Transcript Highlights:

• business lending, and then I've been moved out of that role and have now been the director of the Kauai SBDC
• No testimony. and have now been the director of the Kauai SBDC office for two years.
• I was at the SBDC East Hawaii up until October of last year.
• I was previously the center director like Will, I was at the SBDC East Hawaii up until October of last

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard several governor’s nominations for advisory and regulatory boards. The first group included William Smith, Michelle Ige, and Kayana Neman for the Community-Based Economic Development Advisory Council; Leland Park and Cynthia Hobson for the Small Business Regulatory Review Board; and Nicole Kacal for the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation board. DBEDT and related witnesses testified in support of all nominees, and each nominee described experience in small business, finance, community engagement, or technology. Much of the discussion focused on strengthening Hawaiʻi’s economy through small business support, financial literacy, and better access to capital and grants. Committee members questioned nominees about priorities for Hawaiʻi Island and the state more broadly. Topics included agricultural infrastructure, value-added food production, shared processing facilities and commercial kitchens, workforce housing, and ways government and nonprofits can partner to help small businesses navigate permitting, licensing, and grant processes. Several nominees emphasized community impact, measurable outcomes, and practical regulatory reform. Nicole Kacal also discussed diversifying the economy beyond tourism, expanding technology and AI opportunities, and creating locally governed training and research pathways so workers can adapt to changing jobs. At the end of the hearing, the committee voted to recommend advice and consent for all nominees. The nominations for GM 608, GM 609, GM 612, and GM 613 were adopted by voice vote, with Senators Kim and Fevella excused. The committee then voted separately on GM 794 for Nicole Kacal, and that recommendation was also adopted. The hearing concluded with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The SBDCs have a $26 million ask to expand funding under CalOSBA under SIP and TAP.
• Hi, Christina Rico again with the SBDCs in support of CalExport.
• The SBDCs provide expert-level assistance and individualized assistance to help companies expand into
• The SBDCs have been critical partners to growing California’s innovative and technology companies.
• The SBDCs have been critical partners to growing California’s innovative and technology companies.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's for these reasons that the California SBDC is a proud sponsor of AB 265 because this bill isn't
• As the Associate State Director of the Kansas SBDC at that time, I sat with business owners who'd lost
• They had given up, but what they built, with the help of the SBDC and emergency state support, they rebuilt
• Oscar Garcia, Director of NorCal SBDC, we thank you for everything that you do and we support this bill

Committee: House Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact

Transcript Highlights:

• So the next slide talks about really who the five SBDC networks are.
• What this slide talks about is more so what is the existing SBDC policy.
• And that's beyond just what the SBDCs are. So that includes our women's business centers.
• And the SBDCs receive approximately 50% of that particular funding.
• Our organization is the host of the SBDC in the Stasasasas County. Yes.

Summary: The committee held an information hearing on California’s economy and household affordability, with the first panel focusing on inflation, housing, energy, wages, and the likely effects of new federal tariff policy. PPIC’s Sarah Bone said Californians remain deeply pessimistic about the economy, with inflation the main driver of concern; she noted prices are still about 23% higher than in January 2020, with especially large increases in food, energy, and housing costs. LAO’s Brian Euler emphasized that housing is the largest household expense and pointed to insurance, electricity, gasoline, and health care as other major cost pressures, urging the Legislature to review whether existing policies are actually reducing costs and to consider studies of why recent housing laws have not produced more units. UC Davis economist Catherine Russ warned that tariffs on China, Canada, Mexico, and potentially broader imports could raise consumer prices, disrupt supply chains, and hurt California exporters, farmers, and small businesses; she suggested monitoring prices, strengthening food assistance, and preparing transition support for affected workers and producers. Members pressed the panelists for concrete, near-term policy ideas, especially on housing and tariffs. Questions centered on whether accessory dwelling units are making a meaningful dent in affordability, how to improve implementation of pro-housing laws at the local level, and how to measure the impact of tariffs on consumers, health care, and agriculture. Panelists said ADUs help but are limited, that state laws can be undermined by local implementation and litigation, and that tariff effects may show up quickly in prices and later in hiring and investment. Several members stressed that the tariff issue is not a minor disruption for constituents and asked for more data on consumer impacts, food aid needs, and crop-specific farm losses. The second panel shifted to regional economic development and small business support. Go-Biz’s Derek Kirk described California Jobs First and the state economic blueprint as a first-in-decades, regionally informed strategy to create good-paying jobs, support key sectors, and align workforce and business development across 13 regions. The California Association for Local Economic Development’s Gerbach Sahota argued that local governments need practical tools, stable policy, and stronger partnerships with the state, while warning that prosperity is not always perceived as shared and that rural communities can be left behind. He urged the Legislature to use hearings, local input, and existing funding streams more effectively, including for recovery and infrastructure. David Fitzgerald of the Small Business Development Centers said California’s SBDC network serves hundreds of thousands of clients, many of them women and historically underrepresented entrepreneurs, and has generated billions in economic impact, capital access, revenue, and jobs. He said the biggest gaps are outreach to the state’s many self-employed businesses with no employees, better labor data on those workers, and more flexible support for direct services. Committee members then asked what small businesses need most in the face of inflation and tariff shocks, including lower licensing costs and other relief, and the discussion continued on how to better target state support to businesses and households under pressure.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's a first for California SBDCs to actually support legislation.
• The University of California, Merced, has recently committed to a Capital Access Center through the SBDC
• Without continued investment at SBDCs and other technical service providers, we can expand access to
• Thank you, and I appreciate very much both of the Assembly Members' attention to the SBDC.
• So there are five SBDC regions in the state.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact and Agriculture, held at Fresno State, focused on cost pressures in California’s food system, household affordability, and the Central Valley’s role in agriculture. Opening remarks emphasized Fresno State’s regional importance, the Central Valley’s outsized contribution to food production, and the connection between agricultural health, food security, and the broader economy. Members also noted the impact of the federal shutdown on CalFresh benefits and the state’s efforts to respond with food assistance funding and National Guard support for food banks. The first panel featured academic and policy experts who described agriculture’s economic importance in the San Joaquin Valley and the rising pressures on farms and households. Dr. Conduro highlighted agriculture’s large share of regional GDP, farm receipts, jobs, exports, and food manufacturing, while identifying water scarcity, SGMA-related land fallowing, labor shortages and rising labor costs, market volatility, invasive pests, and production cost inflation as major barriers. Caroline Danielson of PPIC said food prices remain about 30% above 2019 levels, food insecurity affects about 1.8 million California households, and nutrition programs such as CalFresh, WIC, and school meals are essential in reducing poverty, especially in the Central Valley. Susie Pryor of the Central California Small Business Development Center described technical assistance, capital access, and training for small food and farm businesses, while warning that reduced funding limits support for rural and immigrant entrepreneurs. The second panel brought testimony from a small produce business owner, a food entrepreneur, and the Fresno County Farm Bureau. They said input costs for fertilizer, fuel, irrigation, labor, land leases, and compliance have risen sharply while commodity prices have remained flat or fallen, squeezing small farms and food businesses. Panelists stressed the need for small-batch processing facilities, local supply chains, education on food manufacturing compliance, land access for small farmers, and more pathways into agriculture through trade programs, community colleges, and FFA. Ryan Jacobson said California agriculture is facing a prolonged downturn, with farm bankruptcies, weak commodity prices, export-market uncertainty, water reliability problems, and costly ag-burning rules all contributing to financial strain. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible policy solutions and continued engagement with stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• SBDC groups, small business development centers.
• <02:05:08.400><c> uh</c><02:05:08.560><c> the</c><02:05:08.880><c> SBDC</c> SBDC uh the SBDC SBDC uh
• ,</c> the SBDC, the SBDC, you<02:05:26.960><c> ask</c><02:05:27.119><c> them,</c><02:05:27.280><c> "What
• </c><02:05:43.599><c> We</c> Well, you take them to the SBDC. We Well, you take them to the SBDC.
• She now has and Council and the SBDC.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what gives the SBDC, what makes them the experts in the field of construction disruption?
• that exist within the Department of Commerce, consultation with SBDC is also a requirement there.
• So I don't understand why we need to have the SBDC involved in it.
• So I don't understand why we need to have the SBDC involved in it.
• I don't understand why we need to have the SBDC involved in this.

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice, health, and public safety bills, with several measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations and mostly no opposition. CS for SB 1782 on dangerous excessive speeding, CS for SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access, CS for SB 716 on mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses by registered offenders, CS for SB 1084 on intimate image dissemination and digitally forged images, and CS for CS for SB 1604 on corrections-related litigation and sentencing changes all passed the committee. Members also approved CS for SB 1838, which increases protections for court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for SB 1252, which directs FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database. CS for SB 468 on fleeing or eluding, CS for SB 490 on off-duty concealed carry for certain officers, and CS for SB 890 on blood clot screening and treatment also received favorable votes, with SB 890 drawing supportive testimony from the bill sponsor, medical and patient advocates, and family members affected by blood clots. The most extensive debate centered on CS for CS for SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for adults trafficking children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons for sexual exploitation. Senator Martin defended the bill as a response to especially heinous crimes and argued it fit within constitutional punishment principles, while several members raised concerns about the Eighth Amendment, the risk of lengthy and costly litigation, and the possibility of retraumatizing victims. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, citing moral objections, due process concerns, and constitutional precedent; the bill nevertheless was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 572, the “Pam Rock Act,” which tightens dangerous-dog rules, adds enclosure, microchip, insurance, and penalty requirements, and allows stronger enforcement actions after serious attacks. The Rock family and animal control supporters testified in favor, describing the bill as a response to fatal dog attacks and urging stronger accountability for owners. For SB 572, members discussed insurance requirements, the role of local authorities in classifying dangerous dogs, and whether the bill would affect ordinary pet insurance or only liability coverage after a serious attack. The sponsor said the measure is not breed-specific and is aimed at dogs that have already caused significant harm. The committee also heard testimony from family members of Pam Rock and other victims, along with supporters from animal control and sheriff’s offices. All of the bills taken up in the meeting that were voted on were reported favorably, and no roll-call votes failed.

Transcript Highlights:

• um is in our view an sure so sbdc um is in our view an incredibly<00:27:15.840><c> important</c><00:
• </c> agree um each annual report that sbdc agree um each annual report that sbdc kicks<00:30:46.159><
• I'm the associate state director for the SBDC. Okay, so what can you tell us about what you do?
• So the SBDC program is a program that's been around for over 45 years.
• </c> that every dollar invested in an sbdc that every dollar invested in an sbdc program<00:57:52.319

Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs budget, with testimony from Chase Hegman and Kathy Frederickson. Early discussion focused on staffing and vacancies, including a senior planner position tied to FEMA requirements, a program assistant funded by federal ORID dollars, a program specialist being considered for reclassification, two Housing Champions positions to be funded in the next biennium, and temporary welcome center positions. Members also reviewed the commissioner’s office, indirect cost recoveries tied to federal program administration, and the structure and staffing of rest areas and welcome centers, including the Turnpike-funded locations and seasonal staffing patterns. Members then moved through economic development and federal grant-related accounts. Hegman explained that a large share of the agency’s funding is federal, with some programs requiring state match, including the Apex Accelerator, which supports government contracting assistance for businesses. He described Apex as a small team that helps businesses with DOD and other contracting opportunities through webinars, matchmaking, and one-on-one support. The Office of Workforce Opportunity was described as largely federally funded through Commerce-related workforce programs and subrecipients, with some general fund support for agency-wide needs. The Northern Borders Regional Commission dues and capacity grant were also discussed, with officials explaining the state’s required contribution and the federal funds used to administer the program. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which officials said provides one-on-one technical assistance to new and small businesses and has a strong return on investment. Members questioned the cut, the federal funding sources, and whether there was a waiting list for services; officials said they would provide more detail on matching requirements and funding. The committee also reviewed travel and tourism accounts, including the joint promotional grant program and tourism advertising funds, both of which are proposed to increase. Officials said the tourism marketing formula is based on a percentage of meals and rooms tax revenue and argued that the spending generates significant visitor spending and tax revenue, citing an outside ROI study and examples of advertising in test markets. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the SBDC network, the Small Business Development Center network, is probably going to play a big
• It's probably going to be the case in most states that the SBDC network serves as kind of a distribution
• It's probably going to be the case in most states that the SBDC network serves as kind of a distribution
• It's probably going to be the case in most states that the SBDC network serves as kind of a distribution
• SBDC networks were involved, community colleges, higher ed, nonprofits, etc.

Summary: The committee held a series of informational briefings on information management and technology issues. It first heard from ACLU representatives on data privacy, who argued that Oregon should strengthen protections against private data brokers, government purchases of personal data, reverse warrants, automatic license plate readers, and local police surveillance. They urged data minimization, limits on data sales and retention, and broader transparency and accountability measures. Members asked about practical uses of license plate readers, state sales of data, and how Oregon’s approach compares with other states; the presenters said similar proposals have been adopted elsewhere, including data minimization in Maryland and a state version of the Fourth Amendment Is Not for Sale Act in Montana. The committee then received a detailed update from the Department of Administrative Services and Enterprise Information Services on licensing system modernization for 14 boards and commissions with the most immediate need. DAS said it is seeking a shared procurement approach through an RFP that would create either one scalable system or two tiers of systems, depending on agency needs and security requirements, with contracts expected by September. Committee members emphasized the need for a more unified, user-friendly statewide login and service experience for businesses and residents, and raised concerns about small agencies “figuring it out on their own” without sufficient cybersecurity or technical expertise. EIS said it is overseeing the investment review, security and architecture review, and future implementation planning, and noted that multiple agency requests may still come back to the legislature in the next session. The committee also discussed a revised cybersecurity incident notification concept. Staff explained that the earlier bill had raised stakeholder concerns, so the co-chairs directed further interim work with the Oregon Cybersecurity Advisory Council and other local government and K-12 stakeholders. The goal is a narrower, voluntary “911-style” notification process that would let public bodies alert peers and potentially receive assistance after cyber incidents; a temporary voluntary process is being tested now, with a work group developing language for possible 2027 consideration. Finally, the committee heard updates from the new state chief data officer on data governance, data sharing, geospatial work, and the state transparency website, followed by a briefing on data centers from NCSL and the Technology Association of Oregon. The data officer described efforts to expand data inventories, data governance plans, data literacy, and interagency sharing, along with statewide aerial imagery, geospatial standards, and the open data portal. The data center discussion focused on national and state trends, including rapid growth in data centers, rising electricity and water demand, and legislative responses such as new rate classes, reporting requirements, and cost-allocation rules to protect ratepayers. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• So adding this to Coös County is something that the SBDC has requested.
• So again, I think though that the SBDC, the governor had reduced this expenditure.
• Um, I think it would SBDC has requested.
• And as someone who actually has used<00:29:22.159><c> the</c><00:29:22.320><c> SBDC</c><00:29:23.120>
• the SBDC myself with small businesses<00:29:24.559><c> in</c><00:29:24.799><c> the</c><00:29:24.960>

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So what gives the sbdc? What makes them the experts in the field of construction destruction?
• >> I would say that not that they're experts in construction, disruption per se, but Sbdc is also very
• And what I would also say is the reason we included in sbdc consultation.
• So I don't understand why we need to have the sbdc involved in this.
• I don't see what the sbdc can add to that.

Transcript Highlights:

• they have not dealt with before, that is out of their control, that perhaps that type of support from SBDC
• So what gives the SBDC, what makes them the experts in the field of construction disruption?
• that exist within the Department of Commerce, consultation with SBDC is also a requirement there.
• So I don't understand why we need to have the SBDC involved in it.
• I don't understand why we need to have the SBDC involved in this.

Summary: The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gustavo Gonzalez, on behalf of NorCal SBDC, in support? Mr.
• Gustavo Gonzalez on behalf of NorCal SBDC in support.
• Scott Rogowski on behalf of NorCal SBDC in support.
• Pre-Alawalia, NorCal SBDC, in support.

Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee until quorum was established, then took up a series of bills on business, professions, health, cannabis, and consumer protection. AB 72, creating an electric vehicle economic opportunity zone in Riverside County, drew questions about whether the state should target one region over others, but supporters argued it would help bring EV manufacturing and related jobs to the Inland Empire. The bill passed on a 8-1 vote to Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement. AB 685, which would create the Small Business Resiliency and Innovation Fund to support technical assistance and capital infusion programs, drew broad support from small business networks and chambers, but some groups raised concerns that the June amendments could affect eligibility and that the funding should be clearly supplemental rather than replacing existing support. The author said discussions were ongoing, and the bill passed 10-0 to Senate Appropriations. The committee also approved AB 173, a resolution, on a 7-0 vote, and AB 1760, a Dental Practice Act cleanup bill sponsored by the Dental Board, on a 10-0 vote. AB 1637, which would limit changes to physician-authored medical records and make unauthorized alterations a misdemeanor, was supported by physicians and labor groups who said it would protect patient safety and professional accountability; it passed 10-0 to Senate Appropriations. AB 1785, allowing online sales of pseudoephedrine products with existing age and quantity safeguards, passed 10-0. AB 1973, expanding the ability of advanced practice clinicians to perform procedural abortions within their training, drew strong support from reproductive health providers and strong opposition from anti-abortion witnesses who raised safety concerns; after questions about training and oversight, it passed 7-3 to Senate Appropriations. The committee then considered AB 2025, requiring disclosure when rental listings use digitally altered or AI-staged images. Supporters said it would prevent renters from being misled, while the California Apartment Association said it was working with the author on implementation; the bill passed 8-1 to Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies and Consumer Protection. AB 2697, allowing drive-through cannabis sales with local approval and security requirements, was supported by cannabis businesses and operators as a way to improve access and compete with the illicit market, while narcotics officers opposed it over ID verification and public safety concerns; it passed 7-3 to Senate Appropriations. Finally, AB 2249, responding to a state audit on cannabis packaging attractive to children by defining prohibited imagery and creating a public rubric and pre-review process, received support from the cannabis operators association and the state auditor’s office, while small independent farmers raised concerns that some categorical bans could sweep too broadly. The transcript cuts off during that bill’s opposition testimony, and no final action on AB 2249 is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, but through the SBDC we have a variety of categories the Small Business Administration wants us to
• Um but through<00:30:30.720><c> the</c><00:30:31.120><c> SBDC</c><00:30:31.919><c> we</c><00:30:32.240
• we have a variety of through the SBDC we have a variety of categories<00:30:33.919><c> the</c><00:30
• But she gave a shout-out to the SBDC network that, hey, I wouldn't be where I am today without that.
• &gt;&gt; we receive for just SBDC alone uh 800 &gt;&gt; we receive for just SBDC alone uh 800 this<00

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• Gustavo Gonzalez, on behalf of NorCal SBDC, in support? Mr.
• Gustavo Gonzalez, on behalf of NorCal SBDC, in support.
• Scott Rogowski, on behalf of NorCal SBDC, in support.
• Pre-Alawalia, NorCal SBDC, in support.

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• West Clarion Small Business Development Center, which was recently honored at the 2025 Pennsylvania SBDC
• Not only was Penn West Clarion SBDC named the 2025 Outstanding Center of the Year, but three members
• RECEIVED THE 2025 ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE AWARD FOR Alisa Marshall earned the highest honor in the SBDC
• Penn West Clarion SBDC continues to be a force for innovation and local prosperity.
• Penn West Clarion SBDC continues to be a force for innovation and local prosperity. Mr.

Bills: HR480 , HR481 , HR488 , HB2035 , HR252 , HB1948 , HR1373 , HR1182 , HR248 , HR137 , HB2390 , HB2351

Keywords: House of Representatives, congressional training, workplace rights, workplace responsibilities, anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, sexual harassment training, employee training, Member orientation, House Administration Committee, Congressional Accountability Act, CAA, interns, unpaid interns, fellows, detailees, legislative workplace, congressional offices, compliance training, ethics training

Transcript Highlights:

• At the SBDC, she provides essential business counseling to entrepreneurs to help them start, grow, and
• His leadership at the SBDC has helped countless small businesses thrive, making a lasting impact in our

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> agree um each annual report that sbdc agree um each annual report that sbdc kicks<00:30:46.159><
• I'm the associate state director for the SBDC. Okay, so what can you tell us about what you do?
• The SBDC program is a program that's been around for over 45 years.
• The SBDC program is a program that's been around for over 45 years.
• For the current year, the impact that the SBDC has is over $245 million on the economy.

Summary: The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs’ budget, with testimony from division leadership on staffing, funding sources, and program changes. Early discussion focused on vacant positions in the agency, including a senior planner tied to FEMA requirements, a federally funded program assistant, a program specialist to be reclassified during a planning reorganization, and two Housing Champions positions that were authorized but not funded in the current biennium and are requested for 2026-27. The witnesses also explained that temporary welcome center positions are filled as funds allow, and that the agency’s requested general fund increase is driven largely by the Division of Travel and Tourism Development and its formula-based funding. Members then reviewed rest areas, welcome centers, outdoor recreation, economic development, procurement, and workforce opportunity lines. The department said there are 12 rest areas, with 5.8 million foot counts in FY 24, and that welcome centers are generally open year-round, though Sutton is currently closed and staffing relies on a mix of full-time and temporary employees. The outdoor recreation position is federally funded through USDA and supports business outreach, trade shows, and industry promotion. In economic development, the agency said increased dues reflect participation in the Northern Borders Regional Commission, and that a marketing line item is intended to support recruitment and promotion of growth industries such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences. The Apex Accelerator Program was described as a state-federal partnership requiring a state match and providing government contracting assistance to businesses, while the Office of Workforce Opportunity was explained as a federally funded WIOA-related effort administered through multiple agencies and subrecipients. A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which members said had generated significant public concern. The department described SBDC as a highly effective technical assistance program for new and small businesses, but said the cut was one of the few places it felt it had room to reduce funding. Members asked about federal support and matching requirements for various programs, and the department said less than half of its overall budget is generally funded by the state and that some programs require state match. The committee also discussed travel and tourism marketing and the Joint Promotional Program, with the department saying those funds support broader advertising campaigns and grants to chambers and trade associations for events such as Bike Week, Restaurant Week, and the Seafood Festival. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, over 150,000 businesses were serviced by the SBDC Network and Women's Business Centers Network

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, over 150,000 businesses were serviced by the SBDC Network and Women's Business Centers Network

Summary: The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee 4 met for its 11th and final hearing on a large set of budget items tied to the Senate Democrats’ budget package. The chair highlighted major themes including investments in affordable rental and homeownership programs, full funding for homeless housing programs, oversight and efficiency changes at the Department of General Services, continuation funding for consumer protection and financial regulation programs at the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, and funding for information technology, resilience, and data security. Members also noted the broader budget process and the large volume of testimony and agency follow-up throughout the hearings. During member comments, Senator Smallwood-Cuevas raised concerns about incomplete responses to information requests from departments, said more work is needed to prepare for the Olympics, and urged additional investment in Expo Park and arts and cultural programs, especially near Olympic venues. Senator Cowan praised the transparency of the budget process, the work of staff and agencies, and the subcommittee’s oversight role, while acknowledging some follow-up issues raised by colleagues. Public testimony included support from the California State Association of Counties for fully funding the HAP program at $1 billion and distributing the funds by September 1, and from the Small Business Development Centers for $26 million in GoBiz funding for SIP and TAP loan and technical assistance programs. The committee then voted in blocks on the agenda items: one large block passed unanimously, a second block passed 3-1 with Senator Niello voting no, and items 20 and 42 passed 3-0 with Senator Niello not voting. The hearing then adjourned.