Video & Transcript Research : 'engineering certifications'
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LA
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm not an engineer, but in the years that we looked at it from just the rooftop solar for residential
- You know, we just had Mother's Day come up, and speaking of gift certificates, you send your mother,
- your daughter-in-law, your daughter with this gift certificate, and you just want somebody who has had
- I give you money, and you put me on the road with no license, no certification at all.
- Definitely not one with a Ferrari engine, that's for sure. Hi, Ms. Viagras. This House has been...
Keywords:
public utility, common carrier, regulation, Public Service Commission, New Orleans, constitutional amendment, distributed energy, energy storage, electricity demand, virtual power plants, reliability, hurricane resilience, esthetics, cosmetology, hair services, beauty industry, Louisiana regulation, Louisiana Economic Development, sunset law, legislative authority
Summary:
The House Committee on Commerce met on May 11, 2026, and first advanced several Senate measures with little or no opposition. It reported favorably Senate Bill 79 recreating Louisiana Economic Development, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5 establishing the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, and Senate Bill 375 on Class B firefighting foam, after adopting a technical amendment clarifying use in declared emergency firefighting operations. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 398, which moves manufactured and modular housing regulation under the Louisiana Contractors Licensing Board and expands inspection and enforcement provisions, after adopting two sets of mostly technical amendments and hearing testimony that the change would improve consumer safety and increase inspection coverage without adding net cost to locals. It then reported favorably Senate Bill 163 on virtual currency business licensing, after adopting an amendment providing that any future federal licensing law would preempt the state act, and Senate Bill 287 on virtual currency kiosks, which adds refund timelines, disclosure requirements, customer support, and reporting duties; witnesses from the banking and law enforcement community said the bill responds to common fraud complaints and improves consumer protection. The committee also reported favorably Senate Bill 54, which allows estheticians to blow-dry hair after certain services, despite strong opposition from cosmetology board representatives and industry witnesses who argued the service is outside esthetics training, could create scope-of-practice and facility issues, and should instead be addressed by lowering or revising separate blow-dry licensing requirements.
The committee then considered House Resolution 197, which urges the Louisiana Public Service Commission to study the feasibility and value of distributed energy generation and storage resources. After adopting technical amendments and a second amendment changing mandatory language to requests and urging the PSC to coordinate with the LSU Energy Institute, the resolution was reported favorably. Testimony from solar and energy industry representatives, the PSC, and LSU focused on how distributed resources, batteries, rooftop solar, and virtual power plants could improve reliability, reduce costs, and help meet rising demand; members also discussed how the study would evaluate market value, avoided costs, and capacity benefits. Questions centered on methodology, grid impacts, and comparisons to Texas’s ERCOT system and Winter Storm Uri, with PSC officials emphasizing that the study would help determine whether such resources benefit ratepayers.
Representative Wright presented House Bill 744, a proposed constitutional amendment to transfer regulation of certain New Orleans utilities from the city council to the Public Service Commission. He argued the change could reduce rates through consolidation and eliminate duplicative regulatory costs, while PSC officials explained the city’s authority is a constitutional exception dating back to 1921 and that Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana operate as separate companies with different regulatory environments. After discussion of rate impacts, utility structure, and whether the proposal should instead become a study, the bill was deferred. The committee then began Senate Bill 386, the Louisiana Data Privacy Act, which would give consumers rights to access, correct, delete, and opt out of certain uses of personal data; the sponsor introduced the bill and the committee started considering technical and substantive amendments, but the transcript ends before final action on that measure.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's been an economic. engine for our state, still the second largest industry in the state.
- We have a program. over and go through them, make sure that they have a phytosanitary certificate, that
- They also, we also authorized veterinarians issuing certificates of veterinary inspection. for livestock
- The citrus budwood certification program is managed by Texas A&M-Kingsville Citrus Center.
- I'm not. a water engineer.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 3, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- CMS SET CERTIFICATION IS ESSENTIAL BECAUSE IT ENSURES THE STATE'S MEDICAID SYSTEM FOR THE MODULE MEETS
- MODULES MUST MEET MODERNIZATION CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS, A FEDERAL CMS IS VERY INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING
- WE ARE ALSO EXPLORING THE OPTION TO MODERNIZE OUR EXISTING PLATFORM BY LEVERAGING A BUSINESS RULE ENGINE
- WE HAVE OUR FEDERAL CERTIFICATION VENDOR WHICH IS PUBLIC CONSULTING GROUP OR PCG, THEIR CERTIFICATION
- PASSING THAT IS THE NEXT STEP TO GET TO THE CERTIFICATION PIECE.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Army Corps of Engineers as a robust and effective non-federal sponsor.
- Army Corps of Engineers.
- down to lower than those certification standards.
- I'm a professor of engineering at Olin College. Committee and chairs, I'm Dr. Chavi Gowenka.
- I'm a professor of engineering at Olin College of Engineering in Needham.
Summary:
The hearing covered a broad set of environmental and water-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on blue economy and circular economy proposals, drought management, drinking water safety, flood resilience, and water infrastructure funding. Supporters of bills such as H. 987 and H. 988 described grant programs for blue economy workforce development, research, small businesses, and public education about a circular economy. Other speakers backed measures on coastal erosion research, recreational boating dredging, cranberry water-right transfers, sand mining oversight, and a voucher program for home water filtration in PFAS-impacted communities. Several elected officials and advocates also urged passage of bills to require private well testing, improve school drinking water safety, and address sand mining pollution and PFAS contamination.
Water supply and drought issues drew extensive testimony. Senator Eldridge and others supported legislation to let the state, through DEP and the drought management task force, impose regional water-use restrictions during droughts and make the task force permanent in statute. Advocates from watershed groups, farms, and environmental organizations said the current town-by-town approach is inconsistent and ineffective, and they described drought impacts on rivers, farms, private wells, and wildfire risk. A related bill on private wells was supported as a way to help homeowners test and remediate contaminated wells, especially in rural areas without public water.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to allow the Lynnfield Water District to join the MWRA, with local officials saying the move would help address PFAS and other contamination and improve supply reliability. Another major panel supported a water infrastructure funding bill, arguing that aging drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems need major new investment, including support for PFAS treatment, sewer rate relief, biosolids research, and regional interconnections. Members asked about costs, funding sources, and the relationship to existing revolving loan funds; witnesses said the bill would need to be paired with future bond funding and new revenue ideas. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs repeatedly invited written testimony and noted the large number of speakers.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - Part 2 - 04/02/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- that will set them obtain a certificate that will set them in<01:09:53.679>
a <01:09:53.880>- We equip students with skills, certifications, and licenses needed to launch their own businesses in
- I recently earned two board certifications, which allowed me to practice in the state.
- They have also paid for my board certifications and all the tools I’ve needed.
- The last part I’ll share is that tech certifications are the new future.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (03/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- on collaborative partnerships that work with businesses to inform curriculum, coursework, and certificates
- on collaborative partnerships that work with businesses to inform curriculum, coursework, and certificates
- on collaborative partnerships that work with businesses to inform curriculum, coursework, and certificates
- on collaborative partnerships that work with businesses to inform curriculum, coursework, and certificates
- Representative Papovich continued, "With businesses to inform curriculum, coursework, and certificates
Summary:
The House Finance Division II work session considered several amendments to HB 2. The first two items were rejected: a proposal to add a new “Lakes” license plate with proceeds to the cyanobacteria fund failed 7-8, and Amendment 1040, which would have imposed a 5% administrative fee on certain dedicated funds to raise general fund revenue, failed 4-5. Representative Maguire explained the fee would apply only to new revenue going forward and would not change existing fund balances; he also described exemptions for federal funds, bequests, and other special cases. Representative Murray questioned the consistency of the approach and who currently pays administrative costs, while Maguire said the charges are often handled case-by-case by agencies or the treasurer.
The committee then revisited revenue distribution changes in HB 2. Members first reconsidered and reversed prior acceptance of sections affecting the Education Trust Fund, then adopted Amendment 1381H, which changes the distribution of business profits tax and business enterprise tax revenue, along with related sections, to shift more money to the General Fund. Supporters argued the change was needed to address revenue shortfalls and to align with historical distributions; opponents said it reduced support for education. The reconsideration motion passed 7-3, and the amendment itself passed 5-3.
The committee also adopted Amendment 1413H, incorporating the language of HB 741 on open enrollment and student attendance in public schools. Supporters said it was House policy and had sufficient policy and fiscal impact to belong in HB 2; opponents noted the underlying bill had been controversial and passed the House by a relatively close margin. Finally, the committee considered a USNH budget reduction proposal that would cut the University System of New Hampshire by $25 million per year net. Supporters said the cut was necessary to balance the budget and that K-12 obligations had to take priority, while opponents argued the cut would harm workforce development, the state economy, and student retention. The transcript cuts off during extended debate, and no final vote on the USNH item is shown in the provided text.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Operators must obtain certification from the railroad.
- Use of Certificates of Obligation to Specific Urgent Needs reduces a maximum maturity period for certificates
- In 2005, El Paso has utilized certificates of obligation twice.
- But I think that there's a number of reasons for the issuance of certificates. certificates of obligation
- permitting, sometimes it It takes years of engineering work in order to get a Corps of Engineers permits
Bills:
HB19, HB30, HB851, HB1663, HB1681, HB1769, HB1937, HB1979, HB2428, HB2433, HB2825, HB3159, HB3424, HB3486, HB3487, HB3504, HB3605, HB3879, HB3994, HB4382, HB4752, HB5444, HB5446, HB5447, HB3199, HB4847, HB19
Keywords:
local government debt, property tax, ad valorem tax, bond election, certificate of obligation, anticipation note, school district tax rate, voter-approval rate, debt service cap, municipal finance, county bonds, flood control district, hospital district, public works, tax transparency, property tax notice, November uniform election date, general obligation bonds, local debt reform, taxpayer notice
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAM-LBT, WAM-TCA, WAM-HHS Informational Briefings 01-16-2025
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- kind certification so certification is kind certification so certification is kind of<00:20:15.679
- of the you know doing the certificates of the you know doing the certificates of<01:43:48.599>
some adjustments within our engineer some adjustments within our engineer positions<02:21:08.520 - <02:21:26.160>
um retain uh qualified Engineers um retain uh qualified Engineers um planning - engineering.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, the only acupuncture involvement in this bill is that it changes the National Certification
- Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to the National Certification Board for Acupuncture
- The only acupuncture involvement in this bill is that it changes the National Certification Commission
- for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal
- House Bill 933 allows citizens to purchase a commemorative birth certificate.
Bills:
SR134, SR135, SR136, SR137, SR140, SR141, SR142, SCR75, SCR77, SCR12, HB75, HB1199, HB221, HCR89, HCR96, HCR103, HCR108, HCR58, HB9, HB177, HB181, HB198, HB202, HB223, HB225, HB387, HB398, HB457, HB459, HB540, HB591, HB616, HB766, HB775, HB783, HB797, HB895, HB906, HB950, HB975, HB1028, HB1052, HB1057, HB1076, HB1100, HB1139, HB1155, HB1160, HB1182, HB1186, HB1220, HB1222, HB1223, HB1224, HB1228, HB1231, HB1245, HB1256, SCR3, SB393, SB401, SB415, SB426, SB435, SB487, SB488, SB523, SB56, SB163, SB341, SB504, SB322, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR27, HCR28, HCR66, HCR67, HCR72, HCR31, HCR47, HCR41, HB363, HB368, HB377, HB380, HB386, HB392, HB431, HB441, HB559, HB664, HB685, HB715, HB741, HB822, HB856, HB908, HB980, HB990, HB999, HB1010, HB1243, HB54, HB137, HB180, HB192, HB310, HB321, HB396, HB512, HB552, HB578, HB638, HB663, HB708, HB717, HB718, HB1009, HB1082, HB1104, HB1107, HB1198, HB1246, HB27, HB143, HB205, HB259, HB267, HB288, HB308, HB403, HB405, HB414, HB417, HB478, HB546, HB548, HB555, HB557, HB609, HB670, HB672, HB740, HB779, HB786, HB796, HB812, HB848, HB915, HB917, HB921, HB930, HB933, HB1095, HB1096, HB1103, HB1129, HB1154, HB1166, HB1187, HB1195, HB1230, HB316, HB511, HB799, HB1039, HB12, HB66, HB145, HB167, HB196, HB213, HB218, HB222, HB256, HB291, HB326, HB352, HB401, HB430, HB433, HB434, HB448, HB456, HB476, HB481, HB487, HB492, HB549, HB579, HB608, HB621, HB624, HB626, HB632, HB637, HB656, HB722, HB745, HB804, HB818, HB821, HB833, HB864, HB867, HB874, HB893, HB909, HB951, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB979, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1005, HB1007, HB1024, HB1032, HB1038, HB1050, HB1051, HB1056, HB1059, HB1077, HB1080, HB1081, HB1086, HB1108, HB1112, HB1153, HB1172, HB1173, HB1175, HB1192, HB1193, HB1204, HB1218, HB1242, HB1244, HB1249, HB1252, HB1254, HB17, HB36, HB41, HB47, HB73, HB126, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB166, HB211, HB226, HB271, HB324, HB337, HB351, HB399, HB571, HB712, HB723, HB726, HB750, HB759, HB844, HB966, HB1006, HB1018, HB1036, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB441, SB449, HB74, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB956, HB1117, SB149
Keywords:
SR134, Senate Resolution 134, Isaac Herzenberg, Metairie Park Country Day School, Country Day, javelin, track and field, Class 2A, state championship, high school athletics, student athlete, Louisiana Senate commendation, honorary resolution, sports recognition, University of Nebraska, Baton Rouge, LSU Bernie Moore Track Stadium, sportsmanship, collegiate athletics, condolence resolution
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget REVISED: Time changed to 2:30 p.m. for Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- including an increase in base funding, enabling us to align more closely with workforce needs and engineering
- Oklahoma's public college universities awarded more than 41,000 degrees and certificates in the 2024
- workforce critical fields with a year-over year gains of 9.4% in STEM fields, 3.8% increase in engineering
- Nearly 11% of all degrees and certificates awarded in the last academic year went to current or former
- million would support targeted scholarships for adults nearing completion, access to industry degree certificates
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- certification be done by a third party. certification be done by a third party.
- Do you need a certification from the state or, you know, I know Coast Guard? Yeah, Coast Guard.
- Do you need a certification from the state or, you know, I know Coast Guard? right?
- Do you need a certification What now?
- Um and then from certification process.
Bills:
HB1688, HB2386, HB1691, HB1680, HB2516, HB1993, HB2442, HB1510, HB1958, HB1915, HB1692, HB1524, HB1884, HB1523, HB2213, HB2186, HB2163, HB1908, HB1910
Keywords:
general excise tax, aircraft maintenance, tax exemption, aviation industry, economic competitiveness, water carriers, automatic adjustment mechanism, regulatory compliance, rate adjustments, public utilities commission, Hawaii Revised Statutes, biosecurity, community outreach, transportation rates, vehicle ownership, salvaged vehicles, insurance settlement, electronic signatures, administrative efficiency, vehicle transfer
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 2699, which would create a youth transit program within DOT and a special fund tied to the environmental response/energy/food security tax fund. The chair described support from several agencies but also noted Attorney General concerns about whether the special fund met statutory criteria, DOE comments requesting a July 1, 2026 effective date, and broader funding concerns because the bill would draw from general fund resources. The chair recommended deferral, saying the measure involved significant long-term costs and needed more work on a funding mechanism. The committee deferred the bill.
The committee then heard SB 3182, relating to administrative license revocation procedures. HDOT supported the measure, while the Judiciary opposed the bill as written, citing operational, staffing, fiscal, and mailing burdens from requiring ADLRO to mail all case documents to every respondent within five days. Judiciary said it handles about 3,000 to 4,000 DUI cases annually and would need additional staff and certified-mail costs. Prosecutors from the state and county supported a proposed SD1 version, saying it would address backlog concerns and help DUI enforcement by creating a presumption of revocation. The committee ultimately recommended support and passage of SD1.
The committee also heard SB 3313 on interisland air service stability and transformation. The Attorney General warned the bill could be preempted by the federal Airline Deregulation Act and raised constitutional concerns about a local-hire provision. DOTAX said the program would be complicated to administer and suggested third-party certification. No action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard SB 3337, which would eliminate state taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel for motor vehicles; HDOT opposed it, while DOTAX provided comments and the Hawaii Transportation Association supported it. The transcript then moved to SB 2896, lowering the minimum age for commercial driving from 19 to 18. HDOT supported the bill, the Hawaii Transportation Association strongly supported it and suggested added training requirements, and an Operating Engineers representative supported the concept but urged that young drivers be tied to apprenticeship or other structured training programs. No vote was shown in the excerpt.
Finally, the committee heard SB 2400, which would exempt wing-in-ground craft from the Hawaii Waters Act and define those craft in law. The PUC supported the bill’s intent, and Regent Craft testified in strong support, describing sea gliders as all-electric vessels that could improve interisland access, resiliency, and decarbonization while using existing harbor infrastructure. HTDC and several other groups also supported the measure. Members asked about infrastructure, ports, weather operations, and Coast Guard jurisdiction, and the witness said operators would decide harbor locations and that the company had identified multiple possible ports. No final committee action was included in the excerpt.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (02/04/2025)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I am the CEO of Horizons Engineering.
- I think the engineer who just spoke here, and I have a letter from our engineering firm speaking to some
- <01:54:08.840>
review third parties to do engineering review third parties to do engineering - 50-page rule that imposes new engineered 50-page rule that imposes new engineered restrictions<01
- We need housing dramatically. engineering firm that talking about engineering firm that talking about
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
November 4, 2025 - 01:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- So at the workshop itself, Dr Mary Lou done sick Goog or a professor of nuclear engineering at Idaho
- Then once the builds began, you developed slip supply chain construction and engineering proficiency
- They couldn't minutes big jet engines mounted on the ground.
- That big jet engines not become a nuclear plant anytime soon.
- That also is super, you know, technical engineers and a lot of specialized that expertise that goes into
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Elementary and Secondary Education Jan 15th, 2026
Elementary and Secondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- So what does that certification process look like?
- The certification for gifted education in Missouri is in addition to an initial teaching certificate.
- is encumbered in some way, in that you don't have a full certificate but you have a certificate with
- But you also don't intend for the current out-of-state certification to change.
- We would still have our regular out-of-state certification process.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 04/08/26
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- heat and power engine and then we<00:27:03.440>
also <00:27:03.720>have <00:27:03.920>< - When we were looking for a very narrow certificate of need exemption for behind-the-meter generation
- certificate of need exemption<00:56:28.400>
for <00:56:28.560>behind <00:56:29.000> - They have excellent engineers and scientists who show the sleight of hand in how this is being worked
- They have excellent engineers and scientists who show the sleight of hand in how this is being worked
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 16 (1-29-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It preserves all certification requirements and clinical expectations.
- What House Bill 416 does not do, it does not eliminate certification assessments.
- Kentucky exports more than a billion dollars in goods to Japan each year, including aircraft engines
- Kentucky exports more than a billion dollars in goods to Japan each year, including aircraft engines
- <00:33:01.360>
and year, including aircraft engines and year, including aircraft engines and
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Senate Message 04:45
Calendar/2nd Readings 05:20
Report of Committees 07:05
Orders of the Day 08:23
HB 214 08:33
HB 416 12:26
HB 281 16:20
HB 134 18:13
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 21:08
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 37:01
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 39:15
ConC/Rules Report 42:29
Floor Amendments 44:27
Correction to Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 46:14
Adjournment 46:40, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened, heard an invocation focused on recovery from a recent storm, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. A quorum was established with 94 members present, absent members were excused, and the rules were suspended to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The journal was approved, and the clerk reported a Senate message transmitting Senate Joint Resolution 23 for concurrence.
The chamber then received second-reading reports on a wide range of bills covering pharmacist reimbursements, grooming a minor, local government liability, water fluoridation, solid waste, highway markings, fiduciary bonds, motor vehicle titles, hearing aid coverage, eating disorder coverage, public safety, pedestrians, cigar bars, backyard chickens, and county law libraries. Committee reports also advanced several bills, including measures on elections, local government, state-operated mental health facilities, prescription drugs, Alzheimer’s services, electric generating unit decommissioning costs, reemployment of retired police officers, and the Kentucky Communications Network Authority. Those favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar.
The House passed several bills unanimously by roll call, including House Bill 214 on a program to help disabled veterans obtain and install home wheelchair ramps, House Bill 416 on educator preparation and early assessments, House Bill 281 on streamlining food donations by churches and nonprofits for shelters and disaster victims, and House Bill 134 on sexual assault nurse examiners, creating a statewide coordinator, registry, and regional access plan. In each case, sponsors explained the bills and members voiced support; floor amendment 1 to House Bill 416 was adopted before passage. Clinchers were applied after passage of the bills.
The House also adopted House Resolution 33 recognizing cancer patients, survivors, and families and designating January 29, 2026 as Suits and Sneakers Day, and adopted House Resolution 43 recognizing the economic and cultural partnership between Kentucky and Japan. Members offered additional citations honoring Newport Central Catholic High School and the YMCA, and the chamber observed a moment of silence for Boone County Sheriff Michael Helmig after a citation honoring his service and legacy. Announcements included committee meetings after adjournment, birthday wishes, and the introduction of numerous new bills and resolutions, including measures on kindergarten, bridges, revenue, retirement benefits, concealed deadly weapons, local taxes, motor vehicles, fiscal reporting, SNAP, families and children, vision testing, and a balanced budget amendment application.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Public Safety Subcommittee - Morning Session Jan 12th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- I get a lot of phone calls from funeral homes about the delay in death certificates.
- People are getting their death certificates within 90 days 95% or more of the time.
- I'm nine miles from the Arkansas line, trying to get her death certificate.
- We just let the Bids on five of those structures that are the pre-engineered steel structures.
- And again, because they're pre-engineered, they're going to go up pretty quickly.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 20 January, 2026; 2:30 PM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- Is that a degree program or is that a certificate program? >> Yes.
- Is that a degree program or is that a certificate program? >> Yes.
- Is that a degree program or is that a certificate program? >> Yes.
- is that a certificate program? is that a certificate program?
- ,<00:35:09.760>
construction timber design, engineering, construction timber design, engineering
Summary:
Mississippi State University officials testified in support of the university’s separately funded agricultural, forestry, and veterinary units, emphasizing their economic impact, research output, and need for continued state support. Keith Cobalt, vice president for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, said the division generates a $1.7 billion impact on Mississippi, but warned that state and local funding has not kept pace with federal dollars or inflation. He argued that global competition, especially from China and Brazil, is hurting row crop and forestry producers, and highlighted a Vision 2030 study finding about $10 billion in agricultural and forestry value leaves the state through value-added processing. He also raised concerns about rural depopulation and proposed rural innovation hubs to help retain population and jobs.
Nick Frank, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, said state appropriations make up about 25% of the college’s operating budget and are needed to support salaries, staffing, and service capacity. He described the college’s education, diagnostic, and clinical missions, including disease surveillance and responses to threats such as avian influenza, screwworm, and equine herpes virus. Frank said the college is expanding facilities with $18 million in 2024 state funding for a new farm animal hospital and cattle handling facility, but still needs additional support for equine and small animal renovations. He also requested support for rural veterinary scholarships and said inflation and salary competition from other schools and private practice are making retention difficult.
In response to committee questions, Frank said the college enrolls about 118 to 119 students per class, with roughly 54 to 55 in-state students and tuition of about $29,900 for in-state and $53,000 for out-of-state students. He clarified that the “vet assistants” program is a four-year bachelor’s degree in veterinary medical technology, not a certificate. He also explained that staffing growth has largely been in the hospitals to address clinical shortages and improve care.
Dr. Westberger, dean of the College of Forest Resources and director of the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, said Mississippi’s forests support a $19 billion economic impact, 84,000 jobs, and a $4.5 billion payroll, while also providing environmental benefits. He said the college and research center are nationally recognized, including an NSF ranking placing Mississippi State 10th in natural resource conservation research expenditures for a small university. Westberger highlighted research on forest management, pest detection, mass timber, wildlife disease surveillance, and value-added bioproducts, including efforts to attract mills and manufacturing. He said Mississippi has added 10 mills or mill expansions in five years with more than $1.5 billion in investment and over 1,000 high-paying jobs, and noted the college is planning a new mass-timber annex to address capacity and showcase the material. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Government Finance Committee Jun 25th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Government Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- and death certificates.
- and death certificates.
- We've been taking a look pragmatically at our certifications and an internal look at our policies.
- We have taken a look at our certification levels and adjusted that to make sure.
- That a state building refused to have you guys come in and issue a certificate of inspection? Mr.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 48 - Afternoon Session Apr 28th, 2026 at 01:15 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Bills:
SB1475, SB1447, HB2288, SB1521, SB592, SB1533, HB1276, SB201, SB1477, SB1232, SB1255, SB1327, SB1525, SB1721, SB667, SB1436, SB1317, SB604, SB1325, SB1496, SB2007, SB1567, SB2112, SB1980, SB1735, SB1558, SB1491, SB1287, SB1378, SB1369, SB1441, SB137, SB483, SB843, SB1433, SB1257, SB1365, SJR49, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, HJR1094
Keywords:
memorial, infrastructure, transportation, dedication, Toby Keith, employees insurance, contract awarding, certifications, state procurement, insurance plan, teachers, retirement, postretirement employment, earnings limitations, Oklahoma, artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI