Video & Transcript Research : 'ART'
Page 46 of 178
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- While this equipment was considered state-of-the-art when installed, it is corrosion-prone and may be
- While this equipment was considered<00:03:57.280>
state-of-the-art <00:03:57.920>when considered - state-of-the-art when considered state-of-the-art when installed,<00:03:58.640>
it <00:03:58.799
Keywords:
underground storage tanks, petroleum, reimbursement program, environmental regulation, pollution control, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, dentistry, licensure, registration
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Interagency Council on Student Attendance created 3/4/26
Transcript Highlights:
- He's been a fantastic uh asset to us and and also uh Scott County is here as well and Suzanne Art Arnson
- c><00:04:02.560>
well <00:04:02.720>and <00:04:02.879>Suzanne <00:04:03.280>Art - <00:04:03.840>
Arnson <00:04:04.400>has here as well and Suzanne Art Arnson has here - as well and Suzanne Art Arnson has done<00:04:05.120>
a <00:04:05.439>fantastic <00:04:
Summary:
The committee heard House File 3585, as amended, which would create an interagency council on student attendance and re-refer the bill to education finance. Representative Keeler moved the bill and an A1 amendment that corrected the council’s placement from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to the Department of Education; the amendment was adopted. Keeler and Representative Bakeberg described the bill as the product of several years of bipartisan work on chronic absenteeism and truancy, emphasizing that attendance problems involve multiple systems and require ongoing coordination rather than a single-agency response.
Testimony was strongly supportive. Matt Shaver of Allies cited statewide chronic absenteeism data and argued that schools cannot solve the problem alone because root causes such as housing, transportation, health, and economic instability lie outside school control. Assistant Commissioner Angela Mansfield of MDE said the task force and pilot districts showed coordination gaps and supported the council, while also noting MDE’s Compass staff would need permanent funding to carry out the work. Ashley High Totower of Hennepin County’s BEET program said attendance is a public health, child welfare, transportation, housing, and economic issue, and Kenneth Avon of the Minneapolis Foundation said absenteeism is an ecological problem requiring cross-sector coordination.
Student witnesses also supported the bill but urged stronger youth representation. Henry Brick of Catalyst for Systems Change said students understand the causes of absenteeism best and proposed expanding student seats on the council from one to five. Ava Northrup of the Minnesota Youth Council said youth voices should be more than symbolic and suggested two youth representatives, one from the metro and one from greater Minnesota, plus additional youth task forces or panels. In member discussion, Representative Lawrence questioned whether the council duplicated existing MDE work, asked who would coordinate the group, and raised the lack of a sunset; Keeler and Bakeberg said the Department of Education would coordinate and that a sunset could be considered later. Other members asked about fiscal impact, and the chair said a fiscal note had been requested and the bill would move on to education finance.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And this is my favorite: we just launched a state-of-the-art e-sports arena.
- programs that help students get into careers that are related to tourism, hospitality, and culinary arts
- Related to tourism, hospitality, and culinary arts.
- of Northwest Florida and a graduate of the University of West Florida, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts
Summary:
The committee on Higher Education Appropriations heard and favorably reported two bills: SB 1570, which revives the former Project Leo program to help locate missing persons with special needs through voluntary tracking devices and coordination with sheriff’s offices, and CS/SB 1376, which creates a grant program to support genetic counseling education in response to a statewide shortage of genetic counselors. Both bills drew supportive comments, with the genetic counseling bill also receiving public support from a university representative.
The committee then took up a large slate of confirmations. It first approved a block of reappointments to various university and college boards of trustees, including institutions such as UWF, Broward College, Chipola College, FIU, Pasco-Hernando, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, Valencia, FAMU, FAU, UCF, FSU, New College, UNF, USF, and Broward College. It then heard from numerous new appointees and some requested reappointments, many of whom emphasized workforce training, nursing, military and veteran support, dual enrollment, and local economic development as priorities for their institutions.
Several nominees highlighted their personal ties to the schools and communities they would serve, including appointees to Pensacola State, Polk State, St. Petersburg College, UNF, UWF, FIU, the College of the Florida Keys, Valencia College, and Chipola College. Committee members repeatedly asked about nursing NCLEX pass rates, workforce alignment, and institutional growth. One reappointment, Thomas Zachary Smith to the UWF board, was pulled from the block for separate questioning about his past public comments and his role in Project 2025; he said he would serve in his personal capacity and treat all students equally. The committee also separately heard from a Florida Poly reappointment, I. Shapiro, who was questioned about prior remarks regarding race and Supreme Court nominations, and from a New College reappointment, Mark Bowerlaine, who described campus improvements and enrollment growth. The meeting ended amid ongoing confirmation processing and separate votes on the remaining nominees.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/20/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- On the motion of art to pass by Representative Ron, seconded by Representative Maguire. >> Representative
- Chairman. on the motion of art<00:06:00.160>
to <00:06:00.320>pass <00:06:01.680>uh< - /c><00:06:01.840>
by <00:06:02.320>Representative <00:06:02.880>Ron, art to pass - uh by Representative Ron, art to pass uh by Representative Ron, seconded<00:06:03.680>
by <00:
Summary:
The committee first considered House Bill 241, which would provide information about alternative pain treatments rather than mandate services. Members cited support from the prime sponsor, medical organizations, insurers, and other stakeholders, and noted there was no fiscal impact. The committee voted unanimously, 7-0, to ought to pass the bill.
It then took up House Bill 629, which raises a boat decal fee and dedicates the revenue to the dam maintenance fund. Members described the state’s deteriorating dam infrastructure, noting the large number of dams, the high-hazard sites, and the much larger funding need, while saying the bill would provide only a modest start. They also said boat owners generally did not strongly object to the fee. The committee voted 7-0 to ought to pass.
House Bill 1042, concerning an increase in the unified contingent credit limit for New Hampshire Business Finance Authority projects, drew more divided discussion. Supporters said the higher cap would provide needed flexibility and liquidity for business development and that the state treasurer and BFA had explained the credit structure and low historical loss rate; opponents warned the increase would raise state exposure too much, too soon. After debate, the chair postponed the bill, then later returned with an amendment lowering the proposed limit from 450 million to 400 million, which the committee adopted unanimously. The committee then moved to ought to pass as amended.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1411, which would have allowed withholding payments to the federal government in response to federal actions. Members opposing the bill argued that withholding employee-related funds would be unlawful and ineffective, while supporters said it could serve as a statement and suggested interim study instead. The committee rejected the bill on a 4-3 vote and voted to inexpedient to legislate.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 29th, 2025 at 11:00 am
Nevada Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the proceeds of the live entertainment tax after the required transfer of $150,000 go to the Nevada Arts
- I'm sorry. $150,000 to the Nevada Arts Council.
- I'm sorry. $150,000 to the Nevada Arts Council.
- While I support the arts and transit is worthwhile, this bill, I feel, unfairly penalizes the live entertainment
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 27th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Bill 408 by Assembly Member Berman and relating to the healing arts.
- Assembly Bill 968 by Assembly Member Berman, relating to the healing arts.
- Assembly Bill 968 by Assembly Member Berman, relating to the healing arts.
- healthy development, compounds trauma, limits opportunities for positive activities like leadership, arts
Summary:
The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then moved through guest introductions, including students and fellows from California Lutheran University, UC Merced’s CAPE program, the Maddy Institute, and Madera High School’s Madtown Robotics Team 1323, which was recognized for multiple robotics world championships. The chamber also adopted an adjournment in memory and took up the daily file.
Several bills and resolutions were considered and passed, including AB 1390 on school board compensation thresholds, AB 1338 on air district cost recovery for fence-line air monitoring, AB 648 on community college housing, AB 1207 on cap-and-trade price ceilings, ACR 66 recognizing Skin Cancer Awareness Month, AB 49 on keeping ICE out of public schools, AB 317 on a CEQA exemption for certain single-family homes, AB 527 on geothermal exploratory wells, AB 665 on the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation ombudsman report, AB 940 creating quantum innovation zones, AB 1021 on workforce housing for education agencies, AB 1112 on property tax apportionment in Rancho Mirage, AB 1318 on nonprofit eligibility for public funding, and AB 1470 on using student housing loan funds for affordable housing in downtowns and commercial districts. Most measures passed with broad support; AB 49 and AB 1318 were urgency bills and passed with the required higher vote threshold.
The floor also adopted H.R. 40, declaring May 25 as Rosenda’s Day to honor a teen killed by a drunk driver, and H.R. 42, recognizing May as Behavioral Health Awareness Month. Both drew extensive personal testimony from members about mental health, suicide, substance use, and the need to reduce stigma and expand access to care. Additional health-related bills passed, including AB 408 creating a physician health and wellness program, AB 546 requiring coverage for HEPA purifiers for certain enrollees after wildfire disasters, AB 967 expediting licenses for out-of-state physicians, and AB 968 expanding pharmacist authority to provide non-hormonal contraception.
The Assembly also debated AB 1056 on phasing out gill net fishing and AB 1376 on limiting juvenile probation terms, with supporters framing both as conservation or rehabilitation measures and opponents warning about economic harm or public safety concerns. Both bills ultimately passed. Throughout the session, members repeatedly emphasized public safety, education, housing, climate, health care access, and support for immigrant and youth communities, with recorded roll-call votes and voice votes taken on each measure.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Conference Committee on SF3045 5/19/25
Transcript Highlights:
- The Historical Society and the Arts Board also are funded at the governor's level with the operating
- Um the historical society and the<00:03:48.159>
arts <00:03:48.480>board <00:03:49.040>< - 49.360>
are <00:03:49.599>funded <00:03:49.920>with <00:03:50.080>at the arts - board also are funded with at the arts board also are funded with at the<00:03:50.480>
governor's
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Jan 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So I look forward to expanding arts funding, tourism funding, economic development and all the rest.
- Senate District, 17, lots of transportation projects as well, which we welcome and lots of thriving arts
- We've had big Ben tack received 2 million dollars in December of 2021 for a state-of-the-art mock hospital
- Let's go to Florida Friday afternoon and we are seeing a tremendous increase in that arts and culture
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (03/10/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I think even the modular kitchen, as proposed, would be appropriate for us to continue a culinary arts
- There are two culinary arts programs through our vocational program, and those continue on despite the
- There are two culinary arts programs through our vocational program, and those continue on despite the
- /c><03:53:32.800>
Council <03:53:33.159>on <03:53:33.439>the <03:53:33.800>Arts - <03:53:34.800>
New Hampshire State Council on the Arts New Hampshire State Council on the
Summary:
The committee heard a Department of Corrections capital budget presentation on HB 25, focused largely on urgent maintenance and security needs at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men and other DOC facilities. DOC officials described the governor’s proposed priorities: boiler surge and radiator tank replacements, electronic controls and camera upgrades, and replacement of HVAC units using R22 refrigerant. They also outlined additional requested projects totaling $15.4 million, including a body alarm/man-down system at Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility, steam line and trap repairs, fire alarm replacements, and removal of an underground diesel tank in favor of above-ground storage.
DOC testified that many systems are well beyond their expected service life, including 40-year-old boilers, outdated analog cameras, and HVAC equipment using discontinued R22 refrigerant. They said the men’s prison is relying on a leased temporary boiler, has significant steam leaks causing major water loss and reduced boiler efficiency, and is dealing with frequent fire alarm faults and deteriorating wiring. On the body alarm system, they said the vendor no longer supports the equipment and replacement parts are no longer available. On the diesel tank, members questioned whether it could be abandoned in place or whether fuel could be reused; DOC said it had not explored all alternatives and would follow up, while noting the tank is underground and tied into the warehouse system.
Members also asked whether some current investments could be reused in the planned new men’s prison. DOC said some items, such as air handlers, might potentially be moved, but most projects are needed to keep the current facility operational and would not be practical to transfer. Questions were also raised about the leased boiler arrangement, the use of the man-down system by staff and visitors, and whether the kitchen project could be converted to a modular unit. DOC said the modular kitchen approach is necessary because the existing kitchen cannot remain fully operational during repairs. The committee then moved to lapse extensions, and DOC identified several projects no longer needing extensions, including items numbered 64, 65, and 66 in HB 25, with the chair noting those balances would be deleted and that the lapse amount was $550,500.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Governmental Organization Committee Apr 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Bill Hoffman, on behalf of the California Arts Advocates, in support.
- Dylan Hoffman, on behalf of the California Arts Advocates, in support.
- Dylan Hoffman on behalf of California Arts Advocates, in support. Thank you.
Summary:
The Governmental Organization Committee heard a series of bills focused largely on alcohol licensing, nonprofit funding, tribal grants, public transparency, and tobacco policy. AB 342 (Haney) would allow local governments to create hospitality zones with extended last-call hours on certain days; supporters argued it would boost tourism, nightlife, and major-event readiness, while opponents warned of alcohol-related harms and public safety risks. AB 684 (Patel) would subject the UC Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools to open-meeting requirements, with supporters saying admissions-related changes should be more transparent and allow schools time to adjust. AB 1008 (Addis) would authorize up to 10 new on-sale general licenses in San Luis Obispo County to meet tourism demand, and AB 1039 (Hart) would require state agencies to offer advance payments on new nonprofit grants and contracts, which supporters said would help cash-strapped nonprofits deliver services. AB 221 (Ramos) would revise the Tribal Nation Grant Fund to provide more predictable annual distributions to eligible non-gaming and limited-gaming tribes, and it drew broad support from tribal representatives and others. AB 795 (Jeff Gonzalez) would create a California commission for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, with supporters describing it as a privately funded, nonpartisan planning body. AB 828/AB 28 (Mark Gonzalez, as referenced in the transcript) would expand neighborhood-restricted liquor licenses in Los Angeles County to reduce costs and support restaurant recovery, and AB 1246 (Hoover) would increase craft distillers’ direct sales limits and address barrel-storage rules; both were supported as small-business measures. AB 1428 (Ta) would require reporting of all surplus and underutilized state land, and AB 957 (Ortega) would prohibit tobacco sales in pharmacies, with strong public health support. Several bills were voted out on motions to Appropriations, some with amendments, while others were held or left on call until quorum was established; the committee also adopted a consent calendar and left rolls open for absent members on multiple measures.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- infrastructure, the Higher Education Fund is also instrumental in technology acquisition from the state of the art
- Art research tools to modern instructional technologies are crucial as investments in this area are critical
- And with that, we would create state-of-the-art teaching laboratories and research space that is technologically
Bills:
HB42, HB 125, HB 1233, HB2853, HB3148, HB3326, HB3701, HB4066, HB4361, HB4762, HB4909, HB4912, HB42, HB125
Keywords:
higher education, funding, financial allocation, state budget, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, education funding, medical education, osteopathic medicine, healthcare workforce, Tarleton State University, industry-recognized credentials, workforce development, career opportunities, feasibility study, student fees, university funding, student union, education, UT El Paso
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So my, my point in saying that is that classroom management is kind of a lost art in my opinion.
- safety allotment to give teachers training on how to do that because I worry that we have lost the art
- When it comes to that, they have lost the art of speaking to each other.
Keywords:
hemp, consumable hemp products, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, Texas hemp law, hemp regulation, cannabinoid products, delta-9 THC, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, retail registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, youth access, minor sales
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 27th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Created music and art that changed the world, led movements that reshaped democracy, and continue to
- profound impact of African Americans in fields such as government, law, education, science, business, the arts
- historical contributions in the Rondo neighborhood, civil rights activism, political leadership, and the arts
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- This was a $2 million facility that provides a state-of-the-art health care facility and services over
- This program will be a state-of-the-art facility, which will be 10,000 square feet, with advanced tools
- Through innovative programs, strong industry partnerships, and state-of-the-art facilities, we are equipping
Summary:
The Education Postsecondary Committee met to hear an overview of Florida career and technical education (CTE) from Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell and presentations from Big Bend Technical College and Santa Fe College. O’Farrell described Florida’s CTE structure, including career clusters, postsecondary program types, enrollment and completion growth, apprenticeship expansion, and the state’s credentials review process. He said postsecondary CTE enrollment is near 480,000 students and completions reached a record 76,806, with strong growth in nursing, law enforcement, EMT, and other public-safety credentials. He also discussed the CTE audit, which uses retention/success, employment or continued education, and labor-market demand metrics; programs not meeting thresholds would eventually require phase-out plans beginning in 2026. He highlighted the workforce development capitalization grant as a major driver of program expansion and facility renovation, and answered questions about business outreach, construction trades, apprenticeships, and space-industry training.
Shelby McCall of Big Bend Technical College described how the college responded to hurricanes, mill closures, and regional economic disruption by expanding rural workforce training. She highlighted aluminum welding, millwright, welding technology, health sciences, and a new advanced manufacturing facility funded by state grants and local partnerships, along with a new LPN-to-RN bridge program. She said the college has strong placement and certification results and is working with employers such as Lippert, NAMO, and others to align training with local demand. Senator Simon praised the college’s role in Taylor County’s recovery and workforce development.
Dr. Paul Brody of Santa Fe College said state workforce grants have helped the college expand nursing, skilled trades, apprenticeship, automotive, diesel, and manufacturing programs, including partnerships with Bradford County Technical College, UF Health, Habitat for Humanity, and local employers. He reported growth in CTE enrollment, nursing credentials, apprenticeship enrollment, and job placement rates, and described new efforts in semiconductor training, CDL training, and a charter school model that combines high school, an AS degree, and industry credentials. The committee took no formal action beyond hearing the presentations and adjourned after Senator Berman moved to adjourn.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
- Our Father, who art the Lord's Prayer.
- Senator Waters responded: “Oh, I think almost maybe the Bible of art history.
- I mean art historical books I think could be banned under this.
- Uh I I mean the Bible of art history.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So when I taught 8th grade English language arts and reading and I still think 8th graders are the best
- At Travis, 44 students are on... with both a high school diploma and an Associates of Arts in teaching
- TEA has identified critical shortages. areas for the 25-26 school year, like English language arts for
- into the year, and ensuring that teachers have an active role. in scoring open-ended reading language arts
- English language arts, and K-5 Spanish language arts, and partial subject tier one instructional materials
Keywords:
instructional materials, public schools, Education Code, adoption, rejected materials, local funds, open educational resources, Texas Education Code, school districts, open enrollment charter schools, funding restrictions, environmental regulation, business compliance, local authority, economic development, state preemption, local control, open education resources, SB 762, Texas public schools
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 042 Feb 25th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The members of the Colorado House commend the SCFD for nearly 40 years of connecting the public to arts
- <00:31:30.000>
the <00:31:30.240>public <00:31:30.640>to <00:31:30.960>arts - , years of connecting the public to arts, years of connecting the public to arts, culture,<00:31:
- , Colorado Fine Arts Association, Downtown Aurora Visual Arts Association, Hot Quest, the Ocean First
- Aurora Visual Arts Association, Hot Aurora Visual Arts Association, Hot Quest,<00:35:07.520>
the
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and heard several announcements about upcoming committee meetings, events at the Capitol, and recognitions, including Music Therapy Day, Black History Month activities, adoptable puppies, and a Colorado Agricultural Forum. Members also celebrated Representative Story’s birthday and recognized the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) for its long-running support of arts, culture, science access, and economic impact in Colorado. The House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, designating February 20, 2026, as Colorado FFA Day, by a vote of 64-1 with one excused.
The chamber then moved to special orders for several bills. The first major bill considered was House Bill 1017, which would prohibit insurers from receiving criminal restitution unless they are direct victims. Sponsors argued the bill prioritizes human victims, prevents restitution from becoming an unpayable burden on low-income defendants, and clarifies the law in response to court concerns and stakeholder feedback. Opponents argued it would shift costs to taxpayers and policyholders and could increase civil litigation and insurance premiums. An amendment, L005, was adopted to clarify the bill’s scope, and the bill then passed as amended.
The House also took up House Bill 114, concerning minimum lot size and local land-use rules. An amendment, L002, was offered to prohibit certain local lot frontage, setback, open-space, or coverage requirements that would effectively prevent construction of a single-family home on a 2,000-square-foot residential lot. Supporters framed the measure as protecting housing access, while opponents argued it would override local land-use decision-making and public hearing processes. The transcript ends during debate on a substitute motion related to the amendment, before final action on House Bill 114 is shown.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Education Policy and Administration (03/10/2025)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- area is the changing of the word "shall" to "may," which impacted whether or not children will get art
- area is the changing of the word "shall" to "may," which impacted whether or not children will get art
- area is the changing of the word "shall" to "may," which impacted whether or not children will get art
- area is the changing of the word "shall" to "may," which impacted whether or not children will get art
- area is the changing of the word "shall" to "may," which impacted whether or not children will get art
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 749, which would require high schools to provide at least one hour of instruction on the nature and history of communism. The prime sponsor said the bill was prompted by concerns that students lack basic historical knowledge about communism and its effects, and argued that a short, flexible requirement could be embedded in an existing course without creating a new full class. He described communism as a totalitarian ideology and cited historical examples including the Soviet Union, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Cold War, and current events involving Russia, Ukraine, and Taiwan as reasons students should understand the topic.
Members asked whether the subject is already covered in current social studies standards, whether one hour is enough, and whether the bill would apply to public, private, parochial, and charter schools. The sponsor said he did not believe communism is specifically required in current standards, that he would prefer a full course but was proposing a minimal requirement, and that he intended the bill to apply broadly to schools under the Department of Education’s umbrella, though he acknowledged the wording may need clarification for charter schools. He also said the proposal was both reactive and proactive, based on anecdotal concerns and his teaching experience.
A second supporter testified that he was born in the Soviet Union and favored the bill, but suggested the instruction should emphasize critical thinking and explain both why communism can appeal to some people and why it can have harmful consequences. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Haddy loved the beach, making arts and crafts, coloring for hours, and leaving thoughtful notes and drawings
- Barney attended college at Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1962.
Summary:
The Senate took up House No. 4646, an act enhancing child welfare protections, and considered a series of amendments focused on child welfare, school discipline, truancy, foster care transparency, and related services. Several amendments were withdrawn, including Senator DiDomenico’s proposal to create a Massachusetts children’s cabinet and Senator Tarr’s amendments on timeout and isolation standards, the best-interest-of-the-child standard, and mandated reporter definitions. Other amendments were adopted, including Senator Rauch’s amendments on student transfers and reasonableness, Senator Tarr’s amendment on information management integrity and youth engagement in the Office of the Child Advocate, and the Senate Ways and Means amendment. Amendments on school compliance before CRA filings, probation certification before accepting a child requiring assistance petition, and statewide truancy and engagement standards were rejected.
After the amendments were resolved, the Senate ordered the bill to a third reading and then passed it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 39 in the affirmative and none in the negative. The chamber also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of John Edwards and Hadley Boucher, with moments of silence held for each. Later, the Senate also adjourned in memory of former U.S. Representative Barney Frank, with remarks highlighting his civil rights work, his role in financial reform, and his historic service as the first openly gay member of Congress.
Before adjournment, the Senate took up a House amendment to the Senate bill establishing the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act, voted not to concur, and requested a committee of conference. The chair appointed Senators Creem, Finegold, and O’Connor to the conference committee. The Senate then adopted an order to reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m. and dispense with printing a calendar, and finally adjourned.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
2026 Joint Budget Subcommittee on Higher Education - 03/18/2026
Transcript Highlights:
- of New York, Higher Education Services Corporation, State Education Department, and Council of the Arts
- COUNCIL OF THE ARTS.
Summary:
The Higher Education Conference Committee met to discuss budget priorities for SUNY, CUNY, community colleges, TAP, student aid, and capital funding. Chair Toby Ann Stavisky emphasized the need for increased operating and capital support, protection against enrollment-based funding losses, no tuition increases, a review of TAP because it has not kept pace with living costs, and action on student loan access and research funding cuts. Assembly Chair Alicia Hyndman outlined the Assembly’s higher education proposal, including $475.7 million to expand TAP eligibility, raising income thresholds for TAP and the Excelsior Scholarship, creating a graduate tuition assistance program, adding community college operating aid, expanding the Opportunity Promise Scholarship, forgiving SUNY hospital debt service, increasing CUNY operating support, restoring opportunity program funding, creating a $110 million student loan support program called New York Rises, and funding five-year capital plans for SUNY and CUNY plus additional ECAP grants.
Members broadly supported making higher education more affordable and accessible, while highlighting district-specific needs. Senator May praised SUNY Reconnect, community college workforce programs, hospital debt service relief, and a five-year SUNY capital plan. Senator Gonzalez framed the budget as an investment in economic mobility. Senator Griffo supported affordability, operating and capital aid, and additional support for medical schools and hospitals. Assembly Members Walker, Colton, and Fall backed TAP expansion, opportunity programs, disability supports, SUNY Downstate’s transformation, and capital needs at CUNY and SUNY campuses.
Assembly Member Smullen, speaking for the minority conference, urged a five-way budget process, said TAP has not kept pace with inflation, and called for a more stable long-term funding model for community colleges. He also stressed aligning higher education with workforce needs. Assembly Member Pirozzolo pointed to the College of Staten Island as an example of the benefits of investment and warned that employers recruiting students directly from high school could weaken higher education unless colleges continue strengthening trade and career training. The meeting ended with no vote on the budget items, and the chairs adjourned the conference committee after concluding remarks.