Video & Transcript : 'Washington State University' :
Page 428 of 500
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Indian, Rural and Cultural Affairs Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And if New Mexico, this state, passes this, it's going to open the door for other states.
- It's going to open the door for other states.
- reporting and state reporting norms.
- I do think that the requests have to come from an official state body.
- So there has never been a state that's issued a formal apology.
Summary:
The Senate Indian, Rural and Cultural Affairs Committee heard Senate Memorial 14, which calls on the Indian Affairs Department and the Commission on the Status of Women to conduct a comprehensive study of the history, scope, and continuing impacts of forced and coerced sterilization of Indigenous women and women of color. Sponsors and advocates said the memorial is intended to document harms that occurred not only in Indian Health Service facilities but also through other health providers, while being culturally sensitive and respectful of tribal sovereignty. Supporters described the issue as a reproductive justice, human rights, and Indigenous rights matter, and said the study could help lead to acknowledgment, healing, and possible reparative action.
Several witnesses gave personal testimony. Representative Caballero shared a personal experience in which she nearly underwent a hysterectomy after a miscarriage due to forms she was asked to sign while sedated, and said that experience motivated her support. Jean Whitehorse, a Navajo Nation member and daughter of a Navajo code talker, described being sterilized in 1972 after treatment at Gallup Indian Health Service and said the practice caused lasting trauma to Native families. Other speakers, including Elena Giacchi, Keeley Badger, Jennifer Raphael Gatz, Rachel Lorenzo, Alicia Carese Lobbius, Nasserian Olamako, Deanna Warren, and Kat Sanchez, supported the memorial and emphasized the need for survivor testimony, historical records, data gathering, informed consent protections, and culturally grounded healing.
Committee members asked about the difficulty of obtaining records and whether the information exists or is being blocked. Witnesses said access is limited, requests often need to come from official state or federal bodies, and many records may be sealed or difficult to retrieve. The Commission on the Status of Women said it could serve as the organizing entity for a three-phase process: gathering data, holding discussions with subject matter experts and survivors, and contracting with an Indigenous organization to prepare the report. After public comment and questions, the committee voted 4-0 to give Senate Memorial 14 a do pass recommendation, and the chair then recessed the meeting.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 26 (2-12-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The state government committee illness.
- And House Bill 480 should pass, an act relating to state contracts. Thank you, Mr. Clerk.
- House Bill 638, Representative Fister, an act relating to the state tree.
- To State Government, House Bill 567.
- To state government, House 572, and 574. To state government, House Bill<00:47:14.079><c> 567.
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Calendar/2nd Readings 06:06
Report of Committees 07:10
Orders of the Day 09:21
HB 253 09:35
HB 508 16:18
HCR 44 29:09
HB 436 31:53
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 35:50
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 41:19
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 43:02
ConC/Rules Report 46:27
Floor Amendments 47:56
Adjournment 48:34, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum present, and approval of the prior day’s journal. Committee reports were read for a range of bills and resolutions, including measures on privacy protection, theft by deception, social work, licensed occupations, an adult workforce diploma pilot program, parole board changes, alternative high school diplomas, campaign finance, child care, mental health treatment, gubernatorial transitions, unclaimed property, and state contracts. Those items received first reading and were placed on the calendar.
The chamber then considered House Bill 253, relating to reading and language arts instruction. Supporters said the bill follows the earlier Read to Succeed law by requiring instruction grounded in the science of reading and phasing out the three-cueing system, which they argued encourages memorization rather than phonics. A member from House District 93 opposed the prohibition, saying teachers need flexibility and that some district-approved methods remain useful in classrooms. The House adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 94-1, then laid a motion to reconsider on the table.
House Bill 508, relating to the protection of veterans benefits, was also debated and passed unanimously 93-0. The sponsor said the bill regulates paid veterans-claims services, requires clear disclosures about free services, limits fees, bars certain practices, and adds annual reporting, while exempting attorneys and law firms. Several members spoke in support, citing personal experiences and the need to protect veterans from bad actors, though some also expressed concern about access to help and urged future federal accreditation language. House Concurrent Resolution 44, urging Congress to create a VA accreditation pathway for private claims companies, was adopted 95-0, and House Bill 436, creating a PGA HOPE-related state parks benefit for veterans and active-duty military participants, passed 94-0.
At the end of the session, the House received Senate Bill 172, relating to utility fuel adjustments and declaring an emergency, for first reading and return to committee. Members also made announcements about upcoming breakfasts, meetings, guest groups, and other events.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 021 Feb 3rd, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy May 19th, 2026 at 12:20 pm
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The complaint asserts that the bill is a violation of both the federal and the state constitutions.
- It's not clear what state agencies have been pulled into this litigation.
- of Washington.
- of time, which has been substantial, whether or not the state would have to disgorge those gains.
- And for the record, I'm Emmett Mills, with the Washington State School Retirees Association.
CT
Connecticut 2026 Regular Session
Finance Advisory Committee June 4th Meeting Jun 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And so just to come back a little bit on your state... Thank you, Madam Governor.
- The largest increase appears to be in the retired state employee health services.
- This is an area which baffles me because it's not as if we don't have need in the state.
- The Washington... We do know is we've had an effect.
- The Washington funding has been reduced tremendously.
Summary:
The Finance Advisory Committee approved the minutes from its May 14, 2026 meeting and then considered four fiscal transfers. FAC 2026-9 for the Office of the State Controller transferred $4.345 million among fringe benefit accounts in the General Fund and Special Transportation Fund. Members questioned several employee benefit accounts, including active and retiree health care, Social Security, higher education alternative retirement, and OPEB; agency staff explained the transfers were based on updated year-end projections, with some accounts showing surpluses and others needing additional funds. The item was approved, with two no votes noted.
FAC 2026-10 for the Military Department transferred $150,000 from the Honor Guards account to personal services and Governor’s Guard accounts to cover operational needs, and it was approved without opposition. FAC 2026-11 for the Department of Social Services transferred $3.3 million among accounts. Most of the discussion focused on a surplus in the substance use disorder waiver/reinvestment account, lower-than-expected TANF/TFA caseloads, federal family planning backfill requirements, and staffing challenges in eligibility operations. DSS said some funds remained unused because a residential care vendor did not enter into a contract, some reserves were intended for future multi-year investments, and eligibility staff require 12 to 18 months of training; the item was approved.
FAC 2026-12 for the Department of Children and Families transferred $3.05 million among accounts for year-end operational needs. Members asked about closures of day treatment and community-based prevention programs, and DCF said children were transitioned to other providers without service interruption, with closures driven by provider decisions and financial viability. DCF also explained that some prior funding had been used as gap funding and that ongoing support had been built into the budget. The committee approved the transfer and then adjourned.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:11:26.240><c> to</c> directs the Secretary of State to directs the Secretary of State to transmit
- </c><00:11:53.920><c> with</c> have represented our state with have represented our state with distinction
- >> Senator from Washington. >> Thank you, Mr. President.
- </c><00:18:51.280><c> So,</c> symphony here at the state house.
- So, symphony here at the state house.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Next week at the state convention, there's 25 schools throughout the state that's participating.
- ><00:21:32.600><c> states</c><00:21:33.080><c> that's</c> throughout the states that's throughout the
- Capitol grounds and was constructed by the state using state money in 1994.
- ><c> State</c><01:03:41.599><c> money</c><01:03:42.079><c> in</c> using State money in using State money
- University<03:14:07.920><c> yes</c><03:14:08.319><c> Aloha</c> University yes Aloha University yes Aloha
Summary:
The joint Ways and Means and Finance informational briefing on grants and aids was held February 14 and was organized as a high-volume public testimony session with strict procedures: no Q&A, one representative per applicant, one minute per testimony, in-person testimony first, and then Zoom participants. The chairs also announced a recess at 11:00 a.m. for floor sessions and a reconvening at 1:00 p.m. Testimony was heard first from neighbor island applicants, then Oʻahu applicants, with members repeatedly directing speakers to line up and keep remarks brief.
Neighbor island testimony focused on a wide range of capital and operating requests. Health and community projects included Hawaii Island Community Health Center’s workforce housing in Kau, Wuli Hawaiian Homestead Association’s learning center and predevelopment work, Rescue Tube Foundation’s beach rescue tube expansion, Puna Community Medical Center’s planned hospital/ER campus, Maui Humane Society’s free veterinary care after the wildfires, Hawaiʻi Care Choices’ palliative care readiness, and the Lyman Museum’s HVAC replacement. Other requests included the Maui Advanced Manufacturing Alliance’s Pāʻia Mill redevelopment, Laua 2020’s preschool and learning lab, Mālama Aina’s USDA-compliant meat processing facility, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s water safety programs, Kaha P Organization’s agriculture education support, Ohana Arts’ youth performance project, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center’s emergency closet, EOA Pacific’s Marshall Islands teacher training, and the Central Pacific Youth Athletic Club’s new facility.
Oʻahu testimony included the YWCA Oʻahu/Pythink Center’s renovation of Juliet M. Atherton Hall and its community kitchen, West Oʻahu Community Health Center’s wildfire protection and security needs, the Early School’s playground improvements, Surfing the Nations’ food distribution center expansion, and Sounding Joy Music Therapy’s weekly services for people with disabilities. Speakers generally emphasized community benefit, workforce development, health access, food security, disaster recovery, and support for children, seniors, and underserved populations. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty - Tuesday, March 24
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- She is Tracy Hinky, who is an adjunct professor from Washington University, and she is here today with
- 53% reduction to state funding for Truman State University.
- Here's a university that has the second-highest graduation rate in the state.
- Here's a university that has the second highest in the state graduation rate.
- I'm going to fight for Herestow State University.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> state to participate uh on the state state to participate uh on the state level<00:45:26.560><c>
- And so, some states were getting state.
- Uh, the nearest state that's done state.
- For 25 years, I served as executive director of COST, the Council on State Taxation, in Washington, D.C
- ><c> in</c> Lindholm stated has stalled in Lindholm stated has stalled in Washington,<01:05:04.319><c
Keywords:
individual income tax, retirement contributions, tax corrections, annuity contracts, tax year attribution, tax credit, economic development, community investment, data disclosure, Minnesota regulations, tax increment financing, municipal authority, job creation, transferred increment, public hearing, nonresident employees, income tax exemption, Minnesota taxation, employment duties, tax withholding
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Please state your name and, yeah, your witness form. ...and 3306.
- Please state your name and, yeah, your witness form.
- Did you state your name again? Yes, Carl Molley. I'm with Local 3808.
- These are being renewed all over the state all the time.
- As we know, the State Board of Mediation has already been discussed.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Continuing Care Retirement Communities Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- So we just want to state that as we're going along. Thank you, Jim.
- There's no doubt that this is a crisis in the state. It's not going to go away.
- So the state of Washington does this, I think, and I can send the link.
- The state of Washington does this, I think, and I can send the link. But I think it's really clear.
- The other two were out of state.
Summary:
The commission meeting focused on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), beginning with a presentation from Two Life Communities on its Opus Newton model, which is opening in the fall. Two Life described Opus as a middle-income, modern CCRC built around affordability, care coordination in residents’ apartments rather than separate care buildings, and resident-driven community life. Commissioners asked about financing, home care arrangements, affordability, Medicaid/MassHealth access, and the role of resident councils versus board representation. Two Life said it wants to remain within the CCRC framework, but expressed concern about proposals that would require multiple discrete care levels, impose deadlines on entrance-fee refunds, or require resident board seats.
The commission then discussed possible recommendations. There was broad support for Senate Bill 478, which would require clearer disclosure of entrance-fee refund terms in a separate document for prospective residents. On refund timing, members were divided: some favored a one-year deadline or a deadline with waivers, while others opposed a fixed deadline because of financing risks and the potential impact on new development and current residents. Several members suggested keeping the status quo but adding better data collection and reporting on refund timing. On the CCRC definition and marketing, members debated whether the current statutory definition is too vague and whether the commission should recommend clearer standards or a certification-like process, while also noting resource limits for state oversight.
Members also discussed the Age CCRC Consumer Guide, with general agreement that it should be updated and made more useful to consumers, possibly with clearer questions to ask and more information about facilities, though some cautioned against adding subjective financial-risk statements that would be hard to administer. On resident representation, several commissioners strongly supported requiring resident voting members on boards, while providers argued that strong resident associations and regular meetings with boards may be preferable and that communities should retain flexibility. The meeting ended with a request for written comments by July 11, draft recommendations to be circulated July 18, and a possible final meeting on July 21, with the commission aiming to finish by August 1.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- In case you didn't hear the chairman, I am from Washington Parish.
- I know we allow this in other parts of the state. I just need...
- How do you define what a state of disrepair is?
- If your house is unpainted, is that a state of disrepair?
- We, we've, we've battled the same issues in Washington Parish, as New Orleans, it's all over the state
Summary:
The House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure met on May 23, 2006, and considered a series of civil law bills, most of them reported favorably or as amended. Representative Mandy Landry’s HB 135, which updated motor vehicle exemptions from seizure in bankruptcy by raising vehicle value limits, allowing a second vehicle, increasing the exemption for vehicles adapted for persons with disabilities, and protecting certain HSA funds, was reported favorably. Her HB 297, expanding early lease termination rights to include stalking and cyberstalking victims, was also reported favorably after supportive testimony from housing and domestic violence advocates.
Representative Robbie Carter presented HB 292 on security deposits, HB 215 on raising the small succession threshold from $125,000 to $200,000, HB 226 on requests for admissions, and HB 216 on service of process. HB 292 was amended to give landlords an additional 15 days to send itemized security deposit statements and then reported as amended. HB 215 was reported favorably over opposition from the Clerks of Court Association, which argued the higher threshold would reduce clerk-generated revenue. HB 226 was amended to require a Rule 10.1 discovery conference before filing a motion based on unanswered requests for admissions and then reported as amended. HB 216, which would have allowed parties to choose how they receive service in later filings, drew concerns about practicality and electronic service and was voluntarily deferred.
The committee also reported favorably HB 609, which exempts veterans from one-time fees for obtaining private medical records needed for disability claims, and voluntarily deferred HB 170 and HB 194 at the authors’ requests. Representative Weibel’s HB 284, modeled on existing blight and expropriation procedures, would expand local government tools to address abandoned and blighted property and was reported as amended after questions about property rights, notice, heirs, and title protection. Finally, the committee took up HB 142, a Law Institute package of civil procedure revisions, including changes to default judgments, appeals, motions to quash, trial notices, small claims reconventional demands, and abandonment procedures; after discussion of the abandonment affidavit requirements and appeal record costs, the bill was reported as amended. The meeting ended with adjournment.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- In case you didn't hear the chairman, I am from Washington Parish.
- I know we allow this in other parts of the state. I just need...
- How do you define what a state of disrepair is?
- If your house is unpainted, is that a state of disrepair?
- We battled the same issues in Washington Parish, as New Orleans, it's all over the state, right?
Keywords:
exemption, motor vehicles, health savings accounts, debt relief, bankruptcy, civil procedure, abandonment, default judgment, court costs, notice requirements, construction contracts, jurisdiction, dispute resolution, public policy, Louisiana law, professional engineer, peremptive periods, construction, architect, real estate developer
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- In every state, plus the District of Columbia, this responsibility has been used, In every state, plus
- by state governments.
- It's clear the power that the states have to administer elections, and if the Secretary of State or the
- To states, it has to be the state that would enforce the qualification requirements.
- And then State of California, Secretary of State, will overrule their power by passing this?
Summary:
The committee heard three bills. SB 73 by Senator Cervantes would bar county registrars from allowing federal agents to inspect voting machines, framed by the author as a response to federal interference in California elections. The Secretary of State supported the concept and asked for amendments to clarify procedures for inspection requests. Senator Choi opposed it as unnecessary and beyond state authority, arguing federal subpoena rules already govern such inspections. The bill passed on a 4-1 vote to Appropriations after the call was lifted.
SB 401 by Senator Hurtado, presented by Senator Allen, would authorize the FPPC to extend filing deadlines for statements of economic interest during declared emergencies. Testimony from the FPPC said the commission had no formal position but could administer the extensions, while members raised concerns that the bill was too open-ended and lacked a defined extension period. The author and committee members agreed to work on narrowing the language, and the bill passed 5-0 to Labor, Public Employment and Retirement.
SB 46 by Senator Umberg would give the Secretary of State authority to remove constitutionally ineligible presidential or vice presidential candidates from the California ballot, with the author focusing on preventing a third presidential term. Supporters argued the Secretary of State already has a role in enforcing ballot qualifications and that the bill is constitutional. The Secretary of State’s office raised concerns about turning the office into an investigatory body and suggested alternative language limiting the measure to the 22nd Amendment or using an independent special counsel. Members debated whether the state should make such determinations, and the bill passed 4-1 to Appropriations. The chair also used the end of the hearing to thank staff and note it was her final hearing as committee chair.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee Jan 13th, 2026
Elections and Constitutional Amendments
Transcript Highlights:
- by state governments.
- It's clear the power that the states have to administer elections, and if the Secretary of State or the
- to states, it has to be the state that would enforce the qualification requirements.
- Well, I have great respect for the Secretary of State and her state.
- And then State of California, Secretary of State, will overrule their power by passing this?
Summary:
The committee heard three bills. SB 73, by Senator Cervantes, would bar county registrars from allowing federal agents to inspect voting machines and was presented as a response to alleged federal interference in California elections. Supporters said it would help local governments defend election systems, while Senator Choi opposed it as unnecessary and beyond state authority, arguing federal law already governs access to voting equipment. The bill passed on a 4-1 vote to Appropriations after the call was lifted.
SB 401, by Senator Hurtado and presented by Senator Allen, would authorize the Fair Political Practices Commission to extend Form 700 and other economic-interest filing deadlines during declared emergencies. Testimony and committee discussion focused on whether the bill gave the FPPC too much open-ended discretion, with members asking for clearer limits on how long extensions could last and when they would apply. The author and FPPC counsel said they would work on clarifying the language, and the bill passed 5-0 to Labor, Public Employment and Retirement.
SB 46, by Senator Umberg, would give the Secretary of State authority to remove constitutionally ineligible presidential or vice presidential candidates from the California ballot, aimed at preventing a third presidential term. Supporters from CREW and a constitutional law professor argued the measure was constitutional and necessary to enforce the 22nd Amendment, while the Secretary of State’s office raised concerns about creating an investigative role and suggested alternative language or use of an independent special counsel. Members debated whether ballot eligibility determinations should be made at the state or federal level, and the bill passed 4-1 to Appropriations. The chair then thanked committee staff and adjourned the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee Jan 13th, 2026
Elections and Constitutional Amendments
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretaries of State are integral to our electoral system, administering both state and federal elections
- by state governments.
- It's clear the power that the states have to administer elections, and if the Secretary of State or the
- What I'm worried and confused is that this bill is acting like each state will have a secretary of state
- And then State of California, Secretary of State, will overrule their power by passing this?
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development - 02/04/2026
Housing, Construction, and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- of the Secretary of State.
- powers of the Secretary of State.
- What role would they play for the Secretary of State when the Secretary of State determines that local
- of the State are situated.
- State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the New York State Energy Conservation Construction
Summary:
The Senate Housing, Construction and Community Development Committee met with quorum present and considered a full agenda of housing, code enforcement, and rent regulation bills, many of which had passed the Senate in prior years. Early measures included a statewide residential rental registry (S.912), penalties and reporting for vacant and abandoned properties (S.925), and extending tenant response time for major capital improvement rent increase applications (S.1461). The committee also advanced several code-enforcement and fire/building-code bills, including measures to expand remedies for Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code violations (S.3406), increase the Secretary of State’s code enforcement powers (S.4165 and S.4534), and authorize investigations into code administration and enforcement (S.4535). Members raised concerns about local fiscal impacts, the scope of state authority, contractor use, and whether the bills adequately define or limit “imminent threat” and related enforcement powers.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on S.4852, which would require the Codes Council to review and act on updates to international model codes within 18 months. Senators debated whether the bill would speed up code adoption or, as some feared, weaken economic reasonableness considerations by striking the word “economically” from the statutory standard. Supporters said the bill was intended to ensure prompt review of widely used model codes and noted other statutory safeguards remain in place; opponents worried about reduced attention to cost and practical impacts, especially amid housing and utility capacity constraints. The committee also discussed S.6368A, requiring complainants to receive copies of compliance orders issued after code complaints, and S.6600B, mandating inspections of certain non-fireproof buildings in New York City.
Additional bills advanced included standards for all-gender bathroom design and construction (S.7131A), compensation for required code-enforcement personnel training (S.7159), and audits of individual apartment improvements in rent-regulated units (S.8046A). Several measures were reported to Finance, while others were reported to the floor. Throughout the meeting, votes were largely along expected lines, with some members voting negative or “without recommendation” on the more expansive code-enforcement bills. No bill was defeated, and all items on the agenda were reported out of committee.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 030 Feb 13th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> contributions to our great state. contributions to our great state.
- </c> that we had in the United States. that we had in the United States.
- </c> additional 788 state beds. additional 788 state beds.
- </c> the state of Colorado. the state of Colorado.
- </c> eligible for in other states. eligible for in other states.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, May 19, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And then there's the airport, metro, university, and state law enforcement officers who help protect
- And then there's the airport, metro, university, and state law enforcement officers who help protect
- </c> right here, even in the United States. right here, even in the United States.
- In the chairman state of cruel.
- </c> the good people of the United States. the good people of the United States.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- And so if you think about the fact that between state fiscal year 2020 and state fiscal year 2024, the
- In state fiscal year 24, MassHealth spent $71 million on overtime.
- In state fiscal year 24, MassHealth spent $71 million on overtime.
- It'll be in Room 428 at the State House and on Zoom as well.
- He's in Washington. He's the executive director. It's a... That they said in Washington.
Summary:
The subcommittee met with MassHealth LTSS Chief Leslie Darcy to review the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program and the legislative work group focused on its long-term sustainability and cost containment. Darcy and Charlie described the work group’s five meetings and three consensus recommendations: enforce the 66-hour overtime cap, address fraudulent activity in the PCA program, and eliminate MassHealth handling of PCA paperwork/administrative work for members without a live-in exemption because those members are subject to EVV. They explained EVV as an electronic visit verification system replacing paper timesheets, and noted the rollout is expected to be completed this fall. The group estimated about $7 million in savings from the consensus recommendations and agreed to continue meeting through June to consider additional ideas.
Darcy presented data showing the PCA program served about 56,000 members in state fiscal year 2024 and has grown from $1.2 billion in FY20 to $1.6 billion in FY24, with projections near $2 billion by 2027. She said much of the growth is driven by wage increases and older adults using more services, and compared PCA costs with other LTSS programs. The discussion also covered overtime spending, the role of federal financial participation, and how Massachusetts’ PCA program differs from other states because it has no hard caps on hours or activities. Several members emphasized the program’s value for independent living and community participation, while also acknowledging the need to control growth without undermining services.
Members asked about undocumented immigrants and MassHealth funding, and Darcy explained that some eligibility categories are state-funded only and do not receive federal matching funds. Another member asked about workforce recruitment and wage pressures; Darcy said recent collective bargaining agreements raised PCA wages, with some workers eventually reaching $25 per hour and the entry wage reaching $20. The group also discussed whether IADL hours are disproportionately high compared with ADL needs, and reviewed data suggesting potential savings if IADL hours were limited relative to ADL hours, though no consensus recommendation was made on that point. The meeting ended with approval of the prior minutes by roll call vote, an update that the next health equity informational hearing is scheduled for May 19, and a motion to adjourn carried unanimously.