Video & Transcript : 'University of Montevallo' :
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FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-13 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of the State of Florida, Ron DeSantis.
- Seven years ago, our universities had no special emphasis on the traditional missions of higher education
- and Civic Education at the University of Florida.
- We require our universities to be dedicated to the pursuit of truth, the honoring of merit, and the preparation
- We are the keepers of the flame of liberty that burned in Philadelphia in July of 1776.
Summary:
The transcript captures a Florida legislative joint session convened to receive the Governor’s annual message. After the House and Senate formally received the Lieutenant Governor, Cabinet, and Supreme Court, a committee was appointed to notify the Governor, and the Governor was introduced and delivered a lengthy address. The Governor framed Florida as a model of conservative governance and highlighted accomplishments over the past seven years, including budget reserves and rainy day fund growth, debt reduction, tax cuts, economic growth and job creation, universal school choice, teacher pay increases, civics education, higher education reforms, Everglades restoration, hurricane response, public safety measures, immigration enforcement, and opposition to DEI and COVID-era mandates.
The Governor also outlined priorities for the coming session, urging lawmakers to send him bills on issues such as eliminating DEI in local governments, further discouraging illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and blocking Sharia law. He additionally called for action on property tax relief, saying homeowners should not pay “perpetual rent” to government, and asked the legislature to place a tax-relief measure before voters. He emphasized emerging concerns about artificial intelligence and medical freedom, arguing for informed consent and ethical limits on new technologies.
After the Governor concluded, the joint session took up a motion to dissolve. The motion was approved, and the joint session adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- of the State of Florida, Ron DeSantis.
- Seven years ago, our universities had no special emphasis on the traditional missions of higher education
- and Civic Education at the University of Florida.
- We require our universities to be dedicated to the pursuit of truth, the honoring of merit, and the preparation
- We are the keepers of the flame of liberty that burned in Philadelphia in July of 1776.
Summary:
The Florida House and Senate met in joint session to receive the Governor’s annual message. After opening formalities, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the appointment of a committee to notify the Governor that the Legislature was ready, the chamber recognized special guests and then received Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis.
In his address, the Governor reviewed what he described as seven years of major accomplishments in Florida, emphasizing fiscal restraint, tax relief, economic growth, education reforms, environmental restoration, disaster response, public safety, and immigration enforcement. He highlighted a larger rainy day fund, reduced debt, record job and business growth, universal school choice, higher teacher pay, Hope Florida, Everglades restoration, stronger hurricane response, and tougher laws on crime and illegal immigration. He also warned about property tax burdens, called for a constitutional path to property tax relief, urged informed consent in medical policy, and raised concerns about artificial intelligence.
The Governor pointed to several bills already filed and urged lawmakers to send him legislation eliminating DEI in local government, further discouraging illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and blocking the spread of Sharia law. He closed by asking the Legislature to continue advancing his agenda. After the address, the joint session voted to dissolve.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Science, Technology and Telecommunications Sep 23rd, 2025
Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- is an expectation of all of our faculty members.
- In terms of agriculture, bugs are part of the environment, but in terms of biology, a lot of times bugs
- We're part of that national scene in terms of the Department of Energy. Dr.
- I'm the Chief Information Officer at the University of New Mexico.
- The NM Independent Community College Executive Director is also here: Mark Saavedra, the Council of University
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And, of course, the mission of the Department of Water Resources would not change either.
- . ...a couple of letters in support of this resolution by the Association of Soil Conservation Districts
- The name Lewis-Clark State University will more accurately reflect the full range of degree programs
- And all of Idaho's public four-year schools use the term university, except for Lewis-Clark State College
- And all of Idaho's public four-year schools use the term university, except for Lewis Clark State College
Summary:
The Senate convened with 32 members present, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the corrected journal. It then received committee reports referring newly printed Senate Bills 1261-1268 to the appropriate committees, and heard a gubernatorial appointment of Trent Ney to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, which was referred to the Commerce and Human Resources Committee. The Senate also received House Concurrent Resolution 25 from the House for introduction.
In the 10th order, the Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 116, concerning findings related to Water District 1. It also adopted Senate Resolution 113, a bipartisan measure condemning political violence and affirming the importance of peaceful political engagement. The Senate then adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, supporting consolidation of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission into the Idaho Department of Water Resources, with supporters citing efficiency, improved coordination, and continued support for local soil and water districts.
Under final consideration, the Senate passed Senate Bill 1239, which revises Idaho sex offender law to extend residency protections to legally operating daycares approved by local governments as well as state-licensed facilities. It also passed Senate Bill 1234, which changes Lewis-Clark State College’s name to Lewis-Clark State University throughout Idaho Code, with supporters arguing the change better reflects the institution’s degree offerings and would reduce confusion without changing its mission or adding ongoing costs. Both bills were transmitted to the House, and the Senate adjourned until the next day after miscellaneous announcements about upcoming deadlines and the final day for non-privileged committee bill introductions.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- A lot of the language we use when criticizing has embedded in it images of, you know, imagery of violence
- And, of course, the mission of the Department of Water Resources would not change either. districts.
- And, of course, the mission of the Department of Water Resources would not change either.
- . ...are a couple of letters in support of this resolution by the Association of Soil Conservation Districts
- And all of Idaho's public four-year schools use the term university, except for Lewis-Clark State College
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- into the... ...universities to create curriculum that we immediately put into the curriculum of the
- Association of Chiefs of Police.
- Commissioner, can you indicate that voter interest in your charge to the University of Massachusetts?
- Number 13: colleges, I want to add at the end of that... ...colleges and universities should prohibit
- Number 14: at the end of that paragraph, I'd like to add that Massachusetts colleges and universities
Summary:
The Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism met to hear testimony from Chief James Hicks of the Natick Police Department, who chairs the Municipal Police Training Committee, and Chief Thomas Fowler of the Salisbury Police Department. They described the statewide civil-rights-officer model for hate-crime response, the HEART Unit, and MPTC training authority under POST, and urged the commission to recommend incorporating the IHRA definition of antisemitism into police training and to fund that effort. Commissioners asked about how law enforcement should handle antisemitic incidents that may not rise to crimes, the 2022 Mapping Project, masking during protests, and the role of HART; the chiefs said departments can update training quickly, that every department should have a trained civil-rights officer, and that HART’s expertise should be integrated statewide. The commission also approved the October 16, 2025 minutes after correcting an initial procedural error.
The rest of the meeting focused on the draft report, especially the prefatory statement and the definition section. Commissioners broadly praised the report’s scope and the chairs’ work, but offered many edits aimed at tightening language, reducing advocacy tone, and clarifying the “Massachusetts way” of combating antisemitism. Several members wanted stronger emphasis on Massachusetts values, education, moral leadership, and the distinction between hate incidents, hate crimes, and statutory offenses; others urged clearer references to constitutional protections, First Amendment limits, and Attorney General review of legal statements. There was also discussion of whether to keep or remove references to alternative definitions of antisemitism: some commissioners argued that only the IHRA definition should be centered, while others said acknowledging other definitions was factually important and would reflect the range of testimony.
Commissioners also raised specific substantive edits for later sections, including adding examples such as the 2022 Mapping Project, strengthening language on online intimidation, academic boycotts, and divestment campaigns, and clarifying that some conduct may be hateful even if lawful. In the higher education section, members praised recommendations on mandatory training, bystander intervention, trauma-informed responses, mental health supports, and campus climate surveys, while suggesting a few technical edits and additional best-practice examples. No final votes were taken on the draft report during this portion; the chairs said they would incorporate feedback into a revised draft before the remaining meetings and eventual vote.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Cigar Kotarvash, and I'm a professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
- University of Arkansas Medical Sciences Department.
- Chris McCurdy, a renowned academic at the University of Florida, revealed the results of an NIH study
- Chris McCurdy, a renowned academic at the University of Florida, revealed the results of an NIH study
- A lot were done by the University of Florida.
Committee:
Senate Health
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Funding Review Committee Aug 19th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Higher Education Funding Review Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I serve as Deputy Commissioner in the areas of academic and student affairs for the North Dakota University
- I serve as Deputy Commissioner in the areas of academic and student affairs for the North Dakota University
- I'm the Director of Finance with the North Dakota University System. My report is brief.
- Section 8 is the repeal of the prior funding formula and also that funding pool section of the University
- Section 10 is the transfer of new funding from SIF for the upcoming biennium into the University System
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Natural Resources and Water
Transcript Highlights:
- Research at the University of California, San Francisco.
- Thanks for giving me a few minutes to share why the University of California believes that SB 895 is
- For all the reasons noted above, the University of California is in strong support of SB 895.
- Ben Cox, Assistant Project Scientist, University of California, Davis, and UAW 4811 member, in support
- Kayship Kumar, with Lighthouse Public Affairs, on behalf of Northeastern University, in strong support
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources and Water
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 1135, which would reestablish the California Wildlife Coexistence Program to promote nonlethal human-wildlife conflict reduction and support coexistence efforts for species such as wolves, bears, and mountain lions. Supporters, including wildlife groups and local government representatives, said the prior program was effective and that proactive tools like fladry, guardian animals, deterrents, reporting, and outreach reduce conflicts and costs. Ranching and agricultural groups were opposed unless amended, saying they supported the concept but wanted changes to the wolf-livestock compensation program, including clearer practicability standards, protection of compensation funds, and more flexibility on nonlethal requirements. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 2-0 vote, with the measure left on call.
The committee then took up SB 1085, which would preserve water supply assessments for large development projects even when those projects are exempt from CEQA, so local agencies still receive information about whether sufficient water exists for the project. The author and sponsor argued the bill would keep water planning and land use planning linked and prevent “paper water” problems, while the California Building Industry Association opposed it, warning it could add delay, uncertainty, and litigation risk for housing projects already subject to other water-supply safeguards. Members discussed how the bill would affect different local structures, especially cities that also operate their own water systems, and whether the assessment adds value in those cases. The bill passed 4-1 to Local Government and was left on call.
SB 1270 was next, expanding the California wildfire mitigation home-hardening pilot beyond the original six counties to include four additional high-risk counties identified by Cal OES and Cal Fire, and directing future funding toward those areas. Supporters said the recent Los Angeles fires showed the need to broaden access to home-hardening assistance, while members discussed whether the program should remain geographically targeted or be made available statewide based on need. The bill was amended in committee and passed 5-0 to Emergency Management, left on call.
Finally, the committee heard SB 895, a major proposal to place a $23 billion bond on the ballot to create a California Foundation for Science and Health Research and stabilize scientific research funding in the state. The author, UC, UAW, and many research, labor, health, and university groups supported the measure, arguing that federal cuts and instability threaten California’s research workforce, innovation, and economy. Some members raised concerns about the size of the bond and about political issues involving one sponsor, but the author said the foundation would operate under California law and the bill is intended to keep science funding open and collaborative. The bill was moved out of committee on a 5-0 vote and left on call.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Natural Resources and Water
Transcript Highlights:
- Research at the University of California, San Francisco.
- Thanks for giving me a few minutes to share why the University of California believes that SB 895 is
- to share why the University of California believes that SB 895 is essential to the future of California's
- For all the reasons noted above, the University of California is in strong support of SB 895.
- , roads and transit, universities, but also especially because of our investments in research.
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources and Water
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Child Care Costs Dec 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- First of all, I want to say that in California, universal preschool...
- The state framed its approach of building a universal preschool program with TK as a critical part of
- Currently, I'm an associate professor of liberal studies teacher preparation at San Jose State University
- about a more equitable TK and universal pre-K system in the state of California.
- And our center sees very much that introducing universal TK was a huge win for parents in the state of
Summary:
The Assembly Select Committee on Child Care Costs held its third hearing, focused on how transitional kindergarten (TK) fits into California’s mixed-delivery early learning system, with an emphasis on the Central Valley. Opening remarks stressed that TK and child care should complement each other, not compete, and that families need both part-day school-based options and full-day, year-round care. Committee members outlined hearing goals around aligning TK with existing programs, understanding family needs, and examining the economic impact of early learning on workforce participation and local economies.
Panelists from the Legislative Analyst’s Office, Every Child California, Early Edge, Children Now, and others described TK’s rapid expansion to all four-year-olds, the growth in enrollment, and related changes to state preschool and after-school programs. Witnesses generally supported TK but warned that its expansion has shifted enrollment away from community-based providers, especially centers and family child care homes, creating financial strain, vacant classrooms, and staffing challenges. They urged stronger partnerships between school districts and community providers, more flexible licensing and facilities support, higher and more uniform reimbursement rates, permanent authority for state preschool to serve two-year-olds, and better compensation and training for educators across settings.
Parents and providers testified about the importance of trusted, culturally and linguistically responsive care, the need for infant-toddler and home-based options, and the difficulty of affording child care when TK is not full-day or does not fit family schedules. Several speakers emphasized that many families still face long waits for subsidies and that reimbursement and payment delays threaten provider stability. Public comment echoed these concerns, with providers calling for true cost-of-care rates, more vouchers, support for transportation and nontraditional hours, and protection from insurance and facility costs that can force programs to close.
State education officials said California’s UPK system works best when TK, state preschool, Head Start, and community-based providers are treated as a shared system, and noted that planning and implementation grants and local coordination efforts have helped build mixed-delivery partnerships. The hearing ended without formal votes or actions, but committee members indicated they would continue gathering input to inform future policy and budget decisions.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- We just made sure that all the public colleges and universities can take advantage of this. Okay.
- high school, will get to go to a public university in Louisiana free of charge.
- of the university shows, well, what am I supposed to do with this?
- The university just kind of eats it at the end of the day.
- The university just kind of eats it at the end of the day.
Committee:
House Education
Summary:
The House Education Committee met on March 31, 2026, and heard several bills focused largely on workforce training, student aid, and school safety. HB 325 by Rep. Brass would add successful completion of nine dual-enrollment credit hours as a third eligibility pathway for the TOPS Tech Award; after a clarifying amendment limiting the change to students graduating in the 2026-2027 school year, the bill drew broad support and was reported favorably. HB 407 by Rep. Larvadane would return the M.J. Foster Promise Program’s initial eligibility age to 21 for two years, grandfathering in current younger participants while the state addresses funding shortfalls; despite concerns about access for 18- to 20-year-olds, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill as amended on a 12-2 vote. HB 482 by Rep. Turner would loosen TOPS Tech requirements, including lowering one academic threshold, raising the age window to 25, and increasing the award amount at community and technical colleges; after an amendment expanding the affected institutions beyond LCTCS, it was reported favorably.
The committee also advanced HB 283 by Rep. Newell, which strengthens penalties and school responses for assault and battery on teachers and other school employees and expands sick-leave coverage for related medical, psychological, and rehabilitation treatment. Testimony from educators and union representatives described serious incidents of violence and fear of retaliation, while a school district attorney warned about unintended consequences for rural districts, transportation, and students with disabilities; the bill was amended to include students as protected victims and then reported with amendments. HB 448 by Rep. Adams would allow scholarships for firefighters injured or killed in the line of duty, and their spouses, to be used for graduate study rather than only a bachelor’s degree; after an amendment clarifying the scholarship could be used for bachelor’s or advanced degrees, it was reported as amended. HB 319 by Rep. Beham, a cleanup measure for the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education to improve quorum and update organizational references, was reported favorably. HB 195 by Rep. Beham, which would bar public postsecondary institutions from prohibiting students from carrying self-defense chemical spray on campus, was amended to add exceptions and then reported with amendments.
The committee also heard testimony on HCR 10 by Rep. Wilder, which asks the Louisiana High School Athletic Association to recognize dance and cheer as sanctioned sports; the sponsor said the resolution was prompted by a parent request and safety concerns, and an amendment was expected to broaden the measure. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly emphasized workforce development, dual enrollment, and the need to align education programs with labor-market demand, while also debating how to balance student access, funding limits, and school safety.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It designates the University of Florida, Go Gators, Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental
- So we have the research, we have the grants, everything will be coordinated, and the University of Florida
- Center... ...everything will be coordinated, and the University of Florida Center for Autism will be
- I'm with the FSU Florida State University Autism Institute, and I'm the executive director of the FSU
- I'm direct the FSU, Florida State University Autism Institute, and I'm the executive director of the
Committee:
Senate Education Pre-K - 12
Summary:
The Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee heard and passed two autism-related bills. SB 112, by Senator Harrell, would expand autism screening and referral grants, extend Early Steps services from age three to age four, designate the University of Florida autism center as a statewide hub, create grants for autism-focused charter schools and summer programs, and establish an autism microcredential for educators and paraprofessionals. Three technical or clarifying amendments were adopted, and the bill received support from Autism Speaks, The Arc of Florida, Foundation for Florida’s Future, and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado, who emphasized early intervention and the need for training and expanded services. The bill was reported favorably by committee vote.
The committee then considered SB 102, by Senator Gaetz, which would direct the Department of Education to create a workforce credential for students with autism spectrum disorder, including badges for job skills and workplace safety, and require reporting on outcomes such as employment after graduation. An amendment was adopted to allow students on a modified curriculum before formal diagnosis to participate and to require coordination with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA. Testimony from Amy Weatherby of the FSU Autism Institute and CARD strongly supported the bill, stressing the importance of employment outcomes and early preparation, while other organizations also supported it. SB 102 was reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after Senator Harrell was recorded as voting in the affirmative on SB 112.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 10, February 20, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I got kind of aired my... another $500,000 to the University of another $500,000 to the University of
- Both of these university teams funds.
- c> of</c> finals rodeo. and the University of finals rodeo. and the University of Wyoming<00:59:25.040
- </c> with the University of Wyoming so that with the University of Wyoming so that we<01:18:01.920><c
- an</c> university, some of them to get an university, some of them to get an additional<04:11:56.720
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Surpassed only by the UC at 90% and the University of Washington at 83.5%.
- need of the state university, which is our responsibility as a state, I'm struggling with that, because
- the future of our state universities.
- I'm really, really concerned that we're doing it at the detriment of the future of our state universities
- And that's not uncommon in the urban areas of the state because we can only build so many universities
Committee:
Senate Education
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 998, which would clarify and expand school discrimination prevention coordinator roles, including new coordinators focused on disability and anti-AAPI discrimination. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen school climate, provide clearer guidance and training, and help schools address discrimination before it escalates. Support came from education, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ groups, while some witnesses expressed support if amended but raised concerns about gubernatorial appointments and preferred civil service hiring. Several senators debated whether the bill duplicated existing protections and whether it diverted attention from academic priorities, but the chair and coauthors emphasized it as follow-up legislation tied to prior civil rights commitments. The committee voted SB 998 out on a due pass motion to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the bill was placed on call.
The committee then took up SB 1082, which would streamline inter-district transfer appeals by requiring faster district action, concurrent review, and clearer notice when applications are incomplete. The author and sponsor said families often face long delays and inconsistent practices, and supporters argued the bill would improve fairness and reduce administrative burden without changing local approval authority. The California School Boards Association had an oppose-unless-amended position but said it was re-evaluating after amendments, and some other groups said they were removing opposition. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee and placed it on call.
Next, the committee heard SB 960 on community college baccalaureate degrees. The author argued the bill would create a statewide framework allowing community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in unmet workforce areas when CSU programs are unavailable or effectively inaccessible because of impaction, while also limiting growth so community colleges do not drift from their core mission. Supporters said the bill would expand access for place-bound students and align with workforce needs, while CSU and faculty opponents warned it could duplicate programs, affect faculty jobs, and worsen pressure on the CSU system. Members debated the master plan, impaction, funding inequities, and whether the bill would siphon students from CSU. The committee ultimately moved SB 960 out on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the bill was placed on call.
Finally, Senator Blakespear presented SB 965, which would make it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain public library cards without a parent or guardian physically present. The author and her son described inconsistent local rules and said the bill would reduce barriers while preserving local library policies on checkout and liability. The transcript ended during testimony on SB 965, before any committee vote or further action was recorded.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 29th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise today to welcome and recognize University of California President Dr.
- Michael Drake for his tremendous service and leadership to the University of California. Dr.
- I'm so grateful for your friendship and for your leadership at the University of California.
- And we salute and thank you for your 30 years of service to the University of California and to our state
- your service to the university and the state of California.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long daily file with numerous guest introductions and recognitions, including tributes to outgoing University of California President Michael Drake, student and community advocates, and visitors connected to foster care, military appreciation, and college savings. The chamber also took up several procedural items, including concurrence in Senate amendments to ACR 75 on California Farm Week, which passed 59-0.
Members then adopted AJR 7 on protecting federal special education funding and services for students with disabilities, with broad bipartisan support and a 65-0 vote after 63 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted ACR 82 recognizing Foster Care Month and ACR 85 recognizing 529 College Savings Day by voice vote after adding co-authors, and ACR 89 recognizing Military Appreciation Month, also adopted by voice vote after co-authors were added. These resolutions featured testimony and remarks emphasizing support for vulnerable children, foster youth, military families, and access to higher education.
On policy bills, the Assembly passed AB 929 on groundwater and managed wetlands (41-14), AB 1026 on utility connection timelines for housing projects (52-0), AB 1332 on direct shipment of medicinal cannabis under specified conditions (55-0), AB 1356 on follow-up reporting in DHCS death investigations at treatment facilities (54-0), and AB 671 on streamlining restaurant openings through self-certification of certain plans (62-0). The chamber also approved AB 715 on anti-Semitism and school climate after extensive debate and cross-caucus support, 64-0, and AB 33 on autonomous vehicle deliveries requiring a human safety operator, 52-6. Later, AB 5 on election ballot-counting timelines passed 66-0, AB 27 and AB 28 addressing the Chiquita Canyon landfill disaster passed 61-0 and 44-6 respectively, and the Assembly began consideration of AB 43 to extend state authority over wild and scenic rivers.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Lord of heaven, you hold the universe in place, and still you see every street and every heart.
- Lord of heaven, you hold the universe in place, and still you see every street and every heart.
- appointment of Salvador Cruz as director of the Department of Finance.
- of Finance.
- Fish and Wildlife internship program at the University of Montana and took numerous numerous courses
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
ECD Info Briefing - Fri Jun 19, 2026 @ 1:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of Hawaii Economic UHERO, the University of Hawaii Economic Research<00:04:24.280><c> Organization,<
- And our next presentation is from UHERO, the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization.
- </c><01:12:29.720><c> campus</c> the University of Hawaii on Manoa campus the University of Hawaii on
- They're university faculty. The staff, all but one of them, are completely soft money. Okay?
- That's a little bit of a stretch because the university gives them a tuition waiver, right?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Effective Postsecondary Career Technical Education and Workforce Development Programs Dec 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a product of community colleges. I went to universities, right?
- Michael Willer, Chair and Professor of Liberal Studies at California State University, Los Angeles.
- programs at CSUs, and Underground Scholars with the University of California.
- Michael Willer, Chair of Liberal Studies for California State University, Los Angeles. Welcome.
- I really appreciate the work and efforts of both East Daly College and Cal State University of Los Angeles
Summary:
The hearing opened the Select Committee on Effective Postsecondary Career, Technical Education, and Workforce Development Programs at Santa Ana College, with Assemblymember Mike Fong emphasizing the need for affordable, accelerated pathways into high-demand careers and noting his bill AB 1098 creating the California Interagency Education Council. Chancellor Marvin Martinez welcomed the committee and urged changes to AB 927 to remove the “duplication” barrier for community college bachelor’s degrees, arguing that applied baccalaureate programs can lead to high-wage jobs and expand access for low- and middle-income students.
The first panel focused on statewide workforce trends and policy. California Community Colleges Vice Chancellor Anthony Cordova highlighted credit for prior learning, Strong Workforce funding, dual enrollment, and apprenticeship growth, asking the Legislature to restore and increase Strong Workforce funding and expand applied baccalaureate degrees. LAEDC’s Josep Bilayo described regional labor market data showing growth in health care, education, construction, bioscience, and clean energy, while stressing the need for employer-led, data-driven programs, wraparound supports, and flexible funding. Andrew Gonzalez of the Building and Construction Trades Council argued that registered apprenticeship must be paid, combine classroom and on-the-job training, and end in a portable credential; he also promoted apprenticeship readiness programs, community workforce agreements, and stronger exposure to trades starting in K-12. Eric Morrison Smith of the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color discussed the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Grant Program and related youth apprenticeship recommendations, including bridge programs, intermediary infrastructure, reduced employer barriers, and better coordination of state funding.
A later panel highlighted Santa Ana College’s fire technology and firefighting academy programs. President Annabelle Neri and Vice President Jeffrey Lamb said the college is one of the state’s largest fire training providers, with strong partnerships with local fire agencies, law enforcement, and the U.S. Forest Service, and with high job placement and six-figure starting salaries for some graduates. They also described related certificates, advanced officer training, wellness services, and workforce preparation such as mock interviews and sponsorships. Throughout the hearing, members and panelists repeatedly stressed the importance of aligning education with labor market demand, expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning, and using regional collaboration to connect students to living-wage careers.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- as they gather for Baylor University Day at the State Capitol. on February 1st 1845 as an act of Congress
- It is the oldest continuously operating university in the state, and the vision of the university's founding
- President of Baylor University, Mr.
- The program is designed to promote. the study of government and politics among Baylor University students
- here at the Capitol while a student at the University of Texas and now is one of our finest judges in