Video & Transcript : 'prevailing wages' :
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Republican Leaders Media Availability Jan 13th, 2026 at 01:15 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- That's the real way you boost working people's wages.
Summary:
House and Senate Republican leaders held a session-opening media availability on the second day of Washington’s 60-day legislative session, criticizing Governor Bob Ferguson’s State of the State address and previewing their priorities. They said the central issue this session is affordability, and argued the state should respond with less spending, fewer taxes, and less regulation rather than new taxes or expanded government. They also said they expect a major fight over the operating budget, warned against using the rainy day fund or weakening the balanced-budget requirement, and said the state should look for savings in areas where caseloads are down but spending continues to rise, including reducing middle management in state agencies.
A major focus was the governor’s proposal for a tax on high earners, which Republicans repeatedly described as an income tax and said they would oppose. They argued it would eventually expand beyond millionaires, said voters have rejected income taxes repeatedly, and said a constitutional amendment would not pass. They also criticized past tax increases such as the capital gains tax, death tax, document recording fees, and climate-related charges, saying Democrats have not provided meaningful tax relief for working families. Republican leaders said the Working Families Tax Credit is one area where they can support using existing Climate Commitment Act revenue, and they suggested other uses for those funds, including transportation and wildfire prevention.
The leaders also discussed public safety and immigration, saying the governor and Democrats have been inconsistent on federal law enforcement and that coordination between agencies is essential. They said concerns about masked federal agents and immigration enforcement should be left to investigations rather than political conclusions. On child care and DCYF, they said allegations of fraud and waste should be investigated through audits or other oversight, and they rejected the idea that looking into possible fraud is offensive to honest providers. They also said they see potential bipartisan overlap on transportation and housing, but argued the governor’s housing plan relies too much on public spending and not enough on permitting reform, Growth Management Act changes, and energy code changes to increase supply.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 270, an act relating to wages. Representative Gber.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- State resources should support fair negotiations on staffing, wages, and working conditions, factors
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas, employ 8,300 Texans, generate more than $1.3 billion in annual sales in the state, and have a wage
Committee:
Senate Finance
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1574 by Senator Zaffirini, which would codify the Texas Judicial Council’s Centers of Excellence Program for courts and judges. Testimony from judges and the Office of Court Administration emphasized that the program promotes transparency, procedural fairness, mentoring, and public trust. A committee substitute expanded eligibility to justices of the peace and municipal judges and removed a merit-pay reference to eliminate fiscal impact. After quorum was established, the committee adopted the substitute and later voted it out favorably, though it was not certified for the local and uncontested calendar.
The committee also heard SB 2774 by Senator Hinojosa, which would amend the Tax Code’s retail trade definition to include industrial uniform and linen rental businesses so they qualify for the lower franchise tax rate. Supporters said the change would put rental textile businesses on equal footing with other rental industries and help Texas employers and customers. The bill was reported favorably to the full Senate.
Members then considered SB 1211 by Senator Perry, which would broaden the existing fracking-related sales tax exemption for equipment used with non-fresh water sources, including recycled, produced, and brine water. The bill’s supporters argued it would conserve freshwater and reduce litigation over water definitions, while the Comptroller’s office discussed the fiscal note and production-related revenue effects. The committee also heard SB 2873 and SB 2900, both by Senator Kolkhorst and presented by Senator Nichols; SB 2873 would require electronic filers to file electronically, and SB 2900 would eliminate certain Comptroller-related advisory committees and boards. Both were later adopted in committee substitute form and reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard HJR 4, sponsored by Senator Parker, proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit new taxes on securities transfers or financial transaction processing. Supporters said it would protect investors, especially retirees, and help position Texas as a financial center. The committee voted to report HJR 4 favorably to the full Senate. In each recorded vote after quorum was present, the measures passed with nine ayes and no nays.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Apr 10th, 2025
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Mar 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- inflation, and AB 838 addresses this by increasing it for the first time in 40 years to help our lowest-wage
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met and announced that, under its suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense because each had a fiscal impact. The chair also reminded attendees to submit position letters in advance for inclusion in the bill analysis. A quorum was established and the committee then heard six bills, all of which drew support testimony and no opposition testimony in the room.
AB 814 would exempt law enforcement pensions from state income tax to encourage retired peace officers to remain in California and support recruitment and retention. AB 918 would create a targeted income tax exemption for pay earned by local first responders deployed under mutual aid during declared emergencies, with supporters saying it would help sustain disaster response and reward extraordinary service. Both bills were backed by police and public safety organizations and were referred to suspense.
AB 976 would create a nonrefundable tax credit for small retailers in disadvantaged communities to help pay for security equipment in response to retail theft and violence; members discussed whether the bill should be broader and how it related to Proposition 36 and crime policy. AB 984 would allow state tax deductions for contributions to CalABLE accounts, with testimony from CalABLE representatives and families describing the program as an essential savings tool for people with disabilities. AB 1282 would create a deduction for out-of-pocket medical expenses up to $5,000 through 2030, and AB 838 would raise California’s renter’s tax credit from $60/$120 to $2,000 for eligible filers. Each of these bills was also referred to the suspense file, and the committee then adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Appropriations - S/C on Article II Mar 13th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article II
Transcript Highlights:
- And we're going to pause here and pick up attendant wages when we return. Just a minute.
Committee:
House Appropriations - S/C on Article II
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So the motion prevails, and you may present your amendment as adopted and you may present your bill.
- Okay.<00:28:05.600><c> So</c><00:28:05.840><c> the</c><00:28:06.000><c> motion</c><00:28:06.320><c> prevails
- So the motion prevails and uh you >> Okay.
- So the motion prevails and uh you may<00:28:08.480><c> present</c><00:28:08.880><c> your</c> may present
Bills:
HF4893
Committee:
House Education Finance
Keywords:
education finance, student support, aid allowances, appropriation, school funding, 1183, house
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/9/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The motion prevails. The DE1 amendment is adopted. Chair Noor, to your bill.
- The<01:13:12.560><c> motion</c><01:13:12.880><c> prevails.
- </c><01:13:13.280><c> The</c><01:13:13.360><c> DE1</c><01:13:14.080><c> amendment</c> The motion prevails
- The DE1 amendment The motion prevails. The DE1 amendment is<01:13:14.800><c> adopted.
Committee:
House Human Services Finance and Policy
Keywords:
human services, community support, integrated care, disability services, stakeholder consultation, homeless youth, grants, funding, Minnesota, mental health, substance use disorder, education, workforce development, licensure, direct care services, healthcare, long-term care, personal care assistants, employment support, medical assistance
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The motion prevailed. The minutes are approved.
- The motion prevails, and House File 4470 is on the way to the State Government Committee.
- The motion prevails and House File 2418, as amended, is referred to the General Register. questions?
- The<00:18:56.560><c> motion</c><00:18:56.880><c> prevails</c><00:18:57.280><c> and</c><00:18:57.360><
Committee:
House Capital Investment
Keywords:
HF4470, Melissa Hortman, memorial, statue, memorial garden, State Office Building, Capitol Mall Design Framework, capital investment, appropriation, Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, Department of Administration, public art, commemorative monument, landscaping, artist selection, family consultation, Minnesota legislature, state building site, capital appropriation, political subdivisions
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- prohibited ingredients, includes a statute of limitation on the bill, clarifies damages awarded to a prevailing
- damages<00:43:48.880><c> awarded</c><00:43:49.320><c> to</c><00:43:49.440><c> a</c><00:43:49.480><c> prevailing
- </c><00:43:50.000><c> party,</c> damages awarded to a prevailing party, damages awarded to a prevailing
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/26
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The motion prevails. Uh, thank you.
- The motion prevails.<00:02:03.920><c> Uh</c><00:02:04.240><c> thank</c><00:02:04.399><c> you.
- :02:04.960><c> First</c><00:02:05.280><c> up</c><00:02:05.680><c> uh</c><00:02:05.759><c> we</c> prevails
- First up uh we prevails. Uh thank you.
Committee:
House Agriculture Finance and Policy
Keywords:
pesticide, agriculture, environmental protection, health risks, chemical safety, local agriculture, insecticides, pollinators, seeds, environmental health, neonicotinoids, systemic insecticides, civil penalties, pest management, land trends, report, appropriation, farmers, veterinary medicine, veterinary technology
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- There being seven yeses and six nos, the motion does not prevail.
- yeses and six nos, the motion does seven yeses and six nos, the motion does not<01:15:28.080><c> prevail
- 29.920><c> File</c><01:15:30.239><c> 3683</c><01:15:31.520><c> is</c><01:15:31.760><c> laid</c> not prevail
- And House File 3683 is laid not prevail. And House File 3683 is laid over.
Committee:
House State Government Finance and Policy
Keywords:
Safe at Home, address confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, victim privacy, survivor protection, confidential address, protected address, secret address, identity protection, residential confidentiality, program participant, nondiscrimination, court disclosure, protective order, service of process, driver's license, state ID
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 042 Feb 25th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- court costs that would be incurred by the insurance company, or just going against the overall prevailing
- 00:51:53.359><c> the</c><00:51:53.680><c> overall</c><00:51:53.920><c> all</c><00:51:54.160><c> prevailing
- </c> going against the overall all prevailing going against the overall all prevailing ideology<00:51
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and heard several announcements about upcoming committee meetings, events at the Capitol, and recognitions, including Music Therapy Day, Black History Month activities, adoptable puppies, and a Colorado Agricultural Forum. Members also celebrated Representative Story’s birthday and recognized the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) for its long-running support of arts, culture, science access, and economic impact in Colorado. The House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, designating February 20, 2026, as Colorado FFA Day, by a vote of 64-1 with one excused.
The chamber then moved to special orders for several bills. The first major bill considered was House Bill 1017, which would prohibit insurers from receiving criminal restitution unless they are direct victims. Sponsors argued the bill prioritizes human victims, prevents restitution from becoming an unpayable burden on low-income defendants, and clarifies the law in response to court concerns and stakeholder feedback. Opponents argued it would shift costs to taxpayers and policyholders and could increase civil litigation and insurance premiums. An amendment, L005, was adopted to clarify the bill’s scope, and the bill then passed as amended.
The House also took up House Bill 114, concerning minimum lot size and local land-use rules. An amendment, L002, was offered to prohibit certain local lot frontage, setback, open-space, or coverage requirements that would effectively prevent construction of a single-family home on a 2,000-square-foot residential lot. Supporters framed the measure as protecting housing access, while opponents argued it would override local land-use decision-making and public hearing processes. The transcript ends during debate on a substitute motion related to the amendment, before final action on House Bill 114 is shown.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- There being six ayes and seven nays, the motion does not prevail. All right.
- There being six ayes and seven nays, the motion does not prevail. All right.
- There being six ayes and seven nays, the motion does not prevail. All right.
- There being four ayes and seven nays, the motion does not prevail. Okay.
Committee:
Senate Elections
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We also note that the bill changes prevailing medical standards, plural, to prevailing medical standards
- We also note that the bill changes prevailing medical standards, plural, to prevailing medical standards
Committee:
House Health
Keywords:
accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers.
The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation.
For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Electricity as Vehicle Fuel Working Group 10/15/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The motion prevails and the minutes are approved.
- >> All right.<00:01:26.240><c> The</c><00:01:26.400><c> motion</c><00:01:26.799><c> prevails</c
- The motion prevails and the >> All right.
- The motion prevails and the minutes<00:01:27.840><c> are</c><00:01:28.080><c> approved.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- There's always going to be a party that prevails, but I would do my best to ensure that they have their
- Um, there's always going to be a party<01:47:29.520><c> that</c><01:47:29.880><c> prevails,</c><01:47
- ><c> I</c><01:47:31.440><c> would</c><01:47:31.600><c> do</c><01:47:31.679><c> my</c> party that prevails
- , but I would do my party that prevails, but I would do my best<01:47:32.239><c> to</c><01:47:33.119>
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Message 790, the nomination of Karen T. Nakasone to serve as chief judge of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced that no vote would be taken that day and that the committee would vote on Thursday. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with the chair reading that there were 103 supporters, zero opposed, and one comment.
Supporters included current and retired judges, public defenders, bar association representatives, former elected officials, and community members. They described Nakasone as intelligent, fair, hardworking, well respected, and a strong leader with deep legal experience. Several speakers emphasized her judicial temperament, her work as an advocate and judge, and her community involvement, including leadership in civic and civil rights organizations. One pro se litigant also testified that she had been treated kindly and respectfully by Nakasone in prior interactions.
The Hawaii State Bar Association reported that it had conducted an interview and review process and found her qualified for the position. In her own remarks, Nakasone introduced family and colleagues, described her 30-year legal career, and said her first job after law school was as an ICA law clerk. She highlighted the court’s backlog reduction efforts under Acting Chief Judge Katherine Leonard, saying the number of older pending appeals had dropped significantly through team-based reforms, and stated that she would continue that work if confirmed. The hearing ended without questions from the committee and with the nomination held for a later vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Minnesota, but as we all know, and this is one of the reasons why we are here, disparities still prevail
- Minnesota, but as we all know, and this is one of the reasons why we are here, disparities still prevail
- council continues to add value to state government and to the people of Minnesota. disparities still Prevail
- especially disparities still Prevail especially after<01:35:14.840><c> the</c><01:35:15.040><c> pandemic
Committee:
House State Government Finance and Policy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a message that conflicts with the prevailing narrative in our media, academia, and with the Democratic
- it's a message that conflicts<00:04:41.759><c> with</c><00:04:41.840><c> the</c><00:04:41.960><c> prevailing
- </c><00:04:42.639><c> narrative</c> conflicts with the prevailing narrative conflicts with the prevailing
Committee:
House Public Safety Finance and Policy