Video & Transcript : 'factory closures' :
Page 29 of 177
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee May 5th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- I just want to ask about, to prevent the closures, is the amount sufficient to prevent closures, and
- I just want to ask about to prevent the closures is the amount sufficient to prevent closures and how
- And so, again, you know, there are those who are within months of closure.
- Is that enough time to prevent closure?
- And that basically helps to verify the 10-day closure, as well as other data.
Committee:
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review
Summary:
The committee heard AB 108, a budget bill junior that would amend the 2025 Budget Act to create a one-time $25 million General Fund grant program at HCAI for hospitals in immediate and significant financial distress. The bill also included a technical change related to property tax deferments for eligible low-income seniors. Finance explained that eligible hospitals would have to be not-for-profit, have less than 10 days cash on hand, show best efforts to exhaust other financing, and have a payer mix of more than 50% government payers and uninsured patients; the bill also gives HCAI expedited contracting and rulemaking authority. Members and the LAO noted the proposal is intended as a short-term bridge until July 1, while broader hospital support is expected in the May Revision and next year’s budget.
Much of the discussion focused on whether $25 million is enough, how many hospitals would qualify, and whether the 10-day cash threshold is too narrow. Several senators argued the administration had not provided enough data or a clear methodology, and raised concerns about fairness compared with the earlier Distressed Hospital Loan Program, which used broader criteria and provided loans rather than grants. Members also raised broader policy issues affecting hospital finances, including Medi-Cal reimbursement rates, seismic retrofit costs, federal funding changes, and the need for better data and more immediate assessment of hospital distress. The LAO said the current proposal is narrower than the prior loan program and emphasized the need for better reporting and analysis going forward.
Public commenters, including the California Hospital Association, district hospital representatives, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and county officials, supported the bill and urged additional longer-term funding for distressed hospitals. The chair and several members said the bill is a short-term emergency measure for a small number of hospitals at risk of imminent closure, while broader solutions will be addressed later in the budget process. AB 108 was then moved and passed out of committee on an 18-0 vote, with the roll held open briefly to secure remaining votes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 4660 does not increase the number or duration of closures, and weekend closures will be... remain
- or the duration of beach closures.
- Each closure remains limited by our FAA-required 500 closure hours per year.
- Furthermore, this bill vastly expands the premise for beach and highway closures. highway closures to
- Each closure still remains.
Bills:
HB45 , HB755 , HB 1232 , HB1555 , HB2460 , HB2702 , HB2973 , HB3120 , HB3225 , HB3314 , HB3356 , HB3371 , HB3634 , HB3638 , HB4247 , HB4283 , HB4290 , HB4302 , HB4503 , HB4511 , HB4565 , HB4581 , HB4627 , HB4632 , HB4660 , HB4668 , HB4960 , HB5042 , HB45
Committee:
House State Affairs
Keywords:
housing, affordable housing, rent control, landlord-tenant laws, housing rights, lobbying, public entities, expenditures, government code, transparency, Texas Ethics Commission, government regulation, lobbying restrictions, government accountability, taxpayer money, HB 1232, whistleblower, whistleblower protection, public employee, retaliation
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, this is like the closure type of special order calendar.
- And you would put those bills on a 10-minute closure calendar?
- So now, how do I get a bill on a 10-minute closure calendar?
- I'm literally speaking about a 10-minute closure calendar.
- This base is a closure.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Utilities and Energy Committee and Natural Resources Committee and Transportation Committee Aug 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The closure that is...
- And to pivot a little bit to the closures, the closure announcement of Phillips 66, workers left behind
- And to pivot a little bit to the closures, the closure announcement of Phillips 66, workers left behind
- that, are at risk of refinery closures.
- With the potential closures, we'll be down to potentially seven.
Summary:
The joint informational hearing focused on California’s transportation fuels sector, especially the risk of refinery closures, fuel supply stability, and how the state should manage a long transition to cleaner transportation. Committee chairs and agency leaders said California’s fuel market is becoming more fragile as demand declines, refinery capacity shrinks faster than demand, and the state relies more on imports and a smaller number of critical pipelines. Professor Emily Grubert framed the issue as a managed transition problem in which the public already bears much of the risk and should also capture benefits from any state intervention.
CARB Chair Leanne Randolph reviewed California’s climate and air-quality framework, including AB 32, the low-carbon fuel standard, clean vehicle rules, and the state’s at-berth regulation for port vessels. She said these programs are intended to reduce fossil fuel demand while protecting public health, and she noted that California remains in litigation over federal attempts to block some waivers. CEC Vice Chair Sivagunda described the administration’s market-stabilization work, saying the state is trying to preserve fuel supply and investor confidence during a “mid-transition” period. He said the CEC’s recommendations fall into three broad areas: stabilizing the existing fuel system, aligning regulatory tools such as a possible pause on the CEC’s margin cap, and planning for worker and community impacts.
Department of Conservation Director Jennifer Lucasey outlined the administration’s petroleum market stabilization proposal, centered on returning California crude production to a 125 million-barrel annual stabilization target to support pipeline throughput and domestic supply. The proposal would codify the ban on hydraulic fracturing, validate Kern County’s oil and gas permitting ordinance, create a temporary CEQA exemption for new wells in existing fields paired with a two-for-one plug-and-abandon requirement, and strengthen spill prevention and pipeline safety rules. Several members questioned the CEQA exemption, tribal consultation, environmental review, and whether the proposal would adequately protect communities and workers. Mayor Steve Young of Benicia testified that a Valero refinery closure would sharply reduce city revenue and jobs, while also creating redevelopment and remediation challenges; he said the city wants a cleaner future but needs time and support to manage the economic loss. No formal vote was taken at the hearing, though CEC officials said a vote on a margin-cap pause was expected at an upcoming business meeting.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Rural Issues Feb 18th, 2026
Special Committee on Rural Issues
Transcript Highlights:
- The challenge with what happens in Boonville or in other communities where there's a closure is that
- For every hospital closure, the cost is not just lives lost. Closures destabilize rural economies.
- Closures destabilize rural economies.
- Well, we've seen hospital closures, like you say, for 20 years.
- Well, we've seen hospital closures, like you say, for 20 years.
Committee:
House Special Committee on Rural Issues
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Labor and Employment
Transcript Highlights:
- But last December, Anthro announced their first large-scale factory, not here but in Louisville, Kentucky
- But last December, Anthro announced their first large-scale factory, not here but in Louisville, Kentucky
Committee:
House Labor and Employment
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty - Monday, April 13
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, for example, point pollution would be like a water discharge from a factory or a wastewater treatment
- So, for example, point pollution would be like a water discharge from a factory or a wastewater treatment
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, I think if you would use a piece of equipment in a factory, you know, it's hard to determine, you
- Beautiful industrial park, factories, all kinds of stuff there, beautiful campus, lots of green space
Committee:
House Ways and Means
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Regulating Artificial Intelligence / Legislation to Stop Dangerous Deepfakes Mar 16th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to use the AI, then actually it could be a boon for working people, whether they're working on a factory
- to use the AI, then actually it could be a boon for working people, whether they're working on a factory
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- When an employee resigns or has their employment terminated, their electronic devices are wiped and factory
- be a lawsuit, they not only didn't save the phone, but within four days of the child's death, had factory
Committee:
House House Judiciary
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Organizational business meeting to consider committee rules for the 119th Congress, an original resolution authorizing expenditures by the committee during the 119th Congress, designation of subcommittees for the 119th Congress, designation of member Feb 6th, 2025 at 08:50 am
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, let's take an example of a factory in Mexico that...
- whether it's tariffs or market opening, that go directly to workers who are working on the line in factories
Committee:
Senate Finance Committee
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, December 12, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to buy foreign beef that hurts Ohio cattlemen, they ought to restore this support to boost U.S. factories
- :52.159><c> and</c><02:10:52.480><c> new</c><02:10:52.719><c> jobs</c><02:10:53.119><c> here</c> factories
- , companies, and new jobs here factories, companies, and new jobs here at<02:10:53.520><c> home.
- :52.960><c> some</c> retail outlets out there, though some retail outlets out there, though some factories
- as well, who so desperately factories as well, who so desperately are<04:15:56.000><c> looking</c><04
Bills:
HB3668
Keywords:
pipeline, natural gas, Natural Gas Act, FERC, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, NEPA, environmental review, permitting reform, LNG, liquefied natural gas, certificate of public convenience and necessity, section 7, section 3, Clean Water Act, section 401, water quality certification, state authority, interagency coordination, pipeline safety, pipeline security
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- In the last biennium, we have seen the closure of some...
- In this biennium, we have seen the closure of some rural offices.
- We've seen some emergency closures.
- In this biennium, we have seen the closure of some rural offices.
- We've seen some emergency closures.
Bills:
HB2306
Committee:
House Transportation
Keywords:
transportation budget, capital budget, operating budget, appropriations, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferry funding, state ferries, highway maintenance, road preservation, bridge replacement, tolling, express toll lanes, traffic safety, speed cameras, ignition interlock, transit grants, public transit
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/18/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I also want to say thank God for the closure of Stillwater Water Water Prison.
- I also want to say thank God for the closure of Stillwater Water Water Prison.
- I also want to say thank God for the closure of Stillwater Prison.
- I also want to say thank God for the closure of Stillwater Prison.
- I I just wanted closure of Still Water.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee May 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We want to get an update on the impending refinery closures and the anticipated impact of those closures
- of the Benicia, or the announced closure of the Benicia facility.
- Refinery closures are happening in Texas, nationally and internationally.
- And then after that grand jury indictment, they announced closure.
- They announced the closure for Benicia at the end of 2026.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held its annual oversight hearing on the transportation fuels sector, focused on California’s fuel transition, the announced refinery closures by Phillips 66 and Valero, and the potential effects on supply, prices, and the broader fuel system. Committee leadership said the state needs a system-wide transition plan rather than a piecemeal approach, and state witnesses from CARB, the CEC, and DPMO described the fuel market as a complex, interconnected ecosystem involving crude production, refining, storage, imports, and delivery. They emphasized that declining gasoline demand from EV adoption is occurring alongside shrinking in-state refining capacity, which could increase volatility and price spikes if not managed carefully.
CARB Chair Liane Randolph reviewed the state’s climate and air-quality programs, including AB 32, SB 32, the 2022 scoping plan, the low-carbon fuel standard, and vehicle emissions rules. She said these policies have reduced emissions substantially but that California still faces major ozone and PM2.5 problems, especially in disadvantaged communities. Randolph also said federal actions challenging California waivers could complicate the state’s clean-air efforts, and she noted that while liquid fuels will still be needed in some sectors, the state must continue reducing fossil fuel dependence while protecting public health.
CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda and DPMO Director Ty Milder presented data on gasoline demand, refinery throughput, crude imports, and price differentials. Gunda said the Legislature’s special-session laws gave the agencies transparency and planning tools, and that the CEC is developing a fuels transition plan while evaluating whether any regulatory tools should be used. Milder previewed DPMO findings that Californians have paid a long-running “mystery gasoline surcharge” averaging 41 cents per gallon since 2015, with higher margins concentrated in branded gasoline and among vertically integrated firms. He said the data show a concentrated market with some refiners doing well and others struggling, and that DPMO will continue investigating price behavior, competition, and supply risks.
Members pressed the witnesses on whether state regulations contributed to refinery exits or higher prices, and on whether the agencies had adequately analyzed consumer costs. Witnesses said they had not yet implemented the new permissive tools from SB X1-2 and AB X2-1 because they were still assessing risks and benefits, and they stressed that refinery closures and capital decisions are driven by broader market conditions as well as regulation. No vote was taken; the hearing was informational, with the committee seeking updates and urging the agencies to develop a practical transition strategy that balances affordability, reliability, climate goals, and worker/community protections.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- there the next morning for insurance claims on that section of Delmar and, you know, where the glass factory
Committee:
House Commerce
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Agriculture Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And with those two amazing factories, soil and water, which fertilizer, not water, but with those two
Summary:
The committee first considered and unanimously recommended confirmation of Melanie Ressler to the Florida Citrus Commission. It then took up SPB 7020, a Department of Agriculture bill to reenact an expiring public records exemption for certain aquaculture production records held by the department. The department supported the measure, and the committee adopted a motion to submit it as a committee bill and reported it favorably.
Next, the committee heard SB 534, which would create a Hunger-Free Campus Pilot Program in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Senator Bernard explained that the program would target campuses with high percentages of Pell-eligible students, require a survey and SNAP-related assistance, provide at least one food pantry on participating campuses, and direct a report to the Governor and House Speaker by December 1, 2028. A supporter waived in, there was no debate, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee then received a lengthy presentation from Carla Bristol and youth ambassadors from the St. Pete Youth Farm. They described the farm as a youth-led response to local food access problems after grocery store closures, and outlined programs in leadership, financial literacy, career readiness, mental wellness, composting, aquaponics, community education, and food production. Members praised the program and asked about expansion, including a culinary kitchen or food truck, partnerships with schools and colleges, and how the initiative began. Bristol said the farm is funded mainly through local redevelopment dollars and that future plans include a food truck, more youth opportunities, and a possible culinary kitchen. The committee concluded with adjournment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Committee May 23rd, 2025
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- AB 557, McKenna, factory built housing, do pass out on an A roll call.
Committee:
House Appropriations
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Labor and Industrial Relations Apr 9th, 2026
Labor & Industrial Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- And number four was store closures and reduced expansion.
- It tells every worker, whether in an office, factory, hospital, or classroom, that they will not be punished
Committee:
House Labor & Industrial Relations
Summary:
The House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee met on April 9 and first took up Senate Bill 162, which would change the workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule appeal process. The bill, presented as a collaboration between the Attorney General’s office and trial lawyers, would require additional medical evidence submitted on appeal to be sent back to the medical director for review before court review continues. Members discussed the 30-day turnaround for the medical director and whether the process would delay injured workers’ cases. After testimony from injured workers’ representatives and support cards from several business and labor groups, the committee adopted the technical amendments and reported SB 162 favorably.
The committee then heard House Bill 353, which would establish a state minimum wage beginning at $12 per hour in 2027, rising to $15 in 2029 and then indexed to inflation. Supporters, including the sponsor, Invest in Louisiana, the Workplace Justice Project, 10,000 Women Louisiana, the AFL-CIO, and a young witness from People’s Promise, argued that Louisiana’s wages have lagged behind costs of living, that many workers remain in poverty, and that the bill would help families, reduce reliance on public benefits, and improve economic stability. Opponents, including NFIB and small-business advocates, argued that the market should set wages, that the bill would raise labor costs, compress pay scales, reduce hours or hiring, and potentially increase prices. After extended debate, the committee voted and HB 353 failed.
The committee next considered Senate Bill 383 on the incumbent worker training program. Senator Bass and Louisiana Works officials said the bill would expand and make the existing program more flexible, increase available funding, shorten the business eligibility period from three years to two, and allow unused funds to roll over. Members focused on how the program would reach workers, how businesses and employees would learn about training opportunities, and how it would support workforce development in growing regions. Support came from business and economic development groups, and the committee reported SB 383 favorably with amendments.
Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 382, which would repeal the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, described as the Senate version of a bill the committee had already considered. The transcript cuts off during discussion of the prior vote on the similar House version, and no final action on SB 382 is shown in the excerpt.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Labor and Industrial Relations Apr 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And number four was store closures and reduced expansion.
- It tells every worker, whether in an office, factory, hospital, or classroom, that they will not be punished
Summary:
The committee first took up Senate Bill 162, which would change the workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule appeals process by allowing additional medical evidence submitted in court to be sent back to the medical director for review and a new opinion. The Attorney General’s office explained the bill, noting a 30-day deadline for the medical director to act before the case returns to court. The bill drew support from injured workers and several business and labor groups, and the committee adopted technical amendments and then reported the bill favorably without objection.
House Bill 353, which would establish a state minimum wage starting at $12 in 2027, rising to $15 in 2029 and then indexed to inflation, prompted extensive testimony and debate. Supporters, including the sponsor, Invest in Louisiana, the Workplace Justice Project, 10,000 Women Louisiana, and the AFL-CIO, argued that Louisiana’s wages have lagged behind living costs, that many workers remain in poverty despite working, and that higher wages would help families and local economies. Opponents, including NFIB and several members, argued that the market is already setting wages above the federal minimum in many jobs, that a mandate would raise costs, compress pay scales, reduce hours or jobs, and hurt small businesses. After discussion, the committee voted on the bill and it failed on a roll call vote.
The committee then reported Senate Bill 383 favorably with amendments. That bill expands the incumbent worker training program by increasing funding flexibility, shortening the business eligibility period from three years to two, and allowing unobligated funds to roll over. Members and the Louisiana Works secretary discussed workforce training, outreach, and how to connect workers to existing training programs and high-demand jobs. The committee also reported Senate Bill 382 favorably, which repeals the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, and began hearing House Bill 422, the “Behind-the-Counter Safety Act,” aimed at workplace violence protections for retail and food service workers, including signage, reporting, and enhanced penalties; the sponsor explained it was intended to address attacks on frontline workers and to give businesses a tool to warn against violence.