Transcript Highlights:

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

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

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

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

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

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

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

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

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

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

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

Bills: HF2563

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

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

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• We do public art. We do pop-up exhibits. We do arts workshops. exhibit at Raspberry Island in St.
• Uh we do public art.<00:10:48.480><c> We</c><00:10:48.600><c> do</c><00:10:48.800><c> pop-up</c><00:10
• We're grateful for the public support we receive from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Legacy Amendment
• State support through programs like the Legacy Amendment plays a critical role in ensuring that arts,
• Because we had to cancel our arts and culture programming, our artists, makers, and culture bearers were

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Arts programs motivate children and provide them with skills that help them succeed in school.
• Every child should have the opportunity. to participate in a strong arts program.
• Arts programs improve academic performance. How?
• It happens in art, dance, music, and theater programs on a daily basis. ...Fine Arts participation is
• Funding the Fine Arts Allotment would allow more students access to quality fine arts programs.

Bills: HB2 , HB2

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• The original Council's initiatives, including the Arts and Corrections program, which invests in the
• Arts Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate not only the great leadership of the California Arts
• All right, well, in honor of the now-declared Arts, Culture, Creativity Month and the Arts Council's
• her legacy of boundless creativity and public access to the arts in his own career as a sculptor.
• It's really important to know about art as also there's people's art.

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then took up several resolutions and guest introductions, with much of the session focused on commemorations and recognitions. Senate Resolution 87, by Senator Archuleta, marked the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Archuleta and other senators spoke in support of remembrance, historical recognition, and concern for Armenians facing current threats and displacement. The resolution was adopted by a 37-0 vote, and the chamber also welcomed members of the Armenian community and other guests. The Senate also adopted SR 93 by Senator Cortese honoring Jim Plunkett’s football career and legacy as a California and Latino sports figure. Senators highlighted his Heisman Trophy, Super Bowl victories, and recent selection for the NFL Hispanic Football Hall of Fame. The resolution passed unanimously. Later, SCR 124 by Senator Wiener recognized transportation barriers faced by Californians with epilepsy and the importance of reliable transit for employment and independence; it was adopted by unanimous roll call. SCR 158 by Senator Allen declared April Arts, Culture and Creativity Month and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the California Arts Council, with remarks emphasizing the state’s arts economy and the Council’s history; it also passed unanimously. The Senate further adopted SCR 159 by Senator Alvarado-Gil designating April as California Rodeo Appreciation Month. Supporters described rodeo as part of California’s agricultural and Western heritage, noted its economic impact, and highlighted the roles of Black cowboys, women competitors, and rural communities. Each resolution was followed by introductions of related guests, including Armenian community members, Jim Plunkett and family, epilepsy advocates, arts leaders such as Luis Valdez and Cheech Marin, and rodeo representatives and titleholders. After the resolutions, the Senate handled the daily file and adopted the consent calendar 38-0. The body also approved the Senate journals for April 13-16, 2026, announced committee meetings, and acknowledged Senator Menjivar’s upcoming birthday. The Senate then recessed until its next scheduled floor session on Tuesday, April 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the 1890s and 1900s, there weren't a lot of public art galleries.
• </c><00:26:44.080><c> So,</c><00:26:44.240><c> this</c> lot of public art galleries.
• So, this lot of public art galleries.
• Thanks to recent renovations here at the Capitol, it now has a free and dedicated public art gallery
• Thanks to recent renovations here at the Capitol, it now has a free and dedicated public art gallery

Summary: This episode of Senate Spotlight focused on several nonpartisan Senate offices and programs that help lawmakers and the public understand the legislative process. It highlighted the Civility Caucus, where Republican Sen. Zach Duckworth and DFL Sen. Grant Hauschild work to build relationships across party lines, especially important in a closely divided Senate and during a bonding year that requires a two-thirds vote for infrastructure spending. Speakers emphasized that the caucus is about civility, empathy, and laying groundwork for future bipartisan work rather than guaranteeing agreement on specific bills. The program also explained how Minnesotans can track legislative activity through the Senate Journal and the fiscal review. Staff described the Journal as a public record of votes, amendments, roll calls, and other actions, useful for checking how senators voted on bills that passed or failed. The fiscal review was presented as a nonpartisan, award-winning summary of the enacted budget, with examples of how readers can find spending details by page and a discussion of plans to make the document more interactive and web-based. Viewers were also directed to the Senate website to look up senators’ contact information and to the Legislature’s bill-tracking system. Another segment covered Senate File 901, a bipartisan bill by Sen. Eric Pratt that funded an equine-assisted therapy program for first responders dealing with trauma. Testimony described how the program has helped police, firefighters, dispatchers, and correctional officers stay on the job and recover mentally, with lawmakers noting its strong support and practical benefits. The episode also featured Senate pages and interns, who described their behind-the-scenes work supporting committee meetings and learning the legislative process, and concluded with a segment on Capitol art and a new public gallery meant to inspire good government and showcase Minnesota artists.

Transcript Highlights:

• Commission on the Arts, also known as Arts Idaho, is a state agency dedicated to bringing the arts to
• will host a public exhibit of ...Sun Valley Museum of Art will host a public exhibit of functional and
• The exhibit opening is on the 17th; that is free and open to the public at the Museum of Art.
• I'm the coordinating producer for Idaho Public Television's America 250 and Idaho programs.
• I'm the coordinating producer for Idaho Public Television's America 250 and Idaho programs.

Summary: The America 250 in Idaho Advisory Council met to review progress on statewide America 250 celebrations and preparations for July 4th events. Members approved the May 11, 2026 minutes and received a financial update showing about $54,967.53 currently available to spend, roughly $474,000 in total expenditures to date, and about $17,500 left to disperse in grants. Treasurer Ellsworth reported strong fundraising and broad participation, including 1,900 volunteer ambassadors and co-branding by cities, counties, businesses, schools, and veterans groups across the state. The council heard updates on numerous commemorative activities, including Liberty Bell-related programming, the Liberty Grove tree-planting effort, the “acts of service” challenge, and local events and exhibits around Idaho. Jesse Barcroft outlined the July 4th Capitol celebration, which will combine a pancake breakfast, parade, flyover, booths, concerts, and Capitol tours, with Josh Ritter as headliner and several food vendors and community booths confirmed. Questions focused on booth participation and ensuring performers’ messaging aligns with the America 250 theme. Additional reports highlighted statewide and national partner efforts. Hannah Lori Hine described federal America 250 programs such as the “Our American Story” oral history trailer in Boise, the “America’s Block Party” listing for Idaho events, the Freedom Truck visit June 7-10, the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., and student contests including the American Heroes art contest and 1776 Presidential Award. Stephen Hatcher of the Idaho Commission on the Arts previewed Cowgirl Congress in the Wood River Valley and the Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo, both tied to traditional arts and cultural heritage. Idaho Public Television also reported on America 250 programming, including educational materials, statewide event coverage, and an upcoming hour-long special on how Idahoans are celebrating the semiquincentennial. The committee agreed to meet again on June 10 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, we are moving through this, and now we are going to the California Arts Council. program,
• , excuse me, for those that deliver the arts programming in local schools for students 0 through 25.
• And so the Keep Arts Fund supports the administration of art grant programs in schools across the state
• Specifically, we have arts and youth programming, and this goes directly towards those grants.
• So right now, there's no target deadline for when to make this program go live to the public?

Transcript Highlights:

• We also provide access to music, arts, cultural programming, and community connection.
• to Music Arts and Cultural programming<00:21:42.880><c> and</c><00:21:43.120><c> Community</c><00:21:
• Minnesota Public Radio meets the goals of the Minnesota Legacy arts and cultural heritage programming
• Legacy funding with MPR News brings arts and culture to our news programming.
• and culture uh to our news brings arts and culture uh to our programming<00:31:17.480><c> in</c><00:

Bills: HF1679 , HF1019 , HF2321 , HF1740 , HF2278

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have an evaluator with our program that evaluates all of our programs.
• We do have an evaluator with our program that evaluates all of our programs.
• We do have an evaluator with our program that evaluates all of our programs.
• art.
• It amends an existing program for administration of the Autism Waiver Program.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Kamaka, and I am the art and public places program director for the State Foundation on Culture
• and the Arts, as well as the museum director for Capital Modern, Boy State Art Museum.
• </c> uh Pacific Island culture and the arts. uh Pacific Island culture and the arts.
• </c><00:05:01.759><c> and</c> the 13th festival of Pacific Arts and the 13th festival of Pacific Arts
• </c> parking zone pilot program. parking zone pilot program.

Summary: The committee heard and then voted on several concurrent resolutions. HCR 71, asking the Coalina Golf Club to work with the Department of Transportation to prevent golf balls from reaching Fington Highway, drew no opposition in testimony; a member thanked the golf club for cooperating after a constituent’s windshield was struck, and the measure was passed unamended. HCR 19 HD1, supporting Taiwan’s international participation and a U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement, received only DBED testimony in support and was passed with technical amendments. HCR 163, urging the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to establish an annual Pacific Island culture and arts festival, was supported by DBEDT and the foundation itself, which said it would welcome such a festival subject to funding and staff resources; it was passed unamended. In the later joint session, HCR 70 on accelerating sustainable aviation fuels received support from the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, while DOT said it is already working on clean fuels through its greenhouse-gas reduction efforts and that the resolution would mainly require a more targeted progress report; the measure passed, with one no vote in the joint committee vote. HCR 123, on a restricted parking zone pilot program in West Oahu neighborhoods, had no oral testimony and was passed with technical amendments. HCR 57, on a traffic mitigation and calming study in Waipahu, also had no testimony and was passed unamended. HCR 112, urging Honolulu to adopt a pedestrian-first policy, drew broad support from public health, planning, bicycling, and student witnesses, though one testifier urged coordination with existing county plans; it passed unamended. HCR 177, encouraging a summer streets pilot program, also passed unamended. For HCR 203, urging Maui County to prioritize planning for the Kihei North-South Collector Road, the chairs proposed technical amendments to correct the responsible agency from the Planning Department to the Public Works Department, and the measure passed with those amendments. Across the meetings, the committee repeatedly noted when there were no further questions or testimony, and each resolution was adopted by the committee after the stated recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that programming is supported by the funds that are donated through the Keep Arts in School, on.
• And so the Keep Arts Fund supports the administration of art grant programs in schools across the state
• Specifically, we have arts and youth programming, and this goes directly towards those grants.
• The civic media program is a public-private partnership designed to support the work of California's
• So right now, there's no target deadline from when to make this program go live to the public?

Summary: The committee opened with the State Controller’s Office May Revision requests, including funding for Fiscal book-of-record stabilization, a Broadcom IDMS licensing adjustment, the California State Payroll System, ACFR reporting automation, and $3 million for unclaimed property outreach. Testimony emphasized progress on Fiscal becoming the state’s accounting book of record in July, faster ACFR publication, and the move to electronic unclaimed property claims. Members asked about the size of the unclaimed property fund and how quickly money is transferred to the General Fund; the Controller’s office said about $15 billion is held, with most excess transferred regularly, and the LAO noted the fund is the General Fund’s fourth-largest revenue source. No concerns were raised by Finance or the LAO, and the item was closed after no public comment. The committee then heard the administration’s proposal to tax prewritten digital software and software-as-a-service, with Finance saying it would modernize sales tax treatment and raise an estimated $450 million General Fund and $560 million local revenue in 2026-27. The LAO supported modernizing the tax but suggested broader digital goods coverage and a business-use exemption; industry and taxpayer groups opposed the proposal, warning of higher costs for consumers and businesses. Members also heard CDTFA’s administrative request tied to the proposal, plus a separate CDTFA budget reduction reflecting lower operational needs; that reduction was presented as a savings item and drew positive reactions. Next, the committee considered federal conformity for “Trump accounts,” which would align California tax treatment with federal rules for tax-deferred children’s accounts and avoid tracking burdens for families. The LAO recommended approval, and the item drew no opposition. The committee also heard a proposal to cut the first-year $800 annual business tax to $400 for LLCs, LPs, and LLPs; Finance argued it would lower startup costs and encourage new business formation, while the LAO said the benefit was not well targeted and could subsidize entities that would form anyway. Members discussed the policy tradeoff, and public commenters split between support for small business relief and concern about revenue loss. The final major revenue item was a permanent business tax credit limitation, capping credits at the greater of $5 million per corporation or 50% of pre-credit liability, while excluding the low-income housing tax credit and personal income tax credits. Finance said it would raise significant revenue from large profitable corporations, and the LAO said it was a reasonable option but noted it would mainly affect the R&D credit and could have future implications for programs like California Competes. Public testimony was sharply divided, with business groups opposing the cap and anti-poverty advocates supporting it as a way to recapture revenue. The committee also heard FTB’s CalFile realignment request, which would return most of the direct-file-related resources to the General Fund while retaining a smaller staff to improve CalFile, and the California Arts Council’s request to reauthorize the Keep Arts in Schools voluntary contribution fund, which members and advocates supported despite relatively modest annual donations. The hearing continued with GoBiz proposals on civic media funding, CA RISE reappropriation, and a semiconductor facility reversion, with the LAO supporting the latter two and members raising questions about the civic media program’s scope, outreach, and inclusion of broadcast and ethnic media.

Transcript Highlights:

• Preparedness Commission's Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant Program. the public safety offices
• So we have Arts grants that target work in public schools, grants that target work in hospitals, senior
• They are as small as $75. public library to bring in a storyteller for their summer reading program.
• Increasing the state's investment in the arts. These grant programs is just that.
• This grant is a one-to-one match which allowed us to hire Jay to create a public piece of art fostering

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Transcript Highlights:

• CalVet has a home loan program.
• The manufacturing program was placed within the Department of Public Health, where it could draw on expertise
• programs.
• arts and culture and creative expression as the statewide funder solely dedicated to supporting arts
• And as a state agency, we support local arts infrastructure, programming, statewide through grants, programs

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration held an informational hearing on budget issues for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and the California Arts Council. The chair noted there would be no votes. CalVet gave an overview of its programs serving veterans and families, including transition assistance, county veterans service officers, education approvals, housing and homelessness programs, home loans, long-term care homes, and state veterans cemeteries. Members asked about future long-term care needs for aging veterans, staffing and recruitment challenges at veterans homes, and the Yountville steam infrastructure replacement project, for which CalVet sought a $38.8 million reappropriation and said federal reimbursement was expected. CalVet also discussed the role of county veterans service officers in helping veterans file claims and avoid predatory unaccredited representatives. The Department of Cannabis Control described its regulatory role from seed to sale and requested one position to implement SB 1064’s combined activities license. Members and public witnesses focused heavily on the illicit cannabis market, enforcement staffing, and the impact of taxes and fees on the legal market. DCC said it had roughly 87 enforcement positions with about a 15% vacancy rate and more than 200 compliance staff. Its economist presented the 2024 cannabis market report, which found licensed production and retail quantity were up, but retail value and prices were down, with an estimated 11.4 million pounds of illicit production and about 60% of California consumption still coming from the illicit market. Industry witnesses argued the legal market is in crisis, urged repeal of the scheduled excise tax increase, stronger enforcement against illicit cannabis and hemp-derived intoxicants, and expanded retail access. The Department of Consumer Affairs briefly presented nine budget proposals, including a $2.6 million ongoing request to maintain a business modernization system for several boards and bureaus. The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls described its work on economic and educational equity, health care, violence prevention, student rights, and archival and outreach projects, and said its budget request would convert limited-term positions to permanent. A member urged the commission to narrow its priorities toward current issues such as affordability, child care, and women’s health. The California Arts Council outlined its role as the state’s only statewide arts funder and requested restoration of $5 million in local assistance; supporters testified that the funding would leverage additional local investment and help sustain arts access, especially in rural communities. The hearing ended after the non-presentation items were noted and no further public comment was offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are the only a non-profit children's performing arts program in Lincoln, exposing children to the
• Yeah, while you're in town, so you can see, hear, and feel the impact of our programs and why the arts
• Fire protection, public safety, homelessness programs.
• . program also.
• We'll open up to the public Oh, I was waiting for the public.