Video & Transcript : 'VA appropriations' :
Page 44 of 500
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 11 Feb 18th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So this would allow the TAG board authority to use that money appropriately.
- constituent issue and it would make Oklahoma veterans who are 100% disabled due to negligent care at a VA
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 10, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- these inefficiencies, I am introducing the Simplifying Veterans' Assistance Act, which requires the VA
- EMPLOYEES WHILE ALLOWING AGENCY LEADERSHIP TO MANAGE THE WORK FORCE APPROPRIATELY.
- We must alter our posture to appropriately address the threat posed by the C.C.P. to our homeland.
- We must alter our posture to appropriately address the threat posed by the C.C.P. to our homeland.
- We must alter our posture to appropriately address the threat posed by the C.C.P. to our homeland.
Keywords:
Holocaust, remembrance, Emancipation Hall, ceremony, commemoration, Iran, Iranian protests, Islamic Republic, free and democratic Iran, human rights, women, life, freedom, morality police, political prisoners, internet shutdown, communications blackout, civil liberties, democracy, self-determination, regime repression, dissidents
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So this bill would help ensure historic properties, you know, receive appropriate protection, but the
- So this bill would help ensure historic properties receive appropriate protection, but the ones that
- So this bill would help ensure historic properties receive appropriate protection, but the ones that
- Yes, as long as it's appropriate.
- She said the court can grant it on a case-by-case basis if appropriate.
Committee:
House Housing
Summary:
The Committee on Housing held a public hearing on January 31 and heard testimony on a series of housing and building-code bills. The first major item, HB 1 relating to building codes, drew sharply divided testimony. Supporters, including BIA Hawaii, Grassroot Institute, Dr. Horton, and several builders and trade groups, argued the current code-adoption process is slow, fragmented, and costly, and that reform would help housing production. Opponents, including Sierra Club Hawaii, AIA Hawaii, ICC, and labor representative Kiko Bosi, said the bill would weaken public safety, reduce statewide consistency, and could leave tenants and first responders at greater risk. No vote was taken during the hearing, and members asked questions about the effect of a governor’s emergency proclamation suspending the Building Code Council and about county authority over code amendments.
The committee then heard HB 745 and HB 1321, both also relating to building codes. Grassroot Institute supported both measures, saying the system is broken and needs streamlining, while BIA Hawaii and others emphasized the cost burden of repeated code updates. Opponents, especially Bosi and ICC, argued that the bills would undermine the State Building Code Council’s role, create confusion, and prioritize cost over safety; Bosi also said labor should be included in any code discussions. Members questioned whether counties can remove state code provisions and whether the state code already supersedes county codes, and one member noted the need for clarity and consistent enforcement rather than a wholesale overhaul.
Later, the committee heard HB 284 on housing, HB 761 on county permitting and inspection, and HB 738 on historic preservation. HB 284 drew support from several housing and real estate groups, while DLNR opposed it. On HB 761, HHFDC supported the bill, DLNR warned that the proposed changes could jeopardize Hawaii’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, DAGS said it would likely need to duplicate county permitting staff, and the Department of Planning and Permitting opposed it; Grassroot Institute and NAIOP supported it. For HB 738, HHFDC, DLNR, Grassroot Institute, Hawaii YIMBY, NAIOP, and others supported the measure, with Grassroot and NAIOP suggesting clarifications so expedited review would also cover mixed-use projects and better define the scope of work. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on these bills during the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- youth court investment and funding bill is a patch of funding for somebody from the whole group of VA
- for somebody from the whole book of the end. a patch of funding for somebody from the whole group of VA
- We do not have an appropriate statute that allows punishment of that behavior.
- We were not able to charge them appropriately for the terror they inflicted and the risk to life that
- We think that would be an appropriate standard. We also observe that Rep.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The hearing covered a wide range of Judiciary Committee bills, with much of the testimony focused on criminal justice, public safety, and civil asset forfeiture reform. Several lawmakers and advocates supported bills to increase penalties or create new offenses related to assaults on sports officials, assaults on transit workers, reckless discharge of firearms, fires and explosives, pill press machines, and drug-induced homicide. Testifiers described rising harassment and violence against youth sports officials and transit workers, as well as the fentanyl overdose crisis and the need for stronger tools to prosecute dealers whose conduct leads to death. Supporters of the sports-official and transit-worker bills emphasized declining referee availability and repeated assaults on commuter rail and MBTA workers. District attorneys also backed bills on reckless firearm discharge and fires/explosives, saying current law does not adequately address dangerous conduct that endangers bystanders.
The committee also heard testimony on several proposals related to youth diversion and prison mitigation. Supporters of the youth court justice fund bill said youth courts are peer-led diversion programs with strong compliance and low recidivism, and argued for a stable funding source rather than annual earmarks. A representative from Bridgewater supported a prison mitigation fund for municipalities that host state prisons, saying the costs of public safety and emergency services are not fully covered. On gun policy, testimony split between supporters of a bill to ban in-state manufacture of assault-style rifles for civilian sale and opponents or skeptics of other firearm-related measures, including a bill on collateralizing firearms and a bill to increase penalties for drug trafficking combined with illegal firearm offenses.
A major portion of the hearing was devoted to civil asset forfeiture reform. Advocates from the ACLU, CPCS, the Boston Bar Association, the Institute for Justice, and others supported bills to increase the burden of proof, improve transparency and reporting, require counsel, and limit or eliminate the current practice of directing forfeiture proceeds to law enforcement. They argued the current system creates perverse incentives, lacks adequate due process, and is insufficiently transparent. District Attorney Paul Tucker defended current forfeiture practices, saying his office has reporting and oversight, uses the funds for investigations and community programs, and warned that reducing forfeiture revenue would hinder crime fighting. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; the chairs repeatedly thanked witnesses and indicated the bills would remain under consideration.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 888 simply excludes VA service-connected disability compensation from the calculation of household
- It was held in Appropriations.
- Well, it was suggested in Appropriations, but when you think about it, it really makes sense to allow
- This is a due pass to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Okay. Okay. You want to close? Okay.
- The motion is due pass to Appropriations. Gipson, aye. Sanchez, aye. Carrillo, aye. DeMaio, aye.
Committee:
House Revenue and Taxation
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Feb 3rd, 2026 at 10:30 am
Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- Commerce is required to submit its biennial report within existing appropriations, and there is more
- Commerce is required to provide the funding from its existing appropriations for those Office of Equity
- programs, I always look at it from, you know, the financial transparency and accountability with appropriate
- programs, I always look at it from, you know, the financial transparency and accountability with appropriate
- who medically retired due to combat injuries to receive both their earned retirement pay and their VA
Keywords:
community reinvestment, housing, local funding, urban development, economic revitalization, data protection, privacy, performance measures, reporting requirements, office of privacy, social disadvantage, business certification, state guidelines, economic equity, minority-owned businesses, combat veterans, support, military service, injury compensation, veteran affairs
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Veterans and Armed Forces Feb 24th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Veterans and Armed Forces
Transcript Highlights:
- around a fire pit with each other, drinking a soda, drinking a beer, talking about issues that the VA
- Talking about issues that the VA has given them.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine reforming SBIR-STTR for the 21st century. Mar 5th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- With over a million veterans affected, it is estimated that the VA provides over a billion dollars in
- And I also mentioned that... know the VA there's a million veterans with hearing loss right now and two
Keywords:
SBIR, STTR, Innovate Act, small business, innovation, legislative reforms, economic growth, funding, technology transfer
Summary:
The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (01/08/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> our federal VA staff. our federal VA staff.
- VA benefits.
- We think that taking out that DH is appropriate.
- We think that taking out that DH is appropriate.
- We think that taking out that DH is appropriate.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Local Government Mar 25th, 2026
Local Government, Elections and Pensions
Transcript Highlights:
- Will we be given ample time, and will it be appropriately advertised that the people of Jackson County
- So we can't even agree on how to be fair when we appropriate the monies that are collected.
- They didn't realize that they had VA benefits. We were incredibly successful in our goal.
- VA benefits, we were incredibly successful in our goal.
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and unanimously voted Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 914 and House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3467 due pass. HB 3467 was amended before passage; the sponsor said the changes clarified that any tax authority would apply only if a tax change is actually approved, corrected county/city references, and fixed ballot-language issues involving sheltered workshops. Members generally praised the sponsor’s work, though one member noted concern about shifting more burden to sales taxes.
The main public hearing was on H.J.R. 107, which would place before voters a constitutional question allowing Jackson County to consider separating Kansas City from the county or otherwise altering its charter government. Sponsor Rep. Steinmeyer argued the measure was about voter sovereignty and local control, citing prior Jackson County ballot measures and saying entrenched local power had blocked reform. Supporters echoed that Jackson County residents were frustrated with representation, taxes, and county governance. Opponents, including Kansas City and chamber representatives, argued the proposal was unnecessary, costly, procedurally unclear, and potentially destabilizing; several members also questioned the 10-year resubmission clause, the exclusion of local officials from the transition process, and the statewide fiscal impact. No action was taken on the resolution during the hearing.
The committee then heard Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 975, dealing with ambulance district mergers and community paramedic/mobile integrated health services. Senator Black and supporters said the bill would help struggling rural ambulance districts merge without disrupting billing, contracts, or service, and would expand community paramedic care for low-acuity patients and hospital-at-home models. Several witnesses from ambulance and fire districts described successful programs and said the bill would improve patient care and help rural areas. Opponents, including ambulance and fire district representatives, supported the merger provisions but objected to Senate-added language they said would let districts provide community paramedic services across jurisdictional lines without memorandums of understanding, undermining local control and negotiating power. The hearing ended with testimony still ongoing after a recess for floor session; no vote on SB 975 was reported in the transcript.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 888 simply excludes VA service-connected disability compensation from the calculation of household
- Well, it was suggested in Appropriations, but when you think about it, it really makes sense to allow
- This is a due pass to the Assembly on Appropriations. Okay. Okay. You want to close? Okay. Okay.
- The motion is due pass to Appropriations. Gibson, aye. Sanchez, aye. Carrillo, aye. DeMaio, aye.
- I know this will go to suspense, but at the appropriate time, of course, I would ask for an aye vote.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard several bills focused largely on veterans’ tax relief, disaster-related property tax rules, contractor tax compliance, and nonprofit property tax exemptions. The chair reviewed committee procedures, including the suspense file process for bills with significant revenue impacts, and noted that only one bill would be voted on immediately. Most measures were presented with supportive testimony and then referred to suspense.
SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. The author argued the bill would prevent disabled veterans from being unfairly penalized and help them remain in their homes; a VFW representative testified in support, and there was no opposition. SB 1053 would allow county boards of supervisors, for disasters declared on or after January 1, 2026, to extend the five-year period for transferring a damaged property’s base-year value by up to three years. Support came from the California Assessor Association, and the bill was also sent to suspense.
SB 1407 would exempt the first $40,000 of military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefit payments from state income tax for qualifying filers, with the author and witnesses arguing it would improve veteran retention in California and support the state economy. Multiple organizations and veterans spoke in support, and the committee members expressed strong sympathy for the measure, but it too was referred to suspense. SB 420 would deny charitable property tax exemption to organizations tied to private immigration detention facilities; the author and supporters said the bill would close a loophole that had allowed a detention facility in Imperial County to avoid millions in property taxes. Members voiced strong support and concern about the reported conditions at the facility, and the bill was also sent to suspense.
The only bill taken up for a vote was SB 1165, which would improve coordination between the CDTFA and the Contractors State License Board so unpaid tax liabilities by contractors could be used in licensing enforcement, while preserving due process and installment agreement flexibility. After supportive testimony from the author and the California Tax Reform Association, the committee approved a due pass motion to Appropriations on a 7-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 31 March, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> In conference, appropriations general In conference, appropriations general bills, bills, bills,
- </c> down to youth court on the appropriate down to youth court on the appropriate circumstances,<01:
- </c> sensitive appropriation bill. sensitive appropriation bill.
- In conference, appropriations, general bills.
- In conference, appropriations, general In conference, appropriations, general bills.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- By Appropriations, Senate Bill 7040, a bill to be entitled an act relating to trust funds.
- By Appropriations. Senate Bill 7040, a bill to be entitled an act relating to trust funds.
- By Appropriations, Governmental Oversight and Accountability, and Senator DiCeglie and others.
- By Appropriations, Governmental Oversight and Accountability, and Senator DiCeglie and others.
- We count the appropriations and we fight to build the name.
Summary:
The House convened with a prayer, pledge, quorum call, and recognition of Officer Cody Popple of the FSU Police Department for his actions during the April campus shooting. Members also observed a moment of silence for former Lee County Judge John Carlin. The Rules and Ethics Committee report setting the special order calendar was adopted, and the Speaker outlined the final week of session, noting that budget negotiations were still ongoing and that the House would continue taking up Senate bills and returning messages.
The chamber then considered a series of mostly technical or sunset-review bills, including SB 100, SB 104, and SB 102 on the Florida Statutes, all of which passed unanimously. Several Open Government Sunset Review bills were also approved, extending or preserving public records and meeting exemptions for the Public Service Commission, the Department of Military Affairs, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, cybersecurity records, emergency shelter information, conviction integrity units, the Florida Gaming Control Commission, and school testing materials; most passed with little opposition, though SB 7006, SB 7026, and SB 7022 drew some dissenting votes. The House also passed SB 7016 on small business loan records, SB 7008 on gaming commission records, SB 7000 on emergency shelter information, and SB 7004 on conviction integrity unit records.
Members then moved into farewell remarks and recognitions, including an extended farewell speech by Representative Hart-Lowman reflecting on her service, family, district, and policy priorities such as criminal justice, housing, health care, and labor issues. The House also recognized visiting students from Osceola County and other guests in the galleries.
Later, the House took up more substantive measures. SB 7040 recreated the emergency preparedness and response trust fund; after a lengthy debate over an amendment to let the fund expire and a strike-all restoring the House position, the bill passed 82-25. The chamber then passed CS/CS/SB 302 on coastal resiliency, CS/CS/SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits, and CS/SB 474 on military affairs, all with broad support. The final portion of the transcript shifted to SB 488 on Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, where members debated vehicle registration requirements, license plate frames, and related amendments, including provisions for disabled veterans and dealer allocation rules, before the transcript ended mid-debate.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Revised Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- connected disability to also be provided to a veteran that is 100% disabled due to negligence care at a VA
- Members, this is likely going to be the, well, will be the last appropriations meeting that we have.
- Your very diligent hard work and the collaborative work that we do here in appropriations.
Summary:
The committee considered and advanced a series of bills, beginning with House Bill 3834, which creates a revolving fund at the Department of Health for ibogaine research. The author said the measure is limited to clinical trials, has support from several tribal nations, and would not have an immediate fiscal impact, though retirement-related costs were discussed as roughly $1 million based on prior estimates. HB 3834 passed 20-0. House Bill 3940, updating Oklahoma Military Department provisions, National Guard retirement benefits, and some Uniform Code of Military Justice language, also passed after questions about the same estimated retirement cost and the effect of changing the date for implementation; it passed 21-1.
Members then approved House Bill 4346, with an amendment aimed at addressing fraud concerns in agricultural sales tax exemptions. The bill would extend reciprocity to holders of ag sales tax exemption cards from Texas and other surrounding states, allowing them to use those exemptions in Oklahoma border communities. Opponents argued the change would place too much burden on retailers to verify out-of-state cards and could increase liability, but supporters said it would help rural businesses. The bill passed 17-4. House Bill 2947, allowing clinical interns and accredited behavioral health graduate programs to bill Medicaid for supervised services, passed 21-0, and House Bill 3257, extending state benefits for 100% disabled veterans to those similarly disabled due to negligence at a VA hospital, also passed 21-0.
The committee next passed House Bill 3264, which adds domestic abuse by strangulation to the list of 85% crimes. Supporters emphasized the seriousness of strangulation and its connection to later homicide risk, while questions focused on prison population growth and costs; the bill passed 21-0. House Bill 4326, dealing with Oklahoma Promise homeschool language and the definition of certified classroom personnel, was amended to remove unrelated T-SET restructuring language and then passed 19-2. House Bill 4421, “Leo’s Law,” which requires fentanyl testing in child welfare drug screens when fentanyl use is suspected, drew emotional testimony about a child’s death and had its fiscal estimate discussed as dropping from $125 million to about $16 million; it passed 22-0.
Finally, the committee approved House Bill 3944, a State Finance Act cleanup and modernization measure, after questions about reporting dates and public finance oversight, and House Bill 3979, which raises financing caps under the Oklahoma Economic Development Finance Pool, after an amendment to add an effective date and emergency clause; both passed 21-0. House Bill 4118, updating the family caregiver tax credit and raising the maximum credit while keeping the annual cap unchanged, passed 20-1. The meeting ended with thanks to members and staff and adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill would designate and construct appropriate highway markers indicating the roadway designation
- Sheriff David Boesecker, and also establish markers at each end of the designated section and at appropriate
- Her journey took her from the segregated wards of the VA hospital in Dallas to the halls of Congress,
Bills:
HCR114 , HB137 , HB283 , HB1398 , HB1960 , HB2153 , HB2431 , HB2638 , HB2699 , HB2999 , HB3208 , HB3389 , HB3413 , HB3510 , HB3642 , HB3859 , HB3974 , HB3986 , HB4142 , HB4173 , HB4174 , HB4542 , HB4605 , HB4663 , HB4731 , HB5064 , HB5216 , HB5218 , HB5332 , HB5453 , HB5577 , HB137 , HB283
Committee:
House Transportation
Keywords:
memorial, pedestrian bridge, Houston, Sergio Ivan Rodriguez, city council, oversize vehicles, transportation permits, Hidalgo County, port authority, highway routes, healthcare, insurance, mental health, treatment access, state funding, transportation, axle weight, aggregates, regulations, Texas law
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 26, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- After a veteran in my district could not get the timely access to mental health care from the VA that
- that he needed, Michael care from the VA that he needed, Michael created<00:07:34.240><c> the</c><00
- to nine months, she collaborated with VA representatives and identified a solution.
- Simply not an appropriate response.
- And if we as members of Congress want to appropriate it again, appropriate it again.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 21 Mar 9th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- floor with them, and he has a family friend up here, Melissa Barnes, and then Blanche Carroll is his VA
- Directly before Rusty worked on the Old unit at the VA.
- Yes, well, the Choosing Childbirth Act funds that will be likely appropriated and have been appropriated
- Also, librarians use a collection guidelines for choosing their books, including age appropriateness,
- Fully appropriate for others that may want it.
Bills:
HR1036 , HB2975 , HB3026 , HB3297 , HB2981 , HB2978 , HB4144 , HB1322 , HB1818 , HB3194 , HB3767 , HB3342 , HB3344 , HB4170 , HB3287 , HB3288 , HB4454 , HB3264 , HB3266 , HB3268 , HB4095 , HB4115 , HB4316 , HB3530 , HB3428 , HB4272 , HB4273 , HB4274 , HB3405 , HB3406 , HB3467 , HB3469 , HB3931
Keywords:
Bob Wills, Western Swing, Cain's Ballroom, Oklahoma music history, country music, rock and roll, folk jazz blues, Oklahoma Arts Council, Oklahoma Film and Music Office, Oklahoma Historical Society, OKPOP Museum, commemorative resolution, day at the Capitol, musician recognition, heritage celebration, Tulsa, poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (04/15/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- The board felt that that was appropriate.
- The board felt that that was appropriate.
- It's just not ready or it's just not appropriate. I know I'm going to close real quick.
- Um, and I did this at a VA medical center. 504. It is a very important bill that 504.
- </c><03:35:22.200><c> place</c><03:35:22.520><c> to</c> an appropriate place to an appropriate place
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- section 3, titled the current year items requiring action, we have added some items that will need appropriations
- been thoroughly reviewed by the designer and by FPNC, and we’ve determined that the pricing is appropriate
- All right, seeing no questions, Speaker to VA moves approval of Item 4.
- If the Senate, you know, chose to go down on that overall appropriation, it would reduce the number of
- But it's simply based on, at the end of the day, the total appropriation by this body, how many kids
Summary:
The committee first received a fiscal status statement and five-year baseline budget update from the Office of Planning and Budget. Members were told there were no changes to the baseline, but several current-year items now require appropriations, including Hurricane Katrina closeout costs under GOSEP, projected Department of Corrections shortfalls for offender medical care and overtime, and a reduction in the minimum foundation program tied to February 1 student counts. After questions about how the five-year percentages and inflation assumptions were calculated, the committee adopted the fiscal status statement.
The committee then approved several Facility Planning and Control items, including adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects to the approved list under Act 751, a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, a report of four other change orders for informational purposes, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into a single expanded water plant and distribution project. It also approved a two-year extension of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting agreement and approved Water Sector Commission recommendations for an additional $5.5 million for the Tencel Water District Association, which included a $100,000 local commitment.
A major portion of the meeting focused on a proposed tax increment financing package for a 1,000-room headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Witnesses described the project as a $550 million private investment supported by state and local tax dedications, with projected benefits including more convention business and improved competitiveness. Members raised concerns about the 45-year term, the use of a 1% state tax dedication, possible cannibalization of existing hotel revenue, and the return on the public incentive. After extensive questioning, the committee deferred the proposal to the next month for further review and requested additional projections.
Finally, the committee reviewed contract extensions for Louisiana Economic Development’s marketing vendors and a Department of Education amendment for the Odyssey platform used in the Louisiana Gator program. The education officials explained the contract is based on a per-student amount of $143.50 and that the current amendment is needed to avoid a lapse when the existing term ends June 30. Members discussed whether an RFP should be started for future years to seek a better price, and the department said it would be able to provide academic outcome data after the current testing cycle. The meeting then adjourned.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- 3, titled "The Current Year Items Requiring Action," we have added some items that will need appropriations
- been thoroughly reviewed by the designer and by FPNC, and we've determined that the pricing to be appropriate
- All right, seeing no questions, Speaker to VA moves approval of item four.
- If the Senate, you know, chose to go down on that overall appropriation, it would reduce the number of
- But it's simply based on, at the end of the day, the total appropriation by this body, how many kids
Summary:
The committee first adopted the fiscal status statement and five-year baseline summary after a brief discussion about how the baseline percentages are calculated and why projected expenditures exceed revenues in later years, with staff explaining that inflation assumptions drive much of the increase. The Office of Facility Planning and Control then received approval for several items: adding eight higher education deferred maintenance projects, approving a $412,993 change order for LSU’s Jesse Coates Building project, reporting four smaller change orders for information, and combining two Hornbeck water projects into one expanded water plant/well and distribution plan. The committee also approved a two-year extension for UL Lafayette’s Banner ERP consulting contract and approved additional Water Sector Commission funding of $5.5 million for the Tensas Water District Association, with a $100,000 local commitment noted.
The most extensive discussion centered on a proposed tax increment financing package for a new 1,000-room Omni headquarters hotel adjacent to the New Orleans Convention Center. Project representatives said the hotel would require about $550 million in private investment, with the authority contributing land and $80 million, and that the package would dedicate state and local tax increments for 45 years after opening. Senators and representatives questioned the structure, the length of the incentive, the expected return to the state, possible cannibalization of existing hotel tax revenue, and why the convention center would receive a 1% stream for so long. Several members said they wanted more information on projected annual revenues and the overall return before voting, and the committee deferred the item to the next month.
Later, Louisiana Economic Development requested one-year extensions for two marketing-related contracts with Zender Communications and Graham Group, and the Department of Education sought an amendment to the Odyssey contract for the Louisiana Gator program. The education discussion focused on the per-student cost of $143.50, the use of current enrollment and appropriation levels to set the contract ceiling, the fact that startup costs were no longer included, and the need for continuity before the current contract expires June 30. Members asked for an RFP to be considered for future years and for more information on student outcomes and actual spending. The committee took no vote on the education item during the discussion, and the meeting adjourned after the final exchanges.