Transcript Highlights:

• It's just an awesome program.
• It's skills for being a future leader.
• I'm really proud of everybody program.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Many youth and government program &gt;&gt; Many youth and government program participants
• ,</c><00:05:01.303><c> [music]</c> Youth and Government Program, [music] Youth and Government Program

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The transcript is a promotional overview of Minnesota Youth and Government, a four-day mock state government conference held each January at the Minnesota State Capitol Complex and the Hilton in downtown Minneapolis. It explains that eligible 8th through 12th grade students from Minnesota and western Wisconsin participate through school or community delegations, which meet during the year to prepare for the conference. Participants described the program as a hands-on way to learn how state government works and to build skills in public speaking, debate, leadership, scheduling, and interviewing. High school students can take on roles such as legislators, judges, attorneys, lobbyists, media representatives, or cabinet members, while eighth graders participate in a leadership corps that samples multiple program areas. Several speakers emphasized the value of meeting students from different schools and states, hearing new perspectives, and gaining access to spaces like the House Chamber. The transcript includes personal testimonials from students and program alumni about making friends, gaining confidence, and learning from committee and floor debates. One speaker noted a committee discussion on curriculum that brought in views from teachers, students, and families. A representative from Shakopee said the district has one of the largest delegations, with over 150 students involved, and praised the program as a way to prepare future leaders. No formal legislative votes or actions were taken, since this was an informational segment about the youth program.

Transcript Highlights:

• These programs are a win-win for consumers, airlines, and the economy.
• travel perks, but the cost of those programs is borne by the small business owner.
• These programs are a tool that card issuers use to win cardholder business.
• So keep an eye open for future hearing dates. We've not set a hearing date yet.
• So keep an eye open for future hearing dates. We've not set a hearing date yet.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met for its second hearing to study the future of credit card payments and sales transactions and their impacts on small businesses. Members heard extensive testimony from credit unions, retailers, restaurants, and payment-industry representatives on interchange fees, processing fees, fraud, chargebacks, rewards programs, and the ability of businesses to pass fees on to customers. Several witnesses argued that swipe fees have risen sharply, are especially burdensome for restaurants and other small businesses, and are charged on taxes and tips that are merely pass-through amounts. They urged state action to prohibit fees on tax and tip portions, improve transparency, and allow surcharging or convenience fees, while opponents warned that state regulation could reduce fraud protections, increase compliance costs, and threaten consumer rewards programs. Business owners and trade groups described thin margins, rising costs, and the difficulty of understanding merchant statements or negotiating with processors. Restaurant witnesses said card-not-present and online transactions create the greatest fraud and chargeback risk, with money often removed immediately from merchants’ accounts and disputes rarely resolved in their favor. Retail witnesses gave examples of rising effective rates, higher fees on rewards cards, and the burden of processing fees on low-value transactions. A representative from the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and others said restaurants are effectively paying fees on meals tax and gratuities, which they argued should not be subject to interchange charges. On the other side, the Cooperative Credit Union Association said interchange revenue helps credit unions fund fraud prevention, rapid card replacement, and member protections, and warned that state limits on interchange could weaken those safeguards and lead to higher consumer costs or reduced services. Airlines for America testified that airline credit card rewards are popular, support travel and jobs in Massachusetts, and could be harmed by interchange reform. The National Restaurant Association and a payments-policy attorney countered that interchange fees are set by card networks rather than competitive markets, that banks remain highly profitable even with rewards, and that states can act after recent court decisions. No votes were taken; the hearing consisted of testimony and questions from commissioners.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> programming uh our small cities program programming uh our small cities program works<00:29:45.720
• </c> employment Community Employment Program employment Community Employment Program as<00:39:33.560>
• </c> the employment and training programs the employment and training programs team<00:52:46.319><c>
• /c><00:58:12.960><c> uh</c> it was a a program it is a program uh it was a a program it is a program
• state money for this program.

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• programs.
• We’ll talk about our ASPIRE program, which is a new program.
• Aspire program.
• program.
• You mentioned that program. Career Builders, you mentioned that program.

Summary: The Higher Education Institutions Committee met on the Minot State University campus for presentations on campus operations, enrollment, and new academic initiatives. President Shirley reviewed recent audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings, and highlighted MSU’s broad academic offerings, specialized accreditations, athletics, and partnerships with Minot Air Force Base and the MSU Development Foundation. Members asked about declining interest in teacher education, tuition waivers for athletes, dual credit incentives, and how MSU decides when to launch new programs and avoid duplication within the university system. Shirley also discussed several workforce-focused initiatives supported by the Legislature’s Workforce Education Innovation Funds, including the purchase of the Trinity Health Center West building for a downtown health sciences hub, a new daycare/preschool partnership near campus, the Aspire program to recruit rural students into teaching, and a paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Enrollment data showed overall headcount was flat at just under 2,750, but full-time equivalent enrollment rose slightly and new student numbers increased, including the largest freshman class in 15 years. The committee also discussed Minot State’s in-state tuition rate for all students, its dual credit “Emerging Scholars” scholarship, and concerns about the share of high school graduates who do not immediately pursue postsecondary education. Faculty then presented two new programs funded in part by WEAF: an Innovation Engineering degree and a master’s program in counseling with an integrated addiction studies focus. The engineering program was described as industry-driven, designed with broad early coursework, hands-on learning, and local employer input to prepare students for western North Dakota workforce needs; officials said it had already drawn more applicants than expected and would use renovated library space and donated or grant-funded equipment. The counseling program will be mostly face-to-face with hybrid options, aims to address shortages in mental health and substance use providers, and is structured to help students meet licensure requirements. Committee members asked about startup costs, licensure supervision hours, and whether the programs would be on campus rather than online, and presenters said both programs had recently received required approvals and were moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• This program was canceled at the federal level in 2025.
• and the Virginia Fresh Match program.
• But, you know, I think that that's definitely a valuable program.
• But a lot of that will happen into the future.
• Because summer meals programs... ...time of the year, how we start talking about summer meals programs

Keywords: Virginia Commission to End Hunger, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These programs have been operating for a few years, and what this bill does is codify these programs
• These programs have proven to be successful. These programs have proven to be successful.
• these programs on an ongoing, forward basis.
• The federal programs at stake exist for students like us.
• , such as the Scholars Honors Program, EOPS, CARE, Umoja, and Puente.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard a series of bills focused on student access, equity, and campus support services. AB 2660 would codify the CalBridge and ENLACE STEM pipeline programs to help underrepresented students move from high school through Ph.D. and faculty or industry careers; AB 2121 would let community colleges temporarily exclude certain local backfill dollars from the 50% instructional spending law so they can replace lost federal funding for MSI and TRIO programs; and AB 1920 would clarify that students do not lose California College Promise eligibility if they earn a certificate as part of a stackable pathway to an associate degree. AB 1636 would authorize Cerritos College to use voluntary data-sharing agreements with K-12 districts to create ready-to-enroll student records, AB 1845 would add human trafficking training and reporting requirements to campus Title IX-related processes, AB 1784 would extend pregnancy and parenting protections to undergraduate students, AB 2229 would create a CSU reentry support program for stopped-out students, AB 1852 would create a conditional pathway for a Kern County medical school if UC does not act, AB 1928 would allow both an advisor and a support person in campus sexual misconduct proceedings, and AB 2392 would require training before AI tools are deployed to students, faculty, or staff. Testimony was largely in support of the measures, with authors and witnesses emphasizing student success, equity, and removing administrative barriers. Supporters included community college and university officials, student leaders, advocacy groups, and survivors. AB 2121 drew the most mixed testimony: community college leaders and students supported it as a temporary response to federal cuts, while faculty groups opposed it or raised concerns about weakening the 50% law and the need for the proposal. AB 1852 also drew opposition from the CSU Chancellor’s Office, which argued the proposal could have broader operational and governance implications, though supporters said Kern County’s doctor shortage justified a local solution. AB 1784, AB 1845, and AB 1928 were framed as protections for vulnerable students in pregnancy, trafficking, and sexual misconduct proceedings, respectively, while AB 2392 was presented as a modest training and transparency requirement to accompany AI adoption. The committee took action on the bills after testimony. Most measures were approved on bipartisan roll calls and re-referred to the appropriate committees, including AB 1636, AB 1784, AB 1845, AB 1920, AB 1928, AB 2229, AB 2392, and AB 2660. AB 2121 and AB 1852 also advanced, though AB 1852 had several members not voting and AB 2121 drew one no vote. The committee also approved a consent calendar that included AB 1591, AB 2203, and AB 2572, and members were invited to add on to bills after the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The segments already do this for their self-support programs, for their housing programs.
• But we just reiterate that there are academic programs, kinesiology programs, and physical education
• that could impact the program.
• to help inform future decisions.
• This program is not optional.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• their program.
• ><c> their</c><00:10:10.399><c> program.
• Uh the fed the for a federal program.
• </c> eligible for financial aid programs. eligible for financial aid programs.
• ,</c> acceptance for financial aid programs, acceptance for financial aid programs, you<01:06:08.960>

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also oversee both our sustainability and asset stewardship programs.
• The primary way we do that is through our corporate governance and proxy voting program.
• It's time that we invest in a just future for our children and grandchildren.
• three-strike counting, counting it as a third strike for the future.
• There would be cost avoidance in the future.

Bills: SB5439 , SB6109 , SB6304

Committee: Senate Ways & Means

Keywords: investment, thermal coal, divestment, state investment board, fossil fuels, environmental impact, renewable energy, detention facilities, state funds, privatization, criminal justice reform, Washington State Investment Board, responsible investment, sustainability, corporate governance, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or getting in all that, they're like, 'We need more programs, we need more programming.'
• I was able to create my program, Black Girls in Charge, which is a healing mental health program that
• , program providers looking for solutions.
• But when he retired, the program retired.
• and future generations.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Business Connect program is a small program that the NFL did that LABC is still carrying on.
• We completely created a new program.
• We completely created a new program.
• We have 100% graduation in our program.
• Why aren't they a part of this program?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are passing good programs. Because it's a good program and people are using it, right?
• So we are passing good programs that people need.
• So we are passing good programs. Because it's a good program and people are using it, right?
• So we are passing good programs that people need.
• and our students' futures need and deserve more.

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: Senate budget writers, led by Sen. June Robinson, rolled out the Senate operating budget and described it as a difficult supplemental budget shaped by flat revenue growth, rising maintenance costs, and uncertainty from federal actions, including H.R. 1 and tariffs. They said the proposal aims to preserve core services such as K-12 education, health care, food assistance, long-term care, housing stability, and child care while mitigating federal cuts, and they emphasized that it does not include broad-based tax increases like sales, property, or B&O tax hikes. A major focus of the discussion was how to pay for the Working Families Tax Credit and how to reduce the budget gap. Robinson said the Senate proposal uses about $750 million from the rainy day fund because additional cuts would be too severe, and she noted the statute allows that use in a slow-growth economy. Senators also discussed the Climate Commitment Act as a possible funding source for the tax credit, but said they would negotiate with the House on that issue. On child care, they said the Senate avoided the governor’s approach of capping Working Connections Child Care enrollment and creating a waitlist, instead relying more on attendance-based payment changes to reduce costs while trying to avoid destabilizing the provider network. The senators also responded to criticism from educators and Republicans. They acknowledged concerns from the Washington Education Association that schools and special education remain underfunded, but argued the state has made major progress and that Washington’s tax structure limits school funding growth because of the 1% property tax cap. They said a future “millionaires tax” could help stabilize revenue and support education and other services. In response to Republican claims of a “spending addiction,” Robinson said critics should identify specific cuts they would support, and noted Republicans had offered little support for prior budget-cutting measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:49.160><c> to</c> and we have delivered programming to and we have delivered programming to
• That's the future, Mr. Chair.
• </c><00:47:05.040><c> a</c> essential community supports program a essential community supports program
• </c> funding supports an existing program funding supports an existing program that<00:48:01.040><c>
• Is this a forecasted program? Kyle, yes, this is a forecasted program. Well, thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> state dollars from other grant programs. state dollars from other grant programs.
• ,</c><00:04:09.360><c> workers</c><00:04:09.640><c> comp,</c> Minnesota state programs, workers comp,
• ,</c> public programs, public programs, and<00:05:10.560><c> the</c><00:05:11.040><c> the</c><00:05:11.200
• All right, that would be a conversation for a future time. Any other questions?
• </c> a future time. Any other questions? a future time. Any other questions?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• , it's adult programs.
• , it's adult programs.
• </c> This is a sensible nutrition program. This is a sensible nutrition program.
• </c> general fund expenses in the future. general fund expenses in the future.
• </c> to schools that have DEI programs. to schools that have DEI programs.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to thank the Legislature also for funding the Wright grant program, the Jails to Job program
• Farm Worker Housing Grant Program, and the Portfolio Reinvestment Program.
• rail capital program, and the low-carbon transit operations program.
• We are very appreciative of the allocations to the state LIHTC program and the MHP program.
• This will inherently impact our Tier 3 programs, which include our ASIC program, another flagship program

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But a lot of our work, a lot of the grant programs, finance programs, incentive programs that we provide
• and robotics programs.
• programs.
• You know I just love that program.
• They have this program called Future Ready, which is remarkable.

Transcript Highlights:

• compensation program, rehabilitation program, and the crime victims compensation program.
• The Commission has addressed the audit finding on the CWix program by examining our program expenditures
• So the two separate programs...
• They have just one budget program, which is the Utilities Regulation Program.
• The office has three programs.

Summary: The committee heard budget reviews for the Industrial Commission, the Public Utilities Commission, and the Secretary of State. For the Industrial Commission, analysts and agency staff described the agency’s dedicated funds and FY27 requests, including ongoing support for the IRIS technology system, additional funding for the annual seminar and CWICS training, an increase for the Peace Officer and Detention Officer Temporary Disability Fund due to rising claims, and replacement IT hardware. Members asked about the IRIS maintenance contract, the seminar pricing and audit finding on the miscellaneous revenue fund, and the crime victims compensation program and its general fund support. Agency staff said the IRIS support is still being provided by an outside vendor because OITS is not yet able to assume the work, that seminar and training spending will increase rather than fees being reduced, and that the disability fund increase is ongoing. The committee also discussed concerns that reductions in the crime victims compensation general fund appropriation could affect services, though staff said dedicated and federal funds could help cover shortfalls if needed. The Public Utilities Commission presentation focused on its single utilities regulation program, dedicated funding sources, and FY26 and FY27 budget items. Analysts reviewed the new workload created by the wildfire standard of care law enacted in 2025, which added staff and one-time funding in FY26, and noted a FY27 request for IT hardware. Questions centered on why indirect cost recovery spending was far below the amount budgeted; the administrator said the variance was largely due to timing and the fact that rent was not paid from that fund at the time. A senator praised the commission’s work implementing the wildfire legislation. The Secretary of State budget review covered elections, business services, the Commission on Uniform State Laws, and the Idaho Code Commission. Analysts noted the office’s general fund budget, the large FY24 election system upgrade, and FY27 requests for $350,000 ongoing for a voter pamphlet and guide, a $20,000 ongoing transfer for post-election audit overtime, and replacement technology items; a reappropriation item for a double-filled business director position was later withdrawn. Secretary of State Phil McGrane said the office is handling sharply increased business filings, generating more revenue than its budget and returning excess revenue to the state, but also facing longer processing times. He defended the ongoing voter pamphlet request as tied to recurring election requirements and said the overtime request reflects election-cycle workload. He also said the office is using outside vendor support for election IT, is considering AI tools cautiously, and would not be materially affected if ballot counting methods changed, since counties handle tabulation. The committee ended with procedural remarks about upcoming budget-setting work, a FY26 rescission bill still being processed, and a reminder that alternate motions must be submitted by 5 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had program cuts.
• We've had the elimination of language programs.
• Free meals are a good investment in our future.
• We can feed the kids and we can give them a bright future.
• findings when the program ends.

Bills: HF51 , HF1161 , HF2201 , HF2786 , HF1053

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: HF51, Sibley County, State-Aid Highway 21, capital investment, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, transportation infrastructure, road improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, local infrastructure, county grant, Minnesota Department of Transportation, bond proceeds fund, public works, utility infrastructure, education finance, school district funding, tax base adjustment

Transcript Highlights:

• Program, the Joe Cerna Farmworker Program, and our Infill and Infrastructure Grant Program.
• The federal program has two sides, the 9% program and the 4% program.
• The 9% program has always been an oversubscribed program.
• The federal program has two sides, the 9% program and the 4% program.
• What would that mean for the future of your program?

Summary: The Assembly Subcommittee on State Administration held a budget hearing focused heavily on housing, homelessness, and related administrative proposals. HCD reported that California housing production has increased, with 2023 completions up 13% from 2022 and entitlement and construction timelines improving, while members and advocates criticized the Governor’s January budget for zeroing out or sharply reducing several housing programs. Public testimony urged funding for affordable housing production, preservation, youth housing, CalHome, LIHTC, HAP, and related programs, and several speakers argued the state should not pull back after recent progress. A major policy item was trailer bill language to allow HCD to access “excess equity” in existing affordable housing projects and recycle those funds into new or preserved housing. HCD and the LAO said the proposal could unlock tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, but members wanted guardrails and clearer statutory direction to ensure the funds stay within the intended housing purposes. The committee also discussed encampment resolution funding; HCD said the proposal would shift expenditure deadlines to the date of award rather than appropriation, while the LAO raised concerns about limited outcome data and urged the Legislature to use upcoming reporting before deciding on future funding. The hearing also covered HCD trailer bills to consolidate default reserve funds into a centralized continuously appropriated account and to clarify reporting requirements for early rounds of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program. HCD requested funding to implement chaptered legislation, including a new tribal housing program and reporting-related bills, and also sought extensions for certain reappropriations, including Homekey and REAP 2 deadlines. Public commenters and regional agencies supported flexibility for REAP 2 timing and other housing-related adjustments. Finally, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency presented the Governor’s reorganization proposal to split the current agency into a Housing and Homelessness Agency and a Consumer Protection Agency. The administration said the change would improve focus, efficiency, and coordination, but the LAO and several members questioned whether it would truly save money or improve accountability, especially given the need for new leadership, possible staffing changes, and the fact that the plan had not yet been formally submitted for review. No votes were taken during the hearing.