Video & Transcript : 'taxpayers' :

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CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Feb 5th, 2026

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • A.J.R. 25 says that we should continue to have taxpayer-funded subsidies for sky-high health care costs
  • Taxpayer-funded subsidies for sky-high health care costs, where mandates and regulations are driving
  • At the same time, you are taking $13 billion of state taxpayer money You are taking $13 billion of state
  • taxpayer money to give free, taxpayer-funded health care to illegal immigrants.
  • This means that the taxpayer dollars, our taxpayer dollars, were taken away from our nurses, our doctors
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Appropriations Jun 1st, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • You would expect them to do right by the taxpayer.
  • That's in the best interest of our taxpayers.
  • I mean, you're in the best interest of our taxpayers.
  • We feel we have been good stewards of taxpayers' money.
  • This has to do entirely with the taxpayer, with the Floridian.
Summary: The Committee on Appropriations took up SJR 2-F, a proposed constitutional amendment to reduce property taxes by lowering assessment caps on non-homestead property, expanding homestead exemptions over time, and allowing local governments to increase exemptions further. The sponsor argued the measure would provide broad property tax relief while requiring revenues to be directed to core services such as public safety, education, infrastructure, and natural resource projects, with a trust fund intended to help local governments transition. Senators raised concerns about the lack of a fiscal score, the effect on counties, cities, school districts, and special districts, and whether the proposal would shift costs to fees or other taxes. Several amendments were debated. Senator Polsky’s amendment to explicitly authorize user fees and non-ad valorem assessments to offset lost property tax revenue failed. Senator Avila’s amendment broadening permissible uses of ad valorem revenue to include county constitutional officers and other expenditures approved by local governing bodies was adopted after debate over whether the bill would otherwise underfund essential functions. Senator Smith’s sunset amendment, which would have made the constitutional changes expire after five years, failed. Senator Smith’s amendment to allow tourism development tax revenue to support public safety and education also failed. Senator Graal’s amendment removing the constitutional trust fund language was adopted, with supporters arguing the Constitution should not promise an unfunded account. Additional late-file amendments were considered. Senator Berman’s proposal to change the ballot title to more neutrally describe the measure as affecting property taxes and local community service reductions failed. Senator Trumbull’s amendment removing school board ad valorem taxes from the proposal was adopted, preserving school taxes. Senator Smith’s amendment narrowing the non-homestead assessment cap reduction to small businesses only failed. The committee then returned to the bill as amended and continued questioning the sponsor about eligibility, fiscal impacts, and whether the proposal could lead to local governments offsetting lost revenue through special assessments or other charges.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Omnibus tax finance and policy bill, HF9, passed in Minnesota House 6/9/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We didn't take enough of those taxpayers' money yet. We haven't gutted the hog.
  • </c><00:19:42.880><c> We</c><00:19:43.200><c> haven't</c> those taxpayers money yet.
  • We haven't those taxpayers money yet.
  • And we see it taxpayers of this state.
  • </c> with their taxpayer with their taxpayer dollars.<00:21:22.720><c> I</c><00:21:22.960><c> want</c
TX

Texas 89th Regular

State Affairs Mar 19th, 2025

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Certainly our state shouldn't risk taxpayer money on such a financially risky business.
  • Do right by Texas taxpayers and vote no on HB 14 and HJR 8. Thank you. Any questions? Thank you.
  • On, um, taxpayers and the nuclear risks to Texas citizens, the economy, and the environment.
  • State money is different in different funds, but it's all taxpayer dollars.
  • And my one sentence testimony is this would use taxpayer funds.
Committee: House State Affairs
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Mar 11th, 2025

Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas through all us has done the work of the federal government but at the expense of the Texas taxpayer
  • She's always logging in for the taxpayer program. Okay. There still is.
  • Conversely, anything under the 45 days, that cost is absorbed by the county and the taxpayers.
  • So our local taxpayers pick up, in essence, 82% of that cost.
  • This is not fair to the inmate, the county, or the taxpayers. to try to provide health care for these
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session Mar 9th, 2026 at 05:40 pm

Washington House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • in his path. that federal income tax are taxpayer in his path.
  • The taxpayers are groaning. They do need relief.
  • Taxpayers are groaning.
  • This is fiscally responsible for the taxpayers of Washington.
  • So yes, for taxpayers writ large, refunds are available.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Session (03/13/2025)

New Hampshire Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> programs we should be handling taxpayer programs we should be handling taxpayer money<01:01:20.079
  • </c><01:01:26.480><c> money</c> in part by ensuring thatx taxpayer money in part by ensuring thatx taxpayer
  • Property taxpayers. Seventy percent of education funding comes from our local property taxpayers.
  • Property taxpayers. Seventy percent of education funding comes from our local property taxpayers.
  • Now we want even more people to have access to millions of taxpayer dollars.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Taxes Committee 3/3/26

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • ,</c> income taxpayers, income taxpayers, uh,<00:03:35.720><c> to</c><00:03:35.920><c> pay</c><00:03:
  • </c><01:00:27.760><c> who</c> the bottom quintile of taxpayers who the bottom quintile of taxpayers who
  • </c> Minnesota taxpayers. Minnesota taxpayers.
  • </c> shift this bill to Minnesota taxpayers. shift this bill to Minnesota taxpayers.
  • When you pass that on to counties and you pass that on to taxpayers, property taxpayers in all of our
Bills: HF3127 , HF3524 , HF3525 , HF3754
Committee: House Taxes
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

State Committee Meeting - 2025-04-08

State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • These tax types generate over 6 million transactions and share common operations, providing taxpayer
  • For example, we're providing more self-service options to help taxpayers access their information and
  • Reductions to services will increase call wait times for taxpayers needing assistance. and delay refunds
  • Taxpayers needing assistance are often those who are not represented by tax professionals.
  • This will generate more calls when taxpayers are looking for their refund.
Bills: HF2783
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> protects US leadership and taxpayer protects US leadership and taxpayer investments<04:49:59.920
  • </c> This legislation also protects taxpayers This legislation also protects taxpayers by<04:53:34.240
  • They save American lives, taxpayer<05:33:26.558><c> taxpayer</c><05:33:27.280><c> dollars,</c><05:33:
  • 28.080><c> and</c><05:33:28.400><c> future</c> taxpayer taxpayer dollars, and future taxpayer taxpayer
  • ><c> paying</c><05:42:20.718><c> for</c> is your taxpayer dollars paying for is your taxpayer dollars
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Municipal and County Government (03/03/2025)

Municipal and County Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> because that will help all taxpayers because that will help all taxpayers generally<00:50:14.559
  • which will on behalf of the taxpayers which will undoubtedly<01:50:21.480><c> in</c><01:50:21.679><c
  • <01:55:33.480><c> any</c><01:55:33.679><c> other</c> taxpayers any other taxpayers any other questions
  • </c><02:02:42.119><c> pay</c> lease so why should the taxpayers pay lease so why should the taxpayers
  • These energy services contracting lease arrangements are used to save money for their taxpayers.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/11/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Arizona taxpayers.
  • So the Hobbs administration directed taxpayers to file their tax returns.
  • This is a $440 million tax cut package for Arizona taxpayers.
  • This is a $440 million tax cut package for Arizona taxpayers. This includes no tax on tips.
  • And we know that it's a billion dollars a year that's going out of our taxpayers' coffers.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • and ensuring that we have a fair and just Constitution. ensuring agencies are accountable to the taxpayers
  • Restructurings and reductions in force aimed at saving taxpayer money and increasing efficiency.
  • This is with taxpayer money I want to emphasize. is almost $10 million a year.
  • At the same time, we have reports that the Doge folks are getting access to taxpayer information. to
  • He came in front of Congress and said, I'm not going to let that happen. to let anyone have taxpayer
Summary: The committee convened to discuss the nominations of Scott Cooper for Director of the Office of Personnel Management and Eric Ulan for Deputy Director at the Office of Management and Budget. This meeting highlighted the critical roles both positions play in managing the federal workforce, which comprises over two million civilian employees. Concerns were raised regarding the current administration's approach to federal employment, citing issues like mass firings and the undermining of collective bargaining rights. Members expressed the need for better accountability and transparency within the federal system, emphasizing the importance of attracting talented public servants.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The issue has become a rising cost for taxpayers as well, as you highlighted. opening of the committee
  • Whether it's in your status as a taxpayer now or your status as a retail purchaser of petroleum products
  • You know, as a state and taxpayers, where there's some money that follows the well.
  • That's just gonna be a burden on the taxpayer in Texas. And then you also have to ask, you know.
  • There's been a lot of great taxpayer generation.
Bills: SB1150 , SB763 , SB1061 , SB1146 , SB1198 , HB279 , HB310
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 11, 2025 - 01:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • I think that we are very mindful of the way the taxpayer dollars are spent.
  • and abuse that may be there, or the opportunity for new efficiencies that may be there, Florida taxpayers
  • Finally, if Florida taxpayers feel like they're not getting their bang for their buck with the position
  • So currently, if this is an unknown, do we know what is costing taxpayers now with the current system
  • are served and seeking out waste, fraud, and abuse, first in the nation. ...taxpayers are served in
Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee heard several measures focused on government structure, oversight, and public policy designations. The most debated bill was HJR 1325, which proposed a constitutional amendment to create a statewide Commissioner of Government Efficiency, abolish the lieutenant governor office and the Government Efficiency Task Force, and eliminate the constitutional requirement for an Auditor General appointment. Sponsors said the new commissioner would be a watchdog over waste, fraud, and abuse across state and local government, while opponents raised concerns about cost, single-subject issues, lack of implementation details, and whether existing oversight structures were sufficient. After extensive debate, the resolution was reported favorably by a recorded vote. The committee also approved HB 575, which redesignates the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America in Florida statute, and HB 1445, which requires certain state officials and agency heads to have stronger ties to Florida and, for some positions, to live in the county where their agency headquarters is located. HB 1445 drew questions about practicality and whether a proximity standard would be better than a strict county requirement, but the sponsor said he would continue working on that issue. Both bills were reported favorably, with HB 1445 passing unanimously. In addition, the committee unanimously approved HB 259, designating August 21 as Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day, with supporters emphasizing the need for public education about fentanyl overdoses. The committee also passed CS/HB 29, the public records and meetings bill linked to the social work licensure compact, which creates confidentiality and meeting exemptions needed for the compact to operate. Public testimony on that measure was supportive, and it too was reported favorably without opposition.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> practice of using local taxpayer practice of using local taxpayer education<00:05:52.759><c> Monies
  • </c><00:30:24.919><c> the</c> the money from the local taxpayer the the money from the local taxpayer
  • <00:43:17.480><c> the</c><00:43:17.720><c> proposed</c> taxpayers the proposed taxpayers the proposed
  • </c> Johnny's is is that what we taxpayers Johnny's is is that what we taxpayers and<00:47:12.079><c>
  • So I have a question about you stating, as a taxpayer, you... taxpayer um should be required to pay taxpayer
Summary: The Education Policy Committee opened a hearing on HB 748, which would establish a local education freedom account (EFA) program. The prime sponsor, Rep. Kevin Verville, described the bill as enabling legislation that would let local voters decide whether to create a local EFA program by petition and ballot vote, with a 60% threshold to approve or repeal it. He argued that public education is about funding rather than a specific school building, said the proposal would expand parental choice, and cited Deerfield’s move from a single high school option to multiple tuitioned options as an example of local flexibility. Verville said the local EFA would be funded at twice the state adequacy amount, with the district matching the state portion, while other aid categories such as free and reduced meals, English language learner, and special education aid would not be doubled. He said students using a local EFA would still count in average daily membership, that unspent EFA funds would revert to the district, and that the bill would prohibit double-dipping with other scholarship or EFA programs. He also said special education services would remain under district discretion and that local EFA participants would still take statewide assessments for accountability. Committee members pressed him on several issues, especially special education, transportation, and fairness. Rep. Woodcock and Rep. Murray asked whether districts would still have to provide special education and transportation services if a student used a local EFA; Verville responded that special education would remain in the local district at district discretion, while transportation would generally become the family’s responsibility unless already required in an IEP. Rep. Cornell raised an equity concern about no income eligibility cap, asking whether higher-income families should receive the same public support; Verville replied that New Hampshire does not means-test public education and that the local EFA is a public funding mechanism, not a tuition subsidy that would cover full private-school costs. No vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama Senate State Governmental Affairs Committee Apr 7th, 2026

State Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • we believe that the taxpayers should have the ability to vote in that election.
  • All of the local runoffs will be paid by the local taxpayers.
  • that the taxpayers should have believe that the taxpayers should have the<00:16:43.199><c> ability</
  • And for paid by the local taxpayers.
  • Because I'm a taxpayer. My kids go to public school. I served in the military.
Bills: HB541 , HB541
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

General Laws Feb 25th, 2026

General Laws

Transcript Highlights:
  • We want to safeguard our taxpayer money.
  • Safeguards in there for taxpayer money.
  • to try to buy pornography or, you know, That taxpayer money is on there.
  • Taxpayers have paid to get kids re-enrolled in Medicaid.
  • Taxpayers have paid to get kids re-enrolled in Medicaid, and so that's my worry.
Committee: House General Laws
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • It saved taxpayers a lot of money, too. All right, any questions for... Chief Appraiser.
  • To taxpayers, it's hard to know what we're getting. Ms.
  • When it's taxpayer dollars, there's a higher expectation, right?
  • I have worked since I was 12 years old and I've always been a taxpayer.
  • Had we become homeless, it would have cost taxpayers $30,000 for us to be in a shelter.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Local and County Government Feb 17th, 2026

Local and County Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • What I like about the bill is the avowed intent to protect the taxpayers from bearing a burden that,
  • And furthermore, the nonprofits in many cases have received taxpayer dollars.
  • or other entity wants to engage in that, I think that's wonderful, provided that they don't use taxpayer
  • And again, the church is hopefully not using taxpayer dollars to continue with their mission.
  • Hopefully not using taxpayer dollars to continue with their mission.
Bills: SB1288 , SB1705 , SB1878 , SB2019 , SB2118
Summary: The Senate Local and County Government Committee heard several bills related to local government finance, liability, bail, and jail operations. Senate Bill 1288, by Senator Gillespie, would require the state and political subdivisions to equally share FEMA-related matching costs for federally declared disasters; supporters said it would codify long-standing practice and provide certainty for local governments, with an estimated fiscal impact of just under $4.9 million. After questions about future appropriations and delayed reimbursements, the bill advanced on a 9-0 vote. Senate Bill 2019, by Senator Logan, would create a political subdivision liability insurance guarantee program and fund to help local governments and shared insurance pools manage large federal civil rights judgments. Members questioned the bill’s scope and whether it applied to catastrophic events or civil rights cases; the author said it was intended to spread the burden of large judgments over time and reduce pressure on property taxpayers. The committee adopted a title-off motion and advanced the bill 7-2. Chair Hamilton presented Senate Bills 1705, 1878, and 2118. SB 1705 would bar nonprofits from bailing people out of jail if they receive public funds, with supporters citing public safety and opponents raising concerns about impacts on nonprofit and church-based assistance; it passed 7-2. SB 1878 would establish a uniform bail schedule, limit personal recognizance release for certain repeat or higher-risk offenders, and require court approval to lower certain bonds; it also passed 7-2. SB 2118 would clarify how county sheriffs may use commissary funds for jail-related purposes such as training, equipment, inmate care, and operations; it passed 7-2. The committee then adjourned.