Video & Transcript Research : 'SBA'
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FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Commerce and Tourism Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- WE ARE A RESOURCE PARTNER OF THE SBA.
- WE HELP FLORIDA COMMERCE WITH THEIR DAMAGE ASSESSMENT SURVEY AND SMALL BUSINESS LOANS AND ALSO THE SBA
- IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SBA AND LOCAL PARTNERS WE HAVE STOOD UP AND STAFF BUSINESS RECOVERY CENTERS WERE
- THE VPR HELP THEM WITH ALL THE REGULATION PIECES AND THE LICENSING AND OF COURSE WE HELP THEM WITH SBA
- SO SCORE IS A VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION WHERE WE ARE FUNDED ORGANIZATION BY THE SBA. WE DO SOMETHINGS.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Aug 12th, 2025
New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- money into businesses that had been closed down by the pandemic, and the federal dollars, through the SBA
- To compare us particularly to the EIDL loans, those were the disaster relief loans offered by the SBA
- One of the great collaborations that we had during that timeframe was working with SBA—no, not SBA.
- We could re-lend that money, so it was a very successful venture with the SBA program.
- Traditionally, how do you guys define SBA? I'm sorry, define small businesses. Pardon me.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 15, 2025 - 11:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Administration and Oversight of the SBA is provided by the trustees.
- The governor, the attorney general, the chief financial officer, SBA, says Second Director Christmas
- The proceeds from that bond issuance is invested by the SBA, SBA until the funds are needed.
- Proceeds are held in invest about the SBA into their needed to pay losses.
- And I say that the SBA invested in case we were done, need it to reimburse in church, ensures that that
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Aug 13th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So they're creating pools of SBA loans, and then we are purchasing those pools of loans.
- They're purchasing SBA loans that are in BIPOC neighborhoods and BIPOC to BIPOC borrowers.
- program, which was for businesses impacted by the pandemic that might not have been eligible for an SBA
- There is a similar study that the SBA conducted for the Small Business Administration Learning Program
- The SBA study showed that for every $1,000,000 in SBA loans, there are 5.4 new jobs created.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- And so it's not entirely answering your question, because that's a larger one, I think, for the SBA on
- It comes out of the SBA. Okay. Follow-up, Mr. Chair. You are recognized.
- down it's from the division of bond finance it's the state of Florida debt report comes out of the SBA
- The State Board of Administration (SBA) invests the money and is in charge of the funds.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee heard three measures focused on state finances. SB 1906 by Senator Brodeur would add a ninth element to the state debt reduction strategy report and create a program to transfer $250 million annually from the General Revenue Fund to accelerate retirement of outstanding state debt, while exempting the Department of Transportation and Florida Turnpike Enterprise. Members questioned the fiscal tradeoffs and flexibility, but the bill was supported in debate and reported favorably.
The committee then considered SJR 1908 by Chair Hooper, which would amend the Constitution to raise the Budget Stabilization Fund cap from 10% to 25% of general revenue collections, require $750 million annual deposits until the cap is reached, and allow withdrawals for critical state needs by separate bill with a two-thirds vote, while keeping existing rules for emergencies and revenue shortfalls. Testimony and debate centered on whether Florida already has sufficient reserves, how “critical state need” would be defined, and whether the new requirement would reduce flexibility during recessions or federal funding cuts. Despite opposition from advocacy groups and several senators, the resolution was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee took up HB 7031 as the vehicle for the tax package and adopted a delete-everything amendment to place it in the proper posture for conference. As amended, the bill was described as reducing the state sales tax by 0.75%, lowering the commercial rent tax from 2% to 1.25%, eliminating the business rent tax, and creating permanent sales tax exemptions while preserving sales tax holidays. The amended bill was reported favorably, and the committee then adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Aug 22nd, 2025
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- Political subdivisions and businesses in governor-declared disaster areas that qualify for FEMA or SBA
Keywords:
HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert, Silver Alert, Blue Alert, missing persons alerts, accessible alerts, hearing impaired
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
A joint hearing with the House Committee on Small Business to examine prosperity on Main Street, focusing on keeping taxes low for small businesses. Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Small businesses can't safely rely on an SBA. this moment that is being dismembered in real time.
- And if the SBA has to manage $1.6 million in student loans, then they can't get through.
- nets, disbands the services that are supposed to support these small business owners, disbands the SBA
- have larger businesses, maybe even employ a hundred or two hundred people, they're not going to the SBA
- The SBA even announced a Made in America manufacturing initiative, but in your testimony you mentioned
Keywords:
joint hearing, small business, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, economic recovery, tax relief, job creation
Summary:
In this joint hearing of the House Committee on Small Business and the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, the primary focus was on the importance of making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) permanent. The chair emphasized that small businesses are crucial for the nation's economic recovery, especially in the wake of current federal policies perceived as detrimental. Witnesses shared their experiences and highlighted how the tax cuts facilitated job creation and business expansion, stressing the need for continued support through ongoing tax relief measures. The meeting included discussions about the economic implications of the TCJA's potential expiration, with members voicing their concerns regarding how this could impact small businesses and the broader economy.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Linda McMahon, of Connecticut, to be Secretary of Education. Feb 13th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Your experience overseeing SBA loans will be a great asset as the Department looks to reform a very broken
- to take on that challenge than someone that I had confidence when she was the administrator of the SBA
- You have had the privilege, I know, to come to Alaska during your tenure at the SBA.
- This was when I was at SBA, and because we were looking at the fact that there was no real community
- In fact, in the first Trump administration, I was part of, with SBA and working with the Department of
Summary:
The committee meeting engaged in discussions focused primarily on educational reform, the influence of federal grants on local education systems, and the growing disparities in wealth and access to quality education. Members expressed concerns about the bureaucracy surrounding federal funding that hampers schools' ability to obtain necessary resources for improvement. Several members highlighted personal anecdotes from constituents, emphasizing the urgent need for reform to help students succeed in both K-12 and higher education environments. The meeting included public testimonies that provided insights into various community perspectives on these pressing issues.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Jun 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THIS IS NOT ENTIRELY ANSWERING YOUR QUESTION BECAUSE IT'S A LARGER ONE FOR THE SBA ON HOW WE MANAGE OUR
- ENTIRE ENTERPRISE BUT REALLY BECAUSE IT'S A LARGER ONE FOR THE SBA ON HOW WE MANAGE OUR ENTIRE ENTERPRISE
- IT COMES OUT OF THE SBA. >> Senator Polsky: FOLLOW UP?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- I also know that our fellow SBA companies have similar partnerships.
- I also know that our fellow SBA companies have similar partnerships.
- I'm testifying on behalf of the Sports Betting Alliance, or the SBA.
- SBA members DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, Fanatics, and most recently Bet365 are trusted sports betting
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on a range of gaming, racing, horse protection, problem gambling, and lottery bills. A major focus was H. 356 and related horse-racing legislation, which drew strong support from residents and animal-welfare advocates who argued that proposed racetrack and simulcast developments should require upfront traffic, environmental, public health, and economic studies, plus stronger local approval and transparency. They said past proposals in several communities had lacked adequate information and had imposed costs on towns. Opponents, including the New England Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, argued that the bills would harm racing, breeding, farms, and related jobs, and said horse racing is already heavily regulated and that claims about slaughter and safety were overstated. Several speakers also supported S. 280, which would protect horses and phase out or restrict horse racing, citing animal cruelty, injuries, and deaths.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 235 and HB 332 to authorize regulated online casino gaming (iGaming). DraftKings, FanDuel, IDEA, and the Sports Betting Alliance supported the bills, saying iGaming is already occurring illegally in Massachusetts and should be brought into a regulated, taxed market with age verification, responsible gaming tools, and consumer protections. They projected substantial annual tax revenue and argued legal iGaming would not cannibalize brick-and-mortar casinos, instead creating a “rising tide” effect. Opponents, including Local 26, the National Association Against iGaming, and problem-gambling advocates, warned of job losses, casino cannibalization, increased addiction, and greater harm to vulnerable players, citing experiences in other states and rising helpline calls. The committee asked for follow-up information on revenue and market-size estimates.
Later, Rep. Scanlon testified in support of S. 240 and S. 241, which would standardize gambling disclaimers and require annual reporting on problem-gambling treatment funded through the Public Health Trust Fund. He said the bills would make it easier for people to find help and improve oversight of treatment programs. Rep. Garcia testified in support of H. 434, which would change the formula for distributing lottery revenues, arguing that gateway and lower-income communities such as Chelsea contribute heavily to lottery sales but receive too little back in local aid. After hearing additional testimony and reading into the record bills that received no testimony, the committee recessed briefly, then closed the hearing by motion and vote.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine reforming SBIR-STTR for the 21st century. Mar 5th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I did over 30 patents, and I received the Tibbets Award from the SBA on behalf of Triton for success
- We received only 23 of the SBA awards compared to the national average of 118 awards per state.
- I want to talk a little bit about rural business access to SBA.
- SBA funding because we know small businesses are the key economic drivers in every Nevada community.
Keywords:
SBIR, STTR, Innovate Act, small business, innovation, legislative reforms, economic growth, funding, technology transfer
Summary:
The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Wed Feb 11, 2026 @ 8:30 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- The SBA is a trade organization that includes five of the nation's leading sports betting operators.
- The SBA is a trade organization that includes five of the nation's leading sports betting operators.
- :50:25.040>
trade <01:50:25.280>organization SBA. - The SBA is a trade organization SBA.
- So, at the SBA, uh, we are not able to comment on pending litigation involving our clients.
Keywords:
business development, arts, cultural affairs, Hawaii, commissions, administrative transfer, funding appropriation, Hawaiian culture, sense of place, land management, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, 910, house, all
Summary:
The committee heard several bills related to permitting and economic development. On HB 2603, relating to permits, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it supported the measure with comments. Committee discussion focused on the fact that the state’s facilitated permit process appears to have been rarely or never used, the need to identify specific projects that would use it, and whether DBEDT would need dedicated staffing to administer it. DBEDT said it had found no projects under the current process, had no capacity to run the program as structured, and estimated it would need about 7 to 9 FTEs, including permitting, coordination, data, systems, and possibly legal support. The chair suggested exploring a staff assignment and comparing the concept to federal FAST-41-style expedited permitting.
On HB 2140, relating to essential permitting positions, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development again supported the bill with comments. Testimony and questioning centered on a pilot program to help counties pay competitively for permitting staff. A DBEDT representative said the issue of competitive pay affected both county and state permitting offices and that the bill was intended as a temporary pilot, though a more permanent solution would be preferable. When asked how counties would fund the salary support, the witness said that was not yet discussed with the counties and agreed to follow up. The committee also noted the bill applies to participating counties.
On HB 2598, relating to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the State Procurement Office and HTDC offered comments, and the Department of the Attorney General raised constitutional concerns. The AG said the bill’s residency-based certification requirements, when tied to procurement, could implicate the dormant Commerce Clause, and that the required 1% contribution tied to state contracts raised unconstitutional-conditions concerns. In questioning, the AG characterized these as legal risks rather than automatic lawsuits. The committee did not take a vote.
The committee then heard HB 2141, relating to state enterprise zones. Taxation, DBEDT, HCDA, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, and HTDC testified in support, while the Tax Foundation noted the program was intended to help economically depressed areas create jobs. HTDC said the bill would help preserve the Maui Research and Technology Center’s enterprise-zone status after rezoning. Committee discussion focused on whether the enterprise zone program is being used effectively, how the bill might attract businesses to areas where the state is investing, and whether the program’s labor requirements are too burdensome for new businesses. DBEDT explained that the program requires a 10% workforce increase in the first year, which must be sustained, and said it promotes the program through county coordinators and in-person outreach. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- SBA, USDA, and the CDFI Fund.
- <00:04:50.320>
Many <00:04:50.560>of SBA, USDA, and the CDFI Fund. - Many of SBA, USDA, and the CDFI Fund.
- This includes<00:04:57.120>
SBA <00:04:57.560>Prime <00:04:57.920>Awards, <00:04: - 58.560>
the <00:04:58.680>USDA's includes SBA Prime Awards, the USDA's includes SBA Prime
Keywords:
airport workers, wage standards, labor rights, minimum wage, economic equity, surveillance, price discrimination, wage discrimination, consumer rights, automated decision systems, Minnesota Statutes, suitable seating, employee seating, workplace seating, occupational safety, workplace safety, labor standards, employer requirements, chair, stool
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 10, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- To be clear, the CFO and SBA do not have to invest 10%; they could invest 5% or 1% or nothing in Bitcoin
- Under the bill, Bitcoin may only be held in one of three ways: directly by the CFO or SBA through secure
- custody solutions, on behalf of the state or SBA by a qualified custodian, or as an exchange-traded
Summary:
The Insurance and Banking Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. HB 487 would authorize the CFO and State Board of Administration to invest up to 10% of certain state funds in Bitcoin, require specified custody methods, allow Bitcoin lending under rule, and create a process for accepting taxes and fees in Bitcoin. The sponsor and several proponents argued it would diversify state investments, hedge inflation, and position Florida as a leader in digital assets. Members raised concerns about volatility, security, valuation, and whether Bitcoin was being singled out over other cryptocurrencies, but the bill was reported favorably after debate and a roll call vote.
The committee then considered HB 7011, an Open Government Sunset Review measure for records of insolvent insurers. The bill would continue some exemptions but make additional records public, including underwriting files, risk-solvency assessments, corporate governance annual disclosures, and the names, benefits, and compensation of insurance executive officers. There was no public testimony, and members discussed privacy and safety concerns, but the bill passed and was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1433 on hurricane mitigation grants and insurer regulation. The bill would tighten restrictions on former executives of failed insurers, raise capital requirements for new insurers, and require mitigation credits when homeowners receive Safe Florida Home funds. An amendment was adopted to require a licensed person to make final claim-denial decisions when AI or automation is used and to prioritize filings that lower rates. Consumer advocates supported the transparency and consumer protections, while industry representatives urged caution on the AI provisions. After debate, the amended bill was reported favorably. The meeting ended with closing remarks from the ranking member, vice chair, and chair reflecting on the committee’s work and likely final meeting of the term.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDT DEFER, EDT-HOU, EDT, EDT Public Hearings 02-10-2026
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> We have in the past given out SBA grants to businesses for marketing purposes, because the SBA rules
- <00:13:13.640>
past <00:13:14.160>given <00:13:14.680>out <00:13:15.440>SBA - <00:13:16.080>
grants >> We have in the past given out SBA grants >> We have in - the past given out SBA grants Okay.
- uh for marketing purposes cuz the SBA uh for marketing purposes cuz the SBA rules<00:13:23.600><
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 2045 relating to combat sports and recommended passage with SD1. Members adopted requested changes from DCCA and the boxing commission, including clarifying that the onsite medical professional must be a licensed physician, specifying when a deputy combat sports commissioner must file a written report, removing the combat sports registry language and ambulance requirement, clarifying promoter payment requirements, and requiring advance coordination with the nearest emergency room or hospital. The bill also makes technical amendments and sets an effective date of July 1, 2050. The measure passed unanimously among members present, with Senators Fukunaga and Kim excused.
The joint hearing then considered SB 2187 relating to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Testimony was brief and largely in support, and the committees agreed to pass the bill with SD1, making technical non-substantive amendments and changing the effective date to July 1, 2050. The committees voted to adopt the recommendation, with members present voting aye and some senators excused.
A longer portion of the hearing focused on several economic development measures, including SB 2072 on tourism, SB 3049 on a trade-oriented production capacity grant program, and SB 3166 and SB 3167 involving technology development and the blue economy. SB 2072 drew questions about cost, benefit, and the practicality of promoting Michelin-star restaurants in Hawaii. SB 3049 received broad support from DBEDT, HTDC, chambers, and industry groups, but members questioned whether a new grant program was needed, why DBEDT could not do it without legislation, and whether the state should instead use existing entities like HTDC; the discussion also covered matching funds, likely beneficiaries, and administrative capacity. SB 3166 and SB 3167 were supported by technology and ocean-sector witnesses who said the state needs coordinated planning, specialized expertise, and support for advanced manufacturing and ocean innovation, but members raised concerns about relying on third-party consultants, duplication of existing public capacity, ethics, cost, and whether the work should instead be done by state staff or existing institutions. No final votes on the later bills were captured in the transcript excerpt.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (8-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- SBA extends them a line of credit. SBA allows them to do the rehab of their home.
- <00:35:36.880>
SBA They can ask for more than needed. - SBA They can ask for more than needed.
- SBA extends<00:35:37.760>
them <00:35:37.839>a <00:35:38.000>line <00:35:38.160>< - <00:35:38.640>
SBA extends them a line of credit. SBA extends them a line of credit.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then spent much of the meeting recognizing members of the Falmouth Police Department and related support personnel. Representatives and senators described the department’s response to a May 17, 2025 shooting between two vehicles, saying officers secured the area, apprehended suspects, and prevented further harm within about 30 minutes. They also recognized Officer Jonathan Bis for helping rescue a person from a burning storage facility on May 3, and honored Chaplain Abram Croer and police administrator Marilyn Belure for their support roles. Members praised the officers’ service and presented citations; one member also noted the recent flooding in Falmouth and the strain on local responders. The committee also observed a moment of silence for a firefighter who died after a vehicle crash while responding to a call.
The committee then recognized Sergeant Major Jimmy Thorne, USMC (Ret.), with a lengthy citation for his military service and community involvement. The citation highlighted more than three decades of service, including Vietnam, Lebanon, Somalia, multiple injuries, exposure to Agent Orange, and numerous decorations such as the Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal. Speakers also noted his continued civic work in Williamstown and Grant County. Thorne thanked the committee, said enlisting in the Marine Corps and moving to Kentucky were two of his proudest decisions, and received a committee coin. Members and guests offered additional remarks about his character and service.
Finally, Brigadier General Charles Jones and Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson gave an update on spring storm response and recovery. They said Kentucky has had three declared disasters and one undeclared event this year, with 113 of 120 counties affected in the last 12 months, including February flooding, April flooding, and May tornadoes; a January ice storm appeal was denied. Gibson emphasized the rising frequency and cost of disasters, citing about $350 million in public assistance over the first 10 years of the period reviewed versus about $2 billion in the last five years. He reported on sheltering, disaster recovery centers, FEMA and SBA assistance, and said about $57 million in individual assistance had been paid and nearly $69 million obligated, while public assistance projects were still moving through review and payment.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This delete-all amendment comes in work in conjunction with the SBA and helps us align with the SBA.
- It comes in work in conjunction with the SBA and helps us align with the SBA.
Summary:
The committee first confirmed Heather L. Turnbull to the Florida Commission on Community Service without debate. It then took up SPB 7022, which sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2025, updates rates to address unfunded liability, and preserves the 3% employee contribution rate. Senator Fine said the bill would increase FRS Trust Fund revenue by about $310 million annually and also gives certain elected officers an option related to DROP accumulations. An amendment was adopted, the bill was submitted as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably.
The committee then heard SB 1710, a bill by Senator DeSantis/DeSigley to prohibit state agencies, vendors, and grant recipients from using state funds for DEI-related policies, trainings, and programs, and to impose related restrictions on medical institutions of higher education. Senator Polsky and others questioned the bill’s broad and vague language, its effect on health-related work, public-facing agency positions, private contractors, and medical school admissions. The sponsor said the bill was intended to stop DEI from influencing state agencies and that the medical-school portion would likely be amended out later. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill would harm health care, education, access, and minority communities; a few supporters said DEI is ideological and should be removed from government and public institutions. After debate, the bill was reported favorably on a party-line style vote, with Senator Errington voting no.
The committee then began SB 1678, relating to entities that boycott Israel, with a delete-all amendment. Senator Leak said the bill would expand Florida’s anti-BDS framework to cover nonprofits, foreign educational institutions, foreign government funds, academic boycotts, political subdivisions, and certain grants, while the amendment aligned the bill with existing law and clarified procurement and divestment provisions. Testimony included support from proponents who said Florida should not do business with entities engaged in boycotts of Israel, and opposition from speakers who argued the bill would restrict academic freedom and conscience. Debate continued as the transcript ended, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses
Transcript Highlights:
- Treasury and we’re also an SBA microbusiness lender, we’re impacted by changes in the federal landscape
- The SBA recently changed some of its rules, which will prevent us from lending capital that they give
- We are no longer able to use those SBA dollars.
- We are no longer able to use those SBA dollars to lend to those businesses.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held an informational hearing focused on the conditions facing small and micro businesses in Massachusetts and the state programs intended to support them. Chairs Andy Vargas and Adam Gomez opened by emphasizing equitable economic development, the importance of CDFIs, and the need to help underserved entrepreneurs, especially women, minorities, veterans, immigrants, and other groups facing barriers. Committee members noted the hearing would not take up bills, and testimony was limited to 10 minutes per organization.
State and quasi-public agency witnesses described current programs and funding. Dico Gibral of the Executive Office of Economic Development highlighted the Business Front Door, multilingual access, small business office hours in Gateway Cities, and funding in the Mass Leads Act, including support for CDFIs, small business technology, and capital grants. Tom Hooper of Commonwealth Corporation described workforce training programs such as the Workforce Training Fund, Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, and Career Technical Initiative, saying they help small businesses train workers, fill labor shortages, and support returning citizens and people with disabilities. Committee members asked about federal funding uncertainty, workforce migration, training schedules, and program uptake.
Business and advocacy groups focused on cost pressures and regulatory burdens. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association urged continuation of outdoor dining and takeout alcohol sales, and pressed for relief from high credit card swipe fees, support for surcharging, and streamlining municipal licensing. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts cited survey results showing inflation, utility costs, payroll taxes, health insurance, and interchange fees as major concerns, and said many members might sell or close within five years; it also backed ending the state prohibition on surcharging and creating an Office of Main Streets Massachusetts. MACDC, BECKMA, and the Coalition for an Equitable Economy emphasized the need for more technical assistance, CDFI and small business funding, and protections against rising costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and immigration enforcement impacts on immigrant-heavy business districts. No votes were taken.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Jul 1st, 2026
Housing and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm also working with the federal government with Merabas on SBA loans because they are very restrictive
- On SBA loans because they are very restrictive and have been very problematic as it relates to insurance
- and the insurance claims coming in, taking away from the ability to draw down SBA loans.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Jul 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm also working with the federal government with Merabas on SBA loans because they are very restrictive
- On SBA loans, because they are very restrictive and have been very problematic as it relates to insurance
- and the insurance claims coming in, taking away from the ability to draw down SBA loans.
Summary:
The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee heard several housing-related bills. SB 996 by Senator Padilla would let manufactured homeowners opt to title their homes as real property, with supporters saying this would improve access to conventional mortgages, consumer protections, and lower-cost financing. SB 866 by Senator Blakespear would require cities and counties to include homelessness-related information in their annual housing element reports, with supporters saying the bill would improve transparency, regional coordination, and accountability around homelessness funding and services.
The committee also heard SB 1090 by Senator Perez, which would impose a temporary moratorium in Altadena on certain state housing density laws after the Eaton Fire. Supporters, including Supervisor Catherine Barger and many Altadena residents, argued the bill would protect fire survivors from speculative investors and give families time to rebuild and return home. Opponents argued the bill could limit tools that homeowners need to finance rebuilding and could reduce future housing production. After extensive testimony, the committee passed SB 1090 to the Assembly Local Government Committee on a 10-0 vote.
SB 1388 by Senator Durazo would create an Affordable Housing Risk Reduction Program to help affordable housing providers reduce insurance costs through technical assistance and risk-mitigation support. Supporters said rising insurance premiums are threatening the viability of affordable housing developments and existing units. The committee also reconsidered and then voted on SB 1092, which was taken up only for reconsideration and final vote; after a split vote, the bill ultimately passed the committee. Final recorded votes showed SB 866 and SB 996 passing unanimously, SB 1388 passing with one no vote and one not voting, and SB 1092 passing 7-5 after reconsideration.