Video & Transcript : 'Fred Korematsu' :
Page 4 of 30
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- here in the well, I want to ask the following two members to join this group as well: Representative Fred
- noticed was up at the very top ranking member number one in 2011 was none other than Representative Fred
- Representative Fred Allen, you are recognized for a point of personal privilege. Thank you, Mr.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Local Government Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I live about half a mile away from the former Fred Meyer in Lake City, and it has been devastating to
- While the grocery store we lost was Fred Meyer, and Fred Meyer traditionally owns its properties just
- concerns with this bill, the biggest concern that I have is, I don't think the big ones, I don't think Fred
- And I've also had several conversations with Kroger themselves about why the Lake City Fred Meyer has
- Theft is absolutely one of the reasons that they The Lake City Fred Meyer has closed.
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2517, which would give regional transit authorities, especially Sound Transit, more flexible permitting tools for high-capacity transit projects. Staff and the bill sponsor said the goal is to let permit applications and technical reviews proceed concurrently with property acquisition and land use decisions, reducing delay and uncertainty for large transit projects. Sound Transit testified that the bill could save as much as nine months, while a city representative from Bothell asked for an amendment requiring notice to property owners before permits are advanced on land not yet owned or controlled by the agency.
The committee then took testimony on HB 2313, concerning publicly owned grocery stores in underserved areas. The bill would let cities acquire land, build or rehabilitate stores, seek capital grants, and create tax increment financing areas for grocery access projects, with annual reporting requirements. Supporters, including the sponsor, Food Lifeline, and Northwest Harvest, argued that grocery closures and food deserts are real problems and that local governments need tools to fill gaps when private grocers leave. Opponents, including grocery industry groups and several students, warned that public stores could undercut private grocers, burden taxpayers, and create operational and property-rights concerns; some testimony also questioned the need for government ownership and the use of tax increment financing. A proposed substitute removed eminent domain and tax increment financing provisions and narrowed the bill to grant-funded stores in underserved areas.
Next, the committee heard HB 2451, a major rewrite of local tax increment financing rules. The bill would tighten notice, consultation, reporting, and mitigation requirements for TIF areas, strengthen the “but-for” test, limit where increment areas can be located, and protect existing taxing districts by excluding certain levies and requiring negotiation, mediation, or arbitration when impacts are significant. Cities, ports, counties, libraries, fire chiefs, and hospital districts largely described the bill as a negotiated compromise that improves transparency and addresses unintended impacts, though some local governments said they still wanted more flexibility or protections for existing projects. One city testified against the bill, arguing the new restrictions would make TIF much less useful for large redevelopment efforts.
The committee then heard HB 2298, which would authorize county auditors to create voluntary property title protection programs to help prevent land-record fraud by allowing owners to record a protection instrument that delays recording of a title transfer for up to five business days unless identity verification is provided. Auditors, treasurers, and county officials strongly supported the bill as a practical response to rising deed fraud, while title and foreclosure industry representatives said the proposal was too limited, could interfere with foreclosures or other transfers, and would only delay—not prevent—fraud. The final bill heard was HB 2566 on local government procurement, which would raise certain small-purchase and small-public-works thresholds for counties, remove some differences between larger and smaller counties, and give counties more options when no bids are received. County representatives supported the bill as a needed update to procurement rules and a way to reduce bureaucracy and keep pace with inflation.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 25th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Today I rise to adjourn in the memory of Fred Feldheim.
- Today I rise to adjourn in the memory of Fred Feldheim.
- Fred Feldheim.
- Fred also proudly volunteered with the Covina Police Department and league.
- Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, please join me in adjourning in the memory of Fred Howell.
Summary:
The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the session honoring Sister Michelle Gorman, the Senate chaplain, on her final day after 11 years of service. Members from both parties praised her prayers, compassion, humor, and steady presence, and several noted her long career in education and religious service. The chamber also welcomed delegations from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California and the Japanese Business Association of Southern California, as well as a delegation from Morelia, Mexico, in connection with Sacramento’s sister-city relationship.
The Senate then handled several procedural items, including Assembly messages and motions to remove or withdraw certain bills from consent or committee. The chamber adopted a motion to move Budget and Fiscal Review Committee measures to third reading, and later approved author’s and floor amendments. The main floor action was on ACA 20, the Save for California Futures Act, which would expand the state Rainy Day Fund target from 10% to 20% of general fund taxes, change how reserve deposits count under the Gann limit, and extend and broaden debt repayment provisions, including federal unemployment insurance debt. Supporters argued it would strengthen fiscal stability and reduce volatility; opponents said it was too complicated, still allowed too much borrowing, and did not sufficiently prioritize paying down existing debt. The measure passed 29-2.
The Senate also took up SB 623, a compromise measure addressing transportation network company accident cases and medical lien practices. The bill would cap certain lien-based medical charges, restrict attorney referrals and kickbacks tied to lien providers, require more standardized billing, and add rideshare safety requirements such as background checks and additional disqualifying offenses; it passed 36-0. The chamber then considered SB 417, the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, an $11.25 billion housing bond with $10 billion in general obligation bonds and $1.25 billion for veterans home loan assistance. Supporters said it would fund shovel-ready affordable housing, preservation, homeownership, youth housing, infrastructure, and veterans’ housing; opponents criticized it as a “bait-and-switch” that used veterans to justify broader housing debt and argued the state should focus on existing programs and private financing. Despite the opposition, the measure passed 29-2.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 19, March 4, 2026-AM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, thank you, Fred Emerick. Senator, if you're watching, well done, sir. Thank you.
- </c><00:07:39.680><c> Former</c><00:07:40.000><c> Senator</c><00:07:40.400><c> Fred</c> Capitol grounds
- Former Senator Fred Capitol grounds.
- </c><00:08:23.680><c> Senator,</c><00:08:24.639><c> if</c> So, thank you Fred Emerick.
- Senator, if So, thank you Fred Emerick.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Tourism Authority; Kekoa McClellan, principal of the McClellan Group; Tessa Gomes, CEO; Fried and Fred
- Group, Tessa Gomes, CEO Group, Tessa Gomes, CEO Fried<00:06:36.880><c> and</c> Fried and Fried and Fred
- <00:06:38.200><c> and</c><00:06:38.400><c> Kate</c> Fred and Kate Fred and Kate Ewanchuk.<00:06:40.680
Bills:
SB1432 , SB2024 , SB2043 , SB2060 , SB2069 , SB2153 , SB2259 , SB2319 , SB2321 , SB2338 , SB2360 , SB2396 , SB2405 , SB2407 , SB2544 , SB2550 , SB2552 , SB2578 , SB2580 , SB2607 , SB2614 , SB2671 , SB2800 , SB2805 , SB2816 , SB2835 , SB2877 , SB2892 , SB2928 , SB2934 , SB3063 , SB3199 , SB3233 , SB3325 , HCR8 , HCR10 , HCR11 , HCR13 , HCR14 , HCR18 , HCR19 , HCR22 , HCR24 , HCR31 , HCR32 , HCR33 , HCR35 , HCR54 , HCR62 , HCR63 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR82 , HCR83 , HCR85 , HCR91 , HCR93 , HCR94 , HCR96 , HCR98 , HCR102 , HCR104 , HCR105 , HCR106 , HCR110 , HCR111 , HCR116 , HCR117 , HCR118 , HCR121 , HCR122 , HCR123 , HCR124 , HCR125 , HCR127 , HCR128 , HCR137 , HCR139 , HCR140 , HCR141 , HCR144 , HCR146 , HCR162 , HCR165 , HCR166 , HCR173 , HCR178 , HCR179 , HCR180 , HCR181 , HCR182 , HCR185 , HCR189 , HCR191 , HCR192 , HCR193 , HCR194 , HCR200 , HCR202 , HCR6 , HCR36 , HCR42 , HCR43 , HCR44 , HCR53 , HCR57 , HCR61 , HCR64 , HCR69 , HCR84 , HCR101 , HCR103 , HCR107 , HCR112 , HCR126 , HCR136 , HCR154 , HCR161 , HCR175 , HCR186 , HCR187 , HCR188 , HCR197 , HCR203 , HCR204 , HCR206 , HB1870 , HB1588 , HB2429 , HB2386 , HB2583 , HB2361 , HB2270 , HB2137 , HB1643 , HB1682 , HB1692 , HB2078 , HB1553 , HB1667 , HB1700 , HB1728 , HB2293 , HB2096 , HB1959 , HB1511 , HB1961 , HB1858 , HB1897 , HB2088 , HB2093 , HB2279 , HB2314 , HB2505 , HB2433 , HB963 , HB1705 , HB1550 , HB469 , HB1334 , HB1710 , HB1737 , HB1753 , HB1881 , HB2309 , HB1713 , HB1741 , HB2062 , HB463 , HB1839 , HB1664 , HB2455 , HB2417 , HB1898 , HB1573 , HB1768 , HB1962 , HB2101 , HB1782 , HB2033 , HB1518 , HB1642 , HB1752 , HB2097 , HB2282 , HB1696 , HB1823 , HB1886 , HB2152 , HB2413 , HB2503 , HB1875 , HB1519 , HB1509 , HB1628 , HB1810 , HB1990 , HB2023 , HB2540 , HB1679 , HB1888 , HB2576 , HB2592
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Auditing Committee Oct 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- But in Seminole County, you have the Fred R. Wilson Memorial Law Library.
- But in Seminole County, you have the Fred R. Wilson Memorial Law Library.
- Fred R. Wilson Memorial Law Library as a special district.
- That one specifically, I know that certain libraries, and I'm not sure if it's the Fred R.
Summary:
The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee met to receive updates on Transparency Florida and related transparency tools. The Governor’s Office and the Department of Financial Services described the Transparency Florida website, the state payment and contract systems, and the local-government financial reporting system (Logger X/XBRL), emphasizing public access, searchable payment and contract data, downloadable reports, and ongoing upgrades. Members asked whether school districts and the Department of Corrections are included in these systems; staff explained that state agencies like Corrections are covered through Transparency Florida, FACTS, and the state financial reports, while Logger X is for local governments. Committee staff reported that the Transparency Florida Act’s requirements have been met and noted that any new recommendations would need legislative action; members were invited to submit recommendations by October 30.
The committee then reviewed repeated audit findings for local governments and educational entities. Staff explained the statutory process for “three-peat” findings: first requesting an updated written corrective-action status, then possibly requiring an appearance before the committee, and finally taking further action if findings remain uncorrected. Most entities were recommended for written updates, while the City of Daytona Beach was singled out for an in-person appearance because of a repeated finding involving unexpended building permit balances. Members also raised questions about specific entities, including McIntosh, White Springs, Pahokee, and the Fred R. Wilson Memorial Law Library special district, with staff explaining the nature of the findings and noting that some entities may warrant further review.
The committee adopted a motion to accept staff’s recommendations and to send letters to entities with uncorrected audit findings in late-filed 2023-24 audit reports. It also approved a motion directing the Auditor General and OPPAGA to conduct the required audit of the Department of the Lottery for fiscal year 2025-26, with the Auditor General handling financial, internal control, and compliance work and OPPAGA preparing operational recommendations. The meeting concluded with notice that the next meeting was tentatively scheduled for November 3 at 3:30 p.m., followed by adjournment.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- We are going to call in our next group, Fred Yancey, Barbara Posthumous, and Adam Betts, and they're
- So we'll start with you, Fred. Please go ahead. Can you hear me okay? Yes. Thank you.
- My name is Fred Yancey, and on behalf of the Washington Association of School Administrators and the
- lookback to one year, which will increase sub-benefits eligibility for substitutes, who, again, as Fred
- Substitutes who, again, as Fred said before, we don't know if they're going to continue to work those
Committee:
House Appropriations
Keywords:
retirement, lump sum payment, financial security, pension reform, monthly benefits, retirement system, investment earnings, trust funds, public pensions, financial management, education, benefits, school employees, membership eligibility, employment, public employees, port workers, federal retirement plan, pension
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> two projects in the city, the Fred two projects in the city, the Fred Richards<00:34:14.000><c>
- And so I'm here to say do the best you can for us because in one circumstance here with Fred Richards
- And so I'm here to say do the best you can for us because in one circumstance here with Fred Richards
- And so I'm here to say do the best you can for us because in one circumstance here with Fred Richards
- And so I'm here to say do the best you can for us because in one circumstance here with Fred Richards
Committee:
Senate Taxes
Keywords:
local government aid, Baldwin, taxation, base year formula, municipal funding, population aid, aid penalty forgiveness, Minnesota, city funding, appropriations, HF156, lawful gambling, veterans organizations, licensed veterans organization, Minnesota gambling law, gross profits, lawful purpose, real property repair, facility maintenance, capital assets
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Local Government Jan 27th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I live about half a mile away from the former Fred Meyer in Lake City, and it has been devastating to
- While the grocery store we lost was Fred Meyer, and Fred Meyer traditionally owns its properties just
- The biggest concern that I have is, I don't think the big ones—I don't think Fred Meyer will care.
- concerns with this bill, the biggest concern that I have is, I don't think the big ones, I don't think Fred
- And I've also had several conversations with Kroger themselves about why the Lake City Fred Meyer has
Committee:
House Local Government
Keywords:
grocery stores, public ownership, food accessibility, community services, economic development, tax increment financing, local government, municipal finance, public infrastructure, property title protection, land record fraud, county auditors, voluntary program, real estate, procurement, contracting, transparency, financial oversight, municipal permitting, transit projects
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- The Chair calls Fred... MLTex dot and urban county representatives.
- The Chair calls Fred. hadn't The chair calls Fred Heldenfels.
- My name is Fred Heldenfels. I've heard it pronounced and spelled many ways.
- The chair calls Fred Willhausen. I'm so sorry. We show you as Fred Willshausen. Will Susan.
- The chair calls Fred Handelfield.
Bills:
HB2963 , HB3005 , HB3287 , HB3288 , HB3289 , HB3290 , HB3344 , HB3712 , HB3862 , HB3874 , HB4196 , HB4308 , HB4901 , HB4984
Keywords:
digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills related to technology, construction, economic development, and consumer protection. HB 3862 would restrict minors’ access to certain social media apps and limit smartphone use in classrooms; supporters, including Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media contribute to addiction, distraction, depression, self-harm, and trafficking risks, and the bill was left pending. HB 3712 would change Texas retainage rules so owners could not withhold payment on specially fabricated construction materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted; subcontractors and suppliers said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk, and the bill was left pending. HB 2963, the right-to-repair bill, would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for independent repair of digital devices, with exemptions for medical devices, vehicles under existing agreements, and trade-secret protections; consumer, environmental, business, and repair advocates supported it, while Safelite asked that automotive manufacturers not be excluded from the bill, and it was left pending. HB 4308 would create county industrial development districts to attract major employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and bonds; Fort Bend County supported it as a tool to add jobs and broaden the tax base, and it was left pending.
The committee also heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing system for re-roofing contractors, require insurance and bonding, and establish a public database and complaint process. Supporters said it would help curb storm chasers and protect homeowners after storms, while opponents argued it would add burdens on legitimate small roofers, duplicate existing fraud laws, and potentially restrict consumer choice and contractor pricing flexibility. After extensive testimony and questions, the bill was left pending. HB 4196 would create a task force on modernizing manufacturing through digital integration and automation; Schneider Electric and the Texas Workforce Commission supported it as a way to improve competitiveness and create skilled jobs, and it was left pending. HB 3874 would require contractors to receive copies of incorporated contract documents before signing if requested; subcontractors and construction attorneys said it would improve transparency and prevent parties from being bound by unseen terms, and it was left pending.
In pending business, the committee voted out several bills. HB 74, creating the Port Verde Port Authority District, was reported favorably to the full House without amendment. HB 112, relating to a science park in certain counties, was reported favorably as substituted. HB 2214, on floodplain notice requirements for leased dwellings, HB 3016, on rental vehicle damage waivers, HB 3133, on explicit deepfake material on social media, HB 3173, on workforce development program planning and evaluation, HB 3807, on child care waiting list priority for children of certain child care workers, HB 463, on unilateral memoranda of contract for residential property, HB 4115, on shareholder proposals to certain domestic corporations, and HB 5008, on use of the Skills Development Fund by certain entities, were all reported favorably, most without amendment and some as substituted. HB 2652, creating a certified caregiver pilot program in the Borderplex workforce area, was also reported favorably and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 5, 2025 - 03:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Fred Hyde is the superintendent of Polk County Public Schools. Dr.
- As mentioned, my name is Fred Hyde, superintendent for Polk County Public Schools.
- In our role, when you're dealing with the size of the budgets that Fred has, and to give you an idea
- I've never gotten a memo on it, didn't know about it, because the reconciliation process that Fred just
- So what Fred was talking about with regards to students that are getting paid, I think, families that
Summary:
The Pre-K through 12 Budget Subcommittee met to review how Florida’s Education Finance Program (FEFP) works, receive an update from the Department of Education on the October 2024 FTE survey and third FEFP calculation, and hear from three county superintendents about forecasting enrollment and reconciling scholarship students. The chair explained that FEFP is funded by both state and local dollars, is recalculated multiple times during the year, and is now closely tied to school choice policy. Department staff said the third calculation was still being rerun but should be completed soon, and described the forecasting process as collaborative among districts, DOE, and the Education Estimating Conference.
Superintendents from Polk, St. Lucie, and Hendry counties said enrollment shifts, especially students moving to Family Empowerment Scholarships, homeschooling, or private schools, make budgeting and staffing difficult. They said districts often must hold back funds to protect against midyear losses, which affects collective bargaining, staffing, transportation, and classroom organization. Several members raised concerns about duplicate counting, transparency, and whether students receiving scholarship funds can also remain in district classrooms. DOE said districts can access scholarship information through a secure portal and that scholarship funding organizations are paid quarterly, with a new process requiring certification and possible future payment adjustments to reduce duplication.
The superintendents urged better real-time tracking of students through a statewide ID or student information system and suggested scholarship students should be funded separately from district FEFP calculations. Members also discussed whether more frequent or daily attendance-based calculations would improve accuracy, though some warned that daily attendance could create new problems for high-poverty districts. The committee also briefly discussed categoricals, including mental health and ESE funding, with DOE saying it evaluates programs through studies, reporting requirements, and legislative direction. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with a motion to rise and adjourn.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> My name is Fred Kulroth.
- I'm the >> My name is Fred Kulroth.
- He is our I brought Fred with me today.
- </c> Ramsey and Fred uh Holroath. Ramsey and Fred uh Holroath.
- And with me is Fred Administration.
Committee:
House Ways and Means
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Fred Telling.
- Fred has been down here for every meeting that has gone on to make sure that everything goes without
- We appreciate your help in this, Fred. your involvement and for your push to get this thing done.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 21, March 6, 2026-AM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, today, senators, we are honored to welcome former Senator Fred Emerick to the Senate Chamber.
- Fred served in this body from 2011 to 2018.
- Fred not only created the gavel that has been used in both chambers this week, but also designed and
- Fred not only created the generations.
- Fred not only created the gavvel<00:12:03.279><c> that</c><00:12:03.440><c> has</c><00:12:03.600><c>
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Mar 19th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let's call this the Fred amendment. Fred is a real, live dog. Fred is a real, live dog.
- Fred, in his younger, wilder days, had an insatiable appetite for chewing on and doing lasting and severe
- Fred's family happens to own a home, but if they ever look to bring Fred to rental property, or if there
- is a Fred that lives in rental property, this amendment will say that insurers should have the right
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 25th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Today I rise to adjourn in the memory of Fred Feldheim.
- Fred Feldheim was born and raised in New York.
- In his formative years, Fred attended a sight-challenged boarding school due to an eye disease.
- A selfless leader deeply invested in local history, Fred became involved with both the Firehouse Jail
- Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, please join me in adjourning in the memory of Fred Feldheim.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Courts, Corrections and Justice Nov 7th, 2025
Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And again, I'm Fred Nathan, founder and executive director.
- Good morning, Fred. Epstein. It's still the morning.
- And also, I'm going to call you, Fred, a little bit on the carpet here.
- And I'm looking at Christine and Fred; you all have done that analysis. It's true.
- I've done it, and I've reached out to Fred and everyone else.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:30 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He is also survived by his sister, Carrie Levine, and husband Fred of Easton.
- He is also survived by his sister, Carrie Levine, and husband Fred of East Bridgewater, and his brothers
Summary:
The Senate convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and began the session with a moment of silence requested by Sen. Fattman for victims of the New Orleans attack, with remarks expressing sympathy for the families and those injured. The chamber then adopted organizational orders, including notifying the House of the Senate’s organization, informing the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Governor’s Councilors of their election, and receiving the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s certified election returns for executive councilors. The Senate also adopted an order to appoint a joint committee to count the votes for executive councilors, and the Senate members named were Sen. Eldridge, Sen. Driscoll, and Sen. Durant.
Sen. Brady then offered a memorial tribute for Brockton firefighter Jeffrey W. Albanese, who died after suffering a cardiac arrest while responding to an incident. The memorial highlighted his 24 years with the Brockton Fire Department, his family, and his service to the community. The Senate approved a moment of silence in his honor.
Finally, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m. Sen. Driscoll moved to adjourn, and the Senate adjourned in memory of Jeffrey W. Albanese.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs Aug 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Michelle Cordova, chairperson, Table Mountain Rancheria; Leo Sisku, Chairperson, Tachi Yokut Tribe; and Fred
- Chair, I want to talk to Fred Bean, who is from North Fork. I learned something yesterday.
- Chair, I want to talk to Fred Bean, who is from North Fork. I learned something yesterday.
- Heredia Cordova, Chairperson, Table Mountain Rancheria; Leo Sisku, Chairperson, Tachi Yokut Tribe; Fred
- Now we'll move to Chairman Fred Bean, North Fork Rancheria.
Summary:
The Select Committee on Native American Affairs held a historic hearing at Table Mountain Rancheria focused on tribal education, culture, resilience, leadership, and trust. Members and tribal leaders opened with a tribal welcome and prayer, then heard testimony from a first panel on Native students in the education system and a second panel on solutions and actions for Native students. The discussion centered on discrimination against Native students, the need for culturally grounded education, and the importance of tribal voices in state policymaking.
Bella Garcia described a two-year fight with Clovis Unified over being allowed to wear tribal regalia at graduation, saying she faced racism, isolation, and repeated denials before ultimately graduating in full regalia with support from family, tribal leaders, advocates, and state officials. Morningstar Ghali spoke about her own experiences with school exclusion and her son’s mistreatment, arguing that Native students are pushed out by systems rooted in assimilation and calling for restorative justice, Native educators, culturally responsive curriculum, and stronger support services. Janet K. Bill described how tribal Head Start and later education helped her reach Stanford, law school, tribal council, and the Attorney General’s office, and emphasized that education, justice, and sovereignty are connected.
Committee members asked about practical solutions, including how to build Native representation in schools and higher education, strengthen Title VI outreach, expand Native studies and restorative justice, and improve data collection. Tribal leaders urged more accountability for school districts, including consequences for educators who violate Native students’ rights, and called for stronger partnerships with tribes, better implementation of existing laws, and more Native people in decision-making roles. Several members highlighted the need to fill existing state positions, such as the Native seat on the San Joaquin River Conservancy board, and to create pipelines into teaching, leadership, and public service. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with continued calls for collaboration, enforcement of existing protections, and future legislative action.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy May 19th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, I have Fred Yancey. Fred, you're remote. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Can you hear me okay?
- My name is Fred Yancey, and I'm speaking today on behalf of the 69,000 PERS and PERS Plan 1 retirees.
- We obviously will have that issue before us, Fred. You know that.
- Are you there, Fred? I think he went away. I did. No, they muted me and unmuted me.
Committee:
Joint Select Committee on Pension Policy