Video & Transcript Research : 'provider flexibility'

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FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

January 14, 2026 - 08:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • WAS TO COLLECT AIRCRAFT MOVEMENT DATA STATEWIDE WITH THE FOCUS ON SAFETY IT IS NOW BEING USED TO PROVIDE
  • THE BILL PRESERVES FLEXIBILITY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND FDOT.
  • WOULD THIS ALLOW ENGINEERING FLEXIBILITY?
  • OR WILL THE CITY OR COUNTY ENGINEER BE ABLE TO USE FLEXIBILITY AND CREATIVITY? >> Rep.
  • I'M CONCERNED ABOUT FLEXIBILITY AND I'M WORRIED ABOUT ENGINEERING FLEXIBILITY.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate - Finance Mar 20th, 2025

Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are there providers out there, Mr. Chair? So, Mr.
  • . a juvenile, and then there's that flexibility.
  • Chair, to give that juvenile up to meaning more flexibility. ...and leniency in time.
  • They provide the services.
  • And then the Department of Aging will provide the staffing.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
  • Lisa, I think you answered that question where it says system-level flexibility is essential.
  • System-level flexibility is essential.
  • What kind of flexibility does the university system provide when, for example, Williston wants to offer
  • The campuses have asked for flexibility.
  • It kind of provide some guidance to see whether we're in or out.
Summary: The Higher Ed Funding Committee met to review how North Dakota might identify and address low-producing academic programs and to discuss draft funding formulas for the university system. Lisa Johnson of the NDUS explained that the State Board of Higher Education is already developing a system-wide policy, using models from other states such as Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, and Connecticut. She described how low-producing programs are typically flagged by multi-year enrollment or completion thresholds, then reviewed for workforce demand, mission fit, cost, accreditation, and regional need before any action is taken. Committee members asked about what counts as a program, how costs are analyzed, whether certificates are included, how exemptions work for mission-critical or high-demand fields, and whether the board or legislature should set the rules. Johnson said the board is the appropriate body to lead the process, but legislators could use funding leverage if they wanted to encourage action; the chair asked the board to bring a detailed proposal to the June meeting. The committee then heard a Legislative Council presentation on a draft formula for UND and NDSU. The proposal uses fall census FTE enrollment, with a placeholder undergraduate rate of $7,000 per FTE and a graduate/professional rate of $10,500, plus incentives for completions in in-demand fields and research productivity. Alex from Legislative Council walked through the projected funding effects, noting that the model would increase funding for NDSU and reduce it for UND in the current biennium, with different results in the next biennium as enrollment changes are recognized. Members questioned the use of the placeholder rates, the definition of in-demand programs, the treatment of research funding, and the exclusion of state-appropriated dollars from the external grants calculation. The chair emphasized that the numbers were illustrative and that appropriators would set the actual dollar amounts later. A second draft formula for the other nine institutions was also reviewed. That model uses fall census FTE without a weighted economic factor, applies a higher undergraduate rate, and adds completion incentives for in-demand credentials and all other completions. Members noted that the formula would benefit some institutions, such as Bismarck State College, while reducing funding for others, such as Mayville State, and discussed whether the nine institutions should be treated more uniformly or split into smaller groups because of their different missions and sizes. Committee members and staff repeatedly stressed that the formulas are still being refined and that some institutions would likely need hold-harmless adjustments or other transition measures. The meeting ended with the chair directing the committee to continue the discussion later and to expect further work on both the low-producing program policy and the funding formulas.
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE Mar 5th, 2026

JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • And then we send that back out to the provider to provide those...
  • Yes, we've worked with them on that successor provider, had many conversations with potential providers
  • Walls replied that those amounts are also contract types and provide flexibility for placement types
  • We do work with providers for SNAP employment and training, and they actually provide the employment
  • This gives us the flexibility.
Summary: The committee heard a series of Arkansas Department of Human Services budget presentations and questions, beginning with the Secretary’s Office and then the Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services. Staff described the divisions’ appropriations, funding sources, and major programs, including senior centers, Meals on Wheels, mental health grants, substance abuse treatment, community alcohol safety, the Medicaid tobacco settlement program, and crisis stabilization units. Members raised concerns about flat or limited funding for senior services, the use and tracing of federal block grants, the lack of a funding source for the veterans’ mental health grant, and the mechanics of the community alcohol safety and treatment programs. The committee also discussed patient benefits funds at state facilities, transportation for senior center clients, and whether some special-language appropriations or fund balances should be revisited. Executive recommendations were adopted for the divisions considered. The committee then reviewed the Division of Children and Family Services and the Division of County Operations. Questions focused on foster care growth, adoption subsidies, professional fees tied to staff training and onboarding, vacancies, the Children’s Trust Fund, and TANF subgrants. Members asked about the reduction or elimination of TANF funding to child advocacy centers and other subgrantees, and DHS explained that prior reserves had been spent down and that the department was now trying to live within the annual TANF block grant and rebuild reserves. County operations questions also covered summer EBT, SNAP employment and training, the farmers’ market program, and the expected impact of a federal SNAP administrative match change, which DHS estimated would increase state costs by about $24 million annually, with roughly $18 million affecting the current year because the change begins October 1. Executive recommendations were again adopted. Finally, the committee heard from the Division of Developmental Disability Services and the Division of Medical Services. DDS testimony covered vacancies, staffing shortages, human development center construction and repairs, the reopening of the Boonville work training program, and funding for infant infirmary and child/family life programs. Medical Services testimony covered the Medicaid program, the current FMAP rate, the Our Kids B CHIP program, Medicaid payments to schools, nursing home distress funding, and large appropriation lines used to provide flexibility for claims and potential facility closures. Members asked for more detail on school Medicaid payments, reserve balances, and why some appropriations were much larger than actual spending. In each division, the committee moved and adopted Executive REC after questions concluded.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • We have provided all the information.
  • We did provide that number earlier.
  • a little bit more flexibility.
  • We're anticipating... ...budget bill language that would provide a little bit more flexibility.
  • Yeah, if I, if we do have an annual report that we provide to the legislature, we can provide the committee
Summary: The hearing opened with budget framing from the chair and the LAO, who said the May Revision addresses roughly a $14 billion budget problem and that the environment and transportation subcommittee’s proposals account for about $1.9 billion of the solution. The LAO urged members to focus on solutions that do not worsen out-year deficits, to preserve reserves, and to defer major policy changes that are not necessary to pass the budget, including the newly introduced water-related trailer bills. Members also raised concern about a late-dropped Olympic-related trailer bill, which the LAO likewise suggested should be deferred for fuller review. The first major item was the Delta Conveyance Project and related water quality control plan trailer bills. The administration argued the proposals would streamline permitting, water rights proceedings, judicial review, and land acquisition, and would clarify DWR’s bond authority for the project. DWR said the project is needed to protect water supply reliability against drought, earthquakes, sea level rise, and other climate-related disruptions, and that the tunnel would help move water when conditions are wet and safer for the environment. Committee members from both parties questioned the timing, the use of budget trailer bills for major policy changes, the scope of the CEQA and water-rights changes, the lack of a bond cap, cost growth, and eminent domain protections. The LAO recommended deferring both water trailer bills without prejudice. Public comment was sharply divided, with labor, water agencies, and some business groups supporting the project as climate adaptation and reliability infrastructure, while environmental, tribal, fishing, county, and community groups opposed it as an attempt to bypass public process and weaken protections. The committee then briefly heard the DMV’s Digital Experience Platform fee trailer bill, which would reinstate a $1 system improvement fee to help fund the vehicle-registration phase of the project. DMV said the fee would raise about $7 million annually and offset roughly $59 million to $60 million of project costs, while the LAO noted it would help but would not solve the Motor Vehicle Account’s broader structural gap. The hearing then moved to California High-Speed Rail, where the new CEO presented an updated plan and said the project remains a major climate and infrastructure investment. He reported a revised Merced-to-Bakersfield cost range of $34.9 billion to $38.5 billion, said the agency is trying to reduce risk through direct procurement of materials, and argued that stable annual funding is needed to avoid higher costs from delays.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Education Finance - 03/04/25

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • One thing: you're providing a lot of flexibility to schools, and I appreciate that.
  • Senator Clark, Senator Chair Kunesh, and Senator Lang, it was largely to provide ongoing flexibility.
  • <01:40:30.080> that<01:40:30.199> flexibility bill how do we provide that flexibility
  • bill how do we provide that flexibility to<01:40:30.800> schools<01:40:31.159> right<01
  • provide those schools with flexibility provide those schools with flexibility so<01:40:48.239>
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • AB 2449 provided additional flexibility for Brown Act meeting procedures, allowing board members to participate
  • Assembly Member, I appreciate your work over the years to provide increased flexibility for local governing
  • Assembly Member, I appreciate your work to provide increased flexibility for college students' body associations
  • We provide cost savings, efficiency, expanded services, regional cooperation, tailored and flexible offerings
  • I believe this bill will provide flexibility in the streamlined process for ADUs.
Summary: The committee heard a long agenda focused heavily on housing, local government, Brown Act teleconferencing, and public agency administration. Early bills included AB 39, which would require larger cities and counties to adopt electrification planning for EV charging and building decarbonization; AB 76, which clarifies Chula Vista’s university innovation district housing requirements; AB 259, AB 409, and AB 467, which extend or modernize Brown Act teleconferencing provisions for local agencies, community college student bodies, and Los Angeles neighborhood councils; and AB 428, which would let water corporations join joint powers authorities for pooled insurance. Supporters emphasized climate planning, housing access, public participation, safety, and cost savings, while several bills were amended to address stakeholder concerns. Most of these measures advanced on bipartisan votes, generally 6-1 or 7-0, and were left open for additional members to add on later. The committee also heard AB 632, which would strengthen local enforcement tools for serious code violations, fire hazards, illegal cannabis operations, and unsafe housing by allowing unpaid administrative fines to be converted into money judgments and liens. Local government and code enforcement groups supported the bill as a way to improve compliance and reduce costly litigation. AB 670 would let local governments count investments in preserving naturally occurring affordable housing toward housing element reporting and require broader reporting of demolitions and replacement housing compliance; supporters argued preservation is essential because many unsubsidized affordable homes are at risk. AB 761 would allow Monterey-Salinas Transit to place a future sales tax measure on the ballot with approval from two-thirds of its board, rather than separate approval from each member jurisdiction, to preserve transit funding for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. These measures also moved forward, with the committee noting amendments and sending them to the next committees of referral. Another major item was AB 810, which would require special districts and joint powers authorities to migrate public-facing websites and email addresses to .gov or CA.gov domains by 2031. The author argued the change would reduce fraud and improve public trust, especially after emergency-related scams, while opponents from special districts and IT organizations said the transition would be costly and difficult for smaller agencies. Several school-related opponents withdrew after amendments, and committee members discussed possible aliases and tribal-government language. The bill passed 7-1 to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. Finally, AB 1206 proposed a pre-approved design catalog for single-family homes and small multifamily developments, modeled on a prior ADU bill, to speed rebuilding and reduce design costs; supporters from Habitat for Humanity and housing advocates said it would help both wildfire recovery and broader housing production, and the bill drew at least one opposed-unless-amended position as the committee moved into further discussion.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 10th, 2025 at 09:30 am

Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Transcript Highlights:
  • general fund and we had additional block grant flexible other funds.
  • to— And giving the department the flexibility to move positions.
  • For one thing, they have provided concept drawings.
  • House 27, Senate 25, provides the 2% provider inflation.
  • House 28, Senate 26, provides for the elimination of the administrative rule that requires providers
Bills: SB2015
Summary: The committee met to review revised long sheets and section-by-section language for a human services/health budget bill, with much of the discussion focused on how to present block grant funding and full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for behavioral health clinics and CCBHCs. Members debated whether to keep FTE counts in the budget at all, ultimately leaning toward removing or zeroing out the FTE references while keeping the dollar authority, and reducing the salaries-and-wages block grant by about $4.75 million. They also discussed public health federal authority, agreeing to remove about $60 million in unused federal spending authority tied to COVID-era funds, and clarified that if federal money later becomes available it could be requested through the Emergency Commission. A major topic was the provider inflation increase. The House version had 2% and 2%, while members debated alternatives and appeared to settle, at least for further work, on 2% in the first year and 1.5% in the second year, with staff asked to recalculate the fiscal impact. The committee also reviewed FMAP changes, noting a revised 2027 FMAP estimate and its effect on general fund and other funds, and discussed whether to adjust public health and other line items accordingly. Several members emphasized that many of these numbers are still tentative and will be refined before final action. The committee also touched on several policy items and capital-related provisions, including behavioral health services, Medicaid expansion, the moratorium on new ICF beds, and a proposed amendment for a medical homes/fourplex-related item that would show a $400,000 legislative investment with repayment from a developer. There was extended discussion of the All True hospital/facility proposal, with some members favoring leaving it in with a smaller initial commitment and others preferring to remove it and revisit later in conference committee. The meeting ended with staff asked to continue updating the bill language and members instructed to review remaining sections before the next meeting; no final votes were taken in the portion provided.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

PBS Info Briefing - Mon Feb 3, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • division that division helps us provide division that division helps us provide employment<00:15
  • <00:23:43.720> meaningful little while ago they provide meaningful little while ago they provide
  • effectiveness of oversight they provide effectiveness of oversight they provide that<00:36:30.280
  • <01:19:11.360> U can you say how all that flexibility U can you say how all that flexibility
  • /c> or re-entry providers um to provide a or re-entry providers um to provide a kind<01:49:24.360>
Keywords: 910, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Elect Committee Meeting - 2025-03-24

Transcript Highlights:
  • of it is, and then you also have a right to go out and provide a second opinion from an individual of
  • control and flexibility for school districts across Minnesota.
  • And the delete all amendment would provide the flexibility school districts need while at the same time
  • Here we are providing for that flexibility for a local community to not have to post in a paper if there
  • That's a tremendous amount of flexibility.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

Senate Commerce (04/21/2026)

Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill provides taxpayers alike.
  • opening remarks about providing opening remarks about providing definition.<00:05:36.680> We<
  • By providing municipalities with greater flexibility to apply the tax incentives of 79-E, developers,
  • you're providing skilled services. you're providing skilled services.
  • provided hits us hard. provided hits us hard.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session - 2026-05-28 - 10:00AM

Vermont Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Then we have the section on a report on the provider tax and how the provider tax might be utilized effectively
  • So there's flexibility there...
  • What is good about it is it allows for flexibility for smaller hospitals.
  • That'll keep providers here. That'll keep people here. That'll keep providers here.
  • The effective dates also provide a significant impact on this entire bill.
Keywords: 927, senate, all
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Education Feb 11th, 2026 at 08:39 am

House Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • However, it leaves a lot of flexibility for teachers.
  • The Public Education Department provides technical assistance.
  • And so there was limited time to provide feedback.
  • The amendments allow the school districts even more flexibility.
  • The amendments allow the school districts even more flexibility to do that. Mr.
Bills: SB234, SB210, SB243, SB244, SM16, HB8
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Fiscal Policy Mar 27th, 2025

Fiscal Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • school districts flexibility in their assessment calendars.
  • school districts flexibility in their assessment calendars.
  • The bill provides greater flexibility for districts and instructional personnel by authorizing districts
  • The bill provides districts with greater control over their facilities, removing prescribed five-year
  • flexibility in using federal funds for support programs in teacher recruitment in low-income areas,
Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy considered several bills and reported all of them favorably. SB 70-24, on state planning and budgeting, was presented as a modernization of the long-range planning program to simplify reporting, remove outdated measures, and focus on key data points and outcomes; it passed without opposition. CS/SB 166, on administrative efficiency in public schools, made broad changes to school accountability and operations, including lowering the stakes of certain student assessments, giving districts more flexibility on evaluations, contracts, certification, calendars, facilities, and VPK oversight. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying that Title I funds may be used for STEM services, and another refining how advanced degrees count on salary schedules. The bill passed favorably after testimony both supporting and opposing the changes, with supporters emphasizing flexibility and opponents raising concerns about teacher evaluation and instructional practice. CS/SB 164, on vessel accountability, was described as a measure to address derelict and at-risk vessels by improving owner identification, creating a free long-term anchoring permit program, increasing penalties, and authorizing grants for local governments in the FWC prevention program. It received support from marine industry groups and was reported favorably. CS/SB 472, on education and correctional facilities for licensed professions, would allow inmates to receive credit toward licensure for qualifying coursework; a strike-all amendment added coordination with DBPR and professional boards. The bill drew support from criminal justice, business, and policy groups and passed unanimously. The committee spent the most time on CS/SB 438, on food and hemp products. Senator Burton and co-sponsor Senator Davis argued the bill was needed to regulate intoxicating hemp products, restrict child-appealing packaging and signage, ban synthetic hemp products, cap THC content in edibles and beverages, and require hemp beverages to be sold through alcohol-style distribution channels. Supporters, including alcohol distributors and some public safety advocates, said the bill would improve testing, labeling, and consumer protection. Opponents, including hemp retailers, farmers, and libertarian advocates, argued it would harm small businesses, reduce consumer choice, and push sales to the black market. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tab five, and the committee adjourned.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 9th, 2025 at 09:30 am

Appropriations - Human Resources Division

Transcript Highlights:
  • This morning's headline might provide a different perspective on them.
  • And I'm only sympathetic to the smaller providers.
  • It says, for the purpose of providing a one-time grant.
  • So we'll just give you the flexibility to move, and then it gives them the flexibility to address issues
  • Then we're not addressing provider inflation at this point.
Bills: SB2399
Summary: The Senate Appropriations HR Division met to work through amendments and budget items in House Bill 2012/HB 1004, focusing first on long-term care, disability services, and behavioral health. Members discussed competing approaches to a four-plex for medically complex individuals, a value-based care payment withhold for nursing facilities, accreditation requirements for providers, a study of developmental disability services, and funding for Family Voices and Ann Carlson-related services. Several amendments were accepted or set aside after discussion, including a study amendment for disability services and a Family Voices grant amendment that was adjusted to remove “one-time” language so it could continue as an ongoing grant. The committee also agreed to keep or defer some items for conference committee, including the youth crisis stabilization pilot and other long-term care proposals. A major discussion centered on the state hospital project. Members debated whether the $330 million project should remain in the DHS budget or be moved to the OMB budget for construction management. After discussion of costs, alternates, and the role of a steering committee and BND loan language, the committee agreed to remove the state hospital funding and related loan language from the DHS budget while leaving the steering committee language in place. The committee also considered a proposed Altru grant for additional beds and settled on a smaller planning-focused approach, with a $1 million grant and a line of credit concept to be refined later. The committee then turned to behavioral health items, including QRTP funding, nursing home behavioral health training, and a youth crisis stabilization pilot. Members generally supported keeping the QRTP funding level, but were divided on the nursing home behavioral health training and the crisis stabilization pilot, with some preferring to leave those issues for conference committee. The division also reviewed the HHS block grant and underfunding structure, with Donna Ackland explaining salary, vacancy, and flexibility calculations; the committee discussed adjusting the underfund and revenue assumptions but did not finalize every number before moving on. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 1577 on wastewater treatment grants. Senator Davison moved to hoghouse the bill into a study-focused version using the proposed amendment language, and the motion passed. The committee then moved HB 1577 as amended with a do pass recommendation; the roll call passed with Senators Cleary, Davison, Dever, and Mathern voting yes, and Senator Magrum not recorded as voting. The meeting adjourned with plans to return later in the day to continue budget work.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:08:10.479> notice deadline, excuse me, to provide notice deadline, excuse me, to provide
  • OIP, as was noted before, has interpreted the statute as providing no deadline for boards to provide
  • :30.160> board boards to provide notice that the board boards to provide notice that the board
  • board under existing law could provide board under existing law could provide that<00:11:35.519>
  • <00:12:39.760> and allows for some of the flexibility and allows for some of the flexibility
Keywords: 910, house, all
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

ECD Public Hearing - Fri Apr 11, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST

Economic Development & Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, this would basically give the mayors greater flexibility when deciding who to represent them.
  • Who has, from what county or which mayor, um, asked to have that flexibility?
  • Who has, from what county or which mayor, um, asked to have that flexibility?
  • So which county asked you to make that flexibility?
  • Oh no, we're making that flexibility?
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard several resolutions, beginning with STR 51, which asks the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to convene a working group to evaluate creating and placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Governor’s Recovery and Resiliency Unit supported the measure but suggested changing the working group membership so each county mayor, or designee, could appoint the representative instead of naming county civil defense administrators. Members questioned whether any county had requested that change, and the testifier said it was a recommendation based on their experience, not county consultation. The committee also heard STR 40, urging the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to focus more on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, but there was no one present to testify. STR 65, on finalizing a contract for the new Aloha Stadium and advancing the stadium entertainment district, received support from the Stadium Authority, DAGS, and Aloha Stadium District Partners, all saying they were already working hard on the project. STR 78 SD1, encouraging the East-West Center to expand international engagement, was supported by the East-West Center. STR 30, asking the commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to allow use of restricted vacant land on the Pearl City Peninsula for youth ball programs, drew strong support from the Pearl City Neighborhood Board, which described a shortage of ball fields and said the site would be well suited for recreation. The committee then heard STR 24 SD1, urging the U.S. Department of Defense to keep references to the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team on its websites; multiple veterans and advocacy groups testified in support. STR 195 and STR 196, supporting broader relationships with Sweden and Norway, respectively, had limited or no testimony. After recessing briefly for decision-making, the committee voted to adopt all of the measures as introduced, without amendments, with members voting in favor and some members excused on certain votes.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Task Force on Homeowners and Commercial Property Insurance 12/3/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:26:29.920> flexibility<01:26:30.560> where you know, they provide flexibility where
  • you know, they provide flexibility where rigidity<01:26:32.080> fails,<01:26:32.560> capacity
  • The surplus lines industry would allow flexibility in coverage, rates, and terms that provided for customers
  • The surplus lines industry would allow flexibility in coverage, rates, and terms that provided for customers
  • The surplus lines industry would allow flexibility in coverage, rates, and terms that provided for customers
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Education Finance - 01/28/25

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:14:43.040> some additional detail and providing some additional detail and providing some
  • We have witnessed firsthand how limitations on funding flexibility can hinder our ability to provide
  • We have witnessed firsthand how limitations on funding flexibility can hinder our ability to provide
  • So if we can give them the flexibility they're asking for so that they can provide better services, I
  • So if we can give them the flexibility they're asking for so that they can provide better services, I
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Education Finance Committee met on January 28, 2025, to receive updates on chronic absenteeism work funded in the 2024 education finance bill. The chair introduced presentations from districts in the student attendance pilot program—Minneapolis, Columbia Heights, Chisago, and Rochester—and noted that the committee would also hear the student attendance and truancy legislative study group report and later a bill from Senator Weber. The chair also thanked educational assistants and paraprofessionals for their work in schools. Minneapolis Public Schools described common attendance challenges across pilot districts, including inconsistent attendance coding, weak family communication, difficulty identifying interventions, and uneven responses to absences. The district said pilot districts want statewide definitions for absences, tardies, and exempt codes, as well as better internal dashboards and clearer procedures. Minneapolis also highlighted strategies such as attendance teams at each school, quarterly postcards to families after five or more absences, Promise Fellows, home visits, multilingual communication through TalkingPoints, and a morning nurse line to help parents decide whether a child should stay home. The district said its main attendance goal is to raise consistent attendance from 68 percent to 80 percent by 2026. In response to committee questions, Minneapolis said its main post-COVID absenteeism reason has been illness or medical issues, followed by transportation problems, and that it does not penalize students for transportation-related absences. The district said it counts secondary absences when students miss more than three periods in a day, with truancy beginning after seven such absences, while elementary students are counted absent for the full day. Members also asked about whether reduced truancy referrals reflected more attendance or diversionary supports; the district said its approach is to focus on understanding root causes and providing support rather than quickly referring students to truancy processes. The district reported improved communication, greater parent awareness, and fewer truancy referrals so far, and said the attendance team model should be sustainable because it uses existing staff with clearer direction.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Fiscal Policy Mar 27th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Modernizing the long-range program plan to improve flexibility, simplify processes and shift focus to
  • school districts flexibility in their assessment calendars.
  • The bill provides greater flexibility for districts and instructional personnel by authorizing districts
  • The bill provides districts are going to control over their facilities which removes prescribed 5 year
  • flexibility in using federal funds for support providing flexibility in using federal funds for support
Keywords: 999, senate, all