Video & Transcript : 'job mobility' :
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WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, May 15, 2026 - PM
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- >> It's Tanya Mills, Madam Chair. the job that you do. the job that you do.
- </c> never do your job. never do your job.
- </c> and meet the needs of the job. and meet the needs of the job.
- </c><02:10:26.440><c> job.
- We could be have a day job.
Committee:
Joint Labor, Health & Social Services
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (04/14/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Many of us hold two or more jobs.
- Many of us hold two or more jobs. lives. Many of us hold two or more jobs.
- jobs, including tipped jobs, part-time jobs, including tipped jobs, to<02:15:07.199><c> sustain</c><
- needs</c><02:59:17.520><c> to</c> tips, the job the job category needs to tips, the job the job category
- >> Sounds like a Sounds like a hard job. I >> Sounds like a Sounds like a hard job.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- But at least I got a job.
- One company created 200 jobs through an anaerobic digestion initiative.
- So it’s creating, and these are good-paying jobs too. Absolutely.
- This bill looks to build a stronger launch pad... ...jobs in the state.
- Nuclear power is the only carbon-free source that can do that essential job.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a wide range of energy bills, with much of the discussion focused on offshore wind, battery storage, solar, nuclear study proposals, and a bill to redefine clean energy. Several Barnstable-area legislators and witnesses raised concerns about offshore wind transmission infrastructure near neighborhoods, beaches, and drinking water supplies, and supported bills to create a special commission and increase local input and oversight. In contrast, environmental, consumer, labor, and clean energy groups strongly backed offshore wind expansion bills, arguing that offshore wind lowers long-term costs, improves winter reliability, reduces fossil fuel dependence, supports jobs and local supply chains, and should include wildlife protections, labor standards, and community benefits. Some witnesses and committee members noted that parts of the offshore wind legislation overlap with the Governor’s energy affordability bill, and asked for clarification on which provisions were new versus duplicative.
The committee also heard testimony on battery storage and solar legislation. Two student witnesses and several industry representatives supported a bill to study grid battery storage, saying storage can reduce outages, lower peak prices, and improve grid resilience during extreme weather. Witnesses from solar and storage companies supported a broader clean energy transition bill that would expand storage procurement, create a retail-style storage program for distributed batteries, set a 10-gigawatt solar target by 2035, and streamline siting and interconnection. Committee members pressed witnesses on whether these provisions were already included in the Governor’s affordability bill and asked for a section-by-section breakdown of what was new. One witness also urged allowing developers to bond interconnection payments to reduce financing costs.
Another major topic was a bill defining clean energy, especially whether existing pumped-storage hydropower should qualify for subsidies or be excluded. Supporters of the bill argued that existing pumped storage should not receive additional ratepayer subsidies because it is already built, can have environmental impacts on rivers and ecosystems, and could cost ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Opponents said pumped storage is an important reliability resource and should remain eligible. The committee also heard testimony on nuclear-energy study bills: some witnesses supported creating a commission to examine nuclear power as a reliable, carbon-free option, while others opposed nuclear study bills and argued that nuclear is costly, unsafe, and inconsistent with the state’s clean energy goals. No votes were taken during the hearing.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- , did a pretty good job of just clarifying some stuff.
- It's the job of the Secretary of State to write them for citizen initiatives, and it's the job of the
- I'm here on behalf of Jobs with Justice. I'm a registered lobbyist.
- Jobs with Justice is a national network.
- It is not your job to assume the best in a legal contract.
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 3146, sponsored by Rep. John Simmons, which would expand legislatively written ballot summary statements from 50 to 100 words and create a revised process for court challenges to ballot language. Simmons said the bill is essentially the same as last year’s Senate Bill 22, minus the section the Supreme Court struck down, and argued it would preserve the General Assembly’s role while allowing the Secretary of State and courts to work through objections to ballot summaries. Supporters said the longer summary would better inform voters and that the back-and-forth process had worked in the recent Amendment 3 litigation.
Members raised concerns that the bill would encourage misleading or argumentative ballot language, create extra procedural steps, and potentially let the clock run out before challenges are fully resolved. Rep. Woods and others argued the courts are needed to prevent “ballot candy” and dishonest summaries, while supporters countered that the legislature and Secretary of State should have primary authority and that courts should not act as a “super legislature.” The sponsor and supporters also pointed to the recent Amendment 3 process as evidence that the revised procedure can work and produce agreed-upon language.
Testimony was split. Campaign Life Missouri, Missouri Right to Life, and a representative from the Secretary of State’s office testified in favor, emphasizing transparency, voter information, and the elected status of the officials drafting ballot language. Opponents included the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, League of Women Voters, Jobs with Justice, Missouri Right to Education, and private citizens, who argued the bill is unconstitutional, undermines separation of powers, and would allow misleading language to survive by dragging out litigation. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration Feb 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Each one of those steps involves our staff, which do an amazing job processing.
- And I know 30 days back in some level of custody, people may lose their jobs.
- To state why folks who are being released without jobs, how do you work to employ them?
- Again, we're not paying for somebody for not having a job.
- Most people think that we want you to get a job in two weeks.
Summary:
The Special Commission on Criminal Justice Reform 3.0 heard a presentation from the Massachusetts Parole Board focused on how parole works with the Department of Correction, county houses of correction, sheriffs, probation, and community providers to support reentry and public safety. Chair Angela Gomez described the board’s mission, organizational structure, and 2024 activity, including institutional release hearings, life-sentence hearings, victim-notification events, pardons, commutations, and the supervision of nearly 3,000 committed parolees. She emphasized that the board is increasingly using evidence-based practices, risk assessment tools, and individualized conditions, including more structured GPS use and graduated sanctions, rather than relying on a purely punitive model.
Commission members and sheriffs asked for more detailed breakdowns of parole and supervision data, including the difference between releases from Massachusetts custody and all releases under supervision, the average length of supervision, the share of lifers, revocations, and how many people are on dual supervision with probation. The board said it would provide follow-up data on length of stay, housing, employment, treatment participation, and outcomes. Members also discussed why some people refuse parole, noting that refusals can be driven by pending cases, a desire to avoid supervision, or a preference for a shorter custodial sentence over a longer supervised release or treatment placement.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on collaboration and shared resources across agencies, including MASH housing, community justice support centers, CRJ beds, sheriff-run programs such as HOPE and Rocky Hill, and UMass partnerships on risk assessment and community pathways. Speakers said the main gaps are not duplication but limited housing, treatment, and mental health capacity, especially for older people, people with substance use needs, and difficult-to-place populations such as sex offenders and arson offenders. The commission also received an update on the Matus decision: 210 individuals were identified as affected, 144 were immediately parole-eligible, 100 hearings had been completed, 10 were scheduled, and the rest were being processed as eligibility dates were confirmed. The meeting ended with plans for a March 9 public hearing and a request that members who have not toured facilities do so before future votes on correctional policy.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Jun 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I feel like you've asked me to do this job.
- You've asked me to do the job. I want to do the job. Let me do the job.
- You're talking about a family unit of That's what gets the job done.
- It is a hard job.
- Have the freedom to do their jobs and the support to do their job and then the ability to help them correct
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Press Conference 1/17/25
Transcript Highlights:
- We want to reduce the stress that people have in their lives and build an economy with jobs that have
- </c> time to focus on the part of our job time to focus on the part of our job that<00:14:22.160><c>
- We are working at our job.
- ><c> job</c><00:18:50.799><c> very</c><00:18:51.080><c> significant</c> are working at our job very significant
- 18:52.960><c> our</c> part of our job is meeting with our part of our job is meeting with our police<
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- These are small manufacturing businesses that create local jobs, revitalize downtowns and gateway cities
- We're proud to create high-quality craft beer here in Massachusetts and provide meaningful jobs.
- critical for small breweries that want to scale responsibly, serve more customers, and create more jobs
- And also, when talking about jobs, how many more jobs... ...when talking about jobs, how many more jobs
- In terms of jobs, each time we open another restaurant, we're employing dozens more people, and we'd
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on a wide range of alcohol, liquor licensing, and hemp-derived beverage bills. Early in the hearing, there was a procedural dispute when Senator Jacob Oliveira attempted to testify virtually on S. 279; the House chairs declined to recognize virtual testimony from a committee member, and Senator Pavel Payano instead read prepared remarks supporting the bill to return liquor license authority to municipalities. The committee then heard testimony on H. 437/S. 279 from the Massachusetts Municipal Association and Cohasset Town Manager Christopher Senior, both of whom argued that local control would streamline licensing, better match modern community needs, and support downtown economic development. A Lexington business owner also supported local licensing flexibility for a paint-and-sip business seeking a beer and wine license.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on hemp-derived beverage regulation, including H. 357 and S. 222. Supporters from the Commonwealth Beverage Coalition and Theory Wellness said the products are already widely available in unregulated settings, including gas stations and smoke shops, and argued for a regulated framework with age limits, testing, labeling, and local public health funding. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild supported regulation of low-dose hemp beverages but asked that breweries be allowed to participate using their existing retail and distribution rights. The Guild also supported H. 478, which would allow limited self-distribution by pub breweries, saying it would reduce inefficiency and help small breweries grow.
Several bills modernizing alcohol licensing laws were also discussed. Representative Ruel supported H. 477, describing it as a cleanup measure that would remove the contiguous-premises requirement, add a character standard for applicants, and extend public notice periods. Representative Sangiolo testified in support of H. 3893, a local liquor-license bill tied to economic development and new businesses in Lexington, including a movie theater, coffee shop, and paint studio. Fable Brewing Company also supported the local license bill, saying the licenses are needed before they can finalize leases and open. The committee then heard opposition from the Massachusetts Package Stores Association and several retailers, who warned that the retail tier is under pressure from oversaturation, declining revenues, and expanded competition, and opposed a long list of bills they said would further weaken existing stores or the three-tier system.
At the end of the hearing, Representative McKenna testified in support of H. 437 and S. 279, emphasizing municipal autonomy and the importance of on-premises licenses for restaurants and other economic-development projects. The chairs noted that additional written testimony could still be submitted on bills that did not receive in-person testimony. The hearing concluded with a motion by Representative Sangiolo, seconded by Representative LeBoeuf, to close the hearing, which passed by voice vote.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs May 5th, 2026
Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- about how we can make them very uncomfortable if they don't report, because that's my goal, if not my job
- Additionally, because we're under... ...goal, okay, if not my job.
- I feel like we did a really good job, and I was one of the prime sponsors, as you know, of all these
- .. ...to do the job.
- And they do a great job with that, but I strongly agree.
Summary:
The joint Audit Committee meeting focused on implementation of Ali’s Law, including MDAR’s progress on kennel regulations and municipal reporting. MDOT/MDAR officials said the department formed the required advisory committee, held trainings for animal control officers and municipal clerks, created a public information webpage, and completed draft regulations that are now under secretarial review. They reported that 269 of 351 municipalities had filed kennel counts, leaving 82 out of compliance, and said the reported statewide total was 1,408 licensed kennels, with an estimated 1,800 to 1,850 statewide.
Committee members pressed the department on the pace of rulemaking, the lack of a clear enforcement mechanism for municipalities that fail to report, and the need for stronger accountability. The chair said he wanted to avoid a formal investigation if answers could be obtained, but urged MDAR to move quickly and to consider stronger public reporting and possible sanctions. He also asked about injury reporting and suggested that injury data should be sent to the state and tracked in a way that provides context, such as the number of animals in a facility.
Representatives from animal welfare organizations and the advisory committee supported the law’s goals but emphasized that rollout should be fair to compliant businesses and that municipalities and ACOs need better training, resources, and standardized guidance. They backed a filed bill, House Bill 4849, which would give MDAR authority to fine municipalities that do not comply and would add more detailed reporting, including last inspection dates and injury reports. They also raised concerns about third-party advertising platforms that may list unlicensed kennels and argued that public education, consumer transparency, and stronger oversight are needed to prevent bad actors from operating.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- We really must increase the compensation to do this job. It is a tough job. Many of us do this job.
- It is a tough job.
- We need to make sure that people who do this job are from all over the state.
- and so that we can recruit them to run for the job.
- However, I also would like to see this job become... ...the improvements.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 12th, 2026 at 06:45 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Over 2,000 direct union jobs. That's more than our freedom to stand against this bill tonight, Mr.
- My grandfather was in his late 50s, and he wasn't really able to find a job after that.
- Got that out of the way. 1,100 jobs. That's what Kaiser has in my district.
- So what will happen to Seattle jobs without that aluminum from our highly specialized Kaiser plant?
- And that's a lot of jobs in my community as well. We cannot afford to lose these jobs.
Summary:
The Senate considered and passed several bills, many of them after moving substitutes and suspending the rules to advance them directly to final passage. Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, dealing with access to voting services for military, overseas, Native American, and disabled voters, was described as a civic engagement measure that would require county auditors and the Secretary of State to work with federally recognized tribes and explore a secure voting portal. Supporters emphasized outreach, access, and helping overseas and disabled voters; opponents raised concerns about online voting security, paper ballot integrity, and emerging technologies. The bill passed 38-19.
Substitute Senate Bill 6034, which statutorily establishes the Governor’s Office on Indian Affairs, passed unanimously 49-0 after supporters said it would formally anchor an office that has existed for decades and better reflect the state’s government-to-government relationship with tribes. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6247, on school district financial management and training, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was adopted to delay implementation and clarify funding for training. Supporters said the bill would help school boards, superintendents, and ESDs identify districts sliding toward financial distress and improve fiscal oversight.
The Senate also passed Senate Bill 5922, giving school districts more flexibility to transfer unused school bus depreciation funds when declining enrollment means replacement buses may not be needed, and Senate Bill 6278, requiring ongoing review of teacher and principal preparation programs so training better matches classroom needs; both passed with broad support. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6246, concerning emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act, drew the most extended debate and passed 27-22 after a striking amendment was adopted and a proposed reporting amendment was rejected. Supporters said it creates a framework for future emissions allowance reductions while protecting jobs and competitiveness; opponents warned it would drive mills and other industrial employers out of Washington. The Senate also passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5906, the SAFE Act limiting ICE access to non-public areas of schools, colleges, health care facilities, daycares, and similar sites without a warrant, after adopting amendments related to model policies and union notification; supporters framed it as a safety and due process measure, while opponents called it an attempt to obstruct federal law enforcement. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5905, addressing PERS membership for certain port workers in federal railroad retirement plans, passed 49-0 as a technical pension fix.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- You've got jobs during the week, and you're being pulled out of those to go serve your country.
- Same job. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Jobe. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, to comment. Proceed.
- Job. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, to comment. Proceed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- FRIA protects their job, so they have a job to come back to.
- I think it's our job, and realize I'm going to speak to all of you as a committee, it's really our job
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bills 1993 and 2771, both sponsored by Reps. Irwin and Boykin, which would extend Servicemembers Civil Relief Act-style protections to Missouri National Guard members when they are called to state emergency duty. The sponsors and supporting witnesses said the bills would help Guard members with issues like eviction, lease termination, debt collection, and civil court proceedings while they are serving, and would align state law with federal protections already available to active-duty service members. Committee members generally expressed support, noting the financial strain on Guard members and their civilian employers, and witnesses from the Missouri National Guard Association and the Guard itself said the bills would provide clarity and stability. No opposition was presented, and the hearing ended without a vote in the transcript.
The committee then heard House Bill 1869, which would create a grant program administered by the Missouri Veterans Commission to help repair and reset damaged veteran grave markers in private and public cemeteries when the damage is caused by natural events. Rep. Roberts explained the bill was prompted by a constituent’s experience with a deteriorated headstone, and members asked about eligibility, whether the money would go to families or cemeteries, and whether vandalism or non-cemetery graves would be covered. The sponsor said the bill was aimed at natural causes and family-member applications, though he was open to suggestions for expansion. The Veterans Commission director supported the concept but warned the agency lacked funding and staffing to take on another program without additional appropriations; members also raised broader concerns about underfunding the commission. No formal action or vote was taken in the transcript.
After the bill hearings, the committee received informational testimony from Retrieving Freedom, a Missouri-based service dog organization, and from Compass Health on firearm suicide prevention. Retrieving Freedom described its training of service dogs for veterans and children with autism, including demonstrations of tasks such as grounding, retrieving items, and helping with mobility, and said it had a waiting list but was expanding its work in Missouri. Compass Health discussed its firearm suicide prevention grant work, emphasizing community-based education and conversations about safe access to lethal means rather than confiscation. These presentations were informational only and did not involve committee action.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine certain pending nominations. Apr 29th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretary Rollins has done a great job supporting us.
- He was a strong pick by President Trump and will do an outstanding job as undersecretary.
- , a very important job, with these significant staff cuts that appear to be necessary?
- Well you're gonna, you have a very hard job assuming you're confirmed for it and it appears that some
- And then it's our job to go knock those trade barriers down and get those market access opportunities
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-part 2/Joint Convention of the House & Senate/State of the State Address 4/23/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Because a job's just not a job. It's a means to a secure life.
- Because a job's just not a job. It's a Because a job's just not a job.
- </c> Financial security, job security, and we've invested collectively together time and hundreds of
- with an eye toward green energy and innovation jobs that will shape the future.
- And it's also the reason I love serving in this job with all of you.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 06:00 pm
Massachusetts Joint Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That legislation is expanding health benefits, job opportunities, and so much more.
- We fixed it, and now they're keeping their licenses and their jobs.
- He knows what a good trucking job means to middle-class families, and so do we.
- Our economy has continued to grow and add good jobs. Unemployment is low, and add good jobs.
- Nice job, Governor Healey. Thank you for your words.
Summary:
The House and Senate met in joint convention for the Governor’s annual State of the Commonwealth address. Before the address, the chamber handled routine organizational motions, including recesses, the appointment of committees to escort the Lieutenant Governor, constitutional officers, and the Governor into the chamber, the posting of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, and an invocation and benediction. The joint convention then heard Governor Maura Healey’s address, followed by remarks from legislative leaders and a closing benediction.
In her speech, Governor Healey said the state is strong and highlighted accomplishments from the past session, including tax cuts, expanded child care support, the Affordable Homes Act, transportation improvements, federal funding gains, veterans’ services, and health care measures. She also emphasized ongoing priorities such as reducing housing costs, improving transit and infrastructure, expanding primary care and mental health services, supporting education and career pathways, strengthening clean energy and AI investment, and protecting reproductive health care. She called for abolishing tenant broker’s fees, creating a statewide graduation standards council after the MCAS requirement change, and continuing efforts to address the emergency shelter system and other cost pressures.
No roll call votes were taken on legislation during the address itself, but the convention adopted the various ceremonial orders and motions by voice vote. After the Governor’s remarks and the benediction, the joint convention adjourned, and the House later adjourned to meet the following Tuesday in informal session.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- That's your job. The final rule is your control.
- I think they're doing a good job.
- I think they're doing a good job.
- Mosley continued that job advertisements were separated by sex, with the lower-paying jobs reserved for
- Advertisements for jobs were separated by sex with the lower paying jobs reserved for women.
Committee:
House State Affairs
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- That's the easiest job in the world.
- It's the best job again in the world. Now, again, this will expand.
- I have the best job in the world.
- And, again, I have the best job in the world with respect to all your jobs, except...
- And again, I have the best job in the world with respect to all your jobs except... Yeah.
Committee:
Senate Education
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/22/2026 - House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- for us, and there will be jobs that replace those jobs that people will have.
- Economic impact, dovetailing off of that: tens of thousands of direct jobs and indirect jobs, high wage-paying
- , but then there are also more jobs.
- It's jobs, but then there are also more jobs.
- People were fearful of losing their jobs. All these machines came on—were there going to be jobs?
Summary:
The House Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee met for its first meeting, with members and staff introducing themselves and the chair outlining the committee’s purpose and expectations. The committee adopted its standing rules, including House-rule-based procedures for agendas and amendment deadlines, and then moved to a chair’s presentation since no bills were assigned yet.
The chair’s presentation focused on what AI is and is not, examples of current uses such as transcription and image generation, concerns about misinformation, deepfakes, surveillance, job displacement, and the need for responsible governance. He emphasized Arizona’s role in AI infrastructure and semiconductor manufacturing, including data centers, chip fabs, workforce development, energy, water, and national security considerations, while arguing the committee should be innovation-friendly and avoid overly burdensome regulation.
Members then discussed their perspectives. Several expressed cautious optimism, highlighting AI’s potential in health care, education, public administration, and business, while stressing privacy, cybersecurity, human oversight, and safeguards against misuse. The vice chair and others noted the importance of state-level policymaking and the committee’s bipartisan approach. No legislation was heard, and the meeting ended with the chair stating the committee would meet weekly and begin hearing bills as they are assigned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- own to do these jobs and then we get consultants consulting the state worker on these jobs when it comes
- </c><00:10:44.000><c> not</c> We going to come in for these jobs not We going to come in for these jobs
- </c> come and take these jobs. come and take these jobs.
- Maui is a good these engineering jobs.
- It's it's something that their jobs.
Committee:
Senate Labor and Technology
Summary:
The committees heard testimony on several personnel and employment bills. SB 2119 would require the state or counties to reimburse public officers and employees for approved work-related travel costs within 30 days; testifiers from the State Procurement Office, UPW, HGA, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, and others supported the measure, citing delayed reimbursements. SB 3131 would update state position titles by changing “private secretary” to “executive assistant” and “secretary” to “administrative assistant” where applicable, and it drew support from DEED and comments from the State Librarian. SB 3069 would permanently exempt a limited number of specialized positions in DAGS Public Works and the Comptroller’s office from civil service; DAGS, HCDA, and DEED supported it, while UPW opposed it. Committee members questioned whether the exemption should be narrower and whether the positions should be consultants or actual employees, and DAGS said the roles were narrowly tailored, highly specialized, and intended to help manage complex projects such as Aloha Stadium, the convention center, and other major redevelopment work.
The committee then heard SB 3180, which would repeal the limit on temporary employment in a single position for two 89-day terms. Testimony included support from the Procurement Office, DOE, DHRD, the State Librarian in opposition, UPW written comments, HGA, the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii, and others. Discussion focused on whether the bill was needed to address abuse of repeated 89-day hires and whether it would affect recruitment and career pathways. Finally, SB 2137 would allow departments, divisions, and agencies to assume hiring and recruitment functions from DHRD under certain conditions. DHRD opposed the bill, saying existing law already allows delegation and that agency-level recruitment often lacks the expertise and staffing to do the work; UHPA supported it, and UPW submitted written support. In questioning, DHRD said it had reduced backlog and was now current on screening, while also offering programs like Operation Hire Hawaii for faster agency-led recruitment.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Protection (11-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Our staff has done such a good job in the last year.
- Scott Blevens, Brandon great job.
- They do a<00:26:31.919><c> great</c><00:26:32.080><c> job.
- ,</c><00:45:32.319><c> but</c> They're great at selling the job, but They're great at selling the job
- Um, this is a much for the right job.
Summary:
The subcommittee met with leaders of the First Frontier Appalachian Trail System for an update on trail development, economic impact, and funding needs. Speakers said the system has expanded from 18 to 21 counties over the past year, with interest from additional counties, about 450 miles of trails currently open, and a goal of surpassing 1,000 miles within two years. They described the project as primarily an economic development effort that is already drawing public and private investment, supporting lodging and campground businesses, and creating new enterprises such as guide services, repairs, and recovery services for ATVs.
The presentation highlighted permit sales, which began on a soft-launch basis earlier in the year and are now available both physically and online. Permits cost $25 per year for in-state residents and allow riding on First Frontier trails. Officials also discussed landowner agreements, saying the standard license agreement is modeled on Hatfield-McCoy, is favorable to landowners, and can be ended with 60 days’ notice. They said the agreements, along with patrols and cleanup efforts, help address trespassing and illegal dumping while encouraging property owners to participate.
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Captain Jason Sloan reported 638 hours of patrols under the memorandum of agreement since January 1 and said the partnership has focused on safety, enforcement of existing laws, emergency planning, and cleanup support. The group also cited partnerships with the National Forest, Onyx Off-Road, ARC, and Yamaha, and said a Jeep Jamboree in Lee County drew 237 registered participants, mostly from out of state. They said a GNCC race in Knox County is being pursued for spring. The authority requested $3.5 million for the next two-year budget cycle and said it needs additional staffing, including two full-time trail development coordinators and part-time office help, to keep up with growth. Members praised the project’s progress and its potential to boost tourism and regional economic development.