Video & Transcript : 'Texas State Library' :
Page 357 of 500
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Commerce and Economic Development Jan 28th, 2026 at 02:54 pm
House Commerce & Economic Development Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- and contributed greatly to this state.
- , or other states.
- Entities into their states.
- , in particular with Texas and with the activities that are going on with the Texas Space Commission
- Basically, at the state level and in regard to property tax, we, the state, break down the different
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The state-owned facility.
- Guard—who went to Texas and paying for that to help patrol the border in Texas.
- guard who went to Texas and paying for that to help patrol the border in Texas.
- We have actually been able to reimburse over $13 billion to states, locals, and state coffers.
- of Texas for nearly—” “They did make an appropriation for the state of Texas for nearly a billion dollars
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
Keywords:
property assessment, wind damage, home improvements, real estate, tax exemption, Florida statutes, ad valorem taxes, property listings, tax estimation, disclosure, Florida, residential property
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and took up three property-tax related bills before turning to a broader discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund. SB 434, which would prohibit counties from increasing a residential property’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation measures, was presented by Senator Lee and reported favorably. CS for SB 110, which clarifies that holders of 98-year-or-longer residential leases remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends at death, was also reported favorably. SB 856, requiring online residential listing platforms to display estimated property taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew support from property appraisers, Zillow representatives, and others and was reported favorably after questions about transparency and realtor obligations.
The committee then considered SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Senator DiCeglie and Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie argued the fund is needed for hurricane response, other natural and man-made emergencies, and reimbursement-based spending; they said the extension preserves legislative oversight that would otherwise lapse. Several senators questioned the use of the fund for immigration-related operations, detention facilities, and other non-disaster activities, as well as the lack of additional guardrails, reimbursement timing, and transparency. Guthrie said the division has used the fund for hurricanes, flooding, civil unrest, security operations, and other incidents, and that some reimbursements are still pending from the federal government.
Public testimony on SPB 7040 was largely opposed. Speakers from the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Florida for All, and others argued the fund has been repurposed for immigration enforcement and detention-related spending rather than true emergencies, and raised concerns about deaths in detention and the absence of competitive bidding and oversight. Guthrie answered extensive questions about the South Florida and North Florida detention facilities, Operation Vigilant Sentry, State Guard support, reimbursement requests, equipment purchases, and legislative access to facilities. The committee did not take a final vote on SPB 7040 within the portion of the transcript provided.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/19/2026 - House Rural Economic Development
Rural Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Last year alone, visitors spent nearly $30 billion in our state.
- , the beauty of our state.
- And so these are—yep—and this is where in Texas, I'll tell you this, having grown up in that state from
- We have the number one export industry in the state.
- “State Public Policy at Lucid Motors.
Committee:
House Rural Economic Development
Keywords:
SNAP, nutrition assistance, fast food, vitamins, waiver, food policy, municipal planning, homeowner association, building permits, single-family home, property rights, design standards, development fees, municipalities, infrastructure, public services, annual reporting, property development, tourism improvement area, TIA
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education May 1st, 2025
S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Under the Texas Education Code, CTE programs are designed to equip students with academic and technical
- Students in these programs often lack access to the same state funding and accountability provided to
- So, I urge you to support this bill and bring JROTC to more campuses across our state.
- of Texas, but also look to the health of our bases.
- And if we're not doing well there, how are we managing across the state?
Keywords:
Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, Leadership Officer Training Corps, public school, career education, military readiness, public school accountability, funding allotments, healthcare, insurance, cost control, patient access, regulation, affordability, public health, JROTC, automobile maintenance, high school education, elective course, student skills, practical knowledge
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We represent about 76,000 rental doors across the state.
- It really puts the power in the hands of each community around the state.
- who works on who Texas has a statute that's very similar to this, including Texas property managers
- It was partnered with SB 131 that was going to rezone the entire state.
- When I sell my house, then it's a lump sum back to the state of New Mexico.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 283, a workforce housing bill that would let local governments designate housing shortage areas and use metropolitan redevelopment tools, including property tax stabilization, to encourage construction and preservation of “missing middle” housing. Supporters said it would preserve local control, increase supply, and help teachers, nurses, first responders, and young workers afford housing. Opponents raised concerns about gentrification, redevelopment in neighborhoods, and whether the affordability requirements were strong enough. After questions about local designation, affordability percentages, and the 14-year term, the committee passed the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee substitute for SB 283 on an 8-0 vote.
The committee then considered HB 103, which would keep the residential property tax cap in place when zoning changes occur, so long as the property’s use remains residential. Supporters argued the bill would protect homeowners from tax spikes caused by rezoning and preserve stability for seniors and families. Committee discussion focused on how zoning changes affect valuation, what counts as an upzone, and how assessors currently apply the law. The bill passed on a 6-1 vote.
HB 200, a starter-home incentive bill, was heard next. The bill would provide zero-interest loans through the Mortgage Finance Authority to reduce the cost of newly built starter homes, with higher subsidy amounts in Santa Fe, Taos, and Los Alamos. Supporters said it would help young families, retirees, and first-time buyers and encourage construction of smaller homes. Several senators questioned whether the subsidy would simply raise prices, whether the loan structure was the best tool, and whether the program would work equally well across the state. The committee vote ended in a tie, so the bill was held and placed at the top of the next agenda.
The committee also passed HB 154 and HB 285 by unanimous votes. HB 154 was approved 6-1 after little discussion. HB 285, a veterans property tax cleanup bill, clarifies how exemptions apply when more than one veteran in a household has a disability rating; it passed 7-0. HB 165, which expands the C-PACE program to include certain economic development projects working through industrial revenue bond arrangements, also passed 8-0 after sponsors said the change was an oversight fix. After HB 165, the committee lost quorum and recessed, with remaining items bumped to the next meeting.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment May 6th, 2026
Natural Resources & Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- a non-resident in the state that you are from—that state does not allow you to use that gear in that
- It's just a recognition: we allow this gear in the state; they don't in Texas.
- on state-owned lands.
- This state is not a net zero state. It should not be a net zero state.
- "How much in state?
Committee:
House Natural Resources & Environment
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- of these states have been at the state...
- If you look at these states that include California, New York, Texas, Rhode Island, Vermont, these states
- other states, every other state.
- My colleagues in school owners from states that have made similar changes like Texas and California saw
- I was originally trained and licensed in the state of Texas when the program was still 1,500 hours.
Committee:
House Business
Summary:
The House Business Committee first introduced and approved two RS requests. RS 33044, brought by Rep. Ehart, would examine changes affecting military chaplains so their counseling work could be considered toward licensing requirements; the committee introduced it without opposition. RS 33004, brought by Rep. Cornelis, would require businesses to allow restroom access to people with Crohn’s disease or similar medical conditions who present documentation; it was also introduced unanimously.
The committee then heard House Bill 513, which would reduce cosmetology training from 1,600 to 1,000 hours and apprenticeship hours from 3,200 to 2,000, with a proposed implementation date of January 1, 2027 in the related RS 33099. Supporters argued the bill would lower barriers to entry, reduce student debt, speed entry into the workforce, and still preserve safety through existing board standards and testing. Opponents, including cosmetology instructors, school owners, and industry representatives, argued the change would weaken training, shift costs to salons, and harm reciprocity for Idaho licensees moving to other states. After public testimony and committee discussion, HB 513 was held in committee, while RS 33099 was introduced and sent to the second reading calendar, with Reps. Birch and Cheatum recorded in opposition.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 514, which would allow cosmetology students to take their licensing exam after completing 80% of the program rather than waiting until the end. The sponsor said this would get students into the workforce sooner and reduce delays caused by test scheduling and results. Testimony was generally supportive, with some comments that earlier testing could help students and employers, though one member noted the need to balance free-market goals with public safety and consumer protection. The committee voted to send HB 514 to the House floor with a due pass recommendation.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- It did not entail any handouts or direct subsidy from the state, no upfront state money.
- the United States.
- States.
- with Iowa State in Missouri.
- within the state.
Committee:
House Commerce
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The state, industry, and research partners have already made big investments in this state.
- The state, industry, and research partners have already made big investments in this state.
- Some states internationally have risk mitigation mechanisms where the state sets money aside to help
- So we're the commodity milk in the state.
- are not located on the state highway system.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture convened, took roll, and heard Senate Bill 58 by Senator Harrow, which would create regulation for companion animal cremation. Harrow described a case involving mishandled pet remains and said the bill would require written service descriptions, prohibit false or misleading statements, require certification with returned remains, authorize Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services rulemaking, and impose civil penalties for violations. With no questions or public opposition, the committee voted the bill favorably.
The committee then heard presentations on robotics in agriculture and aquaculture. Dr. Nathan Boyd of UF/IFAS discussed the rapid growth of agricultural robotics, including AI-driven weed detection, targeted spraying, autonomous tractors, and harvesting technology, emphasizing reduced pesticide use, lower input costs, and labor-saving automation. Dr. Nicole Kirchoff of Live Advantage Bait and Adrian Johnson of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association highlighted aquaculture’s economic and environmental value, Florida’s strong position in the industry, and challenges including hurricane losses, lack of insurance, land-use instability, capital access, and water quality. They urged support for working waterfronts, risk mitigation, and policies to help the sector commercialize and expand.
The committee also heard from dairy producers Kevin Lusher and Jacob Larson. Lusher described his family’s dairy and artisan cheese business, noting reliance on USDA grants, rising costs, labor shortages, and regulatory burdens, and asked for more grant support, marketing for Fresh From Florida products, and permanent funding for Farmers Feeding Florida. Larson discussed the broader dairy market, declining herd sizes due to efficiency gains, high production costs in Florida, and competition from out-of-state processing, suggesting incentives for local processing and supply management. Finally, FDOT Chief Planner Wayway Schen presented on arterial and local road funding programs, including ART, ARTW, SCOP, SCRAP, CIGP, and TRIP, and said rural road needs remain significant, with more than $16 billion in unfunded or partially funded project needs. The committee adjourned after brief discussion and thanks to the presenters.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 4th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Our state continues to grow and get older.
- Tallahassee State College has been very successful.
- I've been president of the Florida State Neurosurgical Society.
- They're above the state averages.
- So I think it's exciting for our state colleges as we move toward that.
Summary:
The Higher Education Appropriations Committee met with a quorum present and announced that the budget rollout would be postponed until the following week. The committee first considered SB 1246, which expands the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund to support health science workforce shortages in addition to nursing. The bill, as amended by a strike-all, broadened eligible uses of the fund, allowed matching contributions from non-health-care partners, prioritized health-care partner contributions, and updated reporting requirements. Testimony in support emphasized that the program has already reduced hospital vacancy rates and should be expanded to allied health fields. The committee adopted the amendment, passed the bill favorably, and recorded the chair’s affirmative vote. SB 720 was temporarily postponed at the sponsor’s request after the chair noted it had been incorporated into a larger committee bill.
The committee then heard confirmations for numerous trustees of state colleges and universities, including Chipola College, Tallahassee State College, Pensacola State College, Palm Beach State College, Pasco-Hernando State College, and St. Petersburg College. Appointees generally described their backgrounds and emphasized visions centered on affordability, student success, workforce training, dual enrollment, and alignment with local labor needs. Several highlighted strong nursing outcomes, including high NCLEX pass rates and job placement, while others pointed to expanding programs in welding, plumbing, electrical, cybersecurity, aviation, and other technical fields. Trustees from Tallahassee State and Pensacola State also discussed veterans’ services and health care coverage for college employees, respectively.
After hearing from the appointees, the committee took up the confirmations as a block. Senator Calatayud moved to recommend confirmation of all appointees on the listed tabs, Senator Leek seconded, and the motion passed by roll call. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 4th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Our state continues to grow and get older. We expect the age...
- Our state continues to grow and get older.
- Tallahassee State College. My name is Karen Moore.
- I've been president of the Florida State Neurosurgical Society.
- They're above the state averages.
Keywords:
tuition, resident status, incarceration, education, equal access, nursing shortage, health care, education funding, workforce development, LINE Fund, monetary contributions, nonmonetary contributions
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider one bill, a postponed bill, and a slate of trustee confirmations. The committee first took up CS/SB 1246, which expands the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) fund to support health science workforce shortages beyond nursing, including allied health programs. The bill also broadens eligible uses of funds, revises matching requirements and grant criteria, and updates reporting requirements. A strike-all amendment was adopted without objection, and the committee then reported the bill favorably after supportive testimony from Florida State College at Jacksonville, the Florida Hospital Association, the College of Central Florida, and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Senator Davis also noted a favorable vote on the bill for the record.
The committee then temporarily postponed SB 720 at the sponsor’s request. Chair Harrell explained that the bill had been incorporated into a larger committee measure and would likely be heard later in another form. Public witnesses who had come to speak on the bill were not heard because of the postponement.
The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for trustees at several state colleges, including Chipola College, Tallahassee State College, Pensacola State College, Palm Beach State College, Pasco-Hernando State College, and St. Petersburg College. The appointees emphasized themes of affordability, workforce training, nursing and allied health success, dual enrollment, community partnerships, and local economic development. After hearing from the appointees, the committee approved a block motion to recommend confirmation of all appointees on tabs 2 through 25. The meeting then adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Kentucky Housing Task Force 2025 (6-30-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Something that a few states have done in recent years—Tennessee, Florida, Texas, three states that I'll
- I do want to single out Texas as a state that, in my opinion, had the single best session in the country
- I do want to single out Texas as a state that, in my opinion, had the single best session in the country
- </c><00:58:18.319><c> as</c><00:58:18.559><c> a</c><00:58:18.720><c> state</c> want to single out Texas
- as a state want to single out Texas as a state that,<00:58:19.119><c> in</c><00:58:19.280><c> my</c>
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:15
Roll Call 00:00:45
Discussion of Pro-Growth Housing Policies 00:02:33
Adjournment 01:17:15, 958, all
Summary:
The Housing Task Force 2.0 reconvened with several new members and heard a presentation from Kentucky Housing Corporation Executive Director Winston Miller and Deputy Executive Director Wendy Smith. They framed the task force’s work as a practical effort to address Kentucky’s housing shortage, update members on the current housing landscape, summarize existing state and federal resources, and suggest areas for the task force to focus on over the coming year.
KHC said its 2024 housing supply gap analysis found Kentucky is short about 206,000 housing units, split roughly evenly between rental and homeownership, and projected the gap could grow to 287,000 units by 2029 if current trends continue. They emphasized that every county in Kentucky needs more housing, that the 2008 housing crisis and loss of construction capacity remain major causes of the shortage, and that current pressures include high interest rates, rising insurance and tax costs, construction cost inflation, and housing prices and rents growing faster than incomes. KHC also said homelessness has risen in Kentucky, with point-in-time counts showing double-digit increases in recent years.
The presenters reviewed existing resources, including federal programs, the Kentucky Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the rural housing trust fund, KHC mortgage and down payment assistance programs, and the state mortgage interest deduction. They said these resources are important but insufficient to close the gap, and noted that a proposed federal FY2026 budget would cut HUD programs by 44%, potentially removing about $286 million from Kentucky housing resources, though no action has been taken yet. They urged the task force to consider stronger, more flexible tools such as a revolving loan fund, a state affordable housing tax credit, and economic development and employer-assisted housing incentives, and pointed to Indiana’s housing infrastructure and regional development funds as examples. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- the United States in Congress assembled, the congressional delegation representing the State of Idaho
- , the Congress of the United States, the United States Trade Representative, Ambassador, and the Secretary
- the United States in Congress assembled, the congressional delegation representing the State of Idaho
- of the United States and the Vice President of the United States in his capacity.
- Historical Society, the Idaho Commission for Libraries, the Idaho State Lottery, the State Appellate
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 52 (3-24-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there the company States boundaries.
- Madam Clerk, please call the roll. state of Kentucky, and this regulation state of Kentucky, and this
- </c> in state-maintained in state-maintained rights-of-way<00:30:30.440><c> not</c><00:30:30.720><c>
- </c> violation to be in a state-maintained violation to be in a state-maintained right-of-way,<00:33:
- </c> Whiteside of Texas. Whiteside of Texas.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Good morning, Glenn Howie, State Broadband Director.
- State Police requests $1.82 million.
- State Police requests $1.82 million.
- Sorry, if you could just state your name again." "Sorry, if you could just state your name again."
- state?
Committee:
All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE
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:
- Are there other states that have departments? We can get a full list of the other states?”
- retail entered the state, before multi-channel retail entered the state to sell alcohol beverages, it
- There are states that don't do this, but we are one of them.
- Just like GoPuff did, when they had their licenses suspended all across the state.
- More than 40 other states have a state-regulated licensure system for veterinary technicians, and it’
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened its first hearing of the session with remarks from Chair Chan and Senate Co-Chair Pavel Payano, who emphasized consumer affordability and professional licensure reform. The chairs also reviewed public testimony rules, noting the hearing was recorded, testimony would be public, and speakers should avoid including sensitive personal information. The committee then heard testimony on several bills carried over from prior sessions and new proposals, with each witness generally speaking in support of the measure they addressed.
On self-storage, Joe Doherty of the Self Storage Association supported House Bill 340 and Senate Bill 236, saying the bills would clarify abandonment procedures, allow electronic delivery and signatures for rental agreements, and address situations where a renter fails to return a signed contract after a facility sale, while preserving existing consumer protections. On housing and fair housing education, Nicholas Pelletier and counsel Justin Davidson of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors supported House Bill 343 and Senate Bill 232, which would require fair housing education for real estate licensees; they said fair housing training is already part of MAR’s programs but is not required for all licensees, and Pelletier described a personal example of discriminatory treatment in a rental application. Senators asked whether other states have similar requirements and requested follow-up information.
The committee also heard strong support for House Bill 348 and Senate Bill 220 on licensure of applied behavior analysts from Dr. Pauli Gidej of MABA and Dr. Charlie Newfield of Beacon ABA Services. They argued that a dedicated board would improve oversight, speed licensing, and help reduce delays that affect access to autism services, noting the growing number of practitioners and the strain on families waiting for care. Later, Robert Mellion of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association testified for House Bill 390, which would expand alcohol license suspension penalties to all business activity for certain retailers; members questioned the impact on grocery and big-box stores, the difference between suspending alcohol sales versus closing an entire store, and whether fines in lieu of suspension would be sufficient. The committee also heard testimony in favor of House Bill 407 and Senate Bill 277 to license veterinary technicians, with witnesses saying standardized education and licensure would improve animal safety, clarify scope of practice, and better distinguish technicians from assistants. Finally, Craig Orlin of Honda supported House Bill 474 and Senate Bill 291, which would use RMV contacts to notify drivers of open safety recalls and require recall completion as part of registration renewal; he said the bills could improve recall completion rates and address the large number of unrepaired vehicles on the road.
At the end of the hearing, the chair noted several bills that did not receive testimony that day, invited written submissions by email, and announced the committee would reconvene in about two weeks. Representative McKenna moved to adjourn, Representative Keefe seconded, and the committee voted to close the hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Tax committee hears HF173 2/25/25
Transcript Highlights:
- My bill proposes, and many other states also provide the simpler version: California, Texas, Iowa, Massachusetts
- My bill proposes, and many other states also provide the simpler version: California, Texas, Iowa, Massachusetts
- My bill proposes, and many other states also provide the simpler version: California, Texas, Iowa, Massachusetts
- My bill proposes, and many other states also provide the simpler version: California, Texas, Iowa, Massachusetts
- Okay, please state your name and who you represent for the record.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- The witness said the norm is for states to be silent, which Louisiana and most other states are.
- He said almost every state has no law addressing subsequent consent, but Texas led to a lawsuit in a
- He said Texas is an outlier.
- Representative Freeman said he likes Texas and New York, though he may need to see what Texas is doing
- and the entire state of Louisiana.
Committee:
House Insurance
Summary:
The House Insurance Committee met on May 19 and first took up Senate Bill 509 on bank-owned life insurance. The bill would clarify that banks retain an insurable interest in former employees for purposes of exchanging underperforming bank-owned life insurance policies for better-performing ones. Members adopted a revised amendment set after withdrawing a prior version. Testimony focused heavily on whether consent from the insured former employee is required for any transfer or exchange, with supporters saying the bill is needed to address underperforming policies and opponents warning about unclear consent standards, data-transfer concerns, litigation risk, and possible federal tax issues. After debate, the committee reported SB 509 as amended by a 7-4 vote.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 295, which requires health insurance coverage for medically necessary treatment for persons with acquired brain injuries, including cognitive rehabilitation and related services. Supporters from the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana and NeuroRestorative described gaps in post-acute care, high rates of discharge to unsafe home settings or nursing homes, and improved return-to-work outcomes when patients receive appropriate rehabilitation. An amendment was adopted to clarify federal essential health benefit limits and remove certain language, reducing the fiscal note to zero. The bill was then reported as amended without objection.
Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 155, which requires coverage for medically necessary dental procedures needed for cancer treatment clearance, such as exams, imaging, and extractions. Cancer advocates, oncologists, and dental representatives said untreated dental problems can delay chemotherapy or radiation and lead to worse outcomes and higher costs. Cleanup amendments were adopted, and the bill was reported as amended. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 465, which tightens prompt-payment deadlines for health insurers, adds pharmacy payment provisions, and creates a recoupment timeline for dental claims; after technical and substantive amendments, it was reported as amended.
Finally, the committee approved Senate Bill 276, creating a pre-appointment affidavit process for bail bond producers to ensure prior premiums, shortages, and forfeitures are resolved before a new insurer appointment, and House Resolution 260, which urges the Department of Insurance to study how out-of-network medical billing affects auto insurance rates. Both measures were reported favorably or as amended, and the committee adjourned after a motion to do so.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Education is an important aspect of our state.
- We dumped in $330 million within the state of Idaho.
- so isn't it really that in the state.
- I think our teachers are amazing within our state of Idaho.
- I think our teachers are amazing within our state of Idaho.
Committee:
House Education
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 19th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a state college funding model.
- There are a few limits that we place on that based on State Board rule.
- state funds and 30% tuition and fees for the Florida College System.
- I know last year we passed legislation to allow our state colleges to come into the state health insurance
- I'm the president of Seminole State College.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee for Higher Education met to review Florida’s workforce and Florida College System funding models as part of budget planning. Chair Harrell opened by emphasizing the state’s growing focus on technical education and workforce pathways, and the committee first heard from Tara Goodman of the Department of Education on district workforce education. Goodman explained the programs funded through district workforce dollars, including career certificates, applied technology diplomas, registered apprenticeship, and adult general education, and described the model’s reliance on lagged enrollment, program cost weights, local tuition offsets, and supplemental factors such as disability services, GED testing, and minimum funding for small rural districts. She also noted federal support through Perkins and WIOA and said the model is used to determine unmet need and guide appropriations. In response to questions, she said health care programs are generally among the higher-cost offerings and may be supplemented by pipeline funds.
The committee then heard from Kathy Hebda, Chancellor of the Florida College System, on the college system’s funding model. Hebda described the main funding sources, including the program fund, student success incentive funds, pipeline funds, tuition and fees, and performance-based incentives, and explained that the current model was developed by the 28 college presidents under legislative direction. She said the model uses a three-year average FTE, weights workforce enrollment more heavily than non-workforce enrollment, gives significant weight to completions, includes a small-college factor and regional cost differentials, and also provides targeted funding to bring colleges up to a floor based on per-FTE funding. Senators asked about colleges below the target, cost differences among programs, faculty salaries, and health insurance costs; Hebda said the model is meant to provide flexible operating dollars that colleges can use for those expenses, but specific salary and benefit decisions are left to the institutions.
Seminole State College President Georgia Lorenz also testified in support of the college funding model, saying it holds institutions accountable for enrollment and completions, can be adjusted to reflect state priorities like workforce, and addresses differences in size and regional costs. No bills were voted on, and the committee adjourned after brief closing remarks thanking Seminole State College and the presenters.