Transcript Highlights:

• In rural and tribal communities, they lack a lot of the technical writing capacity to even make it through
• So if we approve this, I do have caution about how we are supporting those rural and tribal governments
• Because really the point is to get good legislation going that impacts, that positively impacts everybody
• We've heard estimates that tens of thousands may be eligible across rural and tribal communities.
• I think we need to remember that even when we win the victories of getting benefits for impacted people

Committee: Senate Senate Conservation

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> on House Bill 1690 relative to impact on House Bill 1690 relative to impact fees.<00:04:52.560><
• </c><00:18:05.200><c> fees</c> is not looked at as part of impact fees is not looked at as part of impact
• So that it's an option the impact fee.
• </c> use your impact fee we need this much. use your impact fee we need this much.
• ><c> board</c> In smaller rural communities, board In smaller rural communities, board members<02:42:

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One is being funded by the Rural Health Transformation Program.
• This one will be for the non-rural Kupuna beneficiaries.
• This one will be for the non-rural Kupuna beneficiaries.
• </c> slope for rural health transformation. slope for rural health transformation.
• Okay, thank rural health transformation.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee hearing opened with notice that the meeting was being streamed and could reconvene later if technical problems forced an abrupt end. The chair also announced a one-minute testimony limit and proceeded through several bills, taking mostly written and oral support testimony and asking limited questions. No votes were taken in the portion provided. HB 1626, relating to youth penalties, drew strong support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, youth advocates, the ACLU, the Department of Education, and others. Testifiers said financial sanctions on youth are ineffective, disproportionately burden Native Hawaiian youth, and function as poverty penalties; they urged replacing fines with community service, restorative practices, and ʻāina-based programs, and eliminating uncollectible legacy debt. The chair moved on after no member questions. HB 1643, relating to pharmacy, was discussed with support from the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, Kaiser, the Board of Pharmacy, independent pharmacies, and PBM representatives. Testimony focused on amendment language, audit procedures, HIPAA concerns, and the need for flexibility for small island pharmacies. HB 1668, relating to Medicaid, received broad support from disability advocates and the Department of Human Services; witnesses said CMS had already approved the underlying state plan amendment removing income and asset limits for certain workers with disabilities, but they wanted the protection codified in law to preserve it long term. The chair asked whether codification was necessary and was told it would not be harmful and would help ensure continuity if federal policy changed. The committee then heard HB 1550 on drug paraphernalia and syringe access, with support from Shipta and the Department of Health; testimony emphasized preserving flexibility for the statewide syringe access program to respond to emerging drugs like xylazine. HB 1974, relating to health, was presented as a planning measure for hearing loss; testifiers said Hawaii lacks a comprehensive hearing-loss plan and that the bill would fund a state planning process, not direct services. HB 1858 on vital statistics drew support from clinicians and medical organizations, who said better data on spontaneous fetal deaths is needed and that the term used in the bill is standard medical and CDC terminology. HB 1871 and HB 1966 also received support, with HB 1966’s EMS special fund prompting discussion about the cigarette-tax revenue source; the chair questioned the nexus to EMS, and the Department of Health said the revenue currently funds the special fund and there is no alternative funding stream.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um so talking same impact as the others.
• In the rural districts, 66% of Vermont's rural, um, we just don't have the types of problems that we're
• In the rural districts, 66% of Vermont's rural, um, we just don't have the types of problems that we're
• In the rural districts, 66% of Vermont's rural, um, we just don't have the types of problems that we're
• That was a impact on the state budget.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Changing clocks biannually. impacts our health.
• We also need to consider the economic and social impact.
• But here's the thing, these twice-yearly time changes have real impacts on real people.
• But more than that, time changes can impact the safety of our communities.
• And they have real, real impacts on people. Let me start on the health side. Dr.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: daylight saving time, Sunshine Protection Act, health impacts, clock change, legislative discussion

Summary: The committee meeting was dedicated to discussing significant legislative topics, focusing particularly on the implications of daylight saving time (DST). Senator Scott advocated for the Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes and keep daylight saving time year-round. He emphasized the negative health impacts associated with DST, including increased risks of heart attacks and accidents immediately following the time changes. Various witnesses provided personal testimonies and expert opinions, highlighting the confusion and health disruptions caused by the current time change practices.

Transcript Highlights:

• for services, appropriating and transferring monies from the Cooperative Welfare General Fund to the Rural
• for services, appropriating and transferring monies from the Cooperative Welfare General Fund to the Rural
• I live in a small rural area and we do have a... ...I live in a small rural area and we do have a district
• And to be clear, this has no impact on cities in any way.
• Gentleman from 20: Rural A.D. My wife's a lobbyist. Thank you.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm assuming that they're primarily... ...just located in the rural and small towns. Correct.
• We only have dyed diesel at 10 of our nearly 60-plus locations, primarily in these rural locations. .
• ..of our 60-plus locations, primarily in these rural communities where agriculture use is most common
• But those are the locations that are probably in most need of it because they're the most rural, and
• But those are the locations that are probably in most need of it because they're the most rural.

Committee: House Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and took up House Bill 2280, a bill to address abandoned railroad rights-of-way in Missouri by assigning the state land surveyor the duty of surveying them over a 20-year period. Supporters said the bill would help clarify boundaries and ownership where old rail corridors have been abandoned and physical evidence of the centerline has disappeared. Members discussed the bill’s fiscal note and the possibility of shifting survey costs to railroads in the future. The committee voted 21-0 to do pass HB 2280. In public hearing, Representative Farnan presented House Bill 3014, a conveyance bill authorizing the sale of about 59 acres owned by Northwest Missouri State University to Nottoway County Economic Development for a fairground, expo center, and campsites. Members asked about the acreage and whether the bill directed a specific buyer, and the sponsor said the county group was the intended purchaser if it secures funding. No witnesses testified, and the hearing closed without action. The committee then heard House Bill 3392 from Representative Haley, which would remove the requirement that retailers and distributors keep Form 149 exemption certificates on file for dyed diesel sales at retail pumps. Haley and supporting witnesses from Geyer Oil, the Missouri Petroleum and Convenience Association, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, and Missouri Corn Growers said the current paperwork requirement is burdensome, especially for unmanned or rural stations, and had led to a large audit assessment against one company. Department of Revenue staff explained that the current law requires the form, that refunds are available through DOR if a retailer does not accept it, and that they were reviewing proposed amendment language to avoid unintended consequences. No vote was taken on HB 3392, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Departments, especially in rural Minnesota, rely on this fund.
• We see its impact every day.
• </c> departments, especially in rural departments, especially in rural Minnesota,<00:04:03.040><c> rely
• We see its impact know this fund works. We see its impact every<00:04:45.919><c> day.
• </c> and this does create an impact. and this does create an impact. All<00:37:23.520><c> right.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Laws and where an arbitration might happen are part of that process and directly impact the process.
• After that, I visited with eye doctors, especially in rural communities like mine in Longview.
• Let's talk about the fiscal impact.
• And that would be great because this bill wouldn't impact what you do, correct? Correct. So...
• Our rural hospitals, and a lot of our hospitals, are dealing with many abuses.

Bills: HB139 , HB1818 , HB1942 , HB1959 , HB2221 , HB2254 , HB2563 , HB2067 , HB2275 , HB3211 , HB139

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: HB 1818, Texas Insurance Code, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, health maintenance organization, HMO, insurer, utilization review, preauthorization, prior authorization, medical necessity review, health care services, medical care, insurance regulation, insurance examination, regulatory oversight, confidential records, public information exception, Chapter 843, Chapter 1301

Transcript Highlights:

• So we don't believe that it's going to impact the economy or the restaurant and tourism industry.
• businesses and cost $900 it also impacts businesses and cost employers<00:36:58.040><c> 8</c><00:36:
• have on more rural communities.
• </c> concerns from Lono um and the impact concerns from Lono um and the impact that<00:57:54.280><c>
• </c> that this could have on more rural that this could have on more rural communities<00:57:56.720><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on February 11, 2025, and heard a series of bills focused on transportation funding and roadway safety. HB 1154 would cap Central Services assessments from the state highway, airport, and harbor funds, with a CPI-based process for additional deductions; the Department of Transportation supported it and the Department of Budget and Finance offered comments. HB 1164 would restore highway revenue bond authorization for DOT capital projects, and HB 1286 would prohibit pedestrians from walking along interstate and certain state highways except for authorized duties; both drew DOT support, with Ulupono Initiative and an individual offering comments or support on HB 1286. HB 1162 would require motorcycle instruction permit applicants, beginning July 1, 2026, to complete an approved basic rider course before becoming eligible, and HB 537 would require helmets and chin straps for all operators and passengers of two-wheel motorized vehicles; both had DOT support, with HB 537 also drawing support from AAA Hawaii and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, and opposition from one individual. The committee then took up HB 387, which would expand negligent injury in the first degree to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing current law already covers drunk driving and that the proposal would turn alcohol-caused negligence causing injury into a felony; prosecutors from Honolulu and Hawaiʻi counties and DOT supported it, saying serious injuries short of “substantial bodily injury” are not adequately punished and that circuit court would better handle restitution and related proceedings. Members asked about data on cases that might fit the new felony category, and prosecutors said they did not have exact numbers but could try to provide more information. The committee also heard HB 1084 and the related HB 1387, both of which would lower Hawaiʻi’s per se DUI blood alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05. Support came from DOT, police departments, the Department of Health, prosecutors, the Governor’s office, MADD Hawaii, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the Hawaii Alcohol Policy Alliance, AAA Hawaii, and the National Transportation Safety Board, all citing research that lower BAC limits reduce impaired driving and fatalities. The Public Defender opposed the change, and some testimony raised concerns about enforcement and the need for an amendment in HB 1084. Several individuals and advocates gave emotional testimony about crashes and losses tied to impaired driving, while supporters emphasized that a 0.05 standard would save lives and would not harm alcohol sales or the tourism economy. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• What is in fact impacted? I think industry might have some estimates that...
• Yeah, you know, like some of you, I live in a rural community.
• Those have negative impact on wildlife there.
• ranching impacts as well, that we can do restoration.
• And livestock impacts or ranching impacts as well, that we can do restoration efforts that can benefit

Committee: Joint Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Study Committee

Summary: The Arizona Off-Road Vehicle Study Committee met to review Senate Bill 1519 and broader OHV policy issues, including funding, mitigation, enforcement, and education. Staff summarized the bill’s amended provisions: raising the OHV/ATV weight threshold from 2,500 to 3,500 pounds, directing ADOT to create a new usage classification, creating an Off-Highway Vehicle Law Enforcement Fund, and setting a 50% vehicle license tax for vehicles in the 2,500–3,500 pound range. Members discussed how many vehicles would be affected, with industry testimony estimating about 2,600 new Arizona sales in that weight class in 2025 and growth of roughly 10% annually. Committee members also debated whether changes should be revenue-neutral to ADOT/HIRF or instead generate dedicated enforcement and mitigation funding without reopening HIRF distribution. The committee then turned to education. Staff reviewed SB 1567, which requires OHV course completion before issuance of an OHV indicia and includes a report due December 1, 2026. Game and Fish said the mandatory education appears to be improving behavior, especially helmet use by children. Several witnesses, including representatives from Riding Arizona and ABATE Arizona, supported a consistent statewide training model and suggested expanding the requirement from owners to operators, with possible reciprocity or compact-style recognition with other states. Members also raised practical questions about proof of completion, online access, and how law enforcement would verify compliance. For mitigation and enforcement funding, committee members and invited stakeholders discussed the scale of the need. A research presentation from Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation estimated about $3.5 million annually for additional law enforcement and about $7.5 million annually for natural resource mitigation, for a combined target of roughly $11 million per year. The estimate was based on county sheriff input and existing federal land-management data on illegal or user-created roads, with a statewide rough range of 12,000 to 17,000 miles of roads needing some form of closure or decommissioning. Members emphasized that the estimate did not include all possible costs, such as fence repair, tank restoration, or environmental compliance, and discussed soft versus hard closures, prevention, and the need to pair any mitigation spending with enforcement and education. No formal vote was taken in the portion provided; the committee mainly received information, asked questions, and continued discussion of possible recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, we have 15 county sheriffs, and those of us that live in rural Arizona depend on them.
• Between the federal tax changes and the national fiscal uncertainty, mainly the impacts of H.R. 1 on
• Between the federal tax changes and the national fiscal uncertainty, mainly the impacts of H.R. 1 on
• Arizona is an especially impacted state.
• Arizona is an especially impacted state.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures. HCR 2059, a resolution reaffirming support for county sheriffs and recognizing their constitutional authority, drew debate over language describing sheriffs’ authority as “supreme” or “supreme constitutional.” Supporters said it was a tribute to sheriffs’ work, especially in rural areas, while opponents objected to the phrasing as tied to fringe legal theories. The resolution passed with a do-pass recommendation, 8-3. HB 2811 was presented as closing a gap in Arizona law by making interference with a lawful arrest involving violence or threats of violence a felony under obstructing governmental operations. Supporters said it would clarify the law and align it more closely with federal standards; opponents argued the conduct was already covered by existing resisting-arrest and hindering statutes and that the bill was duplicative and confusing. The bill received a do-pass recommendation, 8-4. HB 4129 would create a Department of Public Safety mental health and wellness program for law enforcement officers and appropriate $15 million for confidential counseling, peer support, family counseling, telehealth, and related services, with some funding reserved for smaller agencies. The sponsor and supporters emphasized officer trauma and suicide prevention, while opponents said similar services already exist and raised cost concerns. Before a final vote, the sponsor requested the bill be held for further work, and the committee agreed. The committee also advanced HB 2270, which expands protections for county seals, logos, insignia, and related identifiers and gives sheriffs exclusive authority over naming and dissolving posses. Sheriffs and county officials said the bill was needed after disputes over posse names and branding; critics warned the language was too broad and could raise First Amendment and due process concerns. The bill passed 12-1. HB 2416, appropriating $20 million for local border support and law enforcement costs related to drug trafficking, smuggling, prosecution, detention, and equipment, also passed after testimony both for and against the funding, 7-5. HB 4018, a strike-everything amendment clarifying sheriffs’ authority over volunteer posses and reserves, passed 10-0 after testimony from sheriffs’ office staff and a member of the public who opposed expanded use of armed volunteers. HB 2253, barring retaliation against employees who testify in law-enforcement disciplinary appeal proceedings, passed unanimously after an amendment removed language voiding restrictive policies. The committee then began hearing HB 4044, which would create a Public Safety Parity Fund using investment earnings from the state rainy day fund to pay DPS and corrections salaries, with the sponsor saying he intended to remove the forfeiture component before floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's improve our K-12 system so that more of America's poor rural kids and inner city kids both have
• And how do you think that impacts our educational system?
• This week, my office heard from a former teacher from Oakland, Maine, who has developed a high-impact
• Private school vouchers have a negative impact on student achievement without objection. Thank you.
• Again, I would want to see exactly what that impact is going to be and understand it.

Committee: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Keywords: educational reform, federal grants, bureaucracy, wealth disparity, public testimony

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Though the population of our rural Though the population of our rural county<00:19:50.160><c> is
• In my rural district, It hurts them.
• Rural hospitals.
• </c><02:57:15.520><c> and</c> enforcement, how much our rural and enforcement, how much our rural and
• </c><03:01:14.000><c> health</c> Medicaid cuts destroy our rural health Medicaid cuts destroy our rural

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Remind all who serve here that leadership is about the common good, seeking the well-being of urban and rural
• With 25 facilities serving 16 municipalities statewide, their impact is felt across Arizona.
• SB 1118, rural hospitals, radiation protection grants.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill could create a genuine impact in his classroom.
• If these supports are hard to use or poorly funded, the impact will be limited.
• The words, I think they're tremendously impactful when we look at where we started.
• We need to hear from you because it's you that this bill will impact.
• Trust me, there are other places that we're looking to make an impact.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're continuing to monitor that to see if these plans that we are implementing are making an impact
• It has a tremendous impact, but again, a focus on the overall seafood industry.
• And so it is going to have a significant impact.
• Louisiana rice, which becomes the main meal for many school children throughout rural West Africa.
• So just to back up a step, the new Office of Louisiana Highway Construction oversees all of the rural

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first heard the House Fiscal Division’s FY 2027 budget presentations for the State Treasury, Public Service Commission, Department of Civil Service, and Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Treasury’s recommended budget was about $15 million with 74 positions, funded largely by self-generated revenue. Treasury staff highlighted strong investment returns, record unclaimed property recoveries, a new ACH option to speed and reduce the cost of payments, a School Transparency portal that helped uncover questionable school spending, and a new online portal that has sped up processing of cooperative endeavor agreements and related payments. Members praised the transparency work and faster payments, and asked about bond ratings, CEA oversight, and the public accessibility of the transparency site. The Public Service Commission’s FY 2027 budget was presented at $11.5 million, entirely self-generated, with most spending on personnel; commissioners said salary and market adjustments were needed to address heavy attorney and auditor turnover. Civil Service’s FY 2027 budget was presented at $28.7 million, with major funding from interagency transfers and general fund, and officials explained recent pay-plan and special entrance rate changes intended to improve recruitment and retention across state agencies. Members asked how those compensation changes were developed and whether market studies supported them. The Agriculture and Forestry budget was presented at $91.4 million, with major funding from statutory dedications, general fund, and federal dollars, and the commissioner described severe pressure on farmers from low commodity prices, drought, freezes, wildfires, storm damage, and labor shortages. The Agriculture and Forestry discussion was the longest and most detailed. The commissioner said the state is working to expand markets, reduce costs, and help farmers through federal assistance, while also seeking more equipment and fuel for wildfire response after a severe fire weekend and ongoing drought conditions. Members raised concerns about storm-damaged timber, soil and water conservation funding, and the loss of federal dollars that depend on local technicians. The commissioner explained the wildfire suppression subfund, the role of severance taxes, and the limits of current firefighting equipment and staffing. He also discussed the seafood sector, especially shrimp and crawfish, saying imported seafood, currency changes, tariffs, and H-2B worker shortages are hurting Louisiana producers and processors. He said the department is testing imported seafood for antibiotics, wants more authority to hold contaminated product, and is pursuing legislation to support seafood promotion and testing. Members also asked about wood chips, rail transport, timber severance reporting, and incentives for wood pellet use, and the commissioner said the department is exploring new markets, including overseas buyers for wood and agricultural products. No formal votes or bill actions were taken in the portion provided; the meeting consisted of budget presentations, agency testimony, and member questions and comments. The tone throughout was supportive of the agencies’ work, with repeated praise for Treasury’s transparency efforts, Civil Service’s compensation reforms, and Agriculture and Forestry’s advocacy for farmers, foresters, and seafood producers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Zyla is deeply passionate about the intersection of business, policy, and global impact.
• And here is the most troubling part to me: we don't even know how many voters this could actually impact
• It affects rural counties where DMV locations are usually sparse, leaving residents to travel between
• And when you look at the full impact of this bill, the full impact, very similar to what Senator Davis
• Senate Bill 288, a bill to be entitled an act relating to rural electric cooperatives.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing interns, staff, visitors, and a military veteran. After routine announcements, the chamber took up several House-returned bills and special-order measures, with most motions to concur or refuse to concur adopted without objection. Early actions included unanimous concurrence in House amendments to SB 118 on RV park special assessments and SB 572 on ethics rules for public officers and employees, both passing 38-0. The Senate then debated and passed CS/CS/HB 991 on election integrity by a 27-12 vote after extensive opposition focused on voter registration documentation, student IDs, provisional ballots, and potential disenfranchisement; the sponsor defended the bill as a citizenship-verification and election-security measure. The chamber also passed CS/CS/SB 182, an education package combining several related provisions, by 37-0, and later approved SB 474 on military affairs by 39-0 after a technical amendment restoring certain retirement eligibility positions. The Senate refused to concur in the House amendment to CS/CS/CS/SB 1014 on municipal utility service, and refused to concur in the House strike-all amendment to SB 598 after the House had added composting language to the cremation definition. Several other messages were temporarily postponed. On the special-order calendar, the Senate passed CS/CS/HB 425 on historic cemeteries by 39-0, allowing historic Black cemetery boards to sell surplus property not used for burial to fund maintenance. It also passed HB 929 on chickee regulation by 39-0, limiting local restrictions on chickee construction and setting spacing, fire-safety, and permitting rules. SB 1370 on habitual traffic offender designation was substituted with identical CS/HB 35 and passed 39-0, expanding habitual offender treatment to repeated driving without a valid license. The chamber then returned to CS/CS/CS/SB 902, the Department of Health package, which was substituted with CS/HB 733 and amended to retain the Senate’s medical marijuana location limits, adjust NICU nutrition language, modify the dental student loan repayment program, and require a pediatric trauma center designation for certain specialty children’s hospitals; it passed 37-0. The Senate also moved CS/CS/CS/HB 905 on foreign influence to the special-order calendar and began debate on a strike-all amendment defining foreign terrorist organizations and foreign countries of concern, restricting gifts and business ties, tightening sister-city affiliations, and adding ethics training and reporting requirements, but the transcript ends before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you have any comments on how this will impact your mission generally to stand between, and I'm not
• So how would this bill kind of impact your mission? TMB?
• You're talking about how this might have an impact.
• You're helping hospitals, and especially rural hospitals. Ms.
• , both in urban and rural areas. is a first-line resource for patients.

Bills: SB331 , SB883 , SB926 , SB1137 , SB1138 , SB1144 , SB1151 , SB1236 , SB1270 , SB1522 , SB1869 , SB2207 , SB2422

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: healthcare, cost disclosure, transparency, administrative penalties, health facility compliance, COVID-19, off-label use, prescription drugs, patient access, medical standards, insurance, physician ranking, incentives, fiduciary duty, health plan issuers, SB 1137, group home, assisted living, residential care, board and care

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> policy going forward and that'll impact policy going forward and that'll impact the<00:10:54.600
• from immigration versus other factors." how that impacts housing prices for how that impacts housing
• </c><01:11:21.080><c> is</c> tease out what the what the impact is tease out what the what the impact
• I heard two years ago when you talked about the impact of housing and its impact on school costs, and
• of Housing and talked about the impact of Housing and its<02:56:50.439><c> impact</c><02:56:50.800><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was a Ways and Means briefing opened by the vice chair, who introduced Jason Wong of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston to discuss the national and regional economy. Wong focused on inflation, asking why it had fallen from about 9% in 2022 to the 2%–3% range, and what that meant for monetary policy and the risk of an economic downturn. He said the Fed’s target is 2%, noted that recent PCE inflation was about 2.4% and core PCE about 2.7%, and described the ongoing debate over whether interest rates should stay tight or be lowered further to protect the labor market. Wong explained that the improvement in inflation has been driven largely by goods prices, especially durable goods such as cars, appliances, and furniture, as well as non-durable goods like food. He said supply-chain disruptions during the pandemic caused major price spikes in 2022, but those pressures have eased and many goods prices are now at or below the Fed’s target. He also referenced the New York Fed’s Global Supply Chain Pressure Index, saying it showed extreme pandemic-era disruptions that have since receded. The main remaining inflation problem, he said, is in services, especially housing. Wong broke services into rent of shelter and all other services, explaining that shelter is a large share of household budgets and that housing inflation has a lag because rent measures often reflect older lease terms rather than current market rents. He said monthly Zillow data suggest market rents have cooled and may eventually feed through to official inflation measures. Members asked several questions about the chart’s time scale, the treatment of real estate, property taxes, and utilities, and Wong clarified that housing costs are counted in services and that the slides would be shared digitally. No votes or formal actions were taken.