Transcript Highlights:

• billion deficit when we had an $18 a $6 billion deficit when we had an $18 billion<00:09:26.240> surplus
• c> a<00:09:27.120> $6<00:09:27.360> billion<00:09:27.959> budget billion surplus
• and a $6 billion budget billion surplus and a $6 billion budget deficit.<00:09:29.839> We're<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• After you guys squandered $18 billion surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion, And increased the state budget
• concerned about the price of eggs suddenly in this body, and members, after having an $18 billion Surplus
• whenever Democrats don't want to talk about what's actually happening in Minnesota—the $18.5 billion surplus

Transcript Highlights:

• So in light of the current legal framework and given the substantial surplus, how was this fee applied
• But yeah, I'd like to know that million-dollar surplus, where that went exactly.
• , how was this fee applied and surplus, how was this fee applied and spent?
• <00:46:13.680> where<00:46:13.920> that<00:46:14.160> went million-doll surplus
• where that went million-doll surplus where that went exactly.<00:46:15.359> I'd<00:46:15.520>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met to hear updates from Kentucky public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System on compliance with House Bill 4, which restricts DEI-related activities and requires institutional and viewpoint neutrality. The chair emphasized that the hearing should focus on both compliance and the financial effects of the law. Eastern Kentucky University said its board adopted a House Bill 4 compliance resolution and an institutional neutrality policy. KCTCS reported systemwide reviews of programs, websites, scholarships, personnel, and admissions language, along with board actions removing a cultural competency course requirement, adopting institutional neutrality, and certifying compliance. KCTCS said about $2.5 million annually had been reallocated to other needs, and that no personnel were eliminated, though some roles were reassigned and DEI-related offices closed. Kentucky State University said it had already dissolved DEI offices before the bill passed, ended DEI-specific training, revised policies and gift acceptance rules, adopted a viewpoint neutrality policy, and was conducting ongoing reviews of programs, job descriptions, and web content. KSU said it had achieved substantial compliance, expected full operational integration by August 1, and had not terminated staff or closed academic programs because of the law. In response to questions, KSU said it was broadening outreach to all students rather than targeting specific populations and that its prior diversity finding was tied to not meeting a diversity quota. Morehead State University said it had no DEI office before House Bill 4, amended its non-discrimination statement to include political and social viewpoint neutrality and condemnation of religious and ethnic discrimination, and remained focused on serving its largely low-income student body. Murray State University reported reviewing scholarships, expenditures, training, and academic programs to ensure no differential treatment or indoctrination, revising its neutrality policy, and updating non-discrimination posters and training. When asked about a statement that DEI would “look different,” the university said it meant student support services would continue in a different form. Northern Kentucky University said it dissolved its diversity office and chief diversity officer position in 2024, reviewed programs, events, scholarships, and employee affinity groups, adopted a statement on intellectual diversity and viewpoint neutrality, and reviewed about 2,000 courses for compliance. NKU also said its new Center for Belonging would focus on first-generation and commuter students rather than rebrand prior DEI efforts. The University of Kentucky began its presentation by describing earlier changes made in August 2024, including disbanding its office of institutional diversity, removing diversity statements and mandatory training, adopting institutional neutrality, and ending race-based consideration in admissions and scholarships; the transcript cuts off before the rest of UK’s testimony and any committee votes or formal actions beyond receiving the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• When you look at the Highway Surplus Fund and the fishing game surplus funds, you'll notice that both
• When you look at the Highway Surplus Fund and the fishing game surplus funds, you'll notice that both
• When you look at the Highway Surplus Fund and the fishing game surplus funds, you'll notice that both
• When you look at the Highway Surplus Fund and the fishing game surplus funds, you'll notice that both
• When you look at the Highway Surplus Fund and the fishing game surplus funds, you'll notice that both

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met to review Division One of a very large budget package, with the chair explaining that the budget was being analyzed in three divisions over multiple days. Members first discussed procedure, including when amendments and line-item votes would be taken, and agreed to proceed with the division’s presentation before questions. Representative Maguire then outlined the division’s approach as a series of tradeoffs to close a large budget gap, emphasizing cuts, some revenue changes, and a focus on overall spending levels as well as individual reductions. The presentation covered a wide range of agencies and policy areas. Major proposed changes included cuts or eliminations to several boards and commissions viewed as costly or duplicative, such as the Housing Appeals Board, Board of Tax and Land Appeals, Human Rights Commission, Commission on Aging, Office of the Child Advocate, and the Personnel Appeals Board, with some functions consolidated into other boards. The division also proposed back-of-the-budget cuts to the Information Technology Department, Judicial Branch, Justice Department, Retirement System, Corrections, and Environmental Services, along with fee increases in several areas. Other notable items included ending marketing for Paid Family Leave, reducing job advertising and tourism promotion, defunding the Arts Council, moving liquor enforcement functions out of the Liquor Commission, and shifting some funds such as the College Savings Commission money to Division Two. Several members questioned specific cuts, especially the elimination of the Council on Aging, the reduction in regional planning commission grants, and the large cut to tourism advertising. Maguire defended the choices as necessary budget tradeoffs, arguing that some programs duplicated work done elsewhere, that regional planning grants were not among the most essential items, and that tourism promotion was a form of spending he viewed skeptically. He also explained that the public defender’s budget was partially restored after a credible claim of a governor’s budget error, and that the committee would continue refining corrections-related cuts because the House was only halfway through the budget process and further changes could still occur in the Senate and conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• We now project to end fiscal years 26 and 27 with a surplus of $3.7 billion.
• Left unspent, that surplus carries into fiscal years 28 and 29.
• A structural imbalance is always a problem, but when we're looking at $3 billion in a surplus right now
• right now, I at $3 billion in a surplus right now, I think<01:24:41.320> the<01:24:41.440>
• billion debt or surplus billion debt or surplus on<01:35:06.320> many<01:35:06.600> programs

Bills: HF3425

Keywords: supportive housing, grants, housing assistance, funding, Minnesota Statutes, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That language is really loosely based on the surplus property law that requires the proceeds of the sale
• of surplus property to go back to the operating fund or the general fund if the property is over 13th
• had also conversations, not in my testimony, but follow-up conversations with UND related to state surplus
• Also, as she mentioned, we're looking at surplus property in conjunction with OMB.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a few years ago, with a $98 billion surplus, you would do so.
• Just a few years ago, with a $98 billion surplus, you would do so.
• Just a few years ago, with a $98 billion surplus, you would do so with a massive surplus, but instead

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the $288.5 million in surplus funds, $269.2 million was allocated, leaving approximately $18.9 million
• Of the $18.9 million remaining in the original bill of surplus, $9.4 million is used, leaving $9.46 million
• That's from the surplus.
• bill came over to us, when it first got to the House, I think it had about $18 or $19 million in surplus

Summary: The Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs met on May 11, 2026, approved the April 27 minutes, and then took up several House bills. HB 618, by Rep. McMakin, would update Louisiana Economic Development fees and filing charges by indexing them to inflation and allowing some discretion to waive or reduce fees for small businesses; it was reported favorable. HB 732, by Rep. Owen, drew extensive discussion because it combined two issues: temporary OMV relief for a hospice-related ID problem and a suspension of the new hybrid vehicle road usage fee. Members and the OMV commissioner raised constitutional and drafting concerns about waiving or eliminating obligations, and the committee discussed how newer vehicle classifications blur the line between electric, hybrid, and gas-powered vehicles. The committee ultimately reported HB 732 favorable, with the understanding that amendments and further work would be needed before floor action. The committee also reported favorable on HB 217 and HB 214 by Rep. Henry, which would authorize local governments to grant property tax exemptions for the rehabilitation of blighted property and place the related constitutional amendment before voters. Testimony emphasized that the measure is permissive for local governments, applies only after a property is formally blighted and rehabilitated, and is intended to encourage redevelopment while preserving some tax revenue. Members discussed the exemption level, duration, and the need for clearer definitions of blight, but no objections were raised. HB 593, also by Rep. Henry, would raise the maximum service fee for OMV public tag agent offices statewide; the commissioner explained that many offices are locally operated and that the increase would help cover costs, and the bill was reported favorable. Later, HB 514 and HB 961, by Rep. Foreman, were reported favorable. HB 514 would allow local governments, by referendum, to provide additional property tax relief for seniors who meet income and freeze requirements, with phased age-based eligibility steps; HB 961 would extend a similar concept to certain homesteads held in trust. Members discussed the optional local nature of the program and the need to avoid overly broad rules. HB 908, by Rep. Mina, would increase certain Secretary of State business services fees to support operations and system upgrades; agency officials said the fees had not been comprehensively adjusted since 2013 and remained below regional averages, and the bill was reported favorable. The committee then heard an informational update on the capital outlay bill from the Division of Administration, including the use of bundled projects for universities and DOTD, the status of P1/P2/P5 funding, and available cash capacity. Finally, HB 1010, by Rep. Deshotel, was reported favorable after brief discussion; it would require assessors to report property tax collections to the Louisiana Tax Commission for centralized public reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Usually, they need to get a surplus going until their revenues come in.
• So in a year where the surplus is projected to be less than 150 under current services, what services
• We had a billion-dollar surplus a few years ago, a billion and a half.
• In 2006, when I came in, we had almost a billion-dollar surplus on a $4 billion budget.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we did have 18 billion dollars surplus and we've had 9 billion dollars worth of fraud that I think
• Um, we did have 18 billion dollars surplus and we've had 9 billion dollars worth of fraud that I think
• Um, we did have 18 billion dollars surplus and we've had 9 billion dollars worth of fraud that I think
• And there is a surplus of dollars in our state ongoing, and we can afford this. Simple as that.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This supplemental appropriates $40 million from the unappropriated surplus balance of general revenue
• to a new directed transfer surplus appropriation within the Department of Commerce, Division of Economic
• This supplemental appropriates $40 million from the unappropriated surplus balance of general revenue
• to a new directed transfer surplus appropriation within the Department of Commerce, division of economic

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• because the budget that was approved in that legislative session closed in June with a $5 billion surplus
• c><00:19:39.679> billion closed in June with a $5 billion closed in June with a $5 billion surplus
• :43.280> don't<00:19:43.440> want<00:19:43.520> to<00:19:43.679> hear surplus
• So, I don't want to hear surplus. Okay?

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House and Senate DFL leaders Erin Murphy and Zach Stevenson discussed Minnesota’s budget forecast, arguing that rising health care costs, federal policy changes under Trump and congressional Republicans, and cuts to health care, food support, and clean energy are worsening the state’s fiscal outlook and household affordability. They said the state’s economy remains strong but is being undermined by higher premiums, tariffs, canceled projects, and shifting costs to state and local governments, while Republicans are prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy and large corporations over working families. A major topic was fraud prevention and oversight. In response to questions, the leaders said every dollar of fraud is unacceptable, but that the budget forecast is not the right tool to measure it. They pointed to existing efforts, including BCA investigators, a governor-ordered and legislature-authorized audit, stronger laws passed in 2023-2025, and work on an independent inspector general proposal. They said the House DFL supports stronger anti-fraud measures and wants fraudsters held accountable, while also protecting services for vulnerable Minnesotans. The leaders also defended prior DFL budget decisions, saying the 2023 legislative session ended with a $5 billion surplus and rejecting Republican claims that DFL spending drained the state’s coffers. They said Minnesota must still balance its budget, but that the structural deficit is being driven largely by rising medical assistance and health care costs, which they argued are tied to federal actions and broader health system instability. No votes were taken in this transcript; it was a press availability with questions and responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so anytime you're passing a budget that's not just spending a surplus, but it is in fact anticipating
• that's not just passing a budget that's not just spending<00:04:08.159> a<00:04:08.480> surplus
• 09.200> it<00:04:09.360> is<00:04:09.680> in<00:04:09.920> fact spending a surplus
• , but it is in fact spending a surplus, but it is in fact anticipating<00:04:10.879> a<00:04:11.120

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• because they increased funding last year by 40% in spending, as well as spending all of the $18 billion surplus
• of the spending as well as spending all of the $18<00:07:51.039> billion<00:07:51.840> surplus
• <00:07:53.759> They $18 billion surplus last year. They $18 billion surplus last year.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for condominiums, which is kind of scary, because most of them don't have more than $30 million of surplus
• for condominiums, which is kind of scary, because most of them don't have more than $30 million of surplus
• I think when I looked at it the other day, they got $32 million in surplus. They're buying it.
• I think when I looked at them the other day, they got $32 million in surplus.

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met for a panel discussion on current issues affecting Florida condominiums. DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin highlighted the department’s expanded condo education, complaint, and ombudsman services under HB 1021, including new online resources, board member certification, increased outreach, and broader complaint jurisdiction. She said the division has filled most of its new positions and that the new condo website is intended to improve transparency and access to records and information. Other panelists focused on insurance, inspections, and market impacts. Insurance agent Mike Clarkson said the condo insurance market remains difficult, especially for older buildings, and raised concerns about roof replacement demands, Citizens’ depopulation practices, and the mismatch between reserve studies and insurer timelines. Building officials representative Ron Laceca described challenges with phase one and phase two inspections, including incomplete databases, limited contractor capacity, and the need for local flexibility and better recordkeeping. University of Florida researcher Bill Hughes said his data show the condo market has not suffered a major overall decline from the new laws; he argued the rules have made costs more transparent and may strengthen the market over time. Community association manager Jamie Ballard said the biggest pressures on associations are rising insurance costs and early roof replacement requirements, and she supported board certification while opposing the continuing education exemption for long-tenured CAMs. In committee discussion, members pressed witnesses on whether recent condo laws caused insurance and roof-cost problems, and witnesses generally said those issues are driven more by the market than by the legislation. Senators also discussed possible reforms, including better data collection, clearer reporting duties for managers, and possible changes to insurance and reserve practices. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• or developed by the state or a county, or projects owned by entities required to use all financial surplus
• 00:22:16.320> use<00:22:16.520> all<00:22:16.720> Financial<00:22:17.120> Surplus
• <00:22:17.520> to required to use all Financial Surplus to required to use all Financial Surplus

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing heard testimony on several housing-related measures. Senate Bill 65 would appropriate funds to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority for rehabilitation and repair of public housing units. Testifiers from the Department of Human Services, HPHA, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and Roar Cares supported the bill, emphasizing that repairing vacant units is a fast, cost-effective way to increase available housing for homeless and elderly residents. HPHA later told the committee it had 139 vacant units, with an estimated average repair cost of about $73,000 per unit. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage of SB 65 with amendments, including an appropriation of $10,147,000, and the motion passed. The committee also considered Senate Bill 40, which would allow HHFDC to secure a line of credit or other indebtedness for the bond volume cap recycling program. HHFDC supported the measure and explained that Act 35 had provided a $150 million line of credit for fiscal year 2025 only, so this bill would extend that authority; HHFDC said the bonds involved would be revenue bonds. Roar Cares supported the bill, while the chair asked whether the Legislature would need to pass such a bill annually. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage with amendments to specify revenue bonds and noted the administration should study other ways to secure the line of credit without annual legislation. For Senate Bill 35, which would create a Housing Efficiency and Innovation subaccount within the rental housing revolving fund and allow fund transfers without legislative approval, HHFDC and several others supported the measure, arguing that more flexible fund movement would improve efficiency. The committee adopted a recommendation to pass SB 35 with amendments, including language prioritizing projects on state or county land or projects by entities required to reinvest surplus into housing, and noting nonprofit developers could qualify for prioritization. Senate Bill 42, which would repeal certain 30% AMI set-aside and preference requirements for rental housing revolving fund projects, drew opposition from Catholic Charities Hawaii, which argued the bill would reduce the supply of the most vulnerable housing units, while HHFDC warned it could reduce production of 30% AMI units. The committee deferred SB 42. The final bill discussed was Senate Bill 75, which would establish a working group to revise the state’s qualified allocation plan and related rental housing revolving fund loan terms and report back to the Legislature. HHFDC and others offered comments, while Catholic Charities asked that the bill be deferred, saying HHFDC already had the capacity to work with the community without a new law. Roar Cares supported the concept but urged broader stakeholder inclusion. In decision-making, the chair said the committee report would note concerns about prior QAP revisions and the need for more transparent, ongoing stakeholder participation, and the committee recommended passage of SB 75 without amendments. All recommendations were adopted, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Here in Minnesota, we saw an $18 billion surplus spent or dollars set aside for projects as in this case
• > spent<00:58:27.720> or<00:58:28.000> dollars<00:58:28.400> set billion Surplus
• spent or dollars set billion Surplus spent or dollars set aside<00:58:29.039> for<00:58:29.359
• with what we're going to be making decisions about, because we don't have a 17-18 billion dollar surplus
• with what we're going to be making decisions about, because we don't have a 17-18 billion dollar surplus

Bills: HF1167, HF1242

Keywords: Northern Lights Express, NLX, Minneapolis-Duluth rail, passenger rail, intercity passenger rail, high-speed rail, Duluth, Minneapolis, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Council, transportation funding, rail appropriation, general fund, trunk highway fund, rail project cancellation, infrastructure spending, commercial driver training, CDL, financial assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the overall surplus, and that's your decision-making.
• <00:57:46.960> and<00:57:47.160> that's this is the overall Surplus and that's this
• is the overall Surplus and that's your<00:57:47.680> decision-making<00:57:48.440> what
• can make the decisions and a surplus can make the decisions and a surplus we<00:57:57.880> I<
• /c><00:57:58.039> the<00:57:58.160> word<00:57:58.359> Surplus<00:57:58.799>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There, I provided senior leadership on facilities management, fleet and surplus, construction, and continuity
• As we go into this session, we have gone from a $5 billion structural surplus to a $5 billion deficit
• to6 session um we have gone from A5 to6 billion<00:26:17.120> structural<00:26:17.640> Surplus
• ><00:26:18.120> to<00:26:18.240> A5<00:26:18.679> billion billion structural Surplus
• to A5 billion billion structural Surplus to A5 billion deficit<00:26:21.200> um<00:26:22.200>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As background, the election costs less than expected and there was a surplus.
• The cost was less than expected and there was a surplus.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Joint Legislative Budget Committee approved the January 29, 2026 minutes and then took up a Secretary of State budget transfer tied to unused funds from the U.S. Congressional District 7 special election line item. JLBC staff explained that $2.49 million would be transferred to the operating budget, including $500,000 for 2026 primary and general election costs, $240,000 for Secretary of State physical security costs from March through June 2026, and $1.7 million for county-related expenses, including $1 million for the state’s voter registration database share. Staff said the request was smaller than the Secretary of State’s original $2.9 million request because it excluded $200,000 for future database replacement planning and $160,000 in already-incurred security costs. The Secretary of State’s representative said the security funding covered physical security measures and presence at public events, but declined to provide operational details in open session for safety reasons. Members questioned the size and purpose of the security request, the status of communications with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding voter rolls, and whether litigation costs related to that dispute were being tracked. The Secretary of State’s representative said the office had been in active communication with federal officials and had participated in virtual meetings, but could not discuss litigation details or confirm face-to-face DOJ meetings. One member asked for a written or verbal list of meetings and another requested ongoing litigation cost information, expressing concern about spending on legal disputes. The representative said none of the transferred special-election funds would be used for litigation and that the office would discuss budget questions further if needed. The vice chair said the issue had been discussed for months and noted dissatisfaction with the office’s response to DOJ and voter-roll issues, but said the transfer was still needed. He moved a favorable review of the item with provisions requiring monthly expenditure reports to JLBC staff beginning April 15, 2026, and prohibiting the transferred money from being used for contracts with individuals. The transcript cuts off before the full vote or any additional provisions were completed.