Transcript Highlights:

• arts education, so libraries, museums, and different art activities like theater, art contests, art showings
• In culture, in arts, even art exhibits, what's the economic impact? Yeah.
• I'm a board member of Missouri Citizens for the Arts, and I work at Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
• programming.
• and arts education.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee first met in executive session and voted 8-0, with one member absent, to do pass House Bill 3405. Members described the bill as clarifying how pass-through entity tax information and credits are handled, with supporters saying it would reduce confusion and administrative burden while preserving the tax credit. In public hearing, the committee took testimony on House Bill 2457 and House Bill 1782, both related to food pantry tax credits. HB 2457 would extend the food pantry/soup kitchen/homeless shelter credit to 2032, add food banks as eligible entities, and raise the cap from $1.75 million to $4 million, while keeping the credit at 50 percent. HB 1782 would remove the sunset from the food pantry tax credit. Supporters said food banks and related charities need stable, predictable funding to address rising hunger and food waste; there was no opposition testimony. The committee then heard extensive testimony on House Bill 3518, which would redirect the existing athletes and entertainers tax into a dedicated fund and require distribution to arts, humanities, libraries, public broadcasting, and historic preservation, while extending the sunset to 2060. The sponsor and supporters argued the money was intended for these purposes and that current appropriations fall short of the statutory split, creating instability for cultural and educational organizations. Witnesses from arts groups, libraries, and humanities organizations cited economic impact, statewide reach, and the need for long-term planning; some members raised concerns about oversight, general revenue impacts, and the long sunset, but no vote was taken on HB 3518 in this transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• arts education.
• Arts education, so libraries, museums, and different art activities like theater, art contests, art showings
• programming.
• programs.
• and arts education.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• They shared about their experiences in our comprehensive arts program planning program, excuse me.
• :20:25.920><c> arts</c><01:20:26.159><c> education</c><01:20:26.640><c> programs</c><01:20:27.040><c>
• arts education programs in the way that<01:20:27.600><c> he</c><01:20:27.840><c> hoped.
• You don't need to have a special arts program to do it. So that was very popular at the event.
• Just to stress, Perpich is not a metro arts school. It is a statewide public access school.

Committee: House Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• program created to strengthen small nonprofit performing arts organizations across California.
• This program, which came together with a broad coalition of the arts community, including labor unions
• This program represents a vital commitment to the arts ecosystem, which provides essential storytelling
• This program is a vital benefit, not just for the arts, but for all who benefit from a healthy live arts
• Ultimately, I'm also grateful that programs like PAEPF recognize small arts organizations as assets and

Summary: The subcommittee heard an informational update from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development on the state’s Jobs First economic development strategy and related budget requests. Go-Biz described its regional planning process, priority sectors such as ag-tech, space defense, life sciences, and semiconductors, and requests including an extension of the CalCompetes tax credit, support for export promotion, additional film commission staff, innovation and emerging technology capacity, and a California brand campaign. Members questioned the campaign’s purpose, with some supporting efforts to counter misinformation about California and others warning it should not obscure regulatory and business-climate concerns. Go-Biz said the campaign would be nationally focused, could include business attraction efforts, and was intended to complement—not replace—policy work on permitting and workforce development. The item was informational only. The committee then heard from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate on the California RISE program, the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, and the Technical Assistance Program/Capital Infusion Program. CalOSBA reported that California RISE’s first round awarded $16.9 million to 61 employment social enterprises, which collectively increased revenue, secured contracts, and employed thousands of people facing barriers to work; a second round is being launched with a new administrator and expanded services. For the performing arts payroll fund, the office said all 100 awardees had been paid, but demand far exceeded available funding, and the program was oversubscribed within days. California for the Arts testified that the sector remains fragile after COVID and urged statutory changes to simplify eligibility and stretch dollars further. SBDC representatives described TAP/SIP as a statewide network supporting small businesses, capital access, and disaster recovery, emphasizing their role in underserved communities and the leverage of federal matching funds. Committee members focused on whether these programs produce durable outcomes and reach smaller or disadvantaged businesses. Questions centered on long-term job retention in California RISE, outreach to ethnic and community media in the civic media program, and whether TAP/SIP are accessible to entrepreneurs with limited capital or capacity. CalOSBA and its partners said they rely heavily on local community organizations for outreach, provide one-on-one counseling and training, and are working to collect more longitudinal data. The committee also discussed the film and television tax credit program, for which Go-Biz requested funding for three permanent positions and ongoing program support. Film Commission staff said the expanded program is tracking demographic and career-pathway data, with most productions opting into new diversity provisions, and that a formal report to the Legislature is expected in 2027. The item concluded without a vote, as the hearing was for oversight and budget discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, a vital program created to strengthen small nonprofit performing
• This program, which came together with a broad coalition of the arts community, including labor unions
• This program represents a vital commitment to the arts ecosystem, which provides essential storytelling
• This program is a crucial step toward ensuring California's rich performing arts sector remains equitable
• Ultimately, I'm also grateful that programs like PAEPF recognize small arts organizations as assets and

Transcript Highlights:

• I've also served on the art acquisitions committees, making selections for the art and public places
• </c><00:16:06.079><c> and</c><00:16:06.240><c> public</c> making selections for the art and public making
• arts programs, but um, I think... uh, you've been, uh, would you be open uh, you've been, uh, would
• </c><00:22:02.720><c> arts</c><00:22:03.120><c> programs</c><00:22:03.679><c> but</c><00:22:04.799><c
• > um</c><00:22:05.360><c> I</c> I think public arts programs, but I think there's probably something

Summary: The committees met on a 3:00 p.m. agenda that included House Concurrent Resolution 94 and several gubernatorial nominations. HCR 94, which asks the governor to proclaim Hawaii a Purple Heart State on August 7, 2025, drew support from the Hawaii Veterans of Foreign Wars and no opposing testimony. The chair recommended passage as is, and the committees adopted the recommendation without objection. The bulk of the meeting focused on nominations to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, along with one nomination to the Medical Advisory Board. Nominees and supporters emphasized experience, continuity, and service: Dana Alla Lopez, Beverly Lee, and others described prior commission work; Janet Sato and Marcia Deutsch highlighted long involvement in arts education, grants review, and public art; and Randall Francisco stressed arts advocacy and accessibility. Testimony in support also came from commission staff, the Association for Hawaiian Civic Clubs, the County of Kauai Office of Economic Development, the mayor of Kauai, and others. One nominee, Judy Kvel Kovville, had support from the Department of Transportation. Several committee members raised broader questions about sustaining arts funding amid possible federal cuts and changes in state project financing that could reduce revenue under the 1% for art law. The nominees for the arts-related posts said they were open to exploring new funding sources, including private philanthropy, community support, and learning from other states. After discussion, the committee voted to advise and consent on all listed nominations—GM506, GM507, GM508, GM556, GM654, GM740, GM742, and GM743—with no votes or reservations, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, a vital program created to strengthen small nonprofit performing
• This program, which came together with a broad coalition of the arts community, including labor unions
• This program represents a vital commitment to the arts ecosystem, which provides essential storytelling
• This program is a vital benefit, not just for the arts, but for all who benefit from a healthy live arts
• Ultimately, I'm also grateful that programs like PAEPF recognize small arts organizations as assets and

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview from Go-Biz Director D.D. Myers on the administration’s economic development strategy, centered on the California Jobs First framework. Myers described regional planning across 13 regions, the Jobs First Council, and pilot sectors including ag-tech, space and defense, life sciences, and semiconductors. She also outlined budget requests for CalCompetes, CalExport, the California Film Commission, innovation/emerging technologies, and the California Civic Media Fund, along with the new California brand campaign. Committee members raised questions about misinformation about California, regulatory burdens, tourism versus broader economic messaging, and how the brand campaign would highlight underrepresented communities. No vote was taken; the item was informational. The committee then reviewed CalOSBA’s work on small business support, including California RISE, the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, and TAP/SIP technical assistance and capital infusion programs. CalOSBA reported that California RISE’s first cohort awarded $16.9 million to 61 employment social enterprises, with growth in revenue, contracts, and jobs; the performing arts payroll fund paid all 100 recipients but was heavily oversubscribed; and TAP supported more than 112,000 businesses in the past year, helping leverage federal and local funds. Testimony from program partners emphasized the importance of small business counseling, community-based outreach, and support for arts organizations facing post-pandemic and AB 5-related cost pressures. Senators pressed for more data on long-term job retention, better outreach to smaller and ethnic media, and possible program changes to speed grants and stretch funding further. Finally, the committee heard Go-Biz’s request for additional staff and funding for the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program. Staff said the request would support application review, DEIA implementation, and data tracking. The Film Commission reported that about 147 productions had been approved and roughly 90% were opting into the new diversity provisions, with career pathways reporting to include demographic and participation data and a future report expected in 2027. Senators asked about accountability, apprenticeship and internship hours, and whether the program was producing real career pathways and inclusive hiring outcomes. The item remained informational, with no vote or action taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also provide access to music, arts, and cultural programming and community connection.
• Minnesota Public Radio meets the goals of the Minnesota Legacy Arts and Cultural Heritage Programming
• MPR News brings arts and culture to our programming.
• North Star Journey is a program that NPR News has developed to program and promote the arts.
• Going back to the public program that you did was very grassroots.

Bills: HF1679 , HF1019 , HF2321 , HF1740 , HF2278

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• The certification program, the year-long program.
• Before my tenure at TMEA, I dedicated 31 years to public education, serving as a fine arts teacher and
• Arts education in our public schools is essential in the face of challenging financial times, as evidenced
• programs. will prioritize protecting pathways for sequential study in the arts.
• Because of our large child population, we also hold the largest public pre-K program.

Bills: HB2 , HB2

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• programs.
• arts.
• This bill, named after Lowell Mason, who established the nation's first public music program right here
• I'll be submitting to you a study called The Arts Advantage, drawing on over a decade of Boston Public
• As an arts educator, I believe that music, visual arts, dance, theater, and media arts provide important

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with the largest portions focused on the Healthy Youth Act (S.340/H.656), comprehensive and inclusive curriculum bills (H.655/S.371 and related measures), climate literacy education (H.560/S.391), computer science coursework (H.534/S.362), arts education funding and STEM-to-STEAM proposals (H.561 and H.4297), and a homeschooling reporting bill (H.518). Supporters of the Healthy Youth Act argued it would preserve local control while requiring medically accurate, age-appropriate, LGBTQ-inclusive sex education and regular updates to state health frameworks; opponents raised parental rights, age-appropriateness, and opt-out concerns, with some calling for fetal development content. Supporters of inclusive curriculum bills said they would improve representation, belonging, and civic understanding, while opponents argued they could undermine parental authority or promote ideological content. Climate, computer science, and arts advocates emphasized workforce readiness, student engagement, and the need for state support and funding to expand access and teacher training. Testimony on the climate literacy bill described increasing climate impacts in Massachusetts and argued that interdisciplinary instruction would prepare students for science, policy, and green careers; witnesses said the bill was not a mandate but a support and funding measure. Computer science supporters said access remains uneven, especially for girls, students of color, and students with disabilities, and urged stronger statewide requirements and AI-related standards. Arts advocates backed both the STEM-to-STEAM bill and the Lowell Mason arts funding proposal, citing research on student achievement, attendance, creativity, and the economic importance of the arts sector. The homeschool bill was supported by a homeschool advocacy group as a modernization of reporting requirements. The committee closed testimony on numerous bills where no one remained signed up or testimony had concluded, including several education, curriculum, and commission proposals. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. At the end of the session, the committee closed out the remaining testimony and adjourned after a motion and second.

Transcript Highlights:

• All public and public charter schools are eligible for this grant program.
• I'm proud to say he's a freshman at Boston University in the Global Studies program there: arts, world
• Schools, both public and private, across the country celebrate and tout these classes and programs to
• Schools, both public and private, across the country celebrate and tout these classes and programs to
• I grew up in eliminate Arts programs um maybe save eliminate Arts programs um maybe save some<05:37:34.878

Summary: The committee began by announcing that afternoon hearings, including House Bill 283, would be moved to Representatives Hall because of expected public interest. It then took up House Bill 671, which would establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, described the measure as a way to close gaps in early reading readiness and said it was intended as a first step, with only a placeholder appropriation while details are developed. He framed it as a targeted effort to help children who are not entering first grade ready to read. Testimony on HB 671 was largely supportive. Representatives asked about the bill’s structure, whether a specific program had been identified, how it would interact with play-based learning, and why the provider was limited to a registered nonprofit. Waterford.org representatives Teresa Rosenberger and Rob Riley testified in support, describing Waterford Upstart as a home-based, evidence-based early learning program already used in New Hampshire. They said the program provides adaptive instruction, family coaching, and technology support, including computers, tablets, internet access, and translation services in more than 100 languages. They also said the model has been successful in New Hampshire, including a Nashua pilot and later statewide efforts, and that similar legislation has existed in other states. Rep. Jonah Wheeler also spoke in support of the bill. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 671. After a fiscal note for HB 671 was distributed, the committee moved to House Bill 781, which would require school districts to adopt policies for a cell phone-free education and includes an appropriation. The transcript cuts off as Rep. Litchfield was introduced to testify on that bill, so no testimony, debate, or vote on HB 781 is included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 238 public safety answering points throughout the 191 counties within the program.
• We have also expanded our programs and resources to better serve the public.
• Public arts funding is vital.
• Debra Heater: Public arts funding is vital.
• we use to enhance our STEM education programs through art.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Then, in 1986, the Art in Public Places Program was established by state statute, giving New Mexico Arts
• another major program area to provide New Mexicans the opportunity to experience and engage with art
• The Places Program was established by state statute, giving New Mexico Arts another major program area
• to provide New Mexicans the opportunity to experience and engage with art in their community public
• In our other major program area, Art in Public Places, affectionately known by us as AIPP, the public

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• of employment in the performing arts sector and so we really think that in order for this program to
• We are the only nonprofit children's performing arts program in Lincoln.
• Exposing children to the performing arts at a young age makes them better public speakers.
• Fire protection, public safety, homelessness programs, and mental health services are now all on the
• This... ...public safety, homelessness programs, and mental health services are now all on the chopping

Summary: The subcommittee first heard an informational presentation on the May Revision’s proposed reorganization of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into separate housing-focused and consumer/business-focused entities. Administration officials said the split would improve oversight, streamline decision-making, and create a dedicated California Housing and Homelessness Agency with a new housing development and finance committee. The Department of Finance said funding was needed in 2025-26 to begin implementation, while the LAO recommended rejecting the proposal without prejudice because the Little Hoover Commission review was still pending and the plan would require ongoing General Fund costs. Members raised concerns about the timing, the lack of alignment with the budget process, and whether the reorganization would improve accountability for homelessness spending; several public witnesses supported the concept but stressed it could not substitute for new housing and homelessness dollars. The committee then took up the Department of Veterans Affairs. CalVet requested funding for phase three of its electronic health care record project and a trailer bill to preserve authority for federal background checks, but the May Revision withdrew requests for deferred maintenance and additional administrative support. The LAO noted deferred maintenance can prevent larger future costs, and the chair criticized the withdrawal of less than $1 million for veterans’ homes as short-sighted given existing repair needs. No vote was taken. Next, the Department of Housing and Community Development presented its budget. HCD said the May Revision provides no new affordable housing or homelessness funding, but does retain existing rounds of funding and proposes a $31.7 million reversion from undersubscribed housing programs. Members from both parties expressed concern about zeroing out ongoing housing and homelessness investments, especially for LIHTC, the Multifamily Housing Program, and HAP. HCD also defended its homelessness accountability and compliance work, saying the unit includes about 30 program staff and six attorneys, with three additional attorneys requested mainly to handle public records and litigation workload. Public commenters largely opposed the lack of new funding and urged continued support for housing and homelessness programs, while some supported the reorganization and accountability efforts. Finally, the committee heard Go-Biz proposals. The administration requested authority to increase funding for a federal trade program match if needed, plus reappropriations for administrative funds tied to the Containerized Ports Interoperability Grant Program, zero-emission vehicle operations, and the Women’s Business Center Enhancement Program. It also proposed withdrawing the Cal Competes grant request and reverting remaining funds from the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund. The LAO said Cal Competes is generally effective but could be cut as a budget solution, while warning that the performing arts fund was close to awards and should be considered carefully. Members objected to pulling back committed funds for performing arts organizations and questioned why the state would withdraw support after applications had already been submitted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Public art in our parks can amplify these kinds of stories and contributions.
• </c><01:26:06.639><c> art</c><01:26:06.800><c> within</c> are reflected in the public art within are
• Public art, collective identity.
• </c><01:26:51.120><c> art</c><01:26:51.360><c> can</c> powerful example of how public art can powerful
• ADA currently has a youth arts and cultural program.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to move House File 116, a bill relating to legacy appropriating money to expand arts programs
• expand programming.
• It also expands arts programming, strengthens cultural representation, and invests in economic growth
• So it was a highly impactful public arts and community arts event.
• The publication of this House File will enable us to also host community-centered programming that brings

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to move House File 116, a bill relating to Legacy appropriations money to expand arts programming
• It also expands arts programming, strengthens cultural representation, and invests in economic growth
• It also expands arts programming, strengthens cultural representation, and invests in economic growth
• It also expands arts programming, strengthens cultural representation, and invests in economic growth
• arts and community arts event.

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• And the arts district, and it’s to provide materials and energy-generational programming.
• Additionally, the Arts Center will offer an avenue for students to engage in arts and crafts projects
• programming.
• We take art to public spaces and community festivals, supporting Latino artists to gain new tools through
• This is a good program.

Bills: HF2411 , HF2471 , HF1440 , HF1393 , HF1631 , HF1259 , HF280 , HF1281 , HF1459

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• From Minnesota Public Radio, $4.1 million for Ampers Public Radio.
• Then there was another one-eighth for arts, and the last piece was one-sixteenth for arts.
• , treetop trail programming, our adult programming—all would be impacted.
• Any other testimony from the public? Any other testimony from the public? Don't be shy.
• programming.

Bills: HF2563

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• This state agency provides art programming, arts education, and lots and lots of grants to individual
• throughout Minnesota to provide arts programming and education in each region of the state.
• </c><00:08:26.720><c> programming</c> state agency provides art programming state agency provides art
• Minnesota to provide Arts programming<00:08:42.560><c> and</c><00:08:42.800><c> education</c><00:08:
• </c><01:13:10.960><c> and</c> programs for outward Heritage arts and programs for outward Heritage arts

Committee: House Legacy Finance