Video & Transcript : 'gross waste of funds' :
Page 41 of 500
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
Tourism and Gaming Working Group (TGWG) - Thu Feb 19, 2026 @ 4:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Top of page two. 479-26. 480-26. 481-26. 482-26. Top of page three.
- </c> Top of page three. Top of page three.
- Top of page 21.
- My brother is the vice chair of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees, and this bill is a
- part of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs package.
Bills:
HB1952 , HB1951 , HB1929 , HB2497 , HB2208 , HB2572 , HB1953 , HB2551 , HB2549 , HB1737 , HB1628 , HB1769 , HB2493 , HB2264 , HB1997 , HB2168 , HB2427 , HB1805 , HB2180 , HB2184 , HB2219 , HB2469 , HB2233 , HB2519 , HB2141 , HB1904 , HB2201 , HB2410 , HB2007 , HB2385 , HB2444 , HB2349 , HB2235 , HB1872 , HB2416 , HB2291 , HB2292 , HB2263 , HB2359 , HB2455 , HB1509 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB1648 , HB2164 , HB2323 , HB1825 , HB2172 , HB1888 , HB2005 , HB2387 , HB2358 , HB2119 , HB2276 , HB2472 , HB1714 , HB2325 , HB1541 , HB1960 , HB2140 , HB2315 , HB2367 , HB2388 , HB1696 , HB2333 , HB2138 , HB2332 , HB2283 , HB2059 , HB2057 , HB2589 , HB2417 , HB2337 , HB1588 , HB2217 , HB2020 , HB1915 , HB1742 , HB2026 , HB1965 , HB1546 , HB2360 , HB1563 , HB1749 , HB2614 , HB1511 , HB1753 , HB1849 , HB1641 , HB2161 , HB2194 , HB1721 , HB2284 , HB2188 , HB1897 , HB1880 , HB1573 , HB1876 , HB20 , HB2137
Keywords:
HB1952, Hawaii agriculture, University of Hawaii, CTAHR, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, Kauai, agricultural research station, extension station, capital improvements, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, appropriation, ADA compliance, Americans with Disabilities Act, certified kitchen, greenhouse, laboratory, field research, cesspool decommissioning, invasive species
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- This is just a ridiculous waste of our time. Sadly, it's a Senate concurrent resolution.
- This is just a ridiculous waste of our time.
- And also cost us millions of dollars in federal funding.
- We provide for a portion of the funding in the bill.
- Senate Bill 1059, an act appropriating funding to the Department of Transportation.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Republican Leaders Media Availability Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- gross income, you capture pass-through income from owners of S-corps and LLCs and partnerships.
- significant waste and fraud in many parts of our state government.
- So part of the income tax proposal included a funding mechanism for public defense.
- of whack.
- That help deal earnestly with the allegations of fraud or misuse of funding throughout our state government
Summary:
Senate and House Republican leaders used the media availability to focus heavily on affordability and to criticize a newly unveiled Democratic income tax proposal. Leaders John Braun, Drew Stokesbary, and others argued the bill would function as a broader income tax, harm small and medium-sized businesses, include a marriage penalty, deny loss carryforwards, and ultimately raise costs for Washington residents. They also said the proposal would do little to offset regressive taxes and would not meaningfully improve affordability. In response to questions, they said the bill was a non-starter for Republicans and warned it could contribute to business and household outmigration.
Republicans also highlighted a range of other bills they said would increase costs or worsen public safety, including proposals related to insurance, tires and 6PPD, textiles, local taxes, social media, cigarettes, and solid waste. They criticized housing-related bills on homelessness and camping near schools and parks, saying they could limit local control and expose cities to lawsuits. On public safety, they said Democratic leaders were not advancing Republican-backed bills on sexually violent predators, family safety, and related issues. Braun also said his bill on oversight of NGOs and suspected fraud had a good hearing and remained a priority, while Republicans said they were watching fraud-related bills and a SNAP-related bill on restricting purchases of unhealthy foods.
The leaders said they were holding listening sessions on the initiatives because they believe the legislature must give them precedence, and they said they invited both supporters and opponents to participate. They also discussed Senate Bill 602 on automated license plate readers, saying it had bipartisan support in committee but still faced concerns from cities, counties, and law enforcement. On the governor’s statement that he could not support the income tax proposal as written, Republicans said it showed there may be room for negotiation within the Democratic side, but they doubted Republicans would be included in those talks. No votes were taken during the media availability.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services May 27th, 2026
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Because honestly, the bulk of these plans in Texas are ERISA-driven. They're self-funded.
- Which one of you talked about fraud, waste, and abuse, and it's not applicable to private insurance?
- A trillion dollars in waste, fraud, and abuse, but we're really kind of talking fraud.
- A trillion dollars in waste, fraud, and abuse, but we're really kind of talking fraud.
- That spend is roughly, on a gross basis, $2.9 billion, with a net spend of $1.75 billion.
Committee:
Senate Health & Human Services
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Dec 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- and a lot of heavy investment with some of those relief funds without a strategy in place for our food
- That is comparable to the gross domestic product of small and medium countries, such as Croatia.
- those cherries, all of those cherries are wasted and they receive a bill.
- It's one of the most successful federally funded nutrition programs.
- about $9 million to $3 million in that period of time in state funding.
Summary:
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session on food systems and food security, with no public testimony. The first panel focused on household food security and data. Marie Spiker of the University of Washington explained what food insecurity means, its health impacts, and the importance of reliable measurement, warning that the federal Census food security data is being terminated and that there is no true replacement. She described Washington’s WaFOOD surveys as a useful complement, not a substitute, and noted that they show food insecurity affects households at a range of income levels. Katie Raines of WSDA described the state’s food systems work, the need for shared data and dashboards, and the role of agriculture in both food production and the hunger safety net. Committee members asked about the $2.2 million state food assistance allocation, the scale of the SNAP gap, and how household size, housing costs, and other factors intersect with food insecurity.
The committee then heard from Tracy Roof of the University of Richmond on the history of SNAP and its relationship to agriculture. She traced the program from Depression-era commodity distribution through the modern farm bill, emphasizing that food assistance has long functioned both as anti-hunger policy and as an agricultural and economic stabilizer. She highlighted how SNAP expands during recessions, supports retailers and farmers, and has become more important since the Great Recession because participation stayed high even as the economy recovered. Roof also noted that Washington has relatively high SNAP participation and low payment error rates, but that recent federal changes could reduce eligibility and shift more costs to states. Members asked how Washington compares to other states and why the program is structured as it is.
A later panel featured the Washington State Food Policy Forum and a joint systems presentation from the Washington Farm Bureau, Washington Retail Association, and Washington Food Industry Association. The Food Policy Forum described its consensus-based recommendations on food insecurity, climate and water, regional food infrastructure, farmland protection, and farm viability, including more support for producer purchasing, water planning, and farmland conservation. The industry groups presented a systems map showing how agriculture, processing, retail, and transportation are interconnected, and argued that rising costs, regulations, labor and fuel expenses, retail theft, and thin margins make it harder to keep farms and stores viable. They said food security depends on store viability and local agricultural profitability, and promised to provide a more detailed list of policy recommendations.
The final panel included state agency staff from DSHS, DOH, and WSDA. Bryce Montgomery said the Basic Food program serves about 920,000 Washingtonians monthly and warned that H.R. 1 could require Washington to pay up to 15% of SNAP benefits, broaden work requirements, and restrict immigrant eligibility. Karen Mullen described DOH nutrition programs, including WIC, farmers market nutrition benefits, fruit and vegetable incentives, and a fruit-and-vegetable prescription program, while noting funding instability and the end of SNAP-Ed. WSDA’s Katie Raines began describing ongoing food assistance and farmer support challenges, including farmer mental health and the need to address food insecurity across both producers and consumers.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- If there are other changes outside of the definition of federal adjusted gross income, then we have to
- We only fund our state universities at 12% of their budget.
- There is an official report out as part of the budget called the 2027 general fund lumps of reductions
- So because of that, and because of higher education funding cuts, I cannot support this bill, and so
- role of the legislature by creating a board of trustees to manage the state health insurance trust fund
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 19th, 2026
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and what it demands of those of us in leadership today.
- cost of.
- But let me begin with the notion of the rule of law, not just the rule of law, but equal justice under
- Because of all of those who came before me, I am.
- Hearing no objection is so ordered, with the consent of the House and Gross-substed House Bill 1819 on
Bills:
HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB2125 , HB2134 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2245 , HB2283 , HB2406 , HB2501 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2188 , HB2206 , HB2478 , HJM4012 , HB1104 , HB1152 , HB1254 , HB1443 , HB1982 , HB2006 , HB2297 , HB2322 , HB2329 , HB2379 , HB2388 , HB2399 , HB2462 , HB2544 , HB2551 , HB2262 , HB2298 , HB2351 , HB2401 , HB2593 , HB2661 , HB1496 , HB1898 , HB2157 , HB2311 , HB2325 , HB2552 , HB1343 , HB1707 , HB2361 , HB2389 , HB2468 , HB2521 , HB2720 , HB1591 , HB2092 , HB2176 , HB2255 , HB2281 , HB2438 , HB2685 , HB1960 , HB2236 , HB2364
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, the flags were escorted by the Nisei Veterans Committee Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Scout Alexander Bertelsen, and Reverend Masao Umoto delivered the invocation. The House then approved the previous day’s minutes and took up House Resolution 4692, recognizing the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and honoring Japanese Americans who were forcibly relocated and incarcerated during World War II. The resolution recounted the history of the incarceration, the service of Japanese American veterans, the findings of the 1982 commission that the policy was driven by racial prejudice and war hysteria, and the later federal apology and reparations. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and guests connected to the Japanese American community and remembrance observances were recognized.
Several members spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing the constitutional failures of the wartime incarceration, the importance of remembrance, and the need to guard against fear-driven violations of civil liberties. Remarks also highlighted personal family histories, the experiences of camps such as Manzanar and Camp Harmony, and the service of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and other Japanese American units. After adoption, the House agreed to spread Representative Stonier’s remarks upon the journal.
The House then considered a motion to re-refer Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 536 to the Community Safety Committee instead of the Environment and Energy Committee. Representative Abbarno argued the bill dealt primarily with criminal penalties and prosecutorial authority, while Representative Fitzgibbon opposed the change, saying the bill’s predominant subject matter remained environmental. The amendment failed on a voice vote. The House then adopted the motion to read and refer the day’s introductions to the designated committees, with SB 6066 sent to Transportation. Finally, the House returned HB 1065, HJM 1412, and ESHB 1819 to the Rules Committee, announced caucuses, and adjourned until 9:55 a.m. Friday, February 20.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- One concern is we use the measurement of gross sales of our crops.
- And so the legislature last year funded, supported the creation of or the analysis of some of the underutilized
- Currently, if a hunger relief organization receives EFAP funding from the Department of Agriculture,
- So throughout our grant funded through the State Department of Health, House Bill 2671, we're able to
- Also, we have a free voucher program that's funded through Washington State Department of Health.
Summary:
The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee met for a work session focused on Washington agriculture’s condition, food security, behavioral health, and animal disease surveillance. WSDA Director Derek Sandison and economist Maddie Roy presented an update on agricultural viability, describing Washington agriculture as highly diverse and valuable but increasingly strained by rising production and labor costs, aging producers, consolidation, trade barriers, land pressures, stagnant research funding, infrastructure concerns, and climate impacts. They cited declining farm numbers, falling net farm income, and negative take-home pay for farmers, while also noting strengths such as climate, soils, ports, irrigation, universities, and other infrastructure. Committee members asked about commodity-specific impacts, comparisons with other states, and the role of regulation in worsening costs.
Kelly McLean followed with a discussion of opportunities to support agriculture, including trade, domestic food systems development, climate mitigation, clean energy, ag tech, workforce and education, and mental health. She highlighted investments in port and transportation infrastructure, local food processing and distribution, land access and incubator opportunities, climate resilience projects, and programs supporting farmworker and farmer mental health. Katie Raines then updated the committee on food systems and food security, explaining WSDA’s reorganization into a Farm and Food Systems Development Division and describing trends in household food insecurity, the state’s hunger safety net, and the importance of food system infrastructure. She noted that food insecurity is rising again and that even higher-income households are reporting need, while legislators asked about eligibility thresholds and the impact on lower-income residents.
The committee also heard from WSU Skagit County Extension’s Don McMoran and Maddie Van der Koi on agricultural stress and suicide prevention. They described the Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Partnership, crisis and referral resources, peer-to-peer outreach, trainings, and free counseling vouchers for farmers and farmworkers. They emphasized that farmers face chronic stress from financial volatility, weather, labor shortages, isolation, and stigma, and cited elevated suicide rates in agricultural populations. Members asked about reluctance to seek help and whether flooding had increased demand for services. Finally, Dr. Kevin Snekovic of the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory described WADDL’s role in disease testing, food safety, wildlife surveillance, and rapid response to outbreaks such as avian influenza and chronic wasting disease. He said the lab supports trade and quarantine decisions, and members asked about elk hoof rot research, workforce needs, and how to connect constituents to the lab. No votes were taken; the session ended with a preview of upcoming Thursday work sessions on marine resources, Columbia River Basin supply, Ecology’s report back, and agricultural natural resources issues.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- funding gaps. last report in 2021, along with expansion and influx of businesses across our state.
- Outdated infrastructure in each category and significant funding deficits threaten the cleanliness. of
- However, This shot-in-the-arm funding is just one part of the solution.
- infrastructure. funding which is which is why we answer the question this way. of money, right?
- , so yes, we have a large We have a lot of miles, a lot of rural areas, so that is part of the reason
Keywords:
Texas, Infrastructure Report Card, ASCE, population growth, climate change, investment, public safety, engineering standards
Summary:
The meeting focused on the release of the 2025 Texas Infrastructure Report Card, highlighting key findings and recommendations for improving infrastructure across various sectors in the state. Julie Jones, Vice President of ASCE Texas, opened the session by introducing key speakers, including Dr. Art Wood and committee co-chairs Griselda Gonzalez and Austin Mazzarelli. Throughout the discussion, the report's grades were revealed, showing the state's infrastructure received an overall grade of 'C'—adequate but requiring significant attention and investment. Emphasis was placed on the rising challenges posed by climate change and increased population growth, underscoring the need for strategic investments in infrastructure to support Texas' economic growth and public safety.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- Did you guys discuss pros and cons of having this come out of Water One versus general funds?
- water one versus general come out of water one versus general funds?
- What we don't have is funding to do the wastewater and storm water side of it.
- </c><01:07:23.039><c> times</c> federal funding for that, a lot of times federal funding for that, a
- </c> funding uh for a very targeted piece of funding uh for a very targeted piece of research<01:19:22.640
Bills:
SF0101
Committee:
House Appropriations
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Working Group on Omnibus Health and Human Services Bill - 06/08/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We spend money out of the TANF fund.
- </c> number of fee increases and funding number of fee increases and funding requests.<00:25:40.000><
- </c> uh funding and and uh an extension of uh funding and and uh an extension of uh<00:27:22.400><c>
- </c> more of operating funds. more of operating funds.
- </c> of of available funding. of of available funding.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Additionally, this goes beyond the boundaries of our state. 6,500 rolls of plastic grass with the tire-waste
- I'm an appointed member of the Massachusetts DEP Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup Advisory Committee, where
- The Saugus waste-to-energy facility is an important part of the municipal solid waste infrastructure
- And in fact, for every one ton of waste we take, we avoid two tons of greenhouse gases because it would
- So that is certainly a source of funding, but we don't think it would be the only source of funding.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hybrid hearing with testimony on a range of environmental bills. Early testimony focused on H. 1018, which would update management of the Commonwealth’s water resources and limit new conditions on historic water registrations. Water officials from Wellesley and the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission supported the bill, arguing that drought-related restrictions on registered withdrawals are difficult to administer, create customer confusion, and can undermine utility revenue needed for infrastructure upgrades. A Massachusetts Waterworks Association representative also backed the bill, saying registered systems have long operated within their allocations and should not have those withdrawals conditioned by regulation.
A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 1040, which would ban tire-derived materials on playgrounds and playing fields. The bill’s petitioner, environmental advocates, and an environmental chemist testified that crumb rubber and other tire-derived infill can release chemicals into soil and water and may pose risks to aquatic life and public health. Committee members asked about alternatives and costs; witnesses said natural grass and some organic infills are available, though more research is needed on some substitutes. Rep. Schwartz also testified on CSO-related bills, describing combined sewer overflows as a public health and environmental problem and saying the bills set deadlines but leave implementation methods to local and regional officials. Rep. Chacolo supported H. 909, a grant program for low-noise, low-emission landscape equipment, citing worker health, noise, and emissions concerns, and Sen. Cyr testified for bills addressing coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollution.
The hearing also included extensive testimony on H. 4040, which would prevent discharge of radioactive materials from the Pilgrim decommissioning process. Speakers including a Sierra Club representative, a physician, and the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association opposed Holtec’s plan to dispose of radioactive wastewater through evaporation or discharge, citing public health, transparency, and economic risks to fisheries and coastal communities. Another large block of testimony addressed CSO legislation, especially H. 1046 and related bills for the MWRA service area. Environmental groups, residents, and river users described sewage overflows into the Charles, Mystic, and Alewife Brook, impacts on health and recreation, and the need for a timeline to eliminate or sharply reduce overflows. Industry representatives opposed the CSO and waste bills, arguing they would be costly, duplicative, and disruptive, while waste facility operators said they already use continuous emissions monitoring and comply with existing regulations. No votes were taken during the hearing.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Sep 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So many of you in this room were part of putting the health care trust fund together.
- of the general fund over the long run.
- The top on the right, that red line, it's the underlying rate of growth of the general fund over the
- right-size the distribution to that fund so that it's fully funded, but without consuming all of the
- If we lose federal funding, then one of the fallback options is to apply for federal funding.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise for the point of personal privilege introduction of guests. Excellent.
- the state of Arizona.
- by the House of Representatives of the 57th Legislature, regular session, and request the consent of
- President Pro Tem, I move that the Senate accede to the request of the House of Representatives of the
- There is a long history of our legislature having told universities to fund this and work on that, and
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 03/05/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> to access all of the funds that were to access all of the funds that were coming<00:03:19.280><c
- received a mix of general funds and bonding funds.
- > uh</c> received a mix of General funds and uh received a mix of General funds and uh bonding<01:40:
- of the large all-fund scope of DEED.
- ><c> De</c><01:43:33.000><c> Senator</c> all fund scope of of De Senator all fund scope of of De Senator
Committee:
Senate Jobs and Economic Development
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (01/27/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- Seabrook</c> the storage of nuclear waste at Seabrook the storage of nuclear waste at Seabrook is<00
- seems not the intent of this fund.
- seems not the intent of this fund.
- seems not the intent of this fund.
- </c><01:56:37.920><c> fund</c> not the intent of this um fund this fund not the intent of this um fund
Committee:
House Science, Technology and Energy
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Apr 21st, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- study of collegiate athletic program funding.
- a comprehensive study of collegiate athletic program funding.
- I believe it's a taxpayer-funded idea that we should have some kind of oversight when we...
- So fund all of my business and let me walk around and cite the law that I have the power of a sheriff
- Senate Bill 232 by Senator Miller, funding of the judges' supplemental compensation fund, providing relative
Bills:
HR179 , HR180 , HR181 , HR182 , HR183 , HR184 , HR185 , HR186 , HR187 , HCR75 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR78 , HCR79 , HR165 , HR166 , HR168 , HR169 , HR170 , HR171 , HR172 , HR173 , HR174 , HR175 , HR176 , HR177 , HR178 , HCR65 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR68 , HCR69 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR73 , HCR74 , SCR34 , SB34 , SB43 , SB52 , SB56 , SB165 , SB173 , SB189 , SB190 , SB260 , SB322 , SB345 , SB374 , SB387 , SB401 , SB448 , SB449 , SB455 , SB487 , SB496 , SB502 , SB505 , HB362 , HB893 , HB990 , HB1007 , HB1153 , HB1243 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HB55 , HB385 , HB394 , HB396 , HB406 , HB608 , HB622 , HB676 , HB772 , HB897 , HB1030 , HB1035 , HB1038 , HB1045 , HB1049 , HB1056 , HB1058 , HB1059 , HB1092 , HB1100 , HB1117 , HB1160 , HB1161 , HB1162 , HB1177 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB1216 , HB1239 , HB1240 , HB59 , HB74 , HB159 , HB330 , HB364 , HB414 , HB458 , HB525 , HB568 , HB786 , HB1008 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1041 , HB1062 , HB1070 , HB1079 , HB1112 , HB1118 , HB1139 , HB1151 , HB1176 , HB1182 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB368 , HB433 , HB441 , HB447 , HB466 , HB481 , HB741 , HB1242 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , HB977 , HB181 , HB31 , HB664 , HB9 , HB192 , HB225 , HB306 , HB310 , HB366 , HB635 , HB911 , HB1230 , HB1236 , HB615 , HB864 , HB1103 , HB1175 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1003 , HB1082 , HB1113 , HB1234
Keywords:
neighborhood, crime prevention, security districts, law enforcement, community safety, funding, Counseling Day, mental health, Louisiana Counseling Association, community support, mental wellness, Louisiana State University, athletics, NAIA, sports achievements, recognition, success, competition, education, higher education
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency Jun 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- of surplus property to go back to the operating fund or the general fund if the property is over 13th
- the general fund of the state, county, or municipality.
- of surplus property to go back to the operating fund or the general fund if the property is over 13th
- That's, you know, you report on the result of the outcome of those funds.
- That's, you know, you report on the result of the outcome of those funds, but in more complex programs
Summary:
The task force approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, striking language about contracting with a security vendor. Members then reviewed a draft bill on concessions procurement (LC 27.0161), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, update language for vending and merchandising machines, and clarify where concession proceeds are deposited. OMB explained the bill and said it was open to further changes, including language to address artificial fragmentation, clarify which government entities are covered, and possibly set contract-length limits. Members raised questions about whether the bill would apply to school districts, park districts, airports, and other political subdivisions, and about whether concession agreements could direct proceeds to nonprofits or other secondary recipients; OMB said the statute is intended to require proceeds to go to the government entity’s operating fund or general fund.
OMB also reported on other survey suggestions. It said a proposed general authority for agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is best limited to high-volume agencies. On legal notices, OMB said it had made progress with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernizing online notices, improving ADA compliance, and discussing rate and definition changes. On click-through agreements, OMB and the Attorney General’s office concluded no statutory change was needed after revising internal guidance; the $20,000 threshold was described as a practical cutoff for adhesive, nonnegotiable software terms. OMB also said issues raised by the Center for Distance Education on alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures had been resolved through policy clarification.
The University System gave a brief update on its collaboration with OMB and said it was continuing to review concessions, surplus property, and capital project statutes with all institutions involved. The task force then discussed a draft bill on requirements for new or expanded spending, intended to require agencies to identify program purpose, needs, alternatives, success measures, and budget details, and to report on outcomes over time. Members and staff debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how much should be real-time versus periodic, and whether the bill should include full implementation costs for pilot programs. Legislative Council staff said the new program evaluation division is still being built out, that staffing remains limited, and that the office plans to continue working with OMB and the executive branch to refine the proposal before the next meeting. No final action was taken on the draft bills beyond directing further work and follow-up for the next meeting.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, May 6, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise in opposition to this complete waste of time, the Gulf of America Act.
- </c> elimination of fraud, waste, and abuse. elimination of fraud, waste, and abuse.
- </c><05:00:14.958><c> of</c><05:00:15.200><c> funds</c><05:00:15.520><c> on</c> brazen and flagrant waste
- of funds on brazen and flagrant waste of funds on these<05:00:16.000><c> perverse</c><05:00:16.520><
- </c> sovereign debt all of it the the gross sovereign debt all of it the the gross debt<05:16:42.480>
Bills:
HR377
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Feb 24th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
State Government & Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- its Department of Health, Department of Licensing... ...in terms of Department of Health, Department
- There is a reduction in sort of the level of the crime to gross misdemeanor, which I think strikes the
- There is a reduction in sort of the level of the crime to gross misdemeanor, which I think strikes the
- Gross Substitute Senate Joint Memorial 84 requests an investigation into the violent death of Aichinor-Eggie
- I am against this waste of state legislative time on a matter that is respectfully for the federal Congress
Committee:
House State Government & Tribal Relations
Keywords:
state nickname, evergreen state, identity, cultural heritage, tourism, state cactus, symbolic designation, ecological significance, state symbols, SB 6044, Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas, Washington state holidays, RCW 1.16.050, state holiday recognition, religious observance, Hindu holiday, Sikh holiday, cultural recognition, paid holiday