Video & Transcript : 'University of Montevallo' :
Page 357 of 500
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- of New Orleans, two new projects from Grambling State University, and one new project from the University
- All right, next we'll have our review and approval of an extension of a contract between the University
- I'm the director of purchasing at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
- of the state.
- So now it's just a matter of multiplication of the number of students enrolled times the 143.
Summary:
The committee first adopted the fiscal status statement and five-year baseline summary after a brief discussion about how the baseline percentages are calculated and why projected expenditures exceed revenues in later years, with staff explaining that inflation assumptions drive much of the increase. The Office of Facility Planning and Control then received approval for several items: adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects, approving a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, reporting four smaller change orders for information, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into one expanded water plant/well and distribution plan. The committee also approved a two-year extension for UL Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting contract and approved additional Water Sector Commission funding of $5.5 million for the Tensas Water District Association, with a $100,000 local commitment noted.
The most extensive discussion centered on a proposed tax increment financing package for a new 1,000-room Omni headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Project representatives said the hotel would require about $550 million in private investment, with the authority contributing land and $80 million, and that the package would dedicate state and local tax increments for 45 years after opening. Senators and representatives questioned the structure, the length of the incentive, the expected return to the state, possible cannibalization of existing hotel tax revenue, and why the convention center would receive a 1% stream for so long. Several members said they wanted more information on projected annual revenues and the overall return before voting, and the committee deferred the item to the next month.
Later, Louisiana Economic Development requested one-year extensions for two marketing-related contracts with Zender Communications and Graham Group, and the Department of Education sought an amendment to the Odyssey contract for the Louisiana Gator program. The education discussion focused on the per-student cost of $143.50, the use of current enrollment and appropriation levels to set the contract ceiling, the fact that startup costs were no longer included, and the need for continuity before the current contract expires June 30. Members asked for an RFP to be considered for future years and for more information on student outcomes and actual spending. The committee took no vote on the education item during the discussion, and the meeting adjourned after the final exchanges.
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.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- HCR 241 is a House concurrent resolution congratulating University of Vermont Distinguished Professor
- Whereas one of the truly remarkable faculty members of the University of Vermont is Distinguished Professor
- And whereas a graduate of the University of Toronto, she holds graduate degrees from McGill University
- And whereas a graduate of the University And whereas a graduate of the University of<00:07:01.919><c>
- University of Vermont Distinguished Professor and Vermont Climatologist Dr.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- Kennedy is a senior at the University of Kentucky.
- He is a senior this year at the University of Kentucky, but is a native of Louisville.
- He is a senior this year at the University<00:03:10.879><c> of</c><00:03:11.120><c> Kentucky,</c><00:
- of Kentucky, but is a is a University of Kentucky, but is a is a native<00:03:13.280><c> um</c><00:03
- </c> here in the state of Kentucky. here in the state of Kentucky.
Committee:
House Agriculture
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?
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
State Rep. Shaun Scott Press Conference Dec 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to hear now from the American Association of University Professors.
- American Association of University Professors at the University of Washington.
- I love Washington State, and I love the University of Washington, and I'm desperate for bold leadership
- Teaching is one-third of our mission at the University of Washington.
- I'm a professor emeritus at the University of Washington School of Public Health, and I serve on the
Summary:
The meeting was a press conference and Q&A led by Rep. Shaun Scott to promote the proposed Well Washington Fund, a new dedicated account intended to raise about $3 billion annually through a corporate payroll tax on wages above $125,000. Scott said the bill would help offset expected federal cuts under Trump-era policies and support programs most at risk, including cash assistance, higher education, health care, housing, and wildfire mitigation. He also referenced two related proposals: restoring wildfire mitigation funding by ending a tax break for large banks, and allowing counties to raise corporate taxes.
Several advocates and affected residents testified in support of progressive revenue. Michelle Thomas of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance warned that federal homelessness policy changes and state underinvestment could worsen homelessness and evictions. Christina Savitsky, a disabled veteran, described how Medicaid, food assistance, and work requirements would affect her family. Representatives from the University of Washington AAUP said federal cuts and Medicaid changes threaten teaching, research, workforce training, and hospital finances. Fatima Boxwala of Tech for Taxes and Mikey Stramskis of the Washington Federation of State Employees argued that large corporations and the wealthy should pay more to sustain public services and address understaffing, burnout, and service backlogs.
In the Q&A, Scott said the bill may need an emergency clause to make it referendum-proof and argued that the legislature has a mandate to act, citing the 2024 capital gains tax referendum and the state’s regressive tax system. He acknowledged concerns about businesses leaving but said he was more concerned about working people being displaced by unaffordable housing, child care, and health care. No vote or formal committee action occurred; the event was a call for a hearing in the House Finance Committee in 2026 and for legislative passage in both chambers.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- It would be the NUCA, the University of Massachusetts.
- State University, University of colleges, environmental law enforcement, and DMH campus police as well
- Those agencies include the University of Massachusetts Police, the Environmental State Police, the Massport
- He came over to the University of Massachusetts for a better job, better pay, better benefits.
- The Environmental Police, UMass Police, State University and College Police, the Department of Mental
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Service
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting public safety and public sector employees, with most of the discussion focused on expanding occupational presumptions and retirement protections for police, firefighters, correction officers, court officers, and other public employees. Testifiers from the Legislature, police and fire unions, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, PERAC, and the AFL-CIO generally supported bills covering cancer presumptions, contagious disease presumptions, Parkinson’s disease for firefighters, PTSD-related disability and death, and equity for post-certified police officers under the Heart Law. Several speakers emphasized that these conditions are linked to long-term occupational exposure, that current law leaves out agencies such as UMass police, Environmental Police, DMH police, and other state or campus police, and that the bills would correct gaps in existing benefits and presumptions.
Representative Colleen Garry and Senator Joan Lovely spoke in support of expanding the Heart Law and cancer presumption protections, while Representative and Senator sponsors for the firefighter and PTSD bills described the health risks faced by first responders and urged favorable reports. PFFM and MassCOP representatives argued that firefighters and police officers face toxic exposures, infectious disease risks, and chronic stress, and cited studies and other states’ laws in support of the measures. PERAC testified that the PTSD accidental disability bill would clarify confusing case law and update filing requirements so traumatic incidents can be used in applications even when PTSD develops later, while still requiring medical review and retirement board approval.
Additional testimony came from correction officers and trial court officers seeking comparable disability and pension protections, including a bill to extend a 100% disability pension to correction officers injured in violent attacks and a bill to treat court officers more like police and firefighters when injured in the line of duty. The committee asked a few clarifying questions, including about whether the PTSD bill would address post-retirement claims and about the impact of excluding “forgotten” police agencies. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee ultimately adjourned after hearing all scheduled testimony.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Higher Education Funding Review Committee Jun 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The North Dakota University System will be tasked with producing an annual list of low-producing programs
- So I just want to thank everyone for how fantastic of a program this is and how the universities are
- I'd like to see the effects of this bill on the two research universities. Okay. Sounds good.
- Chair Sorvaag, members of the committee, Scott Mulander, President, Dickinson State University.
- Chair Sorvog, members of the committee, Scott Mulander, President Dickinson State University.
Summary:
The committee met to discuss higher education funding and capital building policy. Members first heard an update from NDUS Deputy Commissioner Lisa Johnson on low-producing academic programs. She described a proposed board policy using a five-year rolling window and thresholds of fewer than 10 undergraduate graduates or fewer than 5 graduate graduates, with programs flagged for three consecutive review periods going to the board. Possible outcomes would include continuation, continuation with modifications, inactivation, or termination. Members asked about how the review would account for program costs, service to other students, workforce demand, and the difference between inactivation and termination. Johnson said the board would consider broader factors and that campuses already do detailed program analysis. Several members also asked about cost savings and staffing impacts from program terminations, and Johnson said the board would try to provide more information later.
The committee then received a report on the Capital Building Fund from Jamie Wilkie. He reviewed the program’s history, matching requirements, and recent uses, noting that about $334 million in state and matching dollars has been invested overall, with most going to deferred maintenance and extraordinary repairs. Members discussed whether the program is reducing deferred maintenance and requested updated systemwide data on deferred maintenance and campus space utilization. Wilkie said the board is considering a new study to update deferred maintenance figures, which are based on information more than 12 years old. He also reported that several institutions have used current biennium funds for projects such as residence hall renovations, health sciences housing, generators, and building repairs.
Later, the committee began a detailed walkthrough of a draft bill that would replace the current higher education funding formula with an FTE-based model and also revise the capital building fund structure. The draft would use fall enrollment FTEs, add completion incentives for degrees in in-demand fields, and create a separate research funding component for UND and NDSU tied to doctoral completions and external research expenditures. Members raised concerns about the use of older data in the formula, the treatment of waivers, the weighting of professional and health sciences programs, and the use of CIP codes to define CTE and education incentives. The bill draft would also combine capital building fund tiers, broaden eligible uses for deferred maintenance and legislatively authorized projects, change matching requirements, repeal the old formula chapter and the capital pool, and transfer funds from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund into the capital building fund. No final votes were taken during the portion provided; the meeting was primarily discussion and review.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Governors, which represents the State University System, and the Department of Education, which does
- of course, because of under-enrollment.
- middle of class.
- But California also has one of the highest cost of living.
- That had to be representative of a lot of hard work and a lot of long hours with you, your board, and
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education received a presentation from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget and the Department of Education on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 education budget. Shelby Salmons outlined the overall budget framework, and Commissioner Stasi Kamoutsis highlighted major education investments, including $486 million for VPK, $30.6 billion for K-12 education, a $761.1 million increase in FEFP funding, the highest per-student funding level to date, and $201 million more for teacher pay flexibility. The presentation also emphasized school safety, mental health, civics education, and the Guardian Program, along with continued funding for TEACH, HIPPY, Help Me Grow, and civics debate and literacy initiatives.
Members asked about how the mental health allocation would be used, counselor staffing ratios, school closures and whether the department intervenes, oversight of school choice and voucher-funded schools, and the Guardian Program’s pay structure and effectiveness. Senators also raised concerns about the FISH school capacity report, data collection, teacher pay, professional development, AI and tutoring technology, and whether the budget adequately supports mental health services and school safety. The Commissioner said many funding decisions are left to districts, that the department stands ready to assist, and that the Guardian Program has been successful and expanded over time.
During public testimony, Pinellas County School Board member Laura Hine said her district spends far more on safety and mental health than it receives in state categorical funding, and urged the committee to consider full-day VPK funding, arguing it has improved third-grade reading outcomes in Pinellas. Senators followed up on district flexibility and local spending choices. The committee took no substantive vote on the budget presentation and adjourned after thanking the department for its recommendations and partnership.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 210; 14 January, 2026: 3:30 PM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- degree on that university parallel track. 18,032 of those students are career-tech, probably seeking
- We have the crew of university.
- education at a Mississippi public university within one year of graduation.
- education at a Mississippi public university within one year of graduation.
- Many of those degrees will exceed a university graduate in five-year earnings.
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (10-23-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm an assistant professor of music therapy at the University of Louisville, and I also serve on the
- They have over,200 hours of university.
- ><c> of</c><00:19:21.200><c> Louisville</c> Students at the University of Louisville Students at the
- an undergraduate degree at the University of Louisville and a graduate program at the University of
- </c> degree at the University of Louisville degree at the University of Louisville and<00:19:58.960><
Summary:
The committee met on October 23, 2025, approved the September 25 minutes, and heard several informational presentations on occupational licensing and workforce access. The first major topic was the dietitian licensure compact, presented by Rep. Vanessa Gracel, Whitney Duddy, and Caitlyn Bison. They said the compact would be revenue-neutral, improve licensure portability, support military families, expand telehealth and rural access, and preserve state regulatory authority. Testimony noted that 15 states had joined the compact, including Ohio and Tennessee, and that Kentucky would have a seat on the compact commission if it enacted the measure. Members asked about bordering states and possible telehealth competition concerns; witnesses said they had not seen evidence of harmful effects in other compacts and described the compact as expanding access rather than displacing local providers.
The committee then heard testimony on music therapy licensure, with Chris Millet, Laura Elliot Buckner, and Dr. Kimberly Cinemore speaking in support of Senate Bill 42. They described music therapy as a clinical, board-certified profession requiring formal education, supervised training, and national certification, and argued that state licensure would protect the public, clarify scope of practice, and help retain Kentucky-trained professionals. Witnesses said the bill would not require new state funding, could be administered through a self-sustaining licensing structure, and would not prevent others from using music in their work. In response to questions, they said licensure could help open doors to insurance, waiver, and HSA reimbursement, but would not guarantee coverage.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on expanding physician access through a provisional licensure pathway for internationally trained physicians. Adam Meyer of the Cicero Institute said Kentucky faces a severe physician shortage, especially in rural areas, and argued that qualified international physicians should not have to repeat residency if they meet strict criteria, including an employment offer, prior training and experience, good standing, U.S. exam passage, and a three-year provisional period before full licensure. Rapender Carr of Baptist Health supported the concept, saying it could help fill hard-to-recruit positions across the state and improve access in rural markets. No votes were taken on these policy topics during the meeting.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> of the house please? Chair Matioshi. Hi. of the house please? Chair Matioshi. Hi.
- of property insurance.
- </c><00:09:01.040><c> Behalf</c><00:09:01.279><c> of</c><00:09:01.360><c> the</c> universal service program
- Behalf of the universal service program.
- We have a number of items on the agenda. We're going to take it out of order.
Summary:
The committee considered several conference measures on April 25, 2025, mostly waiting on FIN or Ways and Means releases before taking action. SB 25 on eviction mediation was agreed to and passed with amendments, with members voting aye except for one no vote recorded from Representative Pirk and several excused members. SB 1367 on installment loans was also taken up later in the meeting; a revised conference draft was noted to include a five-year timeframe, a $1 convenience fee, and a corrected effective date, and it passed unanimously among those voting.
Other measures were repeatedly rolled to later times in Room 224 or 225 because releases were still pending, including SB 1044 on property insurance stabilization, SB 1220 on a renewable gas tariff, SB 500 on electric utilities, HB 1370 on liquor tax/draft beer definitions, HB 939 on alcohol/liquor tax changes, HB 1052 on the universal service program, and SB 1500 on electric utilities. When SB 1220 and SB 500 were eventually heard, both were described as creating or adjusting utility-related processes and both passed with amendments. HB 1370 also passed with amendments after the committee noted it would redefine draft beer for liquor tax purposes.
SB 1044 drew the most detailed discussion: the conferees described major funding provisions, including a $30 million reimbursable general obligation bond appropriation for the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund, a $20 million reimbursable GO bond appropriation to the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority for a condominium loan program, and a $5 million appropriation for GAP reserves, along with 36-month assessment periods and a temporary recording fee up to $44. The bill passed with amendments. HB 1052 on the universal service program was described as allowing the Public Utilities Commission to use program funds to provide free telecommunications access for individuals with print disabilities, with a $150,000 cap, and it also passed with a conference draft.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Veterans and Armed Forces Jan 20th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Veterans and Armed Forces
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2593 has a lot of provisions that affect veterans in the state of Missouri.
- And many of you, I mean, I was receiving the GI Bill, I know many of you were too.
- To page four on the bill, 41.107: Upon request of the Director of the Department of Public Safety, or
- local law enforcement, the local fire department, the university, the Department of Public Safety, the
- of the military council.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Music Department, the Raffle Brain Institute, more from the University of Hawaiʻi
- </c> the University of Havi Manoa music the University of Havi Manoa music department<00:17:34.400><c
- </c><00:17:44.679><c> of</c><00:17:44.880><c> Hawaii</c><00:17:45.240><c> at</c> um more from the University
- of Hawaii at um more from the University of Hawaii at manoah's<00:17:45.840><c> music</c> manoah's music
- </c><00:19:39.440><c> of</c> we got thousands and thousands of of we got thousands and thousands of of
Committee:
House Culture & Arts
Summary:
The Committee on Culture and the Arts met on March 14, 2025, and heard two measures. On SB 441 SD1, relating to the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, the committee received strong support from the orchestra, the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, IATSE Local 665, and an in-person testifier, with testimony emphasizing statewide access to music, education and community programming, cultural value, economic impact, and job stability for musicians and staff. The Attorney General’s office offered comments and suggested language related to the State Endowment Fund. Committee members asked about how the funding would be used, the orchestra’s reach, and its history; the orchestra said it preferred direct operating support and described its audience and employment footprint, neighbor-island outreach, and plans to expand season length and education programs.
The committee then heard SB 1581 SD1, relating to the Hawaiʻi Japan Pacific Peace Monument. No testifier from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts was present, and no one testified on Zoom. With no discussion from witnesses, the measure was briefly taken up and later advanced.
In decision-making, the committee adopted amendments to SB 441 SD1, including a preamble describing legislative intent and the orchestra’s history, references to the State of Hawaiʻi endowment fund and statewide public benefits, and language ensuring the funds support statewide purposes and neighbor-island access to music and educational opportunities. The committee also added a deferral date of July 1, 3000 and technical amendments, then voted to pass the measure with amendments. SB 1581 SD1 was also passed forward with amendments, including a July 1, 3000 deferral date and technical changes, and the meeting adjourned.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Wed Mar 19, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 35
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- High School, University of Hawaii Maui Campus, Prisma School, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Pearl City
- </c> POI University of Hawaii Maui campus POI University of Hawaii Maui campus Prisma<00:19:41.799><c
- > School</c><00:19:42.760><c> University</c><00:19:43.240><c> of</c><00:19:43.400><c> Hawaii</c><00:19
- :43.679><c> at</c> Prisma School University of Hawaii at Prisma School University of Hawaii at monoa<
- </c> speaker on behalf of on behalf of Hawaii speaker on behalf of on behalf of Hawaii House<00:22:51.320
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Rules Apr 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY AND ESTABLISHES THE MOLAR RESIDENCY OR ALUMNI REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERS OF UNIVERSITY
- FOR CLARITY OF DOCUMENTATION UNIVERSITIES WILL MAINTAIN LISTING OF ALL PUBLIC POLICY EVENTS SPONSORED
- AND THOSE ARE THE RECOMMENDED CANDIDATES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND STATE COLLEGE SYSTEM OR STATE UNIVERSITY
- CHOICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY, IS THAT ACCURATE?
- SO WE HAVE THAT SEPARATION OF THE UNIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY TRUSTEES ARE SELECTING THE PRESIDENT AND OTHER
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 11th, 2025
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- And so this is our little corner of the universe in that workforce space.
- We have an ongoing learning community of faculty representing a number of different universities.
- These groups include the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs, Florida's colleges and universities,
- This slide provides a comprehensive view of the child welfare system's front door, the total universe
- This slide provides a comprehensive view of the child welfare system's front door, the total universe
Committee:
Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Summary:
The committee heard three presentations focused on child welfare workforce development and the needs of children in Florida’s dependency system. First, the Florida Institute for Child Welfare described its Grow Center and related initiatives, including academic curriculum enhancements, simulations, virtual reality training, coaching, on-demand learning, advanced certifications, and the planned Tallahassee learning lab opening in January 2026. Members asked about conflict resolution, domestic violence, addiction, and microcredentials; the presenter said the institute is expanding training in those areas and is working with DCF to align advanced certifications with the department’s career ladder.
The Department of Children and Families then presented on the Continue the Mission initiative, which recruits veterans, military spouses, and former law enforcement officers into CPI, API, and case management roles. DCF said it has held more than 240 hiring events and hired 372 such workers since launch, while also improving recruitment and retention through higher starting pay, streamlined hiring, rebranding, wellness supports, and enhanced pre-service training. Senators asked about PTSD concerns, staffing levels, caseloads, hotline vacancies, and salaries; DCF said it had not seen direct PTSD issues from the hiring effort and provided figures including a $50,000 starting salary for CPIs, $37,000 for APIs, and average caseloads of 12 to 15 investigations for CPIs and about 10 for APIs.
Finally, DCF discussed the increased acuity of children in the dependency system, explaining that fewer children are entering care overall but those who do often have more complex behavioral, mental health, developmental, or medical needs. The department highlighted a new Behavioral Qualified Residential Treatment Program (BQRTP) designed for youth who need more intensive support than traditional foster or group home settings but do not require inpatient psychiatric treatment; one facility is licensed with 12 of 14 beds filled, and DCF said it is seeking funding for placement for 230 youth total. Members pressed for details on licensure timelines, standards, funding, and the handling of crossover youth and lockouts, and DCF said it uses braided funding and works with DJJ, APD, and lead agencies through local and state review teams. A representative of the Florida Coalition for Children also testified, saying the issue is complex and multi-year, and that the coalition is working on possible legislative and programmatic solutions. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and discussion.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 30th, 2026 at 11:09 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- After graduating, he plans to attend the University of New Mexico to become a mechanical engineer.
- After graduating, he plans to attend the University of New Mexico and study business.
- When she returns to Sweden, she plans to attend the University of Lund.
- He comes... ...the University of New Mexico studying political science and Arabic.
- of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology that
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Colleagues, House Bill 1053 is the University of Little Rock operation budget. Got any questions?
- Senate Bill 41 is the University of Arkansas appropriation. Any questions?
- We're giving them free room, free board, free education, and a degree from the University of Arkansas
- Senate Bill 67 is a University of Arkansas UAMS.
- This is a supplemental for the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences. Any question?
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, leave requests, and routine business, including reading gubernatorial approval letters for several recently enacted acts. Members also recognized guests in the chamber. The body then took up a motion to send House Bill 1034 back to the Joint Budget Committee, which passed, with Representative Jean explaining the bill would be revised to remove pay raises and address cybersecurity and bank fees later.
On the red and budget calendars, the House passed House Bill 1103 to increase the homestead property tax credit by $75, with supporters noting it would be the fourth straight annual increase and total $300 per household over four years. The chamber also adopted amendments to House Bills 1007, 1022, 1036, and 1064, then passed Senate Bill 76, a $2 million appropriation for county extension office capital improvements. Several appropriation bills were then considered in batches and individually, with mixed results: House Bills 1005, 1051, 1089, 1090, 1093, and Senate Bills 8, 10, 16, 20, 23, 36, 43, 55, 58, 63, 67, and 30 passed; House Bills 1023, 1035, 1053, 1066, and Senate Bills 41 and 59 failed; Senate Bills 10 and 24 were initially passed over for later consideration.
A major portion of the meeting focused on Amendment 1 to House Bill 1100, the RSA/one-time funding package. Representative Jean outlined increases for corrections, state police, LEARNS/freedom accounts, Medicaid, vehicle purchases, and other set-asides, plus a proposed $300 million economic development reserve for a confidential project with clawback provisions. The amendment drew extended debate: supporters argued it could bring major job creation and broader economic benefits, while opponents criticized the secrecy, size of the subsidy, and opportunity cost. The amendment ultimately passed 54-36-3. The House then adjourned until 1 p.m. the next day after announcements about upcoming budget and House Management meetings.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee Jun 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I am Maimon Schwartz Child, professor of law at the University of San Diego, speaking, of course, in
- I'm Gail Harriet, law professor emerita at the University of San Diego.
- Equal treatment regardless of your universal background and ethnicity background.
- My name is Alexis at Silaski, Zaragoza, and I served as the 47th Student Regent on the University of
- I'm here on behalf of, and in strong support of, the Associated Students of the University of California
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several measures, beginning with SCA 5, which would create an Equalization Reserve Account to help reduce long-standing per-pupil funding disparities between basic aid and non-basic aid school districts. The author and supporters argued the measure would create a stable, endowment-style funding source using only interest earnings, while charter school advocates opposed it, saying the bill would exclude charters and could raise equal protection concerns. After the quorum was established, SCA 5 was approved and sent to Appropriations.
The committee then heard SJR 18, a resolution condemning Citizens United and urging limits on corporate money in politics. The author argued that unlimited independent expenditures have increased corporate influence and dark money in elections, while there was little testimony in opposition. The resolution was approved and referred onward. The committee also considered two consent items, AB 1736 and AB 2421, which were approved together without debate.
ACA 7 generated the most extensive discussion. The measure would revise the state constitution’s application of Proposition 209 in education, with supporters saying it would allow race-conscious tools to address persistent racial inequities in student outcomes and resource allocation, especially for Black students. Opponents argued it would weaken Proposition 209, invite discrimination, and likely fail politically and in court. After lengthy debate, the measure was approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee also approved ACA 18, which would add a second student voting seat on the UC Board of Regents, with supporters emphasizing student representation and opponents absent. Finally, AJR 29, opposing a federal executive order affecting vote-by-mail administration, was approved and sent onward. All measures on the agenda were ultimately advanced.