Video & Transcript : 'conservation futures program' :
Page 479 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 1/16/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:32:59.840><c> that</c> program um so there are programs that program um so there are programs
- the largest program, and the North Star Promise program, which is the newest program and which is also
- </c><00:47:37.040><c> and</c> program which is the largest program and program which is the largest program
- grant program.
- grant program.
Committee:
House Higher Education Finance and Policy
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability Aug 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- There's subsidy programs that the state offers, like ACD programs, the federal programs, as well as local
- There's a 9% program and the 4% program.
- and the 9% program.
- , the LIHTC program, which is a federal program.
- the My Access program.
Summary:
The Assembly Select Committee on Housing Finance and Affordability held its first hearing of 2025 to examine California’s housing finance system, with opening remarks emphasizing the state’s severe housing shortage, high costs, and the need for practical recommendations to the Legislature and Governor. Co-chairs described the committee as an educational and problem-solving forum focused on financing housing production, first-time homeownership, mixed-income developments, and affordability across the income spectrum. Witnesses from state agencies and the development sector were invited to explain how housing is financed and where the system is breaking down.
Panelists from the California Housing Partnership, the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the Tax Credit Allocation Committee/State Treasurer’s Office, CalHFA, and Related outlined the “capital stack” used to finance affordable housing, stressing that projects typically rely on multiple public and private sources, including federal and state low-income housing tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, state subsidies, local funds, and rental income. Speakers noted that affordable housing rents generally cannot support full project costs without public subsidy, and that recent federal changes—especially the expansion of the 4% and 9% tax credit programs and the reduction of the bond financing threshold for 4% credits—should allow California to finance substantially more units. CalHFA also described its homeownership programs, including My Home, Dream For All, and disaster-related mortgage assistance, as well as its multifamily lending and bond issuance programs.
Several witnesses and committee members emphasized that the system remains too complex, too slow, and underfunded. They pointed to the need for more state funding, a housing bond, a permanent funding source, and better coordination among agencies, while also citing recent streamlining efforts such as AB 434’s SuperNOFA, AB 519’s one-stop-shop working group, and the planned California Housing and Homeless Agency reorganization. Members raised concerns about equity, access, missing-middle housing, gender and racial disparities, and whether current programs adequately serve extremely low-income households and those at risk of homelessness. No formal votes or actions were taken during the hearing; the discussion ended with committee members and witnesses agreeing that both funding and administrative reform are needed to increase production and improve affordability.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill will fix that gap and will also future-proof so all future licenses that we may get... ...will
- Savings from the 340B program are how we are in the 340B program.
- a result of the 340B program.
- through the Medicaid drug rebate program were $6.5 billion less as a result of the 340B program.
- and think it is a great program.
Summary:
The committee heard public testimony on several health-related bills. SB 5904 would restrict nursing titles such as RN, NP/ARNP, and LPN to licensed human people and prohibit non-human entities, including AI chatbots, from using those titles. The sponsor and nursing advocates said the bill is meant to prevent confusion and protect public trust, while preserving the use of AI as a support tool. SB 5877 would add a $70 surcharge for certified anesthesiologist assistants so they can participate in the Washington Physicians Health Program and access HealWA resources; supporters said it closes a technical gap and aligns CAAs with other medical professions. SB 5185 would create a pilot pathway for certain international medical graduates with clinical experience licenses to obtain full primary care licensure; supporters from the medical commission, physicians, and IMG advocates said the program has worked well, has shown no patient safety issues, and could help address workforce shortages.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on ESSB 6210, which would let the Health Benefit Exchange adopt additional market-factor certification criteria for exchange plans, including standards aimed at preserving access and affordability in underserved counties. Supporters, including the exchange, OIC, consumer advocates, tribal representatives, and patient groups, said the bill is needed to respond to federal policy changes, rising premiums, and disappearing coverage in places like San Juan County. Opponents from carriers and employer groups argued the timeline is too fast, the criteria are too discretionary, and the bill could reduce competition and raise costs. The committee then heard SB 5981, which would strengthen protections and reporting requirements for the federal 340B drug pricing program and limit manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies and data requests. Hospitals, clinics, and patient advocates said the bill protects safety-net care and rural access, while manufacturers, employers, and business groups argued it would expand a program that already raises costs and lacks transparency.
In executive session, the committee took action on SB 5917, related to Department of Corrections distribution of abortion medications, rejecting five proposed amendments and then advancing the bill on a 10-6 vote with three excused. The committee also advanced SB 5988, which concerns Department of Health opioid treatment program accrediting activities, on a do-pass recommendation after brief discussion.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- kindergarten program, and bus depreciation.
- So, sunset's not killing the program.
- To make sure that our TTK programs are made whole.
- time about the great benefits of the TK programs, the transition to kindergarten programs that we have
- the transition to kindergarten programs that we have in our schools The TK programs, the transition
Committee:
House Appropriations
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses Apr 7th, 2026
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.
- It's about the future of small business in Massachusetts. It's about our employees.
- 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.
Summary:
The commission met to continue studying credit card payments, interchange fees, fraud, chargebacks, and the impact of card processing costs on small businesses, especially restaurants and retailers. Members heard extensive testimony from credit unions, retailers, restaurant owners, payment-industry representatives, and an airline trade group. Supporters of reform argued that swipe fees are a major and rising expense, that businesses are paying fees on sales tax and tips that are merely pass-through amounts, and that merchants have little negotiating power. Several restaurant and retail witnesses described thin margins, higher costs for card-not-present transactions, and chargebacks that they said usually favor cardholders and leave merchants absorbing losses and fees.
Witnesses from the Cooperative Credit Union Association cautioned that state-level interchange regulation could reduce revenue used for fraud prevention, compliance, and member services, and could lead to higher rates or reduced access. Retail and restaurant representatives countered that fees have risen sharply, that statements are difficult to decipher, and that rewards programs and card-network pricing are subsidized by merchants and ultimately by all consumers. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association and independent operators urged legislation to bar fees on tax and tip portions of transactions and to allow businesses to pass along card fees if they choose, saying this would improve transparency and fairness and help keep small restaurants open.
Other testimony came from the National Restaurant Association, which supported interchange reform and said modern point-of-sale systems can already separate tax and tip amounts, and from a payments-industry group that emphasized the broader economic benefits of digital payments and warned against state-by-state rules. Airlines for America opposed changes that could undermine airline credit card rewards programs. Commission members asked detailed questions about fee structures, card types, chargebacks, POS systems, and whether consumers paying cash are also affected. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We are talking about the future of our country. I'm sorry. Thank you. You're next. Come on up.
- And gutting our DEI programs could prove disastrous. Thank you. Thank you for your testimony.
- SB 710 would strip funding from programs that train doctors to recognize these disparities.
- Let's start building a future where talent and effort, not identity politics, define success.
- And by the way, had she—I don't want to point out her—if some future Governor got mad at his...
Summary:
The committee first confirmed Heather L. Turnbull to the Florida Commission on Community Service without debate. It then took up SPB 7022, which sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2025, updates rates to address unfunded liability, and preserves the 3% employee contribution rate. Senator Fine said the bill would increase FRS Trust Fund revenue by about $310 million annually and also gives certain elected officers an option related to DROP accumulations. An amendment was adopted, the bill was submitted as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably.
The committee then heard SB 1710, a bill by Senator DeSantis/DeSigley to prohibit state agencies, vendors, and grant recipients from using state funds for DEI-related policies, trainings, and programs, and to impose related restrictions on medical institutions of higher education. Senator Polsky and others questioned the bill’s broad and vague language, its effect on health-related work, public-facing agency positions, private contractors, and medical school admissions. The sponsor said the bill was intended to stop DEI from influencing state agencies and that the medical-school portion would likely be amended out later. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill would harm health care, education, access, and minority communities; a few supporters said DEI is ideological and should be removed from government and public institutions. After debate, the bill was reported favorably on a party-line style vote, with Senator Errington voting no.
The committee then began SB 1678, relating to entities that boycott Israel, with a delete-all amendment. Senator Leak said the bill would expand Florida’s anti-BDS framework to cover nonprofits, foreign educational institutions, foreign government funds, academic boycotts, political subdivisions, and certain grants, while the amendment aligned the bill with existing law and clarified procurement and divestment provisions. Testimony included support from proponents who said Florida should not do business with entities engaged in boycotts of Israel, and opposition from speakers who argued the bill would restrict academic freedom and conscience. Debate continued as the transcript ended, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force Jun 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- , the initial TORCH program.
- She also works in our jail program, so we have a jail case management program specifically.
- They identified about 83 different programs. We reviewed the financials of those programs.
- Our recovery support programs, we had to work to restore. grow STF Our recovery support programs, we
- It saves us in other social services programs. It saves us money in other programs.
Summary:
The task force heard extensive testimony on recovery support, harm reduction, and community-based care. Dan Haniken of Into Action described his own recovery from addiction and incarceration and argued that treatment alone is not enough; he said recovery housing, peer support, employment, accountability, and stable housing are what help people stay sober and avoid relapse. Members asked about funding, housing shortages, transportation, treatment courts, and support for medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Haniken said Into Action relies on a braided mix of federal, state, county, city, foundation, and private funding, and that recovery housing needs longer-term support than many current funding streams provide. He also said Missouri should expand recovery housing, peer recovery support, and recovery community centers, and improve awareness and access to MAT in recovery settings and after incarceration.
Matt Cushman, a community paramedic with Raytown Fire Protection District, urged Missouri to expand harm reduction, including syringe service programs and broader access to clean needles and drug-checking tools. He argued that stigma and abstinence-only approaches keep many people from seeking help, and said harm reduction reduces disease transmission, overdose deaths, hospitalizations, and other harms while creating pathways to recovery. He cited naloxone distribution as a successful example and said similar strategies should be decriminalized and expanded. Members asked about naloxone access, community paramedicine funding, and whether safe consumption sites should be considered; Cushman said syringe exchange should be a near-term priority, while safe consumption sites are a longer-term policy question.
Representatives from Ozarks Medical Center/COMC and Four Rivers Community Health Center focused on the need to reimburse peer support specialists and community health workers, especially in rural and underserved areas. COMC’s Monet Lehman shared her trauma and recovery story and described her jail reentry work, helping incarcerated people with housing, benefits, IDs, employment, MAT, and community supports before release. Four Rivers said its care coordinators and CHWs provide wraparound services such as transportation, housing help, Medicaid enrollment, clothing, and same-day MAT access. Members and staff discussed confusion over reimbursement rules, noting that CCBHCs can bill for peer services through Medicaid while FQHCs generally cannot, and that CHWs are often funded through grants rather than reimbursement. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of testimony and member questions, with several requests for follow-up information on funding, transportation, and reimbursement rules.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- It is this critical gap that the CAP program can fill. I speed...
- It is this critical gap that the CAP program can fill.
- of the primary concerns for this new program.
- So this is establishing the fund, establishing the program.
- I want to lift up some programs in my district.
Committee:
Senate Housing
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 1091, which would create the Community Anti-Displacement and Preservation Program within HCD to help nonprofit developers, community organizations, and local governments acquire unsubsidized rental housing and preserve it as affordable housing or homeownership opportunities. The author and supporters from Enterprise Community Partners, the Unity Council, and several housing and tenant groups argued that acquisition-preservation is a proven, cost-effective way to prevent displacement and homelessness. There was no opposition testimony. Members discussed funding, with the author and chair noting the bill is intended to be supported through the housing bond or other appropriations. The committee voted the bill do pass to Judiciary, with broad support and no recorded opposition.
The committee then took up SB 904, which would codify and expand the wildfire rebuilding coordination and permitting streamlining used after the Los Angeles-area fires, including HCD-led review of permitting and code barriers and reporting on recovery lessons. The author said the bill is meant to speed rebuilding after future wildfire disasters and avoid repeated delays seen in places like the Camp Fire. Members raised concerns about the cost and repetition of requiring multiple agencies to produce reports after each disaster, and about e-permitting mandates for smaller jurisdictions. The author responded that the bill is meant to capture lessons from different fire contexts and that some concerns could be addressed with amendments. The bill was moved do pass to Emergency Management and was reported out with sufficient votes, though kept on call.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1007, which would change HOA assessment rules by tying annual increases to inflation rather than allowing up to 20% increases, and would require clearer annual budget disclosures and evidence for fines. The author and supporters said the bill would improve transparency and protect homeowners from steep fee hikes, while opponents from community manager and HOA industry groups warned it could underfund reserves, force larger special assessments, and add duplicative paperwork. Several senators expressed support for the bill’s goals but raised concerns about the inflation cap, the need for flexibility for insurance and maintenance costs, and the visual-aid disclosure requirement. The author said amendments are forthcoming and that the bill will look different in the next committee; no final vote is reflected in the excerpt provided.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Feb 2nd, 2026 at 10:30 am
Higher Education & Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- So with... ...and ideally be replicated more broadly in the future.
- The Evergreen alumni mentor program was also launched.
- Our teams are really focusing on strengthening academic transition programs, academic recovery programs
- Our future senator, not former—future senator. Future Senator. Next we have Ramatouli Ba.
- Well, thank you, future Dr. Polo Hernandez.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Feb 2nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So with ...and ideally be replicated more broadly in the future.
- The Evergreen alumni mentor program was also launched.
- Our teams are really focusing on strengthening academic transition programs, academic recovery programs
- Our future senator—not former, future senator. Future Senator. Next we have Ramatouli Ba.
- Well, thank you, future Dr. Polo Hernandez.
Summary:
The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee heard two work sessions focused on student access and retention, then held public hearings on gubernatorial appointments before taking executive action. Washington Student Achievement Council staff presented the Washington Completes FAFSA campaign, created by Executive Order 2508, describing its advisory board, outreach strategy, dashboard tracking, and progress toward goals of 46,000 FAFSA/WASFA completions and improved equity in completion rates. They also highlighted broader college access tools such as trainings, printed materials, completion events, Otterbot texting support, and the new “Changing the Narrative” report and College Toolkit, which emphasize multiple postsecondary pathways, relatable messengers, and short video content.
The committee then heard from the Council of Presidents and Central Washington University and Evergreen State College on student support services. Presenters discussed retention data, FERPA-related limits on parent communication, and the impact of budget cuts on advising, tutoring, wellness, and other services. Evergreen described the Shelton Promise program, including recruitment, summer bridge, basic-needs supports, peer mentoring, texting outreach, and early retention results showing 52 of 53 students continuing. Central Washington outlined its learner access and support plan, including required advising, University 101, early academic alerts, peer mentoring embedded in coursework, the Students First Center, and a Paying for College Guide, while noting that budget reductions have limited some support offerings.
In the public hearing, the committee considered Latasha Wortham’s appointment to the Tacoma Community College Board of Trustees and a panel of student appointees to various boards and councils, including Evergreen, Washington Student Achievement Council, the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board, Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, Edmonds College, and Western Washington University. Testimony emphasized first-generation and immigrant backgrounds, student advocacy, basic needs, and the importance of student voice in governance. In executive session, the committee adopted a substitute and gave Senate Bill 6325 a due pass recommendation to Ways and Means; the bill would shift certain higher education cost increases from tuition to state funds over time and direct a WSIPP study on essential student services. The committee also recommended confirmation for the listed gubernatorial appointments.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm deeply invested in the future of our country and, most importantly, the future of our students.
- :41:12.960><c> well</c><00:41:13.119><c> as</c> heard your future affects M as well as heard your future
- to a brighter and more successful future?
- to a brighter and more successful future?
- to a brighter and more successful future?
Committee:
House Education Finance
Keywords:
railroad, infrastructure, transportation funding, environmental remediation, capital investment, HF921, tax increment financing, TIF, excess tax increment, school district aid, levy adjustment, property tax levy, education finance, Minnesota education aid, decertification, local government finance, school funding formula, state aid reduction, referendum equalization aid, debt service equalization
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Growing Minnesota’s Economy – Senator Susan Pha May 5th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- which asks to maintain the current funding for the state's small business assistance partnership program
- So, talk to me about what that program does and what successes it has seen.
- So, we're hoping that through that program we will be able to reach those small businesses that need
- In my district specifically, we're funding a program called Brook Link, and it's one that's close to
- </c> be our future workforce. be our future workforce.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Funding Review Committee Jun 3rd, 2026 at 09:00 am
Higher Education Funding Review Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- than five graduates in graduate programs at the master's and doctoral level. ...graduate programs at
- If you think about every program as a row in an Excel spreadsheet—2,000 programs—but that was inclusive
- They're just programs.
- And these would be professional programs only, not traditional master's programs.
- So that would be post-baccalaureate degree programs, excluding those professional programs of law, OT
UT
Utah 2025 Regular Session
Transportation Interim Committee - November 20, 2025
Transportation Interim Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So our next program are institutions.
- Of those programs just has a fixed fee, and they can select what program works best for them.
- So it's a great program.
- So I would love to see that program expanded in a more robust way. ...to see that program expanded in
- I think it's also a great program we can maybe even look into in the future just to give them access
Committee:
Joint Transportation Interim Committee
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Program.
- ,</c><00:39:47.599><c> the</c> Community Redevelopment Program, the Community Redevelopment Program,
- ><c> 2020,</c><00:39:50.320><c> the</c> MHCR program, which since 2020, the MHCR program, which since
- 39:52.240><c> million</c><00:39:52.800><c> in</c> program has awarded $44 million in program has awarded
- </c> to then be sold to future home buyers. to then be sold to future home buyers.
Committee:
House Housing Finance and Policy
Keywords:
HF4234, Minnesota private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, bond cap, aggregate bond limitation, residential rental projects, multifamily housing, affordable housing finance, housing bonds, public finance, bond allocation, private activity bond cap, Minnesota Statutes 474A.02, tax committee, natural gas, gas hookups, residential construction, energy policy, local control, state preemption
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 3rd, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- And we've expanded our case manager program.
- This program apparently is a self-funded program. They make enough money to fund themselves.
- Anyone who's participating in that program...
- RISE is a program under Courts and Corrections.
- Is it under you, the RISE program? Mr.
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> bill for the future of the Iron Range. bill for the future of the Iron Range.
- So, the first part of this our future.
- </c> anything is the future of our jobs. anything is the future of our jobs.
- They need to stay future is another.
- </c> uh we have unique and impactful programs uh we have unique and impactful programs that<00:59:19.599
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Nov 5th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- However, the program serves all health professionals.
- and go through a residency program.
- In terms of future reference, I did number your pages.
- Are they in a very high cohort for future cost risk?
- diabetic event, future costs, etc.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It's just a drug program that they use.
- It's just a drug program that they use.
- Those individuals who were enrolled in the premium assistance health care program has made the program
- program.
- access to monitoring people who are in this program.
Summary:
The Senate first handled a large batch of executive appointments reported by the Ethics and Elections Committee. Senators debated several nominees, with some members objecting to particular appointees over their views or past conduct. The report on the first group of appointments was adopted 31-0, and Jeffrey Aaron’s separate confirmation to the Public Employee Relations Commission was approved 26-10 after extended debate centered on his role as counsel to the Hope Florida Foundation and allegations that he helped facilitate the transfer of Medicaid settlement funds into political activity.
The chamber then considered Chavon Harris as Secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration. Supporters praised her work on Medicaid directed payments and hospital funding, while opponents criticized her prior tenure at the Department of Children and Families, citing problems with Medicaid redeterminations, postpartum coverage, Hope Florida oversight, and a women’s shelter case. The Senate adopted her confirmation report 32-5. Next, Taylor Hatch’s confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families was taken up; the committee report noted ongoing concerns about SNAP/EBT compliance, child welfare practices, audits, and Hope Florida, but recommended confirmation based on her stated commitments to reform. After debate over DCF’s performance and accountability, the Senate adopted her confirmation report 33-4.
After a brief recess, the Senate held a recognition ceremony for outgoing President Kathleen Passidomo. Senators from both parties offered lengthy remarks praising her leadership, diligence, humor, and support for members, often recalling personal interactions and her role in shaping legislation and mentoring newer senators. The ceremony emphasized her service as Senate President and continued leadership as Rules Chair, and included a presentation of a handmade keepsake box filled with letters and mementos from staff and colleagues.
FL