Transcript Highlights:

• She was a regular teacher, assistant principal, and retired as the principal of PS-112 Located in the
• IT LIVES ON IN THE STUDENTS HE MENTORED, THE CONVERSATIONS HE SPARKED.
• From youth outreach to disaster relief, and from mentoring programs to feeding the hungry, the church
• This is due to the dedication of teachers, students, and families.
• THIS IS DUE TO THE DEDICATION OF TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND FAMILIES.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Over 14 years ago, John began his tenure at New Kent High School as a science teacher.
• You see, in Fairfax County, there's a pretty good argument that not only would Stephanie Mentor still
• So Stephanie Mentor joins thousands who've died at the hands of people who shouldn't be here anyway if
• But Stephanie Mentor now joins Jamil Shaw.
• Morrow, Fairfax County Police Department, written exactly 100 days to the day before Stephanie Mentor

Keywords: March 05, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• young people, especially ages 15 to 23, don't know where they can find internships, apprenticeships, mentoring
• internships, they can find internships, apprenticeships,<00:04:05.519><c> me</c><00:04:05.840><c> mentoring
• , me mentoring, or entry- levelvel<00:04:07.120><c> jobs.
• I have been a public school teacher and administrator in this state, as well as a researcher since 1971
• I have been a public school teacher and administrator in this state, as well as a researcher since 1971

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I have the professional mentor.
• . mentor. mentor.
• , teacher licensure candidates.
• </c> attending state-approved teacher attending state-approved teacher colleges<00:48:29.760><c> in</
• have teacher preparation literally don't have teacher preparation programs<01:31:47.040><c> in</c><01

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• by Assembly Member Avila Farias, signed into law last year, took an important step by requiring teachers
• As we equip teachers with the training to support mental health, we should also consider other trusted
• As trusted mentors, coaches are... ...lives who may not yet have the tools to do so.
• As trusted mentors, coaches are often the first to hear about student athlete mental health challenges

Summary: The committee heard two education-related bills. AB 1572, by Assembly Member Alanis, would require the California Interscholastic Federation to conduct annual reviews of sports officials’ safety training and qualifications and create an online system for schools to verify certification status. The author and CIF support argued it would improve transparency, accountability, and student-athlete safety; one late witness opposed the bill, criticizing CIF policies more broadly. The bill was moved forward on a due-pass motion and ultimately passed the committee 9-0. AB 1665, by Assembly Member Pacheco, would require school coaches to complete a California Department of Education-approved mental health training course. The author and supporters, including a former athlete and representatives from hospitals, professional sports teams, and psychiatrists, said coaches are often the first adults to notice mental health struggles and should be better equipped to respond. Opponents argued the bill could be used to advance gender-identity policies and questioned the need for additional training. Committee members in support said the bill was important for student mental health and that coaches already receive other safety training. The bill was amended and passed the committee 9-0. The chair also noted committee procedures at the start, including limits on witnesses and testimony time, and welcomed the new committee secretary. After both items were taken up and roll calls completed, the committee adjourned for the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• To those she mentored, she was not only a teacher, but a trusted guide, advocate, and friend.
• To those she mentored, she was not only a teacher, but a trusted guide, advocate, and friend.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief recognition of Senator Seyarto’s upcoming birthday. The pro tem introduced Matu LeMay of the Quebec National Assembly, who was visiting to discuss California-Quebec environmental collaboration, including their long-standing linkage of cap-and-trade markets. Messages from the Governor and Assembly were deemed read, journals were approved, and Joint Rule 62A was suspended to allow certain bills to be heard in Appropriations Committee with shortened notice. The chamber then considered three gubernatorial appointments. Courtney Welch was confirmed to the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board of Directors by a 29-1 vote, Janessa Goldbeck was confirmed to the California Veterans Board by a 28-0 vote, and Tom Huntington was confirmed to the State Parks and Recreation Commission by a 28-0 vote. The Senate also adopted the consent calendar, which included Senate Bill 607, by a 37-0 vote. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment memorials honoring Elizabeth “Betsy” Hammer Carr, Alberto Ronel, William Louis “Bill” McIntyre Jr., and Joy Atkinson. Senators described their activism, public service, community leadership, and personal impact, with particular emphasis on Carr’s social justice work, Ronel’s health care service and the need for worker safety, McIntyre’s business and civic contributions, and Atkinson’s decades of mentorship and leadership for Black women in politics. Family members and guests were recognized in the gallery during the memorials. The Senate announced that the next floor session would be Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 9 a.m., with the chamber in recess until later that day for adjournment proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Jolene Kenney, Executive Director of Mentor Washington.
• For over 20 years, we've partnered public dollars with private Mentor Washington.
• And in this budget, National Board certified teachers will take a pay cut.
• They teach concepts beyond our curriculum or teacher knowledge.
• and as a support person to teachers across the state from 2011 until last year.

Bills: HB2289

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• an advantage to bringing folks here because that also imports capital to the state, that imports mentors
• an advantage to bringing folks here because that also imports capital to the state, that imports mentors
• an advantage to bringing folks here because that also imports capital to the state, that imports mentors
• The last year has been full of long school board meetings, budget inconsistencies, frustrated teachers
• The last year has been full of long school board meetings, budget inconsistencies, frustrated teachers

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:08 Infrastructure Grant Program 00:00:45 SB 76 Discussion 00:25:50 SB 76 Vote 00:31:55, 958, all

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first, so it began with an informational presentation from Dr. Kristen Goodell, executive director of LifeKY, about innovation infrastructure and a proposed grant program to support life sciences and other startup facilities. She argued that Kentucky’s research investments only translate into jobs and companies if startups have access to physical lab and equipment space, and said shared facilities can serve many companies over time. Goodell described LifeKY’s Northern Kentucky facility as a proof of concept, noting it has attracted companies from other states and Japan, secured a Thermo Fisher Scientific partnership, and could be replicated elsewhere in the Commonwealth. Members asked about university pipelines, local talent development, sustainability, and how the grant program would measure return on investment; Goodell emphasized public-private partnerships, earned revenue, philanthropy, internships, and STEM programming as part of the model. The committee then took up Senate Bill 76, sponsored by Senator Bledsoe, which would limit school board occupational license tax increases by raising the population threshold for such increases from 300,000 to 500,000. Bledsoe said the bill was intended to respond to Fayette County’s recent tax controversy, restore public trust, and provide stability for employees, employers, and the school system. He argued that occupational taxes affect many commuters who work in Fayette County but live elsewhere, and said the measure would give time for community buy-in before any future increase. Supportive comments came from Senator Nunn and others, while Senator Boswell asked about the tax rate and cautioned against local tax increases offsetting state income tax reductions. After discussion, the committee called the roll on SB 76. The bill advanced on a roll-call vote, with Senator Armstrong explaining a no vote because he did not want to take tools away from local government and preferred local control. The transcript indicates the measure moved forward from committee after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The new reduction since we left the House floor in some of our teacher pathway and mentoring programs
• The new reduction since we left the House floor in some of our teacher pathway and mentoring programs
• The new reduction since we left the House floor in some of our teacher pathway and mentoring programs
• The new reduction since we left the House floor in some of our teacher pathway and mentoring programs
• Go back to the teachers.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• My mentor And my brother. He encouraged me and many others in our community. To be leaders.
• Sylvester was my mentor. He's, he was a mentor for a lot of people.
• Sylvester was my teacher. He was my professor. What I know about this place. I learned from him.
• I hope we continue for all of us who he was a leader for that he brought you up, that he mentored you

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether a student dreams of becoming a scientist, an artist, a teacher, an explorer, that journey often
• Today with me from the California Teachers Association to celebrate Read Across America Day, I have board
• But most importantly, she was a daughter, a sister, a tía, a friend, and a mentor.
• last moments, her family, friends, and the countless Hope Leadership women who she's inspired and mentored
• Who she's inspired and mentored. Thank you.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the past year, a computer science teacher from Maui High School and a handful of his students have
• science teacher from Maui High School and<00:32:45.840><c> a</c><00:32:46.080><c> handful</c><00:32:
• and people that would help you mentors and people that would help you learn<01:04:46.079><c> those</
• Um, but these mentors are oftentimes not paid or not fully paid for these hours.
• Um but these mentors are night.

Bills: HB1813 , HB2429 , HB2423 , HB1996 , HB1851 , HB2546 , HB2028 , HB2583 , HB2490 , HB2545 , HB2114 , HB1859 , HB2534 , HB2474 , HB1863 , HB2475

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: taxation, general excise tax, use tax, exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, tax expenditure, tax expenditure evaluation, tax credit review, tax incentive, tax exemption, use tax exemption, income tax credit, DBEDT, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Department of Taxation, fiscal oversight, budget accountability, tax policy, revenue loss, public spending

Summary: The committee opened with HB 1813 on taxation and HB 2429 on tax expenditure evaluation, taking mostly written testimony and limited oral discussion. On HB 2429, the Tax Foundation and Department of Taxation raised privacy and federal-law concerns, warning that the bill could require taxpayers to file duplicative returns and could risk disclosure of federal tax information if released publicly. Members and witnesses discussed using anonymized or summary reporting instead of individual public release, with the department saying summarized data would be preferable and that the state can ask for the information as a policy matter, but individual public release could create problems. The committee then heard HB 2423 HD1 on biodiesel, where Pacific Biodiesel said it can supply all biodiesel needed for B5 in Hawaii without imports and asked to move the implementation date earlier to November 2027 to allow rollout planning. HB 1996 HB1 on hearing aids drew broad support; a disability access representative said earlier insurance-based efforts had run into administrative problems and that this bill would immediately lower costs for consumers. HB 1851 HD1, also related to hearing aids, received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, while the Tax Foundation argued the program would be better funded directly rather than through the tax system, citing overhead costs and blank provisions that should be filled in before passage. On HB 2546, the research activities tax credit, HCDC said the credit supports long-term R&D and should be converted from a first-come, first-served system to proration so more applicants receive some benefit; the agency described the credit as helping companies move from idea to commercialization and noted the state is leaving potential jobs and federal dollars on the table. HB 2028 HD1, relating to Labor Day for construction workers, drew support from labor representatives who said it recognizes construction workers and helps offset cost-of-living pressures, while the Tax Foundation opposed it as an industry-specific subsidy and flagged technical issues with undefined terms and blank credit amounts. The committee also heard HB 2583, HB 2490, HB 2545, HB 2114, and HB 1859 HD1. HB 2490, concerning coastal erosion at Mokuhiki Bay, received strong support from a temple representative who described severe shoreline loss, years of temporary emergency work, and the need for a long-term, nature-based solution in coordination with state agencies. HB 2545, involving HCDC and SBIR commercialization, was supported as a way to turn R&D into economic development; HCDC said it had more applications than it could fund and that the bill could help create high-wage jobs. HB 2114, the Hawaii Benefits Hub, received comments from ETS and DHS emphasizing support for the concept but cautioning that operational, policy, cybersecurity, and data-sharing standards must be carefully aligned. HB 1859 HD1 on workforce development drew strong support from workforce and philanthropic groups, who said Hawaii faces a long-term gap between projected living-wage jobs and the number of young people entering the workforce, and argued the bill would create durable infrastructure for coordination and long-term planning. No formal votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope this body understands what a privilege it is to recognize and honor a role model, a teacher, a
• mentor, and, most importantly, a friend: Stephen Lewis Nelson, graduate of the University of Dallas
• Not often you get to honor a mentor or friend and a national celebrity.
• Not often you get to honor a mentor, a friend, and a national celebrity in the public retirement system

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope this body understands what a privilege it is to recognize and honor a role model, a teacher, a
• mentor, and most importantly, a friend: Stephen Lewis Nelson, graduate of the University of Dallas,
• Not often you get to honor a mentor or friend and a national celebrity.
• Not often you get to honor a mentor, a friend, and a national celebrity in the public retirement system

Summary: The Senate met on Monday, February 23, 2006, approved the previous day’s Journal, and handled routine committee and House message referrals. Among the referral actions, Substitute House Bill 2140, concerning land classified under current use sold or transferred to a governmental entity, was sent to the Committee on Ways and Means. Senate Bill 6355, concerning the electric transmission system, was introduced and held at the desk. The chamber then took up several resolutions honoring individuals and community traditions. Senate Resolution 8685 recognized Steve Nelson for 34 years of public service, including his leadership of the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Plan Retirement Board; Senator Holy spoke in support, and the resolution was adopted by voice vote. Senate Resolution 8695 honored the Daffodil Festival and its Royal Court in Pierce County; Senators Gildon, Peterson, and Conway spoke in support, and it too was adopted by voice vote. During personal privilege remarks, a senator paid tribute to Paul Brainerd, founder of Aldus and a major figure in desktop publishing and philanthropy, noting his contributions to technology, nonprofit work, and environmental education. The Senate also announced a Rules Committee meeting after adjournment and then adjourned until Wednesday, February 25, 2006.

Transcript Highlights:

• So to all the teachers out there, happy National Teacher Appreciation Day, and I yield back. know our
• teachers work tirelessly to know our teachers work tirelessly to provide<04:11:58.239><c> our</c><04
• </c><04:12:03.920><c> that</c> this body can think of a teacher that this body can think of a teacher
• So to all the teachers out there, happy<04:12:35.680><c> National</c><04:12:36.080><c> Teacher</c><04
• My favorite teacher was Raela B.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When he was a public school teacher, that was the best thing to be in because it wasn't private school
• For many decades, community leaders, fathers, coaches, mentors, and faith leaders have stepped into the
• For more than two decades, he has mentored young Black men through youth athletics, coaching, and community
• inspiring us in class, but supporting his children at all of our activities as well as the youth he mentored
• Black history is built through fathers, veterans, coaches, mentors, and community leaders who invest

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When he was a public school teacher, that was the best thing to be in because it wasn't private school
• For many decades, community leaders, fathers, coaches, mentors, and faith leaders have stepped into the
• For more than two decades, he has mentored young Black men through youth athletics, coaching, and community
• inspiring us in class, but supporting his children at all of our activities as well as the youth he mentored
• Black history is built through fathers, veterans, coaches, mentors, and community leaders who invest

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for February 4, 2026 by roll call vote, 123-1. Members spent a substantial portion of the morning introducing special guests and recognizing birthdays, including visitors from Missouri Technology Corporation, educators, pediatricians, a longtime legislative photographer, and several family members and constituents. A member also delivered a lengthy personal-privilege tribute for Black History Month honoring his father’s military service, postal career, ministry, and mentorship work, and another member paid tribute to the late Donna Kramer Scott. The chamber then took up first reading of House Bills 3218, 3219, and 3220. On third reading, House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1667 and 2294 was debated as a “born alive”/abortion-related measure; supporters argued it protects infants born alive and clarifies provider duties, while opponents said the issue is already covered in statute and that the House should focus on other priorities. The bill passed 103-40. The House also considered House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1694, 1674, 1780, 2056, 2312, and 1755, a package centered on the Act Against Abusive Website Access Litigation and related accessibility/ADA litigation concerns. Supporters described it as curbing settlement-driven lawsuits and helping businesses, while opponents and some supporters emphasized the need for real accessibility improvements. That package passed unanimously, 149-0. During announcements, members highlighted an American Idol contestant from a district, an upcoming rural health care funding informational session, a property tax reform committee executive session, a St. Charles festival, an American Heart Month photo opportunity, and several committee meetings. The House was told to be prepared to consider additional bills upon return, and it adjourned until 4 p.m. Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• He mentored generations of veterans and others, including me.
• He mentored generations of veterans and others, including me.
• Betsy Marchan was my mentor. She was born a long time ago. She lived a long and amazing life.
• Betsy was a highly sought-after mentor.
• Betsy was a highly sought after mentor.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if we asked teachers, not special education teachers, but just elementary school teachers or secondary
• So if we asked teachers, not special education teachers, but just elementary school teachers or secondary
• Of those teachers, there was 112 K-12 sped teacher, 115.
• So we do have—and I know the state has had some mentoring programs for not just special education teachers
• Are they eligible for the teacher mentoring program that's sponsored by the state, which is for new teachers

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to discuss special education funding and retention, beginning with approval of the prior meeting minutes and then hearing a presentation from North Dakota United on a statewide special education survey and retention rubric. Presenters described how the rubric and survey were developed from special educator input around four domains: paperwork and due process support, workload, student and staff safety, and paraprofessional management. They reported high levels of stress and burnout, including increased workload, difficulty taking prep and lunch time, concerns about mental health, and widespread difficulty filling special education positions. Committee members questioned the survey’s lack of a general-education comparison group, the interpretation of terms like “rarely” and “sometimes,” and whether results could be broken down further by district size, unit, or disability area. The survey results showed the weakest area was workload, with respondents reporting caseloads increasing without corresponding adjustments, little additional support or compensation when workloads rise, and few negotiated-agreement protections. Paperwork and due process also scored poorly, with many teachers saying they rarely receive dedicated time during the duty day, often work outside contract hours without compensation, and take work home on evenings and weekends. Student and staff safety scored somewhat better but still showed gaps in crisis follow-up, notification about violent behavior, protective gear, and leave options after incidents. Paraprofessional management also drew concern, especially low pay, insufficient staffing, limited administrative support, and the burden placed on teachers to supervise and train paras. Several teachers then testified directly about the practical impact of these issues. One special education teacher described the job as combining instruction, legal compliance, and paraprofessional supervision, often requiring work beyond contracted hours and contributing to burnout and turnover. Another testified that special education case managers are effectively doing three full-time jobs and that the paperwork and caseload demands are a major reason people avoid or leave the field. Committee members discussed whether the problems are primarily local or state-level, whether more funding would solve them, and whether changes to the funding formula or weighting for high-cost students might be needed. No formal vote or action was taken beyond a recess and return to order for the next presentation, which continued the discussion of possible special education study objectives and potential policy directions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So she relented and allowed our independent living teacher to go to her home and work with her, but she
• And our teacher said, 'Well, how can I help you? What can we do?' And she said, 'You can't help.'
• Well, our teacher took out a prescription bottle like what I have here.
• Your presence here makes it easier for the teachers, the special ed educators, the administrators, for
• So they are a peer mentor. They provide coaching. They provide advice. They provide insight.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all