Transcript Highlights:

• Along with our strategy map, we launched six major initiatives, cutting across the entire department.
• We've also launched remote patient monitoring, particularly in the perinatal population, particularly
• So we've launched that.
• But the Hampden County Sheriff's Department continues to operate a Section 35 program.
• This must change. ...to operate a Section 35 program. This must change.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held an introductory informational hearing for the new session, with Chairs Marjorie Decker and Senator Michael Driscoll outlining the committee’s scope and emphasizing the impact of the federal landscape on Massachusetts public health. They noted the hearing would focus on testimony from agencies and advocates, with short testimony limits due to the hybrid format. No votes were taken; the meeting was for briefing and discussion of priorities. Commissioner Robbie Goldstein of the Department of Public Health described the department’s budget and federal funding, warning that recent CDC grant terminations could cut nearly $100 million and affect lab testing, surveillance, vaccines, and community engagement. He highlighted DPH priorities including racial equity, maternal health, substance use and child welfare coordination, emergency preparedness, data transparency, and public hospital quality. MassHealth Assistant Secretary Michael Levine discussed MassHealth’s role covering about 2 million residents and its priorities in health equity, behavioral health, primary care, member independence, and customer service, while noting the agency relies heavily on federal Medicaid dollars and would face major strain from federal cuts. Several advocacy and provider groups focused on reproductive health and maternal health. Planned Parenthood warned of threats to Title X, 340B savings, and other federal funding, and supported a bill to eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass for abortion care for young people. Reproductive Equity Now urged stronger shield-law protections and changes to Massachusetts’ later-abortion framework. Dr. Indyamaka Anugaka called for full implementation of the maternal health law, better reimbursement for doulas and midwives, stronger data collection, and support for full-spectrum pregnancy care coverage. The Health Policy Commission said new maternal health and primary care task forces would begin work soon. Mental health and health system access were also major themes. The Mass Medical Society urged action on vaccine hesitancy, removal of non-medical school vaccine exemptions, and primary care reform. The Massachusetts Association for Mental Health and the Children’s Mental Health Campaign opposed proposed cuts to DMH and substance use services, called for more school-based supports, and raised concerns about inpatient capacity, including a unit serving LGBTQ youth. The Massachusetts Nurses Association and 1199 SEIU warned that staffing shortages, low wages, workplace violence, hospital closures, and possible Medicaid cuts threaten patient care and the health care workforce. The Betsy Lehman Center also urged investment in automated patient-safety monitoring to reduce harm and costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• But that hospital operated so insidiously that many women did not learn that they were sterilized until
• Now, affiliates also operate several health centers with extended hours and weekend hours to accommodate
• , such as the Black Infant Health Program, which was established in 1989, the more recently launched
• To build on these findings and recommendations from this report, in January 2026, CDPH launched the *
• It's very important because, previous to this report, we launched a report around mental health...

Summary: The hearing of the Select Committee on Latina Inequities opened with remarks framing the discussion around reproductive and maternal health disparities affecting Latina, Black, and Indigenous women in California. Members emphasized the need to connect state data with lived experience, and the committee heard historical context on coercive sterilization, language access, and the ways immigration status, poverty, and racism continue to shape reproductive health care. The first panel featured Clarissa Ramirez of California Latinas for Reproductive Justice, Sophia Pedrosa of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, and Kim Robinson of Black Women for Wellness, who described reproductive justice principles, the legacy of eugenics and forced sterilization, community education efforts, promotoras, and the importance of culturally and linguistically responsive care. They also raised concerns about federal funding cuts, fear related to ICE and public charge, and the loss of education and outreach programs that support patients and families. The second part of the hearing focused on maternal health. Matt Green of the California Department of Public Health described persistent racial disparities, including Black birthing people being three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, and outlined state efforts such as the Black Infant Health Program, the Perinatal Equity Initiative, the Centering Black Mothers in California report, and a new Black birth equity action plan. Chris Esgera of the Department of Health Care Services explained the state’s birthing care pathway, postpartum care pathway, and Transforming Maternal Health model, including policy changes to support doulas, community health workers, transitional care, and postpartum coverage. He said the department is working through policy updates and payment reforms, with Medi-Cal coverage for pregnant people and 12 months postpartum remaining protected. The final panel included Dr. Nicole Economo and Dr. Kelly McHugh of ACOG, who discussed provider education, anti-racism and implicit bias training, and the need for quality improvement projects focused on closing equity gaps at individual hospitals. They highlighted tools such as the CLEAR Initiative, the Elevate Toolkit, and use of CMQCC data to track outcomes by race and ethnicity. Across the hearing, members repeatedly stressed that community-led solutions, sustained funding, better data, and accountability are needed to reduce preventable maternal deaths and improve reproductive health outcomes. No formal votes or bill actions were taken during the hearing, though several policy priorities and ongoing legislative efforts were referenced for future consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, we are looking to launch this in the fall of 2026, doing a lot of stakeholder engagement at this
• May not know or know there may be access to, but we assume, or the way we operate makes them happy.
• In operational budgets to state agencies and departments in 2024-25.
• This difficult decision to include this office in part of the operations efficiencies was twofold.
• This remains the case for all of our federal programs, which continue to receive funding and operate,

Transcript Highlights:

• business, academia, government, health care, and the arts; and whereas on February 24, 2022, Russia launched
• a full-scale and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine... ...February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale
• I think about the endurance of the soldiers that spend a month in a basement operating drones on the
• I think about the endurance of the soldiers that spend a month in a basement operating drones on the

Transcript Highlights:

• business, academia, government, health care, and the arts, and whereas on February 24, 2022, Russia launched
• a full-scale and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale
• I think about the endurance of the soldiers that spend a month in a basement operating drones on the
• about the life that I I think about the endurance of the soldiers that spend a month in a basement operating

Summary: The Senate approved the previous day’s Journal and referred committee reports and newly introduced measures as designated. Among the introductions, Senate Bill 6354 was read and sent to the Committee on Ways and Means. The chamber then moved to resolutions. Senate Resolution 8692, recognizing Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week/Month, was adopted after remarks emphasizing motorcycle safety, the charitable work of riders, and the need for drivers to watch for motorcycles and use caution. Senate Resolution 8675, recognizing the shared democratic values of Washington State and Ukraine, was also adopted. Supportive remarks highlighted Ukraine’s endurance, the impact of the war on civilians and soldiers, and solidarity with Ukrainian Americans and the people of Ukraine. After adopting the Ukraine resolution, the Senate welcomed members and representatives of the United Ukrainian community in the gallery. The session then adjourned without objection until 12:30 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs to allow a 501(c)(3) nonprofit retirement community operating
• of the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs to allow a 501(c)(3) nonprofit retirement community operating
• It launches a grant program for job training. Thank you.
• It launches a grant program for job training, and it shifts the cap to 5,000 reimbursement versus the

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up three veteran-related bills. SB 78 would allow the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs to authorize a nonprofit retirement community serving only veterans, spouses, and surviving spouses to create veteran- and spouse-designated nursing home beds in a skilled nursing facility, including transfer of certificate-of-need beds within 100 miles. The Air Force Enlisted Village CEO testified in support, saying it would add needed skilled nursing care to their continuum; the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 1280, a broad veterans bill that modernizes employment and training programs, renames the program the Veterans Florida Opportunity Program, creates a job-training grant program, adjusts reimbursement caps, expands university/agriculture training stipends for veteran spouses, provides various fee reliefs, waives a one-time state business filing fee for veterans, and expands veterans’ treatment courts. Two amendments were adopted: one changed the state flagship designation to the SS American Victory and allowed disabled veteran designation on specialty plates via a DV embossing, while removing outdated references; the second removed hunting and fishing license provisions due to funding concerns. Veterans Florida representatives waved in support, and the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. Finally, SB 1282 created a public records exemption for information submitted to the Veterans Florida Opportunity Program when veterans are developing business opportunities, protecting trade secrets and related sensitive information from disclosure. Veterans Florida supported the measure, and after brief debate the bill was reported favorably. The committee then briefly reconsidered the vote for recording purposes and adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• It took into account the type of course needed, the time frame for which they could launch the event,
• administered by the Texas Historical Commission to support exhibit enhancements, promote tourism, and launch
• rams has become pretty popular, and a lot of landowners depend on that income for their ranching operations
• Actually, the South by Southwest story goes all the way back to 1987 when we launched as a small music-only
• The final category is the ongoing operational impact of South by Southwest, Inc., which is 98%.

Bills: HB2385 , HB3349 , HB3962 , HB3883 , HB4396 , HB4811 , HB5088 , HB4588 , HB4867 , HB4895 , HB5398 , HB5616

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks to QWOP, we launched a wage claim clinic last year that did not only help file wage complaints
• Until about ten years ago, the federal government supported all of E.D.C. these operations related with
• We have launched MyEDD, which is a secure portal used by all our unemployment and disability and paid
• We launched electronic questionnaire for unemployment.
• And if it is, what can we do to put guardrails on the system to make sure it operates functionally and

Transcript Highlights:

• operations, and UCLA vending.
• UCLA Anderson to incorporate AI into tracking waste that comes from our dining operations.
• Then I stepped away into a board role, and in 2015 launched PowerPlant Ventures.
• So we've continued to create better products that we've just launched over the last two years.
• So we've continued to create better products that we've just launched over the last two years.

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its second informational hearing at UCLA, focused on how California can expand alternative proteins through institutional food programs, market support, and research. Chair Ash Kalra said the committee’s purpose was to inform future legislation and budget actions, noting prior state investments in UC research centers and the committee’s interest in consumer education, sustainability, and student workforce development. The first panel highlighted efforts to increase plant-based options in schools, UCLA dining, and Los Angeles County food services, with witnesses describing menu changes, technical assistance, and procurement policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving access to healthier meals. Megan Jones of Friends of the Earth described California school food efforts, including technical assistance and microgrants that helped districts add plant-based meals, reduce water use and food costs, and increase student participation. Pete Angelese of UCLA Dining said the university serves more than 30,000 meals a day and has built a plant-forward dining model using alternative proteins, marketing nudges, and waste-tracking tools; he said sustainability goals raise costs but can be managed through scale and efficiency. Dr. Michelle Wood of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health outlined county board motions in 2024 and 2025 to expand plant-based food options in county venues and food assistance programs and to join the Cool Food Pledge, with early adoption in the sheriff’s jail food service. The second panel addressed barriers to scaling the industry. Zach Weston and Daniel Gertner said alternative proteins face a financing gap because companies need expensive facilities before demand is proven, and they urged grants, tax credits, loan guarantees, procurement commitments, and shared pilot infrastructure. T.K. Pillen of Beyond Meat said the category has faced a market downturn driven by overhyped expectations, negative messaging from the meat industry, and consumer confusion, and argued for reframing the category around “plant protein” and using public procurement to build demand. Members asked about subsidies for animal agriculture, supply-chain challenges, and the state’s loan guarantee cap, with witnesses saying current support structures favor conventional meat and that California could do more to keep manufacturing in-state. The final panel focused on research and workforce development at UCLA. Dr. Amy Rohat described a state-funded Future Food Fellows program and broader UC collaboration that now includes more than 50 faculty and trainees across multiple departments, with work spanning cell biology, engineering, food safety, and consumer communication. Corinne Smith, a UCLA PhD student, discussed her cultivated meat research and student outreach through the Alternative Proteins Project. Dr. Janet Tomiyama presented consumer psychology findings showing that disgust, gender norms, and language strongly affect acceptance, and said terms like “plant protein” and “cultivated meat” tested better than “fake meat.” Chair Kalra closed by emphasizing that language, policy, and public education will all be important to advancing alternative protein innovation in California.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:53.000><c> And</c> in all aspects of their operations.
• And in all aspects of their operations.
• Again, using it in all different areas of the campus, including their business operations.
• . operations. operations.
• </c><01:17:15.960><c> artificial</c> us for years to launch artificial us for years to launch artificial

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force met and adopted the prior minutes before turning to AI in education. Jeff Gagne of the Southern Regional Education Board described SREB’s Commission on AI in Education, which has organized its work into committees on policy, K-12 instruction, postsecondary instruction, and skills development. He highlighted eight commission recommendations covering statewide AI networks, targeted guidance for different user groups, professional development, standards and curricula, local capacity assessments, risk management, procurement, and AI-ready workforce skills. He also emphasized that states need more specific guidance for students, teachers, faculty, administrators, and parents, and that training is essential because many educators have not been prepared to use AI in instruction. Gagne also summarized two recent SREB reports: one on AI-ready workforce skills and one on AI use in K-12 classrooms. The workforce report recommends embedding AI across standards, strengthening computer science and digital learning standards, collaborating with industry and workforce agencies, building AI competencies into training and upskilling, providing educator professional development, and monitoring readiness. He said the report identifies three skill areas: success skills, industry baseline skills, and technical skills. The classroom guidance report promotes responsible AI adoption, with four pillars focused on increasing cognitive demand, streamlining teaching and administrative work, supporting personalized learning, and developing ethical AI users. He also noted that the report includes an AI procurement tool for school districts. Members thanked Gagne for providing outside examples and resources. One member noted JCPS has an introductory AI professional development offering for educators. Gagne said Kentucky’s David Couch serves on the SREB commission and that the commission’s member list and reports are available on SREB’s website. The committee then heard from Travis Powell of the Council on Postsecondary Education, who said CPE had surveyed campuses and found that Kentucky institutions have broadly embraced AI in teaching, research, student services, and administrative operations. He said all institutions have AI-focused degrees, minors, or courses, and many are integrating AI into general education and across disciplines. Powell also said CPE is considering an AI consortium and that campuses are using AI in research partnerships and applied work, while continuing to focus on ethical and effective use.

Transcript Highlights:

• Or maybe two charter operates them.
• It is a significant operational challenge for districts.
• concerns, is that operational concerns at like their district level?
• a massive amount of operational.
• who operate off of individually assigned identification numbers.

Committee: House Public Education

Transcript Highlights:

• And when we talk to districts, they're using both of those fund sources to operate their programs.
• I'm the Deputy Secretary for Fiscal Policy and Administration at the California Government Operations
• and I know you heard this a little bit in the first panel, so I'll try to be brief, Gavin Newsom launched
• Today we are here to highlight the College Corps program, launched in 2021, and has created essential
• Given College Corps operates outside of these established systems as its standalone program, it requires

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance heard an overview of the governor’s new Career Education Master Plan and related budget items. Labor Secretary Knox described the plan as an effort to reduce fragmentation across K-12, community colleges, workforce boards, and other systems by improving statewide and regional coordination, data sharing, skills-based hiring, career pathways, and wraparound supports such as child care, housing, food, and transportation. Members asked how success would be measured, how the plan would serve disconnected youth and adults, and whether the proposed data integration would rely on Cradle to Career; the secretary said it would. The Department of Finance said it was available to answer questions on the education side. The committee then reviewed existing CTE funding and oversight. The LAO, CDE, and Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office described the major ongoing programs, including CTIG, Perkins, K-12 Strong Workforce, and Community College Strong Workforce, and noted that many programs overlap in purpose and administration. Members repeatedly raised concerns about duplication, annual applications and reporting burdens, lack of clear outcome metrics, and whether funding incentives should be better aligned to regional collaboration. CDE and the Chancellor’s Office said they support alignment and dual enrollment, and Finance and CDE said LCFF/local match dollars are part of the funding structure. The committee also discussed child care as a barrier to participation and the need for better tracking of enrollment, completion, and job outcomes. On the consolidated application proposal, Finance proposed a study directing CDE to examine whether three long-standing CTE grant programs—Specialized Secondary Programs, CTIG, and California Partnership Academies—could be streamlined into a single application and reporting process. The LAO supported reducing administrative burden but noted that the largest programs, CTIG and K-12 Strong Workforce, were excluded from the proposal even though districts most often cite them as burdensome. CDE said it did not oppose the study but warned that statutory differences may limit consolidation. Members said the proposal should better address regional coordination, multi-year funding stability, and outcome measures rather than only simplifying paperwork. Finally, the committee heard a proposal for a $5 million ongoing California Education Interagency Council. GovOps said the council would provide a neutral venue for statewide coordination across education and workforce systems. The LAO opposed the proposal, arguing that existing bodies already provide coordination, the proposal does not change agency incentives, and the council would lack authority to implement decisions. Members expressed mixed views, with some supporting a coordinating body and others questioning whether it would differ from past efforts. No votes were taken during the portions summarized here, and the committee indicated it would hold some items open for further discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our students are residents of Texas and are launching into high-demand careers helping meet the region
• Additionally, institutional enhancement is a means of funding base operations for small and mid-sized
• Item 1 discusses the Sorry, item one discusses TDEM state operations center which monitors emergencies
• I have behind me my CFO and my Deputy Agency Director and slash Chief Operations Officer.
• In the last 61 months, 58 independent activations of the state emergency operation.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:

• A majority of our land is actually leased for grazing operations.
• Again, we're trying to increase transparency, and so we've launched that as well.
• It's fully operational. and honestly tracking system. I've seen it. I don't know.
• It's fully operational. And honestly, I would never use that.
• Those are geologic field operation plans. In my case, that's drilling.

Summary: The Joint Natural Resources and House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committees of Reference heard the Arizona Auditor General’s sunset review of the Arizona State Veterinary Medical Examining Board. The audit found the board generally met some licensing requirements, but it did not timely investigate and resolve 49 of 159 complaints in fiscal year 2024, and it did not fully comply with conflict-of-interest disclosure and filing requirements. The Auditor General also identified weaknesses in continuing-education verification and other sunset-factor areas, and the board agreed to implement all 21 recommendations. Board staff said complaint volume has risen sharply since the pandemic, that the board’s process is slower because every case goes through an investigative committee and then the full board, and that it has already corrected some conflict-of-interest issues and is adding tools to improve continuing-education audits. The committee then heard testimony from the board’s executive director and from the Arizona Veterinary Medical Association. The executive director emphasized the board’s public-protection mission, described the shortage of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and said the board is working to improve efficiency through a new e-licensing system and staff training. Members asked about the shortage of large-animal veterinarians, complaint backlogs, and whether the board could do more to recruit rural practitioners; the board said it lacks direct recruiting authority but supports multiple licensure pathways and loan-assistance efforts. The veterinary association supported the board’s oversight and said it is also working on rural and large-animal workforce issues through partnerships and advocacy. The committee then voted to recommend continuing the board for eight years, until July 1, 2034. The committee next took up the Arizona State Land Department, beginning with the Auditor General’s presentation on the department’s sunset review and prior special audit. The audit found the department had not updated its required five-year disposition plan since 2011, had sold more than 48,000 acres without an active plan, had allowed agricultural rental rates to go unchanged since 2006 despite market increases, and had not consistently inspected mineral-related leases or properly managed reclamation bonds. The Auditor General said these issues created risks of lost revenue, reduced transparency, and public-safety hazards, and recommended 18 corrective actions in the main review plus 34 additional recommendations on other issues; the department agreed to most recommendations but declined to adopt a written policy for commissioner-initiated land sales. Commissioner Robin Sahid said the department is working through audit recommendations, has created a rules team, improved its customer portal, and is pursuing new policies on water use, transportation-basin leases, and disposition planning. Members questioned the department about agricultural leases, groundwater valuation, the Fondomonte leases and reimbursement for improvements, the canceled Coyotes land auction, backlog and processing times, and the use of consultants and administrative funds. The commissioner said the department had over 2,000 applications in queue when she arrived, that it has made progress reducing the backlog, and that it is conducting stakeholder outreach on water-efficiency standards and lease addenda. No final vote on the land department continuation was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state is providing a different narrative, an operational model, a policy blueprint for others to
• Not only keep our iconic industry here, but all the unionized camera operators, stunt performers, wardrobe
• Working together through our CalRx program, we launched our own generic drug label.
• We launched our own generic drug label.
• Just last week, we released and launched an insulin pen at just $11.

Summary: The joint convention convened to receive Governor Gavin Newsom’s final State of the State address, with legislative leaders introducing the Governor and welcoming constitutional officers, judges, and other guests. The proceedings opened with a moment of silence honoring Renee Nicole Good and other immigrants affected by detention and due process concerns. After introductory remarks from the Speaker, Senate President pro Tem Monique Limón, and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Governor Newsom delivered a wide-ranging address reflecting on his administration and California’s response to recent crises. The Governor highlighted California’s economic performance, tax structure, minimum wage increases, education funding, child care and school meal investments, housing reforms, apprenticeships, infrastructure projects, clean energy progress, and efforts on homelessness, mental health, and public safety. He also discussed state action on artificial intelligence regulation, climate resilience, insurance reform, and wildfire recovery, while sharply criticizing the federal government and President Trump on immigration, health care, food aid, disaster response, and other issues. He announced that his upcoming budget would include major education spending, a five-year extension of the CalCompete tax credit, additional community school funding, a rebuilding fund for fire survivors, and other policy proposals. At the close of the address, the Legislature formally ordered the Governor’s State of the State speech printed in the journal as a special appendix. The joint convention then adjourned sine die.

Transcript Highlights:

• The state is providing a different narrative, an operational model, a policy blueprint for others to
• Not only keep our iconic industry here, but all the unionized camera operators, stunt performers, wardrobe
• Working together through our CalRx program, we launched our own generic drug label.
• We launched our own generic drug label.
• Just last week, we released and launched an insulin pen at just $11.

Transcript Highlights:

• The two auxiliary lanes had a slightly increased footprint, with additional operational improvements
• I think the other thing to note is that as we are launching tolling, there is the expectation to try.
• So having operational transit in 2036, 2030 through 2036, so having operational transit in 2036 pending
• So it will support those reliability benefits for the buses operating in that space.
• and maintenance as well as the toll collection operations and maintenance.

Committee: Joint Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The House 2 operating budget supports MassDOT operations at $645 million.
• The operating budget supports MassDOT operations at $645 million.
• The non-toll operations budget has increased by 15% year over year to support the ongoing operations
• Support safety in operations.
• Kudos to the bus operators, too.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The hearing opened with welcomes from the co-chairs and local legislators, followed by remarks from UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes, who highlighted the university’s research, sustainability, transportation, and workforce contributions and thanked the administration and legislature for support of public higher education. MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng, along with agency leaders, presented the administration’s transportation budget package. They described a combined funding plan through House 2, a Fair Share supplemental budget, and a Chapter 90 bill, emphasizing investments in MassDOT operations, snow and ice response, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, bridge and pavement repair, housing-related transportation improvements, sustainable aviation fuel, microtransit, and local road programs. Officials also highlighted record highway construction activity, safety initiatives such as work zone speed cameras and pedestrian protections, RMV service and equity improvements, airport and drone technology programs, and MBTA gains in reliability, accessibility, ridership, and service expansion. Committee members asked about Western Massachusetts priorities, especially Chapter 90 funding for rural road mileage, bridge repairs, and the Compass Rail/West-East Rail program. MassDOT officials said pending federal grants were moving forward, with some awards recently obligated and others expected as federal processes advance, and they said Palmer Station remains part of the long-term rail plan. Members also raised the Cape Cod bridges and the need for multi-year Chapter 90 funding. Officials said the Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, with construction targeted for 2027, and reiterated that transportation investments support jobs, local economies, and municipal infrastructure statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House 2 operating budget supports MassDOT operations at $645 million.
• The operating budget supports MassDOT operations at $645 million.
• The non-toll operations budget has increased by 15% year over year to support the ongoing operations
• Support safety in operations.
• So kudos to the bus operation. And kudos to the bus operators, too.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• This amount of debt service magnifies the severity of potential cuts to the rest of our operations.
• Oftentimes, the facility area—whether it's operating and with custodial and landscape and maintenance
• It was really giving us the trade-off between other operational needs and the debt service.
• Launched in 2022, CalKids is California's landmark initiative to help families.
• Since our launch, nearly 600,000 students and families have claimed their CalKids scholarship.