Video & Transcript Research : 'higher education spending'
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget Apr 6th, 2026
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, would you talk about the increase, what amount increase for higher education and overall budget
- And is that designated to something specific, or is that for higher education to decide where it needs
- Any additional general funds to higher education to support broad needs, right?
- So in the Regions for Higher Education, you're seeing $15.7 million...
- , education, and health care. 82% of the new spending in this budget is water, education, and health
Bills:
SB1177
Summary:
The Senate Appropriations Committee met to consider Senate Bill 1177, the general appropriation bill. The chair and budget authors explained that the proposal was built to balance the budget using a mix of general revenue, cash sweeps, and other fund transfers, including money from unclaimed property, revenue stabilization, and other statutory funds. Members also discussed a proposed $35 million OWRB revolving loan fund tied to ARPA interest and a $200 million transfer from the Revenue Stabilization Fund to the Taxpayer Endowment Trust Fund as part of a long-term savings strategy.
A number of agency-specific items drew questions. Members reviewed the OPEB employer contribution reduction, rent coverage for state agencies, child care and Head Start funding, Department of Corrections revenue from ICE-related agreements, sheriff grant funding, and education funding, including about $99 million in additional formula funding, a $2,000 teacher pay raise, and reading-related appropriations such as Strong Readers and Just Right Reader. The committee also discussed mental health funding, including a $30 million consent decree line, a proposed privatization of CCBHC services with an estimated $10 million savings, and related reduction-in-force costs. Other topics included Attorney General transfers and litigation funding, higher education allocations, Langston University extension funding, historical society requests that were not funded, and a biosolids pilot program.
During debate, supporters argued the bill fulfilled the constitutional duty to pass a balanced budget and highlighted increases for education, health care, and water infrastructure. Opponents criticized the use of one-time cash, tax cuts, and what they described as special-project spending, while raising concerns about transparency and underfunded services such as child care and transportation. After debate, the committee voted 18-5 to pass Senate Bill 1177.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget Apr 6th, 2026
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- We increased their funding when it comes to FBA, but also in what we're going to compensate their educating
- So that in itself is close to $12 million extra we're spending on child care than we spent last year.
- It includes about $11 to $12 million for education instruction pay raises.
- So essentially, that'll be at CE and then four other agencies in the state that have educators in them
- The state higher regions. Leader Munson, you're recognized for a question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Bills:
SB1177
Summary:
The Joint Appropriations and Budget Committee took up Senate Bill 1177, the main budget bill, and first adopted the committee substitute as the working version. Chairman Caldwell presented the bill as the measure funding state government and answered a series of questions about major budget items, including CareerTech funding, child care, school security, teacher pay raises, the state plane purchase, Medicaid, mental health, veterans’ homes, and higher education projects. He said CareerTech received increased funding, child care funding was increased by roughly $12 million over last year, school security funding was continued at $50 million, and teacher pay raises were included through a mechanism that would raise the state minimum by $2,000. He also explained the $3 million state plane item as a restructuring of state aviation assets, and said the budget did not cut law enforcement funding tied to 287(g) agreements.
AZ
Bills:
HB2207
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Caucus of the Whole - 2025-04-08 - 11:00AM
Vermont House Floor Meeting
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- to make up for the shortfall in special education funding.
- In my career, I have been a special education teacher, a vocational coordinator, and an educational diagnostician
- coordinator, and an educational diagnostician.
- equitable special education system.
- equitable special education system.
Summary:
This was a press conference calling on the Texas Legislature to increase and reform funding for special education, with speakers arguing that the current system leaves a roughly $1.7 billion gap and forces districts to stretch general education dollars to cover mandated services. Sabrina Gonzalez Ocedo of The Arc of Texas opened by framing the issue as one of equity and self-determination for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and noted support for legislative efforts including Senate Bill 568 and House Bill 2. She also thanked a coalition of advocacy groups and legislators involved in special education funding work.
Representative Steve Toth spoke in favor of investing surplus dollars in special education, citing high rates of functional illiteracy and dyslexia among prison populations and saying earlier intervention could change life outcomes. Amy Litzinger described how accommodations and assistive technology helped her succeed in school and urged continued investment so other students can access similar supports. Sarah Harden, a parent and disability advocate, shared her daughter’s positive experience in a well-supported district but warned that many Texas districts cannot provide comparable services because of funding shortages and that families are increasingly worried about cuts.
Rachel Hull, a special education director, said well-resourced special education is transformational and outlined the need for individualized services, therapies, vocational training, and college readiness supports. Jean Mayer, a school trustee, said districts are struggling to meet state and federal requirements because funding does not match actual costs, pointing to staffing shortages and the need for parent engagement and professional development. The speakers repeatedly urged lawmakers to fully fund Senate Bill 568 and broader special education reforms this session; no votes were taken, as this was an advocacy event rather than a committee hearing.
TX
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, 1185, senate, all
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Louisiana is a consistent net exporter of young, college-educated residents, suffering from significant
Keywords:
water utility, tax credit, excessive rates, residential service, subcommittee, tobacco tax, excise tax, smokeless tobacco, vapor products, public health, FDA, risk-proportionate, tax credits, higher education, workforce development, brain drain, economic incentives, SB 73, Act 10, Act No. 774 of 2024
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm a social worker by education only.
- Various public service professionals, as stated, like firefighters, educators, peace officers, et cetera
- Child welfare, education, criminal justice, and aging services.
- House Bill 1998 proposes amendments to various sections of the Education Code and the Local Government
- As many adults age, they live on fixed incomes and face higher health care costs.
Bills:
HB158, HB714, HB 1198, HB1630, HB1998, HB3509, HB3788, HB3875, HB3948, HB3977, HB4097, HB4313, HB4314, HB4317, HB158
Keywords:
housing, veterans, surplus government property, affordable housing, funding sources, housing assistance, homeless prevention, landlord incentives, rural housing, domestic violence, community development, tenant readiness, program participants, financial assistance, homelessness, rental support, Texas Tenant Readiness Program, tenant assistance, housing stability, Texas Department of Housing
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- How we spend our money demands the full attention of all state and local entities.
- Which is why the state is taking an active role in reining in local government spending.
- This is why TPPF consistently opposes unnecessary government spending and policies that impose hidden
- We talk a lot about how much money state and local entities spend here in Texas and their influence as
- Even if that means spending tax dollars out of town.
Bills:
HB158, HB714, HB 1198, HB1630, HB1998, HB3509, HB3788, HB3875, HB3948, HB3977, HB4097, HB4313, HB4314, HB4317, HB158
Keywords:
housing, veterans, surplus government property, affordable housing, funding sources, housing assistance, homeless prevention, landlord incentives, rural housing, domestic violence, community development, tenant readiness, program participants, financial assistance, homelessness, rental support, Texas Tenant Readiness Program, tenant assistance, housing stability, Texas Department of Housing
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- education.
- education.
- We do have K-12 educators remaining on the committee, but we also do have higher ed folks that are there
- education agency.
- But with education, this is a priority.
Keywords:
mandatory reporting, school employees, child protection, training requirements, Department of Children and Family Services, education, reading program, student eligibility, literacy, school performance, R.E.A.D. program, book distribution, École Pointe-au-Chien, French immersion, public school, Terrebonne Parish, grade levels, independent school, virtual school, extracurricular activities
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- of Washington's K-12 public education system.
- K-12 public education system.
- education.
- An institution of higher education that discontinues operations or discontinues the educational program
- and higher costs.
Keywords:
postsecondary education, homelessness, foster youth, education access, support programs, commission, gender equity, boys, men, advocacy, state policy, special education, parental rights, educational access, evaluation reports, disability services, behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access
Summary:
The committee heard staff briefings, public testimony, and no final votes on a series of bills. On Substitute House Bill 1128, staff described a proposed second substitute creating a Child Care Workforce Standards Board at L&I with an advisory role only, along with estimated staffing and board costs; supporters said child care workers need a forum to address understaffing and wages, while opponents called the bill duplicative and costly. The committee also heard support for Second Substitute House Bill 1634, which would have OSPI and ESDs develop a technical assistance and training framework for school behavioral health supports, and Substitute House Bill 2636, which would create a public education review advisory council to recommend K-12 policies for JLARC review; staff outlined fiscal impacts for both, and no one testified on 2636.
Members then heard House Bill 1316 on expanding the Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness program so multiple campuses within an institution could apply, with testimony that the current language unintentionally limits access to already appropriated funds. Substitute House Bill 2474 would expand use of the Student Achievement Council Tuition Recovery Trust Fund to cover consumer protection violations tied to private college closures and teach-out obligations, with staff noting no expected fiscal impact from the fund itself. Substitute House Bill 2365 would broaden the State Broadband Office’s digital equity duties and rename the grant program, with supporters emphasizing rural access and the loss of federal digital equity funding; staff said Commerce would bear most ongoing costs.
The committee also heard House Bill 2401, creating a Washington State Boys and Men’s Commission contingent on non-state funding, with supporters saying boys and men face worsening mental health, education, and social outcomes. Substitute House Bill 2475 would require the Office of Equity to develop statewide language-access guidelines and a plan to address interpreter shortages, with staff saying the office could absorb the work but other agencies’ costs were uncertain. Substitute House Bill 2517 would give regional transit authorities more flexibility to seek permits before acquiring property for high-capacity transit projects, and Substitute House Bill 2145 would restrict manufacturers from blocking 340B drug access through contract pharmacies and add reporting requirements; testimony was sharply divided over whether the bill protects safety-net providers or increases health care costs. Finally, Second Substitute House Bill 1420 would require a textile and apparel coordinating organization and a needs assessment for a future producer responsibility program, with supporters urging a careful first step and opponents warning it presumes the outcome and adds complexity and cost.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Jan 12th, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- But the more folks that are educated, and the more we can get out in front and get tested sooner, the
- But the more folks that are educated, and the more we can get out in front and get tested sooner, the
- They spend $1 million, they get $1 million. We can actually move that money among the CBCs as well.
- “They are being captured how they’re currently spending.
- costs for kids, like higher acuity?”
Keywords:
child protection, medical records, investigation, abuse, neglect, healthcare, Child Protection Team, diagnosis, Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimers, dementia, related dementias, brain health, early detection, caregiver support, elderly affairs, Department of Elderly Affairs, Department of Health, public health outreach, memory loss
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first heard SB 624, which would codify DCF’s current practice of allowing batterers intervention programs to offer supplemental faith-based activities so long as participation is voluntary. The bill drew support from faith-based and family organizations, which argued it would restore access to effective rehabilitation options and remove discriminatory barriers. SB 624 was reported favorably after a roll call vote.
The committee then heard SB 42, which would require child protective investigators and child protection teams to rely on qualified medical professionals when a child has a documented pre-existing diagnosis or when a parent requests an exam, and would require clearer notice to parents and custodians at the start of an investigation. Testimony overwhelmingly came from parents, advocates, and disability rights representatives describing cases in which medically complex children were allegedly misdiagnosed as abuse victims and families were separated unnecessarily. Members expressed sympathy and support, and SB 42 was reported favorably.
Next, the committee considered CS/SB 578, creating an Alzheimer’s disease awareness initiative within the Department of Elder Affairs to promote early detection, brain health education, research updates, and clinical trial awareness, with outreach focused on older adults and at-risk populations. An amendment was adopted to place the campaign within the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative. A caregiver testified about the need for public education and early diagnosis, and the bill was reported favorably.
The committee also took up SPB 7018, a committee bill on child welfare that would extend the definition of “visitor” for foster homes to reduce repeated background checks, make the Step Into Success foster youth workforce pilot permanent and statewide, and create a program through the Florida Institute for Child Welfare to catalog best practices among community-based care lead agencies. The bill was approved as a committee bill and reported favorably. Finally, the Department of Children and Families presented its 2025-26 final funding methodology and rates report for community-based care. Members questioned the proposed tiered model, including insurance costs, risk corridors, prevention funding, performance measures, and regional funding disparities. No vote was taken on the presentation, but members discussed the possible need for follow-up legislation and additional stakeholder input.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:09:45.240><c> and</c> interest and support of education and interest and support of education
- </c><00:20:54.480><c> outcomes</c> support you know educational outcomes support you know educational
- educators.
- Educators frequently say student learning conditions are educator working conditions.
- educational communicate this educ educational neglect<01:35:53.400><c> to</c><01:35:53.520><c> the</
Keywords:
HF51, Sibley County, State-Aid Highway 21, capital investment, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, transportation infrastructure, road improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, local infrastructure, county grant, Minnesota Department of Transportation, bond proceeds fund, public works, utility infrastructure, education finance, school district funding, tax base adjustment
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- research, and the availability of clinical trials, and minimize health disparities through outreach and education
- The program will focus on education, sorry, the program will focus on educating, The program will focus
- on educating the general public, particularly those over the age of 60, and the population at higher
- The Department of Elder Affairs would contract with nonprofits to focus on Alzheimer's education and
Bills:
S0578
Keywords:
Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimers, dementia, related dementias, brain health, early detection, diagnosis, caregiver support, elderly affairs, Department of Elderly Affairs, Department of Health, public health outreach, memory loss, cognitive decline, healthy aging, clinical trials, community resources, underserved communities, nonprofit, awareness campaign
Summary:
The Committee on Fiscal Policy heard CS for SB 57A, the Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Initiative by Senator Simon. The bill would create a statewide public health awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs to promote early detection and diagnosis, brain health education, awareness of research and clinical trials, and outreach to older adults and higher-risk populations, with the department contracting with nonprofits for education and awareness efforts. Senator Simon and the bill’s supporters emphasized Florida’s high Alzheimer’s prevalence and the need for public education and early intervention.
John Strader, representing the Alzheimer’s Association in South Florida and speaking as a caregiver, testified in support and described how early diagnosis and recent medical advances make awareness campaigns more important. He said a local pilot campaign in Miami-Dade led to a more than 30% increase in calls to the association’s helpline. Karen Morillo of AARP Florida and Tyler Jefferson of the Alzheimer’s Association waived in support.
Several senators voiced support and personal reflections on the impact of Alzheimer’s on families and caregivers. Senator Osgood asked about funding and whether the initiative would require new appropriations, and Senator Jones urged that the bill be fully funded and recognized Senator Simon’s personal connection to the issue. In closing, Senator Simon spoke emotionally about his mother’s diagnosis and the need to help families find resources earlier. The committee then approved the bill by roll call vote and reported CS for SB 57A favorably before adjourning.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Historically, higher education was the largest recipient of state bond funding.
- Higher education within 50 miles of everyone in Minnesota was the goal in the 1960s.
- The statewide network of higher education facilities was built largely by the legislature.
- He higher education asset design.
- <c> the</c> higher ed education yesterday, the higher ed education yesterday, the operating<00:42:05.839
Bills:
HF3220
Keywords:
school safety, school security, emergency access, law enforcement access, master key box, secure key box, entry device, school grants, education finance, Department of Education, charter schools, school districts, cooperative units, appropriation cancellation, one-time appropriation, school safety plan, emergency preparedness, public safety, school building security, 1183
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So for a special education evaluation So for a special education evaluation process<00:01:41.040><c>
- </c> appropriate public education. appropriate public education.
- </c> that has come out of education finance. that has come out of education finance.
- I'm speaking on behalf of Education Minnesota and our 84,000 educators across the state.
- </c> within the education budget. within the education budget.
Bills:
HF4893
Keywords:
education finance, student support, aid allowances, appropriation, school funding, 1183, house
MS
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 18th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, members, the Appropriations Committee on Higher Education will now come to order.
- And he says, Dear Chair Harrell, my vision for higher education in Florida focuses on ensuring access
- The state's higher education institutions should uphold standards of excellence, accountability, and
- , and my dedication to learning in Florida to higher education as a trustee.
- The whole budget, the total budget for higher education is $11.9 billion, and it really puts an emphasis
Bills:
S1694
Keywords:
technology education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, computer science, high school graduation
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met with a quorum present and first took up CS for SB 1694, which would require technology-integrated postsecondary general education core courses to include digital literacy and competency instruction, including use of artificial intelligence tools, and encourage high school computer science courses with AI content to teach how AI systems use data, their benefits and limitations, and responsible use in academic and personal contexts. The bill drew support from several speakers who emphasized the need for students to understand AI’s capabilities, limitations, ethics, and risks, while one speaker raised concerns about overreliance on AI and the loss of skills. Senator Davis said the bill was a good step toward preparing the future workforce and suggested earlier instruction might be worth considering later. The bill was reported favorably, and Senator Leek asked to be recorded in the affirmative.
The committee then heard a long series of confirmation presentations for trustees at multiple Florida colleges and universities, including Tallahassee State College, USF, UNF, Palm Beach State College, the College of the Florida Keys, Hillsborough College, Miami-Dade College, Florida A&M University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, New College of Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida. The appointees generally emphasized student success, workforce alignment, fiscal responsibility, access and affordability, and institutional growth; several members and senators offered supportive comments, with some asking about specific issues such as Tallahassee State’s NCLEX passage rates and the need for continued improvement. One appointee’s attendance was delayed or skipped for later consideration, but the committee ultimately took a block vote and reported the confirmations favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee.
Finally, Chair Harrell gave a brief overview of the higher education budget, describing a total of $11.9 billion and highlighting increases for workforce education, Florida College System operating funds, workforce development capitalization, the Rural Incentive for Professional Educators program, the USF Center for Nursing, preeminent research universities, UCF’s community school grant program, UF’s Lassinger Center on Learning, the Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, and campus security through a postsecondary guardian program. Senator Davis asked about a transfer related to the workforce development capitalization and incentive grant fund, and the chair explained it was a transfer of an existing program with new funds being added. There was no public comment on the budget, and the meeting adjourned after Senator Leek requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1694.
MS
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- the list which I hadn't looked at it like in the last six months, but a lot of the F districts are spending
- to another, they test them anyway if it's a public school in my experience. the F districts are spending
- way more the F districts are spending way more per<00:03:55.920><c> pupil</c><00:03:56.319><c> than<
- It just seeks to have better communication between law enforcement and our educators and administrators
- </c><00:14:14.240><c> on</c> then they need to be not educated on then they need to be not educated on