Video & Transcript Research : 'TOPS'
Page 31 of 497
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- We must create a binational aerospace center to become the top global aerospace hub.
- But what many don't often recognize is that we are a top exporter in 26 industry categories.
- And Mexico and Canada, as we all know, are our top... ...industry categories.
- And Mexico and Canada, as we all know, are our top two export destinations.
- Motor vehicles and parts are at the top there first.
Summary:
The joint hearing of the Assembly Select Committee on California-Mexico Bi-National Affairs and the Assembly Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee focused on the USMCA and how the agreement affects California’s economy, jobs, supply chains, and competitiveness. Opening remarks emphasized California’s heavy trade dependence on Mexico and Canada, the importance of stable trade rules, and concerns that tariffs or uncertainty could harm workers, small businesses, agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, and border communities. Members said the hearing would help inform a future legislative report or resolution on California’s priorities for the agreement’s review.
Academic and policy witnesses argued that the USMCA is central to North American economic integration and California’s role in it. Testimony from UC San Diego and CETYS University described California and Mexico as co-producers rather than simple trading partners, highlighting sectors such as medical devices, aerospace, semiconductors, logistics, and advanced manufacturing. Witnesses also warned that the upcoming review could involve not just trade but security and immigration issues, and they urged a stronger, longer-term agreement with more certainty, better border efficiency, and new tools such as specialized technician visas, binational certification standards, innovation zones, and a technology fund.
Go-Biz and chamber representatives said USMCA provides predictability, market access, and support for small and medium-sized businesses, while also creating compliance burdens through rules of origin, labor standards, and customs procedures. They pointed to California’s trade missions, export support programs, and state-level cooperation with Mexico and Canada as ways to help firms participate in regional supply chains. Mexican government and business representatives said the agreement is largely functioning well, that Mexico’s public consultation process received nearly 800 submissions and about 2,000 chapter-specific comments, and that many stakeholders favor maintaining or extending USMCA. No formal votes were taken; the committee heard testimony and asked witnesses for follow-up information to inform its report and future recommendations.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Sep 9th, 2025
Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force
Transcript Highlights:
- performance measures for the public school capital outlay and how we determine who gets the funding, top
- This is at the top of our list for strategic planning for the Public School Facilities Authority. ...
- The other ones that come to mind off the top of my head. Okay, so Mr.
- I think all of that is right off the top of my head as far as cost.
- Our students ranked us in the top 1% two years ago.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Aug 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm going to present from the memo on the top of your handout first.
- As you can see in the headline at the top, at the end of the fourth quarter of FY25, our outstanding
- The last few years, which you can see in chart two on the top left of this page.
- Chair, and at the top of page 15, lines 306 through 315, you'll see updates on the status of projects
- Or the other option is to take so much money off the top and catch these projects up.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Up until now, everything in relation to behavioral health has been a top-down approach.
- And this, of course, is on top of all the money that's already within the recurring budget in relation
- Chairman, I don't have that off the top of my head.
- I don't remember off the top of my head.
- And you come back up to the top. And they say, "Oh, you missed this sheet."
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:14:11.240>
of know the answer to that off the top of know the answer to that off the top - As Senator Hoffman said with the top As Senator Hoffman said with the top wage<01:40:25.680>
- That really is of their top concern. I appreciate the support of this committee.
- <01:41:32.960>
pay get to top pay get to top pay and<01:41:34.200>how <01:41:34.320 - that really is is of their top concern. that really is is of their top concern.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:14:03.320>
So, <01:14:03.920>um the top of the next page. - So, um the top of the next page.
- We received four top proposals, and the top-scoring proposals were invited for interviews.
- four top uh four proposals,<01:16:28.360>
and <01:16:28.480>the <01:16:28.560>top - for workers on top of the employment<01:46:01.360>
framework. - for workers on top of the employment<01:46:01.360>
Summary:
The Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee met to discuss worker misclassification, beginning with approval of the March 4, 2026 minutes and a note that a late-posted bill would not be heard at this time. Chair Pinto opened the hearing by framing misclassification as timely and invited Lea Takapu of the Attorney General’s office to explain the issue. Takapu described misclassification as labeling workers as independent contractors when they are really employees, which can deprive workers of minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and other protections while also reducing tax revenue. She said the Attorney General’s office and the MEAP partnership have been working on the issue and cited estimates that Minnesota workers lose billions annually and the state loses hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars in revenue, while noting that legitimate independent contracting is not the target.
Members questioned how the committee could rely on estimates when the exact number of misclassified workers is unknown. Takapu responded that the figures were based on studies and complaint data, and that underground or undocumented work makes exact counts difficult. Chair Pinto noted the numbers were estimates and referenced a 2024 Legislative Auditor finding that Minnesota lacked an adequate, coordinated approach to proper worker classification, while saying progress had been made since then.
Several industry witnesses then testified in support of stronger enforcement. Kevin Pranis of LiUNA said misclassification remains rampant in parts of construction, especially drywall, stucco, thin stone, and broadband installation, and argued it is tax, unemployment insurance, and workers’ compensation fraud that harms law-abiding contractors and taxpayers. Matt Wollers of Braxton and Sons said his company loses bids to competitors that misclassify workers, creating a labor-cost advantage of 30% or more, and asked for meaningful enforcement rather than new legislation, including regular unannounced jobsite visits. Jesse Madison of Purple Tally Productions said misclassification is anti-competition and described examples from live events and entertainment, urging front-end checks on workers’ compensation, unemployment coverage, and W-2 versus 1099 status before work begins. The next testifier, Ben Ballou of the Minnesota Nurses Association, began his remarks as the transcript ended.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- to<00:03:03.440>
pay <00:03:03.760>to <00:03:04.159>black <00:03:04.400>top - <00:03:04.720>
these they have to pay to black top these they have to pay to black top these - Um I was going the talk about the<00:39:29.200>
black <00:39:29.440>top <00:39:29.760>- <00:39:30.560>
the the black top getting expensive. the the black top getting expensive. the- Maybe not as quickly as a black top.
- <00:39:30.560>
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget General Government Subcommittee 2nd Revision: Agenda Revised: 10:30 a.m. Ethics Commission
A&B General Government Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- Probably one of the questions at the top of your Mind. And we'll highlight it again later.
- They're going to be doing top 10 on 3rd and 4th quarter filing.
- So, top 10 in terms of contributions and expenditures in 3rd and 4th quarter filings.
- At the top, it shows current voter registration statistics on the left-hand side.
- We made about $38 million last year on top of that fund.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Aug 19th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Then, the top line here shows the conservation values that stay constant per year.
- Okay, so that top graph on page 13 is the total expenditures as a consequence?
- Oh no, the top line is visitors. It's everybody that went to the park.
- Madam Chair, Senator Scott, not off the top of my head, I'm sorry, I can't.
- It has to be at the top. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 04/01/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, uh, in your packets, you should have a spreadsheet, uh, top left corner, Senate File 2298 A2DE
- amended amendment as amended by the A4, detailed spreadsheet timestamp of 9:12 a.m. in the top right
- two reasons motans gave was because top two reasons motans gave was because they<00:12:19.519>
were - <00:12:47.360>
left <00:12:47.600>corner, have a spreadsheet uh top left corner, have - So just to give the top right corner.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 24th, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- And look, it's a two- The page document may be on top of your white binder underneath the agenda.
- You have that number off the top of your head, that's great. If not, I'd love to hear it at some.
- At the top of it, it should say Economic Development, and the P code is 512. I guess so.
- I don't have that off the top of my head. Thank you. Just if that could be clarified. Thank you.
- I should have just gone out on top, but I've got another week, so you're stuck with me.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (01/16/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- If you go to page 22, at the top you will see it says salary and benefits.
- If you go to page 22, at the top you will see it says salary and benefits.
- If you go to page 22, at the top you will see it says salary and benefits.
- If you go to page 22, at the top you will see it says salary and benefits.
- If you go to page 22, at the top you will see it says salary and benefits.
Summary:
The meeting was an introductory Division One budget briefing led by Legislative Budget Assistant staff Melissa Rollins and Jack Mullen. They explained staff roles and agency assignments within Division One, noting that Jack is taking over the General Government category while Melissa handles Categories 2 and 3, and that members can contact either staffer with questions. They also reviewed the upcoming budget calendar, including the governor’s budget presentation expected in mid-February, agency hearings beginning around February 17–20, a Division One deadline around March 26, and House Finance reporting deadlines in early April.
A major portion of the discussion focused on how to read fiscal notes and the difference between expenditures and appropriations. Staff used sample language to explain that a bill may show an expenditure estimate without actually authorizing funding or new positions, and that a zero appropriation means the agency is not authorized to spend the estimated amount unless the bill is amended. Members asked questions about why a bill could show costs but still not authorize spending or hiring, and staff clarified that new positions require specific legislative authorization and classification detail. They also noted that many bills will have expenditure lines without appropriations, and that amendments may be needed if the committee wants to fund or authorize the program.
The rest of the meeting walked members through the HB 1 and HB 2 tracking documents used by the division. Staff explained that HB 1 tracking sheets record additional agency requests not included in the governor’s budget, including requests that may be zero-net transfers, corrections, or new spending items, and that grayed-out items indicate actions already taken. They said HB 2 will be handled through a similar tracking process, with amendments routed through LBA staff and the Office of Legislative Services. Members were told that the division will review agency budgets, class lines, and proposed changes over roughly six weeks, with the goal of preparing a detailed change report for full House Finance.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (9-24-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- familiar with Chimney Top and Half Moon. familiar with Chimney Top and Half Moon.
- this slide, what is important is the top this slide, what is important is the top left,<01:18:45.600
- You'll note across the top we nation.
- <01:18:55.360>
spending rank in the top 20 in every DoD spending rank in the top 20 in every - <01:19:25.199>
defense world so it's amazing our top defense world so it's amazing our top
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the August minutes, and heard a brief announcement from Senator Richardson about the Missing in America Project interring unclaimed veterans’ remains at the Western Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Hopkinsville. He read the names of several veterans being laid to rest with military honors, and the chair thanked the volunteers involved in the effort.
The main presentation was an update on Kentucky’s urban search and rescue program from the Department of Military Affairs and Kentucky Emergency Management. Officials said the program is being built around two regional task force hubs, a helicopter aquatic rescue team, an incident support team, and a rescue aid fund for local search and rescue units. They reported that the $8.3 million appropriated for the program in the 2025 budget was fully executed, that $482,670 of the rescue aid fund went to 29 local teams, and that $493,592 has already been allocated in the current year to 36 teams. They also described warehouse and equipment purchases, staffing with full-time and part-time personnel, and a new training site on state property for collapsed-structure and multi-agency exercises.
Officials said the program has already been used in recent disasters, including flood response and urban search and rescue operations in several parts of the state, and claimed the effort has impacted more than 1,500 citizens through rescues, evacuations, and related assistance. They said the helicopter aquatic rescue team is fully operational, the task force roster should be finalized by January, incident support should be online by April, and the full program should be deployable by June 30 or July 1, 2026. Members asked about statewide response times, K-9 search capabilities, and the long-term cost of the program, including concerns about reliance on federal matching funds. The presenters said K-9 assets will be part of the task force, that pre-positioning during forecasted storms can reduce response times significantly, and that they would provide more detailed budget information later.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/20/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:09:11.519>
yearround its role as Minnesota's top yearround its role as Minnesota's top - We're a world-class destination, ranked as one of the top zoos by USA Today.
- We're a world-class destination, ranked as one of the top zoos by USA Today.
- We're a world-class destination, ranked as one of the top zoos by USA Today.
- That's what's going to ensure long-term success as Minnesota's top destination.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/05/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- assessment on top of a previous previous previous assessment<00:26:31.919>
uh <00:26:32.320>- This is on top of the benefits our court systems feel when parties are actually represented in court,
- This is on top of the benefits our court systems feel when parties are actually represented in court,
- This is on top of the benefits our court systems feel when parties are actually represented in court,
- This is on top of the benefits our court systems feel when parties are actually represented in court,
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (02/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- You can see that at the top, and those are from January to December.
- year um so you can see that at the top year um so you can see that at the top and<00:09:45.079><
- The top section is for breakfast, and then the bottom section is for lunch.
- So is this match also on top of that, or is it a component of that?
- <00:56:13.240>
was top was top was $64,000<00:56:15.680>um <00:56:16.039>and <00
Summary:
The Finance Committee Division II met with the New Hampshire Department of Education to review school nutrition programs and related funding. Department staff Melissa White and Kelly Rambo walked through a packet covering the National School Lunch Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Community Eligibility (CEP), After School Snack Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program, explaining that these are federally funded USDA programs, with some state supplemental funding in certain areas. They also reviewed reimbursement rates for lunch, breakfast, child/adult care, and summer meals, noting that summer rates follow calendar-year timing while most others follow the state fiscal year.
Members asked several questions about how the funding works, especially the difference between federal reimbursements and the state match. Staff explained that the state lunch line in the budget is a fixed match amount tied to federal participation, while breakfast funding is broken out by meal type and reimbursement category. They also discussed why FY 2022 federal spending was much higher during COVID, when USDA covered meals at the free rate for all students, and why FY 2023 and FY 2024 dropped as normal income-eligibility rules returned. A committee member also asked about the “severe need lunch” two-cent rate, and staff said they did not know USDA’s formula.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on summer meals and the distinction between the Summer Food Service Program and Summer EBT. Staff explained that SFSP provides meals at approved sites, which can be open or closed sites, while Summer EBT is a separate DHHS-operated benefit program that provides funds to families. They said some schools or sites may not qualify under USDA rules, but eligible children can often use another nearby open site, and the department posts an interactive map and phone line to help families find locations.
The committee also discussed the Community Eligibility Provision. Staff said New Hampshire currently has three CEP schools, that the eligibility threshold had recently been lowered from 40% to 25% identified students, and that the program allows participating schools to offer free meals to all students while the local district covers the non-federal share. Members asked whether any districts in the 25% to 40% range had joined; staff said no. The department offered to provide the eligibility report in Excel and noted that the CEP intent is to reduce application burden, though the lower threshold can make the local cost share harder for some districts to absorb.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- Later, when I managed Top of the Hub, I got to know the late U.S. Marshal John Gibbons.
- I used to see this gentleman on Top of the Hub more often than most of my family members.
- in my district at a restaurant called Alba, but I remember when you spoke at the Hub, you were the top
- your testimony any questions from just one John Jonathan it's good I used to see this gentleman on top
- my district and a restaurant called Alba but I remember when you spoke to it above you you were the top
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing on several public safety-related bills, with testimony focused heavily on firefighter cancer presumptions, death benefits, and age-limit waivers for public safety appointments. Boston Firefighters Local 718 and the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts testified in support of legislation tied to the late Boston firefighter Matt Troy, describing his service, his occupational cancer diagnosis, and the family’s ineligibility for benefits because his diagnosis fell just short of the statutory presumption period. Witnesses urged the committee to advance the bill so his widow could receive accidental death benefits and to address broader concerns about cancer risks, bunker gear, and early detection programs for firefighters. Committee members asked questions about how the diagnosis date affected eligibility and discussed the need for broader systemic changes rather than repeated home-rule petitions. Senator Nick Collins and Representative Dan Hunt both testified in support of the Troy-related bills, and the committee also heard that written testimony had been submitted by additional supporters.
The committee also heard local home-rule petitions to extend the employment of fire chiefs in Rochester and Northfield. Representative Alan Silvia supported H. 4235 to allow Rochester Fire Chief Scott Wego to continue serving until age 70, citing his nearly 50 years of service and leadership in department improvements. A Northfield select board chair testified virtually in support of H. 4236 to keep Fire Chief Floyd “Skip” Dennell on the job, explaining that he has been central to building planning, volunteer recruitment, training documentation, and an organizational review as the town prepares for his eventual retirement. Both local bills were presented as measures to preserve continuity and support ongoing public safety planning in their communities.
Another major topic was S. 2583, which would waive the maximum age requirement for Jonathan Lewis to be appointed to the Massachusetts State Police. Senator Collins described Lewis’s community service and strong exam score, and Lewis testified about his background in Dorchester, his prior interest in becoming a trooper, and his recent ranking on the eligibility list. Committee members expressed support and noted the importance of recruiting qualified candidates and diversifying the force. The committee also heard support for H. 4443, which would raise the maximum age for original appointment to firefighter or police officer positions, and members discussed related retirement and health-review issues that have arisen in prior home-rule cases. At the end of the hearing, no further witnesses came forward, and the committee voted to adjourn.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- to change the trajectory by creating a graduated deed... ...excise tax by asking those at the very top
- It is a tool designated to capture wealth where it is most concentrated at the top of the real estate
- They simply ensure that the prosperity at the top end of the real estate ladder is reinvested into the
- That the prosperity at the top end of the real estate ladder is reinvested into the housing needs of
- In these times, we can't afford to annually spend another $70 million on top of the $30 million each
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hearing on several housing-related bills, with chairs Adrienne Madaro and James Eldridge framing the discussion as part of the Legislature’s broader response to the state’s housing crisis and noting that many of the bills build on the 2024 Affordable Homes Act. The chairs reviewed hearing procedures, including the three-minute oral testimony limit, the option to submit written testimony, and the hybrid format. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Testimony began with support for H. 3278, a bill to create a graduated deed excise tax for affordable housing. Representative Worel argued that higher-end real estate transactions should contribute more to fund affordable housing production, saying the measure would not burden working families and would help address racial inequities in homeownership and displacement. Representative Soder then supported H. 3247, which would promote redevelopment of abandoned buildings through expanded tax incentives for renovating vacant properties for sale or rent, arguing that it would bring blighted units back into use and generate future tax revenue.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3040/S. 1969, residential improvement or R-PACE legislation. Robert Giles of Home Run Financing and Nicole Steele of Amalgamated Bank described the program as a voluntary, assessment-based financing tool that could help homeowners pay for energy efficiency, resilience, and other major repairs without upfront costs, and said it could complement existing Mass Save programs while expanding access to more homeowners. In contrast, Judith Lieben of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute opposed H. 3039/S. 1946, the Housing Development Incentive Program bill, arguing it would expand subsidies for market-rate and luxury housing in Gateway Cities instead of directing resources to low-income renters. Representative Hawkins also testified in support of H. 3121, which would end large investor control of homes in Massachusetts by imposing an excise tax on large owners of small residential properties and using the revenue for first-time homebuyer down payment assistance. After testimony and a few member questions, the chairs asked whether anyone else wished to testify and then adjourned the hearing.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
REVENUE & TAXATION- HOUSE May 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And this isn't concentrated at the top. The benefits reach more than a million Arkansas taxpayers.
- you, the elected stewards of the people's money—is one of the best tools we have for climbing to the top
- As we've heard already, based on the growth in applications, education freedom accounts may top $400
- Those that make between $74,000 and $99,000 will only only, The top 20% of earners will receive 80% of
- our highways and infrastructure, whether it is raising teacher pay from bottom five in the country to top
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 1001, sponsored by Representative Les Eaves, which would lower Arkansas’s personal income tax rate to 3.7% retroactive to the current year and reduce the corporate income tax rate to 4.1% beginning in 2027. Eaves argued the bill continued a decade-long strategy of broad-based tax relief, would help working families, and would keep Arkansas competitive with other states. He said the measure would reduce future surpluses rather than cut current services, and noted the average taxpayer could see roughly $800 to $1,000 in annual savings from recent tax changes.
Several witnesses testified against the bill. Arkansas Appleseed’s Anna Morchetti, Missy Wyatt Joyce, Pastor Preston Clegg, Michelle Pedro of the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese, and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families’ Pete Guest all argued the state should prioritize funding for public schools, health care, supported living services, food assistance, rural hospitals, and early childhood education instead of further tax cuts. They said Arkansas faces significant unmet needs, including underfunded schools, food insecurity, and shortages in disability and community-based services, and warned the tax cut would mainly benefit higher earners while reducing resources for essential programs.
After testimony, the committee limited debate time for witnesses to five minutes. Representative Eaves closed by saying the state had been responsible in prior tax cuts and that the bill would return money to taxpayers without reducing services. Representative Bray also spoke in support, saying the legislature has continued to fund major priorities while still providing tax relief to working families. The committee then voted to pass the bill, and HB 1001 was approved.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget Apr 6th, 2026 at 04:35 pm
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- We increased childcare funding in the state by approximately 7.8 million dollars on the top line, more
- is advocating for is to direct a payment, a direct payment into that account for the child to go on top
- On top of the philanthropic donation by the Dale family or if a local business entity would also want
- additional 79 million dollars year to year funding, but also with the 49 million dollars supplemental on top
- Particular agency, they asked for essentially $30 million extra on top of what they received last year