Transcript Highlights:

• Kids love the zoo. We can lower their cost substantially.
• And so, I not only like that it will save energy and save money for the Como Zoo and the city of St.
• Kids<00:15:17.760> love<00:15:18.000> the<00:15:18.120> zoo.
• We can lower their Kids love the zoo. We can lower their cost<00:15:19.880> substantially.
• And so, maybe one of those kids at the zoo comes up with new battery storage.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on Minnesota’s clean energy policy, energy affordability, and the state’s path toward its 100% clean electricity goal. The senator said Minnesota’s clean energy reputation comes from environmental concern, job creation, and lower long-term costs, noting that wind is now the lowest-cost generation source and that solar costs have fallen sharply. He said rising electricity demand has led to some increased coal use, but argued the state can still meet its 2040 clean energy target through continued renewable buildout, permitting reform, conservation, and demand response. A major topic was data centers. The senator emphasized both concerns and benefits, saying hyperscale data centers can bring substantial construction jobs, property tax revenue, and, under the 2025 law, payments to low-income energy assistance. He cited the Pine Island Google data center as air-cooled, with no water concerns, and said it will pay $5 million annually while funding 1,600 MW of wind, solar, and battery resources at its own expense. He also said Xcel’s filing projected a $1.1 billion ratepayer savings over 10 years, while urging the public to weigh both pros and cons, especially around water use and local tax impacts. The discussion also covered nuclear power and climate costs. The senator said the Senate has passed a nuclear study three years in a row and expects it to advance, while the moratorium on new nuclear plants remains tied to the Prairie Island Indian Community and unresolved nuclear waste storage. He argued Minnesota likely cannot reach its emissions goals without nuclear in the mix, though he acknowledged current nuclear is not cost-competitive and said future advanced or small modular nuclear could change that. On affordability, he pointed to climate-driven costs such as higher homeowners insurance and storm damage, and described Senate energy omnibus provisions including conservation, plug-in solar, and renewable development account projects such as a Como Zoo clean energy project. No votes were taken in the interview itself, but the senator referenced the recently announced budget deal and said he still needed to negotiate a renewable development account agreement between the House and Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul. to experience Como Zoo, the wildlife, to experience Como Zoo, the wildlife, the<00:19:59.640>
• Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA. Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA.
• first Association of Zoos and Aquariums Accreditation.
• So, we Zoos and Aquariums Accreditation.
• > Conservatory<00:26:39.440> were Como Park Zoo and Conservatory were Como Park Zoo and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The next agency is the Minnesota Zoo.
• Um the Senate has an operating Zoo.
• Um, we director of the Minnesota Zoo.
• recommendation for the Minnesota Zoo recommendation for the Minnesota Zoo creates<00:49:04.400><
• need to be part of and the Minnesota Zoo need to be part of and the Minnesota Zoo needs<00:49:15.520

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The conference committee on the Environment budget for Senate File 2077 met to introduce members and staff, then walked through the Senate and House budget spreadsheets side by side. Nonpartisan staff explained that the Senate budget was built around a smaller general fund increase and more use of environmental and dedicated funds, while the House met its target through several reductions, including cuts to DNR, PCA, and Board of Water and Soil Resources appropriations. The committee reviewed major agency items for the Pollution Control Agency, DNR, the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota Zoo, and other accounts, including operating adjustments, permit-related funding, and transfers between funds. Several major differences were highlighted. For the PCA, the Senate included operating adjustments, permitting efficiency funding, composting grants, outreach funding, and a closed landfill investment fund approach that repeals an expiring statutory appropriation, while the House instead extends that appropriation for four more years. For the DNR, the Senate included operating adjustments, groundwater and AIS fee increases, aquatic invasive species funding, trail grants, outdoor schools for all, abandoned watercraft enforcement, and a sustainable foraging task force; the House had fewer of these fee and policy items and used reductions to meet its target. The committee also noted Senate-only policy provisions on outreach to diverse communities, field citations and mercury certification for skin-lightening products, disabled veteran license fee changes, and a moratorium on foraging rulemaking until July 1, 2027. Agency testimony followed. The MPCA commissioner praised both chambers for recognizing core agency work and urged adoption of operating adjustments, the closed landfill fund access, and the air appropriation increase. The DNR assistant commissioner supported operating adjustments, groundwater and AIS fee increases, and the veteran license proposal, but raised concerns about the Senate’s foraging task force language, saying it overweights consumptive users and could limit the agency’s ability to manage foraging without clear data. He also noted support for the land transfer funding and said the agency would continue working with the committee on unresolved issues. No votes were taken in this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The petting zoo has a very small number of animals which have The petting zoo has a very small number
• So just petting zoos.
• The state fair or petting zoo cannot be sued because they have a liability law to protect them.
• Please vote yes for... ...all petting zoos and animal encounter exhibits.
• Petting zoos, which for me I oppose, because that's not their habitat.

Bills: SB1082, SB1200, SB1335, SB1336, SB1559, SB1761, SB1762, SB1785, SCM1007

Keywords: petting zoos, animal encounters, public health, handwashing, supervision, sanitization, safety regulations, civil penalties, water supply, groundwater, Phoenix, certificates, long-term storage credits, water conservation, municipal provider, replenishment obligation, water banking, annual report, Arizona Water Banking Authority, water supply management

Summary: The Senate Natural Resources Committee first considered two nominations. Jessica Manuel was introduced as a nominee to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, where testimony emphasized her science background and experience working with agencies and stakeholders. Members asked about wolf management and her qualifications, and the committee voted 8-0 to recommend her confirmation. Stephen Williams was then introduced for the Arizona Livestock Loss Board, with discussion focused on his livestock and State Land Department experience and how the board handles wolf-related livestock losses. The committee also voted 8-0 to recommend his confirmation. The committee then took up several bills. SB 1785, which would codify ADWR’s one-mile safe-harbor policy for recovery wells near groundwater storage facilities, passed 5-3 after ADWR said it largely reflected current practice but requested clarifying language. SB 1082, requiring sanitation measures and signage for petting zoos and similar animal encounter exhibits, drew strong testimony from a parent advocate describing severe E. coli/HUS cases and opposition from fair/agriculture representatives who argued the bill was too broad and unnecessary; after amendment, it failed 4-4. SB 1336, extending the State Land Department and creating a temporary oversight committee with a broad amendment on lease holdovers, notice periods, and committee membership, passed 6-2 after significant debate over the committee’s composition and scope. Later, SB 1200, which would require ADWR to revisit certain Phoenix AMA assured water supply applications using older groundwater models, passed 5-3 despite opposition from CAP and ADWR over added replenishment obligations and concerns about relying on outdated models. SB 1335, requiring the Arizona Water Banking Authority to post its annual report online, passed 7-1. SB 1559, creating rural groundwater management work groups in each basin to report to ADWR, passed 5-3 after supporters said it would improve basin-level coordination and opponents argued it created new bureaucracy without enforcement tools. SB 1761, appropriating $47.7 million to the University of Arizona for the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, and the Experiment Station, passed 7-1 amid broad support but some concern about funding levels. Finally, SCM 1007, urging Congress to divest and improve the San Carlos Irrigation Project electric system, passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, please stand here to my left.
• On this zoo day, Colorado's oldest wildlife conservation organization, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
• On this zoo day, we celebrate Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance's 130-year anniversary and its tireless
• <00:49:32.079> connects school field trips, the zoo connects school field trips, the zoo connects
• :46.640> reminds Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance reminds Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance reminds

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the March 5, 2026 journal as corrected, and received several committee reports and Senate Services notices. Health and Human Services recommended Senate Bill 41 be postponed indefinitely and reported confirmations for James Vandenberg to the Colorado Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board and multiple nominees to the Air Quality Control Commission. State, Veterans, and Military Affairs reported Senate Bills 47, 106, and 107, with SB 47 amended and sent to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation, while SBs 106 and 107 were postponed indefinitely. Local Government and Housing reported Senate Bills 109 and 92, both amended and sent to the Committee of the Whole, with SB 92 also recommended for the consent calendar. On the floor, Senate Joint Memorial 003 was read and then laid over until March 17, 2026. The Senate passed House Bill 1020, concerning calorimetric field drug tests in drug possession cases, and Senate Bill 95, concerning support for victim survivors of certain crimes, both on third reading and final passage by unanimous 33-0 votes. The Senate then went into Committee of the Whole on consent-calendar and general-order bills, where House Bill 1115 was advanced on second reading, and House Bill 1068, concerning remote participation policies for certain legislative committee meetings, was amended and advanced on second reading. Senate Bills 40 and 87 were laid over until March 9, 2026. The Senate also laid over Senate Resolution 004, recognizing October 26, 2026 as Conflict Resolution Month in Colorado, until March 9, 2026. The chamber confirmed appointments on the consent calendar to the Board of Commissioners of Veterans Community Living Centers, the State Personnel Board, and the Colorado Racing Commission by a 34-0 vote with one excused. During announcements and personal privilege remarks, senators recognized HIV and Harm Reduction Advocacy Day, the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado, Jack and Jill of America, and the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. The Senate later recessed until 11 a.m. that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, I have Director Farley from the Minnesota Zoo. Thanks for taking the time to be here.
• Uh, John Farley, director of the Minnesota Zoo. Mr.
• The Minnesota Zoo is a top destination in Minnesota, serving over 1.5 million visitors.
• So, a significant impact to the<00:15:31.519> Minnesota<00:15:31.920> Zoo.
• These types of the Minnesota Zoo.

Bills: HF2439

Keywords: environmental protection, pollution reduction, waste management, climate change, funding allocations, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, I have Director Farley from the Minnesota Zoo. Thanks for taking the time to be here.
• The Minnesota Zoo is a top destination in Minnesota, serving over 1.5 million visitors.
• Minnesota Zoo. These types of changes would decrease our attendance and our earned revenue.
• Members working at the Pollution Control Agency, the Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Zoo
• are short by $12.1 million for the PCA, $16.8 million for the DNR, and $1 million for the Minnesota Zoo

Bills: HF2439

Keywords: environmental protection, pollution reduction, waste management, climate change, funding allocations

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not the new zoo anymore.
• the zoo of 3.8 million. the zoo of 3.8 million.
• with still keeping the zoo accessible. with still keeping the zoo accessible.
• workforces for zoo size in the country. workforces for zoo size in the country.
• not the new zoo anymore. not the new zoo anymore.

Bills: HF4740, HF3940

Keywords: financial assurance, feedlot permits, manure storage, environmental compliance, agriculture regulation, abandoned infrastructure, pollution control, environmental impact, animal feedlot, livestock, regulations, Minnesota Rules

Summary: The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes and then heard House File 4740, authored by Rep. Hansen, which would require feedlots with at least 1,000 animal units to provide financial assurance for closure costs. Hansen argued the bill would shift cleanup responsibility from taxpayers to owners, citing abandoned feedlots, changing ownership structures, and the 2024 Pure Prairie Poultry bankruptcy as examples of why public funds should not be used for closures and cleanup. He also said the bill would apply to new or renewed permits and suggested a statutory definition of abandoned feedlot storage units may be needed. Farm and livestock groups testified in opposition. Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Milk Producers Association, Minnesota Pork Producers Association, and Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation said existing MPCA and county permit rules already require closure planning and reporting, and that the bill would add unnecessary costs and barriers for family farms, beginning farmers, and expansion. They warned the financial assurance requirement could function like an animal-unit cap, encourage fragmentation or out-of-state relocation, and impose annual costs that would not improve environmental outcomes. Several testified that true abandonment is rare and that current permitting and closure processes already address it. MPCA staff said the agency has concerns with the bill, noted there is currently no formal fiscal note, and said the agency would need to ensure any appropriations cover ongoing staffing needs. MPCA officials explained that permitted feedlots already must notify the agency before closure, follow a checklist of closure requirements, and undergo follow-up inspection; they said abandonment notifications are uncommon and they are not aware of any currently permitted facilities in abandonment process. Members questioned whether the bill was needed, what form financial assurance would take, how other states handle similar requirements, and whether the proposal would unfairly burden smaller or family operations. No vote on HF 4740 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Bills: HB630, HB420, HB767, HB1708, HB2842, HB1404, HB2457, HB140, HB333, HB227, HB913, HB201, HB2198, HB 109, HB2763, HB519, HB 1261, HB 1135, HB1318, HB2358, HB2415, HB2765, HB2735, HB3307, HB1373, HB694, HB 1242, HB272, HB1437, HB1888, HCR78, HCR12, HCR128, HR7, HR11, HR37, HR69, HR83, HR89, HR100, HR123, HR129, HR137, HR254, HR258, HR289, HR293, HR318, HR324, HR350, HR368, HR370, HR372, HR379, HR406, HR407, HR432, HR445, HR471, HR504, HR506, HR507, HR528, HR567, HR572, HR591, HR592, HR593, HR603, HR614, HR621, HR673, HR684, HR685, HR687, HR700, HR701, HR711, HR712, HR754, HR757, HR758, HR760, HR764, HR765, HR766, HR767, HR768, HR769, HR770, HR771, HR772, HR774, HR776, HR777, HR778, HR779, HR780, HR783, HR784, HR784, HR6, HR6, HR17, HR17, HR18, HR18, HR49, HR49, HR170, HR170, HR236, HR236, HR247, HR275, HR355, HR356, HR364, HR672, HR690, HR690, HR755, HR755, HR756, HR756, HR759, HR759, HR762, HR762, HR763, HR763, HR781, HR781, HR785, HR785, SB2, SB260, SB569, HB2, HB2000, HB213, HB222, HB645, HB1458, HB 1022, HB141, HB643, HB3093, HB1700, HB 117

Keywords: outboard motors, certificate of title, vessel regulation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, marine documentation, HB 420, Texas Water Code, special district, water district, board meetings, meeting location, teleconference, videoconference, remote meeting, public hearing, tax rate hearing, special districts, Cedar Creek Reservoir, county boundary, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• The Minnesota Zoo is receiving $2.35 The Minnesota Zoo is receiving $2.35 million<00:11:53.200> on
• Sir, you get the zoo first. Oh, we got the zoo first. The good people of the zoo.
• the zoo first. Oh, we got the zoo first. the zoo first. Oh, we got the zoo first.
• I don't know anyone you do at the zoo.
• that's not a fan of the Minnesota Zoo. that's not a fan of the Minnesota Zoo.

Bills: HF2563

Keywords: HF2563, legacy finance bill, Legacy Amendment, outdoor heritage fund, clean water fund, parks and trails fund, arts and cultural heritage fund, Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, Clean Water Council, Minnesota legacy funds, habitat conservation, prairie restoration, wetland restoration, forest conservation, riparian buffers, water quality, groundwater protection, drinking water, septic systems, watershed planning

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul and Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
• the zoo for the first time.
• the zoo for the first time.
• also<00:31:36.040> generates The zoo and conservatory also generates The zoo and conservatory
• you see or any of the non-accredited zoos.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a really exciting energy project in my district and our capital city at the Como Park Zoo and
• Paul and the interim director of Como Zoo Park. they provide access to all.
• <00:51:04.079> and this that KOMO uh Park Zoo and this that KOMO uh Park Zoo and Conservatory
• <00:51:19.359> is<00:51:19.599> an Komo Park Zoo and Conservatory is an Komo Park Zoo
• Uh Komo Park Zoo and entity.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a board consisting of 30 members, and they maintain and operate the Minnesota Zoo.
• c> the Minnesota Zoo uh and the zoo the Minnesota Zoo uh and the zoo typically<00:18:28.520> receives
• The zoo ones go to the Minnesota Zoo, the Como Zoo.
• <00:29:22.600> the<00:29:22.720> duuu zoo ones go to the minnesot zoo the duuu zoo
• In FY 24, that was $2.4 million. area and the DNR and Zoo typically area and the DNR and Zoo typically

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met for an organizational hearing of the Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. Members and staff introduced themselves, with several legislators noting their backgrounds in farming, mining, water management, and outdoor recreation, and the chair reviewed draft committee rules emphasizing decorum, quorum, timely starts, and submitting bill hearing requests to the committee administrator. The committee also heard from nonpartisan staff and caucus staff who will support the committee this session. House Research and House Fiscal staff then provided an overview of the committee’s jurisdiction and the major agencies and programs it oversees. The presentation covered the Department of Natural Resources, Pollution Control Agency, Environmental Quality Board, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Metropolitan Council regional parks and water resources, Conservation Corps of Minnesota, Minnesota Zoological Board, Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. Staff summarized the main statutory chapters and subject areas under each, including wildlife, state lands, mining, water use, air and water permitting, environmental review, wetlands, drainage, and natural resources funding. The finance portion explained the committee’s appropriation types and major funding sources, including direct, statutory, and open appropriations. Staff highlighted the general fund, bonding, the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Game and Fish Fund, and the Heritage Enhancement Account, along with how those dollars are typically used for parks and trails, habitat, land acquisition, flood and drainage projects, and agency operations. Members also discussed whether DNR and BWSR responsibilities in overlapping water statutes can conflict; staff said responsibilities are generally clear in statute, though conflicts can occur and are usually resolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• On line 296, the Como Zoo and Conservatory is receiving $3 million.
• The Minnesota Zoo is receiving $2.35 million on line 333.
• Uh, we get the zoo first—the good people of the zoo. Yes, that's fine, that's fine.
• The Minnesota Zoo is a beloved ...47-year-old state agency.
• I don't know anyone that's not a fan of the Minnesota Zoo.

Bills: HF2563

Keywords: HF2563, legacy finance bill, Legacy Amendment, outdoor heritage fund, clean water fund, parks and trails fund, arts and cultural heritage fund, Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, Clean Water Council, Minnesota legacy funds, habitat conservation, prairie restoration, wetland restoration, forest conservation, riparian buffers, water quality, groundwater protection, drinking water, septic systems, watershed planning

Transcript Highlights:

• last empty exhibit at the zoo to be a new home for caribou.
• The Lake Superior Zoo cultural heritage.
• This year, the zoo new home for caribou.
• programming here at the zoo for years. programming here at the zoo for years.
• Thank you very the Lake Superior Zoo.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in Freeport, which is the only Zoo in Freeport, which is the only private<01:44:07.840> zoo<01
• And so, a lot of zoos that I found out.
• I'm and founder of Hemper Park and Zoo.
• At Hemker Park and Zoo, we the public.
• Hecker Parkinson Zoo standards of care.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a so-called zoo or petting zoo that the owner just up and left and left all the animals out on
• and donkeys and zoo animals and stuff<00:14:12.880> like<00:14:13.040> that.
• We had a zoo<00:14:22.240> uh<00:14:22.480> so-called<00:14:23.120> zoo<00:14:23.519
• > or<00:14:24.079> petting<00:14:24.480> zoo<00:14:24.800> that We had a
• so-called zoo or petting zoo that the owner just up and left and left all the animals out on his place

Bills: SB85, SB263, HB277, HB267, SB288, SB85, SB263, HB277, HB267, SB288

Keywords: vaccination exemption, religious exemption, medical exemption, vaccine mandate, testing requirement, public schools, K-12, students, parents, guardians, higher education, college enrollment, university attendance, public institutions of higher education, immunization, religious tenets, sincerely held belief, school health policy, Alabama, AHSAA physical form

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, you know, the Minnesota Zoo, they need a ton of money for their animal hospital.
• We've got one of the best zoos in the country, but our hospital really needs some help.
• Um, you know, the<00:08:16.560> Minnesota<00:08:17.039> Zoo,<00:08:17.680> they<
• , they need a ton of the Minnesota Zoo, they need a ton of money<00:08:18.960> for<00:08:19.120
• in the country, got one of the best zoos in the country, but<00:08:22.879> our<00:08:23.120><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we will hear from Betsy Brewer Bethel from the Southwick Zoo.
• Next, we will hear from Betsy Brewer Bethel from the Southwick Zoo. Mr.
• We are the largest zoo in all of New England, and we have a... ...business going.
• We are the largest zoo in all of New England, and we have some very unusual animals.
• Betsy, it's great to see you up there and look forward to getting back to the zoo sometime soon.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills related to advertising, economic development, tourism, digital advertising, delivery taxes, and alcohol taxation. The first panel supported H. 3249, which would create a high school trade partnership program linking public schools with private employers, especially in manufacturing, and would offer employers a tax credit for participation. Representative Soder, Uxbridge High School leaders, and others argued the bill would strengthen career pathways, build a skilled workforce, and keep students and jobs in Massachusetts. The committee then heard testimony on H. 3031 and S. 2003 to modernize the Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund by dedicating an additional share of hotel occupancy tax revenue to tourism promotion. Tourism and hospitality representatives from Cape Cod, Southwick Zoo, and Indian Ranch said the proposal would not raise taxes but would reinvest existing visitor-generated revenue into marketing that supports jobs, local businesses, and municipal tax receipts. A tech-industry coalition opposed several digital advertising tax bills and a delivery tax bill, warning they would raise costs, create uncertainty, and burden consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers. The largest portion of the hearing focused on S. 2029, which would raise the alcohol excise tax by 10 cents per drink and dedicate the revenue to public health programs. Public health experts, advocates, a student prevention leader, and representatives from Jane Doe, Inc. argued the tax would reduce alcohol-related harms, address decades of inflation-driven erosion in the tax, and generate substantial new funding for prevention, treatment, domestic violence services, and community schools. Committee members asked questions about the current tax structure, inflation, and how the proposal compares with neighboring states. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair adjourned after public testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• New York BRICKS, additional funding for that to create recreational spaces for our community, for zoos
• New York BRICKS, additional funding for that to create recreational spaces for our community, for zoos
• New York BRICKS, additional funding for that to create recreational spaces for our community, for zoos
• New York BRICKS, additional funding for that to create recreational spaces for our community, for zoos
• executive budget, a total of $1.1 billion to the parks, uplifting New York SWIMS, New York PLAYS, and our zoos

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Conference Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Housing opened budget negotiations for the 2026-2027 enacted budget, with Senate and Assembly leaders outlining their one-house proposals and committee members giving brief remarks. The discussion covered environment, agriculture, housing, parks, and energy, with repeated emphasis on affordability, climate resilience, and support for rural and urban communities. Senate and Assembly chairs described the process and noted the agencies present, while minority members criticized the overall size of the budgets and urged more attention to housing affordability, building stakeholders, and energy costs. On the environment and energy side, the Senate highlighted proposals for $138 million in additional clean water infrastructure funding, a $75 million increase to the Environmental Protection Fund, $95 million in restored parks capital, $200 million for the Energy Affordability Program, and $1 billion for Sustainable Futures 2.0, including a proposed revival of the NY STUN program. The Assembly said it increased the EPF to $500 million, raised clean water infrastructure funding to $800 million, and included targeted amounts for cities, rural housing-related water projects, Cornell Ag Tech, and the Center for Sustainable Materials Management. Democrats argued that high utility bills are driven by natural gas costs rather than clean energy, while Senate and Assembly Republicans said the CLCPA and other energy mandates are increasing costs and should be reconsidered. Agriculture remarks focused on research, farm support, and resilience. Senator Hinchey described funding for Cornell’s COWS program, Farm to School amendments, $7 million for farm worker housing, and a new $20 million Farm Weather Resiliency Grant Program. Chair Lupardo said the Assembly added $16 million over the Governor’s proposal for educational research and outreach, restored support for beginning and disadvantaged farmers, and backed dairy, livestock, hemp fiber, and natural fibers initiatives, while also accepting $30 million in farmer tariff relief if guidelines are set. Minority Assembly Member Tague supported dairy infrastructure funding but criticized the farm labor overtime phase-down and the CLCPA’s impacts on farms. Housing discussion centered on major capital and assistance programs. The Assembly proposed $200 million more for the Housing Access Voucher Program, $100 million for Mitchell-Lama and NYCHA, $50 million for down payment assistance, $4 million for fair housing testing, land banks, and $40 million for the Homeowner Protection Program. The Senate outlined similar priorities, including $500 million for NYCHA, $100 million for Mitchell-Lama preservation, $250 million total for HAVP, and additional funding for mixed-income rental development, vacant rentals, senior housing, and block-by-block infill. Chair Rosenthal said rent stabilization was not being changed in the budget, while Republican members argued that affordability requires lower taxes, lower utility costs, and fewer regulatory burdens. No votes were taken; the meeting was an opening round of budget negotiations and ended with closing remarks from both sides.