Video & Transcript Research : 'conversion'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Education Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And we too would welcome engagement in that kind of conversation.
- I know them and my staff had a lot of conversation about it.
- so we can have that conversation.
- We have been having conversations with the author's office.
- We have been having conversations with the author's office.
Summary:
The Assembly Education Committee heard a full agenda of bills, first adopting a consent calendar of 11 measures without individual presentations. The committee then took up AB 1412, which would require California schools to implement or adopt a transferred special education student’s IEP within 30 days for out-of-state transfers and to coordinate more quickly on records. The author and military-family witnesses said the bill would reduce delays for highly mobile students, especially military children; a school administrators group opposed it. The bill received initial support from committee members and was moved on call. The committee also reconsidered AB 281, which would require notice to parents when outside consultants provide sex education instruction; the author accepted amendments removing a copy-right provision, but the bill remained on call after a split vote.
The committee heard AB 1005, which would create a statewide drowning-prevention education and swim-lesson voucher framework for underserved communities. The author and supporters described drowning as a preventable public health and equity issue, while the bill was clarified as developing a plan rather than immediately launching a voucher program. It was voted out on a 3-0 roll with the measure placed on call. AB 908, as amended, would add compliance monitoring for existing requirements that schools use LGBTQ-inclusive instructional materials and curriculum under the FAIR Act. Supporters said the bill would improve implementation and student safety; opponents raised concerns about privacy, girls’ sports, and school burdens. The committee approved the bill 5-2 and sent it to Appropriations.
The committee then heard AB 1401, which would affirm parents’ access to school records, including unofficial records unless exempt by law. The author argued that parents need clearer access to information held by schools and vendors, while school officials and teachers’ union representatives warned the bill was too vague and could sweep in personal notes, journals, and other sensitive material. The bill failed on a 2-3 vote and was placed on call. Finally, AB 727 would require student ID cards to include the Trevor Project hotline for LGBTQ youth; supporters framed it as a suicide-prevention measure, while opponents argued it conflicted with parental rights and religious beliefs. Committee discussion focused on whether 988 already provides similar access and whether the Trevor Project is an appropriate resource to print on IDs; the hearing continued with the bill still under consideration.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/11/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- cases and we've had these conversations cases and we've had these conversations of<00:12:36.360>
- and conversation we've had with<00:30:58.200>
cities <00:30:58.919>since <00:30:59.279> - But look forward to further conversations with you, Representative Myers. Thank you, Chair Igo.
- conversations with you representative conversations with you representative Meers Meers Meers uh<01:02
- but as I remember from conversations but as I remember from conversations during<01:15:59.560>
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 3/5/25
Rules and Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Representative Alnar, for this conversation today.
- Um, I think this is a good conversation for us to be having. It's a necessary conversation.
- that I think is a deserving conversation that I think is a deserving conversation to<01:09:30.239
- for us to be having it's a conversation for us to be having it's a necessary<01:10:09.920>
conversation - necessary conversation necessary conversation I<01:10:12.640>
feel <01:10:13.159>compelled
NV
Transcript Highlights:
- I did look to see what the conversion charts were from i-Ready.
- I think that would be an easy conversion. The charts were from i-Ready.
- I think that would be an easy conversion.
- What kind of data do you have in that curve between those conversions?
- And then we could revisit the conversation as opposed to just kind of throwing the baby out with the
Bills:
AB386
Keywords:
AB386, Washoe County School District, reading assessment, literacy, elementary school, pupil assessment, statewide assessment, alternative assessment, reading proficiency, standards-based testing, valid and reliable test, State Board of Education, Department of Education, pilot program, school testing, assessment equivalency, education grant, Nevada education, NRS 388.157, school accountability
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture and Water Management Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So we'll be here all afternoon for anybody who wants to have a conversation.
- , especially on the state side of the conversation. ...especially on the state side of the conversation
- They have the ability to get people together to have some really important conversations.
- So we'll continue to be able to have conversations about this tool and make sure it stays.
- We'll have lots conversations next year on that. Senator Wanzik. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Summary:
The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and opening remarks from NDSU President David Stewart, who emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission of statewide service through teaching, research, and extension. He highlighted the university’s role in agriculture, water, soil health, and community outreach, and pointed to examples of research commercialization such as Lilac Agriculture’s work on nitrogen-fixing microbes for crops. He also said he is still early in his tenure and intends to spend time listening and learning across the state.
The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study estimated that North Dakota could develop about 1.3 million additional irrigated acres, with major potential in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau. Testimony stressed the economic benefits of irrigation for crop yields, value-added processing, dairy, and potato production, while members also discussed water availability, aquifers, downstream water use, and the need for more flexible permitting. The drainage portion of the study found significant economic benefits from legal drains, and staff explained that the impacts were calculated through increased productivity and related input purchases.
Greg Lardy then gave NDSU’s required agriculture update, saying agriculture accounts for more than $41 billion in annual economic activity, one in five jobs, and about 25 percent of state GDP. He reviewed the role of SBAR, the statewide research-extension network, new crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI and weather-network tools, and Extension’s county partnerships and youth programs. He also outlined NDSU’s priorities for the next session: restoring proposed budget cuts, increasing operating support, and addressing deferred maintenance. Members asked about storage shed construction, NDSU’s relationship with Grand Farm, and whether NDSU could help with water-related research tied to drainage and aquifers.
The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor on water and data centers, who described graduate fellowships, a water workforce certificate program, and research on data center cooling, water use, and “Legendary Harvest” concepts that would reuse waste heat for greenhouse or aquaculture production. Questions focused on whether the cooling systems were closed-loop, who would own any related production facilities, and whether the project was still only a feasibility study. Finally, North Dakota AgTech described its NSF-funded “engine” project, saying it has brought millions in federal investment to the state, supported startups and on-farm trials, and is focused on commercialization, workforce development, and helping producers lower input costs and improve profitability.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Senate in Special Session F Jun 2nd, 2026
Florida Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- A lot of conversation came out about that.
- Property taxes, absolutely a part of that conversation.
- They deserve to have the conversations all summer with their local officials.
- And I know, and I hope, that those conversations are incredibly robust.
- Sometimes it's tough to have those conversations.
Summary:
The Senate took up Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand homestead property tax relief, lower the assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and limit county and municipal ad valorem tax revenues to specified uses. Senator Avila presented the measure as a major property tax reform intended to provide relief to homeowners and restrain local government spending, while opponents argued it would shift costs to fees, services, and state appropriations and could harm local budgets, public safety, schools, and other services. Several senators also raised concerns about the ballot language and the lack of a completed fiscal analysis.
The chamber considered and rejected multiple amendments. Senator Sharif’s income-based “circuit breaker” amendment failed, as did Senator Smith’s sunset clause amendment and Senator Berman’s amendment to rewrite the ballot statement for greater accuracy. During questioning, Avila said the revised language was meant to preserve flexibility for local governments and that future legislatures could set implementing procedures and, if necessary, prohibit certain local expenditures by general law. He also confirmed that the proposal would not affect refinancing or portability, and said the measure would not prevent local governments from continuing to fund many services such as libraries, parks, animal control, code enforcement, mosquito control, public housing, county health departments, and elections.
Debate on final passage was extensive. Supporters described the proposal as overdue relief for homeowners and a way to force local governments to prioritize spending, while critics called it a risky tax shift that could reduce local revenue by billions and force cuts or higher fees. Some senators emphasized concerns about public safety funding, mental health and social services, and the accuracy of the ballot summary; others argued the measure would give voters a chance to decide on property tax reform. After debate, the resolution was rolled over for third reading and the Senate continued discussion, but the transcript provided does not include a final vote on the joint resolution.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriation and Revenue. (2-4-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Any conversations we've had chairman.
- My conversations or our conversations with Ford say we want to lower expectations on employment because
- or our conversations my conversations or our conversations with<00:24:22.080>
Ford <00:24:22.480 - Appreciate the candid, informative conversation.
- Very informative. candid informative uh conversation. Back candid informative uh conversation.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:04
Economic Development Projects Funding 00:01:25
Blue Oval SK 00:05:20, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum to hear a recap of the 2021 special session legislation, Senate Bill 5, and then receive testimony from the Secretary of Economic Development on the Blue Oval SK project and related economic development issues. Staff explained that Senate Bill 5 appropriated five amounts from the budget reserve trust fund for a project tied to a minimum $2 billion investment: $350 million for forgivable loans through the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, $10,639,600 to pay off a Hardin County loan tied to 47 tracts of property, $20 million for Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training grants, $5 million for KCTCS training grants, and $25 million for a KCTCS on-site training center. Staff also noted there were no job-related requirements in the bill itself.
The secretary said the Blue Oval SK incentive was structured as a $250 million forgivable loan rather than the state’s usual pay-as-you-go incentives, with clawback provisions tied to jobs, wages, investment, and changes in ownership or operations. He said the project had already exceeded the $2 billion investment threshold, that corporate guarantees were required from SK On and Ford, and that the agreement’s compliance period begins in December 2026 with payments starting in March 2027 and running through 2038. He said the state’s goal after the joint venture dissolution was to protect taxpayers, support affected workers, and preserve future job creation, while also ensuring the money would be repaid if performance targets are not met.
Members asked about the workforce impact, the training programs, and whether the jobs targets would be revised. The secretary said the project had about 1,850 workers at the site, with both production and salaried employees affected, and described state-led job fairs, a job portal, and other rapid-response efforts to help displaced workers find new jobs or training. He said Ford had agreed to continue discussions, invest an additional $2 billion in the site for energy storage solutions, and pursue roughly 2,100 new jobs, while the state sought to keep the company accountable for the full repayment obligation if jobs are not created. One senator raised broader concerns about mega-projects displacing small businesses and creating infrastructure burdens in surrounding communities.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health May 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We've had some conversations with the administration.
- This is just the beginning of a conversation.
- I hope we can have that conversation right here.
- we want to engage in and have further conversations on.
- I've been really listening to this whole conversation. We have three big items.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held the first of several hearings on the Governor’s May Revision for health care, with opening remarks focused on the state’s projected $12 billion deficit, looming federal Medicaid changes, and the potential impact on Medi-Cal, public health, reproductive health, and safety-net providers. Several members criticized the proposal as balancing the budget on vulnerable Californians, while others defended the need for cost containment and questioned the administration’s assumptions. The chair set ground rules for respectful, focused questioning and outlined three topics: the Medi-Cal proposals, Proposition 35, and Proposition 56.
DHCS Director Michelle Baas presented the May Revision’s Medi-Cal package, saying the department’s budget totals $200.6 billion overall, including $45.2 billion General Fund, and that the proposals are intended to address rising caseloads, pharmacy costs, and managed care spending. She described proposed changes for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, including a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for those 19 and older, $100 monthly premiums beginning in 2027, elimination of adult dental and long-term care coverage, removal of PPS/RAP payments to FQHCs and rural health clinics for that population, and a pharmacy rebate aggregator. Other proposals included eliminating certain OTC drug classes, removing GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, prior authorization and step therapy changes, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test, eliminating acupuncture as an optional benefit, allowing utilization management for hospice, raising the managed care minimum medical loss ratio to 90%, reducing PACE capitation rates toward the midpoint of the actuarial range, eliminating the skilled nursing facility workforce and quality incentive program, and suspending the SNF backup power requirement.
The LAO said the revised Medi-Cal spending estimate is about $2.5 billion higher than the Governor’s Budget in the budget year, and that the increase appears driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload alone. The LAO said the budget solutions are concentrated in a few areas, are largely ongoing, and should be considered in light of federal uncertainty, but suggested the Legislature could explore alternatives such as more targeted income thresholds for the undocumented expansion and simpler asset-test rules. Department of Finance officials said the proposals are difficult but necessary to address a third consecutive deficit and rising Medi-Cal costs. Members then pressed the administration on the methodology and impacts of the proposals, especially the enrollment freeze, premiums, asset test, hospice controls, PACE reductions, and the elimination of benefits and provider payments. No votes or formal actions were taken at this hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Conference Committee on SF1959 5/16/25
Transcript Highlights:
- my father, this was not a conversation my father, this was not a conversation they<00:14:30.160>
- And so, you know, I want to be intentional and want to have a conversation.
- <00:36:10.560>
So, <00:36:11.040>I to have a conversation. - So, I to have a conversation.
- <00:58:36.079>
on uh have a uh continuing conversation on uh have a uh continuing conversation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Capital Investment Cmte hears St. Paul bonding requests for sports facility upgrades 3/20/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I would hope that we can have this conversation when we revisit that.
- And so I would hope that we can have this conversation when we revisit that.
- And so I would hope that we can have this conversation when we revisit that.
- And so I would hope that we can have this conversation when we revisit that.
- And so I would hope that we can have this conversation when we revisit that.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House judiciary committee hears HF768 2/20/25
Transcript Highlights:
- No one should have to worry that their words, whether in a debate, a classroom, or a simple conversation
- People begin to self-censor and they avoid difficult but necessary conversations.
- classroom or a simp simple conversation classroom or a simp simple conversation might<00:04:30.759
- and when speech is conversations and when speech is suppress<00:04:45.960>
so <00:04:46.280>- Let’s have that conversation.” “All right. Representative Curran?”
Summary:
House File 768, sponsored by Vice Chair Hudson, was heard with an author’s amendment (A4) adopted to remove a technical section and put the bill in the intended form. Hudson described the bill as a response to concerns about government monitoring of protected speech, saying it would bar the Minnesota Department of Human Rights from creating or maintaining a database of constitutionally protected speech while preserving the department’s ability to investigate actual discrimination, harassment, threats, or illegal conduct. He emphasized First Amendment protections and argued the state should not track speech simply because it is controversial or unpopular.
The main testimony in support came from Ran Lee of Americans for Prosperity, who echoed the free-speech concerns and said databases of bias incidents can capture lawful speech and create a chilling effect. Representative Rest said she generally supported the free-speech goal but wanted to preserve the Department of Human Rights’ ability to produce biennial reports and analyze de-identified trend data on civil rights incidents, including emerging threats or hateful rhetoric, so lawmakers can respond to patterns without recording individuals’ protected speech. Representative Curran raised concerns that speech trends can relate to public safety and argued that attacks on human rights often begin as speech.
Hudson responded that the Department of Human Rights is not a law enforcement agency and that the bill would not impede criminal investigations. He argued that trying to monitor “trends in thought” would be constitutionally problematic and produce unreliable data, and he distinguished protected speech from criminal conduct. Representative Feist said the department’s existing report already uses aggregate, non-investigative data and suggested there may be room to refine the bill’s language. The bill was laid over for further consideration, with Hudson indicating he was open to continued discussion and possible language changes.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 3 on Health and Human Services May 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That would be all part of that conversation.
- And of course we'd have ongoing conversations.
- And of course we'd have ongoing conversations.
- I think there's ongoing conversation.
- I think there's ongoing conversation.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard an overview of the governor’s IHSS budget proposals and then took public testimony from the administration, LAO, county representatives, labor, consumer advocates, and an aging/disability advocacy group. The administration described IHSS as a large Medi-Cal long-term services program serving more than 900,000 recipients and proposed three changes: shifting some growth costs tied to authorized hours per case to counties, eliminating the statewide backup provider system, and aligning IHSS terminations with Medi-Cal terminations. The administration also discussed the earlier CFCO reassessment penalty change for counties and said overdue reassessments had dropped significantly.
LAO said the governor’s overall IHSS cost estimates appeared reasonable, but raised concerns about the hours-per-case cost shift, including unclear root causes for growth, limited county control over statewide averages, and uncertainty about the eventual savings. County Welfare Directors Association, SEIU, and consumer/advocacy witnesses opposed the hours cost shift, arguing counties use state tools, the proposal would pressure counties to cut services, and it could harm older adults and people with disabilities by increasing institutionalization and shifting costs elsewhere. The chair and members repeatedly questioned the rationale for the proposal, the lack of a defined baseline, and whether the current assessment tools or MOE structure should instead be revisited.
On the backup provider system, the administration said the program is underused and costly to administer relative to service spending, while LAO suggested the Legislature consider whether administrative costs could be reduced instead of eliminating it. County, labor, and consumer witnesses opposed the cut, saying the system is a critical emergency safety net even if utilization is low, especially for rural areas and people with complex needs. Members also asked about data quality, county backup systems, and whether consumers know the program exists. On the Medi-Cal/IHSS alignment proposal, the administration said automation would stop General Fund-only spending when recipients lose Medi-Cal and restore IHSS automatically when Medi-Cal is regained; LAO and others noted the proposal had been rejected before and urged better notices and safeguards. Witnesses warned that automatic termination could create gaps in care and unpaid work for providers, while the department said counties already manually terminate in some cases and that automation is ready if approved. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair indicated the committee would continue with public comment and later items before a hard adjournment time.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:03:26.760>
this general fund for this conversation this general fund for this conversation - Bobby Joe Champion for the continuing Bobby Joe Champion for the continuing conversations. conversations
- . conversations.
- for this conversation. for this conversation.
- conversation today. I appreciate that. conversation today. I appreciate that.
Bills:
HF4477
Keywords:
Minnesota business recovery loan program, small business loan, zero-interest loan, forgivable loan, business recovery, economic development, small business emergency loan account, Minnesota Initiative Foundations, nonprofit lenders, greater Minnesota, Twin Cities metro, seven-county metropolitan area, immigration enforcement, business interruption, revenue loss, job preservation, business stabilization, state appropriation, forward fund, loan forgiveness
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- this is probably a conversation this is probably a conversation for<00:43:23.240>
Ms. - we much prefer to have this conversation we much prefer to have this conversation this<00:45:19.200
- conversation that we have got to have. conversation that we have got to have.
- And so, we're here to have that conversation.
- <01:30:27.200>
that from the rest of the conversation that from the rest of the conversation
Keywords:
home care, licensing, fines, advisory council, grant program, client safety, healthcare regulation, HF3375, Minnesota disability waiver, waiver rate system, human services, individualized home supports, individualized home supports with training, individualized home supports with family training, positive support services, employment support services, employment development services, employment exploration services, billing limits, service authorization year
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So we've had a lot of communication and a lot of conversation and coordination in that space.
- So we've had a lot of communication and a lot of conversation and coordination in that space.
- So we've had a lot of communication and a lot of conversation and coordination in that space.
- So we've had a lot of communication and a lot of conversation and coordination in that space.
- So we've had a lot of communication and a lot of conversation and coordination in that space.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/20/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- We just need to figure out conversation.
- It's where our conversation is and is.
- Um, so members, I would ask for this amendment to be... have a conversation about rent have a conversation
- to take continued conversation? to take continued conversation?
- Uh so appreciate these conversations.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Or you can also have a conversation during pickup or drop-off that communities are always accessible
- And it's happened, and we've had those conversations, so I appreciate you.
- For these schools to open, and it's happened, and we've had those conversations, so I appreciate you
- C.S. for H.B. 1437, Conversion Charter Schools, by Representative Sapp.
- Between a conversion charter school and the district school board.
Summary:
The Education and Employment Committee heard and voted on several education-related bills. HB 129 on Florida Virtual School was presented as a cleanup bill responding to audit-related statutory updates; it would remove priority language, allow all Florida students and eligible overseas military dependents access, clarify teacher employment/retirement status, permit local schools to administer required exams, and authorize direct support organizations. The bill drew support from Seminole State College and Florida Virtual School and was reported favorably 15-0.
HB 423 on student elopement, sponsored by Reps. Eskamani and Tramont, would require schools to establish safety teams and procedures to prevent and respond to elopement by students with autism or similar needs. Testimony from the Autism Society of Greater Orlando and a student advocate emphasized safety risks and the need for clear school protocols. Members spoke strongly in support, and the bill passed unanimously 16-0. CS for CS for HB 753 on school counselors removed two certification barriers, kept the master’s degree requirement, and aligned evaluations with Florida school counseling standards; school counselor groups and several members argued it would help address counselor shortages and workload issues. It also passed unanimously 16-0.
The committee also approved CS for CS for HB 1253, which would let school-employed coaches use up to $15,000 per team per year of personal funds to support student-athletes with items like food, transportation, therapy, and rehabilitation, with an amendment requiring written parental consent. Several members raised concerns about liability, fairness, and guardrails, but the bill passed 17-0. PCS for CS for HB 833 on private school facilities would allow small private schools of 150 students or fewer to locate in commercial or mixed-use zoning without rezoning and to use certain existing buildings if fire and life-safety standards are met; members discussed traffic, school zones, and proximity to dispensaries, and it passed 15-0. PCS for CS for HB 1325 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund clarified matching contributions, allowed use of funds for expansion or modernization of existing space, and permitted two-year awards; it passed 16-0. Finally, CS for HB 1437 on conversion charter schools created dispute-resolution options over facility maintenance and, via amendment, allowed capital outlay funding if the charter assumes full maintenance responsibility; despite some opposition, it passed 13-3. The committee then adjourned.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE Feb 18th, 2026
ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE
Transcript Highlights:
- Ironically, that's kind of what started the conversation with the prosecutors.
- Ironically, that's kind of what started the conversation with the prosecutors.
- So I appreciate the opportunity to have the conversation.
- We're having those conversations. We've seen that be very...
- That would prompt... ...us to have conversations with that chief and sheriff.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informational interview with Rep. Keith Allen (R-Kenyon) Nov 20th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- What was that conversation like?
- It's important to have those conversations, but it's also important to be able to allow students to express
- <00:02:07.360>
Yeah, what was that conversation like? - Yeah, what was that conversation like?
- , important to have those conversations, important to have those conversations, but<00:02:28.000>
Summary:
The interview focused on the representative’s first session in a tied House, which he described as record-setting and a lesson in working across the aisle. He said bipartisan support became essential, and he highlighted working with Representative Liz Rehm on a couple of bills and spending the off-season building more bipartisan legislation aimed at issues affecting rural and greater Minnesota.
He also discussed a meeting with MSU Mankato’s president about civil discourse and freedom of expression on campus. His concern was protecting students who might push back against divisive comments from professors and ensuring they would not face repercussions or grade-related consequences for speaking up.
A major portion of the conversation covered agriculture and trade, especially tariffs and their effects on farmers. He said farmers are again facing difficult conditions, though not as severe as the 1980s farm crisis, and noted that recent U.S.-China soybean purchasing agreements helped raise soybean and corn prices. He also said greater Minnesota is facing serious nursing home closures and shortages, which are forcing seniors farther from their communities.
Looking ahead to 2026, he said he is working on several bills: a stop-arm bill to clarify penalties related to school bus violations, a robocall bill requiring callers to identify themselves with a number, and a mass casualty firewall act aimed at allowing charges when someone has assembled materials and plans for a mass casualty event. He said the mass casualty proposal is the one he is most proud of and that discussions with both DFL and Republican leaders have been positive.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> And you're having a conversation with the way I'm reading that is it?
- You know, you and I had conversation and it was uncomfortable at times.
- And, you know, to be honest with you as a conversational, probably never forgot.
- I think that there's an opportunity to, you know, continue this conversation.
- Chair and thank you for the conversation. I know these are tough issues.