Video & Transcript : 'High Socks for Hope' :
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative-Executive Committee on Budget Transparency and Fiscal Sustainability Jul 20th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Joint Legislative-Executive Committee on Budget Transparency and Fiscal Sustainability
Transcript Highlights:
- And I also hope it can serve as a forum for us to really objectively analyze our budget processes, especially
- And I also hope it can serve as a forum for us to really objectively analyze our budget processes, especially
- I’m hoping for a quick clarification, and if this was answered—or if this was answered or not—I’m going
- I’m hoping for a quick clarification.
- For the legislative bill, February maybe for a short session, March, like they were wrong, for a longer
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/15/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that’s what they’re hoping for.”
- </c> >> that's what they're hoping for. >> that's what they're hoping for.
- </c><01:13:57.679><c> managing</c> high risk for obesity and managing high risk for obesity and managing
- </c> that are on the high side for price as that are on the high side for price as competition<01:20:
- For the record, I'm State Representative Hope Damon.
Committee:
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee BR Sub on Postsecondary Education (2-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- He asked for me to step in for him, so that's some big shoes to fill, but I will try to make sure that
- So we hope that this helps bridge that gap, especially in the high-growth area of the Bowling Green area
- Chair, thank you for your time this morning. I apologize for my voice.
- Thank you for being here.
- Thank you for being here.
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education met for its first meeting and heard an update from KCTCS President Dr. Ryan Corral. He opened with a brief report on flood impacts across the state, noting damage at Big Sandy and Hazard, support for displaced faculty and staff, emergency student aid, and the use of campuses as shelters and Red Cross sites. He then outlined KCTCS’s role as the state’s largest postsecondary system, serving about 107,000 students across 16 colleges and 70 campuses, with strong enrollment growth, major dual credit and GED operations, and a large workforce-training mission. Corral emphasized student support needs such as food, housing, and mental health services, and said KCTCS wants to expand work with incarcerated populations and recovery communities.
Corral also described system changes focused on compliance, stability, leadership development, property disposal, and curriculum review. He said KCTCS has addressed prior audit findings, is conducting additional audits, has sold or is selling several buildings, and has removed 400 underutilized credentials to better align programs with employer needs. He highlighted transfer agreements with the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Western Kentucky University, and said KCTCS is working to align training with employers and local governments. He also discussed the system’s response to House Bill 6 and the $90 million appropriated for an efficient operations and innovation plan, including three proposed capital projects: a Somerset Community College facility for diesel, automotive, welding, HVAC, CAD, and 3D printing; replacement of an outdated Louisville building; and a South Central/Glasgow allied health facility to expand nursing and related programs.
In response to questions, Corral said the Blue Oval SK training building in Glendale is open and operational, though workforce demand there has been slower than initially expected, and that KCTCS is working with the company and state officials to cover operating costs. Members praised KCTCS’s workforce role and flexibility in meeting employer needs statewide. Representative Moll also commented on the system’s progress and importance to Kentucky’s workforce development. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Update on Special Session Negotiations - 09/30/25
Transcript Highlights:
- We are waiting for the governor to do that.
- </c> there was a need for a special session. there was a need for a special session.
- and for many other communities.
- </c> for Minneapolis and for many other for Minneapolis and for many other communities.<00:24:06.640>
- We're in it for the long haul.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty - Tuesday, March 24
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Under this proposal, high-poverty schools would have to compete for this funding.
- stability and are looking for places of high quality and accessibility for them to leave their children
- For the I do support this amendment, and I do hope that the body adopts it. Thank you.
- She also oversees the Melissa Mootin for the St. Louis Recovery High School.
- This funding restores all of that hope and all of that economy for my city.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Jul 7th, 2025
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We always hope for the best; we pray for the best.
- qualify for this.
- Thank you for all you do for our people, Senator Pinto.
- We asked the state for $4 million to go For a $12 million match.
- So once again, thank you for your leadership. And I hope that we can help.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (02/03/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- health</c><00:23:05.520><c> and</c> Medicaid for for both mental health and Medicaid for for both mental
- Now, with Medicaid coverage exceeding for one year, the hope is this is where we'll be looking at the
- </c><01:00:41.200><c> service</c> for them separate as a fee for service for them separate as a fee for
- pool that they can draw down from for some of those high-cost medications.
- some of those highrisk down from for some of those highrisk high<02:04:41.920><c> cost</c><02:04:42.599
Summary:
The House Finance Division III held an informational hearing on Medicaid, Medicare, Choices for Independence, and related financing, while postponing nursing facility financing and the county cap discussion to a later date. DHHS officials Ann Landry, Jonathan Ballard, and Medicaid Director Henry Litman provided an overview of Medicaid’s role, noting it is a federal-state partnership with state-specific eligibility and benefits, and emphasizing that Medicaid is a major funding and programmatic support for other DHHS initiatives. They also distinguished Medicaid from Medicare and explained that Medicaid funding is not the same as grant funding, though some providers may also receive federal grants through other channels.
The presentation focused on New Hampshire’s relatively small Medicaid program and why it differs from national averages. Officials said about 184,000 residents are covered, roughly one in seven Granite Staters compared with one in five nationally, and attributed the difference largely to the state’s higher per-capita income and older population. They highlighted that about 65% of Medicaid-enrolled adults in New Hampshire are working, that only 22% of births are covered by Medicaid versus 42% nationally, and that the state’s uninsured rate is lower than the national rate. Members asked about covered services, income limits, federal matching rates, and the names of optional eligibility groups; staff explained that New Hampshire offers the optional groups discussed, with matching rates varying by category, including 90% for Granite Advantage and certain other groups, and 65% for children above the required level.
A substantial portion of the hearing covered eligibility rules and recent policy changes. Officials reviewed the history of Medicaid, including HCBS waivers, the CFI program, Katie Beckett, the Olmstead decision, the ACA, and the end of continuous enrollment after the public health emergency. They also discussed the 2023 legislative expansion of postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months and child eligibility changes. In response to questions, DHHS said it is tracking utilization and costs for the postpartum expansion and reported that many maternal deaths occur after the prior 60-day coverage period, often involving substance use disorder or suicide; they said the longer coverage is intended to improve access to treatment and prevention. The committee also walked through household-income examples, clarified that Medicaid eligibility is based on household income and categorical rules, and confirmed that Granite Advantage ends at 138% of the federal poverty level unless another categorical basis applies. No votes were taken, and the hearing remained informational.
AL
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate State Governmental Affairs Committee Apr 7th, 2026
State Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This is for Republicans to pick their candidates, for Democrats to pick theirs for the general election
- the opportunity to say I thank you for the opportunity to say I hope<00:33:23.840><c> you'll</c><00:
- </c> hope you'll oppose this. hope you'll oppose this.
- /c> moved to Old Miss for a job for eight moved to Old Miss for a job for eight years,<00:34:15.359><
- I have voted for Republicans because I voted for the person, and I still, as a Democrat, will vote for
Committee:
Senate State Governmental Affairs
Keywords:
PFAS, drinking water, public health, environmental management, liability, primary elections, party registration, party affiliation, open primary, closed primary, runoff election, crossover voting, voter registration, Secretary of State, absentee ballot, polling place signage, election integrity, political party, Democrat, Republican
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- No, it ain't nothing to hurt me but I don't think it's anything for me, you know. Let's hope so.
- </c> would be for you. would be for you.
- we substituted it for the you know,<01:47:21.840><c> for</c> know, for know, for everything<01:47:23.680
- </c><02:19:12.599><c> for</c> And so, I respect the railroad for for And so, I respect the railroad for
- So, that is the for for that to happen.
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened, heard a prayer and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the prior journal. The chamber received House messages, including referral of Senate Confirmation 89 for Rex Jones to the Underground and Aboveground Storage Tank Trust Funds Management Board, and concurred in Senate Bill 231 after a 30-0 vote. Several local House bills were referred to the Committee on Local Legislation.
During personal remarks, Senator Coleman-Madison recognized Women’s History Month and highlighted Alabama native Mary Ellen Jolly and her book, "Accidental Activist," praising women who support the legislature. The Senate then processed committee reports, including favorable reports on multiple Finance and Taxation General Fund bills (SB 143, 144, 145 with substitute, 152, 153, 154, 162, 226 with substitute, and 146 with substitute and one abstention), as well as confirmations for Nancy Sandford, Marty Abrams, and Jim Page to the University of North Alabama Board of Trustees, all of which were confirmed.
Committee reports also advanced several county and municipal and local legislation measures, including SB 292, HB 351, HB 141, HB 273, HB 504, HB 488, SB 343, and SB 346. On the floor, SB 333 on class two municipalities passed after adoption of its BIR and committee amendment, and HB 308, a proposed constitutional amendment for Mobile County, passed after the Senate tabled the committee amendment, adopted a substitute amendment by Senator Figures, and approved the certification resolution. SB 334 for Shelby County, SB 339 for Crenshaw County, and HB 507 for Covington County also passed, with certification resolutions adopted where required. The governor returned SB 228 with an executive amendment, and the Senate concurred 33-0.
The Rules Committee report set the special order calendar for the next legislative day, listing bills including SB 91, SB 280, SB 181, SB 237, SB 326, SB 255, HB 77, HB 104, HB 110, HB 271, HB 362, HB 332, HB 429, SB 211, HB 125, HB 122, HB 124, SB 140, SB 199, and SB 332. Senator Singleton spoke at length criticizing the handling of minority-sponsored bills and questioning several measures, and after debate the Senate adopted the special order calendar 34-0. SB 91 was then carried over at the call of the chair.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- We haven't really seen it in the high-risk, in the most high-risk areas, right?
- for apartments, legally defined affordable housing, and also for condominiums.
- for apartments, legally defined affordable housing, and also for condominiums.
- Thank you so much for your testimony and for coming every time I ask you. Thank you for having us.
- Thank you so much for your testimony and for coming every time I ask you. Thank you for having us.
Committee:
House Insurance
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Lawmakers hear proposed creation of $10 million loan program for affordable housing, HF2148 3/25/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Parish High School, where she opened doors of opportunity for countless children to follow in her footsteps
- The traditional college experience is not always valuable for all high school graduates.
- </c><00:09:50.399><c> all</c><00:09:51.120><c> high</c><00:09:51.360><c> school</c> always valuable for
- all high school always valuable for all high school graduates.<00:09:52.399><c> And</c><00:09:52.560
- Amendment. >> Without objection, I hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the motion to recommit
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- for as late as it is, because we were hoping that there would have been no need for this informational
- They made the benefit amount too high, and to correct for that, they have to reduce it by an average
- </c><00:17:49.200><c> that</c><00:17:49.440><c> they</c> too high and to correct for that they too high
- for for all of So thank you very much for for all of your<01:34:20.800><c> effort.
- I'm hoping that whatever food programs we have, like WIC, hopefully the MDs will allow for that.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the federal shutdown’s impact on state benefits, with the main focus on SNAP. DHS Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division Administrator Scott Morish explained that SNAP serves about 86,229 households statewide, or 168,947 individuals, and averages roughly $58–60 million in monthly federal benefits. He said USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP benefits effective November 1 if the shutdown continues, while existing October balances on EBT cards remain usable and cash benefits such as TANF, General Assistance, and AABD are not affected. DHS said it has continued processing applications, recertifications, interviews, and required reporting, and has posted public guidance on its website.
Morish also reviewed other SNAP-related changes taking effect November 1 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including expanded able-bodied adult work requirements and tighter non-citizen eligibility rules. He said the work requirements now extend from ages 18–54 to 18–64 and apply to additional groups previously exempt, while only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible among non-citizens. He also noted Hawaii’s ongoing SNAP benefit reduction tied to a federal calculation error in the thrifty food plan, which has lowered benefits by about $8 per person per month for the past three years.
On the state response, DHS said it is working with the Hawaii Food Bank and seeking $2 million in state funding to support it, and is also developing a Hawaii Relief Program using TANF reserve funds. The program is intended as a short-term housing and utility assistance program for families with dependent children under 300% of the federal poverty level, with up to four months of assistance. Senators questioned why rainy day funds were not being used and whether the state could directly fund EBT cards; DHS responded that the TANF approach was the fastest available option, that EBT delivery involves significant technical and administrative mechanics, and that the department is still in discussions with the vendor and other stakeholders about additional options.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Fri Feb 21, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I humbly hope to nurture in him a respect for humanity, the courage to think freely, and the curiosity
- My hope for the committee is that the fear of God will be enough for you to oppose this bill because
- My hope for the committee is that the fear of God will be enough for you to oppose this bill because
- My hope for the committee is that the fear of God will be enough for you to oppose this bill because
- </c><04:35:07.439><c> that</c> vote for with reservations and hope that vote for with reservations and
Committee:
House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several measures, beginning with HB 194, which would designate May 22 as Maritime Day. Testimony from labor, health, and community groups was in support, and the committee later recommended passage of the bill as is, with several members voting yes and some reserving or being excused. HB 458 would designate April 27 as Brother Joseph Dutton Day; the Department of Accounting and General Services, the Joseph Dutton Guild, and a descendant all supported it, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. HB 957 would designate the first Friday in May as Lā‘au Day; support came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many individuals, and the committee recommended passage as is. HB 345 would establish the ʻōpae ula as the state shrimp to promote awareness and protection of anchialine ecosystems; DLNR, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAu, and other supporters testified, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments.
The committee also heard HB 901, which would allow public charter schools to appeal directly to the Board of Education on certain operational, governance, or funding matters. The Attorney General and the Public Charter School Commission offered technical comments and suggested amendments, while the commission described its current monitoring and renewal process and said it works closely with schools over the life of a charter contract. Members raised concerns about whether the bill would shift too much work to the Board of Education, and one member voted no when the committee later moved the bill with the Attorney General’s amendments. HB 1066 would add Head Start-related ex officio members to the Early Learning Board; the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning supported it, explaining the changes were needed to align with the federal Head Start Act, and the committee moved it forward without opposition.
HB 1069 would add voting members from the Department of Education and Board of Education to the School Facilities Authority Board. DOE and the School Facilities Authority supported the change as a way to strengthen collaboration, though questions from members focused on the current communication process between the agencies. HB 1343 would require the Board of Education to adopt a policy banning student phone and related device use during school hours; the committee noted written testimony in support and then moved to decision-making. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted recommendations to pass HB 194, HB 458 with technical amendments, HB 957, HB 345 with technical amendments, HB 901 with amendments, HB 1066, HB 1069, and HB 1343.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, my for always being there for us.
- </c> save for the future. save for the future.
- fund base for this for this general fund base for this committee<00:47:32.560><c> is</c><00:47:32.720
- Question for Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Question for Mr.
- So for for me, going to be what it is.
Committee:
Senate Human Services
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- I hope I can keep teaching my heart out for the next three to three and a half years.
- I hope I can keep teaching my heart out for the next three to three and a half years.
- But in this bill, I see hope for a step in the right direction to at least safeguard our state's finances
- We hope they will rise above possible personal commercial advantage by voting for H. 2994 to help end
- We're hoping that you'll find a fix for this because many educators were We're hoping that you'll find
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Service
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing focused first on teacher retirement legislation, especially H. 2932 and S. 1884, which would give long-serving educators a one-time opportunity to enroll in Retirement Plus after the program’s 2001 rollout was described as confusing and inconsistently communicated. Legislators, union leaders, and many teachers testified that some educators missed the opt-in window because of faulty notices, leave status, transfers, or misinformation about payroll deductions, and that many have had to work several extra years as a result. Supporters said the bills would correct an unfair administrative error, provide a buyback option with interest, and could also save local school districts money by allowing earlier retirements. Representative Mark Sylvia also testified for H. 4234, a Fairhaven-specific bill to raise the age limit for special police officers from 65 to 70 and clarify appointing authority, citing experience and budget needs.
The committee then heard testimony on several pension investment and divestment bills. Supporters of H. 2811 and related climate-risk measures argued that PRIM should assess, disclose, and address climate-related financial risk in the state pension fund, warning that fossil fuel investments could threaten long-term returns and public finances. Environmental advocates and financial experts said climate risk is systemic and urged transparency, divestment planning, and alignment with the Commonwealth’s climate goals. Another set of speakers supported H. 2984, which would divest pension investments from companies selling weapons to Israel; they argued the state should not be complicit in violence in Gaza and cited humanitarian and human rights concerns. Additional testimony supported H. 2900 and S. 1869 to divest from the firearm industry, with speakers saying pension investments should not undermine Massachusetts gun laws.
No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs repeatedly thanked speakers, limited testimony time, and noted that written testimony could be submitted later. The hearing concluded with the committee moving through the sign-up list and hearing extensive public testimony on the teacher retirement and divestment proposals.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Feb 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So this figure here, as you can see, it compares the base LCFF rate for high schools in this blue bar
- And having a pathway toward a diploma, a high school diploma, would be a great boost for them.
- And having a pathway towards a diploma, a high school diploma, would be a great boost for them.
- Additionally, we hope to see more targeted investments toward English learners and high-need students
- That just highlights the need for a fully discretionary block grant. I hope you'll retain that.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress, including S.257, to improve the resilience of critical supply chains. Feb 11th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- rates too high for too long.
- The high prices right now for home affordability, you add the interest rates to it.
- And those are high for reasons not particularly closely related to Fed policy.
- It's just another reminder of how much people hate inflation and how bad high inflation is for people
- So thank you for your patience and for being here.
Bills:
SB257
Keywords:
supply chain resilience, critical supply chains, critical goods, manufacturing, domestic manufacturing, reshoring, nearshoring, supply chain security, supply chain shock, supply chain disruption, critical infrastructure, emerging technologies, semiconductors, microelectronics, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, advanced manufacturing, blockchain, cybersecurity
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HED/EDN Joint Public Hearing - Wed Feb 5, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:27:03.240><c> funding</c><00:27:03.720><c> for</c> coming in and asking for funding for coming
- </c><00:29:13.519><c> revenue</c> for generally for the University revenue for generally for the University
- It appropriates funds for salaries and fringe benefits of positions for the Institute for Astronomy,
- </c> positions for the uh Institute for positions for the uh Institute for astronomy<01:11:05.600><c>
- um</c><01:30:59.440><c> for</c> we had asked for funding for the um for we had asked for funding for
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 707, which would create a state income tax deduction for contributions to Hawaii 529 college savings accounts and conform state law to federal changes allowing 529 funds to be used for K-12 expenses. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the bill as written. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure but asked that ABLE accounts be included and that the program title be changed; the Department of Taxation indicated the title issue could be a problem because the bill’s expanded purpose may not fit the current program name. No vote was taken.
The committee then heard House Bill 617, which would fund a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges. UH Community Colleges supported the bill, and Maui nursing staff testified that faculty recruitment is challenging but manageable, clinical placements are available, and the campus already has a statewide RN-to-BSN pathway; they said the new program would create two tracks, including a four-year BSN option. Members also heard support from several organizations, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, nursing groups, and health care associations. No action was taken.
Next were several UH-related measures. HB 718 would fund faculty and staff positions at the John A. Burns School of Medicine; the dean and other supporters testified in favor. HB 1279 would create a medical education liaison position tied to Project ECHO; the Attorney General raised constitutional concerns about statewide concern and grant standards, while an individual witness supported the concept but suggested the bill should focus on liaison/support functions rather than program administration. HB 1169 would consolidate conference center revolving funds, and HB 1168 would authorize up to $800 million in UH revenue bonds; UH’s CFO said both were procedural/housekeeping measures and supported them. On HB 1168, members questioned debt service, possible uses, and whether deferred maintenance would be included; the CFO estimated annual debt service could be about $33 million to $41 million at current rates, said likely uses could include student housing and research facilities, and said deferred maintenance was not the current strategy. The CFO also explained that revenue bonds require both legislative authorization and a Board of Regents resolution approving the project and amount.
Finally, the committee heard HB 548, which would authorize revenue bonds and appropriations to acquire the St. Francis School campus for UH Mānoa. UH supported the bill but noted the property is privately owned and not known to be for sale. A supporter described the site as a unique 11-acre parcel contiguous to the main campus and urged the committee to seize the opportunity for future generations. No vote or final action was taken on the bills in the transcript.