Transcript Highlights:

• There's one more thing I'd be interested to look at, because, uh, a lot of these old buildings, especially
• :26:27.279><c> cultural</c><00:26:27.720><c> Mall</c> statement um in term of cultural Mall statement
• gamut of folks that are interested in water quality in the state of Minnesota.
• </c> whole gamut of folks that are interested whole gamut of folks that are interested in<01:14:21.400
• I mentioned the policy statements and the plans, and I'll just end here with a picture of how the Clean

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• of one-third of the share piece in here of one-third of the cost<00:04:10.000><c> for</c><00:04:10.319
• I'm interested in some of the conversation and debate that's been going on here with this.
• This is in the best interest of the nursing homes to ensure that there's respect for the work that is
• has a revenue as of the 990 of<01:22:45.440><c> 2024</c> of 2024 of 2024 65,194<01:22:48.080><c> or<
• Their next option is that one of the parents, either he, who's a principal of one of the locations of

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> interpretation of maybe some of the interpretation of maybe some of the expenses<00:06:11.280><c
• of of there being first broad latitude of of there being first amendment<03:11:03.920><c> right,</c>
• And so it's interesting to me that while the request to have charter schools added to all of those requirements
• And so it's interesting to me that while the request to have charter schools added to all of those requirements
• And so it's interesting to me that while the request to have charter schools added to all of those requirements

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Summary: The committee first heard HB 1334, which would remove the Education Freedom Account scholarship organization’s authority to approve “any other educational expense” under the EFA statute. The prime sponsor, Representative Porchelli, said the bill would narrow the law to the specifically listed qualifying expenses, avoid broad interpretation, and shift any questions to the Department of Education or the legislative oversight committee. In response to questions, she said she did not think the open-ended category had been needed and that the statute already clearly lists allowable expenses. A representative of the Children’s Scholarship Fund testified in opposition, saying the category is used rarely but is important for unusual cases, especially students with special needs, and that removing it could create unintended consequences. After testimony, the chair closed the hearing on HB 1334. The committee then heard HB 1513, which would move several EFA reporting and oversight requirements from administrative rules and the contract with the Children’s Scholarship Fund into statute. Representative Porchelli said the bill would consolidate existing requirements on timely responses to oversight requests, publication of expense reports by category and provider, and transmission of eligibility and enrollment data to the Department of Education. She described the bill as mostly a clarification and transparency measure rather than a substantive policy change. Members asked about the meaning of “timely access,” the 45-day deadline, whether the contract already covered these duties, and whether the scholarship organization had ever failed to comply. The Children’s Scholarship Fund said it had generally met the 45-day deadline, had not knowingly refused information requests, and that the quarterly reporting requirement could add cost; the sponsor said the DOE had provided guidance and was neutral. The hearing on HB 1513 was then closed. Finally, the committee heard HB 1256, which would repeal the state librarian’s authority to award scholarships for graduate library school attendance at American Library Association-accredited schools. Representative Drago said the law was unnecessary because the state does not currently have a state librarian, scholarships are not typically granted by statute, and he objected to the ALA accreditation requirement and what he described as the association’s political advocacy. In questions, he clarified that the bill targets the accreditation requirement rather than a specific school and said he did not think the state should direct taxpayer-funded scholarships toward ALA-accredited programs. A member raised First Amendment concerns, but the sponsor said the issue was not speech itself, only the use of taxpayer dollars and state law to support that direction. The transcript cuts off before any vote or final action on HB 1256.

Transcript Highlights:

• As soon as Trump made that statement in the news. The Department of Justice sends a letter.
• The Attorney General was supportive of Senator Huffman's statement about...
• Let us be clear, this map also splinters communities of interest that have stood together for generations
• to protect communities of interest.
• That we will cease to be one nation and dissolve into a collection of interest groups and individuals

Bills: SB 2 , SB 5 , SB 9 , SB 7 , SB 17 , SB 4 , HB4 , HB1 , HB3 , HB20 , HB22 , SB9 , SB7 , SB17 , SB4 , HB4 , SB2 , SB5

Transcript Highlights:

• the pro tem and the Speaker, it is in the best interests of the state of Idaho.
• In the judgment of the pro tem and the Speaker, it is in the best interest of the state of Idaho to prosecute
• Those of us that were here, well, we're all here in the state, but those of us who were part of the Legislature
• This way, if it's in the best interest of the state, the pro tem and the Speaker can hire that attorney
• So it'd be rarely used, but if it is, it will be in the best interest of the state.

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> present some inherent conflicts of present some inherent conflicts of interest<00:57:44.640><c>
• </c> is in the best interest of the child. is in the best interest of the child.
• </c><01:04:31.440><c> the</c> interest of the child throughout the interest of the child throughout the
• makes</c> best interest of children and makes best interest of children and makes recommendations<01:
• Um, lots of focus on the expansion in the volunteers, which is appropriate and certainly of interest

Bills: HF2825

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so we heard about the one statement from one congressman about getting rid of OSHA in 21.
• But here's an interesting thing, one of the stories that came up about roofing houses and somebody died
• But here's an interesting thing, one of the stories that came up about roofing houses and somebody died
• <02:49:00.720><c> one</c><02:49:00.880><c> of</c><02:49:00.960><c> the</c> interesting thing that I one
• of the interesting thing that I one of the stories<02:49:01.359><c> that</c><02:49:01.600><c> came</

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the pie there represents about 8 and a half gigawatts of interest in our service territory.
• That represents 43 projects and about 3,000 megawatts of interest.
• So a significant amount of interest from outside of Kentucky.
• :09:34.720><c> from</c> significant amount of interest from significant amount of interest from outside
• It's interesting: capacity of transmission lines.

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force met with a quorum, adopted prior meeting minutes, and then focused on energy policy and economic development as they relate to AI and data centers. John Bevington of LG&E and KU, introduced by Caroline Clark of LG&E/KU and PPL, described the utility’s Kentucky-only service territory, vertically integrated system, 1.3 million customers, and about 7.5 gigawatts of generating capacity. He said the company has supported 76 Kentucky projects in 2024 totaling about $3 billion in announced investment and roughly 3,000 jobs, with a large share of statewide announcements occurring in its service area. Bevington said LG&E and KU’s current project pipeline is unusually strong, totaling about 170 projects and 8.5 gigawatts of requested power, with data centers accounting for about two-thirds of that demand. He broke the pipeline into existing customer expansions, new-to-Kentucky projects, and 20 data center projects representing about 5.6 gigawatts of potential load. He highlighted a Louisville data center project by PO Development Company and Powerhouse Data Centers that has announced a 400-megawatt facility and may expand to 525 megawatts, estimating that such a project could represent about $4 billion in investment. He also explained that large data centers generally must locate near transmission lines and that utilities must conduct studies, order long-lead equipment, and secure reimbursement commitments before proceeding so other customers are not harmed. Members asked about how Kentucky compares with other states, the size of data center projects, and whether regulatory reform is needed. Bevington said the 20 projects reflect current Kentucky interest, which he attributed in part to the state’s sales tax exemption for data centers, and noted that states like Ohio have had similar incentives for years. In response to questions from Senator Thomas, he confirmed that data centers can vary in size and said the state should have a regulatory environment that supports economic development, while emphasizing that the benefits would flow to the state, local communities, and schools rather than just the utility. He also cited national and regional data suggesting data centers generate indirect jobs and tax revenue, and said LG&E and KU are investing in transmission, reliability, solar, and gas generation projects, including proposed additional 645-megawatt natural gas units and other system upgrades, to meet expected demand.

Transcript Highlights:

• the interest of a foreign government or designated foreign terrorist organization.
• No, I don't see what public interest there is in the state of Florida to permit foreign countries of
• from that type of planning to favor large special interests.
• from that type of planning to favor large special interests.
• from that type of planning to favor large special interests.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Chester Clem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum confirmation. Members then adopted the special order report and a rules report amending House Rule 15.3 to allow fundraising under certain circumstances during extended or special sessions. The chamber also heard several recognitions and a farewell speech from Representative Nixon, who reflected on constituent service and her legislative priorities. On the floor, HB 1405, relating to a statewide project for missing persons with special needs, passed unanimously. The House then took up CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, which drew questions about the handling of surplus conservation lands and agricultural uses; it passed 94-10. CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the “Fire Act” on foreign influence, was explained as a broad package restricting foreign-country influence in government, procurement, gifts, cultural agreements, and related areas. An amendment adding restrictions on surrogacy and adoption involving citizens or residents of foreign countries of concern was adopted after debate over possible impacts on families and adoption practices, and the bill then passed 80-20. The House also passed CS/CS/HB 1197, a bill to modernize state information technology procurement and contracting, unanimously after debate about improving oversight of large IT projects. HB 1103, allowing local governments to fast-track action on derelict vessels, also passed unanimously. The chamber then considered CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use development and development regulations, including limits on development fees, changes to local voting thresholds for comprehensive plan and boundary actions, manufactured homes in RV parks, and resort-related provisions. Several amendments were debated, including one on local control and rural boundaries that failed and another strike-all amendment ruled out of order; the bill ultimately passed 71-38. The final item reached before the transcript ended was a local bill for the Pace Fire Rescue District in Santa Rosa County, described as adjusting its assessment formula to provide tax relief.

Transcript Highlights:

• 'Shall be' is a kind of old, older drafting style statement of establishing something through passive
• old older drafting style is a kind of old older drafting style statement<00:26:12.240><c> of</c><00:
• 26:12.679><c> establishing</c><00:26:13.400><c> something</c> statement of establishing something statement
• Just to add a little bit of context to Representative Reem's statements, which she did very well walking
• I think it's a little out of decorum to mischaracterize or besmirch a company's interest in Minnesota

Bills: HF4062 , HF4063 , HF4065 , HF3926 , HF4216 , HF3176 , HF3728 , HF3988 , HF3865

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't have the fiscal impact statement directly in front of me.
• rid of duplication of of function to get rid of duplication of of administrative<00:06:21.280><c> actions
• back to your statement of this is what's coming in versus this is what we're processing out.
• But the interesting thing is, when I talked to some of these traveling nurses, you know, they had contracts
• But the interesting millions of dollars.

Summary: The committee discussed House Bill 185, which would amend RSA 3109 to add timelines for OPLC’s complaint review and investigation process. Members reviewed the existing five-year limitation period for misconduct complaints and noted that the bill would add a 30-day deadline for the office to make a recommendation to the board and a 90-day deadline to complete investigations. Some members raised concerns that the new deadlines could conflict with the existing statute of limitations, create pressure to dismiss cases too quickly, and potentially undermine the separation between OPLC’s investigative role and the boards’ adjudicatory role established by House Bill 655. Nicholas Fry, OPLC general counsel, testified that the agency’s fiscal note originally assumed it would need roughly double its staff to meet the proposed deadlines, though a later amendment reduced that estimate somewhat. He said OPLC would still need additional personnel, including investigatory paralegals and a physician investigator for the Board of Medicine, to meet the timeframes. He also explained OPLC’s current complaint and hearing procedures, including new consumer-friendly correspondence, website guidance, and efforts by the enforcement division to improve transparency and communication with complainants and licensees. Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors testified in support of the bill’s basic goal of speeding up intake and investigation, saying the 30-day intake/review period was reasonable and that the bill would not change OPLC’s role in that first step. He argued, however, that the investigation step is where delays occur, especially for lower-priority complaints, and that some cases have remained unresolved for years. Committee members also questioned how the added staffing costs would be paid, with discussion of whether they would come from license fees or the general fund. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, this bill has to deal with a statement of economic interest.
• of economic interest, they have five additional days to prove that they have filed their statement of
• </c> with a statement of economic interest. with a statement of economic interest.
• </c><02:30:59.280><c> of</c> would have to file a statement of would have to file a statement of economic
• of economic interest, they have five additional days to prove that they have filed their statement of

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:20.760><c> their</c> of their of their um um um um<00:01:23.360><c> of</c><00:01:23.480><c> their
• <00:03:17.480><c> of</c><00:03:17.600><c> Revenue</c> Commissioner of Revenue Commissioner of Revenue
• </c> the field of tax law. the field of tax law.
• </c> determine the number of of seats on this determine the number of of seats on this panel.<00:51:39.240
• That statement is really kind of ringing the alarm bells about the precedent, first of all, that might

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• power plants or large projects that a lot of folks may have interest in having more environmental review
• power plants or large projects that a lot of folks may have interest in having more environmental review
• power plants or large projects that a lot of folks may have interest in having more environmental review
• power plants or large projects that a lot of folks may have interest in having more environmental review
• power plants or large projects that a lot of folks may have interest in having more environmental review

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• But you made that decision that's in the best interest of your son.
• That doesn't show a level of interest in cooperation and understanding of what the problem Well, I can
• That doesn't show a level of interest in cooperation and understanding of what the problem The level
• of interest in cooperation and understanding of what the problem is.
• And the best interest of the children, because that's what we're talking about.

Summary: The special legislative study committee met with seven members present, adopted minutes from prior meetings, and then heard public testimony from Terrell Butler and his father about a transfer-eligibility dispute involving Leesville High School and Anacoco High School. They described a family decision to move schools for broader educational and personal reasons, but said the student was ruled ineligible for varsity athletics despite strong grades and a desire to play basketball. Several members responded that the rule seemed to punish students for adult decisions and for transfers within the same parish, and they urged the family to keep working hard while the committee considered broader policy changes. The committee then reviewed a draft report containing factual findings about LHSAA and discussed recommendations. Members expressed concern about inconsistent enforcement, lack of transparency, limited accountability, and LHSAA’s repeated absence from committee meetings. The committee adopted findings for the report and approved three recommendations: creating a structured student-transfer eligibility process allowing one transfer through junior year; making the House and Senate representatives on the LHSAA executive committee voting members; and adding a governor-appointed voting member to the executive committee. Speaker Pro Tem Johnson then outlined broader options for legislative action. One proposal, adopted as the committee’s recommendation, would create a cooperative endeavor agreement framework between the Department of Education/BESE and a nonprofit to administer high school athletics, with public-records coverage subject to existing privacy exceptions and an option for nonpublic schools to participate. A second, more expansive proposal would create a state Office of Sanctioned Athletics within the Department of Education; the committee agreed to include that concept in the report for future discussion but not as a recommendation. The committee also authorized staff to finalize the report, incorporate the adopted findings and recommendations, make technical edits, and send the report to the House and Senate education committees and LHSAA. The meeting ended with closing remarks thanking staff and members, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, of course, a legislative employee cannot pursue private interests on state time.
• any specific prohibition against certain activities that would be a clear conflict of interest, such
• So, to the extent that there is kind of crossover or a bleeding of interest between the two, I believe
• the interests of everyone that is in that district, whatever walk of life they may represent.
• and other experiential attainment, a list of duties performed by the employees of DLA, a general statement

Committee: House Legislative Council

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you aware of Charlie Kirk's public statements minimizing racism and denying systemic discrimination
• a vaulted honor of a day of remembrance if you have to justify so many of his comments?
• You have to take every one of his statements and put it in context.
• And to pull that statement out of that context, you can make anybody, like you're trying to do with Charlie
• of Florida, and perhaps are deserving of a day of remembrance bearing their names.

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability heard three bills and reported all three favorably. First, the committee took up Senator Gates’ employee protection bill, which was amended with a delete-all to create whistleblower protections for people who file ethics complaints based on personal knowledge. Gates and the Florida Commission on Ethics said the measure would reduce retaliation against insiders who report misconduct, while the commission said it supported the proposal and expected low implementation costs. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill as amended. The committee next considered Senator McClain’s bill to reclassify certain district assistant regional counsel supervisor positions in the Florida Retirement System to the senior management class. Supporters said the change would align those positions with comparable attorneys in public defender and state attorney offices and help with recruitment and retention. A late-file technical amendment aligning class codes with statute was adopted, and the committee then reported the bill favorably. The final bill, Senator Martin’s SB 194, would designate October 14 each year as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance in Florida. Martin argued the day would honor Kirk’s advocacy for free speech, civic engagement, and debate, and said it would not create a state holiday or require closures. The bill drew strong opposition from Senator Polsky and Senator Bracy Davis, who cited Kirk’s public statements on race, women, guns, and systemic discrimination and argued he was divisive and unworthy of a state honor. Supporters, including representatives from the Venezuelan American Republican Club and the Christian Family Coalition, backed the measure. After debate, the committee voted to report the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you aware of Charlie Kirk's public statements minimizing racism and denying systemic discrimination
• a vaulted honor of a day of remembrance if you have to justify so many of his comments?
• You have to take every one of his statements and put it in context.
• And to pull that statement out of that context, you can make anybody like you're trying to do with Charlie
• of Florida, and perhaps are deserving of a day of remembrance bearing their names.

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability took up three bills. First, it heard Senator Gates’s employee protection bill, which would create whistleblower-style protections for people who file ethics complaints based on personal knowledge, allowing the Ethics Commission to investigate retaliation and, if probable cause is found, letting the complainant seek administrative or civil relief. The Commission on Ethics supported the measure, saying it had long recommended such protections and that implementation costs would be low. The committee adopted the delete-all amendment and then reported the committee substitute for Senate Bill 92 favorably. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 60 by Senator McLean, which reclassifies certain district assistant regional counsel supervisor positions in the Florida Retirement System to the senior management class, aligning them more closely with comparable attorney positions in public defender and state attorney offices. A late-file technical amendment aligning class codes with Florida statutes was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. A representative from the regional council spoke in support. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 194 by Senator Martin, which would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance. The sponsor argued the day would honor Kirk’s advocacy for free speech, debate, and civic engagement, and said it would not create a state holiday or require closures. The bill drew strong opposition from Senator Polsky and Senator Bracy Davis, who cited Kirk’s public comments on race, women, gun violence, and systemic discrimination and argued he was not a unifying figure worthy of state honor. Julie Keefe also spoke against the bill, while representatives from the Venezuelan American Republican Club and the Christian Family Coalition spoke in support. Despite the debate, the committee voted to report Senate Bill 194 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the name of the Father and of the Son and of name of the Father and of the Son and of name of the
• of being part of a have elements of of being part of a have elements of of being part of a criminal
• interest in bringing about that kind of interest in bringing about that kind of interest in a child
• politicalization of the of the of the politicalization of the of the of the politicalization of the of
• a sudden guilty of a of a felony. all of a sudden guilty of a of a felony. all of a sudden guilty of

Bills: HB 1535 , HB 123 , HB 111 , HB 180 , HB 342 , HB 1027 , HB 1178 , HB 610 , HB 1277 , HB 1615 , HB 1620 , HB 5342 , HB 4885 , HB 4751 , HB 4689 , HB 4530 , HB 4488 , HB 2149 , HB 2041 , HB 2071 , HB 1813 , HB 2282 , HB 2248 , HB 2243 , HB 2522 , HB 2310 , HB 2513 , HB 2300 , HB 1902 , HB 3719 , HB 4284 , HB 4327 , HB 3743 , HB 3778 , HB 3801 , HB 5153 , HB 5147 , HB 4877 , HB 4850 , HB 3158 , HB 3261 , HB 3005 , HB 3033 , HB 3138 , HB 3099 , HB 2849 , HB 2967 , HB 3488 , HB 3477 , HB 3466 , HB 3396 , HB 3469 , HB 2594 , HB 2776 , HB 2564 , HB 2298 , HB 5331 , HB 5646 , HB 5247 , HB 5323 , HB 2015 , HB 4384 , HB 3896 , HB 4014 , HB 3627 , HB 3594 , HB 2524 , HB 510 , HB 561 , HB 5111 , HB 5446 , HB 1181 , HB 3963 , HB 2785 , HB 1661 , HB 2460 , HB 24 , HJR 138 , HB 3800 , HB 42 , HB 129 , HB 677 , HB 668 , HB 2128 , HB 2038 , HB 2316 , HB 3686 , HB 2563 , HB 1160 , HB 3883 , HB 2788 , HB 2663 , HB 3305 , HB 3474 , HB 1105 , HB 3490 , HB 3597 , HB 1295 , HB 3512 , HB 3783 , HB 2017 , HB 3010 , HB 3112 , HB 4215 , HB 3223 , HB 3464 , HB 3120 , HB 4214 , HB 4081 , HB 4783 , HB 4063 , HB 2783 , HB 5085 , HB 2510 , HB 3426 , HB 4361 , HB 1169 , HB 2516 , HB 4700 , HB 3560 , HB 3860 , HB 3146 , HB 184 , HB 198 , HB 247 , HB 367 , HB 449 , HB 1778 , HB 514 , HB 632 , HB 2582 , HB 766 , HB 2715 , HB 2712 , HB 3069 , HB 3505 , HB 1269 , HB 4224 , HB 5032 , HB 2240 , HB 5180 , HB 3348 , HB 4668 , HB 4665 , HB 3395 , HB 3157 , HB 4395 , HB 4325 , HB 4386 , HB 4273 , HB 2760 , HB 2820 , HB 1828 , HB 1579 , SB 2349 , SB 1268 , SB 610 , SB 1577 , SB 1369 , SB 2032 , SB 2034 , SB 1057 , SB 1044 , SB 922 , SB 1759 , SB 1143 , SB 1506 , SB 1403 , SB 2361 , SB 870 , SB 372 , SB 72 , SB 1583 , SB 2314 , SB 1267 , SB 1273 , SB 765 , SB 552 , HB 2145 , HJR 112 , HB 1804 , HJR 110 , HB 1194 , HB 1531 , HB 5008 , HB 3421 , SCR 27 , HB 5398 , HB 1407 , HB 426 , HB 1535 , HB 123 , HB 1773 , HB 1871 , HB 2035 , HB 2448 , HB 2492 , HB 1411 , HB 4753 , HB 4666 , HB 4529 , HB 1499 , HB 1610 , HB 2028 , HB 1506 , HB 886 , HB 3546 , HB 796 , HB 223 , HB 1475 , HB 3556 , HB 4638 , HB 111 , HB 180 , HB 342 , HB 1027 , HB 1178 , HB 610 , HB 1277 , HB 1615 , HB 1620 , HB 5342 , HB 4885 , HB 4751 , HB 4689 , HB 4530 , HB 4488 , HB 2149 , HB 2041 , HB 2071 , HB 1813 , HB 2282 , HB 2248 , HB 2243 , HB 2522 , HB 2310 , HB 2513 , HB 2300 , HB 1902 , HB 3719 , HB 4284 , HB 4327 , HB 3743 , HB 3778 , HB 3801 , HB 5153 , HB 5147 , HB 4877 , HB 4850 , HB 3158 , HB 3261 , HB 3005 , HB 3033 , HB 3138 , HB 3099 , HB 2849 , HB 2967 , HB 3488 , HB 3477 , HB 3466 , HB 3396 , HB 3469 , HB 2594 , HB 2776 , HB 2564 , HB 2298 , HB 5331 , HB 5646 , HB 5247 , HB 5323 , HB 2015 , HB 4384 , HB 3896 , HB 4014 , HB 3627 , HB 3594 , HB 2524 , HB 510 , HB 561 , HB 5111 , HB 5446 , HB 1181 , HB 3963 , HB 2785 , HB 1661 , HB 2460 , HCR 98 , HCR 92 , HCR 126

Transcript Highlights:

• If you are interested in another part of this, you are certainly welcome to also participate today.
• interest and other matters critical to the subject of redistricting.
• As President of the Frederick Douglass Republicans of Tarrant County, I stand behind this statement.
• , seemingly representing his interests versus the welfare and well-being of the citizens of Texas.
• I want to live in a state, regardless of political party, that represents the interests of the people