Video & Transcript Research : 'Meteorological forecasting'
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FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Transportation Nov 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- They were also located within the regions of the highest congestion. ...today and the highest forecast
- It's been flat the last three years, and it's forecast to be flat for the next three years.
- It's been flat the last three years, and it's forecast to be flat for the next three years.
- And so when it The last three years, and it's forecast to be flat for the next three years.
- So we had to begin forecasting and doing all that research.
Summary:
The Committee on Transportation received a presentation from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on Florida’s camera-based traffic enforcement programs: red light cameras, school bus stop-arm cameras, and school zone speed cameras. The department explained how the programs work, including human review of recorded violations, issuance of civil notices to vehicle owners, and escalation to uniform traffic citations if unpaid or uncontested. Officials also outlined the fee structure and reported preliminary data showing 42 red light camera jurisdictions, 496 red light cameras, and more than 923,000 notices of violation in fiscal year 2024-2025, along with growth in school zone and school bus programs. Senators asked about camera placement, signage, review procedures, and whether reviewers or vendors receive revenue from citations; several questions were left for follow-up because the witness did not have all statutory or operational details.
The committee then heard an update from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue on the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, funded by a $4 billion general revenue investment leveraged into a $7 billion program for 20 major projects. He said the initiative is advancing high-priority congestion relief projects across the state, with 80% of the plan expected to be underway by the end of 2026 and the remaining projects in 2027. Perdue highlighted new delivery methods such as modified phased design-build, voluntary acceleration, and structured acceleration, along with workforce and supply-chain efforts, including regional hiring events and aggregate planning. He cited projects such as I-4 congestion relief lanes, Golden Glades, I-95 at US-1, I-75 auxiliary lanes, and I-275 improvements as examples of the program’s progress.
Members questioned FDOT about traffic management during construction, subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, public transit planning, contractor safety and fatalities, bridge strikes, logistics access near ports and airports, aggregate supply, local government coordination, and federal funding uncertainty. Perdue said FDOT continuously reevaluates traffic control plans, works with local governments and industry partners, uses small business participation targets, and requires contractors to be in good standing with OSHA and to implement corrective action plans after incidents. He also said Florida’s transportation revenues are flat, the state remains largely state-funded, and additional resources are the main need for future transportation delivery. The committee adjourned after the chair requested FDOT staff provide senators with district-specific project information.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- understanding that this is going to be amended to be used as a vehicle bill for the House education forecast
- Um, just as Chair Kunesh-Podein suggested, this is taking the forecast article for education and inserting
- So, similarly to the previous bill that we just heard, this is the forecast bill for education.
- This is forecast article for education.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Rules and Administration - 05/16/25
Rules and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- That is just for, you know, forecasting what we're going to be doing.
- That is just for, you know, forecasting<00:09:15.839>
what <00:09:16.080>we're <00:09:16.320 - >
going <00:09:16.399>to <00:09:16.560>be forecasting what we're going to be forecasting
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider S.28, to require the disclosure of a camera or recording capability in certain internet-connected devices, S.97, to require SelectUSA to coordinate with State-level economic development organizations to increase foreign d Mar 12th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And finally, the Improving Flood and Agriculture Forecasting Act, led by Senator Schatz, which expands
- This bill would improve the environmental data for accurate forecasting and critical for emergency management
- the Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act s-613 improving flood and agriculture forests agriculture forecasts
Bills:
SB244, SB28, SB289, SB323, SB389, SB414, SB428, SB433, SB582, SB613, SB759, SB792, SB841, SB843, SB97
Keywords:
national security, cybersecurity, consumer technology, routers, modems, study, communication, consumer protection, smart devices, transparency, internet-connected devices, FTC enforcement, broadband, infrastructure, federal programs, internet access, accessibility, affordability, deployment, government coordination
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an important meeting where they discussed various bills aimed at addressing pressing issues like consumer protection, technology, and environmental management. Chairman Cruz opened the meeting by emphasizing the role of subpoenas in ensuring accountability and oversight, highlighting a recent compliance from several parties following such threats. The meeting progressed to consider several bills, including the Romance Scam Prevention Act championed by Senator Blackburn, which seeks to protect vulnerable populations from online dating scams that have resulted in enormous financial losses, particularly among seniors. The committee also nominated Michael Kratios for the Office of Science and Technology Policy and Mark Medder for the Federal Trade Commission, underscoring the significance of leadership in fostering innovation and consumer protection in technology sectors.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- one big massive forecast bill.
- . forecast. forecast.
- was already that the the forecast was already that the the forecast assumes<02:16:23.840>
that - ,<02:17:12.240>
but factored in the February forecast, but factored in the February forecast - We just did a 1.5 $1.8 billion forecast We just did a 1.5 $1.8 billion forecast adjustment It may
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 05:02 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- has had under consideration engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4481, West Virginia Load Forecast
- has had under consideration engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4481, West Virginia Load Forecast
- Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4481, West Virginia Load Forecast Accountability Act.
Summary:
The Senate reconvened, returned to the third order of business, and took up House amendments to Senate Bill 155 on adjunct teaching permits. The Senate adopted its amendment, which created an exception so a criminal history check would not be required every year and was described as giving county boards another tool to fill vacancies, especially in shortage areas. The Senate then concurred in the House amendment as amended and passed SB 155 by a vote of 33 yeas, 0 nays, with one member absent and not voting.
The chamber then received a series of committee reports advancing House bills on a wide range of topics, including economic development, education, finance, energy, health and human resources, and the judiciary. Measures reported favorably included bills creating Team West Virginia Corporation and the West Virginia Collaboratory, the Foster Youth Post-Secondary Transition Awareness Act, business-ready site programs, volunteer fire company allowances, extending qualified opportunity zones, natural resource police retirement, school transfer eligibility, the West Virginia Load Forecast Accountability Act, oil and gas well plugging requirements, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS, ALS care services, abuse prevention, the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, peer support services, tax lien sales, the Neighborhood Investment Program, bonds for the West Virginia Science and Culture Center, a comprehensive energy development policy plan, TANF applicant drug screening, and child protection commissioners.
Most of these bills were taken up for immediate consideration, read a first time, and advanced. One bill, House Bill 5381 on a comprehensive energy development policy and plan, was also referred to the Committee on Rules. The Senate then moved to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m., after announcements of upcoming committee meetings, and adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, Madam Speaker and members, this provides forecast adjustments, so it's appropriating money.
- members, this Yeah, Madam Speaker and members, this provides<00:08:00.800>
um <00:08:01.280>forecast - <00:08:01.919>
adjustments, <00:08:02.479>so It provides forecast adjustments, so it's
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC) Mar 20th, 2026
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)
Transcript Highlights:
- As we move into page number two, we'll have here the update of the forecast.
- So the cumulative deviation from DF&A net general revenue available for distribution forecasts.
- From DF&A net general revenue available for distribution forecasts.
- So originally, the forecast had an expected surplus of $185 million.
- Now with the updated forecast by DF&A, there's an expected surplus of $334 million.
Summary:
The council opened with a prayer, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received the February 2026 Monthly Revenue Report from Carlos Silva of the Bureau of Legislative Research. He reported gross revenues of $5.36 billion and net collections of $4.5 billion, both above the prior year to date, and said the updated forecast now shows a larger expected surplus. Members asked about declines in some tax categories, natural gas severance fee fluctuations, inflation, and economic development incentives; Silva attributed several changes to timing, refunds, tax cuts, weather, and price volatility, and generally described the state’s revenue trend as positive.
The Executive Committee, Administrative Rules, Claims Review, Game and Fish, Higher Education, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Medicaid studies, Occupational Licensing Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and other subcommittee reports were adopted. The Medicaid studies report drew extended discussion about DHS staffing and contract nursing costs at state hospitals and human development centers; DHS officials said they were working on a recruitment and retention plan, reported significant vacancies and turnover, and said the state was not at risk of overspending the contracts. Several members urged reducing reliance on contract labor and moving staff onto state payrolls.
The Review Subcommittee report prompted questions about a Department of Public Safety aircraft maintenance item and a Department of Shared Administrative Services contract for Deloitte to implement performance and goals management software tied to the state’s new personnel system. After discussion, the aircraft maintenance item was held briefly and then withdrawn from the hold, while the shared services contract was explained as a one-time integration/configuration project for a system that will support employee evaluations and performance-based pay; the report and the separate contract vote were approved. The Personnel Subcommittee also heard testimony from Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald about reductions in force at the Division of Services for the Blind, which he attributed to funding shortfalls and fiscal mismanagement; members questioned the impact on blind and visually impaired clients, the status of board appointments, and whether federal funds could be at risk. The report was adopted with immediate consideration, and the meeting ended after filing the remaining APER report and adjourning.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC) Mar 20th, 2026
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)
Transcript Highlights:
- As we move into page number two, we'll have the update of the forecast.
- So the cumulative deviation from DF&A net general revenue available for distribution forecasts.
- From DF&A net general revenue available for distribution forecasts.
- So originally, the forecast had an expected surplus of $185 million.
- Now with the updated forecast by DF&A, there's an expected surplus of $334 million.
Summary:
The meeting began with a prayer, approval of the prior minutes, and a February 2026 revenue report from Carlos Silva of the Bureau of Legislative Research. He reported gross revenues of $5.36 billion and net collections of $4.5 billion, both above the prior year, and said the updated forecast showed a larger expected surplus than before. Members asked about declines in some tax categories, natural gas severance fees, and possible effects of inflation and international conflict; Silva generally attributed the changes to timing issues, prior tax cuts, refund activity, and price fluctuations, and said he could not speculate on future impacts.
The committee then heard and adopted several subcommittee reports, including the Executive Committee, Administrative Rules, Claims Review, Game and Fish State Police, Higher Education, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Occupational Licensing Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and APER filings. Most reports were approved without objection. One budget classification transfer for the Commissioner of State Lands was reviewed and failed. The review report also led to discussion of several contracts, including DHS staffing contracts and a Department of Education security contract, with some items held or separated for individual votes.
A major portion of the meeting focused on DHS and state staffing contracts for the Human Development Centers, Arkansas State Hospital, and related facilities. DHS officials said the contracts were on track against seven-year projections, but members expressed concern about heavy reliance on contract labor, vacancy rates, and the need to move workers onto state payrolls. Officials said they were preparing a recruitment and retention plan and described staffing levels, vacancies, and turnover. Members also questioned contract projections and federal-state funding matches, and several urged faster action to reduce contract labor costs.
The committee also discussed a Department of Commerce reduction-in-force affecting the Division of Services for the Blind and Employment and Training. Secretary Hugh McDonald said the cuts were driven by funding shortfalls, over-obligation of funds, and federal issues, and that 27 positions would be permanently eliminated while furloughed employees would be recalled. Members raised concerns about service impacts, board appointments, and the division’s fiscal management. The meeting ended after the personnel report was adopted and APER was filed as reviewed, followed by adjournment.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 16, 2026 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- But we fund every student in the FEFP based on the forecast.
- I will point to the FEFP that the amount of scholarship students is forecasted to increase by 56,268
- funds when we've had record GR balances, but You know, long and short of it is, we have a three-year forecast
- stabilization fund so that the fund would be utilized if there Are more scholarship students than forecasted
- While also respecting the next few years' forecast, I am extremely proud of the subcommittee chairs and
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC) Jan 16th, 2026
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)
Transcript Highlights:
- number two, the cumulative deviation from the FNA net general revenue available for distribution forecast
- Again, it's still above forecast, but is down based on this month.
- DFNA will provide an updated forecast in the next few weeks.
- DFNA will provide an updated forecast in the next few weeks, so we'll have that for the next presentation
- And I made this forecast at the time that the bill was passed and introduced.
Summary:
The Arkansas Legislative Council meeting began with approval of the December 2025 minutes and a presentation from the Bureau of Legislative Research on the December revenue report. Dr. Carlos Silva said gross collections were about $4.02 billion, up slightly from the prior year, and net available for distribution was also above last year but down modestly from the previous month because of higher-than-expected corporate income tax refunds. Members asked about corporate tax trends, tariffs, and inflation, and Silva said it was too early to call the corporate decline a trend and that tariff effects would likely show up mainly in sales tax collections.
The council then adopted several subcommittee reports, including the Executive Committee Subcommittee, Administrative Rules, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Occupational Licensing Review, PEER, Review, State Insurance Program Oversight, and Personnel. The PEER report drew the most debate because of a Department of Agriculture grant tied to Perry County and Central Arkansas Water; members discussed whether removing the Perry County portion would affect the grant’s competitiveness, and the report was ultimately adopted with the item included. The Review Subcommittee also heard questions about a BDO contract for the rural health transformation program, with DFA explaining that the contractor would manage the program while state agencies would make funding decisions consistent with the state’s application.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the Education Freedom Account appropriation tied to LEARNS. Senators and representatives debated whether the program helps families or diverts money from public schools, with supporters arguing it funds students and choice and opponents arguing it is costly, vulnerable to fraud, and harms public school funding. Department of Education officials said roughly 28,000 private school students and 17,500 homeschool students were participating, that EFA students must submit standardized tests annually, and that the requested $32 million was to cover existing participants. After multiple substitute motions and extended debate, the body rejected a motion to strip out the $32 million and then adopted the report and related motions. The meeting ended after routine approvals of additional agency items and adjournment.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance and Taxation Apr 15th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- We also did long-term production decline forecast to figure out how much oil each well is going to produce
- fast forward and, at least from the view that we see today, which is, you know, there's lots of forecasts
- if we fast forward and at least the view that we see today, which is, you know, there's lots of forecasts
- and it's the reason why, if you guys go back to that time in the 2004-2005 timeframe, the EIA was forecasting
- I mean, how this has come about and why I was looking at this is after we had our financial forecast
Summary:
The Finance and Tax Committee met to consider Senate Bill 2397 and a proposed amendment creating a development incentive well program for North Dakota oil and gas production. Representative Dockter explained the amendment as a way to encourage exploratory and innovative drilling in light of the state’s financial outlook and the growing share of stripper wells. Department of Mineral Resources Director Nathan Anderson and DMR geologist Timothy Nashim presented background on the Bakken and Three Forks formations, with Nashim describing research showing that Middle Three Forks second-bench development can add reserves in some areas but not others, and that roughly 600 additional wells in the strongest area could yield about 250 million barrels of oil.
Continental Resources representatives William Houser and John Argo supported the amendment. They said the bill would give a temporary oil extraction tax exemption for certified development incentive wells, limited to 36 months or 300,000 barrels, and would also update tax treatment for gas used in enhanced oil recovery and on-site electric generation. They argued the measure would encourage new technology and testing in existing spacing units, complementing House Bill 1483, which they said focused on geographic expansion into non-Bakken and non-Three Forks areas. Argo said Continental still invests heavily in North Dakota but is shifting rigs elsewhere because of economics, and he urged incentives to spur exploration and preserve the basin’s long-term future.
North Dakota Petroleum Council executive director Ron Ness also supported the concept, calling it a targeted, low-risk way to encourage innovation and future barrels. Committee members asked about royalty treatment, the difference from House Bill 1483, pressure maintenance, and how the program would be administered. DMR said the amendment should clarify that the operator bears the burden of proving a well qualifies and that only one incentive well per stratigraphic interval should be certified. No vote was taken; the committee paused to work on revised language and indicated the bill would likely need further adjustment, possibly in conference committee.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate Republican Media Availability 3/6/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In the November forecast, we knew that we were looking at a $5.1 billion deficit.
- 15.120>
of <00:04:15.360>Minnesota But the reality is, and what we see in the budget forecast - It's very clear when you look at the long-term budget forecast that our government is too big and it's
- Look, we've received two forecasts this week.
- the uncertainty, though, it creates, potentially the federal freeze cuts layoffs are not in this forecast
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- executive budget was introduced, the Revenue Estimating Conference met and increased the official forecast
- Regional and local initiatives to correct revenue allocations based on the latest REC forecast and right-size
- bill will fund state government for the remainder of the year and balance the budget to the May REC forecast
Keywords:
state budget, appropriations, education funding, public health, social services, government operations, state institutions, capital outlay, budget, infrastructure, appropriation, general obligation bonds, bond authorization, capital improvement, financial management, state treasury, funding, state general fund, local government, fiscal year
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- executive budget was introduced, the Revenue Estimating Conference met and increased the official forecast
- Regional and local initiatives to correct revenue allocations based on the latest REC forecast and right-size
- bill will fund state government for the remainder of the year and balance the budget to the May REC forecast
Summary:
Senate Finance met on May 21, 2026, with nine members present. The committee first recognized Mother Pearl Porter during a personal privilege presentation by Senator Boudreaux. It then took up the major budget measures for fiscal year 2026-27, beginning with HB 1, the general appropriation bill. The committee heard that the state budget was about $46.6 billion and that recent Revenue Estimating Conference revisions required reductions in recurring spending. Amendments removed new funding for GATOR and increased MFP amounts, while also directing Revenue Stabilization Fund dollars toward infrastructure, economic development, and local government needs. The committee adopted amendment set 4238 and reported HB 1 as amended, with authority for technical changes.
The committee next considered HB 312, the supplemental appropriations bill for the current fiscal year. Members were told the amendments balanced the budget to the May REC forecast through a net reduction in state general fund spending, including savings in Medicaid and other agencies, while covering updated costs such as medical vendor administration, DCFS operations, DOC offender medical expenses, and disaster-related costs. Amendment set 4239 was adopted, and HB 312 was reported favorably as amended. HB 2, the capital outlay/infrastructure bill, was then amended with set 4230 and reported as amended. HB 3, the omnibus bond act authorizing bond usage for HB 2, had no amendments and was reported favorably.
The committee also advanced HB 313, the funds bill, which includes the constitutionally required deposit of $144.3 million of FY 2025 surplus into the Budget Stabilization Fund and various transfers and fund adjustments. Amendments expanded or created several funds and mechanisms, including infrastructure and economic development-related funds, and HB 313 was reported favorably as amended. HB 314, the revenue sharing bill distributing the constitutionally mandated $90 million to local governments, was reported favorably without amendment. HB 383, the ancillary appropriations bill for fee-supported agencies, received amendment 3138 and was reported favorably as amended. HB 983, funding the judiciary, was amended to remove judicial pay adjustments and instead fund a possible transfer of the integrated criminal justice information system to the Supreme Court if SB 141 becomes law; it was reported favorably as amended. HB 1126, the legislative branch appropriations bill, was amended and reported favorably as amended. Finally, HCR 3, the hospital stabilization resolution used to support Medicaid hospital reimbursements, was amended to give LDH more flexibility on the timing of directed payments and preprint submissions, then reported as amended. The committee adjourned after a motion to do so.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (8-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- And so that created a history that isn't very, you know, forecastable as you move forward in time.
- Uh, you might remind you that the consensus forecasting group is going to be meeting in September.
- So my staff and the Department of Revenue are looking into how are we forecasting a thing that hadn't
- Uh, you might remind you that the consensus forecasting group is going to be meeting in September.
- So my staff and the Department of Revenue are looking into how are we forecasting a thing that hadn't
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
FY 2025 Budget Close Out 00:02:55
Impressions of H.R. – 119th Congress 00:28:15
SNAP Payment Error Rates 00:37:05, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first established a quorum, approved the July minutes, and recognized Jennifer Hayes of the Department of State Budget Director for her retirement and long service. Secretary Hicks then presented a review of fiscal year 2025 closeout for the general fund and road fund, explaining that the general fund ended with a $313 million surplus and the road fund with a $61 million surplus. He attributed the general fund result to strong corporate income and LLC tax receipts, investment income, and lower-than-budgeted spending, while noting that individual income tax and sales tax underperformed estimates. He also described how the general fund surplus was allocated, with $62 million used for necessary government expenses and $251 million deposited into the budget reserve trust fund, which remained at historically strong levels. For the road fund, he said the surplus would be deposited into the Department of Highways construction account, and he highlighted record motor vehicle usage tax receipts despite lower motor fuels tax revenue due to a rate decline.
Members asked questions about the pass-through entity tax, delayed filing deadlines, THC beverage sales, and income tax collection from undocumented workers. Hicks said the pass-through entity tax remains difficult to model because of timing issues and the first year’s unusual filing pattern, and that staff are still working with the Department of Revenue and other states to improve forecasting. He said the delayed filing deadline likely would not require a major restatement and that any related receipts would still be counted in fiscal 2026. On THC beverages, he said the issue would be considered in the next forecasting cycle. On the undocumented-worker question, he said withholding may capture some of the revenue but referred broader collection efforts to the Department of Revenue.
The committee then shifted to an overview of the federal reconciliation act’s potential impact on the next biennial budget, with Hicks and Commissioner Lisa Dennis focusing on Medicaid and SNAP. Hicks said the Congressional Budget Office estimated roughly $900 billion in federal savings over 10 years, driven in part by work or community engagement requirements for the Medicaid expansion population and limits on state-directed payments. He emphasized that CMS still must issue regulations to define how the state-directed payment reductions will be calculated, making the exact fiscal impact uncertain. He referred members to a prior Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board presentation for more detail, and the discussion remained informational with no votes or formal actions taken on the federal changes.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Ways and Means Committee approves HF2432 4/22/25
Transcript Highlights:
- safety finance committee, the target they received was an additional $50 million over the February forecast
- the target was also an additional $50 million over the base that was established in the February forecast
- Uh, hopefully it won't be as bad as forecast two years from now, but um there will be cost-cutting, and
- Chair Mhler continued: "Uh, hopefully it won't be as bad as forecast two years from now, but um there
Summary:
The committee took up House File 2432, the public safety finance bill, and first confirmed that the public safety finance committee had met its budget target: an additional $50 million over the February forecast base for fiscal years 2026-27 and another $50 million in the tails. Chair Noatne and Chair Mhler described the bill as a compromise that tried to balance major operating pressures, especially at the Department of Corrections, with public safety priorities.
The bill includes funding for peace officer training and recruitment, including the Philando Castile training fund, duty-to-intercede training, and the intensive police officer training program, as well as money for local public safety radio equipment. It also contains penalty and public safety changes such as increased penalties for certain offenses, a longer statute of limitations for first-degree arson, a mandatory minimum for first-degree criminal sexual trafficking, fentanyl-related provisions, and a requirement that the Department of Corrections maintain Narcan in prisons. Members also discussed victim services funding, including the creation of a special revenue account to help stabilize support for domestic violence shelters, sexual assault advocates, child abuse centers, and crime victim services.
During discussion, members raised concerns that the target was too small to cover DOC operating costs and could affect evidence processing, corrections staffing, and rehabilitation programming. Questions focused on prison phone-call funding, which was described as about $3 million per year, and cable television costs, estimated at about $1 million per year. Supporters argued that phone access and programming help rehabilitation, maintain family connections, and improve safety for staff and incarcerated people. No amendments were offered.
The committee then adopted motions to incorporate House File 2300 and House File 2432 into the public safety and judiciary omnibus as separate articles, and finally approved House File 2432 as amended for placement on the general register, with technical corrections authorized. The motions prevailed without opposition.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Republican Media Availability 1/29/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- meeting and working through those line-item budgets, um, with what we know right now because the final forecast
- 00:01:33.560>
because <00:01:33.759>the <00:01:33.960>final <00:01:34.240>forecast - <00:01:34.920>
obviously now because the final forecast obviously now because the final forecast
Summary:
House Republican leaders used the briefing to argue that Democrats were absent from the House for the 16th day, calling it a shutdown and saying the absence was preventing the chamber from doing its work. They said Republicans were still meeting in person with constituents, interest groups, pages, and agencies, and were continuing unofficial committee meetings and line-by-line budget work even though formal bill introduction and committee operations were disrupted.
The discussion focused heavily on negotiations over whether any Democrats might return, whether there were talks with Leader Hortman or Leader Long, and whether a power-sharing arrangement was possible. The speaker said there were no direct discussions with Hortman that day, no talks with Long, and no side agreements, but that any Democrat who returned would have a place to work. They rejected the idea of equal power-sharing under the current 67-66 House split and said the immediate issue was simply getting members back to work before the May 19 end of session.
The speaker also said the Supreme Court decision had negated prior work, including bill introductions, and that the House was trying to preserve the historical record while committee videos and bills were restored. They pointed to testimony from school district officials about financial challenges from prior Democratic mandates as an example of the work that had been done before the process was interrupted. No votes were taken, and no new official legislative action was announced.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- the November forecast and forward and<00:48:49.799>
that <00:48:50.000>is <00:48:50.119 - forecast that I'm concerned<01:40:35.000>
about <01:40:35.800>uh <01:40:35.960>I - But for the time being, especially with the upcoming budget forecast, you have the ability to say, as
- especially with the upcoming budget especially with the upcoming budget forecast<01:42:10.639>
you - you have the ability to say as forecast you have the ability to say as a<01:42:12.719>
school
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Governor Tim Walz Media Availability 2/27/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But this budget forecast and the work that we've done, whether it's being AAA bond rating or being able
- But this budget<00:04:45.919>
forecast <00:04:46.400>and <00:04:46.639>the <00:04 - :46.880>
work <00:04:46.960>that <00:04:47.120>we've budget forecast and the work - that we've budget forecast and the work that we've done,<00:04:47.520>
whether <00:04:47.759>< - <00:12:21.920>
Governor, "One of the areas of significant spending growth in the forecast
Summary:
The governor discussed Minnesota’s budget outlook ahead of a supplemental budget release next month, saying the state remains financially strong but should be cautious because of federal uncertainty and a structural imbalance in spending. He said the administration’s approach will be measured, with limited new spending and possibly modest revenue measures, while prioritizing a bonding bill and maintaining the state’s AAA bond rating, reserves, and middle-class tax cuts. He also praised the 2023 legislative session and bipartisan cooperation as the basis for the state’s current position.
A major topic was spending growth in special education and the broader human services system. The governor said special education is a fundamental service the state is legally and morally obligated to provide, but costs need to be managed more efficiently. He pointed to legacy IT systems in the Department of Human Services and county service delivery as expensive, antiquated, and error-prone, and said the state needs a multi-year modernization plan and continued reorganization. He argued that reforms such as prepayment verification and other fraud controls should reduce costs without cutting services.
The governor also addressed federal actions affecting Medicaid and other programs, sharply criticizing efforts to withhold funds and claims of widespread fraud. He said Minnesota’s Medicaid error rate is lower than the national average and argued that the federal government’s approach would harm children, pregnant women, and seniors without improving fraud prevention. He also said the state’s gun violence prevention and fraud-fighting packages are expected to be relatively close to budget neutral. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the meeting, which was primarily a press availability and Q&A.