Video & Transcript : 'contract locator' :
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety Mar 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Five of the organizations are getting a combined funding of $2.4 million through OYCR's contract with
- The Yurok Tribe is located in Humboldt and Del Norte County in Northern California.
- We're located in Humboldt and Del Norte County.
- Our current investigator is the one that assisted them with locating that target in Elk Grove.
- And sometimes it's to multiple if suspect and victim live in different locations.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Public Safety heard several items focused on youth safety and law enforcement resources. The committee first took up tribal youth diversion programs, with the Legislative Analyst’s Office describing the Tribal Youth Diversion Grant Program and its two cohorts of grantees funded through the Board of State and Community Corrections. Tribal representatives from the Yurok Tribe and San Pasqual Band of Indians testified that diversion, tribal courts, school partnerships, mentoring, and culturally grounded services helped reduce truancy and justice-system involvement, but that short-term funding interruptions and limited capacity prevented them from serving all youth in need. Committee members discussed the importance of early intervention, tribal-state court collaboration, and possible misidentification of Native youth in the justice system.
The committee then heard the California Highway Patrol’s overview of surge operations supporting local crime suppression, including organized retail theft. CHP reported that its surge teams have been used in response to mutual aid requests and cited arrests, stolen vehicle recoveries, and firearm seizures in Oakland, Bakersfield, and San Bernardino. Members asked about demand for these operations and whether CHP could meet requests without affecting other duties; CHP said requests have increased and are accepted when resources allow. The committee also heard CHP’s request for a $5 million General Fund augmentation and 12 positions for its Computer Crimes Investigation Unit to make child sexual abuse material and human trafficking investigations a higher priority. CHP cited rising cybertip volumes, a case involving AI-generated CSAM, and the need for more investigators and forensic capacity.
A larger portion of the hearing focused on the Internet Crimes Against Children task forces and a separate $5 million ongoing General Fund proposal for Cal OES to continue the program. Task force commanders from Sacramento, San Diego, Silicon Valley, and Fresno described rapidly growing cybertip volumes, heavy caseloads, forensic backlogs, and the need for training and equipment for affiliate agencies statewide. They emphasized that the ICAC model relies on local partnerships, deconfliction, and subject-matter expertise to identify victims, execute warrants, and rescue children, and they gave examples of cases that led to arrests and child rescues. Members generally supported the work but raised questions about overlap between CHP and ICAC efforts, the need for broader statewide collaboration, and whether more resources should be directed to task forces and victim services. A public commenter also urged expansion of homeless youth exploitation services and the California Youth Crisis Line.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- would like to register a position on one or more bills, please Please register at one of the kiosks located
- The bill defines location information broadly covering bring data collected without consent and sets
- We're a non-profit, non-partisan organization located in Washington.
- It would require law enforcement to obtain a warrant to search through location information purchased
- And in that contract would be very specific that it couldn't be released.
Bills:
HB166 , HB2000 , HB3248 , HB3513 , SB155 , SB1659 , SB1730 , SB1778 , SB1790 , SB1848 , SB2017 , SB2105 , SB2794 , SB2917 , HB2756 , HB353 , HB166
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Rethinking Paying Subminimal Wage to Persons with Disabilities Task Force REVISED- Agenda Added Jun 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Then we also have contracts with the Department of Transportation.
- So we actually do a contract with that business, and it's a yearly contract.
- So we actually do a contract with that business, and it's a yearly contract.
- And then we have paid contracts.
- each of those locations.
Summary:
The meeting focused on integrated employment and related services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with testimony from several provider agencies and state officials. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described how their organization supports people through residential services and self-created businesses because community employers often are not ready to hire people with disabilities. They said rigid service rules, difficulty fitting individuals into existing job definitions, and reimbursement requirements can prevent person-centered employment supports. They also reported that, in their experience, employees had not lost benefits when work was coordinated carefully with Social Security and benefits management.
Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial and highway contracts, state-use products, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said the organization uses a temp-service style model to make employers more comfortable and noted barriers such as employer concerns about productivity, lack of awareness of tax credits and accessibility resources, and the need for consistent job coaches. Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model, including a Transition Academy for young adults that combines independent living instruction, community college classes, internships, and follow-along support; she said the program has an 85% placement rate but is expensive and not eligible for traditional student aid because it is not accredited. She also cited barriers including dual diagnoses, workforce readiness, and low reimbursement rates.
Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described their long-running enclave contracts and a new Community Skills and Connection program that uses interest-based cohorts, community exploration, and volunteer experiences to build skills and networks tied to employment. They said the agency is phasing out its 14(c) subminimum wage certificate by the end of the year and is trying to expand community-based opportunities. DRTC and other providers emphasized the need to blend DDS and DRS services more effectively, reduce restrictive rules such as line-of-sight requirements, and better support people in congregate living settings. DRS representatives said the agency does provide school-based transition services, employer accommodations, and job carving support, and noted federal reporting requirements tied to wage outcomes.
Members also discussed safety concerns, employer education, data collection, ABLE accounts, and the role of schools in preparing students for work and community life. The co-chairs proposed organizing the task force into three working groups: in-school/transition services, program support and service blending, and community integration/employer engagement. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with plans for further working-group discussion and follow-up on data and policy ideas.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- So you'll see vacancies largely in our female group home in Ridgeview, which is located in Yakima.
- Co-location factor: DOC, I want to go on record and say they've been phenomenal partners.
- Co-location factor: DOC, I want to go on record and say they've been phenomenal partners.
- Contracting with private psychiatric providers.
- Since the contract with the Office of Public Defense was executed and...
Committee:
House Appropriations
Summary:
The House Appropriations Committee held a work session covering juvenile rehabilitation system capacity, behavioral health capacity, federal funding changes, and a 2026 budget overview. DCYF officials said the juvenile rehabilitation population is older, includes more adult-sentenced youth and post-25 residents, and is projected to keep growing, creating crowding at Green Hill School and placement limits across the system. They described safe operating capacity concerns, staffing turnover, mental health acuity, and the need for additional medium-security and specialized mental health beds, including a proposed Parkland facility and continued development of Harbor Heights. Committee members were told to follow up separately with questions, and the presentation moved on due to time.
Behavioral health officials from DSHS and HCA then reviewed forensic and civil capacity. DSHS described expanding state hospital and civil treatment capacity through Olympic Heritage, Maple Lane, Brockman Campus, and a new 350-bed forensic hospital at Western State, while noting ongoing construction, staffing, and funding issues. HCA outlined its strategy to move long-term civil commitment care into community settings through contracted long-term civil commitment beds, intensive behavioral health treatment facilities, PACT teams, and intensive residential treatment teams. Members asked about out-of-state placements, Medicaid funding, and the differences among facility types; officials said the goal is to right-size inpatient capacity while expanding community-based supports.
OFM then presented an update on federal funding and the effects of H.R. 1 and H.R. 5371. Agency staff said H.R. 1 would tighten SNAP work requirements, reduce exemptions, shift some lawful immigrants to state-funded food assistance, increase state administrative and benefit costs, and affect Medicaid eligibility, redeterminations, cost sharing, and state-directed payments. HCA estimated major Medicaid caseload reductions and significant future fiscal impacts, while OFM also noted marketplace subsidy changes and higher education and K-12 downstream effects. H.R. 5371 was described as a short-term federal funding extension through January 30, 2026, with some full-year appropriations and a change affecting hemp producers. Finally, Mary Monroe gave a 2026 supplemental budget preview, citing declining NGFO revenue forecasts, reversions, vetoes, and the added uncertainty from H.R. 1, with the projected ending fund balance moving from positive amounts to a negative outlook over the four-year period.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Commission to Study Costs of Special Education (06/02/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- So if there's any contract it.
- For whatever company they contracted<02:13:02.560><c> with.</c> contracted with. contracted with.
- . contract. contract.
- :40:11.920><c> with</c><03:40:12.080><c> the</c> contract when they contract with the contract when they
- . location. location.
Summary:
The commission met to approve the May 18, 2026 minutes and then focused on how SB 57’s special education cost study should inform HB 1099, which creates a separate study committee on residential placements and related education costs. Members discussed sending the commission’s minutes and findings to that new committee, noting the short timeline for its work and the need to be specific about unresolved issues so the new group does not duplicate the same questions.
A major topic was the cost and responsibility for students placed at Spalding and similar residential programs, especially transportation and whether costs are paid through the Department of Education’s episode-of-treatment (EOT) fund, local districts, DHS, or Medicaid. Staff explained that for students with disabilities, EOT funds cover special education and transportation costs tied to the placement, while students without disabilities are handled through DHS care-management and best-interest meetings. Members raised concerns about whether some students at Spalding are receiving no schooling, whether transportation costs are substantial, and whether Medicaid reimbursement could offset some expenses.
The commission also discussed confusion over district responsibility when students placed in residential programs attend school in another district, using Winnisquam as an example. Several members said the receiving district was not notified that DHHS-approved programs could bring in additional students and costs, and they suggested DHHS or its care-management entity should notify both the district of residence and the receiving district when a program is approved. The group agreed this notification issue, along with transportation funding, privacy concerns in Medicaid-to-schools billing, and the distinction between special education placements, EOT placements, and other voluntary residential placements, should be passed to the HB 1099 study committee for further work.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- will be assumed to be in the contract for purposes of collection.
- So it, prevailing wage could be in these contracts or negotiated, I guess, into the contract.
- Contracts or negotiated, I guess, into the contracts. The bill does not mention prevailing wage.
- to location throughout the Midwest.
- And just to be clear, these are not public contracts.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 2385, school district superintendent employment contract — Education.
- HB 2482, building renewal grant job order contracting — Education.
- HB 2926, housing contracts bonds taxes — Government.
- Voters returned away from locations they've gone to for years.
- Voters returned away from locations they've gone to for years.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in the area where the private detention facility is located
- local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in the area where the private detention facility is located
- the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in an area that a private detention facility is located
- standards on the private detention facilities, they didn't necessarily put all of that into their contract
- They didn't necessarily put all of that into their contract and they're losing money on that.
Summary:
The Senate Human Services Committee met on February 25 and received staff briefings on three bills. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2253, the DCYF licensing bill, was described as affecting foster care licensing, crisis residential center staffing ratios, and child care licensing. Staff reviewed multiple proposed amendments, including changes related to immediate threats to children’s safety, substance use, subsidy fraud, reporting channels, and DUI-related ineligibility, as well as a Wilson striking amendment that would remove many of those floor changes. After caucus, the chair announced she would pull ESHB 2253 from executive action for further work over the interim, and no vote was taken on the bill.
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2319, which renames certain residential habilitation centers, had one amendment to rename Yakima Valley School as the Yakima Valley Residential Habilitation Center. The committee adopted the amendment despite opposition from Senators Warnick and Christian, who said constituents in Yakima did not support the change. The bill then received a do-pass recommendation and was sent to Rules, with Senators Warnick and Christian voting no.
House Bill 2464, concerning incident reporting by private detention facilities to the Department of Health and local law enforcement, was also considered. Senator Christian offered six amendments, including a JLARC study, public posting and legislative sharing of reports, expanded reporting requirements, food-safety consistency, and reimbursement for compliance costs; all six amendments failed. The committee then approved the bill on a do-pass recommendation and sent it to Rules, with Senator Christian opposing and Senator Orwall supporting the measure as a human-rights and safety bill. The chair closed the meeting after noting the committee had reached the policy cutoff and thanking staff for their work.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- The idea is instead of counting them at the prison location, it counts those inmates at their last place
- The idea is instead of counting them at the prison location, it counts those inmates at their last place
- Our contracted providers do.
- We've already been doing this service since 2013 with local contracted providers.
- It's a contract line for our providers to do that, so there's no cost to the jail.
Committee:
House Public Safety
Summary:
The Public Safety Committee heard several bills related to vehicle titling and VIN inspection procedures. House Bill 4272, by Representative Miller, would create a formal certificate of titling system for boats and vessels in Oklahoma to document ownership and reduce fraud; it passed 6-0. House Bill 3277, a cleanup bill on VIN inspections and salvage vehicles, clarified who may perform inspections and added salvage pools as authorized entities; it passed 7-0. House Bill 3148 made additional changes to the VIN inspection process, including salvage pool language and anti-fraud protections, and also passed 7-0. House Bill 3323 removed notarization requirements for documents submitted electronically to Service Oklahoma and passed 7-0. House Bill 4105 clarified exemptions under the Oklahoma Security Guard Act and passed 6-0. House Bill 3304, renamed the Ray Davis Safe Roads Act, requires Service Oklahoma to check the methamphetamine database before issuing commercial driver licenses and passed 6-0.
The committee also considered House Bill 4287, which would change how incarcerated people are counted for legislative apportionment by using their last residence rather than the prison location. Supporters argued it would create more equal representation and address a historical anomaly, while opponents said it would disconnect incarcerated constituents from the districts that currently represent them and could affect rural representation. After debate, the bill failed 4-5 and remained in committee.
House Bill 3345, a Department of Mental Health bill, would expand pretrial behavioral health and substance use screening services to any charge, felony or misdemeanor, to help identify diversion opportunities earlier and support treatment referrals. Testimony emphasized that the screenings would be done by certified local contractors at no cost to county jails and would help courts, prosecutors, and defense counsel. The bill received a 4-4 vote but was reported out as a due pass. The committee then laid over House Bill 315 until the following week and adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety Mar 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- multiple contracts and vendors.
- However, relying on a single contract, ...then it would be to manage multiple contracts and vendors.
- multiple contracts and vendors.
- However, relying on a single contract, then it would be to manage multiple contracts and vendors.
- Location outages: legacy, 6,913 hours first responders had no location for the callers.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Mar 10th, 2026
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- And it's also for when, and they're contracted for us as well.
- Heavily on our contracted snow and ice vendors. Okay.
- We have a firm contract for that. It’s performing very well.
- We’re going to pay our fee, our costs under the contract.
- They are earning money on some contracts that they have now.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- And so you have third-party vendors who basically contract with jurisdictions or contract with retailers
- The City of Paramount is located in The City of Paramount is located in southeast Los Angeles County,
- The city of Paramount is located in today to speak in opposition to SB 79.
- That undermines the very premise of these conservation contracts, contracts that local governments and
- That undermines the very premise of these conservation contracts, contracts that local governments and
Committee:
House Local Government
Summary:
The committee began with housekeeping and then took up SB 753 by Senator Cortese, a bill to update California’s shopping cart recovery law. The author and supporters from San Jose, the League of California Cities, counties, and water districts argued the bill would let local governments retrieve abandoned carts immediately, return them directly to retailers, and recover documented costs, rather than storing carts for 30 days. Retail groups and grocers opposed the measure, saying carts are stolen property, that the bill could create a new revenue stream for cities, and that retailers should retain a first right of retrieval without added fees. Members debated notice periods, cost caps, and local control, and the author agreed to continue working on amendments. The committee adopted the bill as amended and passed it 6-0.
The committee then heard SB 445 by Senator Wiener, which would speed up third-party permits and approvals for high-speed rail projects. The author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier broader transit proposal and now focuses on requiring early engagement, clear rules, and binding arbitration to prevent utilities, cities, and other entities from delaying a state-approved project. Supporters said permitting delays add major costs and can hold projects hostage; opponents from utilities, cities, counties, telecoms, and special districts said they were concerned about impacts on safety, reliability, affordability, and local authority, though many said they were willing to keep working on amendments. The committee sent SB 445 to the Utilities and Energy Committee on an 8-1 vote.
Finally, the committee heard SB 9 by Senator Wiener, a narrower housing bill dealing with accessory dwelling units. The bill would require local ADU ordinances to be submitted to HCD for review and would make state standards apply if a local agency fails to submit a compliant ordinance or respond to HCD findings within the required time. Supporters from housing and YIMBY groups said the measure would improve enforcement of state ADU law and prevent local barriers from slowing housing production. There was no opposition testimony, and the committee passed the bill 6-0.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act implementation and case studies. Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Our contracting community has risen to the challenge as well.
- We have five under contract. So you haven't built any? Okay.
- Fish and Wildlife, to name a few, and we've co-located them in one office that we fund, so that they
- It promotes small businesses in terms of convenience stores that are going to be great locations.
- If there's a grant agreement in place that we do, AASHTO believes that is a contract.
Keywords:
Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, IIJA, bipartisan infrastructure, funding flexibility, NEPA, environmental reviews, bureaucratic delays, federal funding, infrastructure investment
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, discussing the ongoing implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Chairman Capito highlighted the bipartisan nature of the legislation and the necessity of refining existing provisions to ensure effective delivery of transportation projects. Notable emphasis was placed on the need for flexibility in funding to address inflation impacts and delays caused by bureaucratic hurdles, especially relating to environmental reviews under NEPA. Witnesses from state transportation agencies provided valuable insights into real-world challenges faced in project execution, ultimately underscoring the importance of continuous federal support for infrastructure development.
The discussion also touched on the broader implications of federal funding freezes by the previous administration, which have reportedly hindered several ongoing and planned projects. This issue raised significant concern among committee members, who urged the need for reliable funding and the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that could cause delays in project implementation. The meeting concluded with a commitment from the members to work collaboratively to overcome these challenges and ensure a smooth path forward for critical infrastructure investments.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Banking and Insurance. (2-18-26)
Banking & Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:04:02.800><c> And</c> roofing contract certifications. And roofing contract certifications.
- Commonwealth and Allied Med are multi-locational in the state of Kentucky.
- Commonwealth and Allied Med are multi-locational in the state of Kentucky.
- in the state of multi-locational in the state of Kentucky.
- </c> obviously do contracts obviously do contracts with<00:31:01.800><c> amounts</c><00:31:02.240><c>
Committee:
House Banking & Insurance
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Apr 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The proposed positions will replace contracted project managers and transition the contract expenditures
- There's also a table located on page 12 of your agenda.
- It ended up being located.
- Also currently working to contract with centers of excellence.
- We have continuing contracts totaling about $280 million.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 210; 21 January, 2026: 1:30 PM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- and where they might be located.
- and where they might be they're located and where they might be located.<00:18:39.760><c> We're</c><
- That's a 5-year contract. That increase is automatically built into that contract.
- And the built into that contract.
- </c> to draw contract and you collect money. to draw contract and you collect money.
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Maybe one of the largest that would have been located within our state, at least currently, for sure,
- Getting located in the first place.
- This co-location reduces development costs and streamlines the regulatory process for both assets.
- Would you connect back into the RTO to sell it on the market, or would you have other co-located?
- I doubt there would be other co-located.
Committee:
House Utilities
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Elder Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Eliza, and I'm speaking today on behalf of Somerville Cambridge Elder Services, located at
- , services and amenities, as well as the specific contract.
- Some CCRC contracts offer a portion of the entrance fee to be refunded to the resident or their estate
- after the contract is terminated, usually when a resident passes or decides to leave the community.
- Our union provides us with the right rules at work, clear contracts, paid time off, and holidays.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several aging-related bills, with most speakers focusing on housing stability, home-based services, and care transitions. Representative Badger and a commissioner testified in support of H4039, which would create a universal breakfast and lunch program at senior centers funded through a new Senior Breakfast and Lunch Fund, arguing it would reduce food insecurity and social isolation among older adults. Representative Lipper-Garabedian and multiple providers then supported H780/S495, the hospital-to-home partnership program, describing how embedded aging-services liaisons help older patients transition safely from hospitals to home, reduce readmissions, and avoid nursing facility placement; witnesses from Mystic Valley Elder Services and Mass Aging Access cited pilot results, including hundreds of patients served and examples of substantial cost savings and successful discharge planning.
The committee also took testimony on S478, which would require continuing care retirement communities to disclose entrance-fee refund policies more clearly at enrollment. Senator Lovely and LeadingAge Massachusetts said the bill would improve transparency for residents and families, while a consumer witness said her family experienced delays and confusion in getting a refund after her mother left a CCRC. Members noted the issue is also being examined by a special commission on CCRCs.
A large portion of the hearing focused on S475, a statewide bridge subsidy program for older adults facing housing instability. Advocates from the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Western Massachusetts, Somerville, Northampton, East Hampton, Old Colony Elder Services, and Somerville’s Office of Housing Stability described rising senior homelessness, long waitlists for subsidized housing, and cases where short-term rental assistance kept older adults housed while they waited for permanent housing. Somerville witnesses said the pilot program helped nine households remain housed and that some participants have since moved into permanent housing. Members asked about wait times, program design, and how to prioritize applicants; witnesses emphasized flexibility, emergency risk, and the need for a statewide expansion. The hearing also included testimony on S465, an ALS bill that would expand home care access regardless of age and bar the use of quality-adjusted life-year metrics in coverage decisions, with the sponsor and ALS Association arguing the measure would reduce discriminatory treatment and better center patient care. No votes were taken during the hearing.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency Mar 25th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- period or frequency for rebidding these concession contracts.
- . in the solicitation, evaluation, and award of concession contracts.
- In this case, if there is any, the contract with the café currently involved— If there is any, the contract
- I'd forgotten that was located there. Yeah, yeah. And so that's good to know.
- I'd forgotten that was located there. Yeah, yeah.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Then we also have contracts with the Department of Transportation.
- And so then the business contracts and pays South Central.
- So we actually do a contract with that business, and it's a yearly contract.
- So we actually do a contract with that business, and it's a yearly contract.
- each of those locations.
Summary:
The committee/task force met with several disability service providers to discuss integrated employment, transition services, and barriers to community jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described creating their own businesses when community employers were not hiring their clients, and said rigid service rules, employer readiness, bullying, and reimbursement structures often force the person to fit the service rather than the service fitting the person. They said they have not seen clients lose benefits, but they do closely manage reporting to Social Security and related supports. Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial work, city beautification, state-use contracts, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said many employers are hesitant because of productivity and cost concerns, and that businesses are often more open to contracting with her agency than hiring individuals directly.
Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model with sheltered work, volunteer sites, paid contracts, and a Transition Academy. She said the academy is a two-year program focused first on independent living and then on employment, with internships and an 85% placement rate, but funding is a major barrier because the program is not accredited and students cannot access traditional aid. She also cited dual diagnoses, inconsistent job coaches, and employer uncertainty as major obstacles. Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described DRTC’s long-running enclave contracts, a new Community Skills and Connections program, and a plan to phase out 14(c) subminimum wage use by the end of the year. They said the new program is designed to keep people engaged in community-based skill-building and networking while families still need day supports, and that DRTC has developed more than 100 community partnerships.
Senator Kirt, Rep. Hefner, and participants discussed broader system issues, including the need for better school-to-work transition, more social integration, transportation, safety, and employer education. DRS staff said the agency is already required to provide pre-employment transition services in schools starting at age 14 and offers employer accommodations support and job-carving assistance, though they acknowledged federal reporting expectations and service rules can be restrictive. Several participants raised concerns about line-of-sight restrictions, congregate living rules, benefit cliffs, and the difficulty of moving from DDS to DRS services. The group also discussed the need for better data and possible working groups focused on in-school transition, program support and blending services, and community integration. No formal votes were taken.