Video & Transcript : 'support demonstration' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here speaking in support of House Bill 4687, which would be a permanent continuation of the tax split
- Are they, you know, mostly small businesses that are employing people within the city and supporting
- Our businesses are actually really good neighbors, and they very much support our town.
- We need your support to do it. But we need your help, so we need your support to do this.
- Here to testify remotely in support, we have Scott Rodman, Michael Callender, and Ben Sonega.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on 17 late-file and miscellaneous bills, with testimony focused on several local tax and fee proposals. The first major item was H. 4687 for Watertown, which would permanently continue a special property tax classification allowing the city to maintain a 50% residential minimum factor and a 175% commercial shift. Watertown officials and local legislators said the measure is needed to prevent an estimated 18% residential tax increase when the current temporary authority expires, arguing that the city’s commercial growth and 1988 tax rules have created an unintended burden on homeowners, especially seniors. Committee members asked about the regional business impact, whether major taxpayers might leave, and why a permanent change was sought instead of another short extension; Watertown officials said the policy had not deterred commercial growth and that the city’s fiscal planning and stabilization funds were being used for schools, infrastructure, and bond rating support.
The committee also heard H. 4435 from Charlemont, which would authorize a local tax on commercial recreation services. Town officials described Charlemont as a small rural community with a large visitor burden from skiing, rafting, and other recreation, saying police, fire, and EMS costs rise sharply during peak seasons and that the tax would help shift some of those costs to visitors rather than local residents. A committee member questioned the legal structure of taxing recreation services versus goods, but the town said the proposal was modeled on the meals and rooms tax and had local business support.
Finally, testimony was taken on H. 4722, promoting fair tax treatment for zero-emission vehicles, especially electric school buses and Class 3-8 trucks. Supporters, including EV advocates, a school transportation company, and Rep. Gentile, said the bill would cap sales and excise taxes on EV vehicles at the level of comparable diesel vehicles to remove an unintended tax penalty, keep revenue neutral, and support the state’s climate goals while helping school districts and private bus operators manage higher upfront costs. Rep. Gentile also spoke in support of H. 4755, which would amend Sudbury’s means-tested senior property tax exemption so the town would not need new special legislation if the program is renewed again in the future. No votes were taken, and the hearing concluded after public testimony and committee questions.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Audit Committee Jun 1st, 2026
Joint Legislative Audit
Transcript Highlights:
- And I do know that they are likely to go back out to the public and request support.
- I couldn't personally support the audit, though, that's proposed today. Thanks, Mr. Chair.
- So I'm going to support the audit.
- So I also intend to support the audit and thank Senator Cortese for bringing this forward.
- If you can just state your name and whether you're in support or not in support, and give a few seconds
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I just want to urge your support.
- So I'll be in support of it. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- So I'll be in support of it. Thank you. Thank you, Senator.
- So thus my support of the motion. It's a limited scope... So thus my support of the motion.
- I'm still close, but I'm going to support the motion at this point. Thank you.
Summary:
Senate Commerce met with a quorum, approved the March 10, 2026 minutes, and recognized page Hayden Carter with remarks from committee members and a presentation of a Capitol flag and certificate. The committee then took up several bills, generally under tight time constraints, with brief sponsor presentations and testimony from supporters and opponents.
House Bill 773, a code cleanup bill related to credit unions and corporate credit unions, was presented by Rep. Ayler, received no public testimony, and was sent to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 702, which would alter Uniform Commercial Code provisions on securities ownership and creditor priority, drew extensive debate: sponsors argued it would better protect stock owners in insolvency situations and cited examples such as Lehman Brothers and MF Global, while a Uniform Law Commissioner testified that the bill would make Idaho an outlier and could disrupt the securities system and access to margin accounts and clearing liquidity. After discussion, the committee adopted a substitute motion to hold HB 702 in committee.
House Bill 648, an oral anti-cancer medication parity bill, received strong support from sponsors, cancer survivors, and advocacy groups, who said it would prevent patients from facing much higher out-of-pocket costs for oral chemotherapy than for IV treatment. Members noted personal experiences with cancer treatment, and the bill was sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation. House Bill 787, which consolidates the Medical Board of Podiatry under the Board of Medicine, also passed with a do pass recommendation after brief discussion of expected efficiencies. House Bill 790, a voluntary certification bill for interior designers that would allow sign-and-seal authority for limited nonstructural work, drew the most divided testimony: supporters said it would remove barriers and reduce costs, while architects warned it could expand into the practice of architecture and raise public-safety concerns. Despite reservations from some members, the committee voted to send HB 790 to the floor with a do pass recommendation.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Please, urging your support. Those early opportunities to succeed. Please, urging your support.
- And then, of course, supporting some marina compliance projects.
- So I ask for your support. Thank you, Representative Fitzgibbon. Additional discussion.
- And then, of course, supporting some Marina compliance projects.
- . ...to pay for that program, and for that reason I ask for your support.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/12/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- We are in support of this initiative, and we ask you to support it as well.
- So we're here to stand in support of protecting our military families and ask that you support this.
- So I ask that you support it. Thank you, Mr.
- So we're here to stand in support of protecting our military families and ask that you support this.
- I support school choice.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Appropriations, Transportation and Technology heard HCR 2048, as amended by a strike-everything amendment. The amendment would constitutionally prohibit the state from confiscating scholarship account monies from children of military families who are eligible for education scholarship accounts (ESAs) and can use the funds for tuition and fees at eligible postsecondary institutions. It also would make any later bill or voter-approved measure that violates that prohibition void in its entirety, with no severability, for measures enacted or approved on or after November 1, 2026.
Representative Way, the sponsor, said the measure was intended to protect military families from having education funds taken away and argued that military children face unique disruptions because of deployments and frequent moves. Supporters including Matt Beinberg of the Goldwater Institute, Kevin Beasty of the Arizona Christian Education Coalition, Peter Gentala of the Center for Arizona Policy, and Senator Rogers said the amendment was needed to safeguard military families and preserve their ability to use ESA funds flexibly, including for college savings. Opponents, including Senators Alston, Fernandez, Kuby, and Epstein, argued the proposal was unnecessary, overly broad, and an attempt to preempt or invalidate a pending ESA-related citizen initiative. They also raised concerns about ESA accountability, public school funding, and constitutional issues involving voter initiatives and judicial review.
After debate, the committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then voted on HCR 2048 as amended. The final committee vote was 6 ayes, 4 noes, and 1 not voting, giving the measure a do-pass recommendation.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Audit Committee Jun 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And I do know that they are likely to go back out to the public and request support.
- I couldn't personally support the audit, though, that's proposed today. Thanks, Mr. Chair.
- Testifying here in support of this... Approving public safety across California.
- But I'm going to support the audit.
- And if you can just state your name and if it's, you know, just in support or not in support, and a few
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee met to consider new audit requests. The State Auditor reported 10 JALAC audits in progress, with several expected to be published over the coming months, and noted that litigation is delaying the Huntington Beach air show audit. The committee approved a consent calendar of four audit requests covering UC library resources, law enforcement information sharing, EDD unemployment insurance claims, and Housing and Community Development housing development monitoring.
The committee then heard Assembly Member DeMaio’s request for an audit of SANDAG’s road project management and use of transportation funds. DeMaio argued the audit was needed to restore public trust and examine whether restricted funds, voter-approved revenues, and project commitments were properly handled. SANDAG’s CEO and CFO said the agency manages many funding sources, undergoes frequent audits, and has strengthened internal controls; they said the requested review would be duplicative of existing oversight. After debate, the committee voted the request down.
Next, Senator Valadares presented an audit of the Board of State and Community Corrections’ Proposition 47 grant administration, focusing on whether grantees and BSCC are accurately reporting outcomes and recidivism data and whether oversight is sufficient. BSCC said the program already has multiple oversight layers, including Controller audits, and cited reported improvements in homelessness, employment, and recidivism outcomes. The committee approved the audit. Finally, Senator Cortese’s audit of CalHR’s dental benefits procurement and contract oversight was heard, with supporters citing long-standing benefit caps, provider network problems, and retirees’ out-of-pocket costs. CalHR said its network remains strong, that it recently ran an RFP adding MetLife as a second carrier starting in 2027, and that it uses performance guarantees. The committee approved that audit as well, then completed add-on votes approving the earlier consent calendar items before adjourning.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 11, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- And supporting our panelists, we also have the following: Ms.
- So how do our partners support us?
- That's because of your support. We appreciate it, and we love what we do.
- They're using the Zello tool, that's the legislative-supported tool.
- We support one another, and we share a mission. Thank you. Thank you.
Summary:
The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee heard a panel discussion focused on how Florida schools and colleges are exposing students to in-demand careers in manufacturing, semiconductors, transportation, and related fields, and how they are building pathways from middle school through postsecondary training. Panelists from Seminole County Public Schools, Lake Technical College/Lake County Schools, and St. Petersburg College described their career academies, dual enrollment options, industry certifications, and partnerships with employers, local governments, and state colleges. They emphasized early career awareness, counseling, and parent outreach as key to helping students understand technical education as a viable and prestigious path.
Seminole County highlighted 51 career and professional education academies and new offerings in agricultural biotechnology, global finance, firefighting, and planned aerospace engineering. Lake County described Lake Technical College’s programs, strong completion and placement outcomes, and three partnerships: a flexible-day high school/workforce model at Lincoln Park Education Center, the Lake Works pathway collaboration with Lake Sumter State College, and a Transportation Innovation Hub with the City of Tavares that trains students on municipal vehicles and serves multiple local governments. St. Petersburg College discussed its manufacturing and engineering technology programs, including semiconductor processing, mechatronics, soldering, and clean-room training, along with new grant-funded expansion at its Midtown campus.
Members asked about wages, the semiconductor workforce, how to change perceptions of technical education, how parents are engaged, and how Bright Futures CAPE and Gold Seal scholarships are communicated. Witnesses said school counselors, CTE teachers, parent nights, and district communications are used to promote these options, and that many students can earn strong wages through short-term certifications or two-year degrees. Lake Technical College also raised concerns about workforce funding not keeping pace with teacher pay increases and inflation, noting that funding covers only about 80% of what it earns and tuition has remained unchanged for 18 years. The meeting ended with members praising the programs, and the subcommittee adjourned without any vote or formal action beyond rising and adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- the federal government did, or, you know, through some other means that it has been, you can't demonstrate
- So we support the concept that is... conversation.
- So we support the concept that is, Danny Woodward, policy attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project
- “I support the idea of a study, and we think it's long overdue.
- they're experts in going and getting the information and working with agencies who are already supportive
Bills:
SB825
Keywords:
illegal immigration, economic impact, environmental impact, financial impact, annual study, Texas, government report
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Border Security heard testimony on Senate Bill 825 by Senator Middleton, as substituted, which would require an annual or biennial study of the economic, environmental, and financial impacts of illegal immigration in Texas. Middleton said the bill is intended to provide lawmakers with comprehensive data on costs to law enforcement, health care, education, infrastructure, and taxpayers, and to support possible federal reimbursement claims. Several senators, including Hinojosa and Eckhardt, agreed that a study is needed but raised concerns about bias, the scope of the study, and whether the Comptroller’s Office rather than the governor’s office should conduct it. Middleton argued the governor’s office was the best coordinating entity because it could direct multiple agencies to provide data, while Hinojosa and others emphasized the Comptroller’s expertise and prior 2006 study.
Public testimony was generally supportive of the idea of a study but critical of the bill’s framing. Sarah Cruz of the ACLU of Texas said the study should be a full cost-benefit analysis and warned that focusing only on costs could create an anti-immigrant narrative. Danny Woodward of the Texas Civil Rights Project also supported the concept but recommended moving the study to the Comptroller or, alternatively, creating a neutral commission. Jaime Pointe of Every Texan likewise supported updating the 2006 analysis and said state agencies should be able to cooperate with a governor-led study.
Resource witnesses from the governor’s office, HHSC, TEA, OCA, TDCJ, and DPS explained that data collection would be uneven across agencies. HHSC and TEA said they often do not collect immigration status and, in TEA’s case, federal law limits schools from requesting such information; OCA and TDCJ said they could provide only partial or indirect data unless new reporting requirements were added. DPS said it already has Operation Lone Star data but would need to collect additional information if tasked with the broader study. The chair asked the governor’s office to provide a follow-up answer on separation-of-powers and related authority questions by the following Tuesday, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair without taking a vote on the bill.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 48 May 21st, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- They shifted to use supportive counseling, prioritizing psychosocial support, and non-invasive resolutions
- And did I ever come to support that bill? No, because I don't believe in supporting that bill.
- And I just appreciate your support.
- I am here in support of HB 1608.
- So that was your support.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 22nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill enjoys a large coalition of supporters and no known opposition.
- It has received bipartisan support and no no votes.
- I rise in strong support of SB 1153.
- President, and I thank my colleague for his support and his words.
- This bill has received bipartisan support, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered a Memorial Day prayer, and welcomed a third-grade class from Sacred Heart Parish School to the chamber. Members then handled several procedural motions, including suspending a joint rule to allow budget subcommittees to meet during blackout period and removing certain bills from inactive or consent files.
The chamber confirmed multiple gubernatorial appointments, including Nicholas Mueller to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, Arthur Krantz to the Public Employment Relations Board, Chris Ferguson to the California Student Aid Commission, and Brian Haynes to the same commission. The Senate also adopted several resolutions, including SR 102 recognizing National Safe Boating Week, SCR 172 proclaiming Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, SCR 177 declaring World No Tobacco Day, SR 107 for Lupus Awareness Month, and SR 115 marking the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris in California wine history.
On third reading, the Senate passed a series of bills on topics including beverage container recycling fees (SB 1341), school employee misconduct procedures (SB 1083), wildfire preparedness for water suppliers (SB 1153), insurance cost-sharing accounting (SB 1199), nonprofit government liaison services (SB 1240), energy coordination and fuel supply planning (SB 1337), language access in elections (SB 1360), gaming fee transparency (SB 920), mental health evaluation in Care Court-related cases (SB 1016), reckless driving penalties (SB 1198), greenhouse gas reporting for subsidized medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (SB 1213), the Go Green financing program (SB 1265), repossession transport interference (SB 1338), and wildlife coexistence (SB 1135). Most measures passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes; SB 920 passed 28-1, SB 1265 passed 26-5, and SB 1135 passed with two no votes.
The session concluded with a Veterans Caucus adjournment-in-memory ceremony honoring 82 fallen service members, followed by adjournment until the next scheduled floor session.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 11, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Sam Wagner, Florida League of Cities, waves in support.
- Do you wish is waves in support? Any debate? Any debate on the bill? Any debate?
- Development is needed to support the new residents.
- Next we have Derek Tabrett Schoffer, Americans for Prosperity, waves in support.
- We have Alyssa Wilson, representing Baron Collier, waving in support.
Summary:
The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard a full agenda of local and policy bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports. Early in the meeting, the committee approved HB 4019, capping Lake County inmate health care and emergency transport reimbursements at percentages tied to Medicare; HB 97, allowing small counties to opt back into transportation concurrency; HB 267, expanding SHIP/local housing assistance eligibility to mobile home owners paying lot rent; HB 351, creating a framework for concurrent state jurisdiction over certain matters involving military installations, with an amendment changing the bill to say the state “may accept” jurisdiction; HB 4013, revising and merging fire district boundaries in Lee County; HB 481, increasing public nuisance fines and strengthening nuisance abatement and foreclosure procedures; HB 4025, conveying state land to the Village of Tequesta for continued park use; and HB 4017, repealing an obsolete Nassau County recreation and water control district, as amended.
The most extensive discussion centered on HB 299, the “Blue Ribbon Projects” bill, which would create a voluntary framework for very large developments that dedicate 60% of land to conservation while allowing compact, walkable development and affordable housing on the remainder. The sponsor argued it would balance growth, conservation, and housing affordability without new bureaucracy, while opponents from Audubon Florida, county groups, and local governments warned the bill could weaken local planning, lack enforceable conservation safeguards, and allow nonconservation uses within reserved areas. Supporters said it could preserve large tracts of land at no taxpayer cost and improve long-range planning. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying reserve areas, allowing use of the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, requiring easements be provided without charge, and aligning affordability definitions with existing programs. The bill then passed favorably as amended, with some members voting no.
The committee also approved HB 4023, a local bill adjusting the boundaries of the Ave Maria Stewardship Community District in Collier County, with no change to the district’s powers and duties. Several bills drew supportive testimony from local officials, industry groups, or affected residents, and some had amendments adopted without objection. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted it was the last interim committee week meeting, thanked members and staff, and encouraged continued stakeholder engagement ahead of session.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 10, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- We've got tools that can support that directly on the other side.
- And so that includes things like wastewater wetlands mitigation, maritime support.
- We want to you know, I called fast tracking warfighter support.
- And then we also, of course, support veterans.
- We are a member of his support and have been for a really long time.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, I agree with your emphasis on support.
- I really support a multi-pronged approach usually regarding water supply.
- It is for this reason that we support HJR7 to develop or transport fresh groundwater.
- My name is Jeremy Mazur with Texas 2036, and I am here today in support of HJR7.
- We are in support of H.J.R. 7 and the 8% allocation.
Keywords:
alcohol, taxation, reporting requirements, sales, distribution, death tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, property transfer, constitutional amendment, water fund, Texas water supply, state revenue, infrastructure, HJR 7, Texas Legislature, quorum, majority quorum, two-thirds quorum, legislative procedure
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 48 May 21st, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He demonstrated a fierce love for the city and selfless service.
Summary:
The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports. The Rules Committee recommended adoption of a series of congratulatory and honorary resolutions, including multiple Eagle Scout recognitions and a resolution honoring Bishop-elect Boudicke E. Azidi, Jr.; the House suspended the rules and adopted them. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow a petition by Joshua Tarski for legislation creating a Veteran Suicide Mortality Review and Prevention Council within the Executive Office of Veterans Services.
The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee reported several local bills for consideration, including measures on transparency in municipal health insurance, a means-tested senior property tax exemption in Reading, Holyoke mayoral vacancy and residency requirements, and a Linfield appropriation from the Gulf Enterprise Fund. After suspending Rule 7A, the House ordered these bills to a third reading. The House then passed to enactment a bill allowing retired police officers to serve as special police officers in Fairhaven, and passed to engrossment bills concerning the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in Egertown and maintenance of pre-employment physical examination records for public safety personnel in Quincy.
The House also observed a moment of silent tribute for James McCauley, a former Newburyport Ward 5 city councilor remembered for his public service and civic involvement. Finally, the House adopted an order to meet the following Tuesday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned to an informal session.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 22nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Therefore, I ask you to join me in raising awareness of safe boating practices and support SR 102.
- The bill enjoys a large coalition of supporters and no known opposition.
- It has received bipartisan support and no no votes.
- I rise in strong support of SB 1153.
- This bill has received bipartisan support, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Feb 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We support the Senate's increase in maintenance spending for this budget.
- Today we are testifying in support of the proposed supplemental budget.
- Today we are testifying in support of the proposed supplemental budget.
- We are testifying in support of the proposed supplemental budget.
- We are still reviewing the proposed budget, but I am here to demonstrate our support for a few key items
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee held public hearings on a proposed substitute for House Bill 2306, the 2026 transportation supplemental budget, and on proposed substitute House Bill 2711, a transportation resources bill. Staff described HB 2306 as revising the enacted 2025-27 transportation budget, increasing spending by about $1.1 billion to $16.5 billion, largely through reappropriations and new funding for preservation, maintenance, rail, transit, active transportation, ferries, licensing, and State Patrol needs. The chair and ranking member emphasized caution because of downward revenue forecasts, uncertainty around major project bids and future fish passage costs, and the decision to use existing bond authority without new bonding. Public testimony on HB 2306 generally supported preservation, maintenance, rail improvements, dredging, transit access, and local safety projects, while some witnesses urged more support for EV incentives and long-term transportation funding stability.
For HB 2711, staff explained that the bill responds to administrative issues in last year’s transportation resources law, including fuel tax inflation adjustments, luxury vehicle/aircraft/vessel taxes, the indigent tow reimbursement program, tire fee language, and other tax administration provisions. The proposed substitute would repeal the luxury aircraft tax, adjust peer-to-peer rental car tax administration, restore authority for the Transportation Commission to exempt transit buses from tolls, waive certain penalties and interest tied to early compliance with the luxury vehicle tax, allow lease payments to be taxed incrementally, add exemptions for tribal members and nonresidents, change transfer timing between accounts, and create a Preserve Washington Account for highway preservation and maintenance. Fiscal notes projected additional revenue from aligning use tax with sales tax and modest administrative costs, while delaying the tow reimbursement program reduced near-term expenditures.
Testimony on HB 2711 was mixed. RV dealers asked for a delay to the luxury vehicle tax, arguing the industry is already in decline and the tax could push sales out of state. WFSE supported the new Preserve Washington Account and urged higher bid limits for highway maintenance work. Committee members asked for clarification on the peer-to-peer rental car tax and the transit bus toll exemption. The chair announced that executive session on the bills, along with one other measure, would occur Wednesday, and members were told to submit amendment requests by the next day.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 4th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- And we also have Carolyn Timmons, Florida Chamber of Commerce, waving in support.
- No, yes, waving in support. Thank you. Is there any debate on the bill?
- So with that, I just ask for my colleagues' favorable support today. Thank you.
- So with that, I just ask for my colleagues' favorable support today. Thank you.
- This has been demonstrated already. As a trustee, I want to lead.
Keywords:
tuition, resident status, incarceration, education, equal access, nursing shortage, health care, education funding, workforce development, LINE Fund, monetary contributions, nonmonetary contributions
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider one bill, a postponed bill, and a slate of trustee confirmations. The committee first took up CS/SB 1246, which expands the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) fund to support health science workforce shortages beyond nursing, including allied health programs. The bill also broadens eligible uses of funds, revises matching requirements and grant criteria, and updates reporting requirements. A strike-all amendment was adopted without objection, and the committee then reported the bill favorably after supportive testimony from Florida State College at Jacksonville, the Florida Hospital Association, the College of Central Florida, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Senator Davis also noted a favorable vote on the bill for the record.
The committee then temporarily postponed SB 720 at the sponsor’s request. Chair Harrell explained that the bill had been incorporated into a larger committee measure and would likely be heard later in another form. Public witnesses who had come to speak on the bill were not heard because of the postponement.
The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for trustees at several state colleges, including Chipola College, Tallahassee State College, Pensacola State College, Palm Beach State College, Pasco-Hernando State College, and St. Petersburg College. The appointees emphasized themes of affordability, workforce training, nursing and allied health success, dual enrollment, community partnerships, and local economic development. After hearing from the appointees, the committee approved a block motion to recommend confirmation of all appointees on tabs 2 through 25. The meeting then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Governor Gavin Newsom's State of the State Address Jan 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It's an economic plan that's family-supporting.
- Here's the number: our investments support close to half a million children. 487,000 children are supported
- They supported Proposition 1 with a passage in 2024, $6.38 billion.
- We're supporting local law enforcement.
- We're supporting local law enforcement.
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.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Governor Gavin Newsom's State of the State Address Jan 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It's an economic plan that's family-supporting.
- Here's the number: Our investments support close to half a million children. 487,000 children are supported
- They supported Proposition 1 with a passage in 2024, $6.38 billion.
- We're supporting local law enforcement.
- We're supporting local law enforcement.