Video & Transcript : 'retiree support' :
Page 48 of 500
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- She received services like supported employment and supported living, which are funded by the waiver
- These folks need the same support.
- We strongly support several...
- We are very thankful for the House's decision to fund Medicare retiree insurance and the ongoing support
- We are very thankful for the House's decision to fund Medicare retiree insurance and the ongoing support
Bills:
HB2289
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Where students get the appropriate community-type support that they need.
- President, for your support. I want to thank you, Chair Hooper, for your leadership.
- How much federal COVID response money are we still using to support our state budget?
- Does that come with funding support for staff for those judges as well? Sure, I go to you.
- Authorizes Valerie House to provide no-cost grief support services.
Summary:
The Senate began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into floor consideration of the 2026-2027 budget. Appropriations Chair Hooper presented Senate Bill 2500, describing a $115 billion budget that reduces overall spending from the prior year, maintains reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then outlined major spending in their areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and environmental and agricultural programs. Highlights included increased funding for school scholarships and safety, workforce and university programs, Medicaid and child welfare, corrections operations, affordable housing, rural communities, Everglades and water quality projects, and infrastructure.
Members then asked detailed questions about several budget items. Senators sought clarification on the Emergency Management Trust Fund, arts and cultural grants, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salaries, charter school capital outlay funding, EASE grants, New College funding, DOC inmate counts and reimbursement, lottery staffing, concealed weapons licensing positions, election security funding, iBudget waiver support, ADAP funding, Medicaid hospital rate reductions, and scholarship and enrollment supplements in K-12 education. Chairs explained that some reductions reflected technical shifts or right-sizing, that some funds were being moved below the line for better tracking, and that several items—such as ADAP and corrections operations—would likely remain conference issues with the House.
After questions, the Senate substituted House bills for the budget and implementing measures and adopted amendments placing the Senate language onto the House vehicles to prepare for conference. The chamber passed the budget-related bills and several conforming measures, including bills on retirement, fuel taxes, the state agency law enforcement radio system, court trust funds, judgeships, and K-12 and higher education conforming changes. Votes on the major bills were overwhelmingly unanimous or near-unanimous, and the Senate repeatedly voted to accede to the House’s request for conference on the substituted bills.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Second, modifying the existing COLA structure for current retirees with stronger financial guardrails
- It's an agreed-to bill; the fund fully supports the bill.
- We respectfully ask for your support in passing this legislation.
- The board of the Austin Retired Firefighters Association stands together in support of this. bill.
- I enthusiastically rise in support of this bill, and I...
Keywords:
diesel fuel tax, tax credit, auxiliary power units, power take-off equipment, refund, energy efficiency, firefighter retirement, municipal contributions, pension system, retirement benefits, funding ratios, sales tax exemption, exotic animals, game animals, agriculture, livestock, civil liability, motor vehicle, legal protection, removal
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-20 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- First, I want to thank President Albritton and Chair Hooper for their support of education in the state
- Where students get the appropriate community-type support that they need.
- Services for our veterans who call Florida home and $159 million to support 39 different IT projects.
- President, for your support. I want to thank you, Chair Hooper, for your leadership.
- Does that come with funding support for staff for those judges as well? Sure, I go to you.
Summary:
The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget and related implementing bills. Appropriations Chair Hooper presented a $115 billion General Appropriations Bill, saying it reduces overall spending from the prior year, preserves reserves, and includes a 3% raise for state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then outlined major budget areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and environmental/agricultural agencies. Highlights included increased funding for school safety, teacher and scholarship funding, workforce education, Medicaid and kid care, corrections operations, judgeships, affordable housing, hurricane recovery, Everglades and water quality projects, and arts and cultural grants.
Members asked detailed questions about several items. Senators discussed the Emergency Management Trust Fund, cultural arts grant allocations, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salary support, charter school capital outlay funding, Bright Futures and EASE funding, New College funding, DOC deficits and inmate health care/food service costs, the ADAP HIV drug program, Medicaid reductions for non-critical access hospitals, and the use of opioid settlement and COVID relief funds. Chairs explained that some apparent reductions reflected shifts below the line or reclassification, that the ADAP appropriation would only cover about six months, and that some vacant positions were being removed as part of a right-sizing effort. Questions also covered lottery staffing, concealed weapons permit processing, elections security funding, and arts grant selection and proviso language.
The Senate then substituted House bills for the Senate budget and implementing measures, amended them into the Senate posture, and passed them. HB 5001 (the appropriations bill), HB 503 (implementing bill), HB 5201 (collective bargaining), and HB 5205 (retirement) all passed 36-0 and were sent to conference. Other budget-related bills also passed, including SB 2506 on fuel taxes, SB 2508 on the state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge, SB 2510 on court trust funds, SB 2512 creating 13 circuit and 12 county judgeships, SB 2514 on K-12 education, SB 2516 on higher education, and SB 2518 on health. Most of these passed unanimously, with the Senate requesting the House either pass the Senate versions or include them in budget conference.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Therefore, we support the bill. Again, we'd be open for any questions if y'all have any. Thank you.
- The industry employs almost half a million Texans, with many more in support roles.
- Texas has made a name for itself as a home for retirees.
- So we're really excited about how Freeport supports Texas, and we want to continue to do that.
- I'm very glad to be here, a part of Texas, supporting Texas. Very good.
Keywords:
taxing unit, bond database, local government, transparency, civil penalty, education reform, funding allocation, school infrastructure, teacher recruitment, student achievement, tax exemption, water conservation, graywater systems, rainwater harvesting, ad valorem taxation, county commissioners, HB 1587, Texas sales tax holiday, back-to-school tax holiday, clothing tax exemption
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/19/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:17:32.360><c> personal</c> retirees personal retirees personal information<00:17:35.080><c> page<
- We want to support municipalities; often they're volunteer staff, and they need the support to be able
- We want to support municipalities; often they're volunteer staff, and they need the support to be able
- We want to support municipalities; often they're volunteer staff, and they need the support to be able
- </c><01:14:36.080><c> it</c><01:14:36.199><c> so</c> and support and doit can't support it so and support
Summary:
The committee first reviewed House Bill 1, focusing on the legislative branch budget, especially the Senate and House lines. Members discussed that the Senate’s fiscal year 2025 adjusted authorized amount was higher than 2024 actual spending, largely due to personnel, benefits, and travel, and one member proposed a $500,000 annual cut. Staff explained that any reduction would need to be allocated across specific line items such as personnel, benefits, and travel, and noted that the Senate budget is entirely General Funds. After discussion of how the adjusted authorized figures were calculated and why the branch no longer staffs some joint committees as it once did, the committee moved on without taking a vote on that section.
The committee then heard a detailed presentation from the New Hampshire Retirement System. NHRS officials described their statutory administrative budget, which is funded through the retirement trust rather than the General Fund, and said the FY 2026-2027 increase is driven by IT modernization, cybersecurity, a new strategic plan, and additional staff positions. They also reviewed the system’s funding progress, clean audit opinions, investment performance, and changes to asset allocation, while noting that several recent pension-related laws required major database changes. Members questioned the large increase in salaries and benefits, the need for new employees versus contractors, the purpose of training costs, and the source of the Group Two benefit funding. NHRS said the governor’s budget includes General Funds for Group Two benefit changes, with $5 million in FY 2026 and $27.9 million in FY 2027, and that the figures reflect the governor’s recommendation and related HB 2 provisions.
Committee members also asked about employer and employee contribution rates for Group Two police and fire members, which NHRS said were not included in the budget document but were about 31.2% for police and 30.35% for fire, with employee shares around 11.55% and 11.8%. The committee did not make a decision on the NHRS budget during this exchange and indicated it would review the details further before returning to it later.
The committee then heard from the Community Development Finance Authority on the State Treasury Department budget line for the required state match to administer the federal Community Development Block Grant program. CDFA explained that its $280,000 annual request for FY 2026 and FY 2027, totaling $560,000, supports administration, technical assistance, contracting, and monitoring of roughly $19 million in annual federal CDBG funds. Members asked about the leverage of the state match, oversight of projects, staffing, and grant prioritization. CDFA said it has 18 employees, uses public hearings and a scoring system to prioritize awards, and conducts both desk and on-site monitoring, with annual audits to ensure compliance. No vote was taken on the CDFA item in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Extending aspects of the state's reinsurance program 3/5/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:13:05.519><c> also</c> HPPPM supports reinsurance, we'd also HPPPM supports reinsurance, we'd also
- </c> support of House File 3388 today. support of House File 3388 today.
- We respectfully ask legislators to support House File 3388 and continue supporting a policy that has
- We respectfully ask legislators to support House File 3388 and continue supporting a policy that has
- I think singlepayer supporter.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- First, I want to thank President Albritton and Chair Hooper for their support of education in the state
- We are putting $26.2 million to support the community school grant program, which has been so successful
- President, for your support. I want to thank you, Chair Hooper, for your leadership.
- How much federal COVID response money are we still using to support our state budget?
- Does that come with funding support for staff for those judges as well? Sure, I go to you.
Summary:
The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget package, beginning with an overview of the $115 billion General Appropriations Bill (SB 2500/HB 500). Appropriations Chair Hooper said the budget is smaller than last year’s, maintains strong reserves, and includes a 3% pay raise for all state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then highlighted major spending in their areas, including $34.9 billion for Pre-K-12 education, $11.9 billion for higher education, a $2.1 billion-plus increase in health and human services, $7.9 billion for criminal and civil justice, $16.8 billion for transportation/tourism/economic development, and major environmental and regulatory investments such as Everglades restoration, water quality, and land acquisition.
Members asked detailed questions about several items. Topics included the Emergency Management Trust Fund, arts and cultural grants, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salaries and charter school funding, New College funding, ADAP/HIV drug assistance, Medicaid rate reductions for non-critical access hospitals, DOC operational deficits and inmate health/food costs, judicial staffing, and school enrollment supplements. Chairs explained that some reductions reflected shifts in how scholarship and categorical funds are tracked, that the ADAP appropriation would take effect immediately upon enactment but would only cover part of the year, and that hospital reductions were tied to a broader DPP funding increase. Questions also covered lottery staffing, concealed carry licensing workload, and whether vacant positions were being eliminated as part of budget right-sizing.
After the budget discussion, the Senate substituted House bills for the Senate budget bills and adopted amendments placing the Senate language onto the House vehicles. The chamber then passed HB 500, HB 503, and HB 5201, and agreed to conference on each. It also passed SB 7028/HB 5205 on retirement, SB 2506 on fuel taxes, SB 2508 on the state agency law enforcement radio system, SB 2510/HB 5401 on court trust funds, SB 2512 on judgeships, SB 2514 on K-12 education, SB 2516 on higher education, and SB 2518 on health, with each bill passing by unanimous or near-unanimous votes and then being sent to conference or requested of the House for concurrence.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> happened at the state level to support happened at the state level to support people<00:16:08.840
- </c> for that support. for that support.
- Recovery Corps supports Minneapolis.
- </c> support specialist after service. support specialist after service.
- </c> Minnesota, the statewide support Minnesota, the statewide support organization<01:04:56.520><c>
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Mar 23rd, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- representative Bagley provides relative to teachers' retirement system, Louisiana, reemployment of retirees
- Reemployment of retirees. Compensation during reemployment costs. That bill becomes House Bill 20.
- Jordan, pharmacy, education, support, fee licenses and permits issued by the Board of Pharmacy, reported
- House Bill 469 by Representative Jordan, pharmacy, education, support, fee licenses and permits issued
- Appreciate support. Vote yea; those opposed vote no. Madam Clerk, open the machines.
Bills:
HR46, HR47, HR48, HR49, HR50, HR51, HR52, HR53, HR54, HR55, HR56, HR57, HCR31, HB20, HB21, HB166, HB494, HB710, HB795, HB985, HB986, HB987, HB988, HB989, HB990, HB991, HB992, HB993, HB994, HB995, HB996, HB997, HB998, HR42, HR43, HR44, HR45, HCR22, HCR23, HCR24, HCR25, HCR26, HCR27, HCR28, HCR29, HCR30, SCR13, HB894, HB983, HB984, SB19, SB23, SB26, SB30, SB39, SB45, SB46, SB50, SB51, SB55, SB69, SB71, SB73, SB84, SB85, SB89, SB96, SB98, SB101, SB110, SB148, SB150, SB160, SB164, SB303, SB340, HB28, HB36, HB50, HB52, HB56, HB62, HB68, HB92, HB110, HB117, HB119, HB124, HB140, HB147, HB160, HB171, HB174, HB182, HB193, HB196, HB198, HB203, HB228, HB234, HB237, HB260, HB268, HB271, HB285, HB289, HB316, HB351, HB393, HB400, HB413, HB446, HB469, HB486, HB534, HB551, HB552, HB574, HB576, HB634, HB649, HB677, HB735, HB739, HB779, HB784, HB796, HB807, HB842, HB850, HB919, HB474, HB487, HB503, HB606, HB633, HB707, HB720, HB728, HB733, HB846, HB852, HB856, HB868, HB875, HB129, HB130, HB287, HB489, HB545, HB553, HB555, HB570, HB854, HB952, HB221, HB148, HB331, HB149, HB901
Keywords:
HR 46, House Resolution 46, water well drillers, water wells, well drilling, driller licensure, licensing requirements, Department of Conservation and Energy, R.S. 38:3098.1, LAC 46.LXXXIX.507, professional references, two years drilling experience, workforce development, barriers to entry, water infrastructure, natural resources, groundwater, public health, state water resources, occupational licensing
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the pledge, leave granted for one member, and several ceremonial recognitions, including Women Shaping Industry Day, Louisiana Agriculture Week, and CODOFIL Day at the Capitol. The chamber also received Senate messages concurring in several House concurrent resolutions and adopting SCRs 14 and 15, which designated Flood Awareness Month and recognized the bond between Quebec and Louisiana. Numerous resolutions and bills were introduced and referred, including measures on retirement systems, juvenile justice districts, carbon sequestration in St. Helena Parish, tax administration, election procedures, education, criminal justice, and state property transfers.
The House adopted several resolutions without objection, including commendations for Thrive Academy, Bishop Lonnie Welder, Pastor Aaron Holloway, World Down Syndrome Day, and others. Members also heard committee reports on a wide range of bills, with many reported favorably or with amendments. In morning hour, the House discharged and withdrew two bills from committee, and later returned some bills to the calendar with notice to call them on later dates.
The chamber then took up a series of floor bills, passing HB 474 to create an income tax checkoff for the Grambling State University National Alumni Association, HB 487 on penalties for unsafe red-light passing maneuvers, HB 503 on utility terrain vehicles in Golden Meadow, HB 606 on personal delivery devices, HB 633 on estimated income tax filing timing, HB 707 on the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Commission Advisory Board, HB 970 on tacit dedication of public roadways, HB 728 on out-of-state tow truck requirements, HB 846 on license plate coverings, HB 852 on a domestic violence donation checkoff, HB 856 on DOTD indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity construction contracts, HB 221 naming the proposed Mississippi River bridge the President Donald J. Trump Expressway, HB 148 designating a highway memorial, and HB 331 creating a Louisiana GOP specialty plate. Most of these bills passed with little or no opposition, though HB 221 drew debate and passed 68-26. The House adjourned after announcing committee meetings for the following day.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Mar 23rd, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- representative Bagley provides relative to teachers' retirement system, Louisiana, reemployment of retirees
- Reemployment of retirees. Compensation during reemployment costs. That bill becomes House Bill 20.
- House Bill 469 by Representative Fontenot, pharmacy, education, support, fee licenses, permits issued
- House Bill 469 by Representative Fontenot, pharmacy education support, fee licenses, and permits issued
- I appreciate the support. Vote yea; those opposed vote no. Members, vote on your machines.
Bills:
HR46, HR47, HR48, HR49, HR50, HR51, HR52, HR53, HR54, HR55, HR56, HR57, HCR31, HB20, HB21, HB166, HB494, HB710, HB795, HB985, HB986, HB987, HB988, HB989, HB990, HB991, HB992, HB993, HB994, HB995, HB996, HB997, HB998, HR42, HR43, HR44, HR45, HCR22, HCR23, HCR24, HCR25, HCR26, HCR27, HCR28, HCR29, HCR30, SCR13, HB894, HB983, HB984, SB19, SB23, SB26, SB30, SB39, SB45, SB46, SB50, SB51, SB55, SB69, SB71, SB73, SB84, SB85, SB89, SB96, SB98, SB101, SB110, SB148, SB150, SB160, SB164, SB303, SB340, HB28, HB36, HB50, HB52, HB56, HB62, HB68, HB92, HB110, HB117, HB119, HB124, HB140, HB147, HB160, HB171, HB174, HB182, HB193, HB196, HB198, HB203, HB228, HB234, HB237, HB260, HB268, HB271, HB285, HB289, HB316, HB351, HB393, HB400, HB413, HB446, HB469, HB486, HB534, HB551, HB552, HB574, HB576, HB634, HB649, HB677, HB735, HB739, HB779, HB784, HB796, HB807, HB842, HB850, HB919, HB474, HB487, HB503, HB606, HB633, HB707, HB720, HB728, HB733, HB846, HB852, HB856, HB868, HB875, HB129, HB130, HB287, HB489, HB545, HB553, HB555, HB570, HB854, HB952, HB221, HB148, HB331, HB149, HB901
Keywords:
HR 46, House Resolution 46, water well drillers, water wells, well drilling, driller licensure, licensing requirements, Department of Conservation and Energy, R.S. 38:3098.1, LAC 46.LXXXIX.507, professional references, two years drilling experience, workforce development, barriers to entry, water infrastructure, natural resources, groundwater, public health, state water resources, occupational licensing
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
04/29/2026 - House Republican Caucus Calendar #21
Transcript Highlights:
- This is some really significant support and aid to our families here in Arizona.
- This is some really significant support and aid to our families here in Arizona.
- I encourage my colleagues to support it. Great job, Chairman Gress.
- And, you know, we're supporting individuals.
- We're supporting businesses and small businesses and job creators.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representitives Mar 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- . ...that I will support the Constitution and laws of the United States and the Constitution and laws
- I, Edwin Murray, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution and laws of the United States
- I urge you to support Representative Bamberg's bill to accelerate job placement in Louisiana.
- and provide for earning potential purposes of child support.
- House Bill by Representative Taylor: Medicare-eligible retirees; secondary payor for retirees.
Summary:
The House convened with a quorum, received and accepted multiple resignation notices from members representing Districts 37, 39, 60, 69, 97, and 100, and then recognized the election and qualification of the members-elect who filled those vacancies: Doyle Boudreau, Reese Broussard, Chasity Verrett-Martinez, and Edwin Murray. Each member-elect was sworn in, and the House also appointed committees to notify the Senate and the governor that it was ready to conduct business for the 2026 regular session.
The chamber then handled a large number of procedural actions related to prefiled legislation. By motion and without objection, the House suspended rules to refer prefile bills to committee and introduced a broad slate of House bills and resolutions. Topics included the state budget and appropriations, retirement system changes, carbon capture and sequestration, criminal justice and bail, public safety, education, health care, local government matters, transportation, and several memorial or commemorative resolutions. Several resolutions and bills were noted as lying over, and some prefiled bills were withdrawn from the files.
The House also received a Senate message that SCR 1 had been adopted, and the resolution was taken up without objection. The chamber then recessed for a joint session with the Senate to hear the governor’s address and a presentation honoring Technical Sergeant Adam W. Brister with the Distinguished Flying Cross. In his remarks, Governor Jeff Landry highlighted his administration’s priorities, including education, tax reform, workforce development, health and nutrition, insurance reform, transportation infrastructure, fiscal discipline, and criminal justice reform, while urging support for his agenda and several related bills and constitutional amendments.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (03/18/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I am in support of this bill, and I wanted to give you a real-life situation that happened.
- I am in support of this bill, and I wanted to give you a real-life situation that happened.
- I am in support of this bill, and I wanted to give you a real-life situation that happened.
- All 10 county sheriffs do support this bill.
- The question is on group two retirees, since they're not covered.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Special Session E May 12th, 2026
Florida Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Having waived close, all in support of the amendment say aye. All opposed say nay. Show the motion.
- All in support of the amendment say aye. All opposed say nay.
- It also allows retirees in the special risk class to receive an alternative cost-of-living adjustment
- To be eligible, the retiree must have completed six years of service in the special risk class if initially
- If enrolled after July 1, 2011, the retiree must complete eight years, and that is the bill.
Summary:
The Florida Senate convened in special session for budget conference work, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and moments of silence honoring Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Mateer and former Senator Bill Posey. The Secretary read the joint proclamation calling the special session, which was limited to budget and related conforming legislation, including appropriations, implementing bills, collective bargaining/state employees, retirement, law enforcement radio system, health, higher education, K-12 education, government administration, correctional facilities, judges, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup, fuel taxes, and taxation. Senators also heard Chair Hooper outline the process for moving identical Senate bills and House companion bills into conference posture.
The Senate then took up and passed several Senate bills and House companion bills, generally by 32-0 votes, after adopting delete-all/insert-nothing amendments to place the Senate language onto the House vehicles. Bills addressed fuel taxes and Inland Protection Trust Fund distributions, the state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge, judicial certification, K-12 education conforming changes, retirement, higher education, health care, collective bargaining/state employees, government administration, correctional facilities financing and capital improvements, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup programs, and taxation. In debate on the tax bill, Leader Berman urged consideration of suspending the motor fuel tax to provide relief at the pump, but the House-passed tax bill did not pass as received, and the Senate requested conference instead.
The chamber also processed the main budget measures: Senate Bill 2500E and House Bill 5001E for the General Appropriations Act, and Senate Bill 2502E and House Bill 5003E for the implementing bill. After substituting the House bills and adopting conforming amendments, the Senate passed them and requested conference. For the remaining House bills, the Senate either passed them as amended and then acceded to or requested conference on the House request. The session concluded with a motion to waive rules for publishing the Special Order Calendar for the remainder of the special session, an announcement that the Special Order Calendar Group would not meet on May 12 or 13, and adjournment upon the call of the President for committee meetings and other Senate business.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Employee Benefits Programs Committee May 7th, 2026
Employee Benefits Programs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- This gives Medicare retirees access to a gym, such as the YMCA or other fitness centers, as well as other
- There are caps on how much it'll give, and that is supported by taxes dedicated to that plan.
- Some agencies do support tuition reimbursement, others do not.
- On the right-hand side, I listed some of the arguments in support of a tuition reimbursement program.
- Health care support occupations have the highest projected percentage growth, at just over 14%.
Summary:
The Employee Benefits Committee met to hear presentations on state employee health insurance, compensation, leave policies, labor market conditions, and prevailing wage issues, then later took up committee rules and bill-draft jurisdiction. PERS reviewed the history and structure of the state health plan, noting the state has paid the full family premium since 1979, described cost-control and benefit-enhancement changes over time, and explained current plan options, wellness incentives, employer wellness discounts, and the upcoming bid process for the 2027-29 contract. HRMS then presented compensation comparisons showing state classified pay generally trails private and regional markets, with larger gaps at higher-level jobs, and reviewed benefits and leave policies, including the new enhanced annual leave and new-hire leave, the state’s unpaid family leave structure, and varying tuition reimbursement practices. Job Service reported on labor force trends, low unemployment, high labor force participation, job openings, and wage growth, and OMB said there are no state prevailing-wage requirements beyond federal Davis-Bacon rules for federally funded projects.
The committee then considered a proposed amendment to Joint Rule 211 to better align the health insurance mandate review process with recent statutory changes. Members discussed how the rule should reference both the committee’s required actuarial reports and the Legislative Council cost-benefit analysis, and the amendment was adopted on a roll call vote. The committee also discussed how its jurisdiction decisions affect whether a bill draft receives actuarial analysis, with staff explaining that a decision not to take jurisdiction means the bill is not treated as impacting the relevant retirement or health plans for purposes of that analysis.
After that, the committee began reviewing bill drafts for jurisdiction. The first draft, bill draft 33, would automatically renew pre-tax elections for dental and vision coverage during open enrollment instead of requiring annual re-election. Members debated whether it had any actuarial impact, noting the state does not pay those premiums directly, and the discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 29 (2-18-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 577 modernizes Kentucky's economic development statutes to better support early-stage and
- startup growth across that supports startup growth across Kentucky.
- </c><00:37:58.880><c> This</c><00:37:59.040><c> bill</c> retirees. All good things.
- This bill retirees. All good things.
- </c> may be a better option for our retirees may be a better option for our retirees than<00:39:13.680
Keywords:
Convene 00:00:00
Senate Message 00:04:53
Calendar/2nd Readings 00:05:27
Report of Committees 00:06:16
Orders of the Day 00:08:42
SB 172 00:08:54
HB 392 00:11:47
HB 529 00:16:02
HB 456 00:22:04
HB 424 00:25:27
HJR 50 00:30:04
HB 577 00:32:29
HB 213 00:36:10
HB 58 00:40:22
HB 10 00:45:23
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 01:04:32
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 01:17:33
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 01:20:15
ConC/Rules Report 01:25:00
Floor Amendments 01:26:56
Adjournment 01:27:21, 958, all
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, we fully support this bill.
- So, the fire and EMS support this well.
- </c> support of this piece of legislation. support of this piece of legislation.
- My concern you know, support your bill.
- I understand that, um, but I support the concept.
Bills:
SB255, SB199, SB47, HB605, HB216, HB621, HB148, HB389, HB509, HB248, SB255, SB199, SB47, HB605, HB216, HB621, HB148, HB389, HB509, HB248, SB336, SB293, SB43, HB420, HB60, HB188, HB106, HB105, HB11
Keywords:
SB255, cannabinoid, hemp, hemp-derived THC, THCa, delta-8 THC, HHC, CBD, THC, novel cannabinoid products, hemp products, intoxicating hemp, delta-8, retail license, Department of Revenue, Department of Agriculture and Industries, testing and labeling, third-party laboratory, product safety, public health
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-05-12 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Having waived close, all in support of the amendment say aye. All opposed say nay. Show the motion.
- It also allows retirees in the special risk class to receive an alternative cost-of-living adjustment
- To be eligible, the retiree must have completed six years of service in the special risk class if enrolled
- If enrolled after July 1, 2011, the retiree must complete eight years, and that is the bill.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I think what we've asked for so far, the retiree health funds don't lapse in the first year and they
- I think on retiree health what we're talking about is not anything other than making it a non-lapsing
- I think on retiree health what we're talking about is not anything other than making it a non-lapsing
- Um, they are doable. because I can't I can't support doing it because I can't I can't support doing it
- Uh but because I I cannot support hold.