Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know what I've covered, so the like, and public TV does a great job. So are you?
• of collecting those stories and sharing them, either via social media or doing a better job of making
• Augert, you did a fantastic job as did Thank you both so much. Keep up the good work. Thank you.
• This spending supports jobs, strengthens local businesses, and contributes to tax revenue.
• In any case, tourism is everywhere, with many jobs directly in the arts.

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• So my district is diverse, with issues such as good jobs with good pay and benefits.
• Job, I've been an electrician since 1980, so I've done this my whole life.
• And so, you know, I didn't have really the issues because I had another job.
• So, you're applying for a job; it's just like you're applying for a temporary job.
• We'll call it a seasonal job or something similar.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't call them jobs out here; we call them careers.
• So great, great job opportunities here.
• Critical minerals—those are all going to be $100,000 jobs, long-time careers.
• I think the legislature has a great job, done a fantastic job of passing the legislation and stuff that
• There's a lot more jobs in the community. There are a lot of pluses for that.

Summary: The committee met at the Coteau Freedom Mine in Mercer County, approved the June 2 minutes, and heard an overview of the mine from Coteau Properties president Andrew Hawbaker. He described the Freedom Mine’s production history, customer mix, safety record, reclamation practices, workforce, community involvement, and economic impact. Members asked about how long land stays in production before reclamation, how quickly it returns to agriculture, labor shortages, groundwater impacts, and which skilled trades are hardest to fill. Hawbaker said the mine typically disturbs land for three to five years, reclamation returns much of the land to agricultural use, and the biggest hiring challenges are electricians, welders, mechanics, operators, engineers, and accountants. The committee then heard from Public Service Commission Chairman Randy Christman on coal mining reclamation. He reviewed the history of North Dakota and federal reclamation laws, the PSC’s permitting and inspection authority, bonding requirements, contemporaneous reclamation standards, and how the state handles topsoil, subsoil, drainage, and revegetation. He emphasized that North Dakota’s program is well regarded, with frequent inspections and no corrective-action issues in recent federal reviews. Christman also discussed problems caused by federal coal ownership that can delay mine plans, and he answered questions about reclamation timing, wildlife easements, wind and pipeline reclamation, and whether similar bonding concepts could apply to data centers. In the afternoon, the committee received an update from Lignite Energy Council President and CEO Jonathan Fortner on the lignite industry. He highlighted the industry’s long-term role in providing reliable electricity, jobs, and tax revenue, along with North Dakota’s low electricity rates and strong grid reliability. Fortner discussed severance and conversion tax revenues, federal regulatory changes, litigation over EPA rules, carbon capture, critical minerals, and the potential for large-load customers such as data centers to support new coal generation. He said the industry sees a window of opportunity for growth and expressed support for new large-load development, while noting that diversified energy companies are also pursuing natural gas and other resources. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and adjourning for the tour.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:53:51.800><c> The</c> wonderful job. Uh, utmost respect. The wonderful job.
• I know it's a full-time job.<00:53:58.160><c> Um,</c> job. Um, job.
• </c> Every job is honorable. Every job is honorable.
• You all do such a great job.
• </c> Uh Uh Uh this<03:32:07.400><c> job</c> this job this job is<03:32:09.120><c> a</c><03:32:09.200>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of our fellow members were older and were in a position where they had to pursue federal jobs and
• For the majority of the time, other departments, we call voluntary experience, and you get a job on a
• For myself, even with almost 20 years of experience, I still work two or three jobs to make ends meet
• For myself, even with almost 20 years of experience, I still work two or three jobs to make ends meet
• We are very willing to walk behind the wall and do our jobs because it's an important role that we play

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing on a wide range of credible service and retirement-related bills, with testimony largely focused on allowing public employees to buy back prior service time or receive more appropriate retirement classifications. Bills discussed included retirement buyback for Joint Base Cape Cod firefighters (H. 4317), clarification of call firefighter buyback rights (H. 2883/S. 1915), veterans’ buyback (H. 2957), a Bridgewater State University police death-benefit/heart-law issue (filed by Rep. Gallagher), unpaid parental leave buyback for municipal employees (H. 2946), school nurse creditable service (H. 2887/S. 1787), former private/parochial school teacher buyback (S. 1900/H. 2873), Massport police retirement classification (S. 1888), contract employee buyback (H. 2795), Retirement Plus late entry (H. 2792), CVTE/teacher-related buyback issues (H. 2762), Peace Corps/AmeriCorps creditable service (H. 2927), and institutional school teacher retirement fairness (H. 2757). Several speakers also referenced related bills for teachers and nurses that had been heard previously or were filed in parallel in the other branch. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support of the bills. Speakers argued that the measures would correct inequities, recognize prior public service, and help recruit and retain workers in hard-to-fill public jobs. Firefighters described the unique federal-to-state transition at Joint Base Cape Cod and said some members were left out of earlier buyback opportunities. Veterans, teachers, school nurses, correctional educators, and Massport police all described service requirements, administrative gaps, or outdated statutory language that they said unfairly limited retirement credit or placed them in the wrong retirement group. Several witnesses emphasized that the proposals were fiscally responsible because employees would pay the cost of the buybacks, and some noted that similar bills had been filed repeatedly in prior sessions. Committee members asked a few clarifying questions, mostly about why certain employees had been excluded under current law or how the retirement provisions would work. No opposition testimony was presented. The hearing concluded after all scheduled witnesses testified, with the chairs thanking participants for their service and the committee voting to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• able to get 15 million in, but it's not nearly what we need in an ongoing amount of money to do that job
• Um Senator Champion did a phenomenal job on that proposal.
• . ongoing amount of money to do that job.
• </c><00:04:02.440><c> on</c><00:04:02.560><c> that</c> Champion did a phenomenal job on that Champion
• did a phenomenal job on that proposal.<00:04:03.600><c> Uh</c><00:04:03.760><c> it</c><00:04:03.840>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on the Minnesota Senate DFL’s end-of-session accomplishments and frustrations. The senator said the caucus entered the session expecting little to get done in a divided, election-year legislature, but instead passed a range of major measures, including emergency rental assistance, immigration enforcement, gun violence prevention, an independent Office of the Inspector General, consumer protections for homeowners associations, and a $1.2 billion bonding/infrastructure bill for water, roads, and bridges. He said the bonding bill was a success but criticized the limited funding for lead pipe replacement, noting only $15 million was included. He also discussed affordability measures, especially a vehicle tab fee reduction negotiated in connection with the bonding bill, saying Democrats wanted the relief to take effect sooner but Republicans pushed implementation to January. He described other unfinished or blocked items, including a small business relief package tied to Metro Surge and efforts to protect Medicaid and SNAP from federal changes. He said many Senate proposals were developed through committee hearings and were meant to be negotiated publicly, but argued the House often failed to do comparable work, leading to last-minute deals and more party-line votes. The senator was sharply critical of federal actions under the Trump administration, saying cuts and mandates were harming states, counties, Medicaid, and SNAP, and weakening the state-federal partnership. Looking ahead, he said interim work will likely focus on procedural changes and health care, including stabilizing HCMC and supporting rural hospitals. He said the session’s work was aimed at serving Minnesotans first, and expressed optimism about the upcoming election season and the possibility of changing legislative practices next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The analysts for this bill did a great job laying out the problem with corporate money and politics.
• Analysts for this bill did a great job laying out the problem with corporate money and politics.
• But your job is to look at the bigger picture and protect the way.
• And while California has done a better job than some places in providing that transparency, oftentimes
• Yeah, good job. Good job on that.

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe that we are doing a great job.
• Just like 20 for 20, just like Prop 1, 2, 3, we need to do a better job of ensuring that districts are
• Just like 20 for 20, just like Prop 1, 2, 3, we need to do a better job of ensuring that districts are
• We've got several people that are doing a really good job as rangers.
• I have a lot of rangers that are doing a great job, and we need to work on the oversight, as Senator

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and an electronic roll call showing 24 members present and six excused. After approving the journal, the body recessed for a performance marking America’s 250th birthday, then returned for introductions and recognitions, including Hispanic Leadership Institute Day at the Capitol, Children’s Health Day advocates, guests of members, and the doctor of the day. The Senate also handled routine calendar items, including gubernatorial nominations and bill referrals, and appointed Senator Shope to temporarily serve as vice chair of the Finance Committee for the day. The main floor action was on SCR 1032, a measure relating to school district budgets and classroom spending. The bill, as amended, would require larger school districts to spend at least 60% of operational spending on direct instructional expenses, with a step-in penalty reducing classroom site fund allocations for continued noncompliance. Senator Hoffman explained the amendment as a moderated version that exempted certain rural/smaller districts and phased in penalties over several years; supporters argued it would ensure more money reaches classrooms and teachers. Opponents, including Senators Epstein, Miranda, Kuby, and others, argued it would micromanage local school districts, ignore important non-classroom costs such as nurses, transportation, counselors, and librarians, and unfairly target district schools while excluding charter schools. The Senate adopted the committee and floor amendments and then passed SCR 1032 on third reading by a vote of 16-12, with 2 not voting, sending it to the House. The Senate also considered SB 1071 concerning the Arizona Rangers. Supporters said the bill was not a full repeal but would create external oversight, improve background checks, and increase accountability and training transparency. Some members said they expected the House to further amend the measure. SB 1071 passed on third reading by a vote of 17-11, with 2 not voting, and was transmitted to the House. The session concluded with caucus and committee announcements, a recognition of World Down Syndrome Day advocates, an invitation to SRP Day at the Capitol, and adjournment until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• My school does a great job communicating with families about gluten-free meals.
• You all did a great job, and you have a great champion in Representative Badger.
• Your testimony is very powerful and important, and Brandon, you did a great job.
• You guys did such a great job, and both of you were amazing.
• Great job, great job. It's very beautiful, and we've been joined by Representative Wells.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education held a hearing on two late-filed bills, H. 5012 and S. 2927, titled An Act Relative to Student Access, Food, and Nutritional Information, also referred to by witnesses as the “Snack Act.” The bills would require schools to make gluten-free and allergen-related meal information easier to find online, including menus, ingredients, food safety procedures, and contact information, so students with celiac disease and other medically necessary dietary restrictions can safely participate in universal school meal programs. Committee leaders explained the hearing process and invited testimony from pre-registered and in-person witnesses. Most testimony came from parents, students, physicians, and advocates who described celiac disease as a serious autoimmune condition requiring a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Witnesses said many families avoid school meals because information is hard to find or not clearly communicated, and they emphasized that the bill would not create a new system so much as make existing information accessible. Several speakers cited research showing that many children with celiac disease do not participate in school breakfast and lunch programs, and that communication gaps between school administrators, nurses, and food service staff are a major barrier. Witnesses also said the bill could help students with food allergies more broadly and would support equity in the state’s universal school meals program. A number of students with celiac disease gave personal testimony about feeling excluded, managing food anxiety, and relying on clear school communication to stay safe. One parent and clinician described a child’s severe malnutrition before diagnosis and shared a photo to illustrate the seriousness of gluten exposure, while other doctors discussed long-term health risks from uncontrolled celiac disease and the need for better access to safe meals. Committee members praised the witnesses, especially the young students, and asked questions about cross-contamination, school procedures, and whether regulations or agency action might also address the issue. Senator Joan Lovely, the Senate sponsor, briefly endorsed the bill and thanked the panel. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the committee closed the hearing after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• My school does a great job communicating with families about gluten-free meals.
• You all did a great job, and you have a great champion in Representative Badger.
• Your testimony is very powerful and important, and Brandon, you did a great job.
• You guys did such a great job, and both of you were amazing.
• Great job, great job. It's very beautiful, and we've been joined by Representative Wells.

Bills: H5012 , S2927

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Higher Education

Keywords: student nutrition, food allergies, celiac disease, gluten-free meals, allergen-free meals, medically restricted diets, school meals, college dining, K-12 education, higher education, disability access, accessibility services, food service, nutrition information, website disclosure, school website, meal accommodations, special diets, Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71

Transcript Highlights:

• The other half is actually throughout the state at 21 job centers and 11 reentry centers.
• With the federal WIOA Act, we owe funds, the job centers, apprenticeship, you see these things listed
• And then part of my job is, okay, how do we get that workforce set up for you?
• You're simply trying to be good at your job. So things like that. Why should that be that hard?
• You're simply trying to be good at your job.

Committee: House Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education met to hear an informational presentation from the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development on Missouri’s higher education funding model and related workforce trends. Commissioner Bennett Boggs described the department’s mission, its data and workforce partnerships, and the need to better align postsecondary education with Missouri’s labor market, noting projections that 65% of jobs in the 2030s will require education beyond high school. He emphasized that the current “base-plus” funding approach dates to 1992 and no longer reflects demographic, technological, or economic changes, and said the department wants every institution to remain healthy and serve its region. Deputy Commissioner Leroye Wade outlined a proposed cost-based, performance-informed funding framework with four main parts: fixed costs, variable program costs, performance measures, and a mechanism for targeted legislative investment. He said the model is intended to be data-driven, transparent, and more responsive to enrollment changes, program mix, completion outcomes, workforce needs, and collaboration among institutions. He also reviewed the history of the effort, including a 2022 legislative appropriation for a study, a 2023 report, and subsequent interim and bill activity. Committee members asked about educational attainment goals, the P20W longitudinal data system, persistence and completion rates, and how the model would account for mission differences and student outcomes. Representative John Black, sponsor of the bill discussed, said the legislation is meant to move Missouri toward a 21st-century higher education funding system by tying appropriations more closely to state goals and institutional performance rather than continuing automatic across-the-board increases. He said the department’s work and the bill are intended to prompt continued refinement of the model, and he warned that declining enrollments and tight state finances make reform urgent. No votes were taken; the committee heard the presentation, allowed brief public comment, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, young young person who got brutally assaulted and died just for doing her job.
• So, um, young young person who got brutally assaulted and died just for doing her job.
• So, um, young young person who got brutally assaulted and died just for doing her job.
• So, um, young young person who got brutally assaulted and died just for doing her job.
• So, um, a young person who got brutally assaulted and died just for doing her job.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And so you've done a fantastic job representing urban areas fantastically.
• You've done a wonderful job doing that. Not so much the rural counties. Mr. Blackman.
• 10% of $250,000 for each net new full-time employment position projected by the applicant that has job
• This is going to help create jobs in rural areas. I think we have three as necessary. All right.
• This is going to help create jobs in rural areas.

Committee: House House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee began with a presentation on modernization of the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona. Testimony from local officials and port authority representatives described the port as outdated, flood-prone, and a major congestion and safety concern because CBP equipment and officers are positioned near the international boundary and stormwater/sewer infrastructure. Speakers said the port is vital to local and state commerce, estimated modernization could cost $1.5 billion to $2 billion, and requested state support and letters of support for federal advocacy. Committee members discussed the economic and safety impacts, and leadership said a joint letter would be prepared. The committee then considered several bills. HB 2237 would appropriate $4.5 million for Apache Junction’s Superstition Trails and a visitor gateway; it passed 4-2. HB 2926, the Workforce Housing Accelerator Act, would create expedited permitting for workforce housing, exempt the state portion of prime contracting tax for such projects, and adjust bond-related rules; after an amendment, it passed 6-1. HB 2113 would require RUCO to intervene in utility rate cases when proposed residential rate increases are 100% or more; testimony focused on large rate hikes in rural areas versus RUCO’s limited staff and budget, and the bill passed 5-1 with some members asking for continued discussion about RUCO’s priorities. The committee also passed HB 2824, which authorizes local governments to establish voluntary C-PACE programs for financing commercial property improvements through special assessments, with supporters saying it would help attract investment without using state general funds. HB 2939, the “Lucid bill,” would add a rural-location tax credit tied to large qualifying investments and new jobs; Lucid Motors testified that it would support advanced manufacturing and rural job creation, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee adjourned after noting HB 2950 would be held due to time and heard first at the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a tax on people all over the state who are jumping through hoops instead of doing their regular jobs
• So job security for somebody.
• It's my job. It's why I'm here. It's my job.
• Well, I've got a lot of jobs around here, and that's really not one of them: to do silly-ass reports
• Well, now we can just pass a law that says they have to do a better job. Wouldn't that be nice?

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a tax on people all over the state who are jumping through hoops instead of doing their regular jobs
• So, job security for somebody.
• It's my job. It's why I'm here. It's my job.
• Well, I've got a lot of jobs around here, and that's really not one of them: to do silly-ass reports
• Well, now we can just pass a law that says they have to do a better job. Wouldn't that be nice?

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Summary: The Committee on Government Efficiency heard House Bill 2226, sponsored by Rep. Riggs, which would require fiscal notes to estimate the employee hours needed to implement new programs, in addition to costs. Riggs argued the bill would help lawmakers understand the real workload imposed by mandates, especially on schools and teachers, and said it was similar to language that previously passed committee. Several members supported the concept, citing burdens on educators and the need for better information, though some questioned the bill’s own fiscal note and suggested fiscal notes should be more accurate or grounded in facts. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the bill was opened to public testimony but no witnesses spoke for or against before the hearing closed. The committee then heard House Bill 2330, sponsored by Rep. West, an annexation bill. West said the bill would raise the contiguity requirement for annexation from 15% to 25%, bar cities from annexing adjacent unincorporated areas within 24 months of a prior annexation, and repeal a petition-based annexation procedure in certain counties. He argued the measure would slow aggressive annexation, protect rural landowners and county zoning, and reduce strain on roads, schools, water, sewer, and emergency services. Members generally agreed the bill addressed real concerns about strip annexation and overdevelopment, though some questioned whether the 25% threshold was too restrictive and whether the bill should distinguish between voluntary and involuntary annexation. A witness from St. Charles County testified in support, while an opposition witness said the bill reflected a misunderstanding of existing annexation law and noted current procedures already include voter protections and zoning review. The hearing concluded without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• You did a great job presenting. I just have a quick question. You did a great job presenting.
• on that is I don't believe they should be under the threat of being charged if they're doing their job
• Most of them do a great job, but it comes to power.
• I think you had a valid point, and I think you did a great job expressing it.
• I think you had a valid point, and I think you did a great job expressing it.

Committee: House Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• without better management, California faces up to $14.5 billion a year in economic loss and 67,000 jobs
• It threatens California's jobs market and economic well-being.
• The job is actually getting a lot harder, and let me give you a real-world example.
• Matt did a great job of laying it out. I'd like to make it a little easier.
• We need generational jobs, right?

Summary: The committee heard several water- and environment-related bills. SB 72, by Senator Caballero, would modernize the California Water Plan and set long-term water supply targets, including an interim goal of 9 million acre-feet of additional water by 2040. Supporters from water districts, local governments, business groups, and agricultural interests argued the bill is needed to address climate-driven shortages, protect the economy, and improve planning for droughts, flooding, recharge, recycling, storage, and conveyance. Opponents, including environmental and conservation groups, argued the bill could overstate demand, increase costs, and make it harder to protect instream flows and ecosystems. The committee discussed the science behind the 9 million acre-feet target and the need to balance water supply planning with fish and ecological needs. SB 72 passed on a do-pass motion to Appropriations. SB 369, by Senator Padilla, would require a local skilled and trained workforce for all Salton Sea restoration work. The author and sponsors said the bill would protect workers exposed to hazardous conditions at the Salton Sea, create good local jobs in Imperial County, and ensure long-term workforce standards for publicly funded restoration projects. Support came from labor organizations, contractors, and other regional stakeholders; no opposition testified. Members emphasized the region’s high unemployment and the importance of workforce development. The bill passed on a do-pass motion to Labor and Employment. SB 697, by Senator Laird, would update the stream system adjudication process by allowing the State Water Board to use modern technology, such as stream gauges and digitized records, when investigating water rights claims, while still allowing field investigations when needed. The author said the process has not been updated since 1976 and should be streamlined. After amendments addressed stakeholder concerns, there was no opposition testimony. The committee asked whether the bill would affect pre-1914 water rights, and the author said it would not. SB 697 passed as amended to Judiciary. The committee also approved consent calendar items SB 599, SB 609, and SB 765 earlier in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm even looking to expanding that to emergency medical jobs, things like firefighters and police.
• /c><00:03:25.080><c> but</c><00:03:25.239><c> to</c><00:03:25.560><c> Skilled</c><00:03:26.319><c> jobs
• </c> with PSO for college but to Skilled jobs with PSO for college but to Skilled jobs and<00:03:27.120
• </c><00:03:31.080><c> things</c><00:03:31.319><c> like</c> to um mergency medical jobs things like to
• um mergency medical jobs things like that<00:03:32.040><c> um</c><00:03:32.239><c> firefighters</c><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and into better jobs.
• and into better jobs.
• The Governor called for the master plan to ensure quality careers and jobs for students, whether their
• The state can better understand outcomes, pathways, and earnings for job training programs.
• We have 600 employees that are now without jobs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm representing over 4,000 employees and their families across the county whose jobs are at risk.
• I'm representing over 4,000 employees and their families across the county whose jobs are at risk.
• It means a $5.5 million loss for the city of Redwood City, which are critical jobs and a job loss of
• If we do not receive these funds, 87 members of our unit would be at risk of losing their jobs.
• threatens good-paying union jobs helped by these workers to deliver these essential public services.

Summary: The hearing began with a vote-only agenda and then focused first on San Mateo County’s request to restore in-lieu vehicle license fee (VLF) funding. County officials, city leaders, labor representatives, nonprofits, and public safety advocates argued that the loss of roughly $157 million would force major cuts to homelessness services, housing assistance, mental health programs, libraries, parks, fire and police staffing, and other local services. They described the current formula as outdated and unfair, tied to school funding and basic-aid dynamics that no longer work for San Mateo County, and urged both an immediate budget restoration and a permanent legislative fix. The Department of Finance said the payments are discretionary, not statutorily required, and noted the administration does not view the expenditure as sustainable in the current fiscal climate. Committee members expressed sympathy, questioned the formula, and said they would keep the issue under consideration; the committee later voted to move the two vote-only items on the agenda. The committee then received an update from the Department of General Services on state property redevelopment, including the Hillcrest DMV site in San Diego, the Fell Street DMV site in San Francisco, and other state-owned properties. DGS explained that Hillcrest is not currently an active project, while the Fell Street project shifted from an integrated DMV-housing plan to a more feasible relocation of the DMV into leased commercial space, with a budget change proposal pending. Members pressed DGS on the slow pace of redevelopment, the potential for housing on state sites, and the costs and feasibility of adaptive reuse. DGS said many state buildings are aging and that adaptive reuse depends heavily on building design, floorplate depth, light, and risk from unknown conditions behind walls. The Government Operations portion then turned to the California Education Learning Lab, which supports intersegmental higher education innovation grants. The Lab asked for permanent restoration of $4 million in ongoing funding and a move of its home agency from the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation to GovOps, along with technical trailer bill changes. Supporters said the program has funded more than 120 projects reaching thousands of faculty and hundreds of thousands of students, including work on generative AI in higher education. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended rejecting the restoration and continuing the wind-down, citing the state’s projected deficit and suggesting the California Education Interagency Council could pursue non-state-funded grant opportunities instead. The committee held the item open. Finally, GovOps presented the new California Education Interagency Council staffing request, seeking four ongoing positions to support the council, with funding already included in last year’s budget. The department said the governor has appointed Debbie Cochran as executive officer and that the remaining positions are being recruited. Finance and LAO had no objections, and the committee began questions about how the council will be staffed and organized.