Transcript Highlights:

• federal cuts and budget challenges you all<00:18:45.039><c> face?
• We have a $21 billion Medicaid budget.
• We have a $21 billion Medicaid budget.
• We have a $21 billion Medicaid budget.
• We have a $21 billion Medicaid budget.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the November 12 minutes by voice vote, and then heard a presentation from former Governor Ernie Fletcher and Dave Johnson on Medicaid reimbursement for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Fletcher argued that addiction should be treated as a chronic disease requiring a longer continuum of care, not just short residential stays, and said recovery should combine clinical treatment with social supports such as housing, transportation, employment, peer coaching, and recovery housing. He cited data on overdose trends, low treatment rates, and high costs for people with SUD, and said current reimbursement models create poor incentives and do not adequately support long-term recovery or measure outcomes well. Fletcher proposed a “carve through” model administered at the MCO level with standardized metrics, data sharing, and an independent recovery coordinator that would assess patients, coordinate care, and connect them to clinical and social recovery services. He suggested using bundled payments, shared savings, and partial risk arrangements, with recovery housing reimbursed on a PMPM or weekly basis and funded in part through existing Medicaid spending and other sources such as opioid abatement funds. He also emphasized peer support, telemedicine, criminal justice coordination, workforce and education supports, and the use of technology, including text messaging and possibly AI, to maintain long-term follow-up and identify relapse risk. Members questioned how the model would work in practice, especially the education and staffing requirements for recovery coordinators, reimbursement levels, and how many patients each coordinator or peer would serve. Fletcher said peers could be certified and would need additional training in assessments such as ASAM and recovery residence standards, but he did not give a precise salary figure, saying the market and bundled rates would determine that. He also said follow-up should continue for years, noting relapse risk over the first 18 to 24 months and that meaningful employment and ongoing peer contact help sustain recovery. No formal vote or action was taken on the substance use presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you may recall, in the last budget cycle, the General Assembly allocated $250,000 for the state to
• review subcommittee on to the budget review subcommittee on economic<00:26:22.240><c> development</c
• Actually, we were recommending a much lower budget level that patients will talk through.
• ,</c><00:36:18.240><c> uh</c><00:36:18.400><c> review</c> front of the the budget, uh review front of
• </c><01:19:36.239><c> cycle</c> appropriation in the last budget cycle appropriation in the last budget

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:58 Putting Young Kentuckians to Work: First Year Update 00:04:06 Kentucky Talent Attraction Initiative 00:21:59 Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership 00:57:15, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the October minutes, and heard first a progress report on the state-funded “Putting Young Kentuckians to Work” initiative. Workforce leaders from Cumberland Workforce Development Board and Kentucky Works said the HB 1 funding has allowed them to contract with all 10 workforce boards and build new pipelines with high schools, area technology centers, school districts, and community and technical colleges. They reported an end-of-year goal of 3,600 job placements, with 218 placements reported as of October 2025 and enrollment numbers continuing to rise. Testimony emphasized that the program is aimed at disconnected youth and high school seniors, that federal WIOA funds are too limited to support this work alone, and that the flexible state funding has enabled short-term training and placements in fields such as welding, CDL, and CNA. Members asked about barriers to implementation, wage levels, and services for students with disabilities; presenters said the main challenge was building school relationships and that wage growth should improve as students gain more skills and credentials. The committee then received an update on the Kentucky Talent Attraction Initiative. Representatives from Greater Louisville Inc. and Commerce Lexington explained that the General Assembly previously provided $250,000 for a consultant to develop a statewide talent attraction and retention strategy, and that more than 13 organizations across the state support the effort. Development Counsellors International described its research process, including statewide stakeholder engagement, and said the goal is to create a Kentucky talent value proposition that combines job opportunities with quality-of-place messaging. They reported that Kentucky faces a shrinking labor force and a projected national worker shortfall, while internal research found 47% of working-age respondents could consider leaving the state within two years because they are not confident in career opportunities. At the same time, they said 96% of surveyed higher education students would stay if offered a full-time job, and 72% of employers expect to expand staffing in the next two years. The presenters said they are moving from research into messaging and an action plan, and that the strategy should be customized and measurable rather than one-size-fits-all.

Transcript Highlights:

• analyzed the spending of the Fayette County public schools after news of a $16 million projected budget
• shortfall. in the last budget cycle.
• This year, my in the last budget cycle.
• </c> of a $16 million projected budget of a $16 million projected budget shortfall.<00:08:51.120><c>
• Um, how much of a district's budget should go toward administration?

Keywords: Discussion of BR 25 (2026 RS) 04:15 Presentation on voting systems by ES&S 48:14 Presentation on voting systems by Hart InterCivic and Harp Enterprises 01:13:07, 958, all

Summary: The committee met, approved the October 21 minutes, and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal to prohibit the use of tax dollars and public resources to advocate for or against ballot questions, including constitutional amendments. Senator Rawlings and the other presenters argued the current law already bars such advocacy but lacks meaningful enforcement, citing the 2024 school choice amendment campaign and other examples where public officials and school systems allegedly used taxpayer-funded resources to influence voters. They said the bill would add civil and criminal penalties, while preserving First Amendment rights for public employees acting in their personal capacities. Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill should be limited to school districts or broadened to cover other public entities, and on how to define terms such as “advocating in impartial terms.” Members raised concerns about possible effects on county and city lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, on legitimate factual explanations by public officials, and on whether the bill could unintentionally restrict needed representation for local governments. The sponsors said the measure was intended to be narrow, would be vetted further, and would not bar individuals from speaking on their own behalf. Several members suggested revisions. Representative Lockett asked that schools and school employees be specifically named, and suggested separating the lobbying restrictions from the ballot-measure provisions into different bills. Representative Layman questioned the meaning of the bill’s language and whether it would cover factual testimony by officials. Representative Heen asked about a Jefferson County example involving legal fees used to challenge petition signatures; counsel said that situation would likely be allowable under the bill as drafted, though some members thought it should be covered. No final vote was taken on BR 25 during this discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not filling holes of budget gaps.
• It's not filling holes of budget gaps.
• But there are other changes that will impact states' budgets, including New Hampshire.
• So the state has to pay 75% of that budget?
• ><c> cut</c><01:12:09.679><c> on</c> &gt;&gt; There's been a budget cut on &gt;&gt; There's been a budget

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the draft minutes of its May 16, 2025 meeting, with one correction removing Representative Dry from the attendance list because she was present as a guest rather than an appointed member. The committee then received a Department of Health and Human Services update from Commissioner Lori Weaver, who focused on the rural health transformation grant process. She said the department has been gathering stakeholder input since July, issued a request for information on September 22, and is working toward an end-of-October draft and a November 3 deadline, with a grant writer request expected to go before Governor and Council at no cost to the state. The bulk of the meeting centered on federal changes affecting SNAP and Medicaid. Karen Heert explained that the federal law changes commonly referred to as the “Big Beautiful Bill” or HR1 will affect SNAP eligibility and state costs, including a shift in administrative cost sharing from 50/50 to 75/25 beginning in October 2026 and a possible state share of benefits if New Hampshire’s error rate is too high. She said the program affects about 43,000 households, that New Hampshire’s federal fiscal year 2024 error rate was 7.57% versus a national rate of 10.93%, and that the state must get below 6% to avoid liability. She also said DHS is preparing remediation steps, auditing cases, and seeking technology and staffing support, including a grant for automation and training. Henry Litman then described Medicaid changes under HB2 and the new federal law. He said New Hampshire returned to pre-pandemic eligibility verification rules on July 1, including a 10% income compatibility standard and reduced ex parte renewals, which has increased manual work and contributed to a drop in enrollment from about 185,000 in late June to about 178,000 in early September. He also reviewed new child premiums, pharmacy copays, Granite Advantage premiums, and possible Medicaid work requirements, noting that DHS is working with CMS on implementation details and may use a state plan option rather than an 1115 waiver because it would be less expensive and faster. Members asked several questions about the SNAP error-rate rules, the distinction between administrative and client errors, the effect of unpaid copays, and the timing and legal risk of the Medicaid work requirement; no votes were taken on those policy issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• I led the budget department that funded Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
• I led the budget department that funded Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
• I led the budget department billion.
• Um, but I see that those investments aren't coming out of the public safety budget anymore.
• Um and so we need to budget anymore.

Committee: House Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:56.120><c> and</c> through executive action budget and through executive action budget and
• It's part of the governor's budget recommendations.
• The governor's budget recommendations would add two attorneys general and one forensic accountant to
• recommendations that team is budget recommendations that team is together<00:08:55.279><c> they</c><
• </c><00:09:05.959><c> recommendations</c> the governor's budget recommendations the governor's budget

Bills: HF1470 , HF1310 , HF1837

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: opioids, substance use, addiction recovery, mental health, state cabinet, HF1310, Office of Cannabis Management, cannabis, marijuana, tribal consultation, government-to-government relationship, Minnesota tribes, Tribal governments, state government, consultation, rulemaking, Indian affairs, cannabis regulation, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm director of the Minnesota Budget Project.
• This will impact Minnesota's budget by reducing federal funds available for state-managed programs like
• This will impact Minnesota's budget by reducing federal funds available for state-managed programs like
• This will impact Minnesota's budget by reducing federal funds available for state-managed programs like
• I am very open to clarifying our budget I am very open to clarifying the<01:15:06.360><c> the</c><01

Bills: HF2274 , HF1932

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: taxation, income tax, property tax, corporate tax, homestead credit, local government aid, tax credits, economic development, taxpayer assistance, tax credit outreach, tax preparation, free tax help, IRS, Department of Revenue, general fund appropriation, earned income tax credit, child tax credit, volunteer income tax assistance, VITA, low-income taxpayers

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> city wanted to have all their budget city wanted to have all their budget data<00:37:02.480><c>
• It was a more general conversation about the Attorney General's office's budget, the challenges that
• </c> the attorney general's office's budget the attorney general's office's budget the<00:46:47.040><
• The reason I ask, obviously, we’re in a budget year, so anything that I see come across and it appears
• gear so anything that we're in a budget gear so anything that I<01:04:12.640><c> uh</c><01:04:13.119

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 292 also contributes to an already bloated CDCR budget and diverts state funding away from survivors
• While programs plan for budget cuts that will result in unanswered calls for help and fewer shelter beds
• request, which we'll be dealing with as part of the budget, the baby budget bill.
• Just last month, ICE got another $70 billion with the budget bill.
• They even struggle to hold sheriffs to the limitations set by the county budget.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This request was in the governor's budget.
• Section four is the request from the Minnesota Zoo that was in the governor's budget, $3.8 million one
• <c> tight</c><00:31:31.880><c> this</c> We recognize budgets are tight this We recognize budgets are
• So, like I said, it has some budget item and then associate to timeline. So, Mr.
• </c> years as well, supplement budget year. years as well, supplement budget year.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:36:45.520><c> of</c><00:36:45.680><c> the</c> would affect the budget of the would affect the
• And I know that in for our budget.
• They couldn't take an official position in favor unless it's in the governor's budget, of course.
• They couldn't take an official position in favor unless it's in the governor's budget, of course.
• But I guess I'd like budget of course.

Bills: HF962 , HF3541 , HF2936 , HF3762 , HF2879

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: Capitol security, public safety, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, corrections, legislative approval, rule-making, financial impact, jail regulations, expungement, firearm eligibility, criminal records, organized retail crime, retail theft, supply chain theft, theft enterprise, organized theft, cargo theft, shoplifting

Transcript Highlights:

• difficult budget conversations ahead over<00:45:40.640><c> the</c><00:45:40.880><c> course</c><00:45
• overruns in a state potential for budget overruns in a state already<01:01:10.000><c> grappling</c><
• </c><02:49:34.240><c> right</c> about a shortfall in our budget right about a shortfall in our budget
• The Joint Budget Committee will be meeting this afternoon across the street.
• 56:41.600><c> meeting</c><02:56:41.920><c> this</c> Budget Committee will be meeting this Budget Committee

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, you all heard last week uh from state budget director Anna Mingi uh about the most recent efforts
• in 2003 I I world of challenging budgets in 2003 I I should<00:42:28.800><c> have</c><00:42:29.760><
• And for every year going forward, the budget period will be two years.
• </c><01:07:57.280><c> But</c> the budget period will be two years.
• But the budget period will be two years.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bankrupt a County's<00:24:54.039><c> Behavioral</c><00:24:54.559><c> Health</c><00:24:54.880><c> budget
• </c><00:24:55.480><c> and</c> County's Behavioral Health budget and County's Behavioral Health budget
• manager avoid we recognize the toand manager avoid we recognize the challenging<00:25:01.279><c> budget
• Dynamics this year challenging budget Dynamics this year but<00:25:03.159><c> it's</c><00:25:03.440>
• deficits coming up possibly uh we budget deficits coming up possibly uh we can<01:20:59.800><c> be</

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• to this committee because Minnesota is facing unprecedented challenges with a looming $5 billion budget
• deficit we simply do $5 billion budget deficit we simply do not<00:01:51.399><c> have</c><00:01:51.680
• Minnesota's long-term budget numbers are cloudy, and there are not endless resources.
• </c> humanity Minnesota's long-term budget humanity Minnesota's long-term budget numbers<00:17:47.000
• I'm the budget director for the Department of Human Services.

Bills: HF10 , HF27

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: undocumented immigrants, state funding, MinnesotaCare, scholarship ineligibility, state assistance, permit to carry, concealed carry, handgun permit, firearm permit, pistol training, sheriff, application process, electronic filing, mail application, fax submission, certified mail, certified delivery, gun rights, Second Amendment, firearms regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• So just a hair of our general fund budget actually goes to overall agency administration and supports
• </c> a hair of our general fund budget a hair of our general fund budget actually<00:10:01.200><c> goes
• But yes, definitely we're seeing a strain on those programs where these budgets are strained because
• This program has a base budget of $200,000 per year. Demand for this program remains high.
• But I will say, although this is not a budget conversation right now in terms of the governor's budget

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and before they do their budgets to see how much it's going to cost.
• </c> wouldn't be able to have a budget wouldn't be able to have a budget committee<00:43:06.400><c> that
• </c> the purview of the legislative budget the purview of the legislative budget assistant<04:39:20.160
• budget, about $10,000 per student.
• The legislator legislature only budgeted The legislator legislature only budgeted enough<05:27:23.040

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• directly to the Department of budget directly to the Department of Education<00:48:37.920><c> that</
• </c><00:49:16.040><c> uh</c> Education uh under the next budget uh Education uh under the next budget
• And, you know, budgets are choices. They're moral documents.
• We make two-year budgets.
• especially with the upcoming budget especially with the upcoming budget forecast<01:42:10.639><c> you

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the executive budget is the $4.25 million increase to HISC that would bring the baseline budget for
• for hisk up to 10 Baseline budget for hisk up to 10 million<00:18:40.640><c> the</c><00:18:40.840><c
• The money is encumbered because it’s part of the budget, but we haven’t expended any because in order
• </c><00:36:07.480><c> was</c> $800,000 that was budgeted was $800,000 that was budgeted was originally
• Landscapes our executive budget ask is Landscapes our executive budget ask is currently<01:29:43.760>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House and Senate agriculture committees met on January 17, 2025, for an informational briefing on biosecurity and invasive species; Chair Kahaloa opened by noting there would be no public testimony. Members introduced themselves, and the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC) program manager Chelsea Arnot outlined the purpose of the briefing and the statewide impacts of invasive species, citing examples such as coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, coquí frogs, albizia, and mosquito-borne disease. She emphasized that biosecurity requires coordinated action across state departments, counties, federal agencies, universities, and communities, and highlighted HISC’s role in funding interagency projects, island invasive species committees, research, outreach, and early detection efforts. Arnot and HISC representatives described major funding and program needs, including a requested $4.25 million increase to HISC to raise its baseline budget to $10 million, support island committee operations, research, biocontrol, marine biosecurity, surveillance, and staffing. They also requested $500,000 for the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, saying it is critical to invasive ant research and little fire ant response. The briefing also noted HISC’s leverage of federal dollars, including a $4.6 million REPI award with HISC providing the match, and cited successful collaborative eradications and responses, including veiled chameleons on Maui, axis deer on Hawaiʻi Island, and a 2023 coconut rhinoceros beetle response on Maui that prevented further spread. Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture officials then discussed implementation of updated administrative rules effective January 20, 2025, which permanently restrict movement of coconut rhinoceros beetle host material and give the department stronger authority to stop movement of infested material. They reported 2024 import activity of about 50,000 ship and aircraft arrivals, inspection/clearance of 20 million pieces, and 16,000 interceptions, with additional staffing from Act 231 expected to increase interceptions. They also described Act 231 funding and current spending status: about 65% obligated and 52% encumbered, with some funds tied to contracts for CRB and little fire ant response, plus an $800,000 green-waste hauling RFP that had to be reissued because of a flaw. The department said 580 Oʻahu homes and 290 Hawaiʻi Island homes are slated for little fire ant treatment, while Maui and Kauaʻi will focus on survey and outreach. Members questioned how homes are selected for subsidized treatment, whether HISC and the island invasive species committees received Act 231 support, and whether the state should direct how contracted funds are prioritized. Representative Martin raised concerns that the RFP limited eligibility to private pest control companies and excluded more experienced entities such as the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab. Department officials said they would follow up on prioritization and funding details, and noted that emergency proclamations and procurement flexibility could help with rapid response and hiring during invasive species emergencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I want to draw your attention to the president's budget.
• But I want to draw your attention to the president's budget.
• But I want to draw your attention to the president's budget.
• But I want to draw your attention to the president's budget.
• All this time, the budget grew by years.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 27, 2026, 1012, house, all