Video & Transcript : 'lead ban' :
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NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Jul 21st, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, my name is Xander Dawson, lead staff of this committee for the Legislative Council Service
- Faculty lead research nationally and in our state in critical areas of well-being for New Mexicans, including
- The Life Center examination is just one factor in several factors that lead us to become qualified as
- We do two years of supervision, leading us to our independent licensure, which I hold.
- just quickly, the third prong of Semillas, as I'm hoping, is a big part of that, as Tim mentioned, leading
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 10th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
North Dakota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Dever will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Senator Dever will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
- the West Owen Bobcats, the neighborhood baseball team, and he excelled in pretty much every sport, leading
- May I lead in a way that reflects His love, His justice, and His wisdom.
- There are many questions that he asked rapidly that lead to follow-on questions.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call, then approved journal corrections and moved to elect Senator Kyle Davison as President Pro Tem. Davison was nominated, elected by unanimous ballot, escorted to the rostrum, sworn in, and gave remarks thanking his family, colleagues, and faith, emphasizing relationships, service, and stewardship. The chamber also recognized National Public Health Week with a floor statement honoring public health workers and training programs, and that statement was ordered printed in the journal.
The Senate then considered several House bills, beginning with HB 1485, which increases the personal needs allowance for Medicaid residents in certain facilities by $15 per month and indexes it to inflation; the amendment was adopted and the bill passed 46-1. HB 1018, the State Historical Society budget, was amended to adjust one-time and ongoing funding for museum exhibits, repatriation compliance, archives storage, local historic grants, and the military gallery project, then passed 42-0 with one senator excused from voting due to a conflict. HB 1181, defining gender in state code as an individual’s sex and removing a broader application section, passed 41-6. HB 1144, adding a penalty and enforcement mechanism related to transgender student accommodations and restroom use in public schools, passed 40-7 with its emergency clause.
The Senate also passed HB 1600, creating an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota School of Law and shifting its funding to the strategic investment and improvements fund, by 34-13. HB 1019, the Parks and Recreation budget, was amended to fund deferred maintenance, technology, sewer work, matching grants, and other park projects, add language requiring legislative approval for new or renamed state parks, and clarify use of the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library line of credit; a proposed amendment to remove funding for the International Peace Gardens cactus conservatory failed 20-27, and the bill then passed 39-8. HB 1417, dealing with parole/probation violations, court fees, and a study of criminal justice fees, passed 40-7 after amendments.
The most extensive debate centered on HB 1450, which would require parent or guardian access to a minor’s medical exam room and notice of questions asked of the minor, with exceptions for emancipation and suspected abuse or trafficking. Supporters framed it as a parental rights and transparency measure, while opponents warned it could hinder screening for abuse, neglect, mental health concerns, and confidential care; multiple senators shared personal experiences on both sides. A proposed amendment to narrow the bill failed 21-26, and the transcript ends amid continued debate on the bill itself, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Apr 3rd, 2025 at 08:30 am
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think my leading question would be whether there was any growth in those numbers from where we
- The lead time on starting an audit would be about 90 days, they said.
- That lead time was nine to 12 months, so that was a faster lead time going to private.
- chambers here a couple weeks ago that indicated that between math, reading, science, this country isn't leading
- I mean, your STEM-type conversations and stuff are what lead the world, and our trend lines are not indicating
Committee:
House Appropriations
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 2271, which would formally place adult residential facilities in code and rebase their Medicaid reimbursement rates. Sponsor Chairman Ruby and HHS staff explained that these facilities, often serving people with dementia or acquired brain injury, are reimbursed at a much lower rate than skilled nursing care and help reduce bottlenecks in higher-level facilities. Members questioned how the program differs from basic care and nursing facility memory care, and the bill was referred to the HR section for deeper review before possible action on Monday.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 2396, as amended, which would authorize an independent third-party performance audit of the Department of Commerce and the North Dakota Development Fund, with findings shared with the state auditor. Sponsors said the proposal was prompted by concerns raised in testimony and that a private audit could begin faster than a state audit. The committee adopted an amendment adding an emergency clause and directing the report to the Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee, then passed the bill 20-0 with 3 absent.
Next, Representative Clemine presented Senate Bills 2226, 2036, and 2037. SB 2226 would presume an incarcerated person indigent at initial appearance so counsel can be provided at that critical stage; the commission said the appropriation would fund contract attorney hours, and the bill was sent to HR for further review. SB 2036 would create procedures for determining juvenile fitness to proceed in delinquency cases, with a $500,000 appropriation for mental health evaluations, and SB 2037 would begin a juvenile criminal code framework and include a $300,000 appropriation for fitness-to-proceed evaluations; both were also referred to HR, with some concern raised about staffing and overlapping functions.
After a short break, the committee heard education-related appropriations bills. SB 2234 would replace expired ESSER funding for Choice Ready grants, but members noted the program was not included in the K-12 budget and sent it to E&E for comparison with existing appropriations. SB 2286, a University of North Dakota request for a new nursing school facility, drew extensive discussion about the age and condition of the current building and the size and scope of the project; the committee ultimately adopted a do-not-pass motion 22-0. SB 2213, the “science of mathematics” bill modeled on the science of reading initiative, would fund math professional development and implementation; it was also referred to E&E for further review. The committee then briefly passed the Racing Commission budget, SB 2023, and began discussion of the Trust Lands budget, SB 2013, including a proposed retention increase for investment-related positions.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- In addition, the second reason is that it will lead to more conflict between parents.
- Therefore, it's going to lead to higher conflict and more contested custody cases.
- What we know is that high conflict leads to negative... ...is that high conflict leads to negative consequences
- This will lead to that happening more often.
- This can lead to a lot of problems in the relationship.
Bills:
HB43 , SB81 , SB178 , SB138 , SB89 , SB183 , HB27 , HB188 , HB199 , HB190 , SB117 , HB43 , HB27
Committee:
House Judiciary
Keywords:
criminal procedure, split sentencing, probation, Class A felony, Class B felony, minimum confinement, speedy trial, visiting judge, court administration, violent crimes, Alabama Supreme Court, employment, criminal record, certificate of employability, occupational licensing, negligent hiring, rehabilitation, limited relief, tribal police, law enforcement
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- really coming forward with an incredible historic package for our Texas schools and our teachers, leading
- Teachers in rural areas such as mine are hard to come by because of limited funding, which can lead to
- This can lead to the hiring of teachers who are not highly qualified and/or having low teacher retention
- have a skills gap due to low post-secondary attainment that's putting a strain on our workforce and leading
- Along with this, we've seen a decline in teacher experience, leading to a greater impact on student learning
Committees:
Senate Education , Senate Education K-16
Keywords:
teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, SB 26, Texas Property Code, colonia, colonias, Spanish translation, bilingual contract, real estate contract, executory contract, residential property, border county, international border, economically distressed area, consumer protection, language access, translator certified in Spanish
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- has not opposed the idea of a plan but has asked that they take on the role as a different entity to lead
- A different entity other than the department should lead the development of that plan.
- develop that plan and actually asked the Legislative Education Study Committee (LESC) and its staff to lead
- It leads to better student engagement. Right.
- As a public education department, we are taking the lead on this.
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine defense innovation and acquisition reform. Jan 28th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel
Transcript Highlights:
- I've had the honor to lead some of the nation's finest acquisition teams in times of war and global competition
- He talked about the need for the United States to take a lead role and basically begin that project.
- So in contrast, in the non-DOD world, many industry-leading companies celebrate failure and adopt an
- to leverage a diversified R&D base that goes beyond the government, that is the promise that should lead
- going to create real deterrence in the timely manner that must happen for America to remain in its lead
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- He once wrote that the leading rule for the lawyer, as for the man of every other color, is diligence
- members, she's the most senior Republican in the committee, so we look forward to having you take that lead
- In other words, if the opposition coordinates behind an individual or group who's going to take the lead
- up to the special session, a lot of hours and days leading up to that special session, and with very
- We need to expand the levels to give you the lead work for you to be able to do what you want.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Leadership's Plans for Session / Online Sports Betting Testimony / November Budget Forecast Jan 14th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- DFL Senator Aaron Murphy served as majority leader for the Senate last session and is leading the DFL
- 00:09:55.440><c> Orono</c><00:09:56.040><c> and</c><00:09:56.240><c> wetta</c> A familiar face is leading
- And so that's what they're asking for me is, let's lead through this maze and figure out how we get those
- through</c><00:13:37.760><c> this</c><00:13:37.920><c> Maze</c><00:13:38.680><c> and</c> let's let's lead
- through this Maze and let's let's lead through this Maze and figure<00:13:39.040><c> out</c><00:13:39.160
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- 6,000 members, we'd like to express our strong support for House Bill 2845, an act relative to a crew lead
- It's the strongest language in the country that has been passed in Massachusetts, once again leading
- Just once again, leading the way on that.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Service
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held its fifth hearing of the 194th General Court on disability, line-of-duty, and health presumption bills. Committee members noted the hearing was livestreamed and accepted written testimony through June 16, 2025. The first panel, including the Massachusetts Coalition of Police, strongly supported H.2845, which would require restoration of sick, vacation, or personal time used while an injured officer or firefighter awaits a Chapter 41, Section 11F determination if the injury is later found work-related. Testimony said the current process often forces injured personnel to litigate to recover accrued time, and members described the bill as a fairness measure with no fiscal cost. Committee members asked about prior consideration and municipal positions, and one member shared a personal experience with a similar loss of accrued time.
A second major panel from the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and sponsoring legislators supported several firefighter-related bills: H.2918/S.1792 on mandatory insurance coverage for firefighter cancer screenings; H.2962/S.1818 on Commonwealth fire department parity for military-base and Massport firefighters, including injury coverage and presumptions; and H.2860/S.1851 on maintaining physical examination records. Testimony emphasized the high cancer risk in the fire service, the importance of early detection, and the need to extend municipal-level protections to state and Massport firefighters. Committee members expressed strong support, discussed PFAS-related gear replacement and funding, and noted that similar bills have been before the committee for multiple sessions.
The committee also heard H.4147, a retirement-related bill for a MassDOT employee seeking to transfer approximately five years of MBTA retirement contributions into the state system as a service buyback. The bill was described as having been filed in 2017 and reported favorably last session, but it stalled in Senate Ways and Means. Finally, Howard Levine testified remotely in support of a correctional officer disability pension bill, describing severe injuries from a 1990 inmate assault, multiple surgeries, early retirement, and a request to increase his pension to reflect a current lieutenant’s salary. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the meeting adjourned after testimony concluded.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- this hybrid hearing, as well as the committee staff for their diligent work and all the preparation leading
- I'm Bob Giles, the Chief Executive Officer of Home Run Financing, the leading residential assessment-based
- I'm Bob Giles, the Chief Executive Officer of Home Run Financing, the leading residential assessment-based
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Revenue
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hearing on several housing-related bills, with chairs Adrienne Madaro and James Eldridge framing the discussion as part of the Legislature’s broader response to the state’s housing crisis and noting that many of the bills build on the 2024 Affordable Homes Act. The chairs reviewed hearing procedures, including the three-minute oral testimony limit, the option to submit written testimony, and the hybrid format. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Testimony began with support for H. 3278, a bill to create a graduated deed excise tax for affordable housing. Representative Worel argued that higher-end real estate transactions should contribute more to fund affordable housing production, saying the measure would not burden working families and would help address racial inequities in homeownership and displacement. Representative Soder then supported H. 3247, which would promote redevelopment of abandoned buildings through expanded tax incentives for renovating vacant properties for sale or rent, arguing that it would bring blighted units back into use and generate future tax revenue.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3040/S. 1969, residential improvement or R-PACE legislation. Robert Giles of Home Run Financing and Nicole Steele of Amalgamated Bank described the program as a voluntary, assessment-based financing tool that could help homeowners pay for energy efficiency, resilience, and other major repairs without upfront costs, and said it could complement existing Mass Save programs while expanding access to more homeowners. In contrast, Judith Lieben of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute opposed H. 3039/S. 1946, the Housing Development Incentive Program bill, arguing it would expand subsidies for market-rate and luxury housing in Gateway Cities instead of directing resources to low-income renters. Representative Hawkins also testified in support of H. 3121, which would end large investor control of homes in Massachusetts by imposing an excise tax on large owners of small residential properties and using the revenue for first-time homebuyer down payment assistance. After testimony and a few member questions, the chairs asked whether anyone else wished to testify and then adjourned the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- I support that, but I also think that a good collaborative process often leads... suggest that we could
- of making improvements now I support that but I also think that a good collaborative process often leads
- Now, I support that, but I also think that a good collaborative process often leads to better solutions
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws
Summary:
The Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on election security bills, focusing first on S. 517 and H. 876, which would strengthen Massachusetts’ post-election audit process. Testimony from the Brennan Center, Common Cause Massachusetts, Verified Voting, and the League of Women Voters supported expanding audits to include all ballot types, increasing audit frequency from every four years to every two years, requiring statewide audit reports to be posted within 30 days and kept online for six years, and allowing municipalities to conduct audits under state standards. Witnesses also praised the bill’s creation of a work group to study risk-limiting audits and other improvements, emphasizing public confidence, transparency, and the ability of audits to detect errors or deter fraud.
Committee members asked detailed questions about how Massachusetts compares with other states, how risk-limiting audits differ from current tabulation audits, how audits are selected and expanded if discrepancies appear, and what the costs and mechanics of different audit methods would be. Witnesses explained that current audits are typically random, hand-count-based checks of selected contests and batches of ballots, that risk-limiting audits use statistical sampling and can escalate to a full recount if needed, and that Massachusetts’ local-control structure makes a collaborative work group useful. They also noted that audits generally confirm results but can uncover errors that do not change outcomes, and occasionally more serious problems.
The committee then heard testimony on H. 832, which would authorize the Secretary of the Commonwealth to take emergency actions affecting elections during declared emergencies. Supporters said the bill would create a clear statutory process for rescheduling or adjusting elections during severe weather or other crises, including allowing emergency absentee ballot accommodations for civilian responders, and would reduce the need for court intervention. No votes were taken on the bills during the hearing, and the meeting ended with adjournment after no additional testimony was offered.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- having an interview with a veteran across the table and having that story produced, if you will, by the lead
- committee, and he always brings in people to inform us of things that we may not be aware of, which leads
- And this leads to my point: they want to go ahead and tell these stories of veterans, and not just the
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
Summary:
The Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces met primarily for a presentation from Nina DiAngelo, executive director of the Mid-America Veterans Museum, joined by Renee Esri. DiAngelo described the museum’s mission to preserve veteran stories, educate the public, and provide a free, accessible space for reflection and healing. She highlighted the museum’s origins with World War II veteran Ralph Borrelli Sr., whose vision led to the museum’s creation, and emphasized that the museum collects and preserves oral histories, runs educational tours, participates in the Library of Congress Veteran History Project, and produces the Operation Insight podcast.
DiAngelo and committee members shared examples of the museum’s impact on veterans and families, including stories of healing, connection, and assistance with benefits and home repairs. She said the museum has collected more than 650 stories, recorded over 2,000 Veteran History Project interviews, and receives about 2,000 visitors annually. She also outlined plans to expand outreach across Missouri, especially in rural and underserved areas, and to modernize preservation efforts with more technology. Committee members praised the museum’s work and discussed the importance of veterans telling their stories, including for healing and suicide prevention.
The presentation also included an invitation to an upcoming August event, “Light and the Shadows,” marking the five-year anniversary of Abbey Gate and featuring the Veterans and Athletes United Traveling Memorial. Members discussed related efforts in their districts, including a Joplin museum project using QR codes to preserve veteran stories. No legislation was considered and no votes were taken; the committee adjourned after the presentation and discussion.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 23rd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We pray to be aware that as climate change leads to scarcity of water in countries already experiencing
- He leads the Avalon Fire Department's emergency response, fire prevention, and public safety operations
- Susan Terry Gomez, provost at Cal Poly Pomona, and I will follow the lead of my colleague, Senator González
Summary:
The Senate opened with roll call, a prayer marking World Water Day, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then suspended Senate Rule 55 to allow guests on the floor. Several special introductions followed, including California Wildlife Photo of the Year winner Alice Cahill, outgoing Fish and Wildlife Director Chuck Bonham, Avalon Fire Chief Michael Alegría, and a Cal Poly Pomona student delegation participating in CHESS/CSU Lobby Day. Members praised Bonham’s long service and the students’ advocacy on higher education issues. The Assembly’s passage of AB 2156 was announced, and the Senate approved the March 16–19 journals as corrected.
The chamber then took up SCR 132, designating March 22, 2026 as California STEAM Robotics Day. The author and supporting senators emphasized robotics and STEAM education as hands-on preparation for careers in engineering, AI, manufacturing, and other technical fields, and highlighted partnerships with industry and programs such as FIRST Robotics. The resolution passed on a 34-0 vote. Afterward, the author introduced robotics students and industry representatives, including Ethan Wynn of Poway High School and leaders from Garner Holt Productions, to recognize their work in STEAM education and robotics.
The Senate next considered five gubernatorial appointments, all brought by Senator Grove: Paul Toopee to lead the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Peter Britery to the Southwestern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, Dr. Youngping Chen and Gregory Lung to the California Acupuncture Board, and Roy Mather to the Board of Pilot Commissioners. Each nominee was described as experienced in the relevant field and each was confirmed unanimously, 34-0. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 62(a) to allow the Committee on Governmental Organization to hear AB 2156 on March 24 without sufficient notice.
In closing, Senator Blakespear requested adjournment in memory of Anne Colchin, a longtime Carlsbad city councilmember and civic leader remembered for decades of public service, environmental stewardship, and community planning. The Senate agreed to memorialize her, then announced that members would proceed to the Assembly chambers for the joint convention and State of the Judiciary address, with the next floor session scheduled for March 26, 2026.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 23rd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We pray to be aware that as climate change leads to scarcity of water in countries already experiencing
- He leads the Avalon Fire Department's emergency response, fire prevention, and public safety operations
- Susan Terry Gomez, provost at Cal Poly Pomona, and I will follow the lead of my colleague, Senator Gonzalez
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Mar 12th, 2026
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And ultimately, cannabis use can lead to the way it accumulates in the fat and then releases back into
- It leads to a difficult time of sorting out what's real and what's the hallucinogenic effects.
- And it leads to paranoia and ultimately schizophrenia. And I just think that we should not ever.
Summary:
The House was called to order, a quorum was confirmed, and members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. The chamber approved the previous day’s minutes, held brief party caucuses, and received a Senate message announcing the signing of engrossed substitute House Bill 1187. The House then moved through third-reading business on several bills, concurring in Senate amendments before final passage votes.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1795, dealing with school restraint and isolation practices, drew the most debate. Supporters said the Senate changes added clarity and strengthened protections around restraint, while opponents argued schools and private providers serving high-need students need more training and funding before restrictions are tightened. The bill passed 58-37. Engrossed House Bill 1941, allowing small cannabis producers to form limited agricultural cooperatives, also passed after debate over whether cannabis should be treated as an agricultural product; it passed 69-26.
Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034, concerning the use of surplus pension funds from the LEOFF 1 plan, generated extensive opposition from members who said pension money should remain for retirees and first responders and warned against using it to balance the budget. Supporters described the measure as a prudent fiscal step for an overfunded closed plan. It passed 50-46. House Bill 1526, which allows snack bar licensees to sell wine by the glass, passed 87-9, and Second Substitute House Bill 1701, allowing independently owned wineries and breweries to lease third-party kitchen space, passed 89-7. The House then went at ease.
AZ
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/12/2026 - African American Legislative Day
Transcript Highlights:
- As Speaker, my responsibility is to help lead a House majority focused on delivering results for all
- Lead us, God. And we thank you for what it will be in the future.
- Lead us, God, and guide us in wisdom and help us to look to our brother and our sister and our neighbor
Summary:
The Arizona House and Senate held a joint protocol session for African American Legislative Day, opening with prayer, presentation of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and performances of the national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” A representative from the Buffalo Soldiers of America also used the occasion to correct the program name and ask lawmakers for help securing a vacant building for a museum to preserve and display its historical exhibits and community work.
Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen welcomed attendees and said the event was an opportunity to hear directly from community leaders on priorities such as opportunity, public safety, education, affordability, and economic security. Representative Quante Cruz, chair of the African-American Legislative Conference, read a Black History Month proclamation and emphasized the importance of recognizing African American contributions and history. Ashley Anderson and Jerry McPherson of the Governor’s Office of African American Affairs highlighted the conference theme, “Made for This Moment,” and urged continued civic engagement, policy advocacy, and year-round collaboration with the office and community organizations.
Senator Keiana Maria Sears delivered the main remarks, focusing on Black history, legacy, and the need to keep pushing for equality, economic parity, food security, and housing access. She spoke about the experiences of Black veterans, South Phoenix history, and the importance of teaching Black history and encouraging voting and civic participation. Representative Blackman also offered brief remarks about courage, faith, and the contributions of Black Americans to the country. The session ended with closing remarks and a benediction by Representative Cruz, who stressed building connections across districts and communities, followed by adjournment of the joint protocol session.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/12/2026 - African American Legislative Day
Transcript Highlights:
- As speaker, my responsibility is to help lead a House majority focused on delivering results for all
- Lead us, God. And we thank you for what it will be in the future.
- Lead us, God, and guide us in wisdom and help us to look to our brother and our sister and our neighbor
Summary:
The joint protocol session for African American Legislative Day opened with prayer, the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and performances of the national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” A representative from Buffalo Soldiers of America used the occasion to correct the program name and briefly described the organization’s history, community events, and interest in obtaining a vacant building for a museum.
Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen welcomed attendees and said the event was an opportunity to hear directly from African American leaders and advocates on issues such as opportunity, public safety, education, affordability, individual freedoms, and economic security. Representative Quante Cruz, chair of the African-American Legislative Conference, read a Black History Month proclamation and emphasized the 100-year recognition of Black History Month and the importance of honoring African American contributions in Arizona and nationally. Ashley Anderson and Jerry McPherson of the Governor’s Office of African American Affairs highlighted the conference theme, “Made for This Moment,” and urged continued civic engagement, policy advocacy, and year-round collaboration with the office.
Representative Leah Landrum Taylor introduced the guest speakers, including Senator Kiana Maria Sears, who spoke about Black history, legacy, and the need to keep pushing for justice, food security, housing, and economic parity. She reflected on her father’s military service and the barriers Black veterans faced in Arizona, including difficulty using VA benefits to buy homes, and urged attendees to use their voices and votes. Representative Blackman also offered remarks connecting the day’s message to biblical themes of courage and perseverance. The session ended with closing remarks and a benediction from Representative Cruz, who stressed building community across districts and thanked participants before the joint protocol session was dissolved.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Housing Committee Meeting - 2025-04-09
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- With this bill, the priorities would, of course, lead towards density.
- This action is a testament to what we can accomplish when compassion and collaboration lead the way.
- say, as a first-time Vice Chair in this committee, it's been really wonderful the way that you're leading
Committee:
House Housing Finance and Policy