Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so when voters are confused at the ballot box, even after they've done some of their research and
• and they see this ballot research and they see this ballot language,<00:13:01.360><c> um,</c><00:13:
• Almost every single metric, according to our research study done with Morris Leatherman, Peter Leman
• I wanted to do my research as to what was being asked of me, and that research took me to the mission
• I wanted to do my research as to what was being asked of me, and that research took me to the mission

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The revenue estimates put out by the department research break down the cost of each provision for four
• Current Minnesota law requires a non-conformity adjustment to change all domestic research elections
• for domestic research expenses or they<00:19:20.720><c> can</c><00:19:21.280><c> advertise</c><00:19
• </c> the domestic research expense. the domestic research expense.
• elections back to the domestic research elections back to the 5-year<00:19:53.919><c> amortization</

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CE conducts fuel research, implements programs, provides financing, and supports communities, businesses
• There's been some research showing that it increases biodiversity on those sites.
• </c> There's some there's been some research There's some there's been some research showing<01:39:21.440
• I've seen an example of this at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris.
• I've seen an example of this at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris.

Bills: HF2928 , HF2912 , HF2297

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: water appropriation, data centers, environmental review, energy conservation, permit application, carbon-free energy, geothermal energy, renewable energy, Macalester College, appropriation, sustainability, solar energy, pollinator programs, license plates, agrivoltaics, environmental sustainability, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• not a right-wing conspiracy think tank that we've been accused of in other committees, and their research
• on this committees um and their research on this is<01:09:12.600><c> very</c><01:09:12.839><c> credible
• Research documents that adequate income is an essential component of stability for these young people
• </c> stability and Mobility research stability and Mobility research documents<01:18:43.400><c> that<
• on the improvements for women research on the improvements for women and<01:25:08.600><c> children</

Bills: HF1698 , HF632 , HF1352 , HF2197 , HF618 , HF1248 , HF1697

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: property tax, exemption, leased land, public use, commercial property, HF632, Minnesota property tax, conservation easement, conservation restriction, assessed value, property valuation, tax assessment, real property, land conservation, farmland preservation, natural areas, riparian buffer, water quality, water quantity, county assessor

Transcript Highlights:

• will create a real-world teaching, research, and outreach farm in southern Minnesota to help farmers
• in Minnesota or agricultural research in Minnesota or farm<01:25:15.040><c> and</c><01:25:15.440><c>
• and outreach farm in teaching research and outreach farm in southern<01:25:20.239><c> Minnesota</c><
• from everything from soils to research from everything from soils to how<01:31:04.320><c> those</c><
• It has a rich research forward.

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• According to the Cleveland Clinic, researchers estimate that MLDD affects about 1 in 40,000 people in
• estimate that MLDD affects researchers estimate that MLDD affects about<00:01:49.920><c> 1</c><00:01
• It's amazing what we learn every day through science and in research and being able to apply that to
• </c><01:15:35.120><c> And</c><01:15:35.360><c> following</c> and academic research.
• And following and academic research.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to the drill sending resour researchers to the drill cor<00:43:23.640><c> Minnesota</c><00:43:24.119
• This bill requires research on bald eagle predation on loon chicks, and we don't really see the value
• ahead of time too little research ahead of time too because<01:43:48.000><c> I</c><01:43:49.000><c>
• He said he didn't bring all his research again, as he did last year, and apologized for not having it
• He said he didn't bring all his research again, like he did last year, or all his paperwork.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We did a bit of research.
• We did a bit of research. Um allowed. We did a bit of research.
• continues to find that housing research continues to find that housing<01:18:40.480><c> first</c><01
• This bill recognizes what research, common sense, and lived experience all have shown us.
• ,</c> This bill recognizes what research, This bill recognizes what research, common<01:31:13.280><c>

Bills: SB709 , SB2089 , SB2090 , SB2108 , SB2211 , SB2250 , SB2325 , SB2803 , SB2866 , SB3245

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: mental health, crisis intervention, assisted community treatment, treatment orders, law enforcement training, public safety, court-ordered treatment, Medicaid, healthcare access, unlicensed professionals, supervised services, workforce development, mental health equity, child custody, evaluations, licensed counselors, family court, juvenile justice, waiver of jurisdiction, transfer to adult court

Summary: The committee heard SB 709 SD2, which would require the Department of Health to respond to reports involving persons with severe mental illness, assess eligibility for assisted community treatment, and coordinate treatment when appropriate. Testimony from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health supported the measure, with DOH saying it generally supported the bill but had comments on one section it viewed as unnecessary. The Department of Law Enforcement later explained that the bill would shift certification and standards for crisis intervention officer training from DOH to DLE, while still involving DOH in the training process. Opposition came from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center and an individual testifier, both of whom argued the bill expands state authority over people with mental illness and could worsen forced treatment practices. The Disability Rights Center also raised procedural concerns, saying the bill was effectively moved from a prior administration measure that had not been heard this session, and questioned whether the bill’s changes to assisted community treatment, blood tests, urinalysis, and living arrangements went beyond current law. The individual testifier argued the bill would further entrench harmful psychiatric drugging and urged the committee to defer it. Committee members questioned the administration about the bill’s process, the role of the Attorney General in treatment-over-objection proceedings, and the practical effects of moving CIT certification to DLE. The Attorney General’s office said the bill was intended to fill a gap by allowing it to assist with treatment proceedings, while public defenders would continue to represent respondents and due process protections would remain in place. DLE and DOH said the change would better align certification with law enforcement training needs, improve speed in crisis response, and still keep DOH involved; members also discussed whether WAM counted as a hearing and whether the bill should more explicitly preserve DOH’s role. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The research does not support the idea that single parenting alone causes these outcomes.
• The research does not support the idea that single parenting alone causes these outcomes.
• The research does not support the idea that single parenting alone causes these outcomes.
• We heard some testimony on it, but this committee hasn't done any research on this.
• </c> this committee hasn't done any research this committee hasn't done any research on<00:43:56.960>

Bills: SF0099 , SF0116 , SJ0006

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: easement, electricity delivery, public utility, prescriptive easement, landowner rights, surface water, drainage utilities, municipality, elections, environmental management, shared parenting, family law, joint custody, child well-being, parental rights, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to follow up with a little bit of research, or some research we've done on that bill.
• And we know from the research that these are both flawed criteria.
• Research backs this up.
• Research backed this up.
• And researchers at the American Institute for research found that automatic advanced course enrollment

Committee: House House Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 4043, which would require each school district and charter school, beginning in 2027, to ensure at least one employee at each school is trained in CPR, first aid, and AED use. The sponsor said he intended to amend the bill on the floor to ensure someone is trained at all times and to clarify AED language. The American Heart Association testified neutral with concerns, supporting CPR training but warning the bill could leave gaps if only one person is trained and noting the need for AED access and emergency planning. Parents whose son died in an Arizona kindergarten classroom urged support, saying school staff should be prepared to respond to emergencies. The committee recommended the bill do pass by a vote of 7-1 with four present. The committee then took up House Concurrent Resolution 2015, as amended by a strike-everything amendment supporting at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for students and prominent display of federal dietary guidelines. A representative of End Chronic Disease testified in favor, arguing schools should help prevent chronic disease through health education and physical activity. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then gave the resolution a due pass recommendation on a 12-0 roll call. House Bill 2621, in its strike-everything form and with a Garcia amendment, addressed enrollment and special education procedures for students in unorganized territory, students using certificates of educational convenience, and children of active-duty military parents. The sponsor explained the bill was meant to clarify confusing law, speed enrollment and evaluations, and reduce delays in services. Champions for Kids supported the measure and the amendments, and the committee adopted both amendments before recommending the bill do pass 11-0. The committee also approved House Bill 2385, which limits superintendent contracts to one-year terms for the first three years unless the superintendent has already been employed three consecutive years; the sponsor framed it as a way to reduce costly early buyouts. That bill passed 7-4. Later, the committee approved House Bill 4106, creating the One Arizona Service Fellowship Program to provide service opportunities, stipends, and tuition awards for young adults, with an amendment changing the stipend contribution formula. The sponsor and supporters described it as a state-based service model inspired by Utah and aimed at education, military families, parks, hunger, and homelessness work; some members opposed it as an unnecessary state mandate or questioned the need for a new program. The committee also passed House Bill 2992, as amended, establishing a pilot program on child sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention, expanded to K-12 and including grooming/exploitation content. A survivor advocate strongly supported the bill, while some members raised concerns about the funding source and possible unintended consequences. Finally, the committee passed House Bill 2370, which would require school leaders to notify governing boards before modifying weapons detection systems and to report changes within 24 hours; the sponsor cited a fatal school stabbing and other weapons incidents, while opponents argued the bill was too vague and could create operational problems. The committee also adopted a strike-everything amendment to House Bill 4056, allowing legislators making public records requests in their official capacity to avoid fees and requiring electronic production; the sponsor said it was needed after districts sought large fees, while opponents warned it could burden public agencies. The committee then began discussion of House Bill 2478, which would create an Arizona Commission on Student Outcomes to study K-12 accountability, finance, graduation requirements, and related issues, with proposed amendments to add early childhood study and change commission membership, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• encompass the gig economy your research encompass the gig economy as<00:07:46.240><c> well?
• Do you think you can um<00:08:02.800><c> expand</c><00:08:03.199><c> your</c><00:08:03.440><c> research
• to look at the um expand your research to look at the gig<00:08:04.800><c> economy</c><00:08:05.199>
• to find out if have to do more research to find out if there's<00:08:39.360><c> a</c><00:08:39.519><
• Research credit programs go to the commission, then that would add another two.

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard seven bills on consumer protection, DBEDT-related matters, and tourism/creative industry issues. On SB 2031, DCCA supported aligning state law with the FTC’s 2025 rule on hidden fees and pricing misrepresentations in live event ticketing and short-term lodging; hotel and financial industry witnesses also testified, and senators asked for complaint and enforcement data. On SB 2129, DBEDT and business groups supported a study of minimum wage impacts, with testimony emphasizing effects on hours, employment, prices, and business viability; a senator asked whether the study could also examine the gig economy and business closures, and DBEDT said that may be possible but would require more research and data access. On SB 2259, which would promote dementia-friendly businesses, DBEDT said the measure fit better with another agency and lacked the department’s expertise, while the Executive Office on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association supported the intent and offered to help with curriculum, branding, and training. Testifiers described dementia as a spectrum and said businesses should be trained to communicate effectively with customers and employees living with the disease; suggested amendments included changing the branding language and requiring at least 85% of employees to complete training rather than all employees. A senator also raised concerns about stigma and whether early-stage dementia should affect a person’s ability to function, and the witness responded that people can often function well in early stages. The committee also heard SB 2577 on sports tourism, which DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported as a way to better understand which events draw visitors and economic benefits. SB 2578, creating a film commission, drew broad support from DBEDT, Creative Industries, SAG-AFTRA, the Hawaii Film Alliance, the Hawaii Film Office, and others, but several witnesses urged changes to the commission’s composition and authority, including more labor representation and limits on the commission’s ability to adjust the production cap. Senators questioned staffing, costs, and whether current film office employees should transfer to the new commission, and one senator proposed a friendly amendment to add musicians, SAG, IATSE, and Teamsters, though the department cautioned that too many members could make the commission difficult to manage. The transcript ends during discussion of the film bill, with no final votes or committee actions stated for the measures heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• That $4 million is applied research through 40 universities.
• And I know, just doing some reading and having some staff do some research, we are at a limit, I would
• Senate Bill 7028 revises several aspects of the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program.
• The bill also creates a new cancer research initiative within the Bankhead-Coley program.
• I don't think anybody has suggested that the research about how extensive the distraction is, that it

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, doctor and guest introductions, and then took up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, on mental health. Senator Bradley described the bill as a major criminal justice and behavioral health reform measure that would expand pretrial mental health diversion, strengthen treatment-based probation conditions, broaden grant uses for mental health and substance abuse programs, add Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, require certain DOC mental health evaluations, and create a Florida Behavioral Health Data Repository. Senators from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing treatment over incarceration, public safety, data collection, and the Murphy family’s role in advancing the bill. The Senate passed the bill 37-0 and then approved 37 co-sponsors. The chamber then received the Senate’s 2025-26 General Appropriations Bill, SB 2500, with Chair Hooper outlining a $117.4 billion budget that he said reduces spending, preserves reserves, and includes major investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and reporting requirements. Committee chairs summarized their portions: K-12 funding at $34.7 billion with increases for FEFP, scholarships, VPK, school hardening, and school safety; higher education at $11.5 billion with workforce, nursing, reading, autism, and student aid investments; health and human services with a $1.8 billion increase for Medicaid, mental health, opioid response, disability services, and veterans programs; criminal and civil justice at $7.6 billion for corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, courts, and judgeships; transportation/tourism/economic development at about $18 billion including roads, housing, Visit Florida, and cultural grants; and agriculture/environment/general government with major Everglades, water quality, citrus, food bank, and agency IT funding. Members then questioned several budget items, especially education funding formulas, the shift of scholarship dollars below the line, the impact on public school districts, AP/IB and other accelerated program funding, the APD wait list, opioid settlement spending, arts grants, and the My Safe Florida Home and condo pilot programs. Chairs generally said scholarship and accelerated-program dollars were being restructured for transparency and flexibility rather than cut, that school districts would still receive funding based on enrollment, and that APD and other human services issues would continue to be worked out in conference. The budget discussion concluded with remarks praising staff and noting a 4% across-the-board pay raise for state employees and targeted increases for law enforcement and firefighters, followed by a recognition for FAMU Day at the Capitol.

Transcript Highlights:

• We take up considerable clinic staff time researching, updating, faxing, calling, and clarifying how
• We take up considerable clinic staff time researching, updating, faxing, calling, and clarifying how
• We take up considerable clinic staff time researching, updating, faxing, calling, and clarifying how
• from the Kaiser Family coverage research from the Kaiser Family Foundation<00:50:30.680><c> research
• </c><01:15:21.360><c> barriers</c> interpreters um uh researching barriers interpreters um uh researching

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> chair I'm Annie Mock with house research chair I'm Annie Mock with house research and<00:01:51.079
• Danielle Penelli from the House Research Department: Mr.
• Danielle Penelli from the House Research Department: Mr.
• Danielle Penelli from the House Research Department: Mr.
• </c> Publications on the house research Publications on the house research website<00:42:29.280><c> um

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And to summarize, during controlled internal testing of OpenAI models, including an internal-only research
• We've completely redesigned our testing and evaluation environment, and we are only standing up research
• secure software development, incident response, patching, debugging, and human-led vulnerability research
• and it's available for specialized activities through our Daybreak Red program for vulnerability research
• They are embedded in critical workflows across government, research, and industry.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The response was that, regarding 1776, the speaker would need to do more research on how it interacts
• The speaker said he could not answer the question intelligently without doing more research on how 1776
• Every contract will have a specification, and the changes to it—I can research and get you what those
• But is that something worth throwing significant research energy into, in terms of trying to see if that
• Upon further research, we decided to kick it up one notch, and we filed a complaint with the Federal

Committee: House Emergency Management

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Carlos Silva, Bureau of Legislative Research. And today I'm here to talk about...
• Carlos Silva, Bureau of Legislative Research, and today I'm here to talk about the consumer price index
• Ryan Maltz, Bureau of Legislative Research. Adrienne Beck, also with the Bureau. Good afternoon.
• In some research from the National Conference of State Legislatures, or NCSL, they noted that states
• the detail behind the bullets on slide 31, “Pathways and Licensure Programs, Teacher Preparation Research

Summary: The committee first approved the May 18 meeting minutes and then received a Legislative Audit presentation summarizing Arkansas Department of Education grant distributions for fiscal year 2025. Auditors said the department distributed about $4.6 billion in grants overall, including $3.2 billion from the Public School Fund, $1.1 billion in federal funds, and $268 million from other state and miscellaneous sources, across 56 Public School Fund programs, 14 other state programs, and 29 federal programs. Members asked about specific recipients and programs, including ClassWallet, master principal bonuses, Economics Arkansas, and CDC surveillance funding; audit staff and Department of Education representatives explained that the report was only a distribution summary and not a recipient-level audit. Members also questioned why many districts showed lower funding, and staff said the decline was largely due to reduced federal and one-time COVID-related funds. Senators and representatives also discussed whether some incentive programs, such as master principal and national board bonuses, were tied to student outcomes, and whether Economics Arkansas was the sole entity named in special language for financial literacy funding; department staff said they would follow up on several details. The committee then heard a Bureau of Legislative Research presentation on consumer price index projections from Moody’s Analytics and S&P Global, with discussion of CPI-U and core CPI estimates for future fiscal years. Dr. Carlos Silva explained that the forecasts generally trend toward about 2 percent over time and that recent projections may have understated actual inflation because of recent shocks. Members asked about the accuracy of past projections, and he said he would provide more detail later if needed. The bulk of the meeting focused on the final adequacy report on teacher recruitment, retention, and salaries. BLR staff reported that Arkansas had about 32,800 teachers and 473,000 students in 2025, with a statewide student-to-teacher ratio of about 14 to 1, average teaching experience of 11.9 years, and a slight increase in National Board Certified teachers. The report found that districts with higher poverty and minority concentrations generally had less experienced teachers, and that teacher shortages remained widespread, especially in special education, math, science, and foreign language. Members asked about licensure exceptions, alternative preparation pathways, incentives for ESL and special education endorsements, and the cost and return on investment of traditional versus alternative routes. Staff said some licensure exceptions are being phased out under Act 304 of 2025 and that they would follow up on several requested details. The report also found that teacher retention averaged 87 percent statewide in 2025, with districts retaining teachers at higher rates than charters, and that 30 percent of surveyed teachers were considering leaving the profession. Principals and teachers identified school leadership as the strongest positive factor in recruitment and retention, while workload and salary were the strongest negative factors. On salaries, BLR reported a statewide average teacher salary of $60,254 in 2025, with districts averaging $60,458 and charters $55,724. Arkansas ranked 45th nationally on average teacher salary in 2025, though its cost-adjusted ranking improved to 36th; among SREB states it ranked 12th, and among neighboring states it ranked fourth. Members asked about starting salaries, salary compression, district step increases, and whether the report should be shared more broadly with educators and school leaders. Staff said they would provide follow-up information on several questions, and the committee took no formal action beyond receiving the presentations and asking for additional data.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a Swiss Mexicana who moved to the U.S. at age eight, she was inspired by a high school research project
• Since 1975, the Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute has funded research to move us closer to a cure while
• I would like to acknowledge advocates from the Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute who are joining us
• They are dismantling equity-focused research funding and removing racial data from public health data
• mission and impact of the UCLA Labor Center, transforming it into a nationally respected hub where research

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor recognitions. Members welcomed the Far West Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and honored its leadership and civic service, including wildfire recovery work and local chapter anniversaries. The body also recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees, with remarks tied to Cinco de Mayo and Latino resilience, followed by a series of resolutions and guest introductions. Several resolutions were adopted, including SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week, SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 recognizing California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 designating Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 on Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and remarks emphasized cultural heritage, shared struggles for justice, veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention, law enforcement sacrifice, and persistent racial health disparities. Most resolutions passed by unanimous roll call votes. The Senate also confirmed multiple Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation appointments, including Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson. Senators Grove and others voiced protest over CDCR appointments, arguing for consideration of Frank Silva, but the confirmations still passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. The chamber then approved several bills, including SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public meetings, SB 1416 shortening refund timelines for duplicate medical/dental payments, SB 1273 expanding tied-house advertising rules for winery instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues, and SB 990 allowing a highway information sign near Ridgecrest. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader and UCLA Labor Center director Kent Wong and recognition of his family and colleagues.

Transcript Highlights:

• Research shows that hospital staff care for these families can significantly impact their healing, either
• The program would create a state-supported pathway for clinical research into certain assisted therapies
• And we've been working for the last several years to do this type of clinical research up in Shreveport
• And we've been working for the last several years to do this type of clinical research up in Shreveport
• And we've been working for the last several years to do this type of clinical research up in Shreveport

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on April 28 with a quorum and took up several Senate bills, beginning with SB 113 on the local health care provider participation program in Calcasieu Parish. The committee adopted a technical amendment and heard that the bill would shift the local sponsor from the parish to the city if needed by a June 1 deadline. After brief discussion and no opposition, SB 113 was reported favorably with amendments. The committee then approved SB 23, which exempts certain assisted living facilities licensed by LDH from the definition of food service establishment, and SB 150, which would allow LDH to scan and electronically store vital records supporting documents and return originals to citizens. SB 221 also advanced after testimony that it would allow EMS providers to be reimbursed by Medicaid for emergency responses where treatment is provided on scene but the patient is not transported. Members discussed that the bill could reduce unnecessary ER use and likely would require some rulemaking, but it was reported favorably. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 404, a broad vision benefit plan reform bill. Supporters, including optometrists, said the measure would improve transparency, patient choice, and access to eye care by limiting restrictive plan practices; opponents from the vision care plan industry argued it was an unprecedented, provider-driven overhaul that could raise costs and reduce flexibility. After extensive testimony and an agreed amendment clarifying network participation, the committee reported SB 404 favorably with amendments. The committee also reported SB 32 favorably with amendments after emotional testimony from parents and advocates about perinatal bereavement care, cooling devices, and training for hospitals to give grieving families more time and dignity after infant loss. Finally, the committee heard SB 43, which would create a psychedelic-assisted therapy initiative within LDH for clinical research and treatment involving ibogaine and psilocybin, with testimony from veterans, researchers, and advocates describing potential benefits for PTSD, substance use, and traumatic brain injury. The bill was reported favorably with amendments and set to pass a courtesy sheet. The committee then began SB 253, a bill regulating peptides and compounding pharmacies, adopted technical amendments clarifying provider liability, and continued discussion as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maria's progress reflects what the UMass Chan data evaluation and other research studies have shown.
• Maria's progress reflects what the UMass Chan data evaluation and what other research studies have shown
• You've heard a great deal, I'm sure, about the devastating impact of federal cuts on research at our
• public universities, but the damage extends beyond the research enterprise.
• invest in UMass and our public higher education system as an anchor of public service, not only in research

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The hearing focused heavily on the FY27 state budget and related funding priorities across health care, housing, education, disability services, and public higher education. Multiple witnesses urged restoration or increases in funding for MassHealth Community Partners and complex care management for homeless and medically complex patients, the DMH rental subsidy program, the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, the DeafBlind Community Access Network, and the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Testimony also highlighted the need for fair pay and wage equity for community college faculty and staff, as well as support for early childhood vouchers, cash assistance, and nutrition education programs affected by federal cuts. Several witnesses described how funding gaps affect real people: nurses and care managers said patients with homelessness and severe medical needs lose coordinated care, leading to missed treatment and hospitalizations; early childhood educators said long voucher waitlists leave families without child care; community college staff said low salaries and increased workloads from MassEducate leave workers struggling to afford housing and basic expenses; and housing advocates said cuts to rental subsidies and vouchers push vulnerable people toward shelters or more expensive crisis systems. DeafBlind advocates asked for restored funding, more interpreter access, and better provider support, while a witness also supported hearing-aid coverage legislation. Education funding was another major theme. Boston, Framingham, Triton, and other districts described Chapter 70 and other formula-driven aid as failing to keep up with inflation and actual costs, forcing layoffs, program cuts, and local overrides. Speakers also called for fully funded charter reimbursements, special education circuit breaker funding, transportation aid, school building investments, and relief tied to enrollment declines driven by federal immigration enforcement. Committee members asked several clarifying questions about program status, funding mechanics, and the meaning of terms like “death by housing,” but no votes or formal actions were taken in the transcript.