Video & Transcript Research : 'race scapegoating'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 17th, 2025
California Assembly Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- equity, everybody in this country could rise, and he believed that an inclusive society is one where race
- Not that we make race meaningless in order to keep folks subjugated. together to build the country that
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- We do know that the focus seems to be more on race.
- Court decisions, Students for Fair Admissions, SFFA, which was the Harvard admissions case involving race
- But that is not to say it's limited to race. This could be a dynamic area.
Summary:
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual/in-person meeting and approved the December minutes. The chair announced plans for the next “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27, in partnership with MassAbility, focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity, along with a resource fair. The commission also began planning for its October National Disability Employment Awareness Month event and sought volunteers for a small planning group.
The meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts, including challenges to federal actions on higher education diversity data collection and DEI-related funding conditions, immigration/TPS for Haitians, NIH research grant disruptions, and the nonrenewal of mental health services grants for schools. The presenter said the state has helped protect more than $3 billion in federal funding and noted ongoing or pending appeals in several cases. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on disability-related DEI work and Medicaid; the AG’s office said guidance on DEIA/employment initiatives is available and that the state is closely monitoring federal Medicaid communications and coordinating with the governor’s office.
Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and apprenticeship liaison Amara Riemann presented on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven pathways with classroom instruction and wage progression. They highlighted growth in nontraditional fields such as human services, IT, early education, biotech, and banking, and described Bridgewater State University’s Excel program for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities as a model that can lead from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship. Commissioners discussed expanding similar models through community colleges and disability-focused workforce pipelines.
Subcommittee reports covered disability employment, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The employment subcommittee heard from CED on state disability employment initiatives and planned future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and Veterans Affairs. The long-term services and supports subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, anticipated federal Medicaid changes, the personal care attendant working group, and an upcoming discussion on crisis standards of care. In commissioner announcements, members highlighted recent honors for several commissioners, updates on municipal digital accessibility grants, a June Medicaid summit, and other commission activities. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC) Mar 20th, 2026
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)
Transcript Highlights:
- Because, you know, the first question that I asked you was about the race factor.
- We didn't look at it from a race perspective. We didn't look at it from a...
- We didn't look at it from a race perspective.
Summary:
The council opened with a prayer, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received the February 2026 Monthly Revenue Report from Carlos Silva of the Bureau of Legislative Research. He reported gross revenues of $5.36 billion and net collections of $4.5 billion, both above the prior year to date, and said the updated forecast now shows a larger expected surplus. Members asked about declines in some tax categories, natural gas severance fee fluctuations, inflation, and economic development incentives; Silva attributed several changes to timing, refunds, tax cuts, weather, and price volatility, and generally described the state’s revenue trend as positive.
The Executive Committee, Administrative Rules, Claims Review, Game and Fish, Higher Education, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Medicaid studies, Occupational Licensing Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and other subcommittee reports were adopted. The Medicaid studies report drew extended discussion about DHS staffing and contract nursing costs at state hospitals and human development centers; DHS officials said they were working on a recruitment and retention plan, reported significant vacancies and turnover, and said the state was not at risk of overspending the contracts. Several members urged reducing reliance on contract labor and moving staff onto state payrolls.
The Review Subcommittee report prompted questions about a Department of Public Safety aircraft maintenance item and a Department of Shared Administrative Services contract for Deloitte to implement performance and goals management software tied to the state’s new personnel system. After discussion, the aircraft maintenance item was held briefly and then withdrawn from the hold, while the shared services contract was explained as a one-time integration/configuration project for a system that will support employee evaluations and performance-based pay; the report and the separate contract vote were approved. The Personnel Subcommittee also heard testimony from Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald about reductions in force at the Division of Services for the Blind, which he attributed to funding shortfalls and fiscal mismanagement; members questioned the impact on blind and visually impaired clients, the status of board appointments, and whether federal funds could be at risk. The report was adopted with immediate consideration, and the meeting ended after filing the remaining APER report and adjourning.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC) Mar 20th, 2026
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)
Transcript Highlights:
- Because, you know, the first question that I asked you was about the race factor.
- We didn't look at it from a race perspective. We didn't look at it from a...
- We didn't look at it from a race perspective.
Summary:
The meeting began with a prayer, approval of the prior minutes, and a February 2026 revenue report from Carlos Silva of the Bureau of Legislative Research. He reported gross revenues of $5.36 billion and net collections of $4.5 billion, both above the prior year, and said the updated forecast showed a larger expected surplus than before. Members asked about declines in some tax categories, natural gas severance fees, and possible effects of inflation and international conflict; Silva generally attributed the changes to timing issues, prior tax cuts, refund activity, and price fluctuations, and said he could not speculate on future impacts.
The committee then heard and adopted several subcommittee reports, including the Executive Committee, Administrative Rules, Claims Review, Game and Fish State Police, Higher Education, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Occupational Licensing Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and APER filings. Most reports were approved without objection. One budget classification transfer for the Commissioner of State Lands was reviewed and failed. The review report also led to discussion of several contracts, including DHS staffing contracts and a Department of Education security contract, with some items held or separated for individual votes.
A major portion of the meeting focused on DHS and state staffing contracts for the Human Development Centers, Arkansas State Hospital, and related facilities. DHS officials said the contracts were on track against seven-year projections, but members expressed concern about heavy reliance on contract labor, vacancy rates, and the need to move workers onto state payrolls. Officials said they were preparing a recruitment and retention plan and described staffing levels, vacancies, and turnover. Members also questioned contract projections and federal-state funding matches, and several urged faster action to reduce contract labor costs.
The committee also discussed a Department of Commerce reduction-in-force affecting the Division of Services for the Blind and Employment and Training. Secretary Hugh McDonald said the cuts were driven by funding shortfalls, over-obligation of funds, and federal issues, and that 27 positions would be permanently eliminated while furloughed employees would be recalled. Members raised concerns about service impacts, board appointments, and the division’s fiscal management. The meeting ended after the personnel report was adopted and APER was filed as reviewed, followed by adjournment.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 21, 2026 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- THE FACT WE AS ESTATE DON'T HAVE PARTISAN SCHOOL BOARD RACES IS A WAY FOR THEM TO HIDE THEIR POLITICAL
- HARRIS IS A GOOD SUPERINTENDENT, HE WILL WIN THAT RACE.
- HE WOULD PROBABLY BE HAVE TO BE DOING A BAD JOB TO NOT WHEN THE RACE.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC – Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee Sep 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- location of the data centers and, to the extent that we can, incorporate both the data describing the race
- location of the data centers and, to the extent that we can, incorporate both the data describing the race
- location of the data centers and, to the extent that we can, incorporate both the data describing the race
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee met on September 17, 2025, in hybrid format. After roll call, the committee initially lacked a quorum and deferred approval of the July 15 minutes until Representative Berg arrived; the minutes were then adopted. Members also discussed the proposed 2026 JLARC meeting schedule, including possible changes to address crowded July meetings and the annual tax exemption review workload.
Staff presented the annual lodging tax expenditures report, noting that 213 municipalities received distributions in 2024, with 91% reporting compliance, $114 million awarded for more than 1,700 activities, and no independent verification of the self-reported data. Several members questioned the value and usefulness of the report, and the executive committee indicated it may recommend removing the statutory reporting requirement. The committee then heard the preliminary performance audit of the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, which found the office meets its statutory responsibilities and has high user satisfaction, but recommended updating the statute to better match the office’s current capacity and focus and improving performance measures to reflect long-term privacy outcomes rather than outputs. Members asked about FERPA and other federal privacy laws, and OPDP staff said they provide general privacy training and consultation but not law-specific training unless requested.
The committee adopted the final report on Washington State recreational boating programs without recommendation, after staff reported that boating revenues support both general government and boating activities and that no participating agencies submitted formal comments. Members asked about boater safety education and possible overlap among the six agencies involved; Parks staff said education has reached more than 500,000 boaters and that fatalities and incidents have declined. The committee also reviewed planned study questions for a JLARC review of Labor and Industries’ enforcement of farm worker laws, with members raising scope questions about the term “farm worker” versus “agricultural worker,” and for DNR’s Eastern Washington sustainable harvest calculation, which JLARC will review as DNR completes its recalculation. Finally, staff outlined the 2026 tax preference performance reviews covering seven preferences, and members asked about racial equity, environmental impacts, disclosure of beneficiary savings, and how the reviews will measure effectiveness; the meeting adjourned before noon.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Jun 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- they had, or the one after or before the last one that they had, that was a complete air show and air race
- But thank you all for coming and thank you so much for your help with getting the money for the air races
- been corrected, but, uh, there's some strange things that happened, but all in all, the air show air races
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine certain pending nominations. Apr 29th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I've learned that in America, the mere connection with race, color, or ethnicity, or one's starting point
- committed to making sure that everyone can do business with USDA on equal footing no matter their their race
- higher rates than any other race?
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 4 February, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That's what it would be on federal race grounds.
- That's will only be for federal races.
- what that it would be on on federal race what that it would be on on federal race grounds.<00:46
- So what both federal and state races.
- rule would also apply to state and local races too.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the pledge, established a quorum, dispensed with reading the journal and bill introductions, and then moved through announcements recognizing visitors in the galleries, including cancer advocacy groups, Mississippi Math and Science School students, a gospel choir, Leadership Greater Jackson, and other guests. Members also made several commendations, including recognition of Elena Johnson’s softball accomplishments and a student’s appointment to West Point.
On the general calendar, the House passed House Bill 1076, the SAVE Act of 2026, by a vote of 122-0. The bill is described as a consumer protection measure for veterans that prohibits pay-to-refer arrangements, tightens standards for paid claims assistance, requires written agreements and limits upfront or nonrefundable fees, and adds privacy and disclosure safeguards. The House also passed House Bill 223, designating a segment of Highway 537 as the Sergeant John Howard Tanner Memorial Highway, by 122-0.
The chamber then passed House Bill 1112, which revises state aid road division laws to expand purchasing authority, increase authorized vehicles, and allow unused county road funds to be reallocated after a period of time, by 120-1. House Bill 737, with an adopted amendment, allows Medicaid providers to repay certain non-fraud overpayments in installments when immediate repayment would cause hardship and aligns the repayment timeline with federal law; it passed 116-0. The House also passed House Bill 479 on marriage and family therapy and psychology licensure changes, adopting an amendment that extends the time to verify credentials for out-of-state applicants and provides a temporary license, by 121-0.
Additional bills passed included House Bill 991 on third-party registration systems for used motor vehicle parts dealers and scrap metal processors (118-0), House Bill 1072 creating voluntary portable benefits accounts for independent contractors (119-0), House Bill 1137 revising CPA licensure education and experience requirements (118-1), House Bill 571 extending the foreign-national contribution ban to ballot measures (111-1), House Bill 630 allowing certain county electors to serve as municipal poll managers in small municipalities (113-4), House Bill 858 requiring election equipment internet connectivity to be disabled on election day (116-1), House Bill 788 changing how affidavit ballots can update voter registration information, with an amendment adopted, (115-3), and House Bill 908 tying Mississippi’s mail-ballot counting rule to the outcome of pending federal litigation so state and local races would be treated the same if the current federal-race rule is struck down (the bill was under discussion at the end of the excerpt).
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (03/17/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- > regardless<02:35:17.080>
of discrimination regardless of discrimination regardless of race - um so that are that is the uh race um so that are that is the uh change<02:35:24.160>
or <02:35 - <02:39:39.040>
I from discrimination regardless of race I from discrimination regardless of - race I wonder<02:39:39.720>
about <02:39:40.040>other <02:39:40.359>protected <02 - it doesn't talk about any of only race it doesn't talk about any of the<02:40:38.880>
other <02
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 695, relating to school districts and medically related grants. The sponsor argued the bill was vague and could undermine existing law, and another member said it would add an unnecessary mandate for school districts. The committee voted to recommend inexpedient to legislate, and the motion passed 18-0.
Next, House Bill 765, which would consolidate school administrative units and make superintendent jobs elected positions, was also recommended inexpedient to legislate. Members said the bill raised too many questions, could duplicate other legislation, and would move away from local control. That motion likewise passed 18-0. House Bill 768, allowing public school districts to contract with approved private schools, drew more debate. Supporters described it as a language cleanup and an expansion of educational opportunity, while opponents raised concerns about the placement of the language and pending Supreme Court cases. The committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass, and then 10-8 to recommend ought to pass as amended, with a minority report noted.
The committee then considered House Bill 446, dealing with parental notice for non-academic surveys. An amendment was offered to make the Youth Risk Behavior Survey opt-in rather than opt-out. Supporters said parents should be informed and should choose whether their children participate, while opponents argued the survey is an important tool for mental health data, grants, and school programming, and that opt-in would reduce participation and data quality. The amendment passed 10-8, and the bill as amended also passed 10-8, with a minority report noted.
Finally, the committee began House Bill 741, which would allow parents to send children to any school district they choose and expand open enrollment. The sponsor described it as broadening choice and keeping public funds in public schools, and an amendment was proposed to restore provisions for children of military personnel. Discussion on the amendment began, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on House Bill 741 or the amendment.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 16th, 2026 at 09:09 am
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Whether it's Festival Flamenco or whether it's the Deming Duck Races or the Las Cruces Film Festival
- Roswell National Championship Air Race Representatives. Great to see you there.
- Like, we have a Boston Marathon qualifying race, you know that takes place in Shiprock.
- We are again uniquely positioned to win the race around. This sector. But it's not just PhDs.
- dollars to support that to be able to help build out the infrastructure needed to support those Air races
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, President Carter has already concluded that the internment was caused by war hysteria, race
- discrimination in the excess or enjoyment of his or her civil or political rights because of religion, race
- kill some people, some somebody, but this bill picked up, uh, picked out some people based on their race
- Um, they are vital parts of the community, and this bill discriminates based on race and background.
- Certainly we're trying to respond to it as a country, but this is not an issue of race.
Bills:
HB 256, HB 1308, HB 1554, HB 1743, HB 2308, HB 2351, HB 2858, HB 3676, HB 3784, HB 4312, HB 4552, HB 4823, HB 4852, HB 5007, HB 5010, HB 5520, HB 5524, HCR 19
Keywords:
E-verify, employment verification, illegal employment, state contracts, government entities, license suspension, immigration compliance, state grant funding, E-Verify, compliance, penalties, immigration, government contracts, employee status, state contractors, E-verify program, legally present, employment practices, legal services, public money
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Mar 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I understand other states, and I'm not so interested in race to the bottom. how much those states are
- I myself am mixed race, and I think one of the categories might not be as clear.
- There's a mixed race category on there, and I think it's about 20%.
- right because our racial identity yeah but these are the stuff reporting that the CFC us but mixed race
- gives us yeah right right but I think if you look at up the different ethnicity categories plus mixed race
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/23/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- First, from the perspective of the race of the defendant, the Washington State Supreme Court found their
- Second, from the point of view of the race of the victims, in California, in cases where the victim was
- First, from the perspective of the race First, from the perspective of the race of<00:04:59.680>
- <00:05:16.240>
of from the point of view of the race of from the point of view of the race - ,<00:39:10.240>
geography, improper factors like race, geography, improper factors like race
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, January 15, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It states<00:13:42.880>
clearly <00:13:43.279>that <00:13:43.680>race, <00:13:44.480 - >
color, states clearly that race, color, states clearly that race, color, religion,<00:13:46.160 - Speaker, in response to my friends on the other side, many Democrats want to make race and sex... all
- <00:21:47.280>
and <00:21:47.440>sex Many Democrats want to make race and sex the most - In so doing, they're advocating for blatant race and sex discrimination, which we should all strongly
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 1st, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- too soon after suffering a medical emergency during the annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay race
- too soon after suffering a medical emergency during the annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay race
Summary:
The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved procedural motions, and then moved through guest introductions and floor items. Members welcomed students from Futures High School’s Hydrogen Car Grand Prix team, family members and visitors from their districts, and former legislator George Runner. The chamber also took up several ceremonial resolutions recognizing Portuguese Heritage Month, Italian American Heritage Month, congenital cytomegalovirus awareness month, and World No Tobacco Day.
ACR 185 by Assembly Member Macedo was adopted by voice vote after 51 co-authors were added, honoring Portuguese Heritage Month and the contributions of Portuguese Californians. ACR 197 by Assembly Member Stephanie was also adopted after 54 co-authors were added, recognizing Italian American Heritage Month and Italian American contributions to California. ACR 205 by Assembly Member Lackey was adopted after 55 co-authors were added, designating June as CMV Awareness Month, and SCR 177 by Assembly Member Connolly was adopted after 49 co-authors were added, proclaiming May 31, 2026, as World No Tobacco Day and reaffirming California’s anti-tobacco efforts.
The session also included adjournments in memory for John Wesley Finney, Jr., a longtime educator and public servant, and Deputy Levi Vargas of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The Assembly observed a moment of silence for Finney. The body then announced upcoming committee and floor schedules and adjourned until Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 9 a.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 1st, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- too soon after suffering a medical emergency during the annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay race
- too soon after suffering a medical emergency during the annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay race
Summary:
The Assembly convened with a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then handled routine procedural business including approval of the previous day’s journal, several consent motions, and re-referral or removal actions on a few bills. Members also introduced guests, including a high school hydrogen car team, family visitors, and former legislator George Runner.
The main floor action focused on several heritage and awareness resolutions. ACR 185 recognized June as Portuguese Heritage Month; members spoke about the contributions of Portuguese Californians, and the resolution was adopted with 51 coauthors. ACR 197 declared October as Italian American Heritage Month and was adopted with 54 coauthors. ACR 205 designated June as Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month and was adopted with 55 coauthors. SCR 177 proclaimed May 31, 2026 as World No Tobacco Day, highlighting tobacco-related harms and California’s flavored tobacco restrictions; it was adopted with 49 coauthors.
The Assembly also heard adjournments in memory for John Wesley Finney, Jr., a longtime educator and community leader, and Deputy Levi Vargas of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, with brief tributes from members and a moment of silence for Finney. The session concluded with announcements of upcoming committee and floor schedules and adjournment until Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 9 a.m.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm just—this is what I'm going to— I couldn't tell you what race any of them are.
- It's not to say that I'm not concerned with any other race.
Summary:
The committee first took up several personnel and compensation requests. It approved a Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism reclassification that would trade three administrative coordinator positions for one park superintendent, one maintenance supervisor, and one park manager. It also approved one-time bonus and recruitment plans for the Department of Commerce and Department of Veterans Affairs, including up to $5,000 bonuses tied to the unemployment insurance modernization project and $2,000 bonuses for certified nursing assistants at the state veterans homes. A Department of Health request to reinstate a previously frozen fiscal support manager position for the State Medical Board was also approved; members were told the position was already authorized and would not increase total positions.
The committee then reviewed a Department of Commerce reduction in force affecting the Division of Workforce Services for the Blind and Employment and Training divisions. Secretary Hugh McDonald and Workforce Connections Director Cody Waits explained that the cuts were driven by over-obligated federal funds, a prior realignment, and what they described as long-standing fiscal mismanagement in the Division of Services for the Blind. They said 56 employees remained furloughed, five employees in a separate grant group were still working, and 17 positions were on the permanent RIF list. Senators questioned the division’s accountability structure, the role of the independent board, and whether the layoffs were being handled fairly, including a request for racial composition data on the workforce and the RIF group.
Members also discussed quarterly employment and overtime reports. Staff explained that the reports cover average staffing levels over each quarter, and members focused on overtime spending, especially in DHS, the Department of Correction, and the Department of Transportation. OPM said overtime is being reviewed, direct care positions remain exempt from the hiring freeze, and agencies have been hiring more staff since the new pay plan took effect. The committee asked for additional reporting on overtime trends, and the meeting adjourned without further action.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Press Conference: For the Love of Texas Feb 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- matter what your political affiliation is, it doesn't matter what your racial affiliate uh what your race
- There were other races that said, hey, enough is enough. This is un-American.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:32:29.919>
religion and fraud on the basis of race religion and fraud on the basis of - race religion age<00:32:31.960>
and <00:32:32.200>other <00:32:32.480>protected < - It's an arms race.
- <00:47:59.280>
like <00:47:59.400>we another point it's an arms race like we another - point it's an arms race like we kind<00:47:59.680>
of <00:48:00.000>cracked <00:48:00.319