Transcript Highlights:

• The first program we're going to talk about is the Empower Program.
• And Ashley Bradley is the director of the program. The program launched in 2017.
• And our students are taking classes in our ag programs, our Fulbright programs in math and English and
• programs?
• It is an individualized program.

Committee: All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> brighter, cleaner future for Minnesota. brighter, cleaner future for Minnesota.
• </c> Solar Garden Program. Solar Garden Program.
• </c> garden program was revised and recast. garden program was revised and recast.
• Thank you. future of Minnesota. Minnesota leads future of Minnesota.
• </c> program in honor of Melissa Hortman. program in honor of Melissa Hortman.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And as our district partners are also continuing to work to align their future readiness programming
• </c><00:42:57.760><c> readiness</c><00:42:58.240><c> programming</c> their future readiness programming
• their future readiness programming through<00:42:58.960><c> career</c><00:42:59.200><c> and</c><00:42
• . program. program.
• </c> programs and ensure program quality. programs and ensure program quality.

Bills: HF3650 , HF2238

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: student career pathways, education framework, experiential learning, employer engagement, career technical education, HF2238, Minnesota, workforce development, construction trades, youth skills training, youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, construction training, career and technical education, CTE, child labor laws, minor labor, labor exemption, workforce pipeline, skilled trades

Transcript Highlights:

• of supporting a program that is not a popular program in the state and cutting a program that is vital
• nurses, future teachers, future workers, like highly specialized workers.
• nurses, future teachers, future workers, like highly specialized workers.
• nurses, future teachers, future workers, like highly specialized workers.
• future workers nurses future teachers future workers like<00:37:33.480><c> highly</c><00:37:34.040><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division II work session considered several amendments to HB 2. The first two items were rejected: a proposal to add a new “Lakes” license plate with proceeds to the cyanobacteria fund failed 7-8, and Amendment 1040, which would have imposed a 5% administrative fee on certain dedicated funds to raise general fund revenue, failed 4-5. Representative Maguire explained the fee would apply only to new revenue going forward and would not change existing fund balances; he also described exemptions for federal funds, bequests, and other special cases. Representative Murray questioned the consistency of the approach and who currently pays administrative costs, while Maguire said the charges are often handled case-by-case by agencies or the treasurer. The committee then revisited revenue distribution changes in HB 2. Members first reconsidered and reversed prior acceptance of sections affecting the Education Trust Fund, then adopted Amendment 1381H, which changes the distribution of business profits tax and business enterprise tax revenue, along with related sections, to shift more money to the General Fund. Supporters argued the change was needed to address revenue shortfalls and to align with historical distributions; opponents said it reduced support for education. The reconsideration motion passed 7-3, and the amendment itself passed 5-3. The committee also adopted Amendment 1413H, incorporating the language of HB 741 on open enrollment and student attendance in public schools. Supporters said it was House policy and had sufficient policy and fiscal impact to belong in HB 2; opponents noted the underlying bill had been controversial and passed the House by a relatively close margin. Finally, the committee considered a USNH budget reduction proposal that would cut the University System of New Hampshire by $25 million per year net. Supporters said the cut was necessary to balance the budget and that K-12 obligations had to take priority, while opponents argued the cut would harm workforce development, the state economy, and student retention. The transcript cuts off during extended debate, and no final vote on the USNH item is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• Other states have similar programs.
• That's already have similar programs.
• I think we need to consider the state grant program and some of these other programs that we have in
• This is a very generous program.
• now, a grant program at the right now, a grant program at the University<00:26:00.559><c> of</c><00:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You invest in the future.
• programs. 4-H research-based science and agriculture programs are critical to preparing Florida's future
• In order to build the future workforce, our organization and educational programs address a very key
• However, we are preparing future biologists, future chemists, future veterinarians, future engineers,
• Chemists, future veterinarians, future engineers, and future entrepreneurs of America too.

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are actually two programs: the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program
• She was accused of taking millions out of the food program as part of the Feeding Our Future scam, and
• Representative Greenman: ...other than Feeding Our Future, the child care assistance program is the number
• , the child care assistance program is the number one program I get asked about.
• Representative Greenman: ...other than Feeding Our Future, the child care assistance program is the number

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• for an engineering program.
• All state-designated CTE programs are required to have program advisory committees, which support program
• Program advisory committee supports the CTE programs in a Program Advisory Committee supports the CTE
• Program Advisory Committee focuses on career and technical education programs.
• Each program area must have its own program advisory committee.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first program we're going to talk about is the Empower Program.
• Ashley Bradley is the director of the program. The program launched in 2017.
• And another program that we also wanted to discuss is the Autism Support Program, which is a similar
• Forge, supported employment program called Program Forge, that Marianne will cover.
• It is an individualized program.

Committee: All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM

Summary: The meeting opened with routine business, including approval of the January 13, 2026 minutes, and a brief recognition of Autism Awareness Month. The task force then heard a presentation from the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions on two student support programs: the Empower Program for non-degree-seeking students ages 18–24 with mild intellectual disabilities, and the Autism Support Program for degree-seeking students with autism. Speakers described academic coaching, peer and career coaching, residential supports, person-centered planning, internships, and scholarship/fee structures, noting that both programs charge a $5,000 per-semester fee and rely on scholarships and fundraising to offset costs. Members asked about dorm arrangements, individualized plans, and how students transition in and out of supports; presenters explained that Empower students remain in the program throughout, while Autism Support Program students may enter or leave services as needed. The committee next heard from Pulaski Technical College’s 3D program, a three-year transition and post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities focused on culinary, baking, and hospitality training. Presenters outlined integrated classes with traditional students, faded support over time, internships, and outcomes such as 97 students enrolled since the program began, 57 graduates, strong completion rates, and many graduates obtaining and retaining jobs in the food service industry. Members asked about how success is measured, why rates are not 100 percent, the role of integrated classes, tuition, and community partnerships; staff explained that grading includes technical and professional skills, tuition is $5,700 per semester, and scholarships such as GETS and FAFSA help reduce costs. They also noted plans to expand offerings and pursue accreditation through the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council. Finally, the task force received a presentation from SLS Community, a Fayetteville nonprofit serving neurodivergent adults through residential supports, supported employment, community activities, and advocacy. Leaders described a long-term vision tied to the Cato Springs mixed-use development, where housing, jobs, clinical services, and community amenities would be integrated in a “live, work, play” model. They discussed a residential program, a new vocational program called Program Forge, community events, and the challenges of the “services cliff” after age 21, especially for adults with complex support needs. Members and parents spoke about the importance of trained direct support professionals, ABA-based supports, and the need for better funding and service models for adults. The meeting ended with announcements about upcoming autism-related events and a request for future discussion on task force appointments and broader issues around ABA oversight and misuse.

Transcript Highlights:

• When I became mainstream in the hands of everyone, we have the right program not only for our future
• actions for programs that fall short of those targets in programs do not meet.
• It's 60% of our program.
• And that's how a program gets. A Dana fight is a program of strategic emphasis.
• This comes from all my Florida future. This is a very unique program.

Transcript Highlights:

• Other federal programs, such as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, program, have a
• , including the DCYF program, the Department of Children, Youth, and Family programs, health care, and
• , including the DCIF program, the Department of Children, Youth, and Family programs, health care, and
• of existing programs.
• Kocher, you mentioned future CBAs.

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative-Executive Committee on Budget Transparency and Fiscal Sustainability

Summary: The committee held its first meeting, with co-chairs and members introducing themselves and staff outlining the committee’s statutory charge under the 2026 supplemental operating budget. Staff explained that the committee is tasked with studying budget transparency and fiscal sustainability in two phases: first, revenue growth, spending assumptions, statutory cost drivers, and carryforward/maintenance levels; and later, staffing, overhead, performance management, and public reporting tools. The committee also discussed its goals, with members emphasizing a shared factual understanding of Washington’s fiscal situation, the causes of projected structural deficits, and possible paths to a more sustainable operating budget. Staff then gave a detailed operating budget basics presentation. They reviewed the size and composition of the operating budget, explaining that most spending is concentrated in grants and client services, salaries and benefits, and goods and services, with K-12 education, DSHS, the Health Care Authority, DCYF, corrections, and higher education making up most NGFO spending. They also walked through the distinction between constitutional, federal, statutory, and discretionary spending; the role of caseload and per-capita forecasts; how maintenance level and policy level budgets are built; and how the four-year outlook works, including revenue forecasts, reversions, budget stabilization account reserves, and the official outlook adoption process. Members asked several questions about what is or is not included in the outlook, especially future collective bargaining agreements, health care inflation, court-ordered liabilities, and whether the budget could better separate mandatory from discretionary spending over time. Staff said some of those questions would require follow-up and noted the existence of an outlook accuracy report. The committee then heard from Josh Goodman of the Pew Charitable Trusts, who introduced Pew’s state fiscal work and its role as the nonprofit partner supporting the committee. He said Pew would help analyze long-term fiscal sustainability, reserve policies, recession preparedness, and practices from other states, and would draw on its 50-state data and subject-matter experts. No votes were taken and no formal actions were reported at this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're very proud of this program, and we look forward to expanding it in the future.
• to grow our programs.
• Very excited about those programs.
• programs that do not.
• In the future year.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Program.
• scholarship program.
• Program.
• program.
• We have a huge and strong workforce program here at the college, and it is not a program that we need

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The committee first heard CS/SB 270, which would extend Bright Futures eligibility by 12 months for certain students whose parent was serving overseas in public service and then retired, giving military and diplomatic families more time to return to Florida without losing scholarship eligibility. Senator Burgess also explained a late-filed amendment to set the bill’s effective implementation for the 2025-26 school year, and the committee adopted the amendment without objection. The bill received supportive testimony, including from Senator Smith, and was reported favorably by a roll call vote. The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmation hearings for appointees to state college boards of trustees, with the chair emphasizing a new process of hearing from each nominee individually rather than taking a blanket vote. Nominees from Tallahassee State College, St. Johns River State College, South Florida State College, Broward College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, Palm Beach State College, Pasco-Hernando State College, and Valencia College described their backgrounds and priorities, which largely centered on workforce development, nursing and health sciences, dual enrollment, fiscal responsibility, student retention, and partnerships with local employers and communities. Several nominees highlighted their own educational or professional ties to the colleges, and some noted the importance of serving rural or military-connected communities. One nominee, John Aloko for Pasco-Hernando State College, was not present because he was attending a conference in Hawaii and was deferred to a later hearing. After hearing all other nominees, the committee voted to recommend confirmation of the remaining appointees in a block vote, covering Tabs 2 through 22 except Tab 8, and the motion passed. Two members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on earlier items.

Transcript Highlights:

• My future looks so bright because I can communicate.
• , as well as our graduate programs, non-traditional, and apprenticeship programs.
• programs as well.
• And we're investing in early literacy in our programs.
• And we're investing in early literacy in our programs.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Infrastructure grant programs.
• Additionally, we recommend that any future rate changes be tied to changes in the programming requirements
• That any future rate changes be tied to changes in the programming requirements because right now we
• The wraparound program.
• Thank you. ...program.

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard the Governor’s proposals on universal school meals, the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), and community schools, with the Kitchen Infrastructure and Training Grants Program also discussed. For universal meals, the Department of Education supported continued investment, citing high student meal need, reported gains in meal participation and service efficiency from prior kitchen grants, and concerns that federal changes and underreporting could affect funding. The Department of Finance outlined $1.8 billion Proposition 98 General Fund for universal meals and an additional $100 million for a fourth round of kitchen grants, while the LAO recommended rejecting the new kitchen grant round because prior rounds are still being spent and the allowable uses are broad. Members raised questions about federal matching requirements, Summer EBT, and whether immigration-related federal policy changes could reduce meal counts and state/federal reimbursements. For ELOP, the Department of Finance described $4.7 billion ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund plus $62.4 million to set a minimum Tier 2 rate of $1,800 per pupil. The LAO recommended modifying the proposal to fully fix Tier 2 at the current $1,579 rate and tie future changes to program requirements, while CDE supported the Governor’s approach and said the added stability would help districts plan. Committee discussion focused on whether ELOP should remain a standalone before- and after-school program or be folded into LCFF, with some members and witnesses arguing for more local flexibility and clearer outcome measures, while others emphasized the value of guaranteed expanded learning access, especially for elementary students and working families. CDE noted new CalPADS reporting will provide more data beginning with the 2025-26 school year. For community schools, the Governor proposed $1 billion ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund to expand the model to thousands more schools and sustain existing ones, along with stronger technical assistance and future accreditation/self-certification. The LAO recommended continuing the current one-time grant approach instead of creating a new ongoing categorical program, citing concerns about scalability, administrative burden, and the need for earlier planning and clearer accreditation timelines if ongoing funding is adopted. CDE strongly supported the ongoing investment, saying community schools have improved attendance, suspensions, and achievement, and that technical assistance and county office support are essential for expansion. Members and public commenters largely supported community schools, with some urging stronger accountability, more support for county offices and MTSS, and debate over whether non-classroom-based charter schools should be excluded from eligibility. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided; the committee heard testimony and moved through the agenda items and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, we have lots of other statewide leadership programs. Mr.
• Because young people are our future, and programs like the programs that are part of the Washington State
• that we want, a future that has a global focus in nature, a future that is full of...
• A future that has a global focus in nature, a future that is full of bountiful opportunities for all,
• and a future that is compassionate and also inclusive.

Summary: The Senate approved the previous day’s journal, then handled routine referrals of committee reports and gubernatorial appointments to the designated committees, including appointment 9329 to the Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee. It also received a WSDA pesticides report from the Department of Agriculture. The main substantive item was Senate Resolution 8693, honoring scholars and participants in Washington State Leadership Board programs such as Boundless Washington, Compassion Scholars, and Washington World Fellows. Senator Claire Wilson sponsored the resolution and spoke at length about the value of youth leadership, service, civic engagement, and opportunities for students across the state, with examples of individual scholars’ accomplishments. Senator Torres also praised the students and their future potential. The Senate adopted the resolution by voice vote, with ayes prevailing. The chamber then recognized guests from the Washington State Leadership Board and the LGBTQ Youth Advisory Board in the North Gallery before adjourning until Monday, February 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a publicly provided program and Feeding Our Future.
• There's a publicly provided program and Feeding Our Future.
• There's a publicly provided program and Feeding Our Future.
• There's a publicly provided program and Feeding Our Future.
• The program and uh feeding our future.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, we recommend that any future rate changes be tied to changes in the programming requirements
• That any future rate changes be tied to changes in the programming requirements, because right now we
• , funding for these programs.
• , funding for these programs.
• McKinney-Vento program...

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Education heard the Governor’s proposals for universal school meals, the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), and community schools. On universal meals, the Department of Education supported continued funding for the Universal School Meals Program and a fourth round of Kitchen Infrastructure and Training Grants, citing meal-count growth, improved meal service, and the need to offset federal uncertainty, inflation, and reduced direct certification tied to immigration-related policy changes. The LAO recommended rejecting another kitchen grant round, arguing prior rounds are still being spent and the state has not clearly defined unmet need. Members also raised concerns about the state’s ability to backfill federal meal funding and about how federal requirements affect programs like Summer EBT/SUN Bucks. Public commenters largely supported school meals and kitchen investments, with some urging support for plant-based milk options and continued infrastructure funding. For ELOP, the Department of Finance proposed $4.7 billion ongoing Proposition 98 funding, including $62.4 million to set a minimum Tier 2 rate of $1,800 per pupil. The LAO recommended going further and fully fixing the Tier 2 rate, saying rate uncertainty complicates district planning. CDE supported the proposal and said the program has improved attendance and academic outcomes, while noting new CalPADS reporting will provide more data soon. Senators discussed whether ELOP should remain a standalone program or be folded into LCFF, and whether the state should require stronger outcome reporting. Public testimony generally backed stabilizing Tier 2 funding, but some speakers urged more support for older youth and more timely, user-friendly reporting. On community schools, the administration proposed $1 billion ongoing Proposition 98 funding to expand the model to thousands more schools and to support existing grantees, along with stronger technical assistance, statewide alignment, and an accreditation/self-certification framework. The LAO recommended continuing the current one-time grant approach instead of creating a new ongoing categorical program, warning about reduced flexibility, administrative burden, and the state’s capacity to support a much larger cohort. CDE supported the ongoing investment but asked for additional county office and technical assistance funding. Senators and public commenters were broadly supportive of community schools, emphasizing improved attendance, graduation, and student engagement, while also debating accountability, accreditation, and whether non-classroom-based charter schools should be eligible. Public testimony strongly favored ongoing funding and highlighted community schools’ role in mental health, family engagement, and wraparound supports.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:44.840><c> was</c> Um the North Star Promise Program was Um the North Star Promise Program
• They are also developed the program.
• </c> importantly, an investment in the future importantly, an investment in the future of<00:20:36.280
• ><c> people</c><00:36:34.600><c> like</c> These programs have allowed people like These programs have
• </c> North Star Promise program really is. North Star Promise program really is.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• programs.
• the inception of that program.
• programs.
• in the future.
• But when you look at the actual data, the money, the programs, the NASA programs, the NASA program...

Summary: The committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and heard a series of presentations focused on Florida’s space and aerospace industry. Blue Origin’s Anna Spencer described the company’s Florida operations at Rocket Park, including New Glenn manufacturing and launch activities, Blue Moon lunar lander work, workforce development, and recent booster recovery and launch milestones. Amazon’s Beth Cooley presented an update on Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper), outlining the satellite broadband network, customer terminals, dark skies mitigation efforts, Florida facilities and jobs, and launch plans; members asked about RV/mobile applications, satellite counts, and the role of fiber, but no action was taken. Starcatcher Industries CEO Andrew Rush then described his company’s effort to create an orbital energy grid that beams power to satellites to extend mission life and increase available power, citing demonstrations in Jacksonville and Cape Canaveral and plans for a first satellite launch next year. Space Florida CEO Rob Long gave a strategic update on the state’s aerospace sector, citing billions in private investment, hundreds of projects in the pipeline, the leverage of state spaceport funding, workforce and university programs, and the need for additional tools and infrastructure to keep Florida competitive. He emphasized growth in launch activity, manufacturing, research, and military support infrastructure, and said Space Florida would bring forward legislative proposals. Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro delivered the strongest policy message of the meeting, warning that KSC’s aging infrastructure and relatively smaller NASA budget share could cause Florida to lose aerospace leadership to states like Texas unless the state strengthens its partnership, research investment, and infrastructure support. Members questioned her about federal restrictions on commercial investment in common-use infrastructure, the need for more state-federal alignment, and how Florida can preserve its role as the launch capital of the world. After the presentations and questions, Senator Burgess moved to adjourn, there was no objection, and the committee adjourned.