Video & Transcript : 'retiree support' :
Page 317 of 500
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So how would you support that?
- And so I support this bill. I support options.
- Support our teachers. Support our teachers.
- Support our teachers. Support our teachers. Support our They said, fund public schools properly.
- Support our teachers. Support our students. Where are those bills? I filed some.
Summary:
The committee first heard Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horn’s annual State of Education address, which focused on school safety, academic outcomes, school choice, teacher pay, and opposition to DEI/CRT in schools and teacher preparation. Horn said the department has expanded school police officers, promoted Project Momentum and tutoring, supported cell phone restrictions in classrooms, and pushed for more phonics-based reading instruction and stronger university teacher-prep programs. Members questioned him about DEI complaints, cell phone implementation, ESA oversight, school safety funding, reading proficiency, and teacher compensation; Horn said ESA spending is reviewed and recovered when inappropriate, and argued teacher raises should come directly to teachers, not through districts. No formal action was taken on his presentation.
The committee then considered HB 2008, which would prohibit public school libraries from using public funds to pay dues to professional library associations. Sponsor Representative Cooper argued the bill would keep school libraries politically neutral and prevent taxpayer money from supporting ideological advocacy, while saying membership itself would still be allowed if paid privately. Opponents, including a former librarian, a school board member, and the ACLU of Arizona, said the bill would undermine professional development, local control, literacy support, and constitutional rights of association and petition. Supporters said associations promote ideological content and that free professional-development alternatives exist. After public testimony and debate, the committee voted to return HB 2008 with a do-pass recommendation.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> institutions to projects that support institutions to projects that support foreign<03:14:05.120
- </c> to support HRES 1252 and I yield back. to support HRES 1252 and I yield back.
- </c> urge my colleagues to support this bill. urge my colleagues to support this bill.
- I rise in strong support of H.
- </c> of support for Jimmy Lie as we all know. of support for Jimmy Lie as we all know.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I encourage your support. It's a very, very minor increase. Thank you. I encourage your support.
- I obviously support teachers. This is not an anti-teacher bill. I obviously support teachers.
- Senators, I will be supporting this bill. I do. Senators, I will be supporting this bill.
- "And so that's why I'm going to support this, because I support them.
- I support both of them.
Summary:
The Senate convened with 31 members present, approved the March 31 journal, and moved through committee reports, gubernatorial messages, and House messages before taking up several bills on final reading. Among the measures considered were House Bill 930 on campaign finance, House Bill 949 on consolidating the STEM Action Center with the Workforce Development Council, House Bill 950 providing a one-time appropriation for a consultant to support Medicaid review work, House Bill 952 revising the Secretary of State’s budget, Senate Bill 1444 for public school support, House Bill 940 revising Idaho Digital Learning Academy policy, Senate Bill 1438 funding the IDLA budget, House Bill 516 on parental rights and education, and House Bill 897 on the Idaho information technology equipment sales tax exemption. The chamber also received and referred additional bills, including House Bill 968 and several appropriations and committee reports.
House Bill 930 passed after debate centered on campaign finance transparency, separate campaign accounts, limits on investments, and requiring self-loans over $1,000 to be deposited into campaign accounts. Supporters said it would improve accountability; opponents questioned enforcement and warned against weaponizing campaign reporting. House Bill 949 passed with discussion of consolidating STEM and workforce functions, shifting funds and staff, and reducing administrative costs. House Bill 950 passed as a one-time $200,000 appropriation for a consultant to assist the legislature’s Medicaid review panel. House Bill 952 passed with a small reduction to the Secretary of State’s ongoing general fund budget. Senate Bill 1444 passed despite objections that the school budget underfunds district health insurance and shifts costs to local districts; supporters emphasized federal fund authority and other budget adjustments. House Bill 940 passed after extensive debate on narrowing IDLA’s mission, ending state support for certain uses, limiting elementary and online participation, and reducing enrollments and costs.
Senate Bill 1438, the companion IDLA appropriation bill, also passed after debate over the size of the cut, the use of the Public Education Stabilization Fund, and whether the budget should include a cap on enrollments; supporters said it matched the policy changes in House Bill 940, while opponents argued it was too restrictive and could harm students’ access to courses. House Bill 516, dealing with parental rights and education and teacher-union-related payroll and activity restrictions, passed after a lengthy and sharply divided debate over whether it protected taxpayer dollars or unfairly targeted educators and unions. House Bill 897, as amended, was then taken up for final consideration on the Idaho information technology equipment sales tax exemption, with the sponsor explaining that the bill narrows the exemption to internal server equipment and limits it to 20 years in response to changing data-center trends and water-use concerns.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty Four - Monday, March 9
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So I support this bill, and I urge the rest of the House to support this bill.
- I give my full support to this amendment. I hope my colleagues will support it. Mr.
- Speaker, I give my full support to this amendment. I hope my colleagues will support it.
- I give my full support to this amendment. I hope my colleagues will support it. Mr.
- I appreciate the bill sponsor's support and the overwhelming support on this amendment.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 31, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1234.
- I rise in strong support of my bill, the I.R.S. Math Act.
- I urge my colleagues to support the legislation and I yield back.
- I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back.
- Shame on those who continue to support this legislation.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:04:02.280><c> of</c> for a CO Coalition that is in support of for a CO Coalition that is in support
- </c><00:07:49.000><c> of</c> opportunity to testify in support of opportunity to testify in support of
- </c><00:08:52.519><c> by</c> and services previously supported by and services previously supported by
- </c><00:13:38.240><c> of</c><00:13:38.519><c> HF</c> to testify in support of HF to testify in support
- So I support this bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on HF3900 5/13/26
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I don't—I could not support and I did not support the requirement of a 2/3 vote.
- So I would not support that.
- And so I don't—I could not support and I did not support the requirement of a 2/3 vote.
- So I would not support that.
- So I would not support that.
Summary:
The conference committee on House File 3900 met with a quorum, introduced members and staff, and received a nonpartisan walkthrough of the bill. Staff explained that the proposal would change the permanent school fund’s distribution formula from interest and dividends to a statutory payout based on 4.5% of the fund’s average value over the previous three fiscal years, with the Commissioner of Management and Budget responsible for determining and transferring the distributable amount. The Senate version differed by adding language requiring a two-thirds vote of each legislative house to change the distribution policy or apportionment.
Members then debated whether a future legislature could increase the payout and whether the constitutional language would sufficiently protect the fund’s purchasing power. Senator Farnsworth argued that a supermajority requirement would help prevent politicization and lock in the fund’s purpose, while Representative Long, Senator Kunesh, Representative Youakim, and Representative O’Driscoll opposed the supermajority as unnecessary and potentially politicizing, emphasizing existing constitutional protections, fiduciary duties, and the legislature’s track record of stewarding school trust lands for students. Staff indicated the language requiring preservation of purchasing power would be a strong safeguard, though the exact legal remedy was unclear.
Senator Kunesh moved to adopt the House File 3900 second engrossment as the conference committee report. The committee took a roll call vote and approved the motion 7-1, with Senator Farnsworth voting no. After the vote, Senator Swedzinski offered brief remarks about the historical importance of school trust funds and public education.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty One - Tuesday, April 14
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I commend you for it, and I will support this bill, and I encourage the body to support this bill strongly
- And I support this, and I support the representative, and I urge the body to support it.
- I support the amendment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I support the amendment.
- I would like to support all of them, HB 2576.
- And I would like to encourage the body to support the amendment as well as support the underlying bill
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by a 117-0 vote, and a long series of guest introductions, including 911 officials, school groups, students shadowing legislators, international visitors from Quebec, family members, and various community advocates. The chamber then moved into floor debate on several measures, beginning with House Joint Resolution 115, which would extend personal property tax and homestead tax exemptions to 100% service-connected disabled veterans and surviving spouses. Members from both parties praised the sponsor’s eight-year effort, emphasized the financial burden on disabled veterans living on fixed incomes, and noted the measure’s broad support; the House adopted the committee substitute and ordered it perfected and printed.
The House next took up House Bill 2151, a Fast Track workforce training program fix that raises household income eligibility thresholds from $40,000 to $50,000 for single filers and from $80,000 to $100,000 for joint filers without increasing the program’s overall funding cap. Supporters said the change reflects inflation and will help more adults and families access training for career changes and upskilling. The chamber then approved House Substitute for House Bill 2576, a naming bill that included several commemorative designations. Members adopted amendments designating January as Blood Donor Awareness Month, June 28 as Elliott and Muriel Battle Day, and March 26 as PANS Awareness Day; a proposed Josephine Baker Day amendment was withdrawn after concerns it could complicate the broader bill. The bill also included other memorial and honorary designations, including a highway naming for a Vietnam veteran and recognition of a former Pagedale mayor.
The House also approved an amendment designating April 22 as Missouri Black Bear Awareness Day, with supporters saying it would promote public safety and education as bear populations increase. Another amendment added infertility awareness language, with members describing the issue as a disease that affects families in silence. The chamber then approved House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3175, known as Mason’s Law, which creates a system to flag certain driver records for law enforcement when a person has a condition affecting communication; an amendment expanded the notice to include driver’s licenses. Members said the bill would help officers safely interact with people who may have difficulty communicating during traffic stops.
Finally, the House took up House Bill 1736, which allows local governments to use certain park-related sales tax revenues for natural disaster mitigation, including stormwater management and the purchase of repetitive-loss properties. Supporters said it would help communities address flooding without turning parks into hard infrastructure sites. The chamber then began debate on House Bill 1887 and related AI and digital-image protection provisions, including measures aimed at preventing nonconsensual deepfakes, protecting minors, and giving victims civil remedies and takedown processes. Members from both parties supported the goal of curbing AI abuse, though some raised technical drafting questions and one member suggested the legislature may eventually need a broader AI task force or sunset review. No final vote on HB 1887 was reached in the portion provided.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here to express my support for Senate Bill 131.
- Many of the things in the bill I support.
- So I'm unable to support, but thank you. So I'm unable to support, but thank you. Thank you, Matt.
- We stand in strong support of this legislation.
- I appreciate the committee supporting that.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 211, which would appropriate $5 million for the Las Vegas Rodriguez Park. Senator Campos said the money would help continue upgrades to baseball, softball, and little league fields and address fencing, flooding, and other park improvements as part of a larger regional park plan. There was no public opposition, and the bill received a unanimous do pass recommendation, 7-0.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 131, a broad housing and zoning reform measure sponsored by Senator Maestas. The bill would allow more housing types by right, including accessory dwelling units, duplexes, townhomes, apartments in commercial zones, small-scale commercial uses in neighborhoods, and would eliminate minimum parking mandates; an amendment to remove height restrictions was adopted unanimously. Supporters, including Pew, housing advocates, chambers of commerce, builders, and some local officials, argued the bill would increase supply, lower costs, and modernize outdated zoning. Opponents, including the Realtors, Municipal League, neighborhood representatives, and several senators, argued it would preempt local control, ignore community differences, and could create infrastructure and neighborhood impacts. After extended debate, the committee tabled SB 131 by a recorded vote.
Senate Bill 183 was next, proposing a feasibility study for a regional urgent care or emergency facility in Torrance County. The sponsor and local officials described long ambulance transports, heavy use of I-40, and the need for quicker access to care for rural residents and travelers. The bill drew support from a former hospital administrator and no opposition, and it passed 9-1. The committee then considered Senate Bill 222, which would appropriate $20 million for physician residency programs outside the federal system to help retain doctors in New Mexico. The sponsor and supporters said the state loses many medical graduates because of limited residency slots, while one witness urged accountability for large hospital systems. Some senators questioned the premise and feasibility, but the bill advanced on a 6-4 do pass vote to Finance.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Jan 26th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- We had legislative direction and funding to support the process.
- The governor's proposed budget also supported a JR staffing model.
- While I support this bill, I do not support the DOC transfer.
- I’m at the University of Pittsburgh in support of SB 6062.
- He was offered supportive community-based programming, had tremendous support systems, and even had a
Bills:
SB6062
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety Apr 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- To date, over $286 million has been allocated to support these efforts.
- Earlier this month, the use of these funds was expanded to provide support to L.A.
- Without the support and the services of CAST, I wouldn't be where I am today.
- Survivors like me need long-term support to heal and to move forward.
- CPOC supports the administration's proposed changes to the formula.
Summary:
The committee heard a broad public safety budget hearing focused on youth justice funding, probation incentive grants, and disaster response and recovery. On the youth justice item, the Office of Youth and Community Restoration described a proposed change to the JJRBG funding formula that would shift resources away from a DJJ-based measure and toward county youth population, serious offenses, and step-down placements in less restrictive programs. Members asked about data on Native American youth; OYCR said statewide data are limited, but its SYTF data show about 1% of youth in secure youth treatment facilities were Native in 2024. The Department of Finance had no objections, and the item was discussed as a way to support alternatives to long-term incarceration.
The committee then reviewed the community corrections performance incentive program for county probation departments. The Department of Finance proposed stabilizing the program with a maintenance payment, updating the performance baseline, and adding a growth factor; the LAO agreed the formula needed changes but recommended using 2022-23 data instead of 2021-23, using marginal rather than average cost assumptions, rejecting the growth payment and minimum guarantee, and adding stronger oversight through the BSCC. Finance said it was open to some technical changes but opposed a new BSCC audit framework, noting Judicial Council already surveys probation departments and that evidence-based practice use has increased over time. Members and staff indicated the proposal still needed further work.
A major portion of the hearing focused on the January 2025 Southern California wildfires and state disaster response. A resident of Altadena gave emotional testimony about evacuation failures, loss of home, and the need for accountability. LAO and Cal OES outlined the disaster response and recovery system, including mutual aid, alert and warning, debris removal, FEMA and state funding streams, and the long timeline for reimbursement. Cal OES said it had pre-positioned resources, temporarily took over the county’s wireless emergency alert function for about three weeks, coordinated debris removal and recovery operations, and had already allocated more than $286 million in state funds. Officials also discussed the 100% federal cost share for emergency work for 180 days and the uncertainty created by changing federal processes and the cancellation of the BRIC resilience program.
The committee also heard two smaller Cal OES items: a request to reappropriate about $22 million for the law enforcement mutual aid reimbursement program, which the LAO said should be placed in statute with clearer goals and reporting, and an update on Victims of Crime Act funding, where Cal OES said federal VOCA allocations have fallen sharply and that roughly $224 million would be needed to maintain current service levels if federal funding does not improve. Public comment included a request for funding to expand datacasting and emergency alert receivers for wildfire and earthquake warning.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there anybody here in support to send a joint resolution one?
- We also stand in full support of this. Lily May said it all almost.
- We also stand in support of HM30.
- We strongly support House Memorial 30.
- It should be our role to come to the table and support.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That's overall, and I am very much in support of this compact.
- Bottom line up front, we unanimously support. Washington.
- Bottom line up front, we unanimously support this bill.
- I'm here today in support of the Dietitian Licensure Compact.
- Many career sacrifices to support their service members and their families.
Summary:
The Postsecondary Education and Workforce Committee met on January 13, with members and staff introducing themselves and the chair reviewing committee procedures for the session, including amendment deadlines and the plan to hold most executive sessions on Tuesdays. The committee had only one bill for public hearing, House Bill 2088, which would enact the Dietitian Licensure Compact. Staff explained that the compact would let licensed dietitians practice across state lines under a compact privilege, while member states retain licensing, investigative, and disciplinary authority.
Representative Mari Leavitt, the bill sponsor, said the measure follows Washington’s prior work on interstate licensure compacts and is intended to improve access to care, especially in rural areas, and help military spouses quickly reenter the workforce when they move. Testimony was uniformly supportive. Witnesses from the Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, military and veterans groups, the Council of State Governments, and individual dietitians described the compact as a way to reduce licensing delays, support telehealth, improve continuity of care, and ease burdens on military families. One witness also used the hearing to advocate more broadly for universal licensure recognition, though still in support of the compact.
According to the committee, 107 people signed in in support and none opposed the bill. After public testimony closed, the committee made a brief announcement about an upcoming dinner with Washington Students Association student lobbyists, and members then broke into caucuses. No vote on HB 2088 occurred during this meeting, and the session adjourned after the hearing and announcements.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 09:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm speaking in strong support of H. 2537.
- And I'm testifying in strong support of H. 2537.
- I am here today in support of House Bill 2448.
- These providers deserve to be cared for and supported while providing care and support to some of the
- I urge your support.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hybrid hearing on a wide range of bills focused on patient safety, workforce development, health equity, and access to care. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 2362/S. 1491, which would require health care providers to offer trained chaperones for sensitive exams. Sponsors and supporters said the bill is a common-sense safeguard prompted by cases of physician sexual abuse, and survivors gave emotional testimony describing grooming, isolation, and abuse during exams when no chaperone was present. Support also came from a health services researcher, a physician, and a RAINN representative, all arguing that trained chaperones and clearer documentation would improve transparency and protect patients. Committee members asked about clarifying who may serve as a chaperone and whether the bill would apply to other clinicians such as PTs and OTs.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 2401/S. 1485, which would require explicit informed consent for certain educational exams performed on unconscious patients. The bill’s supporters said patients should know in advance if students or physicians will conduct non-medically necessary exams while they are under anesthesia, and that the measure would protect survivors from retraumatization. The hearing then moved to H. 2537, a primary care access bill. Health Care for All, the Massachusetts Medical Society, pediatric and internal medicine physicians, and a patient advocate described long waits, provider shortages, and difficulty finding primary care, especially for low-income people and people of color. They supported the bill’s proposed primary care spending target, payment reforms, Medicaid graduate medical education funding, and a commercial payment floor for health centers.
Another set of bills addressed workforce and safety issues. H. 2397/S. 1593 would establish a nursing workforce center; nursing leaders said Massachusetts should make the current workforce council permanent to support data collection, apprenticeships, and long-term planning for the state’s largest health care workforce. H. 2396/S. 1535 would require safe patient handling and mobility programs in health facilities; nurses described serious injuries from lifting patients and said better equipment and programs would reduce staff injuries and improve patient outcomes. H. 2501/S. 1505 on LGBTQ+ health disparities drew support from a medical student and Doctors for America, who urged collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data to improve care and school outcomes. Finally, H. 2448/S. 1522 on patient safety and equitable access to care drew strong support from nursing organizations and individual nurses who described unsafe staffing, burnout, and patient harm, while the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems opposed the bill as redundant for psychiatric facilities already regulated by the Department of Mental Health.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 18th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise today in proud support of SCR 178, recognizing Jewish-American. today in proud support of SCR
- SB 932 has support, support. I encourage your support on this floor today. Thank you. Thank you.
- Senator Wahab, you are recognized for your support, support bill. Thank you for that reminder.
- SB 971 has received bipartisan support without a single no vote.
- I rise in support of SB 1228.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- They will support flood response and general emergency operations.
- They will support flood response and general emergency operations.
- Staff receive the support needed for sustainable operations.
- So I do completely support this. I think it's enormously important.
- Yeah, and I'll just say, I do support that.
Summary:
The subcommittee met to discuss several California Conservation Corps (CCC) and Cal Fire budget proposals, with no votes taken and all items held open for a future hearing. The CCC overview highlighted the program’s 50th anniversary, its statewide conservation, disaster response, education, and workforce development work, and its funding mix of General Fund and fee-for-service reimbursements. Members praised the program’s impact on young adults and communities, and asked about revenue sources, partnerships, recruitment, and outcomes for Corps members after service.
A major CCC item was reopening and staffing the Greenwood Residential Center in El Dorado County. The department said the center is needed to restore local wildfire and fuel-break capacity, especially when winter road closures limit access to other facilities. The LAO said the proposal has merit but suggested the Legislature consider lower-cost alternatives, such as using fewer new Corps members or delaying opening, given the budget condition. The committee also discussed a proposal to move CCC hand crews to a seven-day wildfire readiness schedule; the department argued this is needed to match Cal Fire’s year-round operations and reduce chronic staffing gaps, while the LAO recommended considering partial funding or other cost-saving options.
Cal Fire’s department overview focused on year-round wildfire response, vegetation management, community preparedness, and the 66-hour workweek rollout. Members asked about contract counties, federal partnerships, reforestation capacity, and the use of cap-and-invest and General Fund dollars amid structural deficits. Cal Fire said its nursery capacity is far below reforestation needs and relies on public-private partnerships, and it described reimbursements for work on federal lands. The committee also discussed defensible space inspections, with Cal Fire seeking permanent staffing to replace temporary positions and maintain its goal of 250,000 inspections annually; the LAO suggested alternatives such as different funding mixes, a reinstated SRA fee, or one-time funding.
Finally, the committee heard a request to increase Cal Fire’s fixed-wing pilot and mechanic contract. Cal Fire said the larger, more complex aircraft fleet and year-round fire season require more pilots and maintainers, and that contracting provides flexibility and avoids some benefit costs. The LAO said the proposal addresses significant health and safety concerns and merits consideration, while members questioned whether in-house staffing or longer contract terms might be more cost-effective. Throughout the hearing, members emphasized wildfire risk, budget pressures, and the need to balance public safety with fiscal discipline.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Apr 8th, 2026
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- We fully support labeling of all meats.
- COOL is also broadly supported by the public.
- In support of. You are up, gentlemen. In support of. You are up, gentlemen.
- Any for information purposes only, seeing none, any in support of, in support of?
- only seeing none any in support of in support of. This is my first time doing this as well.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 9th, 2026 at 02:06 pm
Senate Health & Public Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here to express my support for Senate Bill 131.
- Is there anyone in the room in support of Senate Bill 222?
- Is there anyone here in support of Senate Bill 254?
- We stand in strong support of this legislation.
- I appreciate the committee supporting that.
Keywords:
appropriation, local government, Las Vegas, Rodriguez Park, public facilities, zoning reform, building regulations, residential apartments, commercial use, multigenerational housing, local government authority, healthcare, urgent care, emergency services, feasibility study, medical facilities, physician training, medical residency, New Mexico, massage therapy
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Community Safety Jan 20th, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Community Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- ; everyone's in support.
- The Commission maintains that support and unanimously voted to support House Bill 2403. Great.
- I'm here today to strongly support House Bill 2209.
- I'm here today to strongly support House Bill 2209.
- I strongly encourage you to support this bill.
Keywords:
domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, survivor protections, legal remedies, defendants, theft, robbery, sentencing enhancements, criminal justice, property crimes, failure to register, registration requirements, public safety, law enforcement, prostitution, public health, criminal justice reform, community safety, 904
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 13, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- A lot of these are supported by student fees.
- These are direct support organizations.
- I think name, image, and likeness, just how you're supporting your staff, how you're supporting your
- Direct support organizations.
- Direct support organizations, the name itself just basically says it was formed to support the institution
Summary:
The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to hear an overview of State University System finances from the Board of Governors and detailed budget presentations from Florida State University, the University of Central Florida, and the University of North Florida. The witnesses explained how university budgets are organized into fund categories such as education and general, contracts and grants, auxiliaries, local/designated funds, capital projects, and component units such as direct support organizations. They also described carry forward funds, the statutory reserve and spending-plan requirements, the PICO/HECO capital outlay process, and how universities use investment accounts, audits, and board oversight to manage restricted and unspent funds. The universities emphasized that most operating dollars are restricted to specific uses and that state support helps keep tuition low.
Members asked about differences in funding levels among institutions, especially why FSU receives more funding than UCF despite lower enrollment. Officials said preeminence funding, performance funding, and special legislative appropriations explain much of the difference, and the Board of Governors noted that Florida now has four preeminent universities, with UCF nearing that status. Questions also focused on what happens to unspent carry forward money, how it is invested, and whether the Board of Governors or Legislature can require funds to be returned; officials said the money is invested conservatively, subject to board and audit oversight, and can roll forward under a detailed spending plan, though the Legislature can change funding levels. The committee also discussed capital projects, with members asking about delays, inflation, and whether more projects should be phased or funded faster; witnesses said PICO funds remain with the state until needed and are reimbursed as construction proceeds.
A substantial portion of the discussion covered athletics, research, student fees, and endowments. The universities said athletics is generally expected to be self-supporting, though limited use of auxiliary or carry forward funds may be allowed for projects benefiting the broader student body. They also described the financial pressures from name, image, and likeness changes and new NCAA-related costs, and said institutions are planning for those changes now. On research, the universities explained sponsored research funding, indirect cost recovery, compliance obligations, and tech transfer, but did not provide specific commercialization revenue figures and said they would follow up. Members also asked about student fee increases, student input, counseling and wellness funding, and how housing costs affect affordability; the universities said student committees and boards review fees, and aid packaging is intended to keep student debt low. Endowments were described as being held in separate foundations/DSOs with independent investment committees and used mainly for scholarships, faculty support, and research.