Video & Transcript : 'FERS' :
Page 4 of 7
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Fer — excused. Representative Kelly — excused. Representative Lean — here.
- >> Representative<00:33:05.039><c> Fer,</c> >> Representative Fer, excused. >> Representative Kelly
Committee:
House Judiciary
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 2, February 10, 2026-AM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Connelly, Connelly, Connelly, Davis, Davis, Davis, >> Ericson, >> Ericson, >> Ericson, Fer
- Bornstrom,</c><01:06:03.440><c> Garinger,</c><01:06:04.559><c> Guggen,</c><01:06:04.960><c> Moss,</c> Fer
- , Bornstrom, Garinger, Guggen, Moss, Fer, Bornstrom, Garinger, Guggen, Moss, Haroldson,<01:06:07.359>
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/09/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- 19.760><c> Medicare</c> withheld from employees for uh Medicare withheld from employees for uh Medicare fer
- </c><01:27:23.679><c> It's</c><01:27:24.000><c> a</c><01:27:24.239><c> criminal</c> fer withholdings.
- It's a criminal fer withholdings.
Summary:
The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 1042, which would increase the BFA contingent credit limit. State Treasurer Monica Misipelli explained that under RSA 66, state debt capacity is tied to unrestricted revenue and that guaranteed debt counts in the calculation even though it is contingent rather than direct debt. She said the state currently has about 4.2% to 4.3% debt-to-revenue ratio, about $120 million in additional capacity, and that approving the bill’s proposed increase would reduce available capacity for future state borrowing, including capital budgets. She noted the BFA has a long history of using guarantees without a state payout, but said the legislature should consider whether the full additional $250 million is needed and whether unused guarantee authorizations, such as one for the Pease Development Authority, should be reviewed in the future.
Committee members asked whether guarantees have the same effect as actual debt for bonding capacity, and the treasurer confirmed that they do for purposes of the formula. Members also asked about the usual level of debt relative to the statutory 10% cap, and she said the state generally stays well below that limit. BFA Executive Director James Key Wallace then testified that the request was driven by rising project costs, inflation, and the need for more runway so the agency does not have to return to the legislature in an emergency. He said the BFA is self-supported, has never had a guarantee paid out by the state, requires collateral and reserves, and believes the appropriate range is closer to $400 million to $450 million; he also said a Senate bill would raise the limit to $400 million. He added that the BFA’s pipeline includes projects from about $15 million to $100 million and that housing availability is an important factor in business location decisions.
After closing the work session on House Bill 1042, the committee opened House Bill 241, a bill on health insurance coverage for pain management services for chronic pain. Representative Dave Nagel, the prime sponsor, gave extensive background on his long career in pain medicine and said the bill is intended to improve access to non-opioid therapies and evidence-based pain management. He described the broad population affected by chronic pain and opioid use disorder, and said the proposal has long had bipartisan and stakeholder support. No vote or final action was taken on House Bill 241 in the portion of the meeting provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/09/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- 19.760><c> Medicare</c> withheld from employees for uh Medicare withheld from employees for uh Medicare fer
- </c><01:27:23.679><c> It's</c><01:27:24.000><c> a</c><01:27:24.239><c> criminal</c> fer withholdings.
- It's a criminal fer withholdings.
Summary:
The committee first heard testimony from State Treasurer Monica Misipelli on House Bill 1042, which would increase the contingent credit limit for the BFA. She explained that under RSA 66 the state’s debt capacity is capped at 10% of unrestricted revenue, and that guaranteed debt counts in the calculation even though it is not direct debt. She said the state currently has about 65% of its capacity used, roughly $120 million of remaining room, and that raising the BFA contingent credit limit from $200 million to $450 million would reduce that capacity. She noted the state’s debt-to-revenue ratio is about 4.2%, that the state’s credit rating is not immediately affected by the guarantee program unless the state actually has to assume the liability, and suggested unused guarantee authorizations, such as one for the Peace Development Authority, could be reviewed in the future.
Members asked whether a credit guarantee affects bonding ability like actual debt, what the usual debt level is relative to the statutory cap, and whether the increase would crowd out future capital borrowing. Misipelli answered that guarantees are included in the formula and do affect available capacity, though the current ratio remains manageable. She also said she had been using a $120 million benchmark for capital budget planning and was now modeling $130 million in future state debt. When asked whether the full $250 million increase was necessary, she deferred to the BFA, saying the question should be answered by the agency.
James Key Wallace, executive director of the New Hampshire BFA and interim commissioner of Business and Economic Affairs, then testified in support of the bill. He said the request was driven by larger project costs over the last several decades, with construction inflation causing guarantees to be used up in bigger chunks, and by the fact that the BFA has been close to its current cap. He said the agency does not use taxpayer funds, has never had a payout on a guarantee in nearly 35 years, and requires collateral, reserves, and an 80% loan-to-value buffer. He told members the Senate had a similar bill to raise the limit to $400 million and that the BFA considered that range acceptable. In response to questions, he said a smaller increase such as $150 million would cover known transactions but might not provide enough runway for future opportunities, and he confirmed the bill was brought at the BFA’s request. He also said businesses consider housing availability when deciding whether to locate in New Hampshire, since housing and workforce are key location factors.
At the end of the work session, the chair closed House Bill 1042 and opened House Bill 241, a bill on health insurance coverage of pain management services for chronic pain. Representative Nagel began introducing the bill and asked for copies of the treasurer’s debt-capacity report, but the transcript cuts off before any further action on HB 241.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We have significant concerns with this bill as was highlighted. last we Mr last we Mr fer<00:26:26.440
- 28.000><c> my</c><00:26:28.640><c> Council</c><00:26:29.039><c> here</c><00:26:29.279><c> saying</c> fer
- Mr fiser uh my Council here saying fer Mr fiser uh my Council here saying that<00:26:30.120><c> you<
Committee:
Senate Elections
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/19/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- 27:38.440><c> retired</c><01:27:39.000><c> a</c><01:27:39.199><c> semi-retired</c><01:27:40.000><c> fer
- </c><01:27:40.400><c> and</c><01:27:40.520><c> a</c> uh retired a semi-retired fer and a uh retired a
- semi-retired fer and a member<01:27:40.880><c> of</c><01:27:41.040><c> the</c><01:27:41.159><c> governing
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- that</c><00:40:01.640><c> Mr</c><00:40:01.920><c> chair</c><00:40:02.760><c> Mr</c><00:40:03.040><c> fer
- </c><00:40:03.560><c> Mr</c><00:40:03.760><c> chair</c> in that Mr chair Mr fer Mr chair in that Mr chair
- Mr fer Mr chair represent<00:40:04.319><c> talking</c><00:40:04.440><c> about</c><00:40:04.520><c> lawsuit
Committee:
House Commerce Finance and Policy
AL
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- .<00:35:47.520><c> Fer,</c> >> Mr. Fer, >> Mr. Fer, >> thank<00:35:48.720><c> you.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- /c><00:53:11.599><c> thank</c><00:53:11.760><c> you</c><00:53:11.920><c> chair</c><00:53:12.160><c> fer
- </c><00:53:12.480><c> So</c> >> So so it could thank you chair fer.
- So >> So so it could thank you chair fer.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions, February 13, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- So, >> Representative<00:40:42.560><c> Fer,</c> >> Representative Fer, >> Representative
- Fer, >> Mr.<00:40:44.240><c> Chairman,</c><00:40:44.720><c> Representative</c><00:40:45.119><c
Bills:
SF0082
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/25
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- next for a meeting next week thank you next for a meeting next week thank you chair<00:23:35.159><c> fer
- </c><00:23:35.480><c> representative</c><00:23:35.919><c> Nash</c><00:23:36.159><c> any</c> chair fer
- representative Nash any chair fer representative Nash any followup<00:23:36.880><c> yeah</c><00:23:37.039
Committee:
House Housing Finance and Policy
Keywords:
landlord-tenant, victim confidentiality, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, tenant privacy, housing law, eviction, unpaid rent, damages, release of information, shared database, protective order, victim of violence, Minnesota Statutes 504B.206, housing finance, civil law, autism, rental properties, reasonable accommodation
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, January 3, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Jeff, Jeff, Fry, Johnson, Fry, Johnson, Fry, Johnson, Fer, Fer, Fer, Johnson, G, Mindy, Jeff, Johnson
Keywords:
SCR3, resolution, state law, legislative approval, concurrent resolution, honoring, lying in state, Capitol, James Earl Carter, United States President, electoral votes, 2025 election, presidential election, Congress, inauguration, committee, ceremonies, joint committee, ceremony, authorization
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- remain ineligible solely because of income derived from federal employment and, in retirement, from an FERS
Summary:
The committee first approved the February 9, 2026 minutes and then took up SB 1618, which restructures the Military Affairs Commission to add governor-appointed defense and industry experts, expand advisory participation, require more frequent meetings and reporting, and create a commission fund. The sponsor and a witness from the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center said the bill would modernize Arizona’s approach to retaining and attracting military missions and defense-related business. After adopting a Gowan amendment, the committee voted 6-1 to give SB 1618 a do pass recommendation as amended.
The committee then heard SB 1047, the “Defend the Guard” bill, which would bar deployment of the Arizona National Guard into active combat without a congressional declaration of war. Supporters, including veterans and activists, argued it would restore constitutional limits and protect Guard members from unauthorized foreign wars. Opponents, including a retired National Guard officer, warned it could harm readiness, create tension with the Pentagon, and risk federal funding or missions. The committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1047 a do pass recommendation.
Next was SB 1474, which preempts state and local restrictions on cooperation with federal immigration authorities, requires immigration-enforcement training, and, under amendment, requires county sheriffs to enter 287(g) agreements with ICE by January 1, 2027. The sponsor said the bill would improve cooperation and enforcement consistency, while opponents—religious leaders, public servants, and others—argued it would expand federal immigration enforcement, increase fear in communities, and burden local agencies with an unfunded mandate. After a lengthy and contentious debate, the committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1474 a do pass recommendation as amended.
Finally, the committee considered SB 1620, which changes Arizona Space Commission membership by reducing governor appointments, adding the lieutenant governor as chair, and making legislative and executive leaders nonvoting advisory members. The commission chair said the changes would align Arizona with other states and improve structure and continuity. The bill passed 5-1 with a do pass recommendation. The committee then heard SB 1365, a strike-everything amendment removing the income cap for disabled veterans’ property tax exemption on a primary residence; members discussed whether very high-income veterans should still qualify, but agreed the bill would help disabled veterans. The committee adopted both amendments and gave SB 1365 a do pass recommendation.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- remain ineligible solely because of income derived from federal employment and in retirement from an FERS
Committee:
Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Keywords:
National Guard, active duty, combat, Arizona, declaration of war, state law, military service, property tax, exemptions, veterans, disabilities, widows and widowers, Arizona Revised Statutes, immigration enforcement, local law enforcement, federal cooperation, law enforcement training, public safety, telecommunications, utility relocation
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- business inventory measures that Chairman Meyer is carrying is another piece of a puzzle, really a two-fer
Bills:
HB249 , HB 1186 , HB2313 , HB2408 , HB2508 , HB2730 , HB2974 , HB3045 , HB3232 , HB3336 , HB3710 , HB4044 , HB4236 , HJR133 , HB249
Committee:
House Ways & Means
Keywords:
ad valorem taxes, property taxes, homestead exemption, disabled veterans, senior citizens, tax payments, installment payments, municipal tax revenue, hotel, convention center, tax code, economic development, local government, municipality, tax revenue, qualified projects, municipal taxation, hotel project, municipality funding, veteran
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Uh<00:20:40.799><c> Representative</c><00:20:41.200><c> Fer,</c><00:20:41.600><c> follow</c>
- </c> >> Uh Representative Fer, follow up. Okay. >> Uh Representative Fer, follow up.
Committee:
House Commerce Finance and Policy
Keywords:
real estate, appraisers, disciplinary actions, sanction matrix, Minnesota Statutes, direct primary care, healthcare agreements, medical services, patient care, health insurance, mortgage fees, residential loans, commercial loans, finance regulations, investment properties, insurance, supplemental health insurance, short-term care, home health care, nursing care
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 03/02/26
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- that</c><00:25:14.080><c> will</c><00:25:14.240><c> be</c><00:25:14.559><c> our</c><00:25:14.880><c> fer
- </c><00:25:15.279><c> for</c> kinds of things that will be our fer for kinds of things that will be our
- fer for the<00:25:15.679><c> next</c><00:25:16.480><c> many</c><00:25:16.799><c> many</c><00:25:17.039
Committee:
Senate Jobs and Economic Development
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- especially in Minnesota in the past<00:22:42.520><c> many</c><00:22:42.760><c> years</c><00:22:43.120><c> fer
- in</c><00:22:43.640><c> the</c><00:22:43.799><c> past</c><00:22:44.039><c> many</c> past many years fer
- in the past many past many years fer in the past many years<00:22:44.480><c> fertilizers</c><00:22:45.000
Committee:
House Agriculture Finance and Policy
Keywords:
HF1621, CelluComp, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, appropriation, grant, commercialization, fiber-based barrier packaging, packaging materials, PFAS, perfluoroalkyl substances, polyfluoroalkyl substances, plastic reduction, sustainable packaging, environmental health, materials innovation, bio-based packaging, food packaging, agriculture finance, one-time grant, state subsidy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 01/22/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- have our own maintaining supplies we have our own whether<00:47:07.119><c> it's</c><00:47:07.280><c> fers
- </c><00:47:07.920><c> or</c><00:47:08.119><c> we</c><00:47:08.280><c> have</c> whether it's fers or we
- have whether it's fers or we have semi-trailers<00:47:09.400><c> we</c><00:47:09.520><c> have</c><00