords:
higher education, curriculum review, governing board, faculty council, ombudsman, faculty governance, decision-making, transparency, public meetings, department head, employment approval, public institutions, institutional oversight, education, funding, accountability, state budget, school performance, employment, Texas legislation