Video & Transcript : 'JROTC programs' :
Page 362 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes the human services finance bill, HF2434 5/5/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
February 2026 State Budget and Economic Forecast Presentation - 2/27/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They don't automatically flow to state programs unless the program has a specific statutory formula that
- They don't automatically flow to state programs unless the program has a specific statutory formula that
- </c> federal funds supporting this program. federal funds supporting this program.
- c> integrity</c> conformity to program integrity conformity to program integrity requirements<01:09:40.000
- Obviously, you heard earlier that Governor Walz said, you know, the programs just cutting programs maybe
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Kentucky Housing Task Force 2025 (9-22-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:02:43.440><c> that</c> one of the um uh model programs that one of the um uh model programs that
- This is not a mandatory program.
- The purpose is as this program out.
- great great program. Um just wanted a great great program.
- </c> >> Just to be clear, none of this program >> Just to be clear, none of this program
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:03
Roll Call 00:00:08
Discussion of Indiana Residential Infrastructure Fund 00:01:27
Discussion of Affordable Housing Trust Fund 00:33:30
Discussion of Urban Infill 01:12:37
Approval of Minutes from July Meeting 01:39:00
Adjournment 01:39:42, 958, all
Summary:
The Housing Task Force heard a presentation from Anita Sanford of the Homebuilders Association of Kentucky and Sheri Cybert of Indiana’s Residential Infrastructure Fund about Indiana’s low-interest loan program for local housing infrastructure. They described the program as a voluntary, locally driven model that helps communities finance roads, sewers, sidewalks, traffic lights, turning lanes, and other infrastructure needed for new housing development. Sanford emphasized that infrastructure and regulation are major drivers of housing costs, citing estimates that infrastructure can account for up to 30% of a home’s cost and regulations another 25%, and said the association is studying Kentucky-specific regulatory costs. She also noted that every $1,000 added to new home construction can price out about 2,000 Kentucky households.
Cybert explained that Indiana’s program, administered through the Indiana Finance Authority, began in 2023 with $75 million appropriated over two years and has since closed 17 loans totaling $60.7 million, with more than 2,700 projected housing units. The program reserves 70% of funds for rural communities and 30% for urban communities, requires applications from local governments rather than developers, and asks communities to show need through a market study, describe the infrastructure and housing to be built, and provide preliminary engineering plans and a repayment source. She said the loans currently carry an interest rate around 3.5%, reset quarterly, and that the program has generated about $25 million in savings to communities compared with private borrowing. She also described recent Indiana legislative changes that encourage higher density and other zoning reforms, and said a majority of those local ordinance changes must be adopted for an application to be fundable.
Members asked about the ordinance requirements, the funding split between rural and urban areas, repayment mechanisms, and whether there were caps on project size. Cybert said repayment is worked out case by case, often through existing or project-specific TIFs, temporary tax agreements, or letters of credit, and that the program has no cap on request size or income/affordability restrictions. She said the largest request funded was $19 million for a 700-unit project. Co-chair Mills and others discussed whether Kentucky could adopt a similar model and what it would cost, while Sanford and Cybert said they were still refining budget estimates. Later, Scott Welch, president of the Homebuilders Association of Kentucky, testified that upfront infrastructure costs are a major barrier in his projects, citing a $1 million pump station and road-widening and utility relocation costs as examples, and said an infrastructure fund would help get projects off the ground.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/11/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- SF 690 sunsets the current successful program and replaces it with the producer responsibility program
- </c><01:03:39.440><c> in</c> their ideas for collection programs in their ideas for collection programs
- </c><01:04:13.119><c> if</c> continue to um administer the program if continue to um administer the program
- Unfortunately, those programs are not working.
- </c> items have to have a collection program items have to have a collection program or<01:27:47.639>
Committee:
Senate State and Local Government
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (01/28/2025)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- and specifically our alteration of terrain permitting program and our wetlands permitting program.
- </c> authority to issue within each program authority to issue within each program and<01:37:15.080><
- program and our Wetlands<01:39:38.520><c> permitting</c><01:39:39.080><c> program</c><01:39:40.080><
- <01:49:49.760><c> at</c> program at program at Dees<01:49:51.599><c> if</c><01:49:51.719><c> you</c><
- </c> will get there or some pilot program will get there or some pilot program will<01:56:09.000><c>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Under current law, treatment programs and facilities receiving public funds and narcotic treatment programs
- , except for the previously mentioned narcotic treatment programs.
- We heard from the departments about the distressed hospital loan program.
- innovation, and quality improvement in the Medi-Cal program.
- hardworking Californians who are on programs today and our taxpayers as well.
Summary:
The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health-related bills, with most items presented for later vote once quorum was reached. Early in the hearing, the committee adopted a consent calendar of multiple bills with motions for due pass to Appropriations, and it noted that AB 2029 had been pulled from the agenda. The committee also took up AB 1973, a bill by Aguiar-Curry to expand who may provide procedural abortion care. Supporters, including physicians and certified nurse midwives, argued the bill would align law with current training and improve access, while opponents said later-term abortion procedures require physician-level surgical training and raised safety concerns. The author emphasized hands-on training, consultation, and transfer protocols, and the bill was held pending quorum with a motion and second recorded.
The committee then heard AB 1558 by Arambula, which would adopt the Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners Act to speed the use of out-of-state licensed volunteers during declared disasters. Supporters from the Uniform Law Commission and the Red Cross said the bill would reduce delays and clarify legal authority for volunteer health workers; there was no opposition testimony. AB 2282 by Alanis, a temporary rural emergency stabilization center for Patterson while a permanent hospital is built, drew support from local emergency responders and a late opposition from the California chapter of ACEP. The chair praised the bill as a creative local solution and agreed to coauthor it; a motion and second were recorded, with the vote to occur later.
Several public health access bills followed. AB 1843 by El-Hawari would limit prior authorization and align hepatitis C treatment coverage with medical guidelines; supporters said it would remove barriers to a curable disease, while health plans opposed it as a mandate, citing premium impacts and the recent SB 306 prior-authorization process. AB 2247 by El-Hawari would create the THRIVE program for mental health services for youth affected by gun violence; Youth Alive and other supporters described trauma-informed, community-based care, and the chair and another member asked to be added as coauthors. AB 2138 by Krell would expand access to certified peer support specialists in enhanced care management and remove automatic disqualifications based solely on criminal history; supporters said peers are essential to engagement and recovery, and the bill was held with a motion and second.
Later, AB 1682 by Hart would require coverage of scalp cooling for chemotherapy patients, with emotional testimony from cancer survivors and clinicians; insurers opposed it as another mandate, but the author stressed the modest per-member cost and the bill was moved with a motion and second. AB 1879 by Dixon would standardize data reporting for alcohol and drug treatment facilities, including private providers, to improve statewide information on outcomes and access; the bill drew broad support from recovery organizations and the prior opposition was withdrawn after amendments. AB 1906 by Aguiar-Curry would require coverage of at-home cervical cancer screening kits without cost sharing; supporters cited improved access for rural and working Californians, insurers opposed it on affordability grounds, and the bill passed on a recorded roll call after quorum was established. Finally, AB 1556 by Haney would clarify and support drug-free recovery housing and return-to-use policies; supporters said it would expand sober housing options, while opponents warned it could allow evictions after relapse and conflict with Housing First principles. The hearing ended with the bill still under discussion and opposition-unless-amended concerns noted.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency Mar 25th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- And then the family mediation program, the same thing.
- your programs that maybe aren't performing.
- or an expanded program.
- or an expansion of a program, Any agency that brings forward a new program or an expansion of a program
- And if it's a pilot program, what's the cost to fully implement it, not just to implement the pilot program
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 1, February 9, 2026
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c><00:19:38.880><c> sponsor</c> reinlistment bonus program, sponsor reinlistment bonus program, sponsor
- </c> literacy program sponsor education. literacy program sponsor education.
- Senate file 60, K12 school program.
- </c><01:46:36.560><c> Um</c> to be a part of the program. Um to be a part of the program.
- program, and continue administration of the state energy performance program.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Planning Advisory Board (6-11-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- The program provides funding to projects that are not eligible for the federally assisted programs and
- The program provides funding to projects that are not eligible for the federally assisted programs and
- The program provides funding to projects that are not eligible for the federally assisted programs and
- The program provides funding to projects that are not eligible for the federally assisted programs and
- </c> eligible expense under the loan program. eligible expense under the loan program.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:09
Approval of Minutes 00:01:10
Welcome New Members 00:01:26
Information Items 00:01:49
COT Special Report 00:02:38
Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:07:41
A. Department of Military Affairs 00:08:07
B. Department of Veterans’ Affairs 00:20:34
C. Kentucky Infrastructure Authority 00:25:54
D. Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet 00:35:05
E. Transportation Cabinet 00:55:53, 958, all
Summary:
The Capital Planning Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the May 21 minutes, and welcomed a new executive branch member, Secretary Keith Jackson of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The board also received two informational items: agency responses to prior questions and amendments made to capital plans after the last meeting. It then heard the Commonwealth Office of Technology’s report on executive branch IT capital project scoring, which reviewed 16 IT requests totaling about $330.5 million. COOT said projects were ranked through an independent panel using standardized criteria focused on feasibility, statewide alignment, readiness, impact, and risk; the CIO recommended moving an enterprise application and artificial intelligence inventory system from rank 11 to rank 4 because of its enterprise-wide impact and connection to Senate Bill 4.
The Department of Military Affairs presented its capital plan, describing 43 million in projects for the current period and 13 projects totaling $65 million for 2026–2028, with most funding coming from federal sources and restricted agency funds and no general fund request in the latter period. Its projects included maintenance pool adjustments, a statewide Army master plan, the Somerset readiness center, Shelbyville and Ashland armories, a future home for the Kentucky Army National Guard band, and other facility upgrades. Members asked about the Somerset project’s cost growth and federal delay; the department said the project remains in conceptual design, is awaiting federal MILCON action, and would require a state match of about $9.8 million against $29.6 million federal funding if it is approved. Members also asked about staffing levels, and the department said state employee and Title 32 numbers have been relatively steady, while technician positions have declined.
The Department of Veterans Affairs outlined seven projects for 2026–2028, led by a Radcliff Veterans Center HVAC replacement that needs an estimated additional $16 million to finish phase two after phase one was already funded. Other requests included a maintenance pool increase, renovations and exterior upgrades at Eastern and Western Kentucky veterans facilities, a cooling tower replacement at Thompson Hood, and parking lot and lighting improvements. The department said some projects were already in the six-year plan and that the Radcliff phase two could be bid in June 2026 if funded. Members confirmed that a columbarium wall project at Grayson is federally funded.
The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented its six-year capital plan, citing more than $3 billion in loan commitments since 1988 and over $5 billion in supported infrastructure projects. KIA requested $298.439 million in the first biennium, including $27.742 million in state match for federal clean water and drinking water revolving funds, $25 million for its state Infrastructure Revolving Fund, $185.697 million in federal capitalization grants, and $30 million in leverage bond authorization for each year of the two federally assisted loan programs. Members asked about drinking-water quality, and KIA said that function is handled by the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Water, not KIA. KIA also said its loan rates currently range from 0.5% to 2.25%, averaging just under 1%, and that its revolving loan programs have had no defaults. The Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet began its presentation at the end of the transcript, with staff identifying themselves, but no project details or board action from that presentation were included in the excerpt.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1072 establishes the expedited DNA testing grant program within FDLE.
- The program will provide dedicated funding for sheriff's offices and municipalities.
- I surrendered my addiction to the program of recovery. I know that this program works.
- And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming. Please read the next bill.
- And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming. Please read the next bill.
Summary:
The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and others. Senators also observed a moment of silence for Pope Francis. After routine announcements, the chamber moved to the special order calendar and took up a long series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills before final passage.
Among the measures approved were bills creating an expedited DNA testing grant program for local law enforcement, adding aggravating factors in capital cases involving gatherings for religious, school, or government activities, requiring state health coverage for fertility preservation services for cancer patients, authorizing indemnification for commuter rail providers, prohibiting abandonment of migrant vessels in Florida waters, and creating new specialty license plates. The Senate also passed bills on Alzheimer’s awareness, relocating the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University, charter schools, sex offender registration, utility worker protections, juvenile justice, student mental health reporting, foster home licensure transfers, water access facilities, Florida Virtual School, school readiness, sexual images involving children, tampering with electronic monitoring devices, certified recovery residences, the FSU Election Law Center, the Office of Faith and Community, and bonuses for county property appraiser employees. Several other bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, officers injured in the line of duty, school social workers, and Brownfields.
Debate was especially extensive on the Office of Faith and Community bill, where an amendment to bar political activity by office staff was offered but failed 13-23 after arguments over election-related communications and the scope of existing law. The certified recovery residences bill also drew notable debate, with supporters emphasizing housing as essential to recovery and opponents raising concerns about implementation and local control. Most other bills passed with little or no opposition, though a few drew dissenting votes, including the capital aggravating factors bill, charter schools, and the Office of Faith and Community measure.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- But with the program relying on these fees, the fees are the resource in which these programs... are
- To do this, though, we have to have a healthy program.
- So this offers us, the pre-trial diversion programs, offer us... us a program, a way to kind of fill
- It's a program fee, and it's for the administration of the program. ETI people. Yes, ma'am.
- To this program.
Bills:
HB 1194 , HB 1221 , HB1738 , HB1913 , HB2177 , HB2178 , HB2180 , HB2229 , HB2282 , HB2448 , HB2492 , HB2777 , HB2984 , HB3357 , HB3553 , HB3602
Committee:
House Criminal Jurisprudence
Keywords:
emergency protection order, protective order, magistrate, criminal procedure, victim safety, family violence, domestic violence, stalking, assault, magistrate's order, temporary protection, court order duration, defendant restrictions, Article 17.292, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, emergency restraining order, victim protection, firearm restriction, pretrial intervention, reimbursement fee
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
TCA-EIG, TCA, TCA DEFER Public Hearings 02-11-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Summer Streets, the pilot program that is proposed here, we have given examples of other programs that
- Summer Streets, the pilot program that is proposed here, we have given examples of other programs that
- Summer Streets, the pilot program that is proposed here, we have given examples of other programs that
- Summer Streets, the pilot program that is proposed here, we have given examples of other programs that
- Chair, thank you. the program um the award selection the program um the award selection committee<00:
Summary:
The joint committees heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1480 on transportation and road usage charging. Supporters included the Department of Transportation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, county representatives, and the Tax Foundation, while an automotive industry witness opposed the bill, arguing it would be unfair to rural drivers and those with longer commutes. Committee discussion focused on equity, rural impacts, and whether the measure should be tied to future rail funding. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1480 pass with amendments, including broadening allowable uses of funds, clarifying language on infrastructure and safety, addressing motor scooters, and striking a proposed new subaccount; the recommendation was adopted by both committees, with one no vote in TCA.
For SB 970 on taxation, the Tax Foundation said the employer transit tax credit would be more efficient as a direct subsidy program, and the Department of Taxation recommended several changes, including a sunset date of December 31, 2030, anti-double-benefit language, deletion of certain reporting requirements, and an effective date of December 31, 2025. The department estimated the bill would reduce revenues by about $11.6 million over the four-year period it would be in effect. The committees moved SB 970 forward with amendments to include bike share in the credit and add a defective date, leaving the department’s suggested changes for later consideration; the recommendation was adopted.
The committees also advanced SB 1008 on parking and SB 1088 on electric vehicle charging infrastructure without amendments. DCAB strongly supported SB 1008, saying it would help counties enforce accessible parking design requirements, and noted a related bill without the EV portion. SB 1088 drew broad support from the Public Utilities Commission, State Energy Office, county and advocacy groups, and individuals; one question raised whether the bill should sunset, but the response was that Hawaii still lacks sufficient EV charging infrastructure and the measure expands eligibility for affordable housing. Both bills were recommended to pass unamended and the recommendations were adopted.
The Transportation and Culture and Arts committee then heard SB 1011 on the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program, with testimony in strong support from individuals and the State Archivist, who suggested preserving award recipients’ archives, photos, oral histories, and clippings. The committee also heard SB 441 on the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, with support from the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaii Theatre Center, musicians, and others emphasizing cultural value, workforce stability, and statewide access to the arts. The transcript then moved to SB 1581 on the Hawaii Japan Pacific Peace Monument and SB 1577 relating to the State Foundation on the Arts; on SB 1577, the Attorney General warned that using the Works of Special Art Fund for operating purposes could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of related bonds and recommended deleting section five, while also pointing to the Performing Arts Special Fund as an alternative.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> local elections through a pilot program local elections through a pilot program with<00:26:53.880
- or to move the pilot the pilot program or to move the pilot program<00:27:40.159><c> into</c><00:27:
- </c><00:29:45.480><c> of</c> cost involved with the programming of cost involved with the programming
- Moving this successful pilot program to a permanent program through this legislation will benefit the
- </c><01:02:36.520><c> through</c> program to a permanent program through program to a permanent program
Committee:
House Election Law
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill proposes to establish an Oklahoma education infrastructure linked deposit program, making it
- There is already a series of These linked programs in existence in state governments, some of them serve
- These linked programs are for small businesses.
- So if they otherwise met the parameters of the loan program, yes, and an institution wanted to lend to
- I could run an afterschool program and say I'm a nonprofit educational entity.
Committee:
Senate Revenue and Taxation
Keywords:
education funding, linked deposits, education infrastructure, charter schools, nonprofit organizations, Oklahoma Education Infrastructure Program, HB1242, cervidae, deer, elk, sales tax exemption, agricultural exemption, livestock, ranching, farm tax, agricultural sales tax, Oklahoma Tax Commission, agriculture, producer sales, private treaty
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Education Oversight REVISED: SB2045 - Added Apr 13th, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Education Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- It simply places the program into statute to continue it into the future. It was created in 1992.
- How many students currently are enrolled in programs over the age of 21? More than one.
- Are enrolled in programs over the age of 21? More than one, less than 10,000. Thank you.
- Limiting it to the original intent of the program, which is high school students.
- as our mentor teacher programs or something similar to that.
Bills:
SB710 , SB843 , SB1317 , SB1338 , SB1410 , SB1477 , SB1489 , SB1593 , SB1614 , SB1630 , SB1632 , SB1633 , SB1670 , SB1726 , SB1734 , SB1725 , SB1735 , SB1894 , SB1975 , SB346 , SB2045
Committee:
House Education Oversight
Keywords:
teacher preparation, teacher education, teacher shortage, teacher workforce, educator pipeline, alternative certification, apprenticeship, residency program, paraprofessional pathway, high school to teacher pathway, nontraditional teacher candidates, Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability, TeachForwardOK, higher education, public school districts, workforce development, grant program, technical assistance provider, mastery-based assessment, emergency clause
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 13th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So they offer Over 200 of them, so they offer distinctive athletic and educational programs, striving
- At Jesuit High School and their incredible running program, these talented young men are here today.
- These four delegates are from the Youth Senate and Youth Assembly leadership for the program.
- The program is in its 78th year. Thank you.
- Welcome to our YMCA Youth and Government Program delegates.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a roll call showing a quorum present, followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The floor then moved to privileges of the floor, where members welcomed Jesuit High School’s 2025 CIF Division 2 boys cross-country champions, highlighting the team’s 11th state title, strong academic records, and college commitments, and also recognized YMCA Youth and Government delegates visiting the Capitol, including several student leaders from across California.
The chamber then took up the special consent calendar, which included Senate Resolution 73 and Assembly Concurrent Resolutions 71, 115, and 117. The consent calendar was approved by roll call, with 38 ayes and no noes on the file item and the remaining items approved as well.
The remainder of the session consisted of adjournment-in-memory tributes. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas honored Superintendent Pastor Lawrence Champion Blake, Sr. of West Angeles Church of God in Christ; Senator Cortese remembered Joseph Anthony D. Maria, a longtime San Jose community leader and businessman; and Senator Blakespear honored Major Tyler R. Bracone, a U.S. Marine Corps aviator who died in a training crash at Camp Pendleton. The Senate then announced its next floor session and recessed.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-01-09 - 11:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- J.R. 6, joint resolution authorizing the Green Mountain Boy State Education Program to use the State
- We have S. 226, an act relating to the creation of Vermont Sister State Program, introduced by Senators
- </c> Mountain Boy State Educational Program Mountain Boy State Educational Program to<00:06:01.199><c
- S. 23, an act relating to establishing a special education family advocacy pilot program.
- Now you've heard the first program.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight May 20th, 2025
Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- regulation and licensing department, uh, progress of the nicotine use Prevention and Control, um, Program
- Justice settlement, preparation of recommendations to the Legislative Finance Committee, um, for program
- funding levels based on the committee's program evaluation process.
- I think that situation is common to almost every program that we administer in this state, including
- Um, and the, and we have a new, um, New PAC, the nicotine Use Prevention Control Program, um, a new,
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House State Government Committee May 7th, 2025
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- that partnered with our public schools. ...program that partnered with our public school system.
- We believe a release time for religious instruction program would bridge that gap.
- We in Slair County actually worked with a church in our county to adopt a program respectfully.
- They're able to review the program and ensure its alignment with their standards.
- are constitutional. in 1952 that religious release programs are constitutional.
Committee:
House State Government
Keywords:
education, national anthem, patriotism, school policy, constitutional amendment, SB278, released time, religious instruction, elective credit, public schools, K-12 education, Alabama Released Time Credit Act, church-state separation, First Amendment, school choice, parental consent, elective course, off-campus instruction, private religious entity, State Board of Education
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I am the director at the Arc of Greater Beaumont, where we have a lot of programs for adults and kids
- I am the director at the Arc of Greater Beaumont, where we have a lot of programs for adults and kids
- She also has the opportunity to participate in a unified sports program.
- She also has the opportunity to participate in a unified sports program with her typical peers, which
- I am Rachel Hull, and I am the special and federal programs director for Florence ISD.
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.