Transcript Highlights:

• Priority number eight is $500,000 for the Lower Kapahi Reservoir removal on Kauai, and priority 21 is
• <00:27:43.760> 21<00:27:44.640> is on Kawaii and priority 21 is on Kawaii and priority
• > 11 LR 810 priority number 11 LR 810 priority number 11 10,3 10,3 10,3 34,44 34,44 34,44 se5<00:
• species protection of priority species protection of priority watersheds<00:33:52.120> and
• They're our number one priority.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So one key question is: have any of your priorities, are your priorities the same as they were before
• So one key question is: have any of your priorities, are your priorities the same as they were before
• Of course, the first one is just what are your top priorities?
• It was a top priority during the last reauthorization.
• Obviously, that's a top priority for the state right now.

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee No. 4 hearing focused on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) and cap-and-trade reauthorization, with members and panelists discussing how to balance climate goals, affordability, and legislative oversight. The chair emphasized the hearing as a broad review of past GGRF spending and future options, while the LAO outlined how GGRF revenues are generated, how variable they have been, and the tradeoffs between continuous appropriations and annual budget control. Two academic panelists, Dr. Kyle Meng and Danny Cullen Ward, argued that cap-and-trade remains an effective climate policy, but stressed that future revenue will depend heavily on market design, allowance allocation, and price levels. They also raised the idea that GGRF could be used more directly for affordability, especially by lowering electricity costs, and for targeted investments in technologies that the market would not otherwise support. Committee members pressed the panelists on where revenues come from, how much has actually been spent, and whether continuous appropriations reduce oversight. CARB staff said more than $33 billion has been generated to date and a little over $11–12 billion has been spent, with the rest committed or in process, and noted that project timelines can be lengthy. Members also asked about ways to lower electricity rates, reduce wildfire-related utility liabilities, and support electrification. The panelists said transportation fuels are the largest source of GGRF revenue, that industrial emitters receive a smaller share of free allowances, and that reducing wildfire liability and investing in grid-scale batteries could help lower costs and speed decarbonization. Public commenters largely urged the Legislature to preserve or expand continuous appropriations for specific climate programs. Speakers supported funding for nature-based solutions, natural and working lands, urban greening, agricultural climate solutions, waste and composting programs, clean transportation, AB 617 community air protection, clean cars, transit, affordable housing near transit, and dairy digesters. Several groups argued these programs are cost-effective, provide public health and affordability benefits, and should receive dedicated shares of GGRF. Others urged reducing free allowances and using more GGRF revenue to directly lower energy costs for households. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We go forward and be able to pivot as we work with the regions on what their priorities are.
• Based on the priority of our partners and Health Care Authority and with the courts.
• Here's their priorities. Now, how do we get their priorities and their first needs?
• And housing to me may be... ...get their priorities and their first needs.
• And housing to me may be part of the need, but I don't think that's a priority.

Bills: HB1

Keywords: feed bill, legislative appropriations, legislative branch, New Mexico Legislature, general fund, legislative council service, legislative finance committee, legislative education study committee, house chief clerk, senate chief clerk, per diem, mileage, session expenses, interim committees, district staff, capitol complex, capital outlay data system, legislative processing system, redistricting, census redistricting

Transcript Highlights:

• As confirmed, streamlining and expediting the acquisition process must be one of your highest priorities
• The mental health access for our service members and our total force has to be our priority.
• The health and well-being of all of our military members is a priority.
• So knitter modernization has been among the Air Force's top priorities. priorities to ensure that our
• Recruiting and retaining highly qualified staff has to be a priority.

Keywords: Air Force modernization, fighter aircraft, autonomous systems, air superiority, national security, recapitalization

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on military procurement and modernization, with significant discussions surrounding the Air Force's capabilities and strategic needs. Key topics included the urgent need for recapitalization of the Air Force's fighter squadrons, as well as the importance of integrating new technologies like autonomous systems to bolster military effectiveness. Several senators raised concerns about the current resources available to the Air National Guard and the potential loss of skilled service members if recapitalization plans are not swiftly developed. There were also discussions on the importance of maintaining air superiority in light of evolving threats, particularly from adversaries like China.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the Department's priority number two.
• That is the agency's priority number three.
• <00:05:06.680> propos priority number two Governor's propos priority number two Governor's
• time the uh the next two uh priorities time the uh the next two uh priorities for<03:10:10.120><
• buildings but those are lower priority buildings but those are lower priority um<03:13:14.239>

Keywords: 928, house, all

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:31.080> on we would provide different priorities on we would provide different priorities
• He said it is important to work together, because they have different priorities.
• emergency were maybe our top priorities emergency were maybe our top priorities at<00:32:36.639>
• And this does reflect, in our view, the priorities that we would have.
• And this does reflect, in our view, the priorities that we would have.

Bills: HF1704, HF2052

Keywords: Minnesota agriculture budget, Department of Agriculture appropriation, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, farm bill, rural development, agricultural grants, soil health, livestock compensation, crop damage, meat inspection, poultry inspection, county agricultural inspectors, biofertilizer, nitrogen management, commercial nitrogen fertilizer, water quality, farm down payment assistance, beginning farmers

Transcript Highlights:

• That's not the priorities of Minnesota.
• And so we got priorities of Minnesota.
• Another priority that secondary deal.
• We have to make decisions and priorities, and that's what this is about.
• We have to make decisions and priorities, and that's what this is about.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On slides five and six, is the state giving you priorities?
• But is the state giving you priorities? On slide six, Madam Chair.
• And I think here is where the universities all have different priorities.
• our research priorities.
• That is now no longer a federal funding priority. So we need to pivot.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:26.720> um general overview of our priorities um general overview of our priorities
• priority is always a maintenance pool. priority is always a maintenance pool.
• Priority number six is the KT's years.
• Priority project across the state.
• Um our next priority is um Thank you.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:05 Approval of Minutes 00:01:48 Welcome New Members 00:02:03 Information Items 00:02:35 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:03:33 A. Cabinet for Health and Family Services 00:04:00 B. Kentucky Department of Education 00:17:03 C. Education and Labor Cabinet 00:29:33 D. Energy and Environment Cabinet 00:42:38 E. Finance and Administration Cabinet 0:53:30 F. Justice and Public Safety Cabinet 01:13:28 G. Personnel Cabinet 01:31:04 H. School Facilities Construction Commission 01:41:39, 958, all

Summary: The meeting was the first of the year for the Capital Planning Advisory Board. Members were called, a quorum was confirmed, new co-chairs and members were welcomed, and the board approved the prior year’s meeting minutes. The chair also reviewed the capital planning timeline, packet organization, and the list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, protecting existing infrastructure, preventive maintenance, and improving service delivery. Its major requests included a $21 million maintenance pool for 14 campuses and 175 buildings, phase 2 construction funding for a new public health laboratory, an 18-bed psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents with severe mental health needs, and several projects at Western State Hospital, Western State Nursing Facility, Hazlewood, and Oakwood. Members asked about the youth facility’s relationship to a separate DJJ project, vacant buildings, the high per-bed cost of the children’s hospital, and how the cabinet determined the need for the youth facility. CHFS said the youth project would be a separate facility serving high-acuity youth, the cost reflected the specialized nature of the unit and an 18-bed cap, and the broader youth plan also includes prevention, in-home services, and coordination across agencies. The Kentucky Department of Education then described projects for its three state-operated facilities: the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. It requested additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building after bids came in higher than expected, plus funding for a new education finance application system to support SEEK budgeting. Other priorities included a maintenance pool, FFA pool renovation, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, lighting improvements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size of the FFA pool, and construction cost assumptions; the department said it tracks students through the schools and short-course programs, the pool size figure may have been a typo, and current construction estimates are being adjusted upward because of inflation and supply-chain pressures. The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system to connect job seekers and employers, renovation of the McDow Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and a new adult education and family literacy management information system. The cabinet said the labor exchange would help match workers with employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility has safety and code concerns. The adult education system was described as outdated and lacking adequate case-management and tracking capabilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• The priority water uses, we have six priority water uses, and the number one is domestic use.
• I looked up priority uses one through five.
• Most of those large water uses would fall under the priority 5 water use.
• In priority uses 1 through 5, Mr. Chair, I can take that one. Representative Schultz.
• The first priority use was domestic.

Bills: HF647, HF2824, HF1249, HF623, HF820

Keywords: water appropriation, aquifer management, potable water, water conservation, environmental policy, fishing regulation, angling, sustainability, biodiversity, game fish, Carley State Park, Minnesota state parks, state lands, park boundary expansion, Wabasha County, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, public lands, land acquisition, park addition

Transcript Highlights:

• That's one of our priority projects; our two top priority projects in District Two are New Mexico 128
• priority sections is $350 million right now.
• So the gap in funding on our priority projects of 128 and 31 is $200 million. Page 5.
• And our priority routes. Page 6 is an overview of our transportation project fund.
• So, I just need a commitment that you all have it as a priority as well as Las Lunas having it as a priority

Transcript Highlights:

• What are our real priorities?
• Uh quite honestly, real priorities?
• <00:09:22.640> will committee's work and priorities will committee's work and priorities will
• , their protocols and their priorities, their protocols and their priorities, which<00:09:52.800>
• After the debate, the bill priorities.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• unfunded priorities.
• But the reality is that there's an $11 billion unfunded priority list from Indopaycom.
• So, Senator, if confirmed, I would make it an absolute priority, given the priority that China must get
• I hope so, because the $11 billion unfunded priority, that is the largest unfunded priority. of any of
• And protecting the homeland, focusing on China, those are our top two priorities.

Keywords: defense, geopolitical tensions, military readiness, China, Russia, U.S. military, Indo-Pacific, alliance, procurement

Summary: The meeting focused on critical defense and security matters, particularly concerning the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving China and Russia. There were discussions surrounding U.S. military readiness, with significant emphasis on the potential threats posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region. Members expressed concerns about America's military capabilities in relation to the growing Chinese fleet and the importance of maintaining strong alliances with nations like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Additionally, the notion of prioritizing the defense industrial base was highlighted, emphasizing the need for effective procurement and modernization efforts to counter adversarial threats. Furthermore, notable commentary included a reference to President Zelensky's remarks regarding peace negotiations with Ukraine, expressing a willingness for further cooperation with the U.S.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a vote against various bills and various priorities.
• It was a vote against various bills and various priorities.
• they're the lowest possible priority they're the lowest possible priority because<00:34:26.119><
• <00:37:05.640> number one uh food insecurity priority number one uh food insecurity priority
• that is a c a CTF priority it is also<00:53:31.960> a<00:53:32.160> priority<00:53:32.599

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Veterans and Military Affairs Division held its first meeting with a quorum present, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, and reviewed decorum expectations and basic operating rules. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Aaron Repinski emphasized that the committee would operate as a nonpartisan body focused on veterans’ issues. No minutes were approved because it was the division’s first meeting. Nonpartisan House staff then gave an overview of the Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs, including their missions, organizational structure, and budgets. The presentation highlighted the Minnesota National Guard, Camp Ripley, enlistment incentives, the Emergency Services Program, and the Veterans Affairs programs for veterans homes, cemeteries, benefits assistance, and state-funded benefits such as the State Soldiers Assistance Program, Minnesota GI Bill, and Post-9/11 bonus. Staff also noted housing and homelessness-related initiatives, several committee-supported outside programs, and the Support Our Troops license plate funding split between the two agencies. The committee then heard from Trent Dils of Disabled American Veterans Minnesota on behalf of the Commander's Task Force, a coalition of congressionally chartered veterans organizations. He described the group’s unanimous legislative process and urged continuation of a separate veterans omnibus bill, arguing it has helped keep veterans issues apart from broader partisan disputes. He also began outlining the task force’s 2025 priorities, including hunting, fishing, and trapping benefits for veterans, but the transcript cuts off before the full list or any committee action on those priorities is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So one key question is, have any of your priorities, are your priorities the same as they were before
• Of course, the first one is just, what are your top priorities?
• And I've heard I don't want to pretend to know what the legislative priorities are.
• be a particular priority because this program will likely impose additional costs.
• Obviously, that's a- A priority for the state right now.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, affordability and safety, putting students at the top of the priority pyramid.
• consultations I've discovered priorities consultations I've discovered priorities like<00:48:09.400
• spaces where strategic priorities spaces where strategic priorities ultimately<00:49:14.160>
• focus very much on four priorities focus very much on four priorities affordability<00:51:38.720
• accessibility should be a huge priority accessibility should be a huge priority for<00:56:02.920

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The forum focused on the University of Minnesota system’s future, with candidates largely agreeing that the five campuses should remain distinct while working more closely together. Speakers emphasized the land-grant mission, the importance of serving Greater Minnesota, and the need for each campus to have a clear value proposition tied to local communities. Several suggested stronger cross-campus partnerships, more use of technology, and more seamless student pathways between campuses, while also noting enrollment declines and the need to preserve campus identities. A second major topic was public trust in higher education and the perceived value of a college degree. Candidates pointed to rising tuition, student debt, and concerns about post-graduation job prospects as key challenges. Proposed responses included better storytelling about university outcomes, stronger partnerships with schools, legislators, and communities, more targeted fundraising and commercialization of research, and clearer evidence of return on investment for students and families. The discussion then turned to athletics, where most candidates described sports as the university’s “front door” but said academics must remain the priority. They raised NIL, revenue sharing, and the need to keep athletics funding separate from core university funding, while also recognizing athletics’ role in campus culture and student recruitment. In later questions, candidates discussed why they sought regent service and how to support diversity, equity, and inclusion, with responses stressing access, belonging, open debate, and meeting students where they are. No formal votes or actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• :15.400> to it gives those policy priorities over to it gives those policy priorities over to
• <00:43:05.720> of think that the policy priorities of think that the policy priorities of
• , their apprehension priorities, their prosecution priorities with county attorneys are in service now
• <00:45:55.800> their enforcement priorities their enforcement priorities their apprehension
• priori priorities their apprehension priori priorities their prosecution<00:45:59.520> priorities<

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard extended debate on a bill requiring cooperation with ICE and reporting related to undocumented people in certain criminal contexts. Representative Rymer argued the measure was meant to align with federal priorities focused on violent offenders and to ensure local governments respond to federal inquiries, not proactively target immigrants. He also said the bill was intended to address serious crimes and protect victims, citing examples of violent offenders and trafficking-related cases. Several members raised concerns that the bill’s language was broader than described and could affect family court matters, health care, elder care, and routine interactions with government agencies. Testifiers and members warned it could be used as leverage against undocumented people in custody, child support, domestic violence, and labor exploitation situations, and could discourage people from reporting crimes or seeking help. The sheriff’s association and county attorneys’ association letters were cited as raising due process, equal protection, civil rights, and public safety concerns. The discussion also focused on the bill’s definitions and mechanics, especially whether section three would require reporting after arrests that do not lead to charges and how county attorneys would know when to report. Representative Pinto pressed on the bill’s reference to “violent crime” and whether drug possession could be swept in, while Rymer argued the bill was narrower than critics suggested. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the exchange remained at the discussion and questioning stage.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if there's things that are different in what they think is in priority, then that's when probably
• So if there's things that are different in what they think is in priority, then that's when probably
• while participating with SFA's priorities. people.
• um participate with the priorities um participate with the priorities<00:20:57.679> of<00:20:
• It's the DOE's responsibility to identify and share those priorities right now with the SFA.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education heard several advice-and-consent nominations to the School Facilities Authority. For GM779, Shelley Pa was introduced as a nominee for a term ending June 30, 2029. The Department of Education supported her nomination, citing her large-scale operations and stakeholder-engagement experience. In her testimony, Pa said she retired from community policing, wanted to give back to teachers and students, and believed her strengths were collaboration, listening to community input, and helping balance differing priorities. Committee members questioned her about the construction and infrastructure focus of the board, her lack of direct construction experience, and how she would handle disagreements and budget limits; she responded that she would rely on collaboration, ask questions, and keep decisions centered on students, teachers, and the community while staying within budget. The committee then heard GM777 and GM778 for Robert Davis, with terms ending June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2029. Davis described more than 30 years with the Department of Education, including roles as teacher, coach, counselor, vice principal, principal, and complex area superintendent, and said he had worked on major facilities projects and managed pandemic-era funding. He emphasized communication, transparency, and trust, and explained that his experience on the Early Learning Board helped him understand how to set policy, identify schools for pre-K, and use data and community factors in decision-making. Members asked how he would handle SFA’s growing pains, the need to balance DOE wishes with practical and budgetary limits, and the board’s role when the legislature controls funding; Davis said the board must keep communication open, include the right people, and make sensible decisions that move projects forward without stalling. For GM780, nominee Michael Unbasami was introduced for a term ending June 30, 2029. The Department of Education supported him, highlighting over five decades of public service and experience in facilities management, finance, and legislative affairs. Unbasami said he had recently retired after 31 years as associate vice president for administrative affairs for the community colleges and had extensive experience with facilities planning, construction, renovation, repairs, and working within budgets. He stated that the DOE should be treated as the SFA’s client because it knows student, teacher, and facility needs best, while SFA’s role is to implement construction work and collaborate on priorities. Committee members pressed him on how to balance DOE requests with practical project delivery, especially for teacher housing and other non-classroom needs, and he said the legislature funds the work, SFA must keep projects moving, and the workflow should involve collaboration but also realistic decisions that fit the budget and avoid delays.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's caucus priorities.
• I think that the nice thing about this committee is your caucus's priorities are our caucus's priorities
• committee's priorities is what I guess. committee's priorities is what I guess.
• priorities are our caucus's<00:20:37.680> priorities.
• caucus's priorities. caucus's priorities.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We know what the priorities are. This is not a priority. Protecting the citizens is not a priority.
• shift our priorities. shift our priorities.
• And when our priorities are a film festival, our priority is a film festival.
• And when our priorities are a film festival, our priority is a film festival.
• that because that's a priority. that because that's a priority.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the journal, and then moved out of order to consider Senate Joint Resolution 10, a resolution celebrating Lunar New Year 2026. The resolution highlighted Colorado’s observed Lunar New Year holiday, the cultural significance of the holiday to Asian-American communities, and the contributions of Asian-Americans in Colorado. Several members spoke in support, including remarks about the Far East Center, Asian-American heritage, and the importance of recognizing the holiday statewide. The chamber also welcomed a number of guests and groups for the Lunar New Year observance, including state and international dignitaries, community leaders, and lion dancers. Representative Soer and others introduced guests and offered brief remarks; the House then recessed briefly for the celebration. After returning, the House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 10 by a vote of 60 ayes, with five excused and no no votes. Following the resolution, members made announcements about committee meetings and visiting student groups, including District 6 Day, Disability Rights Advocacy Day, and several school groups at the Capitol. The House then took up third reading of supplemental appropriations bills. House Bill 1150, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Agriculture, passed on third reading. House Bill 1151, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Corrections, prompted extended debate over prison funding, inmate care, staffing, and parole-related concerns; members argued both for humane treatment and for fiscal restraint, and discussion was still ongoing in the portion provided.