Video & Transcript : 'nonemitting generation' :
Page 36 of 500
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> have any direct impact on the general have any direct impact on the general fund,<00:08:07.120><
- </c> of three million to the general of three million to the general fund.<00:08:54.240><c> On</c><00
- </c> million to the general million to the general fund.<00:12:40.480><c> Okay.
- </c> 100,000 from the general fund in 2829. 100,000 from the general fund in 2829.
- </c> fourthg generation farmer. fourthg generation farmer.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
EDUCATION COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE Mar 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- First, beginning with general revenue.
- First, beginning with general revenue.
- First, beginning with general revenue.
- So that's the general revenue.
- So that's the general revenue.
Summary:
The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then took up an interim study proposal on adult education and the Excel Center model. Representatives from Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, the Excel Center network, and the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities testified that roughly 300,000 Arkansans over age 19 lack a high school diploma or GED, and argued that the Excel Center provides a supported diploma pathway for adults who struggle with GED testing. Witnesses highlighted wraparound services such as free child care, transportation assistance, tutoring, life coaching, and career services, and cited outcomes including high retention, growing enrollment, and research showing higher employment and earnings and lower criminal justice involvement for graduates. Committee members raised questions about the state’s role, existing adult education programs, and how the study would be structured; the motion to adopt the ISP passed, though there was some procedural disagreement about when questions should have been taken.
The committee then heard a detailed adequacy funding overview from BLR staff Katie Walden and Adrian Beck on Arkansas K-12 education finance. They reviewed national funding principles and explained Arkansas’s system, including state and local revenue sources, the Public School Fund, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, and the Facilities Partnership Program. Staff said K-12 state and local revenues totaled $6.6 billion in 2025, with foundation funding making up the largest share of district and charter funding, followed by additional, categorical, and supplemental funds. They also explained the matrix-based foundation formula, the role of the uniform rate of tax, and how categorical and supplemental funds support areas such as alternative learning, English learners, special education high-cost cases, teacher salary equalization, declining enrollment, and student growth.
Members asked several follow-up questions about how specific funding categories are defined and used, including student support staff, instructional aides, special education high-cost occurrences, ALE funding, teacher salary equalization, and the inclusion of Excel Center amounts in state-local funding totals. Staff said some of those details would be addressed in a later presentation and offered to provide additional records, including district lists and historical information. The meeting ended after the funding overview, with no additional votes or actions beyond the ISP adoption and adjournment.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- I am the general counsel for the Board of Police Commissioners.
- year of general revenue.
- year of general revenue.
- Represents the board as it relates to lawsuits, and not necessarily in the general, in the general...
- ...board as it relates to lawsuits, and not necessarily in the general, in the general counsel type
Summary:
The committee on Crime and Public Safety held public hearings on House Bill 3175 and House Bill 3066. HB 3175, called Mason’s Law, was presented by Rep. Chris Brown as a system to let the Department of Revenue, Missouri Highway Patrol, and MULES alert officers during traffic stops if a driver may have a disability or health condition affecting communication. Brown described a traffic stop involving a young man with autism and said the bill would allow a physician-verified designation tied to license plates and driver records. Testimony in support came from Mason and his mother, who said the bill could prevent dangerous misunderstandings, along with a friend, a speech-hearing association representative, and Kansas City police, who said officers already receive crisis-intervention training. No opposition testimony was offered.
HB 3066, by Rep. Brad Christ, would clarify parts of the new St. Louis City police governance structure, including responsibility for civil liabilities, budgeting, and extending the transition director’s term. Christ said the bill is meant to clean up language from last year’s police governance changes and address disputes over who pays for lawsuits arising from different time periods, while also allowing the Board of Police Commissioners more flexibility to move money within its budget. Several witnesses and members raised concerns that the bill would weaken the city’s Board of Estimate and Apportionment, reduce transparency and checks and balances, and shift financial burdens onto city taxpayers and vital city services. City representatives opposed the bill and urged waiting for a memorandum of understanding to resolve the issues locally, while supporters from the police board, the police officers association, and the Attorney General’s office said the bill would provide needed clarity and efficiency and help resolve lingering liability questions.
No votes were taken on either bill during the hearing. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced that several other House bills and a House resolution would not be executed that day and might be heard later.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Most attorney general offices around the country have a solicitor general, and the solicitor general
- Most attorney general offices around the country have a solicitor general, and the solicitor general
- </c> general and the solicitor general general and the solicitor general basically<06:09:02.600><c> is
- General Funds.
- But it's the general mix has shifted towards general funds.
Summary:
The committee heard an overview from the Agriculture Commissioner on the department’s major divisions and staffing. He described the Office of the Commissioner, Agricultural Development, Pesticides, Regulatory Services, Weights and Measures, Animal Industry, Plant Industry, and Soil Conservation, noting that many programs are federally funded or supported by dedicated fees and fines. He said the department has 44 full-time positions plus one DoIT employee shared with other agencies, and that HR services are now contracted through Administrative Services. He also explained that Soil Conservation is administratively attached to the department and funded through Moose Plate grants and county contributions, not direct state funding.
Members asked about specific program functions and issues, including weights and measures inspections, animal health, bird flu response, internships, invasive species, and the Big E/New Hampshire building. The commissioner said weights and measures covers nearly all commercial measuring devices and products sold by weight, and that inspectors are currently part-time police officers, though the department is discussing removing that requirement. He said the department is actively involved in bird flu monitoring, including regular calls with USDA and the state veterinarian and collecting milk samples from dairy farms. On invasive species, he focused on Japanese knotweed and bittersweet, saying the department has only one staff person working on the issue, mainly as a coordinator with DOT and towns, and that eradication is extremely difficult. He also said the department does not run student internships and refers inquiries to UNH Cooperative Extension.
The committee discussed budget and revenue issues, including three new general fund positions, one of which is the assistant commissioner and another a biological scientist for invasive species. The commissioner said the department had been in “triage mode,” that an assistant commissioner was needed because of workload, and that the department is a net positive to the General Fund each year. He said some fees and fines have not been updated in decades and would require legislation to change, including a proposed $5 fee for each animal database certificate to help fund a system that costs about $250,000 annually to maintain. In response to questions about budget reductions, he said the department protected personnel, reduced the cost-of-care fund, fair grants, and land preservation funding to about $25,000 each, and did not plan to buy new vehicles or computers. He also said he could not support including the $50,000 Conservation District resilience grant program in his budget under the current reduction targets, though he remained hopeful it might be funded another way.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/20/25 - Part 4
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's the Office of Inspector General.
- </c> agency and an inspector general agency. agency and an inspector general agency.
- </c> by the current uh inspector general by the current uh inspector general system<00:25:44.960><c>
- </c> current Office of Inspector General current Office of Inspector General regime<00:28:24.000><c>
- </c><00:33:35.840><c> agreed</c> 60-7 in the Senate was generally agreed 60-7 in the Senate was generally
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (01/29/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> dedicated Revenue um is generated dedicated Revenue um is generated through<00:04:08.120><c> the
- </c><00:10:30.240><c> funds</c> small small amount of General funds small small amount of General funds
- </c> state from the general state from the general funds<01:10:51.480><c> our</c><01:10:51.800><c> general
- it's primarily generated revenue is it's primarily generated revenue is primarily<03:00:37.840><c> generated
- The witness said generally yes.
Summary:
The Division 2 Finance Committee heard an overview and budget presentation from New Hampshire Fish and Game, led by new Executive Director Stephanie Simi and Business Division Chief Kathy Leonti. The agency described its mission to conserve and manage fish, wildlife, and marine resources, and emphasized growing pressures from disease, climate impacts, habitat change, and increased public demand. Simi said the department is largely funded by hunting and fishing license revenue and federal grants, is reviewing staffing and internal processes, and faces critical needs including permanent funding for environmental review staff, infrastructure and IT modernization, and possible service reductions if additional support is not found.
Members asked about specific program and policy issues, including chronic wasting disease in deer, hemorrhagic disease in rabbits and hares, moose population decline, and a proposed bait-disease bill. The department said it is actively monitoring diseases and did not see a need for the bait bill at this time. Legislators also discussed the Hike Safe program, which the department said has grown from an expected $100,000 annually to more than $300,000, and a possible boating version of that program, which the department said remains under consideration but would involve complex logistics and multiple agencies. Questions were also raised about rescue costs, out-of-state hikers, and whether boat registrations could be used as a revenue source; Fish and Game said boat registration is handled by the Department of Safety, though the department receives $5 per registered boat for the public boat access program.
The budget discussion focused on revenue projections, use of unrestricted Fish and Game funds, and dependence on federal reimbursements. Leonti said the department met the governor’s general fund target but not the Fish and Game fund target without using surplus unrestricted funds, leaving only about $100,000 in the fund by the end of the biennium. She said the budget uses more than $18 million in Fish and Game funds annually against about $14 million in unrestricted revenue, and that five of 193 full-time positions remain unfunded. The department warned that if federal grants were halted, it could cost about $5 million over five months and force the Fish and Game fund to cover the gap. Committee members also requested that future presentations be sent electronically in advance, and the department agreed to do so.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- OMEG, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General, is housed.
- Justin Brasher, Senior Assistant Attorney General, and Tammy Harrelson, Deputy Attorney General, Medicaid
- These generally stay low unless we have a big provider.
- regularly, because we have a lot of concerns about fraud in general and the inspector general has been
- doing that as well as the Attorney General.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- included in the generation component of a customer's bill.
- included in the generation component of a customer's bill.
- Just generally, and I'll defer to my witness.
- First, large electric loads can lead to more air-polluting backup generation, such as diesel generators
- Backup generation, such as diesel generators and gas turbines.
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, which would streamline approvals for portable plug-in solar devices while setting safety standards. The author and supporters argued the bill would help renters and homeowners with high electricity bills by allowing low-cost balcony solar systems to reduce monthly costs, and they emphasized that the devices would not feed power back to the grid. Supporters included environmental and consumer groups, solar advocates, and many members of the public. Opponents, including electrical workers, firefighters, utilities, and PG&E, raised concerns about shock, fire, overloading, and the need for California-specific building standards. After discussion, the author agreed to committee amendments and later to add compliance with the California Electrical Code in addition to the National Electrical Code; several opponents said that change would move them to neutral. The committee then voted to pass SB 868 out as amended to Senate Judiciary, with some members expressing support while reserving concerns about safety as the bill moves forward.
The committee then took up SB 886, dealing with data center electricity use and ratepayer protections. The author said the bill is intended to prevent large data centers from shifting grid and infrastructure costs onto other customers, citing rapid growth in data center demand and examples from other states. Supporters, including TURN and climate groups, said the bill would require data centers to pay for their own grid impacts, pre-fund long-term clean energy resources, participate in demand response, and cover related costs. Opponents from the data center industry, tech and business groups, utilities, and some energy users argued the bill was unnecessary, could duplicate CPUC processes, and could create discriminatory rate treatment or operational problems, especially around mandatory demand response and limits on backup generation. Committee staff described amendments narrowing the bill to large data centers, clarifying tariff and cost-allocation provisions, replacing a storage requirement with a long-term zero-carbon procurement mechanism, and exempting certain public and utility facilities. Members discussed the balance between affordability, reliability, and clean energy, with the bill framed as a way to protect ratepayers while allowing data center growth.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 066 Mar 21st, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- General Orders.
- General<00:47:18.840><c> Orders.</c> General Orders. General Orders.
- General orders. Mr. Majority Leader. Thank you, Mr. President.
- General third reading and final passage. General orders. orders. orders.
- c><00:50:44.240><c> reading</c><00:50:44.440><c> of</c> over general orders second reading of over general
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a 10-year general fund growth by category.
- And so there's about a $50 million shift onto the general fund.
- So this is our current general fund budget picture.
- So this is our current general fund budget picture.
- So any unobligated sales tax would end up in the general fund.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee heard an agency update from Idaho Transportation Department Director Scott Stokes, who described ITD’s mission, staffing, maintenance and construction work, and the department’s emphasis on safety, accountability, and efficiency. He highlighted major projects, emergency response work, the use of dashboards and innovation programs, and the impact of growth on highway congestion. Stokes also outlined the department’s budget priorities, including equipment replacement, maintenance for new Highway 16 facilities, and roadside tree removal, and said future project delivery will depend on available revenue.
Committee members asked about whether lane-mile growth is keeping pace with population growth, long-range planning for a north-south route in Kootenai County, the effect of a 2025 law limiting pedestrian and bicycle spending, and how anticipated budget cuts could affect ITD’s five-year project plan. Stokes said congestion is often driven by local road bottlenecks and that ITD is working with communities on long-term solutions. He said the pedestrian/bike law has had little effect on ITD’s own urban projects, and that any reduction in funding would likely slow new project bidding while existing projects continue.
The committee then received a JFAC budget discussion from Chairman Grow, Keith Bybee, and Brooke Dupree on the statewide budget picture and transportation funding. They explained that lower-than-expected revenues and possible tax conformity changes are tightening the general fund outlook, prompting a proposed additional 1% to 2% agency reduction on top of the governor’s 3% holdback. Bybee said ITD’s general fund transfer is not an operational cut but could affect projects, and he discussed structural balance, cash reserves, and the rainy day fund. Dupree reviewed transportation revenue sources and recent legislation affecting ITD, including TECM bonding, the Strategic Initiatives Program, and House Bill 25’s increased sales tax transfers. The hearing was informational only, and no votes or formal actions were taken before adjournment.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Previous to this current role, General Logan served as a deputy adjutant general under General Harod
- Logan served as a deputy agent General Logan served as a deputy agent and<00:03:55.640><c> general</
- > during</c> and general under General harod during and general under General harod during the<00:03:
- The last five years as the deputy adjutant general, 15 months of that as the acting adjutant general
- General through the COVID period.
Summary:
The committees heard advice-and-consent testimony on several gubernatorial nominations, beginning with GM 644 for Steven Logan to serve as Adjutant General of the Department of Defense through December 7, 2026. Testimony from multiple state officials and others was strongly supportive, citing Logan’s military leadership, service during the COVID-19 period, and coordination during the fireworks-related patient transfer. Logan described his 44 years of military service, 22 years with the Honolulu Police Department, and his approach of “unity of effort,” including how he would help operationalize the Office of the State Fire Marshal by coordinating with county fire chiefs, the State Fire Council, and emergency management to pursue funding and implement recommendations.
The committee then took up GM 621 and GM 623 for the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee. Shante Asuda of Hawaii Correctional Industries supported both nominees and said the board is important for evaluating private-sector joint ventures that can provide work skills for incarcerated people. Carla Kashiwa said she wanted to help improve outcomes through public-private partnerships and vocational rehabilitation opportunities for people reentering society. Lee Shinato, however, gave a less prepared presentation, offering broad ideas such as crafts, lunch wagons, and ukulele-making, and acknowledged he was not fully clear on the board’s scope or goals. Committee members expressed concern about the lack of preparation and clarity around the board’s mission, and the administrator later explained that the board’s role is to review business plans for viability, return on investment, sustainability, and whether they provide marketable skills for inmates.
The final item discussed was GM 568 for Aris Banag to serve on the Advisory Board of Veteran Services. Supporters described him as community-minded and deeply committed to veterans. Banag said he has over 30 years of service, has worked as a mental health therapist and veterans resource coordinator at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, and helped create the first veteran service center there. In response to questions about federal VA cutbacks and veterans nearing retirement, he said the board must be a strong independent voice for veterans, advocate against reductions in benefits, and help service members plan for post-military life, including disability benefits, retirement, and financial planning. No votes or final committee actions were stated in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 1/21/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:03:41.680><c> and</c><00:03:41.879><c> energy</c> generation and energy generation and energy consumption
- Each of these decisions affects the general public and the communities in which the generation is placed
- Each of these decisions affects the general public and the communities in which the generation is placed
- Each of these decisions affects the general public and the communities in which the generation is placed
- The general public and the communities in which the generation is placed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee Apr 6th, 2026
Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- And, you know, understanding that those are generated, machine-generated.
- They were all computer-generated.
- And it's an AI-generated person with perfect, flawless skin, right? And it's AI-generated.
- ...at anything that's generated right now with AI and ask myself, is that AI-generated or is that a real
- And so it might be a generational thing.
Summary:
The committee convened for its first hearing, took roll, and heard several privacy- and AI-related bills. SB 1106 by Senator Cabaldon would shorten the Delete Act data broker deletion deadline from 45 days to 30 days; it drew support from a technology and democracy group, no opposition testimony, and was moved out on a due pass to Appropriations vote. SB 923 by Senator Becker would expand the CCPA deletion right to cover all personal information held by a business and require online-only businesses to offer a web form or similar method for privacy requests; supporters included the California Privacy Protection Agency and privacy advocates, while business groups raised concerns about scope, compliance, and the email/web-form requirement. The bill passed 6-0 to Appropriations, with some members noting they were laying off or wanted further amendments.
The committee also heard SB 1142, the Digital Dignity Act, which would regulate digital replicas and deepfakes on large online platforms, including takedown and revocation procedures and penalties. Supporters said it would protect Californians from fraud, harassment, and nonconsensual synthetic likeness use; opponents, including the Motion Picture Association, CCIA, TechNet, and others, raised First Amendment, due process, Section 230, and overbreadth concerns, especially around deceased persons and the 48-hour takedown process. Members said they supported the bill but wanted further work before Judiciary, and it passed 6-0 as amended to Judiciary. The committee also adopted its rules without objection.
Later, SB 867 by Senator Padilla would impose a four-year moratorium on the sale and manufacture of AI chatbot-powered toys for children, citing research showing unsafe, sexually explicit, or privacy-invasive behavior; child advocacy and consumer groups supported it, while retailers and civil justice groups sought narrower definitions and liability protections. It passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 1247 would give child influencers, once adults, a right to request deletion or modification of images and likenesses used in monetized social media content; it drew no support testimony but was opposed by a civil justice group over the creation of a new private right of action, and it passed 7-0 to Judiciary. SB 930, the consent-calendar item, was approved 7-0.
The committee then heard SB 1114, which would restrict sharing of state-collected data related to LGBTQ Californians absent an enforceable order, with supporters arguing it would protect sensitive data from misuse by federal agencies and preserve trust in state programs. It passed 6-0 to Appropriations. SB 1159 would let local governments treat AI bots and agents differently from people for Brown Act, public records, and related civic participation laws, in response to AI-generated comment floods; supporters from environmental, local government, and nonprofit groups said it was needed to preserve human participation, while opponents argued the bill should focus on fraud rather than AI and warned about overreach. The bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1050 would require disclosures when synthetic performers are used in advertisements; labor and consumer advocates supported it as a truth-in-advertising measure, while media and industry groups objected that it was overbroad and should be narrowed to misleading ads and aligned with existing law. Members signaled support for the bill’s goal but also raised concerns about scope and consistency with current false-advertising rules.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Who prosecutes the Attorney General?
- and those individuals work for the Attorney General, how could they prosecute the Attorney General?
- general to prosecute a criminal case is is really rather...
- Which is unusual for an attorney general and is correct?
- . general request correct?
Keywords:
hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes, election law enforcement, criminal prosecution, Election Code, Government Code Chapter 402, local prosecutors, county attorney, district attorney, grand jury, probable cause reports, state election offenses, voter fraud, election integrity
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/05/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- the cost of power generation would the cost of power generation would decrease<00:22:48.880><c> without
- So we'll be using the hydrogen generated, the oxygen generated, and the waste heat to reduce energy costs
- generated the oxygen generated<00:26:16.480><c> and</c><00:26:16.600><c> the</c><00:26:16.720><c> waste
- </c> we every time uh one of those generators we every time uh one of those generators uh<01:01:38.559
- </c><01:04:27.520><c> within</c> register a series of generators within register a series of generators
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- to general revenue.
- This transfer appropriation is a reimbursement for services generated by general revenue-supported agencies
- Well, more just have a general question.
- There's no general revenue in this budget.
- There's no general revenue in this budget.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- And the joint general fund.
- </c> general fund. general fund.
- to general funds. to general funds.
- </c> million for the general fund portion. million for the general fund portion.
- </c> underwater in the general fund for 2728. underwater in the general fund for 2728.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:18:59.760><c> or</c> assuming it's revenue generating or assuming it's revenue generating or
- </c> getting if it's a revenue generating getting if it's a revenue generating property.<00:29:43.520
- If you're not familiar with the idea of a general permit, a general permit is a permit that's issued
- If you're not familiar with the idea of a general permit, a general permit is a permit that's issued
- Um, he, the person, was dressed as a law enforcement officer. general, the general counsel of the general
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Revenue Estimating Conference May 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It generates a result.
- Those are not all pure general fund, but they contribute chunks to the general fund.
- That's, I mean, that's my general...
- But speaking in general terms, it's the same story.
- But speaking in general terms, it's the same story.
Summary:
The Revenue Estimating Conference met with four members present and first approved the prior meeting minutes and recognized the FYI end-of-balance of $577,077,871 as nonrecurring revenue. The main business was revising the state revenue forecast for FY 2026, FY 2027, and the long-range outlook. The Division of Administration recommended a $113 million reduction to the FY 2026 State General Fund forecast and a $104 million reduction for FY 2027, citing weaker-than-expected individual income tax collections, softer corporate income tax receipts, and some weakness in general sales tax, partly offset by stronger motor vehicle sales tax and higher mineral-related revenues tied to oil prices. The Legislative Fiscal Office presented a somewhat different but broadly similar forecast, with modest net increases to the general fund bottom line in the current year and next year, emphasizing caution on income and corporate taxes and more optimism on sales, severance, royalties, and some other revenue streams.
A substantial portion of the discussion focused on the causes of the income tax shortfall, especially withholding and refund patterns after tax changes that lowered rates. Department of Revenue officials explained that withholding tables had been set with a cushion that may be producing larger refunds, and said changing the tables could quickly reduce overwithholding, though the effect would take time to show up. Members also discussed corporate collections, the lingering effects of the franchise tax repeal, the role of settlements and audits, and the extent to which collections are voluntary versus enforcement-driven. The Department of Revenue said corporate collections still had key filing and estimated-payment milestones ahead in May and June, and that refund and audit activity related to the former franchise tax would continue for some time.
The conference then adopted the Division of Administration’s FY 2026 forecast, the FY 2027 recurring forecast, and the long-range forecast, along with the proposed inflation rates for the Millennium Trust and parish severance allocation. Members also adopted the incentive expenditure forecast, noting that the reported amount is only the REC-reported portion and that larger tax exemption amounts come off the top before appropriations. The Treasurer reported a General Fund cash balance of about $404.1 million as of May 5, 2026, and an interfund borrowing base of about $9.18 billion, saying cash levels were similar on average to the prior year. The meeting ended with a note that another REC meeting might be needed depending on the May 16 election, and the conference adjourned without objection.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Revenue Estimating Conference May 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- No, that's General Sales Tax. I apologize. It's page four.
- Those are the giant numbers that make the general fund.
- Those are not all pure general fund, but they contribute chunks to the general fund.
- But speaking in general terms, it's the same story.
- But speaking in general terms, it's the same story.
Summary:
The Revenue Estimating Conference met with four members present and first approved the December 11, 2025 minutes. Members then recognized the FYI end-of-balance of $577,077,871 as non-recurring revenue. The main business was revising the state revenue forecast for FY 2026, with the Division of Administration recommending a reduction of about $113 million, driven primarily by weaker individual income tax collections, softer general sales tax receipts, and a substantial cut to corporate income tax forecasts. The Legislative Fiscal Office presented a somewhat different but still cautious outlook, and members discussed withholding rates, refund growth, corporate collections, and the effects of the franchise tax repeal and tax reform changes. After questions to the Department of Revenue about collections, refunds, enforcement, and settlements, the conference adopted the Division of Administration’s FY 2026 forecast.
The conference then reviewed the FY 2027 recurring forecast. The Division of Administration again recommended a reduction, this time about $104 million, citing continued caution on individual income and corporate taxes, while the Legislative Fiscal Office projected a net increase of about $127 million, largely from sales tax, severance, royalties, vehicle sales tax, and other revenue streams. Members discussed the practical budget impact of the revised forecasts, including the need to reduce spending and the difficulty of funding a possible teacher stipend if a constitutional amendment fails. The FY 2027 recurring forecast was adopted.
Members also adopted the long-range forecast, the proposed inflation rates for the Millennium Trust and parish severance allocation, and the incentive expenditure forecast. The incentive discussion noted that reported incentive costs reduce available revenue before appropriations, and members raised the possibility of reviewing or capping such incentives. The Treasurer’s Office then reported that the General Fund cash balance was $404.1 million as of May 5, 2026, and the interfund borrowing base was about $9.18 billion, with cash positions generally similar to the prior year. The meeting ended with a note that another REC meeting might be needed after the May 16 election, followed by adjournment.