Video & Transcript : 'blue envelope program' :

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MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Formal House Session 13 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • But in the meantime, with concerns continuing to mount and the funding for this program running out,
  • However, as someone who has been looking at this program for years now, I can say we must make these
  • Families entering the program must verify eligibility before enrolling in the EA system.
  • The program ballooned beyond anyone's imagination, and the influx has overwhelmed our capacities.
  • to get into those programs, may have been looking to get into these programs for a long period of time
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The House considered House No. 57, a $425 million supplemental appropriations bill for fiscal year 2025 to fund the emergency shelter/emergency housing assistance system and related activities. The bill, as described by the chair of Ways and Means, included major policy changes requested by the Governor: immediate residency verification at intake, limits on eligibility, required criminal history disclosures and CORI checks, a reduced maximum shelter stay from nine months to six months with hardship waivers, temporary respite sites for 30 days, and a cap on system capacity. Supporters argued the changes were needed to preserve the right-to-shelter system amid fiscal strain and federal inaction; opponents said the bill still did not go far enough or, in some cases, went too far and risked harming families and children. The House debated and voted on numerous amendments, mostly focused on tightening eligibility or changing shelter operations. Several Republican amendments to reduce funding, impose a one-year residency requirement, require broader background checks, limit eligibility to homelessness caused within Massachusetts, and require cooperation with ICE were rejected, often after roll call votes. A point of order was sustained on multiple amendments as beyond the scope of the bill, including proposals affecting court officers, law enforcement, and ICE-related provisions. The House also rejected amendments to cut the appropriation from $425 million to $200 million and to add other restrictions on eligibility and administration. Some amendments were adopted. A redrafted Amendment 27, offered by Rep. Decker, was adopted 25-25 on a tie vote and expanded protections to children under age six and added related hardship/extension language. A subsequent amendment by Rep. Consalvo was adopted unanimously to add disability-related protections and extend benefits in certain cases. Another amendment by Rep. Finn was adopted to modify language about seeking federal reimbursement, and Amendment 9 was adopted to require competitive bidding for certain service funds. After debate and roll call, the bill was passed to be engrossed by a vote of 126-26. The House then observed a moment of tribute for Doug Selfick and adjourned to meet again Monday at 11 a.m.
ND

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Management Jun 11th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • When a school chooses to operate the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, they
  • opt into that program.
  • So that's part of the process of operating the program.
  • So it's just not—those school meal programs have to be self-funded.
  • So we've got a lot of different ways kids can qualify for this program.
Summary: The Legislative Management Committee met to address the fiscal impact of Initiated Constitutional Measure No. 3, which would require public schools, public school districts, and public charter schools to provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to students and allow reimbursement from the state, with implementation beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The committee first filled a vacancy created by Representative Jared Hagert’s resignation by appointing Representative Berg to the committee. Legislative Council and DPI staff explained the measure’s requirements, including federal reimbursement participation, possible use of the legacy earnings fund if other funding is unavailable, and the authority of the Legislature and superintendent of public instruction to clarify implementation details. Linnell Johnson of DPI testified that the estimated fiscal impact for the 2027-2029 biennium is between $124 million and $134 million, based on participation assumptions, federal reimbursement rates, and the extent to which schools continue to collect applications or use community eligibility/provision 2 options. She also noted a likely additional administrative cost of about $300,000 for DPI to operate the program. Members asked about school participation, Title I implications, special diets, staffing, and whether the measure could reduce federal reimbursements if families stop applying. Johnson said the estimate is uncertain and could be higher if applications decline, but that schools would still have incentives to participate in federal programs because of reimbursement and other funding ties. After discussion, the committee adopted a motion to report a fiscal impact range of $124,300,000 to $134,300,000 per biennium to the Secretary of State. The committee then received an informational update from Legislative Council attorney Dustin Richard on the ongoing redistricting litigation. He explained that the U.S. Supreme Court vacated the Eighth Circuit’s ruling and sent the case back for reconsideration in light of Louisiana v. Callais, while the district court-imposed map remains in effect for now. No action was taken on that update, and the meeting adjourned after members noted minutes from the prior meeting were not yet available for approval.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • We have an education program.
  • </c><00:17:29.160><c> be</c> that it's requesting that a program be that it's requesting that a program
  • I'm sure we do work programs with DOE.
  • </c><00:17:51.800><c> of</c> programs within the Department of programs within the Department of Education
  • </c> What I meant to say is we have programs What I meant to say is we have programs where<00:17:54.600
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The Committee on Education heard three tandem resolution packages. HCR 13 and HR 15 sought collaboration among the Department of Education, the State Public Charter School Commission, and DLNR to develop a student coral stewardship program. DOE said it was willing to work with DLNR, and DLNR supported the measure but said it did not want to be the lead agency for reporting or curriculum development because of existing reporting burdens and because it was already active in school outreach. Testimony in support was received, and the committee later amended the measure to restore DLNR as the lead for the report while keeping DOE and the Charter School Commission as collaborators. The committee then voted to pass HCR 13 HD1 and HR 15 HD1 with amendments. HCR 91 and HR 83 proposed a long-term collaborative program between DLNR and DOE to expand and sustain tree canopy coverage at public schools statewide. DLNR strongly supported the measure, DOE offered comments, and the Boys and Girls Public Health Institute testified in support, citing research on heat reduction, student health, and academic impacts of shade trees. Additional supportive testimony came from the Kaululu Nani Urban and Community Forestry Program Advisory Council and others. The committee voted to pass HCR 91 and HR 83 unamended. HCR 183 and HR 183 addressed guidance and protections related to immigration enforcement in schools. DOE said it supported the resolution but noted it already had guidance in place; the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, the Boys and Girls Public Health Institute, Roots for Warren Maui, ACLU, 50501 Hawaii, General Strike Hawaii, and others testified in support, emphasizing student safety, attendance, and the effects of enforcement-related fear. A committee member asked about a reported Konawaena Elementary incident, and DOE clarified that the student was not deported and the event occurred off campus, with some newspaper details said to be inaccurate. After discussion, the committee deferred HCR 183 for further work with DOE and the Board of Education on definitions, enforcement, and guidance.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 18th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • one program?
  • So last year there were two programs; beginning July 1, there was only one program.
  • one program?
  • So last year, there were two programs, beginning July 1, there was only one program.
  • operations program.
Keywords: 989, all
Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and first heard a budget presentation for the Department of Parks and Recreation. Legislative analyst Janet Jessup reviewed the agency’s structure, dedicated funds, prior ARPA and general fund infrastructure appropriations, and the department’s FY 2027 requests. Those requests included additional park personnel and trail maintenance staff, one-time project funding, and a supplemental $9.8 million transfer to move grant funds from a consolidated program into the current park operations program. Director Susan Buxton said the agency has no general fund request, emphasized the economic impact of outdoor recreation, and highlighted completed and ongoing capital projects at parks statewide, including Ponderosa, Heyburn, Priest Lake, Eagle Island, Cascade, Harriman, Ashtonia Trail, and Bruneau Dunes. Committee members asked about resident access to campsites, out-of-state pricing, vacancy filling, the new Twin Peaks property in Lemhi County, OHV education, and trail maintenance. Buxton said the agency is filling positions quickly, that higher nonresident fees have increased availability for Idahoans, and that the Twin Peaks acquisition is expected to become revenue-positive within two years. The committee then heard the Office of the State Public Defender budget. Analyst Janica Bicharat summarized the office’s staffing, fund balance, and FY 2027 requests, which included six additional trial attorney positions, secure hosted data storage, and one-time laptop and data migration costs. Director Eric Frederickson described the agency’s transition to a statewide public defense system, noting that it inherited more than 1,300 cases on day one, has since reduced vacancies to about 7%, and is building pipelines for attorneys and social workers. He warned that the pending Tucker v. State of Idaho case could lead to renewed litigation if the system is not adequately funded. In response to questions, Frederickson said the office can absorb the current year’s rescissions through vacancy savings, but future cuts could force reductions in training and contract attorneys, increasing caseloads and risking attorney retention. He also said CPA case costs are running above appropriation, county lease/MOU issues remain unresolved in some counties, and public defenders are generally paid less than county prosecutors and attorney general attorneys. The committee adjourned after announcing the next day’s budget hearings for the Industrial Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Secretary of State.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 037 Feb 20th, 2026

Colorado Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><01:23:45.920><c> So,</c> program. Pregnant people and kids. So, program.
  • </c> Medicaid programs. Medicaid programs.
  • But in this program, it's zero. But in this program, it's zero.
  • It is what we refer to this program as, the Cover All Coloradoans program.
  • <02:13:10.480><c> program.
Keywords: 981, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 23rd, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Okay, so within the PASS program, Okay, so within the PASS program, there are four phases.
  • So within that PASS program, we keep the academic focus.
  • Professionally, the PASS program has changed the way I teach.
  • She said, PASS has been an incredible program for Andy.
  • We have an old-school phonics program.
Committee: Senate Education
Keywords: 989, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Human Services Jan 27th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • So this bill also maintains the program in perpetuity, if you will, and expands the program statewide
  • It corrects the name, as stated, of the H-Sync program, and stops the limitation on that program from
  • program to stay in that program until their 21st birthday, ensuring that they have access to the resources
  • and stability the program provides.
  • as all other programs.
Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5977, which would require DCYF to publish child near-fatality review reports within 180 days and post them publicly, with confidential information redacted as allowed by law. Senator Nikki Torres said the bill is intended to improve transparency, accountability, and child protection. There was no public testimony on the bill, and the hearing was closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6184, an Office of Homeless Youth request bill sponsored by the chair. The bill makes technical and policy updates to OHY programs, including replacing the term “street youth” with “unaccompanied homeless youth,” allowing certain flexible funds to go directly to youth or vendors, renaming and making permanent the H-Sync program, expanding eligibility and housing options in the Independent Youth Housing Program, and clarifying shelter and reporting provisions. Testifiers from Commerce, advocates, school support organizations, and a youth advocate all supported the bill, emphasizing that the changes would improve access, consistency, and housing stability for unhoused youth. The hearing was then closed. The committee moved into executive session on seven bills. SB 5681, concerning intellectual and developmental disability services at age 20, had Amendment A1 fail and the proposed substitute was adopted and sent to Ways and Means. SB 5917, regarding abortion medication in DOC, saw one amendment adopted and multiple Christian amendments rejected before the bill was sent to Rules. SB 5942, renaming the DCYF Oversight Board as the DCYF Accountability Board and revising its duties, had only Amendment C16 adopted; the amended bill passed to Rules. SB 6024, on duplicative audits for community residential providers, passed without amendment. SB 6036, concerning adult family homes and foster care licensees, had Amendment D1 adopted and the bill passed to Rules. SB 6085, on the DOC institutional welfare account, had Amendment E1 adopted and the bill was sent to Ways and Means after several other amendments failed. In each case, the committee voted to advance the bill after considering amendments, with most of the proposed changes from Senator Christian failing except where noted.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Governor Tim Walz Media Availability 12/4/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> to do when these programs were created. to do when these programs were created.
  • Some of the programs that were exploding in growth—housing programs, autism—that didn't raise any alarms
  • ,</c> in these programs, in these programs, &gt;&gt; we<00:13:37.200><c> can</c><00:13:37.360><c> we<
  • Some of the programs that were exploding in growth—housing programs, autism—that didn't raise any alarms
  • </c> cutting the programs that really matter. cutting the programs that really matter.
Keywords: 1183, house
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Transportation Jan 14th, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • The annual review of the department's tentative work program.
  • Similarly to the review of the tentative work program, objectives.
  • The Transportation Disadvantaged Program interacts with multiple federally funded programs, state agencies
  • , including the innovative service delivery program.
  • We really do see that a lot as pilot programs. The veterans example I mentioned is a pilot program.
Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met, took roll, and heard introductory remarks from members about their districts and transportation priorities, with several senators noting congestion and mobility challenges in their regions. The committee then received a presentation from the Florida Transportation Commission on its oversight role for FDOT, including annual and quarterly performance reviews, review of the five-year work program, and monitoring of tolling and transit authorities. Members asked whether the commission gets involved in project prioritization; the answer was no, because it is statutorily limited to high-level oversight rather than day-to-day project decisions. The committee next heard two reports related to transportation disadvantaged and paratransit services. FDOT’s Melissa Smith described the statewide Transportation Disadvantaged program, its governance structure, service models, and challenges such as fragmented administration, cost, inconsistent reporting, and rural service limitations. She outlined recommendations including better use of technology, regional partnerships, improved training, and alternative delivery models like microtransit and TNC partnerships. A University of South Florida researcher, Martin Katala, discussed best practices for paratransit and demand-response service, emphasizing route optimization software, dynamic dispatching, service standards, vendor accountability, and the use of TNCs and mobility management to improve efficiency and reduce travel times. A later presentation from UF’s I-Street program focused on emerging technologies for transit, including in-cabin monitoring, automatic restraints, accessible booking and tracking tools, and the need for statewide safety standards and better driver interfaces. Finally, FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue and District 5 Secretary John Tyler provided an update on the transition of SunRail local entities. They explained the differences among commuter rail, intercity rail, and light rail, and said SunRail’s financial transition to local partners was completed on January 1, with operational transition to follow over up to three years. They contrasted that with Tri-Rail, where FDOT still funds operations and discussions about a future transition are ongoing. Members asked about the differences between SunRail, Tri-Rail, Amtrak, and Brightline, and the presenters explained that commuter rail serves regional daily commuters while intercity rail connects regions. The committee concluded without taking any formal votes or other legislative action.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Prevention Program.
  • program, the Prop 64 grant program, and also the organized retail theft grant programs.
  • We are—grant programs have—” “Sure, grant programs have tripled in the past five to seven years, really
  • They go on wait lists for rehab and programming.
  • Programming, and it's essential to fund the right grant to ensure programs are maintained and keep bringing
Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview from the Board of State and Community Corrections on its budget change proposal for 11 additional permanent positions, which BSCC said are needed to manage a rapidly expanded grant workload, increase technical assistance, and strengthen oversight and audits. BSCC also updated members on its new In Custody Death Review Division, created under SB 519, reporting that it has begun collecting and reviewing local jail death investigations, has hired about one-third of its staff, and has received access to medical records and related documents. Members raised concerns about family notification practices, local jail deaths, and whether BSCC’s increased administrative use would reduce grant dollars; BSCC said the change is intended to be permanent but should not substantially affect local assistance. The LAO supported the position authority request but flagged a methodological issue in the administration’s Proposition 47 savings estimate, and Finance said it would update the estimate by May Revision. The committee then reviewed CDCR’s overall budget, population, and facility issues. The Secretary said the incarcerated population is holding around 90,000, parole around 33,000, and described major cost pressures from retirements, workers’ compensation, medical transport, violence, and aging infrastructure lacking air conditioning and ADA features. He defended prison closures as creating overcrowding and reducing programming capacity, while also highlighting successes such as declining recidivism, expanded college and reentry programming, and the completion of the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. Members pressed CDCR on fiscal discipline, the effect of closures on savings, community impacts from prison shutdowns, vacancy and staffing issues, and climate-related facility needs. CDCR said it clusters medically vulnerable and ADA-needing populations at more suitable facilities, uses heat plans and temperature monitoring, and is developing a 20-year infrastructure plan. A separate item addressed CDCR’s request for $91 million ongoing for lump-sum leave payouts for correctional officers and nurses. CDCR said these costs have historically been covered by vacancy savings, but declining vacancies and facility closures have reduced that source. The LAO said the funding is reasonable in the near term but recommended limited-term approval with reporting, and urged the Legislature to scrutinize unallocated savings assumptions and the ongoing Boston Consulting Group efficiency contract. Finance argued the lump-sum request should be ongoing because the costs are recurring and vacancy savings are less reliable. Members questioned whether CDCR is doing enough to reduce leave liability and whether the department will actually achieve the budgeted savings from the consultant work. Finally, CDCR presented updated population projections through June 2030, estimating a 6.5 percent decline in the institution population and a 10.4 percent decline in parole, while revising its Proposition 36 methodology based on actual admissions data. CDCR said Prop. 36 admissions are increasing but at a lower level than previously projected, and that the law’s long-term effects remain uncertain. On the California Rehabilitation Center closure, CDCR projected about $99.6 million in net General Fund savings next year and roughly $150 million ongoing, with 522 positions eliminated. The LAO said the state could close another prison within a few years and identified the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad as a strong candidate, recommending against approving new capital projects there unless another closure is identified. Finance said the administration has not proposed any additional closure at this time.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Public Safety Committee Apr 14th, 2026

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • young adults in the state is vital to the success of the program.
  • Having programming expectations and safety considerations for programs serving the high-risk and highest-need
  • Having programming expectations and safety considerations for programs serving the high-risk and highest-need
  • At the center of that vision are our less restrictive programs, or LRPs.
  • Program or receiving wraparound services in the community.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 2/25/25

Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:15:34.079><c> the</c> Training uh restoration programs the Training uh restoration programs the
  • The rural physician associate program, designated with the acronym RPAP, and the MetroPAP program.
  • </c><00:38:06.839><c> about</c> veterinary medicine programming about veterinary medicine programming
  • </c> medicine program medicine program and<00:41:28.160><c> our</c><00:41:28.359><c> office</c><00:41
  • </c><00:41:34.839><c> dollars</c> programs Grant programs so those dollars programs Grant programs so
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/4/26

Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Livable Communities program is a competitive grant program that operates in the seven-county metro
  • </c> place for 30 years um or this program place for 30 years um or this program has<00:02:06.719><c>
  • livable communities program, our livable communities program.<00:07:05.039><c> Sorry,</c><00:07:05.440
  • :07:21.039><c> is</c> community tree planting program is community tree planting program is relatively
  • </c> available in the statewide DNR program. available in the statewide DNR program.
Bills: HF3884 , HF3881 , HF3882 , HF3883 , HF3363 , HF3362
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

LBT Informational Briefing 01-12-2026

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • youth programs.
  • :18:00.440><c> program,</c> &gt;&gt; media program, social media program, &gt;&gt; media program, social
  • Relations on two topics, Hale'i Imua program and summer youth programs. Um.
  • How much is this program? director. How much is this program?
  • for joining the program?
Keywords: 912, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 02/26/25

Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:
  • , so whether that's the gas affordability program, Xcel's Power On program, the other many different
  • , so whether that's the gas affordability program, Xcel's Power On program, the other many different
  • , so whether that's the gas affordability program, Xcel's Power On program, the other many different
  • We oversee programs like Power on the Gas Affordability Program.
  • </c><00:40:03.839><c> like</c> programs um we oversee programs like programs um we oversee programs like
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • This is the case where the paid family leave program was completely manual, and we modified that program
  • Again, with the larger of the two programs under the SDI umbrella being the DI program, I mean, it's.
  • The larger of the two programs under the SDI umbrella being the DI program, it's really event-driven,
  • This program is sometimes referred to as COYA. This program is sometimes referred to as COYA.
  • I don't have any questions, but just wanted to comment that I think the drop program is a great program
Keywords: 988, house, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

February 4, 2025 - 03:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • So that division helps oversee that program.
  • programs.
  • I think the Guardian program is a fantastic tool.
  • So we are diligent with after-school programs, before-school programs for parents to drop their kids.
  • And so it's an important part of that program.
Summary: The subcommittee first heard an overview from Department of Education Chancellor Paul Burns on Florida’s K-12 governance structure and major divisions, including early learning, public schools, safe schools, school choice, and accountability. He highlighted school readiness and VPK, teacher preparation and licensure, school safety functions, scholarship and virtual/home education programs, and FAST progress monitoring. Burns also cited statewide gains such as higher mid-year reading performance, a record graduation rate of 89.7%, and record CTE enrollment, while members questioned the meaning of Florida’s “number one” education rankings, teacher pay, post-COVID learning loss, vacancies, and chronic absenteeism. St. Lucie County Superintendent John Prince then described the scale and responsibilities of a mid-sized district, emphasizing student safety, transportation, meals, hurricane shelter operations, career and technical education, teacher recruitment and retention, progress monitoring, remediation, and mental health supports. Members asked about school shelter construction standards, remediation funding, late school start times, attendance, and concordance scores; Prince argued for more flexibility for CTE pathways and noted that local districts use a mix of state and federal funds to support remediation and staffing. The committee then moved to an early warning systems panel. Burns explained that Florida law requires districts to use attendance, behavior/suspensions, course performance, FAST results, and other academic indicators to identify students needing support, with districts and families developing intervention plans. Superintendents from Putnam, St. Johns, and St. Lucie counties said chronic absenteeism is tied to achievement and NAEP decline, but causes vary by district, including poverty, transportation, daycare, family instability, travel, and student athletics. They described MTSS, PBIS, home visits, attendance letters, and community partnerships as responses. Members also discussed VPK access, full-day VPK funding, excused versus unexcused absences, and the need for earlier intervention in pre-K and K-2. Finally, Vice Chancellor Darren Norris outlined Florida’s post-Parkland school safety measures, including armed school officers, anonymous reporting, behavioral threat assessment teams, mental health training, panic alert systems, emergency drills, active assailant response policies, and firearm detection canines. Superintendents said compliance is costly and often requires shifting local funds, but they praised state grants for mental health, hardening, and mapping. They noted ongoing challenges with new mandates, capital costs, manual reporting burdens, and the need to balance safety requirements with classroom resources.
IN

Indiana 2026 Regular Session

Friday, Feb. 27 part 1

Indiana Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In Indiana, this means a program where the median earnings of graduates In Indiana, this means a program
  • What does a low-earning program mean?
  • program is, we are showing the value in that program.
  • But we can't do that if we risk eliminating these programs.
  • program and still continue it, so the university's and move it to under another program and still continue
Keywords: 964, all
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • education program.
  • Does anybody have a program like that? Mr.
  • And I do want to reaffirm with this program.
  • And so we're also looking at braiding the programs that already exist.
  • And so we're also looking at braiding the programs that already exist.
Summary: The committee began with a presentation on the 520 Native American Language and Culture certificate, created to let proficient tribal language and culture speakers teach in K-12 schools without a bachelor’s degree. LESC staff, PED, and HED described the certificate’s statutory basis, the role of tribes and pueblos in setting proficiency standards, and ongoing challenges such as uneven MOAs, limited professional development, rural access barriers, data gaps, and retention concerns. PED said oversight of 520 is moving from the licensure bureau to the Indian Education Division, and HED reported that the tribal education technical assistance centers authorized in 2023 are still in procurement but are expected to be awarded in early 2026. A student, Alonzo Hughes, testified about how learning Tewa from 520-certified teachers helped him understand his culture and speak with elders, and members praised the program’s role in language revitalization and asked about funding, teacher pathways, and whether similar models exist in other states. Committee members then discussed several PED rule updates. Staff reviewed an adopted rule implementing HB 54 on AEDs and cardiac emergency response plans, including staff training requirements and staggered compliance dates, and a proposed rule for school nurse licensure under HB 195 that would create a three-tier system and align nurse pay with teacher pay. They also reviewed proposed changes to the Community Schools Act rule, including a full-time community school coordinator requirement, updated grant language, and broader coalition membership criteria; PED said the broader language would not conflict with the Martinez-Yazzie work. A proposed bilingual teacher rule would standardize coursework requirements, add trans-languaging and culturally relevant curriculum competencies, and allow Native American language certification applicants to demonstrate proficiency using tribal standards. In questions, members raised concerns about AEDs being present at athletic events, the need for the amended school nurse bill to move experienced nurses directly into higher levels, and whether the community schools rule’s broader coalition language could affect current education litigation. Members also asked about funding for 520 programs, teacher residency or cohort models, and how to support advanced language instruction and sustainability. PED said the Indian Education Fund and school budgets can support some of the work, but additional strategic funding and cross-training are needed. The committee also heard that New Mexico’s 520 system is unusually robust compared with other states, and members encouraged staff to present the model at national conferences. The meeting ended with the director’s report, which noted a flat budget request of $2,024,300, staff turnover including Natasha Davalos’s departure, and appreciation for the committee’s work before adjournment for the holidays.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Feb 25th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Postsecondary Education & Workforce

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is a very good program, though. Thank you all for your testimony.
  • This bill would not increase state spending or create new aid programs.
  • Our School of Nursing paused expansion of its BSN program.
  • , expanded programs, student support services.
  • Programs were cut, and graduate enrollment fully halted in other programs.
Bills: HB2070 , HB2671 , HB2617 , SB6258