Video & Transcript : 'Sun Bucks program' :
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 02/12/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> ever uh which is a really cool program ever uh which is a really cool program that<00:02:59.920>
- </c> businesses uh our our connects program businesses uh our our connects program is<01:13:12.840><c
- </c> do you believe the value of the program do you believe the value of the program is<01:23:54.440>
- </c> of this program but also the pro program of this program but also the pro program of<01:26:17.639
- Those programs are ever evolving.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The program integrity piece of this bill is not the issue.
- What this does is create integrity within the program.
- in state code and codifying in code this child care program.
- So the program, JFAC has still passed the, I guess, the bulk of the program, the child care program,
- This is a federal program, federal money.
Summary:
The committee first recognized a departing page, Jonathan, thanked him for his service, and approved the March 2, 2026 minutes. Members then reviewed committee procedure and took up Senate Bill 1419, the Idaho Child Care Program. Representative Jordan Redman presented the bill as a policy measure to tighten eligibility, require work or training, lower the asset cap, add anti-fraud measures, require provider registration, and sunset the program in 2028. Department of Health and Welfare Director Juliet Sharon said the department already had authority to audit and take administrative action, but the bill would add stronger tools, including clearer provider requirements and concurrent jurisdiction for the Attorney General to pursue criminal fraud cases. She also clarified the program’s federal funding structure and said the department could potentially address the foster-care eligibility concern through temporary rules. Testimony was split: Idaho Voices for Children, foster-care advocates, and several providers argued the bill was not a clean transfer from rule to statute, could create gaps in eligibility and new audit costs, and might reduce access for foster families and low-income parents; supporters, including the Foundation for Government Accountability and some legislators, emphasized program integrity, fraud prevention, and legislative oversight. After debate over whether the bill should be held or advanced, the committee voted 6-4 to send SB 1419 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation.
The committee then began Senate Bill 1418, a kratom regulation bill, and the sponsor, Senator Tammy Nichols, said she would request it be sent to the 14th order for amendments, including clarifications for Idaho State Police and additional labeling changes requested by the Idaho Association of Physicians. Nichols described the bill as a regulatory framework that distinguishes natural kratom leaf from adulterated or synthetic products, sets age limits, testing and labeling requirements, and enforcement tools aimed at high-potency 7-hydroxymitragynine products. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including a toxicologist, a consumer, and an addiction medicine specialist, argued that kratom should be regulated rather than banned, that the bill targets dangerous adulterated products, and that a full ban could drive use underground or toward more dangerous opioids. Opponents, including an ER physician, a bereaved parent, and the Idaho Chiefs of Police, argued kratom is addictive and harmful, that the bill does not go far enough to protect the public, and that enforcement would impose significant costs on Idaho State Police without meaningful authority. Committee members raised concerns about fiscal impacts, local control, and whether the bill effectively bans or regulates the product, and the sponsor and witnesses continued responding as testimony proceeded.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (02/20/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> not only represents running the program not only represents running the program but<00:14:46.000
- program? program?
- program if that's done.
- </c> harm to the SNAC program if that's done. harm to the SNAC program if that's done.
- ><c> on</c><01:07:29.599><c> people</c> that the program has not only on people that the program has
Summary:
The work session was limited to House Bill 1750, a supplemental appropriation for the Department of Health and Human Services’ SNAP administration. Before testimony, Representative Terski distributed a written statement from Representative Priest for the record. Department officials Karen Heert and Nathan White then walked the committee through a chart showing SNAP participation, federal benefit dollars, and state administrative costs, emphasizing that the benefits themselves do not flow through the state budget. They explained that the reported administrative cost includes overhead and cost-allocation methods used to maximize federal reimbursement, and that the current participant count is about 75,000 with the trend steady in recent years.
Members questioned whether the reported costs were stable, how much of the administrative expense was directly tied to SNAP, and whether reducing overhead would lower the need for the appropriation. The department said the cost per participant and per dollar distributed would be lower if SNAP were isolated, but that the broader allocation system also supports federal claiming across multiple programs. Officials said SNAP eligibility is redetermined every six months, that the department processes nearly 50 eligibility programs with about 250 field staff, roughly 70 unfunded positions, and a vacancy rate around 25%. They also said most errors in the program are unintentional and can come from either staff or participant mistakes, and that the department reviews errors to identify systemic fixes.
The committee discussed the fiscal impact of the bill and related budget issues. DHHS said the current adjusted authorization for 2026 is about $31 million, but actual spending is expected to be closer to $25–26 million because of vacancies and unfilled positions. Members asked whether the $4.4 million shortfall identified in the fiscal note would come from the rainy day fund; staff said it would not be taken directly from that fund, but would reduce the amount available to flow into it at the end of the biennium. The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 603 FN, which was described as an alternative approach that would require DHHS to transfer funds within its existing budget rather than provide new money; officials said it would simply codify an option the department already has. No vote or final action on House Bill 1750 was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/05/2026 - House Rural Economic Development
House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Our critique of the state-based LIHTC program is nothing new for us.
- Our critique of the state-based LIHTC program is nothing new for us.
- That's why these programs exist in 25 states right now.
- That project is not financeable without this program.
- The LIHTC program never has been perfect... It can be a blend.
Summary:
The committee began with short video presentations highlighting historic sites in Prescott, including the Arizona Pioneer Home and the Charlotte Hall Museum/First Territorial Governor’s Mansion, with members discussing the value of showcasing district landmarks and rural history. The committee then took up HB 2804, a bill to create a state rural development and housing tax credit tied to the federal low-income housing tax credit for projects in counties under 800,000 population. Supporters, including the Flagstaff mayor and several affordable-housing developers, said the bill would help finance rural and workforce housing, especially for seniors, veterans, and low-income residents, while opponents from the Arizona Free Enterprise Club argued the program is inefficient, hard to police, and benefits intermediaries more than residents. Members debated the policy at length, but the bill was ultimately passed on a 7-0 vote with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then considered HB 2388, which would appropriate unspecified funds to the Arizona Commerce Authority to study the economic benefits of small modular reactors and data centers for the state and local governments. The sponsor described it as a study bill to gather information on a topic already drawing significant attention, and a representative from the Libre Initiative supported it as a way to assess workforce and economic opportunities. Members discussed possible amendments, including adding data on utility-rate impacts and other costs, and the sponsor said she was open to that conversation. The bill passed on a 6-1 vote, with one member opposed and others expressing support contingent on possible amendments.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And these programs are different.
- program.
- also benefit from the program.
- program.
- We do have a program.
Summary:
The committee met to take executive action on House Bill 2523, concerning the Community Reinvestment Program, and House Bill 2606, concerning the Office of Privacy and Data Protection. Staff briefed a proposed substitute for HB 2523 and several amendments. The substitute would change how Community Reinvestment Account funds are distributed, require tribal consultation, update the community reinvestment plan on a regular cycle, expand reporting and Office of Equity responsibilities, add definitions, and broaden the WSIPP study. Amendments to shorten the plan update cycle, restrict recipients from receiving other state housing assistance, bar certain officers and family members from grants, require independent audits, and expand WSIPP review were debated; only the amendment changing the plan update cycle from 10 years to 5 years was adopted. The committee then voted 8-5 to report the substitute HB 2523 out of committee with a do pass recommendation. HB 2606, which was described as implementing JLARC recommendations to reduce redundancy and improve efficiency in privacy/data protection functions, was then approved unanimously and reported out with a do pass recommendation.
The committee then held public hearings on House Bill 2684 and House Joint Memorial 4012. HB 2684 would establish rebuttable presumptions that members of certain groups are socially disadvantaged for purposes of OMWBE certification, including adding Middle Eastern and North African individuals to the framework. Testimony was split: some speakers opposed the bill as discriminatory or constitutionally problematic, while others, including representatives of MENA businesses, CAIR Washington, and OMWBE, supported it as a needed fix to improve access to certification and contracting opportunities. The chair noted that amendments could still be submitted before the next day’s executive session, and the bill was set for further consideration the following morning.
House Joint Memorial 4012 urges Congress to bring the Major Richard Star Act to a floor vote. The prime sponsor and veteran advocates testified that the memorial seeks to address the “wounded veteran tax” by allowing combat-injured service members who retire before 20 years of service to receive both retirement pay and VA disability compensation. Supporters said the change would correct an inequity affecting Washington veterans and their families. The committee closed the hearing on the memorial and announced that both HB 2684 and HJM 4012 would be considered the next morning.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education (1-20-26)
Postsecondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- :44:21.680><c> unicorn</c><00:44:22.240><c> program,</c> >> Into the unicorn program, is there—are they
- , and maybe what you're mentioning is that one-off program you're mentioning is that one-off program
- So they would be excluded because of the uniqueness in their program, even though their program is the
- </c> their program, even though their program their program, even though their program is<00:48:03.839
- for a degree program.
Committee:
House Postsecondary Education
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- So the $100 million was set up in a program we called the Invest NH program, that launched in the summer
- But that was a very popular program, and we have run the course on that program.
- c><00:15:23.399><c> uh</c> course on that program another one uh course on that program another one uh
- /c> course that particular program I think course that particular program I think we<00:17:53.799><c>
- I worked with all types of HUD programs, including many housing programs.
Committee:
House Housing
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 7/8/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> programs are designed to help. programs are designed to help.
- </c> licensed programs. licensed programs.
- </c> state Medicaid program. state Medicaid program.
- </c> they administer this program. they administer this program.
- </c><01:30:56.880><c> issues</c> same programs and the pro program issues same programs and the pro program
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It helps release time programs operate constitutionally and safely by specifying the requirements a program
- school bus to go to the program.
- , which is our firefighters program; and EMT paramedic program.
- for the students in the program?
- A school participating in the program may include the program designation on its school report card.
Committee:
House House Education Committee of Reference
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 2266, which would change school release-time policy for religious instruction from permissive to mandatory for school districts and charter governing bodies. The sponsor and supporters said the bill protects parental choice, religious liberty, and constitutional release-time programs, while opponents argued it would reduce local control, pull students from instructional time, and expose schools to constitutional and social harms. After public testimony and debate over liability, indoctrination, and academic impact, the committee voted 7-5 to give HB 2266 a due pass recommendation.
The committee then took up House Bill 2193, a cleanup measure related to student directory information and parent organizations. The bill would allow parents of enrolled students or representatives of nonprofit organizations supporting a school to receive directory information unless a parent or eligible student opts out. Supporters from PTO/PTA groups said the change is needed so parent organizations can continue communicating with families and building school community, while members raised concerns about whether the language should be narrowed to avoid political or other misuse of student data. The sponsor said he was open to an amendment, and the committee approved HB 2193 on a 10-1 vote, with one member present.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2075, which would require public school districts to submit superintendent and other top administrator contracts or attestations to ADE and create a searchable online database of compensation details, including salary, benefits, and car allowances. The sponsor described it as a transparency measure, and the committee discussed an amendment to add more specific filing deadlines and the online database requirement. Opponents from school administrators and rural districts argued that superintendent salaries are already public, that the bill should also apply to charter and private schools receiving public funds, and that it could add burdens or distort comparisons across different public-sector labor markets. Supporters said the bill would make total compensation easier to access and reduce public records requests. The sponsor closed by saying the bill would centralize compensation information and simplify disclosure for districts.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- program, aptly called the farm program.
- codify the grant programs at this time or cause any conflict.
- I know they'll be able to partake in the road program.
- in the AHCA grant program?
- of being able to stabilize the scholarship program?
Summary:
The Senate convened with a prayer, pledge, doctor-of-the-day introduction, and several recognitions, including a Founders’ Day tribute to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a welcome to a nationally ranked student debater in the gallery. The chamber then took up a committee report on 52 gubernatorial executive appointments; after explanation by the Ethics and Elections chair, the Senate adopted the report and confirmed the appointments by a vote of 39-0.
The first major bill was SB 250 on rural communities. Senator Simon described it as a broad “Rural Renaissance” package creating an Office of Rural Prosperity, a Renaissance Grant Program, housing and transportation investments, education funding, and rural health care improvements. Two amendments were adopted to remove overlapping health-care provisions in light of new federal rural health funding and to update hospital funding amounts. Senators from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing the bill’s focus on rural infrastructure, health care access, and local flexibility. The bill passed 39-0.
The Senate then considered CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. Senator Gates explained that the bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public-school funding, tightening enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees, requiring student identification numbers, improving reimbursement processes, and directing the Department of Education to develop a business plan for scholarship funding organizations. Three amendments were adopted, including removal of a declining-enrollment provision from the bill, with that issue expected to move elsewhere. Senators discussed transparency, accountability, and protections against overpayments and unverified enrollments, while also noting the need to preserve support for school districts. The bill passed 38-0.
After both bills passed, the Senate waived rules to immediately certify SB 250 and CS/SB 318 to the House. The chamber also heard announcements recognizing Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol and scheduled a group photograph for the following Thursday before adjourning until January 22 or upon the President’s call.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- That's pertaining to the MIT program. program. The cost out adjustment there is adopted.
- The teacher prep program reduces uncertified teaching in core subjects and rewards teacher prep programs
- Amend Writer 61 Strong Foundations Grant Program, adopted. 29.
- Startup program.
- Grant Program, adopted at $5 million. Turning to page 8.
Bills:
SB 1
Committee:
Senate Finance
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Early Learning & Human Services Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Substitute Senate Bill 6184 renames this program the Housing Stability for Youth in Courts program.
- The last of these specific program changes relate to the Independent Youth Housing Programs, which provide
- H-Sync by updating the program.
- For example, ensuring programs like the Homeless Student Stability Program are using the same expansive
- definition of homelessness as all other programs.
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on five Senate bills focused on child welfare, homelessness, and developmental disability services. SB 5911 would stop DCYF from using benefits or funds of youth in extended foster care as reimbursement for care, require help obtaining and managing SSI/Social Security benefits, and raise the threshold for depositing conserved funds into protected accounts. Supporters said the bill would help young adults build financial stability and transition to adulthood; questions focused on payees, financial literacy, and housing uses of the funds. SB 5977 would require DCYF to publish reports on near-fatality reviews within 180 days, with confidential information redacted, and make them available to the legislature and public. Supporters emphasized transparency and accountability, while some testimony urged broader reporting windows, retroactivity, and clearer inclusion of overdose-related cases.
The committee also heard SB 6024, which would streamline oversight of community residential service providers by limiting DSHS to one annual routine review in specified areas, combining review activities where possible, and reducing duplicate document requests. The sponsor and providers said the bill would reduce administrative burden and let caregivers focus more on direct care. SB 6184 would update Office of Homeless Youth statutes by aligning parental-notification rules for crisis residential centers, making the Housing Stability for Youth in Courts program permanent and statewide, expanding community support team eligibility, and revising Independent Youth Housing Program rules to allow transitional housing and direct flexible assistance. Testimony described the bill as a no-cost technical update that would improve access and clarify language.
Finally, SB 5957 would expand the Homeless Youth Advisory Committee by adding members over age 25 with lived experience and representatives of disproportionately homeless populations, and would allow youth members who turn 25 during a term to finish serving. Supporters said the changes would strengthen lived-experience input and continuity. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced Friday committee was canceled, the bills heard that day would be eligible for executive session the following week, and amendment requests for Tuesday’s bills were due by 10 a.m. Monday, with posting by 4 p.m. Monday.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 11, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- The Health Professions and Program Subcommittee will now come to order.
- that's been created, so you have to create the program.
- After that, it's three years in a dental therapy program. So it's most likely a four-year program.
- Having said that, there are four-year program...
- But because the program is broken, they can't get the services they need. ...program.
Summary:
The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee heard and advanced three bills. HB 21 would create a new licensed profession of dental therapy under the Department of Health and Board of Dentistry, allowing trained dental therapists to provide a limited scope of care under a supervising Florida-licensed dentist through a collaborative management agreement. Sponsor Rep. Cheney argued the bill would help address severe dental shortages and improve access in underserved areas; opponents from the Florida Dental Association and oral surgery groups warned that the bill would allow irreversible procedures by less-educated providers and could compromise patient safety. Supporters, including dentists, hygienists, and community health center leaders, said dental therapists would expand access and free dentists to handle more complex care. An amendment was adopted to require proof of local anesthesia training, adverse-incident reporting, and updated background screening language. The bill was reported favorably as amended by a 14-1 vote.
The committee then considered HB 27, which creates the Social Work Licensure Interstate Compact to allow licensed social workers to practice across member states, including through telehealth, and to help military families and address workforce shortages. Supporters from the National Association of Social Workers and other advocates said the compact would improve mobility, reduce administrative burdens, and expand access to mental health services, especially in underserved and rural areas. A technical amendment restoring model language and setting an effective date of July 1, 2025 was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably as amended on a 15-0 vote.
Finally, the committee heard HB 29, the public-records companion to the social work compact, which creates exemptions needed for compact compliance and allows the compact commission or its committees to meet in closed session when discussing information exempt under law. After a technical amendment authorizing closed meetings for exempt matters was adopted, the bill was reported favorably as amended on a 15-0 vote. The meeting then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Amber's the CEO of it now, and Marcus founded the program after he discovered Ibogaine.
- HB5352 by BC addresses the establishment of a state blockchain technology pilot program.
- HB5389 by Perez of El Paso relates to the establishment of the grant program.
- HB5479 relates to energy efficiency goals and programs for the Committee on State Affairs.
- HB5639 by Garcia-Bear relates to establishing a pilot program.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Feb 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- One of the ones I would like to highlight is our animal health program.
- The weights and measures program is one of our programs that is lesser known but essential to regulatory
- The weights and measures program is one of our programs that is lesser known but essential to regulatory
- Another program here is the Youth Education and Outreach Program, which facilitates place-based, career-connected
- A key focus of this program points to equity.
Committee:
House Agriculture & Natural Resources
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Science, Technology and Telecommunications Aug 26th, 2025
Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- These are national programs.
- Programming and funding that we are overseeing.
- We have several programs at TO.
- First two programs listed here existed.
- I mentioned that one of our programs is our business assistance program, which started as a pilot last
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- fund state revolving programs.
- Insurance Program, or NFIP.
- FMA program.
- FMA program.
- program.
Committee:
House Natural Resources
Summary:
The House Committee on Natural Resources met to focus on flooding issues across Texas, with particular attention to South Texas and the recent catastrophic flooding in Central Texas. Chair Harris and Vice Chair Martinez emphasized that flooding is a statewide problem requiring continued legislative attention. The committee heard invited testimony from Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes and Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 General Manager Raul Sassine, who described the March flood event in Hidalgo County, including more than 20 inches of rain, six deaths, over $100 million in local damage, widespread road flooding, and repeated shutdowns of Interstate 2 and its frontage roads. They argued that existing drainage systems are under capacity, that TxDOT projects must account for downstream drainage impacts, and that local governments have already invested heavily in mitigation through bonds and partnerships.
Fuentes and Sassine also described the county’s long-term flood mitigation and water-reuse efforts, including the Delta region water management project, which would capture stormwater, runoff, and treated effluent, reduce flooding, and create potable water supply. They said the drainage district manages about 780 miles of channels and 1,100 acres of detention facilities, has used prior Flood Infrastructure Fund and GLO grants, and has ongoing applications for additional state and federal assistance. Members discussed the need for TxDOT coordination, emergency access on frontage roads, local “skin in the game,” and the possibility of combining flood control with aquifer recharge and water supply projects.
Texas Water Development Board Executive Administrator Brian McMath then presented an overview of the state’s flood planning and funding framework, including the post-Harvey legislative changes that created the Flood Infrastructure Fund, the Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund, and the regional/state flood planning process. He summarized the first state flood plan adopted in 2024, noting that about one in six Texans live or work in known flood hazard areas and that regional plans identified 4,609 flood risk reduction solutions with an estimated cost of $54.5 billion. He also reviewed TWDB programs for flood grants, community assistance, flood insurance compliance, stream gauges, TexMesonet, flood mapping, and the TexasFlood.org viewer. Members asked about drainage fees, technical assistance, gauge placement, the relationship between flood maps and FEMA FIRMs, and whether flood mitigation funds could support aquifer storage and recovery or recharge projects; TWDB staff said such projects can be eligible if they include flood mitigation components, but direct technical assistance cannot be paid from Flood Infrastructure Fund dollars. The committee concluded by expressing interest in further study of combining flood mitigation with aquifer recharge, and then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 5th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- and evaluate those programs.
- The money would go to establish the program and hire the staff.
- Sort of what the intent of the program is.
- Extreme heat, that's really what this program is about.
- So it is based on actual figures of costs for staff and program.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty One - Wednesday, March 25 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She is with the YWCA Head Start program. It's an early childhood program of excellence.
- place, and moves it into the MOCAP program.
- It also removes the August 28 sunset on the program. So this program is a hand-up, not a handout.
- to stop treating it like a pilot program.
- That is because we're moving the program into MOCAP.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 40th day by roll call vote, 122-1. Members used points of personal privilege to recognize the departure of Scott Bell and to honor the life of Ernie Dempsey of St. Charles, and the chamber welcomed numerous special guests, including Child Advocacy Day participants, school groups, local civic leaders, and visitors from across the state.
The main floor business centered on House Bill 3239, which would make the Missouri Workforce Diploma Program permanent and move it into the MOCAP framework with a $4 million annual cap and pay-for-performance funding. Supporters said the program has helped about 1,200 adults earn diplomas, especially women and parents needing flexible online access, while opponents argued it would divert foundation formula money from K-12 students and duplicate existing adult education options. An amendment adding a college admissions and financial aid task force was offered but failed, 55-82; the previous question was then ordered, and HB 3239 was perfected and printed.
The House also perfected and printed House Bill 1786, which would prevent county assessors from reclassifying single-family homes used as short-term rentals from residential to commercial for tax purposes. Supporters framed it as a property-rights and tax-relief measure for homeowners and small LLCs, while opponents raised concerns about local control and the line between mom-and-pop rentals and larger business operations. House Bill 2944, dealing with the senior property tax freeze, was amended to clarify that the freeze applies across taxing districts and to simplify annual filing and notification requirements; a later amendment was ruled out of order, and the bill was perfected and printed as amended. The House then moved to announcements and recessed until 2 p.m.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Welfare self-reliance programs was about a $1.4 million holdback.
- And every single program that they're doing is important to them as well.
- Some of these programs sound really, really shiny, really good.
- It's like, okay, this program, how much work do you guys have to do?
- And that happens, and that happens with a lot of programs.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and heard an extended presentation from Representative Josh Tanner on the Health and Welfare budget, with a focus on Medicaid, supplemental spending, and the governor’s proposed holdbacks and cuts. Tanner said the state is facing major budget pressure, including a 3% holdback, provider rate cuts, and a projected need for additional reductions in Health and Welfare. He argued Medicaid growth is a major cost driver, described the program as difficult to control because of federal rules, and urged the committee to identify real savings, especially in programs he viewed as less essential than services for children and people with disabilities. He also emphasized that any recommendations to JFAC should be backed by actual numbers and fiscal notes, not assumptions.
Members asked Tanner about cost shifting to other budgets or local governments, the role of fiscal notes, how JFAC handles minor budget changes, the effect of House Bill 345 and Medicaid eligibility changes, and whether expansion cuts could be redirected to other Medicaid needs. Tanner repeatedly said JFAC’s job is to balance the budget and that the germane committee should develop policy and identify savings before JFAC is forced to make cuts. He also discussed ongoing versus one-time funding, saying the state is short in ongoing revenue and that the committee should not rely on hoped-for savings. On revenue forecasting, he explained that EROC uses multiple projections and that JFAC ultimately adopted a revenue number near the middle of the range.
The committee then received a detailed overview from Legislative Services staff Alex Williamson and Morgan Poloni on budget tools and resources, including the base budget dashboard, the Legislative Budget Book, the Legislative Fiscal Report, the Fiscal Source Book, session records, and performance reports. They demonstrated how members can drill down by agency, division, program, fund source, and enhancement history, and noted that staff can provide deeper detail on specific line items if requested. Keith Bivey also presented inflation-adjusted and per-capita budget trend information, showing long-term general fund growth and noting that similar agency-level analysis is still being developed. The chair asked members to review the Health and Welfare divisions, identify possible cuts or programs to protect, and return with recommendations; the committee was told it would not meet the rest of the week, and the JFAC presentation was tentatively moved to the first week of February.