Video & Transcript Research : 'loan programs'
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ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Water Topics Overview Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Public Finance Authority typically handles the financial aspects of the program, like the loan application
- And then we also have our repayments from current projects that come back into our program and get loaned
- , like grants, negative interest rate loans, or loan forgiveness.
- In 2026, there were two projects that received both the loan forgiveness from the drinking water program
- And then a question for Shannon on the loan forgiveness program regarding the, I think you have six ranking
Summary:
The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion.
The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting.
The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So this program was created.
- And you can get a loan. Loan up to $25,000 generally.
- Since the beginning of this program in 1946, we've done $16 billion worth of loans.
- So the veterans get loans that qualify for our program, and we use the bonds to purchase those loans.
- It's a wonderful program.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee - (5-21-26) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- First, from our Fund A Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan program, the Springfield Water and Sewer
- <00:31:15.640>
program, <00:31:16.680>the Revolving Fund loan program, the Revolving - Fund loan program, the Springfield<00:31:18.000>
Water <00:31:18.360>and <00:31:18.520> - loan agreement.
- And the loan repayment loan agreement.
Keywords:
0:00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call
0:00:54 Approval of Minutes
0:01:08 Information Items
0:03:18 Postsecondary Institutions - UK
0:18:10 Finance and Administration Cabinet
0:30:13 KY Infrastructure Authority
0:37:30 Cabinet for Economic Development
0:52:11 Office of Financial Management
0:59:20 Remaining 2026 Mtg Dates
1:00:49 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first approved the April 27 minutes and then received several informational reports, including University of Kentucky medical equipment purchases, UK’s use of $200 million in Ever funds for a public-private partnership, school district debt issuances, UK’s planned use of construction manager-at-risk delivery on five projects, Kentucky Communications Network Authority capital projects under House Bill 6, and 14 UK lease improvements. Members were told the House Bill 6 item was also being discussed in the Information Technology Oversight Committee and could return later if needed.
The main action item was University of Kentucky’s request to approve a $600 million public-private partnership for central plants and utility infrastructure tied to the Chandler expansion. UK said it would shift $200 million from previously authorized restricted funds into the P3, leaving the project financed through private equity and nonprofit debt with no UK or Commonwealth debt. UK representatives said the project is necessary to support 24/7 hospital operations, expand and modernize utility systems, improve redundancy and efficiency, and reduce long-term operating risk. Members asked about the source of the availability payments, which UK said would come from UK Healthcare revenues, and the committee approved the P3 agreement unanimously.
The committee also approved a UK lease renewal for a 20,000-square-foot College of Medicine annex near the Bowling Green Medical Center. UK said the lease costs $38 per square foot, or $912,000 annually, and supports medical education expansion in the region, including growth from 120 to 160 students over four years. Members voiced support for the local impact, and the lease passed unanimously.
Later, the committee approved a Transportation Cabinet aviation project for two medium box hangars at Capital City Airport, funded by $1,153,000 in federal money and $950,000 from the Aviation Economic Development Fund, which is supported by a 6% jet fuel tax with a $1 million annual cap per company. Members asked about the fund balance, the cap, and airport revenue sources, and staff said the airport also receives entitlement and federal infrastructure funds and earns revenue from hangar rent and fuel sales. The committee then approved two Finance and Administration Cabinet pool projects: a roof and skylight replacement at the Libraries and Archives building and exterior repairs at several state buildings.
Finally, the committee approved six Kentucky Infrastructure Authority action items after hearing about one loan increase for the Springfield Wastewater Treatment Plant and five grant reallocations tied to Cleaner Water Program and county allocation pool funds. Members asked why one project approved in 2024 was only now increasing, and KIA explained that design, water division review, environmental review, and bidding can take one to two years. KIA also reported additional no-action items, including a Brandenburg water grant split among two projects and 17 Kentucky Waters projects provided for information. The meeting ended with approval of the action items and no further action on the informational grants.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Private student loans or work study.
- Um, we at the program at New America.
- For example, some offers would use loans and not even call them loans and make it seem like the student
- <01:09:32.000>
could scholarships, and loans could scholarships, and loans could dramatically - grant and state financial aid programs. grant and state financial aid programs. um<01:33:48.199>
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- loan program or if we no longer want to prioritize funding the program, but the discretion as written
- program, as we do with other similar loan programs.
- Is initial funding for this loan program in the Senate budget? It is not. Thank you.
- But if you're not creditworthy, then you go to Senator Smith's loan program.
- Then you go to Senator Smith's loan program, and then you presuppose that you'd be able to pay the loan
Summary:
The committee took up a series of criminal justice, health, and public safety bills, with several measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations and mostly no opposition. CS for SB 1782 on dangerous excessive speeding, CS for SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access, CS for SB 716 on mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses by registered offenders, CS for SB 1084 on intimate image dissemination and digitally forged images, and CS for CS for SB 1604 on corrections-related litigation and sentencing changes all passed the committee. Members also approved CS for SB 1838, which increases protections for court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for SB 1252, which directs FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database. CS for SB 468 on fleeing or eluding, CS for SB 490 on off-duty concealed carry for certain officers, and CS for SB 890 on blood clot screening and treatment also received favorable votes, with SB 890 drawing supportive testimony from the bill sponsor, medical and patient advocates, and family members affected by blood clots.
The most extensive debate centered on CS for CS for SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for adults trafficking children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons for sexual exploitation. Senator Martin defended the bill as a response to especially heinous crimes and argued it fit within constitutional punishment principles, while several members raised concerns about the Eighth Amendment, the risk of lengthy and costly litigation, and the possibility of retraumatizing victims. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, citing moral objections, due process concerns, and constitutional precedent; the bill nevertheless was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 572, the “Pam Rock Act,” which tightens dangerous-dog rules, adds enclosure, microchip, insurance, and penalty requirements, and allows stronger enforcement actions after serious attacks. The Rock family and animal control supporters testified in favor, describing the bill as a response to fatal dog attacks and urging stronger accountability for owners.
For SB 572, members discussed insurance requirements, the role of local authorities in classifying dangerous dogs, and whether the bill would affect ordinary pet insurance or only liability coverage after a serious attack. The sponsor said the measure is not breed-specific and is aimed at dogs that have already caused significant harm. The committee also heard testimony from family members of Pam Rock and other victims, along with supporters from animal control and sheriff’s offices. All of the bills taken up in the meeting that were voted on were reported favorably, and no roll-call votes failed.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This largely means changes to student loan repayments and types of loans and grants available, as well
- This largely means changes to student loan repayments and types of loans and grants available, as well
- An example of a program that falls within this area would be our weatherization program.
- for our revolving loan funds.
- for our revolving loan funds.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- We assume will be on the RBHA program currently and will shift to a new AHCCCS-like program, which has
- This is not a bill to create a new program.
- We capped this program headcount-wise.
- We capped this program headcount-wise.
- It's all well and good to have a rebate program. He said, hey, we can still keep a rebate program.
Bills:
SB1052, SB1115, SB1118, SB1120, SB1121, SB1124, SB1171, SB1172, SB1174, SB1175, SB1214, SB1233, SB1235, SB1316, SB1345, SB1372, SB1399, SB1458, SB1494, SB1496, SB1564, SB1602, SB1621, SB1628, SB1630, SB1631, SB1668, SB1672, SB1814, SB1821
Keywords:
assisted living, health care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, physician orders, informed consent, AHCCCS, remote work, state agency, employment, public health, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, historic preservation, radiation protection
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 1121, which would prohibit hospitals from requiring lead aprons for cardiac catheterization staff when a radiation protection system is in place, while still allowing hospitals to require aprons outside the designated safety zone or when exposure levels warrant additional protection. An amendment added flexibility for radiation safety officers to require lead or other PPE if exposures approach occupational limits and removed expedited rulemaking language. Supporters, including the sponsor and interventional cardiologists, argued the devices reduce radiation and orthopedic injuries and improve recruitment and retention; hospital groups shifted to neutral after the amendment. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1121 on a 9-2 vote.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 1120, which would require hospitals performing cardiac catheterization procedures to equip at least 50% of those rooms with radiation protection systems by 2027. Supporters said the systems protect clinicians from radiation and long-term injury, while opponents, including hospital and radiology groups, argued the bill was overly prescriptive, could create a captive market, and might not fit all rooms or procedures. After adopting a children’s hospital exemption amendment, the committee passed SB 1120 on a 6-6 vote, with the chair breaking the tie in favor of the bill.
Senate Bill 1118, an appropriation measure tied to the radiation protection system proposal, was also advanced after brief discussion, passing 6-5. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1214, which would create guardrails for non-FDA-approved stem cell and regenerative therapies, including provider standards, informed consent, advertising limits, reporting requirements, and a private right of action for violations. Supporters described it as a patient-protection and access bill, while testimony emphasized concerns about unregulated “bad actors” and patients traveling out of state for treatment. The committee adopted an amendment removing a reference to the National Law and passed SB 1214 on a 9-3 vote. The transcript then began discussion of SB 1630, which would create a Medicaid-funded home and community-based service benefit for adults with serious mental illness, with AHCCCS taking a neutral position and estimating a significant fiscal impact.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight Feb 25th, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Health and Human Services Oversight
Bills:
HB4248, HB3194, HB3849, HB4095, HB4302, HB3342, HB3344, HB3287, HB3645, HB3647, HB3930, HB3931, HB1818, HB4454, HB4336
Keywords:
HB4248, hemp beverage, hemp drinks, THC beverage, cannabis beverage, intoxicating hemp, age restriction, under 21, minor possession, youth access, public health and safety, Title 63, Oklahoma Statutes, retail sales, alcohol-style regulation, controlled substances, beverage regulation, pregnancy centers, abortion, abortion-inducing drugs
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Jan 14th, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- That will keep the funding for those programs and allow ADEM to distribute the money to those programs
- The other concern I have is we tried the DROP program years ago and it was a physical disaster.
- This is DROP program 2.0 with less thought-out process in my mind. That's one issue.
- years ago and it was a physical program years ago and it was a physical disaster. disaster. disaster
- 2.0 This is drop program 2.0 This is drop program 2.0 with<00:28:42.240>
less <00:28:43.600
Bills:
HB117, HB17, HB22, HB153, HB140, HB117, HB17, HB22, HB153, HB140, SB12, SB42, SB93, SB28, SB35, SB134, SB12, SB42, SB93, SB28, SB35, SB134
Keywords:
procurement, county commission, administrative savings, public services, government efficiency, HB17, municipal audits, municipal audit clarification act, municipal finance, local government, city council, mayor, city manager, Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, independent public accountant, annual audit, biennial audit, annual report, financial accountability, public records
TX
Bills:
SB8, SB4, SB43, SB1, SB2, SB13, SB6, SB10, SB16, SB8, SB4, SB43, SB1, SB2, SB13, SB6, SB10, SB16
Keywords:
education, accountability, public school assessment, state law, transparency, intervention, performance ratings, Texas congressional redistricting, U.S. House districts, congressional map, redistricting, gerrymandering, 2020 Census, census tracts, block groups, voting districts, election law, Texas House of Representatives districts, federal congressional districts, 2026 elections
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee Feb 5th, 2025
Boards, Agencies and Commissions
Bills:
HB25, HB108, HB109, HB111, HB112, HB113, HB117, HB118, HB119, HB120, HB121, HB122, HB124, HB126, HB127, HB128, HB129, HB130, HB131, HB25
Keywords:
emergency services, 911, local districts, joint operations, contracting, HB108, Alabama Sunset Law, sunset reauthorization, board continuation, speech-language pathology, audiology, licensing board, professional regulation, healthcare regulation, occupational licensing, speech therapist, speech pathologist, audiologist, Sunset Committee, Code of Alabama 1975
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 02/03/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Over the years, we've helped them with a number of different loans or Redevelopment Grant programs.
- Over the years, we've helped them with a number of different loans or Redevelopment Grant programs.
- Over the years, we've helped them with a number of different loans or Redevelopment Grant programs.
- <00:48:33.160>
programs life through our grant and loan programs life through our grant and - loan programs we<00:48:33.720>
are <00:48:33.880>committed <00:48:34.240>to <00:
Summary:
Explore Minnesota Executive Director Lauren Bennett McGinty gave the committee an agency overview focused on the state’s tourism, livability, business attraction, film, and outdoor recreation promotion work. She highlighted record 2023 tourism results, including 80.2 million visitors, $4.1 billion in economic impact, more than 180,000 hospitality jobs, and $2.3 billion in state and local taxes, and said tourism sales, hotel occupancy, and other metrics continued to improve. She also described the agency’s marketing strategy, including a new campaign centered on authentic Minnesota stories, expanded domestic and international advertising, and a strong emphasis on winter, diverse markets, and accessibility.
McGinty reviewed several one-time-funded programs launched or expanded in the last year, including Explore Minnesota for Business, the tourism recovery grant program, the first Tribal Nations Grant program, and the outdoor recreation industry partnership with IRRR, DEED, and DNR. She said the recovery grants had distributed $1.15 million to 110 grantees, the tribal grant program had spent $1.4 million with eight tribal nations, and outdoor recreation was estimated at $13.5 billion annually with 10.5% growth. She also noted strong media and social media results, including a viral Timberwolves-related campaign, high video completion rates, and increased website traffic.
In response to committee questions, McGinty said the workforce and business attraction campaign is aimed at showing why people choose to live and work in Minnesota, using stories from newer residents and businesses, and that it is performing well in markets such as Silicon Valley, Boston, and Seattle. She said the agency is investing more in winter advertising to promote Minnesota as a winter destination and is working with partners to highlight activities beyond outdoor cold-weather recreation. Members also discussed the agency’s new film program, resident retention efforts, and a planned music-themed tourism ad tied to Prince and Bob Dylan. No votes or formal actions were taken.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Fiscal Policy Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- loan program or if we no longer want to prioritize funding the program, but the discretion as written
- program as we do with other similar loan programs.
- Is initial funding for this loan program in the Senate budget? It is not. Thank you.
- But if you're not creditworthy, then you go to Senator Smith's loan program.
- Then you go to Senator Smith's loan program, and then you presuppose that you'd be able to pay the loan
Summary:
The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved.
The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably.
The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (7-29-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, can we get a motion to roll the three KIA loans and the Cleaner Water Program grant reconciliation
- The co-loan to this loan is the second City of Auburn project, a second lead service line loan in the
- Both loans will be 20-year loans with a 0.5% interest rate and were approved at the July 10 KIA board
- This will both loans um will be 20-year This will both loans um will be 20-year loans<00:29:47.760>
initiative program of 2024. initiative program of 2024.
Keywords:
00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call
00:49 Approval of Minutes
01:05 Information Items
02:39 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet
23:40 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet
26:30 OFM Rpt – KY Infrastructure Authority
36:07 OFM Rpt – Econ Dev Cabinet
43:40 Office of Financial Mgmt
50:18 Remaining 2025 Mtg Dates
50:50 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first handled routine business, including approval of the June meeting minutes and receipt of several correspondence and information reports. Those reports covered quarterly capital project status updates from state agencies and postsecondary institutions, lease modifications, asset preservation projects, school district debt issuances, and Kentucky Communications Network Authority budget history materials. Members also raised questions about a long-open stream mitigation account and were told the funds are fee-in-lieu stream mitigation monies administered through Fish and Wildlife, with staff promising to follow up on the specific project.
The committee then reviewed and approved several capital project actions. These included a new Camp Oralis dining hall project for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, explained as a reauthorization because the funding split changed to 64% federal and 36% agency funds; an appropriation increase for the Shelbyville armory addition due to higher construction costs and security requirements; and emergency repair projects for Fort Boonesboro flood remediation and the Kentucky State Police Supply Branch fire damage. Members also approved a tenant improvement fund request for parking garage safety improvements at the Mayo Underwood Building.
The Office of Financial Management presented three Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items and one Cleaner Water Program reallocation. The loans included a Shepherdsville sewer/drainage project and two Auburn water and lead service line projects; the grant reallocation involved unused Cleaner Water Program funds, with staff emphasizing that all ARPA-funded cleaner water dollars must be spent by December 31, 2026 or returned. After discussion, the committee approved the package. The committee also approved six Economic Development Fund grants, and the Cabinet for Economic Development began presenting the first six KPDI projects, though the transcript cuts off before those project details were completed.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 5, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Last year alone, the program issued over 1,000 loans worth nearly $200 million, with an average loan
- Last year alone, the program issued over 1,000 loans worth nearly $200 million, with an average loan
- Last year alone, the program issued over 1,000 loans worth nearly $200 million, with an average loan
- Last year alone, the program issued over 1,000 loans worth nearly $200 million, with an average loan
- Last year alone, the program issued over 1,000 loans worth nearly $200 million, with an average loan
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Water Topics Overview Committee Jun 10th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Water Topics Overview Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And then we also have our repayments from current projects that come back into our program and get loaned
- Loan forgiveness from the Drinking Water Program is in the green.
- Loan forgiveness from the Drinking Water Program is in the green, and then there were some that did not
- In 2026, there were two projects that received both the loan forgiveness from the Drinking Water Program
- And then a question for Shannon on the loan forgiveness program regarding the—I think you have six ranking
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Jul 22nd, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- There are different needs that folks in training have, including help through a loan-for-service program
- I serve on the advisory committee to the loan repayment program and to the loan-for-service program.
- The strides that were made three years ago in putting additional dollars... into the loan repayment program
- Loan repayment program, given its tremendous ability to attract applications.
- program.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight May 28th, 2025
Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, the programs that they oversee are the homeless programs, energy efficiency programs, and rehab programs
- Uh, all of the loans that are made within our homeownership program get securitized in the secondary
- Uh, in that department, they do a lot of the loan programs and tax credit programs for both rental and
- program.
- , about a year's worth of program. funding for that program.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, June 6, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- SBA loans are supposed to help creditworthy businesses that cannot get loans elsewhere.
- SBA loans are supposed to help creditworthy businesses that cannot get loans elsewhere.
- Unlike the section 1071 for a loan.
- a preerequisite for obtaining a loan. a preerequisite for obtaining a loan.
- gun violence prevention programs. Mr. gun violence prevention programs. Mr.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Nov 19th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- We partner with them to provide that loan. We also will back and guarantee the loan.
- Another program I want to highlight is a rural community investment program.
- This is Another program I want to highlight is a rural community investment program.
- A couple to highlight: the Emergency Bridge Loan Program.
- But all of our programs really are loan-focused. Any further questions?
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met to hear presentations from the Department of Commerce and the Florida Department of Transportation. Jason Mahon of Florida Commerce outlined the state’s economic development strategy, emphasizing Florida’s GDP growth, business formation, and strengths in manufacturing, high-tech, life sciences, defense, and financial services. He described the department’s tools for small business lending, rural investment tax credits, venture capital support, infrastructure and workforce grants, performance-based incentives, and disaster recovery loans, and highlighted examples such as ServiceNow, Williams International, Asteris, and Point Blank Enterprises. Senators asked about grant availability for small businesses, foreign companies relocating to Florida, workforce shortages in manufacturing, and whether additional tools may be needed; Mahon said most small-business support is loan-based and noted ongoing workforce and infrastructure challenges.
Jennifer Marshall of FDOT then reviewed major transportation projects and the Moving Florida Forward initiative, describing the state’s large portfolio of active contracts and major congestion-relief projects across Florida. She highlighted early completions and accelerated timelines on projects including the NASA Causeway Bridge, I-95 at US 1 in Volusia County, I-4 congestion relief lanes, the First Coast Expressway, the Howard Frankland Bridge, I-4 interchanges in Central Florida, A1A coastal protection work, I-75 improvements in Southwest Florida, and the I-395 reconstruction in Miami. Senators asked about how express lane projects are selected, whether toll revenues are used for local maintenance and improvements, the status of the Miami I-395 project, and the impact of losing electric-vehicle express lane exemptions. Marshall said FDOT works with local long-range plans and congestion data, and that she would follow up on several specific funding and project questions.
Committee members generally praised both agencies for project delivery, cost savings, and coordination with local partners. Senator Mayfield noted the importance of using savings and working with local governments, while Senator Wright commended Commerce’s role in economic development and FDOT’s work on major road projects. The meeting concluded with no further business, and the committee adjourned.