Video & Transcript : 'direct care' :
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KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriation and Revenue. (2-4-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretary, if you wouldn't care to come forward, identify yourself for the record and as well as your
- care to come forward, identify yourself for<00:05:21.919><c> the</c><00:05:22.160><c> record</c><00:
- Who's footing the bill for the ongoing operation, maintenance, and care of that structure?
- Who's footing the bill for the ongoing operation, maintenance, and care of that structure?
- And I hope you know I take it to heart and I believe very strongly that my job is to do as directed.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:04
Economic Development Projects Funding 00:01:25
Blue Oval SK 00:05:20, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum to hear a recap of the 2021 special session legislation, Senate Bill 5, and then receive testimony from the Secretary of Economic Development on the Blue Oval SK project and related economic development issues. Staff explained that Senate Bill 5 appropriated five amounts from the budget reserve trust fund for a project tied to a minimum $2 billion investment: $350 million for forgivable loans through the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, $10,639,600 to pay off a Hardin County loan tied to 47 tracts of property, $20 million for Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training grants, $5 million for KCTCS training grants, and $25 million for a KCTCS on-site training center. Staff also noted there were no job-related requirements in the bill itself.
The secretary said the Blue Oval SK incentive was structured as a $250 million forgivable loan rather than the state’s usual pay-as-you-go incentives, with clawback provisions tied to jobs, wages, investment, and changes in ownership or operations. He said the project had already exceeded the $2 billion investment threshold, that corporate guarantees were required from SK On and Ford, and that the agreement’s compliance period begins in December 2026 with payments starting in March 2027 and running through 2038. He said the state’s goal after the joint venture dissolution was to protect taxpayers, support affected workers, and preserve future job creation, while also ensuring the money would be repaid if performance targets are not met.
Members asked about the workforce impact, the training programs, and whether the jobs targets would be revised. The secretary said the project had about 1,850 workers at the site, with both production and salaried employees affected, and described state-led job fairs, a job portal, and other rapid-response efforts to help displaced workers find new jobs or training. He said Ford had agreed to continue discussions, invest an additional $2 billion in the site for energy storage solutions, and pursue roughly 2,100 new jobs, while the state sought to keep the company accountable for the full repayment obligation if jobs are not created. One senator raised broader concerns about mega-projects displacing small businesses and creating infrastructure burdens in surrounding communities.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works Mar 23rd, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Public Works
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, members, this was in direct discussion with the agency to make sure that we didn't put an undue
- Again, members, this was in direct discussion with the agency to make sure that we didn't put an undue
- We need to be taking care of our state buildings, and they need to be taking care of their municipal.
- It's a choice, and we have to take care of our buildings.
- So we go the opposite direction.
Bills:
HB372 , HB582 , HB593 , HB613 , HB712 , HB722 , HB732 , HB746 , HB762 , HB781 , HB845 , HB882
Keywords:
roundabouts, public education, traffic safety, motor vehicles, driver education, reinstatement fees, vehicle liability, insurance coverage, grace period, lapse of coverage, local fees, transaction fees, funding, government authority, driver's license, state identification card, citizenship verification, eagle symbol, Department of Public Safety, homelessness
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee heard an update from Office of Motor Vehicles leadership, who said the agency had achieved efficiencies, was operating in the black, had improved employee morale and staffing, and expected to begin testing the driver’s license portion of its modernization project in September. Members then took up several OMV-related bills.
HB 781, creating a fleet vehicle registration program, was amended to delay implementation until January 1, 2028 or until the OMV registration system is updated, and was reported with amendments. HB 712, which waives OMV fees for driver’s licenses and state IDs for homeless persons who meet eligibility requirements, drew support from homelessness advocates and some members who said it would remove a barrier to work, safety, and housing; concerns were raised about verification and workload, but the bill was amended to require the department to waive fees and to require proof of homeless status, then reported by a recorded vote. HB 372, requiring OMV public education on roundabouts, was discussed as a safety and awareness measure, but the author agreed to voluntarily defer it in favor of pursuing a resolution or other approach.
The committee also advanced HB 746 on oversized trucking permits after amendments clarified a one-year moratorium on new local permit requirements while preserving existing permits, and HB 732, which would allow the OMV commissioner to waive or reduce certain fees in humanitarian cases such as hospice, was reported favorably. HB 722, providing for automatic reinstatement of driver’s licenses after payment of fees and fines except for DUI-related suspensions, was amended and reported with amendments. HB 593, increasing the maximum local service fee for certain OMV field offices, prompted debate over costs to motorists and local control; an amendment exempted Shreveport, and the bill was reported with amendments by a 9-5 vote. HB 613, adding an eagle image to indicate U.S. citizenship on licenses and IDs, was amended and reported with a recorded 8-5 vote after members questioned its practical effect and recognition outside Louisiana. The committee also heard HB 582 and HB 762 on insurance lapse fees and debt recovery, with HB 582 reported favorably after the author agreed to work with another member on a similar bill, while HB 762 was discussed as a way to avoid adding a 15% Office of Debt Recovery fee to OMV-related debts.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 25th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- So hopefully this will be a great step in the right direction that universities like the University of
- So hopefully this will be a great step in the right direction that universities like the University of
- I care deeply about educational excellence, clear governance, and mission-driven leadership.
- For every public dollar invested, the return to taxpayers is very substantial, reflecting both direct
- And I really feel that this committee needs to have a direct input and hear from trustees.
Keywords:
missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding, genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance
Summary:
The committee heard and approved two bills before moving to a long confirmation agenda. SB 1570, by Sen. Gates, would restore Project Leo, a previously sunset program that helps locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination between CARD centers and local sheriffs; it was praised as a proven tool for families and first responders and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1376, by Sen. Burgess, would create grants to support genetic counseling education and help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors; testimony noted the state’s limited supply of licensed counselors and the need to expand clinical training, and the bill also passed favorably.
The committee then considered a block of reappointments to university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and others. No one requested separate votes on the reappointments, and the block was confirmed unanimously for recommendation to the next committee.
A series of new appointees then appeared and largely emphasized workforce training, nursing, military support, and local economic development at their institutions. Witnesses included appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, FIU, UWF, Valencia, the College of the Florida Keys, and others; several highlighted strong NCLEX pass rates, dual enrollment, and partnerships with employers or military communities. One nominee, Florida Poly reappointment Ilya Shapiro, faced pointed questioning from Sen. Bracey Davis about past comments regarding race and the Supreme Court; he said his remarks were about hiring criteria, not a specific justice, and reiterated opposition to race- or sex-based selection. The committee also briefly struggled to reach Sherry Young by phone before hearing her testimony for Chipola College, where she said she wanted to give back as an alumna and nurse practitioner. Most new appointees were recommended for confirmation in a block, while Thomas Zachary Smith of UWF was pulled for separate consideration.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> want to direct your attention to 2.12. want to direct your attention to 2.12.
- Thank you.” others in a direct way. This thought others in a direct way.
- Don't more capable of caring for her.
- It would let care for them easier.
- Our passengers rely on hands-on care.
Committee:
House Transportation Finance and Policy
Keywords:
vehicle platooning, transportation, public safety, pilot project, Wilkin County, Grant County, autonomous vehicles, transportation regulations, driverless cars, safety standards, first responder interaction, school bus, third-party testing, driver certification, transportation regulation, 1183, house
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-05 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, Florida, I want you to be next because we have to care for those health care workers, including
- And so I hope today that our doctors, patients, and health care workers, additional health care workers
- And, like a father, he has always cared about all of you. Mr.
- This bill directs the Agency for Health Care Administration to license and regulate these homes and to
- And so if you really care about law enforcement..."
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for two service members killed in the Middle East, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Members adopted the special order report and then began taking up the special order calendar. The first major measure was HB 7031, the annual tax package, which included a hunting, fishing, and camping sales tax holiday, a back-to-school holiday moved earlier in the summer, property tax changes for mobile home parks and other exemptions, reductions in pari-mutuel taxes and fees, extensions and expansions of several tax credit programs, vacation-rental tax collection changes, and a full decoupling from federal tax changes in the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The bill drew questions about the fiscal impact of decoupling and the firearm-accessories holiday; supporters emphasized fiscal caution, housing and home-hardening provisions, and family tax relief, while opponents objected to the firearm-related tax break. HB 7031 passed 105-2.
The House then passed CS/CS/CS HB 1177 on Space Florida and spaceport operations, which updates business development rules, board membership, and creates a strategic spaceport hub designation. CS/CS HB 639/CS SB 246 on specialty license plates also passed after a strike-all amendment that added several new plates, revised the Fraternal Order of Police plate, and tightened financial and nonprofit requirements for plate sponsors. CS HB 697 on drug prices and coverage passed after debate on pharmacy benefit manager reforms requiring equal reimbursement, prohibiting forced losses on drugs, and allowing consolidated appeals. CS/CS HB 1263 on the Office of Insurance Regulation passed with an amendment clarifying fingerprinting provisions, and CS/CS HB 527 passed with a human-review requirement for insurance claim denials so AI cannot be the sole basis for denying or reducing claims.
Additional bills approved included CS HB 1449, which limits use of the statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program when a claim is already in the federal process and, by amendment, narrows the bill to out-of-network emergency services and claims of $50,000 or less; CS HB 93, requiring surgical smoke evacuation systems in hospitals and surgical centers, which passed overwhelmingly after emotional bipartisan praise for the sponsor’s multi-session effort; and CS HB 1217, which prohibits governmental entities from adopting net-zero greenhouse gas policies, after Democrats argued it would preempt local climate and resilience efforts and Republicans argued it protects energy reliability and affordability. The House also passed CS/CS HB 1461 establishing a framework for licensing and regulating advanced nuclear reactors, with supporters framing it as a step toward reliable, affordable, cleaner energy. Later, CS HB 1229 on residential homes for medically or technologically dependent children was explained as creating a licensure program for medically complex children’s homes and was rolled over for final passage as the transcript ended.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Direct evidence of genomic integration has been published in the peer-reviewed literature.
- Careful screening for genomic integration into sex cells.
- I do not want the rational fears or the anti-science ideology of legislators dictating medical care in
- I do not want the rational fears or the anti-science ideology of legislators dictating medical care in
- This would disrupt ongoing clinical research in Idaho, force families to seek care out of state, and
Committee:
Senate Health and Welfare
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Labor & Workplace Standards Jan 13th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Labor & Workplace Standards
Transcript Highlights:
- We care about not only access to care, but the quality of care that they receive so that our workers
- We care about not only access to care, but the quality of care that they receive so that our workers
- to care and quality of care.
- We think the most important care, a part of care for an injured worker is an upfront accurate diagnosis
- We think the most important care, a part of care for an injured worker is an upfront accurate diagnosis
Committee:
House Labor & Workplace Standards
Keywords:
construction safety, hazard notification, worksite regulations, labor safety, state law, law enforcement, correctional officers, interest arbitration, collective bargaining, public safety, workers' compensation, healthcare providers, physical therapy, occupational therapy, employment, unemployment insurance, benefits, layoffs, workforce reduction, 904
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Employment Relations May 8th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Employment Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- We also bargain two health care agreements: the state employee health care agreement, PEBB, and the K
- We also bargain two health care agreements: the state employee health care agreement, PEBB, and the K
- care benefit.
- And, as with many health care rates, the cost of graduate student health care has gone up significantly
- I do have a caveat here that for non-state employees, so those child care, adult home care providers,
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (01/21/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I do direct service.
- Um I do direct service. I think again if Um I do direct service.
- The care that LPNs provide is highly effective and necessary within health care organizations.
- access to crucial patient care.
- access to crucial patient care.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 26th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so Angel's health care journey started as a volunteer for the American Red Cross at Ramstein Air
- And so now after 43 years of service, including within the ER trauma and critical care departments, Angel
- prosthetic coverage, and one of whom is an amputee herself, and she has fought tirelessly to take care
- I ask unanimous consent that HCR 1019 be brought direct to calendar.
- HCR 1019 is moved direct to general order.
Bills:
SB1246 , SB1510 , SB1979 , SB1929 , SB1930 , SB1976 , HCR1019 , SB1459 , SB1673 , SB1500 , SB1447 , SB1646 , SB2007 , SB1275 , SB2074
Keywords:
environmental permitting, Oklahoma, Department of Environmental Quality, public participation, regulatory framework, administered applications, energy, wind energy, financial assurance, property restoration, environmental regulation, mining, blasting, residential protection, buffer zone, Department of Mines, public utilities, electric transmission lines, landowner rights, payment regulations
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, offered the invocation, and recognized the Doctor of the Day and Nurse of the Day. Members also welcomed guests in the gallery, including supporters of a prosthetic coverage bill. The chamber then took up HCR 1019, which designates the planned turnpike corridor from I-44 to I-40 as the Toby Keith Expressway in honor of the late Oklahoma country music star. The resolution was read, discussed in celebratory terms, and adopted by voice vote.
The Senate also acted on Senate Bill 202 by rejecting House amendments and requesting Senate conferees to be named later. Senate Bill 1459, which extends the sunset date for the Oklahoma Abstractors Board to 2031, was explained by its author, advanced, and then passed on third reading by a roll call vote of 41-6. The Senate then approved the emergency clause for the bill, making it effective immediately.
During announcements, members noted an upcoming legislative drive for the OIE fair project, a Business and Insurance Committee meeting, and recognized the agenda clerk for a birthday. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, March 2 at 1:30 p.m. when the clerk’s desk is clear.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, not doing so is akin to letting a cardiologist run an urgent care or critical triage unit.
- I would love to direct my question to DOT, but they're not here, so I'll address you guys instead.
- And I understood and take care of those.
- [Snorts] >> Hi, Angela Young Cares. Um, in strong favor of this legislation.
- Um, in strong >> Hi, Angela Young Cares.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 2485, which would require cardiovascular screening for student athletes. The Department of Education and Department of Health said they support the bill’s intent but noted that many screenings are already part of existing school-entry and well-child exams. The Attorney General’s office asked for clarifying language on who performs the screenings, where results go, how “positive findings” are defined, how referrals would work, and whether funding would be appropriated if DOE must hire health professionals. The American Heart Association strongly supported the bill, citing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes and arguing that sports physicals are an effective opportunity for early detection. No vote was taken, and the committee moved on after testimony.
The committee then heard HB 89, concerning a school psychologist working group and possible licensing or credentialing of school psychologists. The Department of Education and Board of Psychology supported the measure. The Hawaii Psychological Association said it supports licensing school psychologists but asked to be included in the working group, arguing it is an important stakeholder. The Hawaii Association of School Psychologists opposed including HPA, saying the issue is between school psychologists and DCCA and that HPA is not part of their organization. Testimony and discussion focused on the long-running disagreement over whether school psychologists should be regulated under the Board of Psychology or another mechanism, and on title protection and scope of practice. No action was reported during this portion.
The committee also took up HB 2445, relating to standardized emergency responses for immigration enforcement at or near schools. The Department of Education said it already issued internal law-enforcement guidance and questioned whether the bill was necessary, while also raising concerns about the bill’s 1,000-foot buffer language and the limits of school authority over activity off campus. The Board of Education echoed those concerns and suggested the bill may need clearer definitions. Supporters, including the White Coalition for Immigrant Rights, the Legal Clinic, and an attorney testifying on Know Your Rights training, argued that recent federal changes have increased ICE activity near schools and that a law is needed to ensure clear, public protocols, staff training, and family protections. A student testifier said the measure was a top priority of the state student council. The transcript ends during testimony, with no vote or final committee action shown.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Committee to Study Reducing the Number of School Administrative Units in the State (10/06/25)
Transcript Highlights:
- We're leaders that establish, uh, school-level direction.
- It's important that kids know they're cared for and cared about in the school community you're creating
- </c> being that hallway monitor or directing being that hallway monitor or directing traffic,<00:36:54.160
- It is a direct is not an accident.
- </c> face and they feel they have a direct face and they feel they have a direct line<01:08:06.880><c
Summary:
The committee met to hear from the New Hampshire Association of School Principals as part of its review of a proposal involving statewide administrative consolidation and changes to school governance. Members first discussed how school board witnesses would be selected, with the chair saying the committee would seek a mix of district sizes and structures and would also accept emailed input. The principals’ association said it represents more than 550 principals and assistant principals and urged caution about any mandatory consolidation, arguing that successful consolidations are gradual and voluntary.
Association leaders and principals testified that principals already handle a wide range of responsibilities, including instructional leadership, student discipline, safety, staff supervision and evaluation, family and community engagement, and day-to-day crisis response. They argued that shifting more legal, budgetary, and administrative duties onto principals would reduce time for coaching teachers and supporting students, increase burnout and turnover, and create legal and training risks, especially in areas such as special education, privacy, and labor issues. They also said the roles of superintendents, principals, and school board members are distinct and require different training and expertise.
Members asked detailed questions about how responsibilities are divided between principals and SAUs, whether principals recruit and evaluate staff, and how much time principals work. One principal said she works about 60 to 70 hours a week and that additional duties would be difficult to absorb. Another principal described his school’s structure, the importance of community building, and the need to preserve district-wide alignment if consolidation moves forward. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on HF2563 5/18/25
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> I was looking at the care for Yes. I was looking at the care for Yes.
- </c> previously received direct previously received direct appropriations<00:09:34.880><c> in</c><00:
- </c> members had their own direct members had their own direct appropriations<00:13:33.200><c> or</c>
- </c> they had a lot of uh direct they had a lot of uh direct appropriations<00:13:37.120><c> too</c><
- </c> the senate we uh much of those direct the senate we uh much of those direct appropriations<00:13
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It's 2 and a half miles in each direction.
- It's 2 and a half miles in each direction.
- It is a legislatively directed piece on things.
- It's a it is a legislatively directed peace on things.
- If you care about affordable housing, if you care about infrastructure, economic development, traffic
Bills:
HF4807
Committee:
House Transportation Finance and Policy
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (03/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So my technical question is that in the last HB 2, I think directed may be the right term, we directed
- </c> hb2 uh I think I don't I think directed hb2 uh I think I don't I think directed may<00:03:24.040
- </c> stakeholders across the healthc care stakeholders across the healthc care system<00:28:13.279><c
- It's one of the number one issues in health care cost.
- It's one of the number one issues in health care cost.
Summary:
The working session focused on the New Hampshire Prescription Drug Affordability Board’s budget request and its recent work. Early discussion centered on a technical question about a statutory dedicated fund for donations: members asked why the budget did not show a line item for accepting donations, and DHHS CFO Nathan White explained that the statute already authorizes the fund, but because no revenue has been received yet, it does not appear in the budget. He said any future donations would go through the normal process under RSA 14:30-a, with fiscal committee and Governor and Council approval and a memo to the Department of Revenue Administration. The chair clarified that the account was not a prerequisite to soliciting donations, and White said the fund would supplement, not replace, General Fund support.
Kirk Williamson, the board’s executive director, then presented the board’s mission and budget. He said the governor’s budget provides about $256,500 in the first year and slightly more in the second, all General Funds, and that the board had distributed a technical amendment to continue the executive director position. He described the board’s role as analyzing prescription drug costs, identifying savings opportunities, monitoring market trends, promoting transparency, and making recommendations to the legislature and public payers. He also emphasized that the board operates publicly, with live-streamed meetings and a stakeholder advisory council that includes unions, state agencies, Medicaid, corrections, higher education, and other stakeholders.
A major topic was the board’s estimate of $6 million in potential savings, based on Medicare’s newly negotiated prices for 10 drugs. Williamson explained that the board used those federal negotiated prices as a benchmark to estimate what New Hampshire public payers might be missing by not having similar leverage, and said the board is trying to build evidence for future recommendations rather than directly setting prices. Members asked how those potential savings could become actual savings, and Williamson said the board is sharing findings through its advisory council and feedback loops, though it has not yet sent a formal recommendation letter to specific purchasers. He also discussed the difference between pharmacy-benefit spending, which relies heavily on PBM-negotiated rebates, and medical-benefit spending, which is administered differently and is being added to the board’s next report.
Williamson highlighted other work, including a model on Humira and a pending legislative effort to improve biosimilar competition, plus a proposed state-backed pharmacy savings card that would be no cost to the state and could save users about $240 per prescription based on Connecticut’s experience. No votes were taken during the session.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 2nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is truly a special program that deserves... ...discipline, confidence, and direction.
- She is serving in the board's new position for a behavioral health care provider.
- , ensuring that families could continue to receive life-saving care close to home.
- Could continue to receive life-saving care close to home.
- She cared so much about regional equity.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through several floor recognitions and ceremonial presentations. Senator Perez presented SR 81, declaring March 2, 2026, as Read Across America Day. Senators Choi and Rubio spoke in support, emphasizing literacy, libraries, volunteer reading programs, and the importance of diverse books and student engagement. The resolution passed on a unanimous roll call vote, 37-0, and Perez introduced guests from the California Teachers Association.
The chamber then honored the 50th anniversary of the California Conservation Corps, with Senator Laird leading the recognition and several senators praising the Corps’ service, conservation work, disaster response, and job-training role for young adults and veterans. The Senate also welcomed the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Agriculture Leadership Class and the College of San Mateo Bulldogs, including the 2025 state championship football team and a coach from the women’s softball team. Later, the Senate confirmed Dr. Chris Thayer as Director of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and Dr. Gina Castro Rodriguez to the Board of State and Community Corrections, both by 29-0 votes.
Senator Wahab presented SCR 125 recognizing the beginning of Ramadan, with Senator Becker offering supportive remarks about an iftar dinner and the meaning of the holiday. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 37-0. The Senate then took up several adjournments in memory, including Stephen Cassidy, John Joseph Zoria, Crystal Schoenfelder, and Belinda Baraghani, with multiple senators sharing personal tributes to their public service, community leadership, and mentorship. The session concluded with remarks on Ramadan and the Senate entering recess, with the next floor session scheduled for March 5, 2026.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Democratic Leaders Media Availability Feb 18th, 2026 at 11:15 am
Transcript Highlights:
- to take opportunities to celebrate, but there are real problems on the horizon on access to health care
- and how it's going to limit really preventative care or early intervention.
- I spend a lot of time talking to our health care providers, especially mental health and substance use
- So my sense is that we are headed in that direction.
- Their employees wind up using taxpayer-funded Medicaid as their health care.
Summary:
Senate and House Democratic leaders held a post-cutoff media availability to review the first half of session and outline priorities for the remainder. They said both chambers made substantial progress on protecting Washington from federal overreach and on affordability, citing measures on ICE access and notice, private spaces, housing expansion, medical debt interest caps, senior property tax relief, working families and small business tax credits, and proposals to phase out sales tax on services. They also highlighted that the House moved nearly 200 bills, about 80% with bipartisan support, and said the chambers are now processing each other’s bills and preparing for a fast-paced final stretch.
A major focus was the “millionaire’s tax” and related tax relief proposals. Leaders said the governor’s suggestions, including a sales tax holiday and diaper relief, were welcome and that the updated revenue forecast gives the budget more breathing room and reserves, though much of the new revenue is offset by caseload growth and federal cuts. They said the tax package is intended to support long-term fiscal sustainability and affordability, and that House members will continue shaping the bill in committee. They also discussed a separate proposal to tax large employers whose workers rely on Medicaid, saying it is being considered in light of new federal requirements to track Medicaid employment data, while noting concerns from employers and nonprofits.
The conversation also covered several bills that stalled or were delayed. Leaders said the JR bill did not advance because it lacked votes, though support and stakeholder engagement increased this year. They said child welfare bills and Senator Wilson’s proposals were paused after stakeholder concerns, while Representative Fitzgibbon defended the House’s approach to child safety and said lawmakers are still working on the issue. Other topics included the transmission and cultural resources bills, where a late procedural request to read a bill in full disrupted plans to move multiple measures together, and a tort-liability bill that passed the Senate and is expected to continue in the House with amendments. They also addressed the 0.05 impaired-driving bill, the Left Plan 1 pension proposal, the farmworker unionization bill, and the initiative-related bill, with several of these measures described as still under discussion or lacking enough support to move this year.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Vets Committee Meeting - 2025-03-26
Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill has a direct impact on Morrison County, which is home to Camp Ripley, one of the nation's premier
- from the Legislature helped the Department support work that led to five additional Continuums of Care
- Southeast; November 2020, the Suburban Metro area counties; November 2021, the Central Continuum of Care
- That's been a bit of a challenge with the situation regarding health care workers since COVID.
- , as I said, the empty beds and reductions in revenue and levels of service for veterans under our care
Committee:
House Veterans and Military Affairs Division
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> >> I was not the the legislature directed >> I was not the the legislature directed
- </c> the school directed AC AC program. the school directed AC AC program.
- </c><02:08:40.159><c> We</c> directed me to this. We looked it up. We directed me to this.
- </c><02:26:35.040><c> service</c> process unless the direct service process unless the direct service
- </c> for direct services? for direct services?
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Some some groups are marginalized and health care.
- We're going to start with care time.
- racial disparity of care of care in the organization that racial disparity of care decreases in order
- When we talk about the agency, you know, for health care and we talk about taking care of our elders,
- This is definitely a step in the wrong direction.