Transcript Highlights:

• I've also told the story about how my son did not get evaluated for special ed. education for over a
• I worked for a very conservative Republican member. of the Education Committee years ago.
• of Texas parents and taking care of our most vulnerable kids, our kids. who qualify for a special education
• because what happens is all schools get more money for their kids' education. goes to the classroom,
• And thank you all. all for being here and for your support for public schools. Thank you.

Keywords: education funding, House Bill 5419, zero-based budgeting, public testimony, school safety, special education

Summary: State Representative Gina Hinojosa and a group of parents and education advocates testified in support of House Bill 5419, a zero-based budgeting proposal aimed at reviewing Texas Education Agency spending and redirecting more public education dollars to classrooms. Hinojosa argued that public schools are being weakened by chronic underfunding, teacher shortages, delayed special education services, and inadequate school safety funding, and said the bill would help cut bureaucracy, vendor contracts, and other non-classroom spending in favor of teacher pay, safety, and special education. Several witnesses, including self-identified Republicans and former GOP officials, backed the bill as a good-government measure and said they were crossing party lines because public schools need more direct investment. They criticized TEA growth, vendor contracts, public-private partnerships, and what they described as unfunded mandates from the state, including school safety requirements. One witness said rural districts are being forced into four-day school weeks, while others cited campus closures, deferred maintenance, and local tax increases tied to state funding shortfalls and recapture payments. The discussion also focused on the need for a systematic review of TEA spending and the lack of a sunset review for the agency since before 2005. Hinojosa and others said increasing the basic allotment would help districts, reduce recapture pressures, and prevent local tax hikes. The exchange was primarily a public hearing and advocacy session; no vote or formal committee action was described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And he says, Dear Chair Harrell, my vision for higher education in Florida focuses on ensuring access
• Education has always been a passion for me.
• It is an engine for academic excellence.
• But specifically with the STEM education for students, Specifically with the STEM education for students
• for the new rural incentive. $7 million for the new Rural Incentive for Professional Educators, or RIPE

Bills: S1694

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Keywords: technology education, digital literacy, artificial intelligence, computer science, high school graduation

Transcript Highlights:

• It wasn't even an opportunity for us.
• It wasn't even an opportunity for us.
• We're just giving a kid an education.
• educators and then continue to look for those more advanced opportunities, like getting their teachers
• That is an education innovation and research grant.

Summary: The committee met to hear presentations on dual credit programs from North Dakota higher education leaders, a school superintendent, and teachers. Valley City State University described its dual credit model, emphasizing quality control through annual teacher training, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty qualification review, school visits, and pathways aimed at the College Studies Certificate. Members asked about teacher employment, course scheduling, revenue, scholarships, and whether a centralized model might improve efficiency; VCSU said most instructors are K-12 employees, online offerings are still small, and centralization could weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College similarly stressed access and partnerships, noting about half of its headcount is still in high school, with both online and face-to-face dual credit options, district reimbursement arrangements, and support for rural schools. Lake Region also said dual credit helps students who might not otherwise see themselves as college-bound, but reduced tuition can still be a barrier for some families. Fargo Public Schools reported continued growth in dual credit, with 50 courses offered in partnership with several NDUS institutions and a 12.61% increase in participation. The superintendent highlighted a growing education pathway, including students completing Introduction to Education and field experience, and said the district is exploring a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. He also raised concerns about inconsistent institutional processes, teacher credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity, arguing for more aligned statewide systems. In response to questions, he said AP and dual credit can coexist, with AP often better for highly selective out-of-state colleges and dual credit better for students targeting North Dakota institutions, and he described some use of Arizona State online courses in earlier rural partnerships but said Fargo is focused on local institutions. Two teachers then testified on the classroom perspective. A West Fargo anatomy and physiology teacher said dual credit has expanded access, lowered costs, and prepared students well, but agreed that foundational science courses may be more effective when taken later in high school to reduce knowledge loss before college. A Drake-Anamoose English teacher, who has taught dual credit for more than 20 years, said the program has supported many students who went on to a wide range of careers and emphasized that small rural schools rely on dual credit to provide opportunities they otherwise could not offer. No formal votes or actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• “We’re not an educational institute. We are a research institute.”
• Okay, so the vision for that was it would be an innovation hub and students hopefully would be living
• /c><01:33:03.280><c> would</c> okay so the vision for that was it would okay so the vision for that was
• So it is a really good source of revenue for us as an office space and as a lab space for technology
• source of revenue for us as a an good source of revenue for us as a an office<01:36:30.880><c> space

Transcript Highlights:

• I provided an example for you.
• I provided an example for you.
• I provided an example for you.
• I provided an example for you.
• I provided an example for you.

Bills: HF1338

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Their vision for their university.
• I'm an only child, where my mother worked in K-12 education for over 30 years.
• And my vision for FGCU is to play an even greater role in the region's workforce and educational pipeline
• And my vision for FGCU is to play an even And my vision for FGCU is to play an even more vital role in
• Educational excellence is not an abstraction for me.

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to continue confirmation hearings, but the chair announced the committee would not present its budget that day and would instead roll it out the following week in coordination with House partners and Senate notice requirements. After a quorum was confirmed, the committee discussed how it would handle a large number of university board appointments, noting that some reappointments would be grouped for a block vote while others could be heard individually if members requested it. The committee then heard testimony from a series of appointees and reappointees to university boards. Florida A&M University nominees Roderick Harris, Victor Young, and Rafael Vasquez emphasized service to FAMU, student success, and support for the university’s national standing; Harris highlighted his FAMU background and faculty experience, Young cited his business and health care leadership, and Vasquez described scholarship support through his company. Florida Atlantic University appointees Linda Stock and Thomas Mersh focused on servant leadership, research growth, entrepreneurship, and FAU’s recent R1 designation and quantum computing initiatives. University of Central Florida reappointee Alex Martins discussed UCF’s preeminence goal, workforce needs, and strong nursing outcomes. The committee also heard from Florida Gulf Coast University appointees James Gris-Mall, Douglas Van Orte, Robert Rommel, Sarah Partial Perry, and reappointment Joseph Fogg, who spoke about workforce development, affordability, student success, water and nursing programs, and FGCU’s role in regional economic growth. University of South Florida reappointee Rogan Donnelly highlighted USF’s AAU status, research growth, and workforce-focused programs. Members and the chair responded positively throughout, praising the universities’ achievements and the nominees’ qualifications. At the end of the hearing, the committee voted by block on all nominees in tabs 2 through 13 and recommended them for confirmation without objection. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:51:44.640><c> an</c> High School am jazz band for an High School am jazz band for an outstanding
• at the core of education was a vision of opportunity and access for every child in America.
• at the core of education was a vision of opportunity and access for every child in America.
• I urge my colleagues to vote for clean energy and for an American economic and national security strength
• I urge my colleagues to vote for clean energy and for an American economic and national security strength

Bills: HR117 , HR27

Keywords: committee, House of Representatives, ethics, government, House Resolution 117, H.Res. 117, HR117, committee assignment, committee chair, House Committee on Ethics, Ethics Committee, House ethics, member conduct, congressional ethics, House organization, internal resolution, Mr. Guest, standing committee, leadership appointment, tolling program

Transcript Highlights:

• online nudge for individuals that are interested in applying for these programs on BenefitsCal as an
• In the IT, data, and strategic plan, the state's vision of a healthy California for all requires that
• While it's an aspirational vision, we do have today a foundational IT system, being the single statewide
• Secure systems for the data and workloads that comply with all the various regulations and policies,
• They secured hotel rooms for low-income households in need, including finding hotels that allowed for

Transcript Highlights:

• You will see a really clear vision for the future.
• For too long, our regional center system has operated like an island—an inward-looking system that historically
• in preparing for and securing competitive integrated employment.
• Each paid internship offers an opportunity for our system to make inroads with a business.
• And everything that I do, even as an educator and other avenues, come from an equitable lens.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held a hearing on developmental services, rehabilitation, and related supports, with no votes taken. The first major topic was the Master Plan for Developmental Services. Administration officials described a year-long, community-driven process that included a steering committee, work groups, and statewide engagement sessions, and said the final draft would be released that Friday with about 170 recommendations. The Department of Developmental Services said the plan would inform future work, but did not offer a detailed implementation roadmap. The LAO said the plan contains significant policy and budget implications, may require statutory changes, and needs further analysis to turn recommendations into actionable proposals. Advocates and regional center representatives urged the Legislature and administration to avoid letting the plan sit on a shelf, called for prioritization and ongoing stakeholder oversight, and emphasized the need to address equity, workforce, service coordination, and cross-system collaboration. The chair said he wanted to work with the LAO on trailer bill language and future reporting to create a clearer path forward. The second topic was the Office of Employment First and competitive integrated employment. Administration witnesses said California has ended subminimum wage under SB 639, but that moving people into competitive integrated employment remains a major priority. They described existing efforts such as DDS’s coordinated career pathways pilot, paid internships, job development services, benefits counseling, and DOR’s career counseling and referral services, along with pilot projects in San Diego and Orange County. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities and advocates argued that employment outcomes have remained stuck at roughly 15% and that a dedicated Employment First Office is needed to coordinate across agencies, align goals, and improve outcomes. The LAO recommended regular legislative oversight on people transitioning out of subminimum wage and asked for technical assistance on coordinated career pathways. The chair criticized the administration’s decision to effectively eliminate funding for the office, requested a detailed implementation timeline and quarterly transition reports, and said the committee would continue pressing for the office to be implemented. The final issue was respite services, utilization trends, and access. DDS reported that in-home respite use and spending have risen sharply over several years, with about 150,000 people using respite in 2023-24 and expenditures reaching about $1 billion. Officials said access depends on families knowing the service exists, service coordinators identifying need, and having enough providers, especially in rural and linguistically diverse communities. The San Diego Regional Center said utilization generally mirrors statewide trends, but access is stronger in some areas, such as Imperial County, where families often prefer family-directed or agency-supported models that allow them to hire trusted workers. Committee members emphasized the importance of respite for family health and caregiver well-being, asked whether service coordinators are asking practical questions about sleep and stress, and discussed the need for better identification of complex behavioral and medical needs. DDS said a standardized family support tool and updated IPP process are intended to improve consistency, transparency, and person-centered assessment for respite and related services.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an essential source of health coverage for people with disabilities and a lifeline for rural hospitals
• Other people have to see it for it to be a vision.
• So we want to know what you're going to be an advocate for.
• The cry for help. It's someone from an institution that knows your protocols.
• good service at an affordable price for our citizens. citizens.

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Keywords: Michael Falkender, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, IRS, taxpayer privacy, nomination process, committee hearing

Summary: The committee convened to discuss critical issues surrounding the nomination of Michael Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. This meeting included a series of remarks from committee members who expressed divergent views on Falkender's qualifications and the implications of his appointment. Senator Wyden voiced strong opposition, arguing that Falkender represents harmful policies expected to be perpetuated under the current administration, especially concerning taxpayer privacy and IRS tactics. Meanwhile, other members defended Falkender, noting his extensive experience, including a commitment to transparency in government operations if confirmed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:08.080><c> education</c> a state um and as a as an education a state um and as a as an education
• You know, I heard a to get an education.
• </c> students should pay for their education. students should pay for their education.
• They're not secure enough for a deadly weapon.
• Why were we waiting for bad an epiphany.

Bills: HF3409 , HF3487 , HF3401

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: immigration status, undocumented students, immigrant rights, K-12 education, public school enrollment, Plyler v. Doe, school district, charter school, cooperative unit, law enforcement access, ICE, immigration enforcement, civil lawsuit, private right of action, injunctive relief, mandamus, student records, directory information, parental engagement, equal access to education

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Anna Gilbertson, and I am the membership chair for Education Minnesota Willmar and an instructional
• ><c> and</c><00:37:22.400><c> an</c> for Education Minnesota Wilmer and an for Education Minnesota Wilmer
• And for us, education, we educate all.
• Since my focus is on an education.
• > we're</c> child getting an act an education, we're child getting an act an education, we're basically

Bills: HF3409 , HF3487 , HF3401

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: immigration status, undocumented students, immigrant rights, K-12 education, public school enrollment, Plyler v. Doe, school district, charter school, cooperative unit, law enforcement access, ICE, immigration enforcement, civil lawsuit, private right of action, injunctive relief, mandamus, student records, directory information, parental engagement, equal access to education

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that's an answer for the researcher. Well, I can make an attempt on that.
• the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board to maintain a data dashboard for that board.
• An individual is eligible for financial assistance in this program, also for up to six years or 150%
• I believe that quality education is the backbone of a thriving future, not just for an individual, but
• also for an entire community.

Bills: SB6090 , SB5931 , SB5963 , SB5978 , SB6082

Committee: Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development

Keywords: heritage orchard, agriculture, program, state funding, local agriculture, workforce education, accountability, oversight, administrative changes, investment, SB 5963, passport to careers, Washington College Grant, financial aid, higher education, student aid, need-based aid, college affordability, postsecondary education, workforce development

Transcript Highlights:

• I will call the Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee to order.
• I'll note for the record that we do have a quorum. We are not going to move the minutes this time.
• We'll have it posted for the public when it's ready.
• We'll have<00:03:31.360><c> it</c><00:03:31.519><c> posted</c><00:03:31.920><c> for</c><00:03:32.080>
• </c><00:03:32.239><c> public</c><00:03:32.799><c> when</c><00:03:33.120><c> it's</c> have it posted for

Bills: HF2431

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: higher education, college affordability, student aid, state grants, North Star Promise, scholarships, financial aid, Minnesota State, University of Minnesota, Office of Higher Education, tuition relief, work-study, child care grants, hunger-free campus, food insecurity, student parents, pregnant students, parenting students, sexual misconduct, Title IX

Transcript Highlights:

• So we had from the governor's budget an operating adjustment for $116 million in fiscal year 26-27 and
• And on line 69, we add to that $18,000 in fiscal year 26 and $35,027 for an operating adjustment.
• , and a vision for a more sustainable approach in the years ahead.
• </c> increase in base funding, and a vision increase in base funding, and a vision for<00:31:44.159><
• </c><00:31:55.519><c> of</c> vision for the best distribution of vision for the best distribution of

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Stand for questions, move for adoption.
• This makes domestic violence by strangulation an 85% crime. Stand for questions, move for passage.
• This just mirrors the same procedure that we do for that. Stand for questions, move for adoption.
• Members, this is an effort to correct the problem that's been going on for as long as I've been in this
• I don't really have an answer for that. But I do know that $300 is way too low.

Bills: HB2936 , HB2937 , HB2951 , HB2960 , HB2979 , HB2980 , HB3062 , HB3082 , HB3087 , HB3148 , HB3152 , HB3262 , HB3264 , HB3266 , HB3268 , HB3269 , HB3278 , HB3299 , HB3544 , HB3606 , HB3678 , HB3790 , HB3903 , HB3996 , HB4139 , HB4140 , HB4142 , HB4143 , HB4144 , HB4260 , HB4272 , HB4296 , HB4324 , HB4339 , HB4341 , HB4342

Committee: House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight

Keywords: HB2936, children, child protection, adoption, Oklahoma Adoption Code, gestational carrier, gestational agreement, surrogacy, intended parent, preplacement home study, home study, prospective adoptive parent, foster placement, child abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, lewd molestation, sex offender registry, Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act

Transcript Highlights:

• I yield for questions and move for adoption. Members, do we have any questions on the bill?
• Yield for questions, move for adoption. Members, do we have any questions on the bill?
• Education and education are the two things that bring people up out of poverty.
• Thank you for the rest. You are recognized for a follow-up. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Or are they allotting the funds from your county into an account or a line item that is just for your

Bills: HB2398 , HB4363 , HB3557 , HB3701 , HB2210

Committee: House Postsecondary Education

Keywords: credential of value, education, workforce development, labor market, government reporting, higher education, Oklahoma State University, Board of Trustees, presidential selection, college governance, Oklahoma Agricultural Extension, local funding, financial institutions, county extension services, state funds, academic programs, low-producing programs, Oklahoma State Board of Regents, program review, curriculum quality

Transcript Highlights:

• perfect timing for her to get an opportunity to present a bill with me.
• This is an act that is used in all of our higher education institutions.
• State School to contract for the production of an educational documentary.
• I think we are ready for you for Senate Bill 179, UNM Medical Spanish Education Program.
• , we're talking about Spanish education for the students, right?

Bills: SB106 , SB171 , SB179 , SB106 , SB171 , SB179

Committees: Senate Senate Education , Senate House Education

Keywords: graduate scholarship, higher education funding, New Mexico, appropriation, financial aid, education, documentary, historical figure, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, Northern New Mexico State School, SB179, Senate Bill 179, UNM, University of New Mexico, medical Spanish, Spanish-language curriculum, health sciences, health professions education, language access, bilingual healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• Investment in the health of These workers are an investment in a strong foundation for higher education
• At UNM, for example, an adjunct eligible for benefits has their monthly pay multiplied by 12 to determine
• It's always an honor for me to present in front of you.
• I am both an educator and a mother, and I stand in support of House Bill 120.
• Could you elaborate on some of the services that are needed for an attorney?

Bills: SB106 , SB171 , SB179

Committee: House House Education

Keywords: graduate scholarship, higher education funding, New Mexico, appropriation, financial aid, education, documentary, historical figure, Padre Antonio Jose Martinez, Northern New Mexico State School, SB179, Senate Bill 179, UNM, University of New Mexico, medical Spanish, Spanish-language curriculum, health sciences, health professions education, language access, bilingual healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• and subpoena records and other information during an educational intervention and return the local Board
• Completely hands off for the state board and the State Department of Education.
• Members, this bill would allow Alabama Public Television to use Foundation funds for the purpose of securing
• That's not an option, y'all. Just like this, what we doing here, it's not an option.
• we'll be able to secure some additional funding for Alabama Public Television.

Bills: SB211 , HB96 , SB215 , SB257 , SB13 , SB13

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: school safety, local law enforcement, superintendent, complaints, school bus regulations, National Signing Day, athletic scholarships, military enlistment, postsecondary education, apprenticeship programs, high school students, educational commitments, education intervention, State Superintendent, local boards, provisional release, subpoena authority, compliance, educational operation control, fundraising