Transcript Highlights:

• So spiny water flea is a concern, and again may be connected to favoring the increasing cyanobacteria
• Thank you. science out there connect you know science out there connect you know showing<00:26:24.400
• > a<00:26:24.640> connection<00:26:25.200> between<00:26:26.000> uh<00:26
• :26.240> water showing a connection between uh water showing a connection between uh water quality
• Thank you all very much. connections are not necessarily connections are not necessarily addressed<00

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They inspire learning and really help people connect with the natural world.
• or just making and a sense of connection or just making sure<00:01:14.560> it's<00:01:14.759>
• with the natural world I people connect with the natural world I would<00:02:21.080> also<00:
• to the wonders of the natural connection to the wonders of the natural world<00:04:13.159> over
• And one other way to look at the Statewide programming is preserving, sharing, and connecting.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Beneath every flag and every border, people are looking for the same things: joy, connection, and something
• Joy, connection, and it's something to celebrate. people are looking for the same things, joy, connection
• “We're seeing all these stories, these heartwarming stories of small towns connecting with countries,
• “But as we heard from our colleague, root for different countries, whether you have a connection to them
• s sister-state relationship creates a door for students, scholars, and innovators from Gauteng to connect

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then handled a series of procedural motions, including re-referrals of several bills and permission for committee notice changes. Members also made guest introductions, including anesthesia residents, family members, and a legislative intern. The body then took up House Resolution 118 by Assembly Member Garcia, welcoming the 2026 FIFA World Cup to California and highlighting the state’s host cities, economic benefits, and international goodwill. Several members spoke in support, emphasizing local hosting roles, cultural connections, and anticipated tourism and revenue. The resolution received 64 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. On the daily file, the Assembly passed and retained or continued a number of items, then considered Assembly Concurrent Resolution 193 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry proclaiming 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Supporters described the role of women in California agriculture and the barriers they face; the resolution received 69 co-authors and was adopted. The Assembly also adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution 210 by Assembly Member Jackson, establishing a sister-state relationship with Gauteng province in South Africa, with members speaking to economic, educational, and cultural ties; it received 65 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. The second-day consent calendar was then taken up. House Resolution 113 by Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez, on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, was added to by 68 co-authors and the consent calendar passed 73-0. The remaining consent items were listed, and the Assembly proceeded to adjournment in memory statements for Norman L. Ford, Jr. and James McCain, Sr., followed by a moment of silence for each. The desk was ordered to remain open for budget-related business, and the House adjourned until Monday, June 15, upon the call of the Speaker.

Transcript Highlights:

• Beneath every flag and every border, people are looking for the same things: joy, connection, and something
• people are looking for the same things, joy, connection, and something to celebrate.
• We're seeing all these heartwarming stories of small towns connecting with countries, soccer teams that
• a formal sister-state relationship with Gauteng will deepen and institutionalize that economic connection
• A formal sister-state relationship with Gauteng will deepen and institutionalize that economic connection

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and completed routine opening business, including the prayer, pledge, journal approval, and several unanimous-consent procedural motions to suspend rules, re-refer bills, and adjust committee notices. Members also introduced guests, including anesthesia residents, a legislator’s son, and a legislative intern. The chamber then adopted House Resolution 118 welcoming the 2026 FIFA World Cup to California; members spoke in support of the event’s international, cultural, and economic significance, and the resolution received 64 co-authors before passing by voice vote. On the daily file, the Assembly passed and retained or continued a number of second- and third-reading items, then adopted Assembly Concurrent Resolution 193 proclaiming 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Supporters highlighted women’s role in California agriculture, including farm ownership, production, and leadership, and the resolution received 69 co-authors before adoption. The Assembly also adopted ACR 210 establishing a sister-state relationship with Gauteng, South Africa, with members citing economic ties, educational exchange, and existing partnerships such as an MOU with Sacramento State; it received 65 co-authors before passage. The second-day consent calendar was adopted 73-0 after item 46 was removed, and the remaining consent items passed unanimously. The chamber then observed adjournment-in-memory tributes for Norman L. Ford, Jr. and James McCain, Sr., with family members present in the gallery. The session concluded with announcements about budget-related business and the schedule for the next meeting, then adjourned until Monday, June 15, upon the call of the Speaker.

Transcript Highlights:

• This will provide legislative staff with an additional two weeks to connect with members and finish bill
• back in the building during these two weeks, so it's going to be easier for staff and members to connect
• with members and finish weeks to connect with members and finish bill<00:14:46.639> drafting.
• <00:14:53.600> with<00:14:53.839> one staff and members to connect with one staff and
• members to connect with one another.<00:14:55.360> The<00:14:55.600> third<00:14:55.920

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Representative Tony Miklas, who used the Aesop fable about “belling the cat” to emphasize practical wisdom and the need to consider how legislation will actually be implemented by agencies, towns, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and courts. The chamber then welcomed Representative Valerie Taylor of Mendon, who had been appointed to represent Rutland 11 and took the oath of office; she was escorted to her seat and appointed to the House Health Care Committee. Representative Feltus of Lyndon was also appointed to the Joint Fiscal Committee. Members suspended the rules to introduce 19 House bills by number only, with several referrals announced, including multiple bills sent to Judiciary, Health Care, Government Operations and Military Affairs, Human Services, Energy and Digital Infrastructure, and Environment. The House also referred a petition concerning school security to the Education Committee. In addition, the chamber adopted two joint Senate resolutions in concurrence: JRS 29, setting the weekend adjournment schedule for January 9, 2026, and JRS 31, setting the town meeting adjournment schedule for late February and early March 2026. The House also concurred in moving H.541, relating to interference with voters and election officials, from Government Operations and Military Affairs to Judiciary. The main action item was House Resolution 10, which amended House rules on bill draft request and approval deadlines in the second year of the biennium. The Rules Committee explained that the resolution would move the bill drafting request deadline to December 5, the draft-change deadline to January 15, and the bill approval deadline for introduction to January 31, citing the need for more time for legal review, better coordination between members and Legislative Council, and reduced staff burnout during the holiday and early-session period. The House adopted the resolution. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming Appropriations budget workshops, a new Creative Sector Caucus, and a Climate Solutions Caucus meeting, followed by adjournment until January 8, 2026 at 3 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• CONSTRUCTION OR REHABILITATION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE AND HAD THE DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY
• AS YOU CAN SEE OVER 1200 LOCATIONS HAVE BEEN ALREADY CONNECTED THROUGH THIS FUND.
• WHEN WE PROVIDING COMMUNITIES THAT DON'T HAVE THE ABILITY TO EVEN HAVE A PLACE FOR FOLKS TO GET CONNECTED
• AND COMMITTED TO CONNECTING COMMUNITIES AND AT THE END OF THE DAY THAT WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR TAKEAWAYS
• I'M GOING TO USE A QUICK EXAMPLE IN MARION COUNTY BECAUSE THAT WAS THE MOST RECENT WHERE WE CONNECTED

Transcript Highlights:

• of more creative than a lot of other states, just because of the way that we built it and that we connected
• A lot of states don't actually connect their housing finance agency to their legislature, so it allows
• A lot of states don't actually connect their housing finance agency to their legislature, so it allows
• A lot of states don't actually connect their housing finance agency to their legislature, so it allows
• A lot of states don't actually connect their housing finance agency to their legislature, so it allows

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The network will connect literacy leads intentionally.
• Let’s get them connected. Literacy. I need these three districts to have access to them.
• Let’s get them connected.
• Let's get them connected. literacy. I need these three districts to have access to them.
• Let's get them connected.

Summary: The committee heard a series of budget proposals focused on education finance, with repeated questions about whether the state’s investments are coordinated, targeted to the highest-need students, and likely to produce measurable results. On the first item, the administration proposed $1 million for a study of California’s curriculum framework, standards, and instructional materials process, plus $250,000 for supplemental ELA/ELD guidance. CDE and Finance said the study would examine how other states organize standards, frameworks, and adoptions, while the chair and members questioned why California has gone so long without updating some standards, what the study would actually accomplish, and whether the proposal was too vague to justify the cost. The issue was held open. The committee then took up a proposed $25 million statewide literacy network within the system of support. CCEE and CDE said the network would coordinate multiple existing literacy leads, create a clearinghouse of evidence-based resources, and improve coherence across the state’s many literacy initiatives. Members pressed on how a one-time, five-year allocation could support a long-term system, how the work would reach distressed and rural districts, and whether the proposal would translate into classroom change rather than just another layer of coordination. The issue was also held open. Next, the committee reviewed a $500 million proposal to expand literacy coaches and reading specialists and to create a math coaches program. CDE described the existing literacy coach cohorts as producing positive reports from participating LEAs, while the LAO recommended modifications, especially for the math coach portion, including limiting eligibility to elementary schools, setting minimum grant amounts, directing funds to eligible school sites, and making eligibility automatic rather than application-based. Members focused on whether coaches were actually being placed at the schools with the greatest need and whether the state has a coherent long-term strategy for literacy and math investments. The committee also heard a $40 million proposal for training and implementation of K-2 reading difficulty screeners, which the LAO said was reasonable but could be reduced because $25 million had already been provided for training; CDE said the new funds were needed for full implementation, procurement, and sustainability. Finally, the committee heard a $10 million proposal for a developmentally appropriate TK multilingual learner screener, with CDE explaining why the preschool language-identification process is different from K-12 EL assessment and the chair asking staff to explore whether a single, more consistent approach could be developed. The meeting concluded with a presentation on universal school meals and kitchen infrastructure, including a $31.5 million backfill, an $84.1 million increase for projected meal growth, a COLA adjustment, and $150 million for kitchen upgrades and training to support freshly prepared meals.

Transcript Highlights:

• We use circles to build trust, community, and relationships by making connections.
• We connect families to community resources. Mentorship and reentry support.
• Sentei connected me with a therapist and through CIS.
• I felt connected and held so warmly by my peers and community.
• I'll make sure that connection is made.

Transcript Highlights:

• Cities are allowed to collect a utility surcharge on the properties on the connection is recovered by
• The property owner agrees to pay all fees associated with connection The property is within a mile of
• The property owner agrees to pay all fees associated with connection The property is within a mile of
• municipality unit is required to connect a property they must receive.
• And finally, if the municipality utility declines a property owner's application for connection, but

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > families<00:06:28.520> with we know that connecting families with we know that connecting
• So I'm just trying to make that connective.
• So I'm just trying to make that connective.
• We just trying to make that connective.
• look for those connections. look for those connections.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:19 DCBS 00:01:58, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's why we've established an Office for Engagement, a dedicated effort to connect, mobilize, and empower
• And so what I would say to you is, you know, let's connect. Let's connect me and you, Rep.
• Our employment and training programs help connect our clients with opportunities to change their lives
• I think this is really connected.
• And so they are able to remain connected to that original caseworker.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from Senate Chair Robyn Kennedy and House Chair Chynah Tyler, who emphasized that the fiscal year 2026 hearing was focused on the Health and Human Services budget, asked members to keep questions budget-related, and noted that no public testimony would be taken. They also highlighted the choice of Doherty Memorial High School as the venue to showcase Worcester’s investment in career and technical education. Committee members then introduced themselves before the first panel, the Executive Office of Veterans Services and the state veterans homes, began testimony. Secretary John Santiago said the governor’s FY26 proposal would support implementation of the HERO Act, which he said is now about 95% implemented, including higher disabled veteran annuities, expanded behavioral health benefits, and other service expansions. He described efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, including nearly $20 million in ARPA-funded housing and outreach initiatives, and said the agency has delivered more than 100,000 supportive services to nearly 8,500 veterans. Leaders from the Chelsea and Holyoke veterans homes reported on staffing, quality measures, electronic medical records, and major construction projects at both facilities, including a new Chelsea campus and the new Holyoke home. Members asked about funding transfers, geographic equity in access to the homes, outreach to women veterans and veterans of color, suicide prevention, Gold Star family support, and the impact of federal uncertainty; Santiago said the homes are now licensed and certified, that the current budget is sufficient, and that the agency is expanding engagement and data collection. The second panel, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, testified that its FY26 request is about $3.3 million, up from the current $2 million, to cover staffing, a larger office, and higher technology costs. Veteran Advocate Bob Notch said the office is a new independent oversight agency created in 2022 to examine systems, coordinate with local veteran service officers, and investigate fatalities or serious harm involving veterans in state care. He said the office’s work depends on research, data, and collaboration with other agencies, and that current funding is only enough for minimum operations. In response to questions, Notch and Deputy Commissioner David O’Callaghan discussed the difficulty of tracking veteran suicides, the need for better data across agencies, and the office’s role as an oversight body rather than a direct service provider. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:28:42.240> income upgrades inversion or connection income upgrades inversion or connection
• design are doing sewer connection design are doing sewer connection because<00:35:52.079> uh<
• drawing the connections drawing the connections that's<00:36:00.640> from<00:36:00.880>
• The ones that do the connections firms.
• of any connection to the grid. grid. grid.

Bills: HB2245, HB1618, HB1985, HB2079, HB1921, HB2232, HB1567, HB1984, HB2608, HB2435, HB1623, HB1774

Keywords: wastewater systems, denitrification, environment, pollution, coral reefs, nearshore waters, public health, shoreline regulations, cesspool conversion, cesspool replacement, wastewater, sewer connection, sewerage systems, septic system, pollution control, water pollution control revolving fund, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HGIA, low-interest loans, forgivable loans

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to cesspools, wastewater, and clean water protections. On HB 2245, which would require additional denitrification capacity in wastewater systems near shorelines, the Department of Health offered comments, DLNR supported the bill, and multiple environmental and ocean groups testified in strong support, emphasizing nitrogen pollution from cesspools, reef damage, and the need to prioritize shoreline systems. Testifiers said the bill should move forward, with technical issues such as GIS mapping to be worked out later. No member questions or votes were taken on this measure. On HB 1985, concerning the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and accessible conversion loans for cesspool homeowners, HGI supported the bill and suggested making the program a revolving loan fund; DLNR and the Public Utilities Commission also supported it, while the Department of Health supported the concept. Committee discussion focused on program design, possible forgivable loans for low-income homeowners, and whether the program should be administered through existing infrastructure rather than a new procurement process. The committee then moved to HB 1985’s companion discussion on cesspool conversion outreach and deadline extensions, where DLNR and DOH supported outreach but DLNR and ocean advocates expressed reservations about extending deadlines, especially for financial hardship, saying that issue would need careful work. The committee also heard testimony on HB 2079, which would reestablish the accessible upgrades inversion or connection income tax credit. The Department of Taxation raised administrative and fraud concerns about refundable credits, explaining that nonrefundable credits reduce tax debt while refundable credits can function like cash payments and require more oversight. DOH, DLNR, OPSD, counties, Hawaii Realtors, and environmental groups supported the bill, with one ocean coalition witness saying tax credits could help homeowners but grants would be preferable. Members asked about the difference between refundable credits and grants and about whether the credit would cover sewer connections versus individual wastewater systems. The committee then heard brief testimony on HB 1921, allowing certain priority-three cesspools to add a bedroom, with support from Hawaii Realtors and some other groups and no opposition discussion. HB 2232, preserving state water-quality protections at least as strong as the federal Clean Water Act, drew support from DOH and ocean advocates, with no questions. The committee also began hearing energy-related bills, including HB 1567 on energy equity and HB 1984 on self-certification for distributed energy resources, with a mix of support and some opposition or requested amendments, but no votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have the pediatric tele-connectivity grants.
• We have the pediatric tele-connectivity grants.
• So we want to help build those connections as much as possible as well.
• And so those connections there.
• How do we connect them in that way? And then... ...we connect them in that way.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program grant program and in connection program grant program and in connection therewith<03:05:
• calendar year and in connection calendar year and in connection therewith<03:05:57.240> making
• funding model and in connection funding model and in connection therewith<03:07:09.120> reducing
• services program and in connection services program and in connection therewith<03:08:11.680>
• Administration, and then in connection Administration, and then in connection therewith,<05:42:16.200

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received several committee reports. The Finance Committee reported Senate Bills 155, 49, and 116 with amendments and favorable referral to Appropriations, and House Bill 1188 favorably to Appropriations. The Business, Labor, and Technology Committee reported House Bill 1110 with amendments and a favorable recommendation to the Committee of the Whole, placed on the Consent Calendar, and also recommended confirmation of several appointments, including members of the State Plumbing Board, State Electrical Board, and Workers’ Compensation Cost Containment Board. The chamber then proceeded out of order for personal privileges and a resolution honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., including recognition of visiting members and students participating in its Capitol Day. The Senate next took up House Joint Resolution 1027 concerning remembrance of the Holocaust. The resolution emphasized the history of the Holocaust, rising anti-Semitic incidents, the importance of Holocaust and genocide education, and the need to confront hate and otherization. Senators Weissman and Ball spoke in support, stressing the dangers of hateful rhetoric, the need for vigilance and compassion, and the importance of learning from history. HJR 1027 passed unanimously by roll call, 35-0, and the roll call was listed as co-sponsors. Announcements followed recognizing the Sikh community’s Vaisakhi observance and a langar lunch at the Capitol, along with a proclamation for Sikh Awareness Appreciation Month. There were also notices about a Republican caucus, a Legal Services Committee meeting on Senate Bill 2683 and a litigation update, and a brief personal privilege remark about tax day and agriculture. The Senate then recessed until 10:30 a.m., later raised the call, and moved into special orders for second reading of a large group of House bills on the Consent Calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, the maintenance is not connected to any specific practice.
• It's not connected to any specific amount that counties would need to reach, and it's also not connected
• It's not connected to how much county spends on this rather it's connected to realignment which is sales
• Rejecting the growth amount, since that has less oversight, as I mentioned, and it's not connected at

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rodriguez and Pelton, concerning expanding the scope of the Colorado Cottage Foods Act and, in connection
• House Bill 1033, in connection therewith making an appropriation.
• and Senators Mullica and Rich, concerning the continuation of the Colorado Medical Board and, in connection
• continuation of the Public Utilities Commission and, in the Public Utilities Commission and, in connection
• and Woodrow and Senators Roberts and Exum concerning transit and housing investment zones, and in connection

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And what we'd like to hear is a little bit about you, your background, your connection to the university
• That’s got to be able strongly connected, upward and onward.
• You mentioned unity and connection from the main campus to the law school in Orlando.
• Through that process, I've been really connected to that side of our business and have really enjoyed
• My connection to Florida Poly began well before I joined the board as a business owner and a community

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to hear confirmation testimony for a large slate of university and state college trustees. Most of the discussion centered on the nominees’ backgrounds, ties to their institutions, and priorities such as student success, workforce development, financial sustainability, research growth, housing, and maintaining or improving university rankings. Several University of Florida trustees emphasized campus improvements, “One UF” integration, institutional neutrality, and ambitions to move UF into the top tier nationally. Other nominees highlighted goals for Florida A&M, Florida Atlantic, UCF, Florida State, Florida Poly, the Florida Prepaid College Board, and several state colleges, with recurring themes of affordability, economic mobility, cybersecurity, and keeping Florida students in-state for college and careers. Public testimony was heard on the Florida A&M appointment, where Elijah Hooks spoke in opposition to the current administration and described his expulsion, arrest, and trespass from the university after protesting the selection of President Marva Johnson. During questioning of FAU nominee Tina Vidal-Duart, senators asked about her prior service on the Hope Florida Foundation board and about reports concerning CDR Health’s contracting practices; she said she was not aware of the foundation issues at the time and noted that CDR’s state contract was a flat daily rate, so subcontractor pricing affected only the company’s internal margins. Other nominees received little or no questioning. At the end of the meeting, the committee voted to confirm all nominees except Tina Vidal-Duart separately. Senator Bracy Davis requested the separate vote and opposed her confirmation, citing concerns related to her Hope Florida Foundation board service. Despite that objection, the committee ultimately voted to report Vidal-Duart favorably as well. The committee also noted that one University of West Florida nominee would be taken up at a later hearing because he was unable to attend.

Transcript Highlights:

• The office has efficiently connected donations with the appropriate organizations to best serve those
• We capture information that we can and encourage donors to connect directly with those nonprofits, but
• Well, there is the connection that was mentioned earlier with the local community foundations.
• For meeting urgent needs when disaster strikes, to have a well-organized network and connective tissue
• And so that local connective tissue and infrastructure is one of the key areas that we see community

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly select committee hearing focused on the challenges facing California nonprofits in 2025 and possible state responses. Opening remarks emphasized the sector’s size and importance, the impact of federal funding disruptions and tax policy changes, and the need for stronger public-private partnerships, especially in disaster response and recovery. Witnesses from community foundations, food banks, Cal OES, long-term recovery groups, CalNonprofits, and nonprofit finance organizations described funding uncertainty, delayed reimbursements, reduced indirect cost coverage, staffing strain, and the effects of climate disasters and immigration-related fear on service delivery. Testimony highlighted several policy ideas, including advance payments for state grants and contracts, prompt payment standards, sustainable indirect cost rates, contract flexibility in emergencies, streamlined registration and reporting, and a possible new Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to serve as a central point of contact and coordination within state government. Speakers also described how nonprofits and VOAD networks support wildfire response and long-term recovery, but noted that recovery groups often lack stable operating funding even when they are recognized as best practice. A food bank leader described federal food aid cuts and disruptions to deliveries, while other witnesses stressed that nonprofits are increasingly forced to use reserves, loans, or service reductions to manage cash flow gaps. Committee members generally expressed support for the sector and asked how the state could better partner with nonprofits during both disasters and budget crises. Several members raised the possibility of incremental steps if full legislative changes are not immediately feasible, and witnesses suggested pilots, better sharing of best practices, and stronger state leadership on payment timelines. Public commenters echoed the need for better contracting practices, support for community-based organizations, and attention to nonprofit worker compensation and protections. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the hearing, which concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• That includes integrating career-connected learning opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships
• In terms of the headwinds that... ...transportation and connectivity.
• We got connected with California Climate Tech, and we got a loan approved for 80% to $5 million.
• Reach out to SBDC and talk to Bobby Aylman because Bobby has some amazing connections worldwide.
• We've also had, you know, connections to Mexico.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact held an informational hearing in San Diego focused on “Making Sense of California’s Economy: Real Cost Pressures and Household Impacts Facing San Diego.” Chair Salas and Assemblymember Darshana Patel opened by emphasizing affordability, housing, and the importance of bringing state policy discussions into the community. The first panel featured leaders from Cal State San Marcos and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, who described the region’s innovation ecosystem, the university’s role in social mobility and workforce development, and the importance of partnerships with K-12 schools, community colleges, military installations, and industry. They also highlighted regional strengths in life sciences, aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and venture-backed innovation, while warning that housing costs, federal research cuts, permitting delays, and small-business fragility threaten growth and talent retention. Committee members asked about collaboration among higher education institutions and what state policy changes could help. Panelists said the region’s universities are complementary rather than competitive and stressed the value of public-private partnerships, social innovation, and aligning academic programs with employer needs. On policy, they urged faster permitting, possible regulatory sandboxes, stronger research investment, support for cross-border trade and manufacturing, and more housing affordability to keep workers in the region. The second panel centered on small business and entrepreneurship, with testimony from Hydrostasis founder Dr. Debbie Chen, Amai co-founder Sven Davison, and Asian Business Association San Diego CEO Jason Pagal. Chen described building a hydration-monitoring wearable, the barriers women founders face in accessing capital, and the importance of SBDC, Stella Foundation, and university internship support. Davison described Amai’s edible cup business and how tariffs, supply-chain costs, and financing constraints forced the company to pivot manufacturing plans. Pagal presented survey data showing high relocation intent, difficulty hiring, and low confidence among businesses, and recommended expanded technical assistance, regional cost-of-living adjustments, and small-business affordability zones. During questioning, members discussed targeted procurement and local incentive models, the role of SBDC and other support networks, and how to better tailor state programs to local conditions. Public comment came from the California Southern Small Business Development Corporation, which stressed that access to affordable capital remains a major challenge and noted the volume of loan guarantee requests coming from San Diego. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with closing remarks from both members underscoring the need to use local testimony to shape future state policy and support California’s economy, families, and small businesses.