Transcript Highlights:

• tireless advocate for military service members, for their spouses, for their families, so I'm certainly grateful
• And I can't tell you how grateful I am to have you here, how proud I am of what you do in your school
• It's the right thing to educate our youth and show them how much we have to be grateful for in this country
• It's the right thing to educate our youth and show them how much we have to be grateful for in this country

Summary: The Military and Veterans, Space, and Domestic Security Committee met with a quorum and heard several bills focused on veterans, military families, and aerospace. SB 684 by Sen. Avila would let certain Florida Retirement System members buy military wartime service credit under updated eligibility dates and expand the definition of wartime service to include recent operations such as New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, Freedom Sentinel, and Enduring Sentinel. Veterans and first responders testified in support, and senators said the bill corrects an outdated gap. The committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 1528 by Sen. Collins on educational opportunities for military children. The bill strengthens coordination between school districts and military installations and requires DOE training modules for school staff working with military families. An amendment removing a sunset provision was adopted, and three Hillsborough County students who helped develop the idea testified in support, describing research on military-family school transitions and the need for staff training on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended. SB 910 by Sen. Collins, on veterans benefit assistance, was amended and reported favorably. As amended, it allows veterans to work with professional claims advisors while adding consumer protections, including fee caps, bans on initial/nonrefundable and referral fees, required disclosures, and limits on use of veterans’ login credentials. Sen. Collins and others argued the federal VA claims process is too slow and confusing and that veterans need both help and safeguards. The committee also approved SB 1464 by Sen. Wright, which expands FDVA outreach through digital, print, social media, and in-person efforts and requires public events and annual reporting, and SB 1516 by Sen. Wright, which creates an international aerospace innovation fund administered by Space Florida to support partnerships with international aerospace companies. All measures were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• year old staffer, as many other people have to realize that we're here for business and I am truly grateful
• But I'm so grateful to God that I had an opportunity to know him for the short time that I did and learn
• So forever grateful and prayers for the family. Thank you. That's Ms. Thompson. Mr.
• So grateful for their service to those businesses, and I would also like to point out that adding to

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm grateful that you're stewarding this through the process.
• So I'm grateful that you're stewarding this through the process.
• And so I'm grateful to all of the support that I've gotten, not only from the members of this committee
• And I'm grateful. I do believe this is a work in progress.

Summary: The committee first temporarily postponed HB 381, then heard and passed HB 1015 by Rep. Hunschofsky, which expands flood disclosure requirements to long-term rental tenants in addition to homebuyers and clarifies that renters’ insurance does not include flood coverage. An amendment changed rental disclosure language to “dwelling unit,” and the bill received support from the American Flood Coalition, Audubon Florida, and the Florida Association of Realtors. Rep. Robinson praised the bill’s added protections, and the measure passed favorably on a unanimous roll call. The committee then considered HB 247 by Rep. Connerly, an affordable housing bill requiring local governments to adopt ordinances allowing accessory dwelling units in single-family residential areas without added parking requirements, while limiting ADUs in planned unit developments and master-planned communities. Two amendments were adopted: one removed mezzanine financing language and another added certain newer manufactured homes to the ADU definition. Testimony was generally supportive, including from AARP, Florida Realtors, Americans for Prosperity, the Florida Chamber, and the Florida Manufactured Housing Association, but several members raised concerns about parking, infrastructure, historic neighborhoods, and short-term rentals. The bill passed favorably, though Ranking Member Cross voted no. Next, the committee took up HB 913 by Rep. Lopez, a broad condominium reform package addressing governance, financial transparency, reserves, insurance, voting, recalls, structural safety, and related issues. Three amendments were adopted: requiring seven years of posted meeting minutes online, allowing reserve contributions to be paused if a building is deemed uninhabitable, and clarifying that certain 2024 condo-law amendments do not apply retroactively to pending matters. Support came from AARP, the Florida Land Title Association, the Florida Bar’s Real Property section, Association Reserves, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Marriott, and others, while speakers urged continued work on reserve-account clarity and caution on hotel-condo provisions. Members praised Rep. Lopez’s work, and the bill passed unanimously. Finally, the committee heard HB 579 by Rep. Overdorf on development permits and orders, which would require clearer application requirements, hold local governments to existing review timeframes, provide fee refunds when deadlines are missed, and prevent local governments from arbitrarily limiting quasi-judicial hearings. Members asked about incomplete applications, substantive changes that restart timelines, and whether the bill should address additional land-use changes; the sponsor said he was open to continued discussion but believed the bill’s definitions were broad enough. Public testimony supported the bill, and after debate from Rep. Hunschofsky and Rep. Cross noting some remaining concerns, the bill passed favorably. The chair then reminded members to engage sponsors early on future bills and moved to rise from committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're really grateful that you're considering this. Thank you.
• You actually inspire me to keep going with this bill, and I'm just incredibly, incredibly grateful to
• We've been grateful to this committee in past sessions for advancing waste reduction legislation, and
• Good afternoon, I'm Caleb Rick, CEO of Equ Global, and grateful for the opportunity to express support
• We’re grateful to Mayor Joshua Garcia, Aaron Vega, and other Holyoke officials, and deeply appreciate

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a heavily attended hybrid hearing focused primarily on plastics reduction bills, along with a few local and related waste-management measures. Chair Rauch and Chair Barber outlined strict testimony rules because of the large number of speakers. Before the plastics docket, the committee heard support for a local Sharon sewer-extension bill for a Sunrise Senior Living project, and the bill’s proponents said the project would help address senior housing needs and would still require MWRA and local approvals. The chairs also noted a separate local matter involving Sharon and the MWRA. A major portion of the hearing centered on the Plastics Reduction Act and related bills addressing single-use plastics, including plastic bags, polystyrene, black plastic, plastic beverage bottles, non-flushable wipes, skip-the-stuff provisions, and truth-in-labeling. Sponsors and supporters said the bills would reduce litter, microplastics, greenhouse gas emissions, and municipal waste costs, while creating statewide consistency and supporting environmental justice communities. Several speakers cited local bans already adopted by many Massachusetts cities and towns, and many urged the committee to advance comprehensive statewide action. The committee also heard testimony on a boat wrap recycling bill, a mattress recycling bill, and a bill to prohibit hotels from providing small plastic toiletries. Municipal officials and waste professionals supported extended producer responsibility for paint and labeling for non-flushable wipes, saying these measures would shift costs away from cities and towns and reduce strain on wastewater systems. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, Mayor Ruth Ann Fuller of Newton, and a Franklin County waste official all backed paint EPR and wipes labeling. Fire Chief Brian Nardelli testified for the Fire Chiefs Association in support of lithium-ion battery legislation, citing fire safety and disposal concerns. Other speakers, including environmental groups, local activists, and business representatives, supported bag and polystyrene bans, though the Retailers Association of Massachusetts urged any bag policy to be truly statewide and said any bag fee should be retained by retailers. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am forever grateful to the talented clinicians who helped save my life.
• I'm grateful that you took me out of turn.
• I'm grateful to this committee for... Timing here is important.
• I'm grateful to this committee for scheduling this hearing so quickly.
• And I'm so grateful that they chose me.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development held a hearing on the DRIVE Act, a proposal to invest $400 million in Massachusetts research and innovation without new taxes. Governor Healey and administration officials said the bill would direct $200 million to public higher education research and regional partnerships and $200 million to a research funding pool for hospitals, universities, and other institutions, with the goal of retaining talent, leveraging private and philanthropic dollars, and offsetting major federal R&D cuts. They argued that research is a core economic engine for the state, supporting jobs across labs, construction, services, and surrounding businesses, and said the bill would help protect the Commonwealth’s tax base and competitiveness during a period of federal uncertainty and cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs. Committee members raised concerns about whether Fair Share surtax dollars should instead be used for K-12 and other community needs, whether the proposal is enough given the scale of lost federal grants, and how the money would be allocated. The governor responded that the funds are one-time surplus dollars, that most surtax revenue already supports education, and that the bill is meant as a bridge to stabilize public higher education and research. She also said the legislation includes a review board and could support a revolving or matched-fund approach in some cases. Several members pressed for more detail on selection criteria, future funding, and whether private companies and large endowments should contribute more. University of Massachusetts leaders and researchers testified that federal grant cancellations and delays are already causing layoffs, furloughs, rescinded admissions, and lost research capacity. UMass officials said the bill would help preserve faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and research programs in medicine, climate science, marine science, Braille instruction, and AI decision-making. They emphasized that the funding should be merit-based and that the state needs to act quickly to prevent talent from leaving Massachusetts. Business, labor, and industry groups, including MassBio, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, AIM, the AFL-CIO, and Building Trades, supported the bill, saying it would protect jobs, sustain the innovation ecosystem, and reinforce Massachusetts’ national leadership in research and life sciences. No vote was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm very grateful for that.
• I'm very grateful for here.
• I'm so grateful for the hearing. The Garski family is extremely grateful for this committee's time.
• I would be very grateful if you would consider joining us on this bill to make it bipartisan.
• She was grateful to have succeeded until she lost her insurance.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am deeply grateful for the support that I do receive.
• I deeply grateful for the support that I do<01:09:05.679> receive.
• So, I'm so grateful<01:24:33.199> for<01:24:33.360> her.
• So, please pass this grateful for her.
• in Hawaii. um and we are very grateful in Hawaii. um and we are very grateful for<01:35:36.639><

Bills: HB2488, HB2456

Keywords: disability, communication access, deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, healthcare, sign language interpreters, auxiliary aids, weight loss, GLP-1 drugs, obesity, Medicaid, healthcare costs, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HP 1972, which would create a nonrefundable family caregiver tax credit, and on a related tax measure to increase the existing dependent care tax credit. Supporters of HP 1972, including AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and others, said unpaid caregivers are essential to keeping kūpuna and other loved ones at home and described significant out-of-pocket costs. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation raised technical concerns, including the need to avoid overlap with existing credits and to prevent double-dipping. The department said taxpayers can claim credits to the extent allowed, but recommended explicit language barring the same costs from being claimed under more than one credit. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair moved the bill along after questions. The committee then heard HP 1975, which would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kūpuna. AARP, Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the program permanent, saying it helps low-income older adults avoid eviction and homelessness and allows them to remain in affordable housing. Catholic Charities described clients who were paying unsustainable shares of income for rent before receiving the supplement. Members also shared a constituent example of an elderly retiree who needed the subsidy to stay housed. Written support was noted from additional organizations and individuals. Next, the committee took up HB 1706, which would expand Medicaid prospective payment reimbursement to include mental health services furnished in federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics by mental health professionals under supervision. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, and DHS said it appreciated the intent to address workforce shortages and expand training, but cautioned that unlicensed professionals cannot currently bill Medicaid and that a state plan amendment would be needed, with limited precedent for approval. Members asked about the likelihood and timing of federal approval and whether the bill could help rural areas; DHS said approval is uncertain and the process can take time, though it saw possible alignment with the state’s rural health transformation efforts. The committee also discussed HB 546, a three-year health coverage continuity pilot program for people losing Medicaid coverage. DHS, the Attorney General’s office, DCCA, Catholic Charities, the University of Hawaii, and others testified, with DHS warning that federal changes could increase uninsured rates and that the state may need to act quickly. Catholic Charities and others emphasized the risk to Medicaid recipients, including homeless and near-elderly residents, while DHS explained the state’s existing premium assistance program for certain immigrants and compared it to the proposed pilot. The excerpt ends during discussion of that comparison, with no vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are forever grateful for the more than 300 first responders who arrived almost immediately on the
• We are forever grateful for the more than 300 first responders who arrived almost immediately on the
• <04:31:19.760> for those public servants and grateful for those public servants and grateful
• I'm so grateful I was able to serve with him for six years and then continue our work with his brother
• I was able to serve with him so grateful I was able to serve with him for<07:10:00.000> 6<07:

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, March 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think that I'm happy to work with you, because I am grateful to agree or to hear that you agree
• I'm grateful to agree or to hear that you agree that this is a problem.
• <01:18:18.880> for<01:18:19.120> the I'm grateful for the opportunity for the rest
• <01:25:37.800> for<01:25:38.040> that grateful for that grateful for that support<01:25
• know and we're just incredibly grateful know and we're just incredibly grateful for<01:27:10.560

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And for this we are truly grateful.
• Their talent, energy, and love for music were absolutely unforgettable, and I was so grateful for the
• Picoling Ortiz will live forever in the hearts of a grateful Puerto Rico. Mr.
• I am grateful for Miss K.
• Speaker, I'm grateful for the So, Mr.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, May 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're really grateful for the partnership of the Minnesota Legislature as our key stakeholder, and I
• We're really grateful for the partnership of the Minnesota Legislature as our key stakeholder, and I
• But we're grateful that he did include some money in there, and obviously we'll work with you through
• But we're grateful that he did include some money in there, and obviously we'll work with you through
• But we're grateful that he did include some money in there, and obviously we'll work with you through

Bills: HF770, HF857, HF38, HF1500, HF43

Keywords: HF770, Rural Finance Authority, RFA, capital investment, state bonds, general obligation bonds, bonding bill, agricultural loans, farm loans, beginning farmer, new farmer, seller-sponsored loans, loan restructuring, agricultural improvement loans, livestock expansion, modernization loans, rural development, Minnesota agriculture, farm credit, chapter 41B

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm really grateful to have worked with you and listened to you and review with me today.
• Really grateful. Thank you. Members, we're in debate. Any other debate comments? Very good.
• Really grateful. Thank you. Members, we're in debate. Any other debate, comments? Very good.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met to consider three proposed committee bills under the Open Government Sunset Review Act, each aimed at preserving a public records exemption that would otherwise repeal on October 2. PCB GOS 25-01, presented by Rep. Nix, would keep confidential property photos and personal identifying information tied to applicants or participants in housing assistance programs used for disaster recovery after a presidentially declared disaster. Members discussed the need to prevent fraud and protect distressed property owners from being targeted after disasters. The bill was reported favorably. PCB GOS 25-03, presented by Rep. Sapp, would preserve the exemption for certain sensitive business information submitted to the Office of Financial Regulation for the Financial Technology Sandbox. Supporters said the confidentiality is necessary to encourage companies to submit proprietary information and participate in the program. The bill was also reported favorably. PCB GOS 25-02, presented by Rep. Weinberger on behalf of Rep. Basabe, would continue the exemption for site-specific location information concerning endangered or threatened species. Members noted the importance of protecting Florida’s unique ecosystem and preventing poaching of both animals and rare plants. This bill was likewise reported favorably. Each bill received no amendments or public testimony, and the meeting adjourned after all three were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm grateful President Trump businesses.
• I'm I'm grateful<03:19:09.760> to<03:19:09.920> you.
• But I want you to know grateful to you.
• <03:30:36.960> I'm<03:30:37.359> grateful Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• I'm grateful Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 27, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• years to come on behalf of a Grateful years to come on behalf of a Grateful Nation<00:16:47.279>
• I'm truly grateful for Dr.
• <02:10:57.679> for much of her life I'm truly grateful for much of her life I'm truly grateful
• As he steps into retirement, we are deeply grateful for his leadership.
• As he steps into retirement, we are deeply grateful for his leadership.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm grateful that we're giving these pieces of legislation the due diligence they deserve today.
• I'm grateful that we're giving these pieces of legislation the due diligence they deserve today.
• I believe there's over 40 people here to testify, so we'd be grateful if you could abide by that.
• I’d be grateful for that. Thank you so much. I appreciate that.
• I’d be grateful for that. Thank you so much. I appreciate that.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs was opened by Chair Joe McGonagle and Vice Chair Senator Mike Rush, who noted that Chair John Velis was deployed with the Massachusetts National Guard. The chairs explained the hybrid format, three-minute testimony limit, live streaming, and filing deadlines, and said the committee would hear 11 House bills and eight Senate bills dealing with federal and overseas issues. Much of the hearing centered on competing resolutions about Article 5 constitutional conventions, along with related resolutions on D.C. statehood, child labor, Citizens United, and Cambodia. Supporters of H. 4692 and S. 284, a joint resolution to rescind all prior Massachusetts Article 5 convention applications, argued that old resolutions from the 1930s and 1970s could be used to count Massachusetts toward the 34-state threshold for calling a federal constitutional convention. Testifiers from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, the ACLU, Reproductive Equity Now, labor groups, and others warned that a convention would have no clear rules, could not be reliably limited to specific topics, and could put civil rights, reproductive rights, labor protections, and other constitutional protections at risk. Several speakers also cited a recent federal lawsuit and said the safest course was to remove outdated applications from the books. A large opposing panel testified in support of H. 3888, a resolution calling for a Convention of States to propose amendments limiting federal power, imposing fiscal restraints, and establishing term limits. Supporters argued that Article 5 provides a lawful way to address federal overreach, debt, and congressional stagnation, and said the process would be limited by state applications and ratification by 38 states. Some committee members and witnesses raised concerns about a runaway convention, broad language in the resolution, and whether Congress could or should set rules for such a convention. Representative Gentile also testified in support of several related resolutions on overturning Citizens United, D.C. statehood, and the child labor amendment, while Representative Howard and Representative Tongue supported a Cambodia resolution condemning political oppression and urging free and fair elections. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• would say a lifetime member, and actually work on the Student Opportunity Act, which I was very grateful
• So this bill was developed in partnership with the MTA and AFT, and I'm really grateful to both of those
• So this bill was developed in partnership with the MTA and AFT, and I'm really grateful to both of those
• that you're looking at today, but I would love to have conversations with the committee, and I'm grateful
• We are grateful, very, very grateful for your attention to this topic today, and of course your leadership

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a lengthy hearing on a large slate of bills focused primarily on charter school policy and vocational technical education. Committee members opened with ground rules for testimony, including a two-minute limit, written testimony acceptance, and a live-streamed format. The committee then heard testimony on bills to expand collective bargaining rights in Horace Mann and Innovation Schools, reform charter school funding and reimbursement, allow enrollment preferences for high-need students in charter lotteries, and require BESE to consider district impacts when approving new or expanded charters. Several witnesses, including union leaders, parents, educators, and legislators, argued that charter growth has strained district budgets and that funding formulas should be reworked to better protect public schools; charter advocates and alumni countered that charter schools serve high-need students well and should not be penalized for their success. A major portion of the hearing focused on vocational technical education bills, including proposals to expand access and capacity, create a large grant program, and increase MSBA reimbursement rates for vocational school construction. Supporters described long waitlists, strong labor-market demand, and the higher cost of building and maintaining vocational schools, while municipal officials emphasized the tax burden on local communities. The committee also heard testimony on charter school reimbursement bills that would extend the state’s reimbursement schedule, with witnesses from districts such as Boston, Worcester, Fall River, and New Bedford describing large net losses to charter tuition and arguing for longer reimbursement periods and structural reform. The committee took no final votes during the hearing. In one instance, the chair said a bill would be held open until a missing senator could testify. Members asked several detailed questions about charter admissions lotteries, special education placements, funding formulas, and the practical effects of proposed charter caps and reimbursement changes. The hearing remained informational, with witnesses and committee members presenting sharply different views on whether the bills would improve equity and opportunity or harm existing public school systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• But equally, we are grateful for the man that touched the lives of so many. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• But equally, we are grateful for the man that touched the lives of so many.
• But equally, we are grateful for the man that touched the lives of so many.
• I am still able to finish the day with a smile and a grateful heart.
• We are grateful for his service to this country and our Commonwealth.

Keywords: April 22, 2026 - Reconvened Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know this has been a long journey for you and your family, and we are grateful.
• I know you speak on behalf of hundreds of others at the department who are so grateful for your willingness
• So thank you very much. for you and your family and we are grateful.
• I want to first say I'm grateful that you described the complete independence...
• We're grateful to you as... Pristine for your statements, effort for joining us as well.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The road has been long and not Often easy but we are grateful for your presence.
• Tons of folks in this building, and we are so grateful that all of those people are here to help make
• And I've had the opportunity to serve under three governors and am grateful for that.
• And I'm grateful when I get feedback from many of these employees and staff members who say the same
• I'm grateful for that.

Bills: SB273, SB37, SB100

Keywords: SB273, appropriations, general fund, hold harmless, local government finance, municipal revenue, county revenue, correctional facility, jail contract, private prison, detention facility, immigration detention, revenue bonds, clawback, child welfare, juvenile justice, protective services, school improvement, New MexiCare, aging services

Transcript Highlights:

• I feel very grateful that I will forever be a Tacoma Community College Trojan.
• I feel very grateful that I will forever be a Tacoma Community College Trojan.
• So I'm just grateful that the state is continuing to move forward with efforts to complete FAFSA and
• Also, pertaining to experience and talking about student tuition, students are grateful that there were
• And we're grateful for the work of this committee in what you're doing to ensure that higher education

Summary: The committee held a work session on the state of Washington’s community and technical college system with State Board executive director Nate Humphrey and Tacoma Community College president Ivan Harrell. They described the system’s open-access mission, 34 colleges serving more than 307,000 students, relatively low tuition, enrollment growth over 12 consecutive quarters, and strong outcomes such as more than 46,000 credentials awarded last year. They also highlighted system initiatives including guided pathways, I-BEST, dual enrollment, tribal partnerships, a new program search tool, and six colleges named Aspen Prize finalists. At the same time, they emphasized major challenges: high rates of student food, housing, and homelessness insecurity; sharply rising emergency aid requests; and federal funding disruptions affecting TANF, BFET, adult basic education, Carl Perkins, NOAA-related tribal work, and several federal grants. Members asked about SNAP impacts, declining high school graduates, and how BFET and TANF interact with other aid programs. The presenters also discussed system priorities such as AI, Workforce Pell, capital planning, nursing accreditation alignment, and the Washington College Grant. The committee then heard testimony from AFT Washington and the Washington Association of Higher Education on faculty and staff conditions in the community and technical college system. Jackie Kane and Suzanne Sutherland argued that classified staff, professional staff, and contingent faculty are essential to student success but face low pay, instability, and weak retention, and they urged lawmakers to protect existing funding and avoid further cuts. They said working conditions for faculty and staff are student learning conditions, and that underfunding leads to reduced services, shortened advising, and program instability. Marina Parr of the Workforce Board presented on federal H.R. 1’s new Workforce Pell provisions and the updated Career Bridge website. She explained that Workforce Pell would allow federal aid for short-term training programs of 8 to 15 weeks, with high completion, employment, and earnings thresholds and a requirement that credentials be stackable and portable. She said Washington is well positioned to implement the program because of its existing eligible training provider evaluation system and Career Bridge, which now has a redesigned public portal, digital portfolios, multilingual access, and performance data on programs. Members asked about rulemaking, possible gaps in state services, and how the wage and completion standards would be applied. The Washington Student Achievement Council then briefed the committee on the new Washington Completes FAFSA campaign created by executive order. Staff described an advisory board with statewide representation, a pilot that used microgrants and other supports at 25 priority schools, and a new goal of 46,000 FAFSA or WASFA completions this year. They reported that completion rates were tracking slightly ahead of last year, with 24% of high school seniors having completed a FAFSA by the end of November, and they showcased a public dashboard with subgroup data and a WIAA-based leaderboard. Members asked about outreach to rural and homeschool students, legislative communications, Pierce County representation, and barriers to FAFSA completion, and staff said they would provide toolkits and continue expanding outreach. The committee then began hearing from student presenters about affordability, access, equity, and student experience.