Transcript Highlights:

• </c> sustained personal and economic sustained personal and economic benefits<00:09:21.519><c> and</c
• Public investments in early care and education are economic development, and they are economic development
• Public investments in early care and education are economic development, and they are economic development
• Public investments in early care and education are economic development, and they are economic development
• </c><00:19:24.080><c> Development</c> institutions Economic Development institutions Economic Development

Bills: HF2582, HF2266, HF2518, HF2039, HF1941

Keywords: child care, grants, appropriation, workforce development, families, YWCA Minneapolis, job training, child development, economic assistance, WomenVenture, economic development, entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs, business training, financial support, youth programs, funding, employment, Minnesota, American Indian

Bills: SB334

Keywords: SB334, Lauderdale County, Florence, Shoals Economic Development Fund, sales tax, use tax, local tax, economic development, county commission, municipal revenue, tax proceeds, special revenue fund, Colbert County, local legislation, Alabama Code 45-39-245.47, 923, senate, all

Bills: HB 112, HB 199, HB 621, HB 1349, HB 2214, HB 3466, HB 3698, HB 3699, HCR 9

Keywords: science park district, economic development, technology innovation, higher education collaboration, infrastructure development, Texas Economic Development Office, workforce development, unemployment benefits, state average unemployment rate, benefit year, economic support, Texas Workforce Commission, property owners' association, free speech, assembly rights, government officials, political candidates, floodplain, landlord, tenant

Bills: HB 112, HB 199, HB 621, HB 1349, HB 2214, HB 3466, HB 3698, HB 3699, HCR 9

Keywords: science park district, economic development, technology innovation, higher education collaboration, infrastructure development, Texas Economic Development Office, workforce development, unemployment benefits, state average unemployment rate, benefit year, economic support, Texas Workforce Commission, property owners' association, free speech, assembly rights, government officials, political candidates, floodplain, landlord, tenant

Transcript Highlights:

• This concurrent resolution calls for greater intergovernmental cooperation among federal, state, and
• While we now have a faithful federal partner determined to enhance border security, state-level cooperation
• Direct communication and cooperation between the state and individual Mexican states could also streamline
• execute border protection agreements with Mexico and its individual states to improve border security cooperation

Bills: HCR98, HB180

Keywords: counter-unmanned aircraft systems, C-UAS, counter-drone, drone mitigation, unmanned aircraft systems, UAS, border security, U.S.-Mexico border, aviation safety, airspace regulation, federal preemption, Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Department of Energy, FBI, state-local coordination, tribal and territorial partners, border patrol, cartels

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security met with a quorum present and first took up HCR 98, a resolution urging Congress to improve coordination among federal, state, and local authorities on counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) technology for border security. The author and sponsor described increasing drone activity along the border, saying unauthorized drones are used to track agents, identify weaknesses, and smuggle contraband, and argued for clearer procedures to detect, identify, and neutralize such aircraft. There was no public testimony, and the committee voted 4-0 to report HCR 98 favorably to the full Senate; the resolution was also ordered for local and uncontested calendar placement without objection. The committee then heard HB 180, sponsored by Chairman Birdwell, which would authorize the governor to coordinate directly with Mexican officials and individual Mexican states on border security agreements and appoint representatives to implement them. Birdwell said the bill would codify prior border-security cooperation efforts, improve responses to cross-border challenges such as drug and human trafficking, and include a finding that entrants from foreign countries must use a legal port of entry. No questions were asked, and there was no invited or public testimony. After the hearing, the committee left HB 180 pending. The meeting concluded with no further business and the committee standing in recess subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• that honed his expertise in issues such as... that honed his expertise in issues such as business, economic
• Senator Reed's legislative accomplishments are many, with a keen eye for business and a passion for economic
• growth, Senator Reed was instrumental to the passage of many major economic packages to create jobs
• Administration as the Senior Adviser to Workforce Transformation, where he will continue his work fostering economic

Bills: SB 2, SJR 36, SB 2, SR 19, SR 27, SR 30, SR 32, SCR 11

Keywords: Houston East End, Chamber of Commerce, East End Day, economic development, community involvement, scholarships, business events, McAllen, celebration, community pride, cultural events, economic growth, McAllen Day, community recognition, South Texas, local pride, Wise County Day, Texas Senate, Wise County, state recognition

Transcript Highlights:

• Economic strength, McAllen, is probably the... better fit and a better place sitting in terms of economic
• Pablo Tagli, Chairman of the Board of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation.
• of the most decorated rodeo champions in history, including Trevor Brazile. and the legendary Roy Cooper
• Beyond its economic contributions, Wise County offers and recreational treasures, from the iconic Wise
• in nationwide economic.

Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SR19, SR27, SR30, SR32, SCR11

Keywords: Houston East End, Chamber of Commerce, East End Day, economic development, community involvement, scholarships, business events, McAllen, celebration, community pride, cultural events, economic growth, McAllen Day, community recognition, South Texas, local pride, Wise County Day, Texas Senate, Wise County, state recognition

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome, everyone, to the Tuesday, February 3rd meeting of the House Technology, Economic Development
• When funding is provided under the community reinvestment account for the economic development criteria
• Welcome back, welcome, welcome, welcome back, everyone, to the Technology, Economic Development, and
• But I've read that people, particularly from the Middle East and Asia, economically far outpace their
• It's on the state certification side of socially and economically disadvantaged.

Bills: HB2523, HB2606, HB2684, HJM4012

Keywords: community reinvestment, housing, local funding, urban development, economic revitalization, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy, social disadvantage, business certification, state guidelines, economic equity, minority-owned businesses, combat veterans, support, military service, injury compensation, veteran affairs

Summary: The House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Committee met on February 3 to take executive action on House Bill 2523, concerning the Community Reinvestment Program, and House Bill 2606, concerning performance measures and reporting for the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, and then held public hearings on House Bill 2684 and House Joint Memorial 4012. Staff briefed a proposed substitute for HB 2523 that would change how Community Reinvestment Account funds are distributed, expand Commerce’s reporting and tribal consultation duties, add Office of Equity and WSIPP responsibilities, and require more detailed plan updates and oversight. During executive session, the committee adopted Amendment 285 to require the community reinvestment plan to be updated every five years instead of every 10, but rejected amendments that would have barred recipients from other state down payment programs, restricted grants to officers and family members, required an independent third-party audit, or expanded the WSIPP study. The proposed substitute HB 2523 then passed out of committee on an 8-5 vote. HB 2606, which responds to a JLARC audit by streamlining overlapping duties among the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, the state broadband office, and the Office of Equity, was moved out of committee with a unanimous do pass recommendation. Members described it as a modest but useful efficiency measure, and the vote was 13-0. The committee then heard HB 2684, which would create rebuttable presumptions that people in 10 specified groups are socially disadvantaged for purposes of OMWBE certification. Supporters, including Middle Eastern and North African business owners, argued the bill would correct exclusion of MENA-owned firms from certification and contracting opportunities; opponents argued it would entrench identity-based classifications and raise constitutional concerns. OMWBE testified that the bill would be workable and that social disadvantage is only one factor in certification. The committee also heard HJM 4012, which asks Congress to bring the Major Richard Starr Act to a floor vote to allow combat-injured service members who retire before 20 years of service to receive both retirement pay and disability compensation. Veterans advocates strongly supported the memorial, and the committee closed the hearing without taking final action on either public-hearing item, noting both would be considered again the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• resources and opportunities to thrive in Texas's business landscape while contributing to long-term economic
• My concern is the category is so broad, it’s really about economic development generally for...
• The category is so broad, it's really about economic development generally for veterans and won't meet
• I'd love to work with you on this because I do see a deep need for economic development within this class
• I'd love to work with you on this because I do see a deep need for economic development within this class

Bills: SB390, SB1197, SB1271

Keywords: veteran-owned businesses, state contracting, historically underutilized business, economic opportunity, small business, economic development, veterans, certification, Texas legislation, unmanned aircraft, spaceport, criminal offense, aviation regulations, airspace safety, military installations, concurrent jurisdiction, governor's approval, state agency, land acquisition, 1185

Summary: The Committee on Veteran Affairs heard several bills related to military installations, veterans, and contracting opportunities. Senator Birdwell presented SB 1197, which would extend existing drone restrictions over military bases and airports to spaceports, with exceptions for authorized users; no public testimony was offered at the first hearing, and the bill was left pending before later being reported favorably. Chairman Hancock presented SB 1271, which would allow Texas to accept concurrent jurisdiction over military installations so state and local authorities could handle certain juvenile offenses and provide more rehabilitative options; a committee substitute was explained, but the bill was left pending after no initial witnesses appeared. The committee also considered SB 390, which would expand the state historically underutilized business definition to include SBA-certified veteran-owned businesses regardless of disability rating. Supporters from the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce and other veterans argued the change would improve access to state contracting, strengthen the economy, and better recognize veterans’ contributions. Senator Eckhardt raised concerns that broadening the category to all veterans might not satisfy the disparity-study basis typically used for HUB classifications, and Jim Brennan echoed that concern while suggesting a separate category might be more workable. During the pending-legislation portion, the committee voted on several bills. SB 651 and SB 897 were each substituted and reported favorably to the full Senate, with both also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1814 was likewise reported favorably and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1197 was reported favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1271 was left pending after a motion to report the committee substitute favorably, and SB 390 was left pending after testimony concluded. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and actually on the Giddings Economic Development board.

Bills: HB205

Keywords: disaster recovery, economic development, grants, loans, infrastructure support

Bills: HM9

Keywords: Mexico, New Mexico, cultural ties, economic partnership, advocacy day

Bills: HM9

Keywords: Mexico, New Mexico, cultural ties, economic partnership, advocacy day

Transcript Highlights:

• four remarkable individuals who have the experience. leadership and commitment needed to restore economic
• Treasury, for financial institutions, has the experience and bipartisan approach needed to address economic

Keywords: nominees, economic growth, financial stability, public testimony, consumer protection

Summary: The meeting centered around the confirmation of four significant individuals nominated for leadership positions within various financial institutions. Members engaged in heated discussions regarding the nominees' qualifications and past track records. Concerns were raised over the potential implications of these appointments on economic stability and consumer protections. Each nominee was scrutinized, with particular emphasis on their political alignments and prior influence in their respective agencies. Despite the contentious atmosphere, there was a clear focus on the need for strong leadership to guide economic policies during challenging times.

Bills: HB116

Keywords: film industry, incentives, economic development, state funding, media production

Transcript Highlights:

• And when we have ports that their whole mission is to do economic development across the state, and they
• It's at the cost of financial and economic security of our communities and our working families.
• another example of ports trying to produce energy to create jobs for their communities and create an economic
• we knock down this bill, let's talk afterwards and come up with a solution so it's good for all: economic

Bills: SB6013

Keywords: ski areas, winter sports, terminology, recreation, economic development, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Bills: HF2440

Keywords: labor market, employment, economic development, funding, data analysis, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Calling to order this meeting of the House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
• The workforce, labor, and economic development row is the last one on the spreadsheet, line 24.
• </c> The workforce, labor, and economic The workforce, labor, and economic development<00:03:34.159><
• </c> imagine in our ecosystem, our economic imagine in our ecosystem, our economic development<00:26:
• </c> when we work with our local economic when we work with our local economic development<00:31:57.600

Bills: HF2440

Keywords: labor market, employment, economic development, funding, data analysis, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It collapsed very early, and it caused significant economic harm.
• You know, the labor force is vital to the economic engine. Totally.
• You know, the labor force is vital to the economic engine. Totally.
• It is vital to the economic engine, totally. And so we look at our landscapers.
• And the downstream economic impact is substantial.

Bills: HCR77, HB81, HB512, HB663, HB717, HB1194

Keywords: crawfish, agricultural labor, H-2B program, H-2A program, labor shortage, temporary workers, Louisiana economy, HCR77, crawfish industry, H-2B visa, seasonal labor, agriculture, immigration, arborist, property disputes, tree trimming, neighborhood, landowner rights, Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District, board of commissioners

Transcript Highlights:

• resources and opportunities to thrive in Texas' business landscape while contributing to long-term economic
• growth. ...economic resilience.
• Thank you. ...veteran-owned businesses, there's been a Texas GDP economic impact of about $1.8 billion
• My concern is the category is so broad. ...it's really about economic development generally for veterans
• I'd love to work with you on this because I do see a deep need for economic development. ...within this

Bills: SB 390, SB 1197, SB 1271

Keywords: veteran-owned businesses, state contracting, historically underutilized business, economic opportunity, small business, economic development, veterans, certification, Texas legislation, unmanned aircraft, spaceport, criminal offense, aviation regulations, airspace safety, military installations, concurrent jurisdiction, governor's approval, state agency, land acquisition, Veteran Affairs

Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Veteran Affairs addressed several significant bills aimed at supporting veterans and their businesses. Among the bills discussed was SB390, which seeks to expand the definition of historically underutilized businesses to include all veteran-owned businesses, regardless of disability status. This change aims to create a more equitable economic landscape for veterans and to foster their participation in state procurement opportunities. The committee heard strong testimony supporting this initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing veterans with fair chances in business development.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we do have a quorum here at the House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and
• </c> motans who would lose the economic motans who would lose the economic benefits<00:04:09.400><c>
• </c> safety broadband and economic safety broadband and economic development<00:04:31.759><c> policies
• </c><00:15:02.160><c> family-owned</c> membership of cooperatives family-owned membership of cooperatives
• <01:31:19.000><c> development</c> economic development economic development project<01:31:21.400><c>

Bills: HF47, HF335

Keywords: telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF335, Greater Minnesota, economic development, public infrastructure, grant program, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, business development, infrastructure grants, local government aid, general fund appropriation, rural development, site development, utilities, roads