Video & Transcript : 'caregiver respite' :

Page 4 of 149
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am

Joint Committee on Revenue

Transcript Highlights:
  • serving as a family caregiver.
  • I'm currently a caregiver myself, and juggling work and caregiving responsibilities is very trying and
  • services, a respite care voucher program for caregivers with moderate income helping to alleviate burnout
  • services, a respite care voucher program for caregivers with moderate income helping to alleviate burnout
  • a respite care voucher program for caregivers with moderate income helping to alleviate burnout and stress
Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue
Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing focused largely on tax-credit proposals tied to children, families, caregivers, child care, health care workforce development, and public health. A major portion of the hearing concerned bills to expand the state earned income tax credit and child and family tax credit, including H. 3073/S. 1957 and S. 1975. Testimony from advocacy groups, legal services, tax assistance organizations, and health providers supported increasing the EITC match from 40% to 50% of the federal credit, expanding eligibility to immigrant and mixed-status ITIN filers, larger families, younger and older workers, and SSI recipients, and raising the child and family tax credit to $600 per child with inflation adjustments and possible advance payments. Witnesses said these changes would reduce poverty, improve health and educational outcomes, and help families meet basic expenses; committee members asked questions about ITIN filers and expressed support for the policy goals. The committee also heard extensive testimony on S. 1938/H. 3159, An Act Supporting Family Caregivers. Speakers described the scale of unpaid caregiving in Massachusetts and supported a package that would create a refundable tax credit, respite vouchers, workplace and housing protections, unemployment insurance access for those who leave work to care for relatives, a permanent advisory council, and a provision allowing spouses to be paid caregivers under MassHealth. Several witnesses shared personal caregiving experiences, and committee members responded favorably, noting the emotional and financial strain on caregivers and the importance of supporting them as Medicaid and long-term care systems face pressure. Additional bills discussed included H. 3174 on a child and dependent care tax credit, which was presented as a way to offset the high cost of child care; H. 3197/S. 2019 to improve the financial security of family child care providers through a tax credit; H. 3218/S. 1960 to create tax credits for health care preceptors to address workforce shortages; S. 2064 to establish a living organ donor tax credit; S. 2034 to promote healthy alternatives to sugary drinks through a tiered tax; H. 3015 to create a tax-return checkoff for the YMCA Youth and Government Program; and several public testimony ideas including vaccination, literacy, and grade-improvement tax credits. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing, which ended after all testimony was heard.
LA
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Mar 23rd, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • Overnight, family caregivers become full-time caregivers, managing complex medical care.
  • And when caregivers leave, it directly affects the children.
  • The problem with focusing only on family caregivers is that the family caregivers are all getting old
  • Respite means a trained caregiver steps in and relieves a parent of caregiving responsibilities so they
  • I'm a mother, a caregiver, and an advocate from New Orleans.
Committee: House Appropriations
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Health Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/25

Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • is inefficiency, duplication of efforts, and missed opportunities to better serve families and caregivers
  • support they need when they need it, and that it could make a world of difference for the patient and caregivers
Bills: HF837 , HF1903 , HF499 , HF794
Committee: House Health Finance and Policy
Keywords: health insurance, premium security plan, federal funding, state innovation waiver, Minnesota, newborn safety, anonymity, healthcare provider, safe place, child welfare, HF499, nursing, nurse licensure, temporary permit, temporary nursing permit, Board of Nursing, endorsement licensure, reregistration, refresher course, health occupations
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Transcript Highlights:
  • BFAN safeguards the well-being of Massachusetts mothers and caregivers, infants, children, and youth.
  • BFAN safeguards the well-being of Massachusetts mothers and caregivers, infants, children, and youth,
  • to respite care for families raising children with medical complexities, replacing a fragmented system
  • , you need respite, right?
  • I think that some of the work that we've been doing surrounding aging caregivers is related to that,
Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
Summary: The hearing was an informational and oversight session of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities, with chairs and members hearing agency updates from several commissioners. The Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition described its maternal and child health work, including home visiting, early intervention, WIC, newborn hearing screening, and cross-agency efforts on prenatal substance exposure, respite care, children’s vision, and maternal health initiatives. DPH emphasized that federal grant cuts, layoffs, and the loss of data systems such as PRAMS would weaken services and planning, and members asked about Title V funding and the impact of federal uncertainty. The Massachusetts Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing highlighted communication access services, interpreter and CART referrals, emergency after-hours support, family navigation, and independent living services. Commissioners and members discussed the shortage of ASL interpreters and the need to expand training pipelines, including partnerships with colleges and possible ASL programming for younger students. The Department of Developmental Services reported serving nearly 50,000 people and focused on youth and adult services, transition-age supports, autism services, self-direction, respite, and new high-acuity residential models. Members asked about respite availability, self-direction outcomes, and workforce shortages; DDS said it was expanding clinical capacity and provider rates while monitoring possible federal Medicaid, SNAP, and immigration-related impacts. The Commission for the Blind described services for about 28,000 legally blind residents, most of whom are older adults, including social rehabilitation, orientation and mobility training, children’s services, assistive technology, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 supports. The commissioner discussed a UMass-based effort to build the workforce pipeline for blindness services and said the agency was watching federal restructuring but had not yet seen direct cuts. MassAbility’s leadership then warned about major federal changes affecting Social Security disability determinations, including staff restructuring, office closures, and a new overpayment repayment policy, and said the agency was preparing for possible increases in claims and uncertainty around reallotment dollars that help fund services. The Disabled Persons Protection Commission closed the hearing with an update on its abuse investigations and protective services for adults with disabilities. DPPC reported rising hotline calls and investigations, a growing caseload, its sexual assault response team, the abuser registry, and a new interagency protective services integration system funded by ARPA dollars through 2027. The agency also flagged new federal rules that could affect funding eligibility and said it may need statutory changes to comply. Members asked about funding, reporting pathways, and how complaints reach DPPC, and the commissioner said the agency uses both mandated reporting and proactive outreach to identify and respond to abuse.
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Planning for Aging and Disability Issues Jun 18th, 2025 at 10:00 am

Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Planning for Aging and Disability Issues

Transcript Highlights:
  • like caregiver assistance services that take the place of those typically performed by unpaid caregivers
  • , things like respite, housework, and errands. ...typically performed by unpaid caregivers, things like
  • respite, housework, and errands.
  • family caregiver.
  • respite services, and, in the future,... ...modification and adaptation, caregiver respite services,
Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Planning for Aging and Disability Issues
Summary: The committee held what was described as its final meeting and began with introductions, then received updates on several long-term care and aging initiatives that originated from earlier J-LEC work. A presentation on the WA Cares Fund reviewed its development from a 2014 research project to implementation, including premium collection, expanded eligibility for near-retirees, portability, recent technical fixes, and the creation of a supplemental private insurance market. The presenter said the program is now largely in place and ready for future use, with benefits expected to go fully live next summer. The Dementia Action Collaborative also reported on its state plan, including Project ECHO dementia training, dementia-capable community pilots through area agencies on aging, and ongoing work on early detection, brain health, and caregiver support. Another DSHS presentation covered the Medicaid Transformation Project, including Medicaid Alternative Care, Tailored Supports for Older Adults, presumptive eligibility, and health-related social needs benefits such as rental assistance and nutrition support, with officials saying the waiver is likely secure until its 2028 renewal. The meeting then shifted to emerging issues from advocates and ombuds. The long-term care ombuds described persistent staffing shortages, concerns about low wages, the growing use of technology and surveillance in care settings, private equity ownership of facilities, and illegal or pressured discharges and evictions. The developmental disabilities ombuds focused on people with developmental disabilities who remain hospitalized without medical need, the need for better mental health and behavioral health access, and workforce training gaps for people serving this population. Disability Rights Washington urged more community-based supports to reduce repeated institutionalization, pointing to gaps in programs such as PACT, GOSH, and peer bridgers, and recommending those services be expanded and bundled at scale. Provider and workforce panels emphasized similar themes. Washington Health Care Association and LeadingAge Washington said assisted living and skilled nursing facilities face workforce shortages, Medicaid rates that lag behind costs, increasing client acuity, behavioral health needs, and discharge bottlenecks. They highlighted the need for more flexible care models, improved case management, and better reimbursement, including for complex behavioral health cases. Supported living providers reported high turnover, underfunding, and a successful pilot that used enhanced rates and added training to place 30 hard-to-serve individuals. SEIU 775 argued that the central problem across settings is the direct care workforce crisis, driven by low wages and inadequate benefits, and said rate increases must be tied more directly to worker compensation. DSHS closed by noting heavy reliance on federal Medicaid funding, ongoing pilots in training, transportation, remote caregiving, smart-home technology, and rental subsidies, and said future planning should shift toward a multi-sector state strategy after the committee sunsets.
LA
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Mar 23rd, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • Overnight, family caregivers become full-time caregivers, managing complex medical care.
  • And when caregivers leave, it directly affects the children.
  • My brothers and sisters and I became caregivers for them.
  • The problem with focusing only on family caregivers is that the family caregivers are all getting old
  • Respite means a trained caregiver steps in and relieves a parent of caregiving responsibilities so they
Committee: House Appropriations
Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several budget requests tied to health and human services. Louisiana Children’s Advocacy Centers asked for continued support and a supplemental appropriation of $1.173 million for infrastructure and standardization, explaining that the money would expand use of the Guardify digital evidence system, improve chain of custody, and reduce reliance on DVDs. Baton Rouge and statewide CAC leaders said prior funding helped eliminate a therapy wait list and speed services for abused children. Members asked detailed questions about the digital system, MDT coordination, and how the request related to SB 237, which would strengthen multidisciplinary review of child abuse cases. The Alzheimer’s Association sought $824,000 to sustain the dementia care specialist program, saying it helps families navigate services, keep loved ones at home longer, and reduce Medicaid costs. AARP and the Live at Home Coalition also testified for 750 additional Community Choice waiver slots at a state cost of $3.3 million, arguing that home- and community-based care is cheaper than nursing homes and that the current wait list is more than 11,000 people. Legislators discussed the size of the need, the state’s long-term care spending mix, and whether more support should go to family caregivers and community-based options. Testimony also focused on disability support services, substance use treatment, and developmental disability provider rates. A parent and direct support worker described the Children’s Choice waiver’s 20-hour cap and low pay, saying it makes it hard to retain caregivers and meet the needs of medically fragile children. Odyssey House and O’Brien House asked for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates under ASAM 4, warned that removal of room-and-board payments and weak Medicaid eligibility pathways are reducing access, and called for more oversight of sober living homes; members questioned outcomes data, length of stay, and links to homelessness. Finally, the Arc of Louisiana said the LDH rate study confirmed underfunding and supported a $53.6 million increase in state general funds, with local ARC leaders describing the services they provide and the need for higher direct support professional wages.
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 3/11/26

Veterans and Military Affairs Division

AR
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA ADVISORY COUNCIL Jul 9th, 2026

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA ADVISORY COUNCIL

Transcript Highlights:
  • We see the weight that caregivers are, you know, feeling.
  • by creating the dementia respite grant program.
  • We do caregiver educations. We call them caregiver workshops. We have doctors speak.
  • We do caregiver educations. We call them caregiver workshops. We have doctors speak.
  • They need respite from being a caregiver, but much of what we do is education, boots on the ground.
Committee: All ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA ADVISORY COUNCIL
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Human Services - 02/19/25

Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:09:33.519><c> Care</c> inhome supports therapy and respit Care inhome supports therapy and respit
  • </c> figure career to become his caregiver figure career to become his caregiver and<00:18:57.480><c>
  • <01:30:49.520><c> raises</c><01:30:49.920><c> Rose</c> caregiver raises Rose caregiver raises Rose 12.5%
  • </c> Workforce ensuring that caregivers Workforce ensuring that caregivers receive<01:46:56.480><c> the
  • </c> tomorrow are we going to have respit tomorrow are we going to have respit care<01:50:59.880><c>
Committees: Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services
AR
AR

Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA ADVISORY COUNCIL Jul 9th, 2026

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA ADVISORY COUNCIL

Transcript Highlights:
  • We see the weight that caregivers are feeling.
  • We see the weight that caregivers are feeling.
  • , creating the dementia respite grant program.
  • We do caregiver educations; we call them caregiver workshops. We have doctors speak.
  • They need respite from being a caregiver.
Committee: All ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA ADVISORY COUNCIL
Summary: The Arkansas Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council met to introduce members, adopt its rules and procedures, approve prior minutes, and authorize the co-chairs to approve special expenses. The main discussion focused on updating the Arkansas State Plan for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, with David Cook of the Alzheimer’s Association outlining major changes in prevalence, caregiving burden, diagnostics, and treatment since the prior plan. He noted rising disease and caregiver numbers in Arkansas, the expansion of amyloid PET access, the growing use of blood-based biomarkers, and the availability of FDA-approved treatments such as Leqembi and Kisunla, while emphasizing that access, insurance coverage, and provider education remain major barriers. Members and presenters also discussed the need to better reach rural primary care providers, who may not be aware of new diagnostics and therapies, and the bottlenecks caused by limited specialists and infusion capacity. There was concern about overreliance on blood tests without confirmatory evaluation, and several members stressed the importance of collaboration, public education, and promoting brain health through exercise and diet. The council also heard about existing programs such as the dementia services coordinator, the BOLD grant, caregiver respite grants, workforce training, and a pilot dementia resource center with UAMS Centers on Aging. The council approved a new four-part outline for the next state plan: advancing risk reduction and brain health/early detection, strengthening family caregiver support, improving access to diagnostics and treatment, and supporting access and quality of care, including workforce and crisis response. Members also agreed to consider future agenda items on new treatments, brain health and lifestyle prevention, workforce training, and possible legislative changes to the enabling statute. The meeting ended with discussion of scheduling the next meeting, tentatively set for August 12 in Hot Springs, and adjournment.
AR
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA ADVISORY COUNCIL Jul 9th, 2026

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA ADVISORY COUNCIL

Transcript Highlights:
  • We see the weight that caregivers are feeling.
  • , creating the dementia respite grant program.
  • There'll be more and more family caregivers.
  • We do caregiver educations; we call them caregiver workshops. We have doctors speak.
  • They need respite from being a caregiver, but much of what we do is education, boots on the ground, and
Committee: All ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA ADVISORY COUNCIL
Summary: The Arkansas Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Advisory Council met with legislative members and agency, advocacy, and provider representatives present. The council adopted its rules and procedures, approved the prior meeting minutes, and authorized the co-chairs to approve special expenses. Members then heard an extensive update on the state Alzheimer’s plan and current developments in diagnosis, treatment, research, caregiving, and workforce issues. David Cook of the Alzheimer’s Association described major changes since the first state plan, including the growth of blood-based biomarkers, broader access to amyloid PET scans, and the availability of disease-slowing treatments such as Leqembi and Kisunla. He emphasized that Arkansas still faces major barriers in rural areas, including limited provider awareness, insurance coverage concerns, shortages of specialists, and long wait times for memory care and infusion services. He also highlighted caregiver burden, the need for better education and care navigation, and new efforts such as a dementia resource center pilot with UAMS, respite grants, and workforce training. Members discussed the importance of public education on brain health, diet, exercise, and risk reduction, as well as the need to collaborate with chronic disease partners and improve outreach to primary care providers. The council approved four proposed focus areas for the next state plan: advancing risk reduction, brain health, early detection and diagnosis; strengthening family caregiver support; improving access to diagnostics and treatment; and supporting access and quality of care, including workforce training and crisis response. Members also discussed possible legislative or statutory changes to keep the council active and engaged, and they agreed to pursue a future meeting in August, tentatively August 12 in Hot Springs, with additional meetings under consideration for later in the month. The meeting adjourned after no further business.
NH
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Finance (03/12/2025)

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> for Anna so we can have vital respit for Anna so we can have vital respit time<00:11:35.079><c>
  • Just a few of these that you'll see in the budget: caregiver respite programs, harnessing the power of
  • Just a few of these that you'll see in the budget: caregiver respite programs, harnessing the power of
  • Importantly, the ADRD respite grant program can not only help reduce caregivers' burnout, but also potentially
  • Importantly, the ADRD respite grant program can not only help reduce caregivers' burnout, but also potentially
Summary: The House Finance Committee opened a public hearing on House Bills 1 and 2, which concern the governor’s proposed FY 2026-2027 budget. The chair explained that the committee must fit the budget to House Ways and Means revenue, which is about $800 million below the governor’s estimate in an almost $16 billion budget. He also noted a projected current-budget overspend, the impact of recently passed legislation, possible fee updates, no new tax proposals at that time, and the importance of federal funding and Medicaid stability. Testimony was limited to three minutes, with the chair asking speakers to avoid duplication. Much of the testimony focused on Medicaid, disability services, and home- and community-based care. Speakers urged the committee to restore or protect funding for transportation, Medicaid, day programs, in-home supports, and behavioral health services. Several individuals and providers described how cuts would affect people with disabilities, medically fragile children, and families who rely on services to remain employed and avoid institutional care. A home care provider argued that a proposed 3% Medicaid cut would increase hospitalizations and costs, while a behavioral health representative asked for sustainable Medicaid rates, uncompensated care support, housing resources, and continued funding for community behavioral health clinics. Another major topic was the Group II retirement provisions in HB 2 for public safety workers. Representatives from police, fire, corrections, probation/parole, and related associations testified in support, saying prior pension changes hurt recruitment and retention, pushed experienced workers to neighboring states, and should be reversed to restore promised benefits. They argued the provisions would help keep public safety careers viable and honor commitments made to first responders. An executive counselor also warned that when the state shifts costs away from itself, local property taxpayers bear the burden, and she opposed cost shifts such as Medicaid premiums and universal vouchers. A separate speaker urged funding public schools rather than universal vouchers, arguing vouchers can leave other students behind as resources are diverted.
NM
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Nov 6th, 2025

Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They get a caregiver out there, hire the caregiver, ensure that the care plan is met, and do all the
  • trains their caregiver, and then the agency acts as the facility.
  • There are about 419,000 family caregivers in our state who work at any time as a caregiver to a family
  • On slide number 5, you'll see that we develop and deliver training to these caregivers.
  • The New Mexico Caregivers Coalition is a long-time affiliate.
Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services Aug 5th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • But what we've experienced, and using an example as the respite... ...they get outcomes.
  • Even though technically there is no respite tool from DDS perspectives, there is a respite tool that's
  • Those respite caps have since been lifted.
  • The respite tool has come up. That was part of my comments.
  • We have other tools that have been paused, like the respite tool.
Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing on several Department of Developmental Services proposals, with no votes taken. The first item focused on equitable access to intake and services for regional center clients, including standardizing eligibility assessments and modernizing the strengths-and-needs evaluation used to inform individual program plans. DDS said the changes would create a more consistent, equitable, and evidence-based process statewide, while the LAO explained the proposals as a response to disparities and inconsistent regional center practices. Advocates and regional center representatives were divided: Disability Rights California, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and some providers supported modernization but urged clearer safeguards, more community co-design, and stronger legislative review; others, including some regional center leaders and family advocates, warned against replacing the CEDER too quickly and stressed the need to preserve the person-centered IPP process. Committee members emphasized fair process, fidelity, and the need for a validated tool, while also noting that the proposals would not change eligibility definitions or replace IPPs. The second major item addressed state-operated transitional and rehabilitative services, including proposed time limits for stays at Porterville Developmental Center and Canyon Springs, plus the merger of the Community Placement Program and Community Resource Development Program. DDS argued that people should not remain in locked facilities for years and that the proposal would create urgency, clearer transition planning, a right of return, and a more efficient single program for community resource development. Supporters, including Disability Rights California, the State Council, the Public Defenders Association, and some service providers, said the proposals align with Olmstead and the Lanterman Act, reduce overreliance on institutions, and should be paired with stronger mental health supports, oversight, and notice to counsel. Opponents, including a district attorney representative, argued that a blanket 24-month limit could endanger public safety and that some individuals require longer, case-by-case commitments. Committee members said they wanted a more comprehensive plan showing that community placements and supports will be ready before people are moved, and they questioned whether an arbitrary timeline could work for such a complex population. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly stressed that any implementation must be fair, transparent, and backed by valid tools, adequate community capacity, and public input. DDS said both sets of proposals would require legislative approval and that the department is still open to changes in trailer bill language and further stakeholder consultation. The hearing ended with the committee indicating it would continue reviewing the proposals and hear public comment, but no formal action was taken.
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Planning for Aging and Disability Issues Jun 18th, 2025

Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Planning for Aging and Disability Issues

Transcript Highlights:
  • like caregiver assistance services that take the place of those typically performed by unpaid caregivers
  • , things like respite, housework, and errands.
  • family caregiver.
  • respite services, and in the future...
  • Modification and adaptation, caregiver respite services, and in the future, will include homemaker, personal
Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Planning for Aging and Disability Issues
Summary: The committee met for what was described as its final meeting, with members and staff reflecting on the work of the Joint Legislative Executive Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care and noting that future work would likely shift to standing health and wellness committees. The meeting began with introductions and then moved into updates on major initiatives that originated from the committee, including Washington Cares, the Dementia Action Collaborative, and Medicaid long-term care programs. Presenters emphasized that these efforts were developed through long-term legislative-executive collaboration and were intended to help Washington prepare for the state’s aging population. On Washington Cares, DSHS described the program’s development from a 2014 research effort to its 2019 enactment, premium collection beginning in 2023, portability improvements in 2024, and 2025 changes including a grandfathered opt-out fix and a framework for supplemental private long-term care insurance. The agency said benefits are expected to go fully live next summer, with a pilot of up to 400 applicants planned for next January. On dementia policy, the Dementia Action Collaborative reported on the state dementia plan, Project ECHO training for providers, and pilot dementia-capable community programs at area agencies on aging, citing preliminary results that about 85% of family caregivers said services helped people remain at home. DSHS also reviewed Medicaid Transformation Project initiatives, including Medicaid Alternative Care, Tailored Supports for Older Adults, presumptive eligibility, and health-related social needs benefits such as rental assistance, nutrition support, and home modifications. The committee then heard an emerging issues panel from ombuds and disability advocates. Patricia Hunter of the long-term care ombuds program raised concerns about staffing shortages, resident rights, surveillance technology, private equity ownership of facilities, and illegal discharges or evictions. Betty Sweeterman of the Developmental Disabilities Ombuds discussed people stuck in hospitals without medical need, gaps in behavioral health services for people with developmental disabilities, and the need for better workforce training. Todd Carlyle of Disability Rights Washington urged expansion and bundling of community supports such as PACT, GOSH, and peer bridgers to reduce repeated institutionalization and support discharge from inpatient psychiatric settings. Provider and labor panels followed, with nursing home, assisted living, supported living, and union representatives all emphasizing workforce shortages, low wages, Medicaid rate inadequacy, case management bottlenecks, behavioral health complexity, and the need for more flexible care models and stronger accountability for rate increases. No formal votes were taken; the meeting ended with public comment on manufactured housing and closing remarks thanking staff and participants for the committee’s work.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services Aug 5th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • But what we've experienced, and using an example as the respite... ...they get outcomes.
  • Even though technically there is no respite tool from DDS perspectives, there is a respite tool that's
  • Those respite caps have since been lifted.
  • The respite tool has come up. That was part of my comments.
  • We have other tools that have been paused, like the respite tool.
ID
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Mar 4th, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • good support and resources and respite care and so forth to the caregivers in our state.
  • And you can see as they... ...resources and respite care and so forth to the caregivers in our state.
  • Caregiving, and many of you may have, may be or have been caregivers for family members and so forth.
  • Alliance to develop a state plan for kinship caregivers.
  • To my knowledge, and today I do have Sheila Weaver from the Idaho Caregiving Alliance with me today.
Committee: Senate State Affairs
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Labor & Commerce Jan 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Labor & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm from Lacey, and I'm a proud union caregiver with SEIU 775, the Caregivers Union.
  • As a long-time caregiver, I know what it's like to not be given basic protection based on who I am and
  • They are essential workers, small business employees, health care workers, and caregivers.
  • They are essential workers, small business employees, health care workers, and caregivers who keep our
  • They are essential workers, small business employees, health care workers, and caregivers. serve our
Bills: SB6045 , SB6188 , SB6053 , SB5852
Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce
Keywords: agriculture, collective bargaining, labor relations, public employment, agricultural employees, SB 6188, asbestos, asbestos training, asbestos certification, asbestos worker, asbestos supervisor, Department of Labor and Industries, L&I, rulemaking authority, occupational safety, workplace safety, hazardous materials, abatement, encapsulation, removal
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Human Committee Meeting - 2025-04-09

Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Beginning on line 504, House File 728, Children's Home Respite Care Modifications.
  • respite services grant appropriation for fiscal year 2025, or for fiscal year 2025, I should say.
  • Section 9 exempts settings that meet certain criteria from licensure when providing out-of-home respite
  • Currently, I work full-time as my son's caregiver. My son's name is William. He is 22 years old.
  • We appreciate the creation of flexibilities and respite solutions for children with disabilities and
Bills: HF2434
Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy
NM
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Finance Nov 17th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • year: supporting our caregivers.
  • This grant will help provide informal caregivers with respite care, and we're excited about that.
  • We launched the kinship caregiving pilot program.
  • , caregiving, and more.
  • For example, for those who don't have a formal caregiver.