Video & Transcript Research : 'affordability programs'

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MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Task Force on Homeowners and Commercial Property Insurance 10/1/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • . affordability. affordability.
  • affordability of homeowners insurance. affordability of homeowners insurance.
  • <00:24:42.559> Then availability and affordability. Then availability and affordability.
  • And I think that's the program up.
  • affordable it is.
Keywords: 1183, house
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • It has not inhibited affordability.
  • Opening up the demonstration program will also result in more affordable housing, which is a problem
  • Somerville can offer the data the program needs.
  • What we need is greater equity in this program.
  • What we need is greater equity in this program.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The hearing focused on several climate and utility-related bills, especially H. 3449/S. 2292 to expand the municipal fossil fuel-free building demonstration program from 10 to 20 communities and related home rule petitions for Somerville and other municipalities. Witnesses from Somerville, Salem, Worcester, Cambridge, Newton, Arlington, Wellesley, Watertown, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association argued that local governments should be allowed to opt into fossil fuel-free or net-zero building standards, citing climate goals, environmental justice concerns, housing production, and data showing all-electric construction can cost about the same as or less than mixed-fuel construction. Committee members repeatedly pressed witnesses for cost data and asked for written follow-up, while also discussing whether strong environmental standards affect housing supply; witnesses responded that the main housing constraints are financing and that they would provide more data from local projects and state studies. A second major topic was H. 3564, which would require gas companies to provide municipalities with detailed multi-year pipe replacement plans, allow local review and objections, and limit reimbursement for projects not previously disclosed except in emergencies. Municipal leaders and advocates said the bill would improve coordination of street work, reduce disruption and costs, and help cities plan for electrification, network geothermal, and non-pipeline alternatives. Testimony from Wellesley, Cambridge, Arlington, Newton, and others emphasized repeated problems with last-minute gas main work, the need for advance notice, and the value of municipal participation in planning gas system retirement and alternatives. The committee also heard testimony on the “tactical transition” bills, S. 2249/H. 3539, aimed at managing the gas-to-clean-energy transition. Supporters from Gas Transition Allies, Rewiring America, and 350 Mass said the bills would require joint gas-electric planning, create an advisory council, eliminate subsidies for new gas hookups, shift investment toward repairs and clean alternatives, protect workers through retraining, and make utility plans more transparent. They argued these changes would reduce ratepayer costs, avoid stranded gas assets, and support orderly decarbonization. In addition, HEET testified on H. 3541, which would update greenhouse gas accounting to better reflect methane’s short-term climate impact, and H. 3543, which would establish a framework for managing shared thermal resources and thermal energy networks; committee members asked several questions about the meaning, ownership, and consumer-cost implications of the proposed “thermal commons.” No votes were taken during the hearing.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • career education programs and their 2-plus-2 programs, enabling students to continue their education
  • career education programs and their 2-plus-2 programs, enabling students to continue their education
  • and the affordability.
  • And it's affordable.
  • You know, we have a great program with a nursing program.
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education heard a presentation from the Governor’s Office on the proposed education budget, which totals $32.5 billion overall and includes no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents. Officials highlighted major funding for financial aid and scholarships, including Bright Futures, Benacquisto, veteran-related scholarships, EASE, Open Door, law enforcement/first responder programs, and workforce initiatives. They also emphasized increases for workforce education, Florida College System operations, nursing pipeline and line funds, and university operations, performance funding, and faculty recruitment and retention. Committee members asked questions about the Ocoee Scholarship, the proposed post-secondary Guardian program, and how university recruitment and retention funds would be used; officials said the Ocoee Scholarship remains funded at current levels, the Guardian program would offer flexible campus safety options, and the university funds would be distributed to institutions for faculty recruitment and retention without additional directives. The committee then heard from a series of appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees for state colleges and universities, who described their backgrounds and priorities. Testimony consistently focused on affordability, workforce alignment, nursing and allied health programs, dual enrollment, adult learners, and local economic needs. Several trustees highlighted strong nursing NCLEX pass rates, expansion of campuses or programs, and efforts to tailor education to regional workforce demands such as health care, construction, law enforcement, aviation, and hospitality. One appointee from Miami-Dade College emphasized helping adult students return and complete degrees by easing credit transfer and admissions barriers. After hearing from the appointees, the committee took up the full slate of confirmations as a block. A motion was made and the roll was called; the confirmations were approved favorably, with members voting yes and no opposition recorded. The committee then adjourned.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Affordability means and to whom it means, and really doubling down on nutrition assistance food programs
  • More than 15 public programs in California aim to help individuals and families afford nutritious food
  • , the CalFresh program, and the CalWORKs program.
  • , the CalFresh program, and the CalWORKs program.
  • We cannot afford...
Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on CalFresh enrollment, food insecurity in California, the recent federal shutdown’s disruption of SNAP benefits, and the long-term effects of H.R. 1 on eligibility, benefits, and state and county costs. Opening remarks emphasized that millions of Californians rely on CalFresh, that the shutdown briefly delayed benefits for the first time in the program’s history, and that state and local governments, including Alameda County, stepped in with emergency food aid and funding. Members also framed the issue as both a hunger and affordability problem, with several noting that California’s agricultural abundance contrasts sharply with persistent food insecurity. The first panel presented research and advocacy perspectives on food hardship. PPIC’s Tess Thorman described food insecurity rates, disparities affecting households with children and Black and Latino households, and the role of nutrition programs in reducing poverty. Nourish California’s Betzabel Estudio argued that hunger is a policy choice and highlighted campaigns to expand state-funded food assistance for immigrants, support reentry populations, and continue the CalFresh fruit-and-vegetable incentive program. The California Association of Food Banks’ Josh Wright said food banks are seeing sustained high demand, lower federal food supplies, and cannot replace CalFresh, while urging more state support for food purchasing, school meals, and SunBucks. The second panel reviewed CalFresh operations and participation. The California Department of Social Services reported that CalFresh participation has risen over the past decade, with the state closing much of the participation gap through outreach, simplified applications, and demonstration projects such as the Elderly Simplified Application Project and a minimum nutrition benefit pilot. Alameda County Social Services described local caseloads, application trends, and emergency food distributions during the shutdown, while also warning that H.R. 1’s work requirements, immigrant eligibility restrictions, and possible cost-sharing could reduce enrollment. A student CalFresh ambassador testified about the burdensome application and recertification process and urged more funding for campus basic-needs centers and outreach to reduce stigma and administrative friction. In the final panel, county, food bank, and policy witnesses described the shutdown response and the expected impact of H.R. 1. Alameda County Community Food Bank and the County Welfare Directors Association said counties, food banks, and community partners mobilized emergency funds, pop-up pantries, and food purchasing to bridge the shutdown gap, but warned that hundreds of thousands of Californians could lose benefits under the new federal rules. The California Budget and Policy Center began outlining the scale of federal cuts, noting that H.R. 1 will significantly reduce SNAP funding and shift costs to states. No votes or formal committee actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible state responses, including backfilling benefits, preserving outreach funding, and improving administrative systems to protect enrollment.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Mon Jan 26, 2026, 10:00AM HST - State of the State Address

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • state just a little bit more affordable. state just a little bit more affordable.
  • We'll expand SNAP benefits in the matching programs to make sure local produce is more affordable.
  • :28:29.840> units, entitled over 5,500 affordable units, entitled over 5,500 affordable units,
  • including 46,000 affordable homes. including 46,000 affordable homes.
  • In 2026, the number of new program.
Keywords: 910, house, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Housing Committee Jun 24th, 2026

Housing

Transcript Highlights:
  • affordability contracts or... ...and grants to HCD-funded developments that have expired affordability
  • Today, more than 46,000 affordable homes are at risk of losing affordability in the next 10 years, and
  • In just the first two rounds, the program preserved over 2,000 affordable homes and directly benefited
  • Yeah, so the Portfolio Reinvestment Program, for affordable housing developers, they have to do a needs
  • Density bonus laws, as others mentioned, have been one of the most successful programs to promote affordable
Keywords: 987, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And yet, because of the CARB proposals, we're going to defund the affordable housing program part of
  • makes clear that we have to be thoughtful around cost and affordability of the program.
  • These programs have been successfully utilized by SANDAG on affordable housing projects, major transit
  • These programs have been successfully utilized by Sandag on affordable housing projects, major transit
  • including the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program.
Keywords: 988, house, all
Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee heard the Department of Finance’s May Revision overview and the LAO’s budget assessment, then questioned administration officials on several natural resources and transportation proposals. Finance described the state’s improved near-term fiscal picture, but also highlighted continued budget balancing measures, including use of the temporary surplus holding account, climate bond spending, transportation and DMV/CHP augmentations, and changes affecting CEQA filing systems, water programs, CalRecycle, and food and agriculture. The LAO argued the budget still relies heavily on reserves and borrowing, recommended rejecting or delaying many new discretionary proposals, and urged caution about ongoing costs and future-year impacts, especially for the General Fund, Motor Vehicle Account, and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. A major portion of the hearing focused on the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes proposal for Bay-Delta water quality implementation. Secretary Wade Crowfoot and Finance officials said the $25 million request would support early implementation of an enforceable program combining environmental flows, habitat restoration, and scientific monitoring, with the State Water Board retaining regulatory authority. The LAO said the proposal was premature because the updated Bay-Delta plan had not yet been adopted and asked for more clarity on the state’s existing commitments and future funding expectations. Several members expressed support for the program as a way to reduce long-running conflict over water policy, while others echoed concerns about timing and fiscal exposure. The committee also examined the proposed $125 million Proposition 4 contribution toward acquisition of the Golden Gate Fields property for a shoreline park and habitat restoration. State agencies said the project had a completed appraisal, was moving through a rolling grant process, and would leverage philanthropic and local funding, while members questioned why it was being elevated ahead of other park and conservation requests and whether it was the best use of limited bond dollars. The hearing then turned to transportation items, including $40 million for Clean California litter abatement, $6.2 million for Caltrans homeless coordinators, $73.4 million in DMV/Motor Vehicle Account requests, and funding for the 2028 Games route network. The LAO generally recommended rejecting or delaying the Clean California and homeless coordinator proposals pending more information, while members debated the need to preserve essential CHP and DMV operations despite the Motor Vehicle Account’s structural imbalance.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Revenue

Transcript Highlights:
  • . affordable homes We create long-term stability in housing ecosystems.
  • Affordable housing is not just a social issue.
  • Let me first highlight a few important points about the program.
  • But this program is limited in a couple of important ways.
  • housing crisis and who are taking the hardest hits from the affordable housing crisis.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hearing on several housing-related bills, with chairs Adrienne Madaro and James Eldridge framing the discussion as part of the Legislature’s broader response to the state’s housing crisis and noting that many of the bills build on the 2024 Affordable Homes Act. The chairs reviewed hearing procedures, including the three-minute oral testimony limit, the option to submit written testimony, and the hybrid format. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony began with support for H. 3278, a bill to create a graduated deed excise tax for affordable housing. Representative Worel argued that higher-end real estate transactions should contribute more to fund affordable housing production, saying the measure would not burden working families and would help address racial inequities in homeownership and displacement. Representative Soder then supported H. 3247, which would promote redevelopment of abandoned buildings through expanded tax incentives for renovating vacant properties for sale or rent, arguing that it would bring blighted units back into use and generate future tax revenue. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3040/S. 1969, residential improvement or R-PACE legislation. Robert Giles of Home Run Financing and Nicole Steele of Amalgamated Bank described the program as a voluntary, assessment-based financing tool that could help homeowners pay for energy efficiency, resilience, and other major repairs without upfront costs, and said it could complement existing Mass Save programs while expanding access to more homeowners. In contrast, Judith Lieben of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute opposed H. 3039/S. 1946, the Housing Development Incentive Program bill, arguing it would expand subsidies for market-rate and luxury housing in Gateway Cities instead of directing resources to low-income renters. Representative Hawkins also testified in support of H. 3121, which would end large investor control of homes in Massachusetts by imposing an excise tax on large owners of small residential properties and using the revenue for first-time homebuyer down payment assistance. After testimony and a few member questions, the chairs asked whether anyone else wished to testify and then adjourned the hearing.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Health and Public Affairs Feb 9th, 2026 at 02:06 pm

Senate Health & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate Bill 131 is affordable housing.
  • So density does not equate to affordability.
  • Yes, we do have a dearth of a lack rate of affordable housing, but. of a lack rate of affordable housing
  • Senator Soules, Senate Bill 222, Physician Residency Programs. Physician residency programs.
  • The residency program is a federal program that is funded with federal dollars, and there is a shortage
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming

Transcript Highlights:
  • But the program just didn't keep up.
  • Importantly, we want to make sure this program is affordable for our ratepayers.
  • The Connected Solutions program is really considered a nation-leading program for leveraging home solar
  • And the good news there is that the structure of the programs that we have, the SMART program in particular
  • Under the SMART program, the kind of deal with the SMART program is that the projects receive an incentive
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The hearing focused on ways Massachusetts can accelerate solar deployment, lower costs, and preserve reliability as electricity demand rises and federal support for solar and other renewables changes. Chair Creem opened by emphasizing solar’s role in meeting climate mandates and peak demand, citing June heat-wave data showing behind-the-meter solar reduced wholesale prices and saved ratepayers money. Commissioner Elizabeth Mahoney of DOER said Massachusetts has grown from 3 MW of solar in 2008 to 3.5 GW today, highlighted SMART 3.0 as a flexible, evergreen incentive program, and said DOER is working on updated rates, interconnection reforms, flexible interconnection, net crediting, and a petition to the DPU to speed implementation. She also said Massachusetts joined the lawsuit over canceled federal Solar for All funding. Committee members and witnesses discussed several policy changes to speed projects before federal tax credits expire, including automated permitting, remote inspections, faster interconnection, and changes to caps on municipal and regional solar development. Senator Barrett pressed Mahoney on whether the 10 MW municipal cap and regional caps should be lifted, and on whether the state should increase its solar tax credit to offset the loss of the federal residential credit. Mahoney said the municipal cap should be revisited and that interconnection cost allocation and other market issues need to be worked out before lifting broader caps. She also said DOER is open to automated permitting and is already developing a permitting portal under the 2024 climate law. Industry and advocacy witnesses largely supported streamlining measures. Sunrun’s Bronte Payne urged removal of a proposed requirement that all net-metered facilities enroll in SMART, and recommended automated permitting, remote inspections, flexible interconnection, better hosting-capacity information, consumer protections, and continued support for Connected Solutions and virtual power plants. Permit Power’s Hannah Bernbaum and Solar App’s Matthew McAllister argued that smart permitting and remote inspections can significantly reduce soft costs and delays, with McAllister saying Solar App now operates in over 320 jurisdictions and saves about three weeks on average. They said remote inspections are already common and can be done safely with photos, video, and qualified third parties. Community solar and clean energy advocates, including CCSA’s Kate Daniel and Vote Solar’s Lindsay Griffin, supported a 10 GW solar target by 2035, a higher refundable state tax credit for low-income households, interconnection reforms, flexible interconnection, and preserving the option to build outside SMART so projects can retain renewable energy certificates. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and members requested follow-up materials and draft language from witnesses.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate - Health and Public Affairs Oct 2nd, 2025

Senate Health & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have had this program in place, or the federal program, since 2021, so we've got some good trend data
  • business affordability costs.
  • through the Health Care Affordability.
  • Programs established is because the only way that these programs can provide assistance is through the
  • Program or the exchange program.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine insurance markets and the role of mitigation policies. May 1st, 2025 at 09:00 am

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • IBHS programs like Fortified and...
  • of the BRIC program.
  • Now it's not a perfect program.
  • National Flood Insurance Program.
  • insurance program.
Summary: The meeting reviewed critical issues surrounding the rising costs and accessibility of homeowners insurance across the United States, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters linked to climate change. Members engaged in extensive discussions regarding the implications for families and the economy, citing significant increases in premiums and decreasing availability of policies in high-risk areas. Supervisor Peysko highlighted the direct impact of federal policies on local communities, emphasizing the growing burden on homeowners as they face skyrocketing insurance costs amidst a backdrop of environmental challenges and regulatory constraints. The committee expressed a unified call to action for bipartisan solutions, focusing on improving building codes and enhancing disaster preparedness measures.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Commerce and Economic Development Jan 30th, 2026 at 07:51 pm

House Commerce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Great programs that we have in New Mexico.
  • I am passionate about affordable housing.
  • Affordable housing developers like Seoul and Yes, and Litech developers that are developing 100% affordable
  • But much more beyond housing affordability, ...go on a path to housing affordability.
  • Housing affordability. Thank you. Matthew Stackpole.
Keywords: 996, all
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 086 Part 1fix Apr 10th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • fund to pay for affordable housing programs.
  • fund to pay for affordable housing programs.
  • of fund to pay for affordable housing fund to pay for affordable housing programs.<01:04:25.280>
  • these programs cannot afford these cuts. these programs cannot afford these cuts.
  • And program that we cannot fully afford.
Keywords: 981, all
Summary: The House opened with the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call establishing a quorum. Members then approved the journal of April 8, 2026, and heard several introductions and tributes, including recognition of Home Education Day in Colorado, a welcome to Sigma Lambda Gamma members, and a reminder about an education luncheon. The chamber then recessed briefly before moving into second reading and floor consideration of bills. The main substantive debate centered on House Bill 1357, which phases out the Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation (TREP) program. Supporters said the program serves a relatively small number of students, costs more per student than community college alternatives, and should be wound down so limited state education dollars can go to core services and the school finance formula. Opponents argued the state had promised the program to students who planned their education around it, including some who turned down scholarships, and said the change would harm future teachers and should have been treated as a pause rather than an end. The House adopted an appropriations amendment (L003), withdrew a proposed substitute amendment (L005), and then passed HB 1357 as amended. The House also passed House Bill 1358, which reduces the appropriation for the Colorado Academic Accelerator Grant Program by $5.2 million in general fund. The sponsor described it as a grant program supporting community learning centers and math/STEM enrichment, but said funding will end after the following fiscal year and the program must step down so families can seek other services. The bill was adopted without further opposition. Finally, the House considered House Bill 1359, which redirects certain revenue from public school land natural resource removals to the state public school fund rather than the permanent fund, with projected transfers of $25 million in FY 2025-26 and $45 million in FY 2026-27. Supporters said the measure is needed to help balance the budget. An opponent raised concerns about impacts on a constituent ranch lease tied to a proposed green energy project, but the sponsor clarified the bill applies only to royalties and leases on state-owned public school lands. The House then adopted HB 1359.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Revenue

Transcript Highlights:
  • preparedness programs, which is our own at IACC, and the Accelerating Climate Resilience Program are
  • Of those, 44,000 must be affordable to people with low and moderate incomes, 22,000 affordable to truly
  • New York can afford this.
  • New York can afford this.
  • This program is not relevant in urban areas.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from the co-chairs explaining committee procedures, testimony limits, submission instructions, and the new deadlines for acting on House and Senate bills. The committee then heard testimony on several bills related to agriculture, land use, environment, housing, transportation, and taxation, with legislators often taken out of turn. No votes were taken during the hearing. The first major topic was H. 3206, a bill to allow fossil fuel-free 529 college savings plans to qualify for the state tax deduction if MEFA does not offer a comparable option. Representative Steve Owens said the bill would not force MEFA or Fidelity to change existing plans, but would create a definition for fossil fuel-free funds and extend the deduction to qualifying out-of-state plans. The committee also heard strong local testimony on a Belmont home-rule petition, H. 3970, to change tax treatment for the Belmont Country Club under Chapter 61B. Belmont residents and officials argued the private golf course receives an unfair tax break that shifts costs to other taxpayers, while Senator Brownsberger and Representative Rogers supported the measure as a way to help the town recover revenue. Committee members asked about town meeting support, the club’s lack of payment in lieu of taxes, and the size of the tax savings. The committee next heard testimony on a vehicle miles traveled tax proposal, S. 1925, from Senator Barrett and economists Gilbert Metcalf and Christopher Knittel. They argued that declining gas-tax revenue and rising fuel efficiency, especially with electric vehicles, require a more stable transportation funding source; they also said a VMT tax could be designed to be revenue-neutral and mildly progressive, though members raised concerns about administration, fairness, EV disincentives, and the possibility of annual tax shocks. The largest block of testimony focused on the Ahead Act, H. 3194/S. 1973, which would double the deed excise fee and dedicate the new revenue to affordable housing and climate adaptation. Supporters from MACDC, MAPC, FICC, Boston Climate Action Network, CLF, 350 Mass, CHAPA, and a tenant advocate said the bill could generate about $300 million annually for housing production, vouchers, weatherization, resilience, and environmental justice communities, and that it links two urgent crises with a stable funding stream. The committee also heard testimony on the Conservation Land Tax Credit bills, H. 3147/S. 2083, which would raise the annual cap on the credit from $2 million to $5 million for three years and then sunset back down. Conservation groups and a landowner said the program has conserved thousands of acres and that the higher cap would reduce delays and help meet state conservation goals. Finally, the committee took testimony on the Fairness for Farm Workers bills, S. 2011/H. 3107 and S. 2012, which would extend overtime, minimum wage, breaks, and paid time off protections to farm workers and include a refundable tax credit to help farmers offset overtime costs. Senator Gomez and advocates described the bills as overdue civil rights and public health measures, citing low wages, long hours, dangerous conditions, and the racial history behind farm labor exclusions. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3240, a bill to give municipalities a local option vacancy tax on chronically vacant shopping malls, with the sponsor arguing it would help towns address blight, encourage redevelopment, and potentially create housing and tax revenue.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Conference Committee on SF2298 5/17/25

Transcript Highlights:
  • occurring affordable housing out of the community stabilization program.
  • <00:02:30.800> in program in program in FY26.<00:02:33.519> Moving<00:02:33.840> on<
  • Line 79 has a $2 million program.
  • the program.
  • for the program.
Keywords: 1183, house
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Economic and Rural Development Dec 8th, 2025 at 09:32 am

Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Restoring Our Communities is a program that's directed at infill, and so that program purchases homes
  • We also provide and the Linkages Program, which is a state-funded voucher program for people with serious
  • The Affordable Housing Act, which helps local communities provide affordable housing and they can donate
  • affordable housing plans.
  • My feeling about affordable housing because I have developed affordable housing, so I know that field
Keywords: 996, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming

Transcript Highlights:
  • GSEP is no longer a program for just replacing gas pipes. It's a gas transition program.
  • GSEP is not a safety program.
  • GSEP is not a safety program.
  • So beginning with the GSEP program.
  • And ratepayers cannot afford both.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on two related issues: gas utilities’ climate compliance plans filed with the Department of Public Utilities and the recent DPU orders reforming the Gas System Enhancement Program (GSEP). Chair Creem and other senators emphasized that Massachusetts must reduce gas use, shrink the gas distribution footprint, and move customers to alternatives such as heat pumps, network geothermal, and non-gas pipeline alternatives (NPAs). DPU Chair Jamie Van Nostrand said the new GSEP orders lower the annual revenue cap from 3.0% to 2.5%, phase it down toward 1.5%, eliminate carrying charges, require more rigorous risk prioritization, and push utilities to consider advanced leak technology, relining, repairs, and NPAs. He also described the climate compliance plans as the start of a longer process covering decommissioning, stranded costs, line extension allowances, integrated energy planning, and targeted electrification demonstrations. Senators pressed the DPU and utility witnesses on the lack of specificity in the climate compliance plans, especially the absence of numeric goals for gas usage reduction, customer conversions, and near-term deployment of NPAs. Utility representatives from Eversource and National Grid said their plans include NPA frameworks, integrated energy planning, targeted electrification pilots, network geothermal, and workforce transition efforts, but argued that implementation takes time, requires customer participation, and depends on coordination with electric utilities and communities. They said some NPA and electrification projects are being evaluated now, while larger-scale deployment is expected later in the decade. Senators also raised concerns about line extension allowances, with utilities explaining that new customers may be charged based on whether existing ratepayers would otherwise be harmed, while National Grid said it has begun increasing customer contributions to send stronger price signals. Attorney General Mary Gardner supported the DPU’s GSEP reforms and said the office favors eventually stepping the GSEP cap down to zero by 2030, with repair and replacement costs recovered in base rate cases instead. She argued that the utilities’ plans still rely too heavily on business-as-usual approaches, do not adequately quantify scope 3 emissions, and leave unresolved questions about the obligation to serve and the future of line extension allowances. Advocacy witnesses from the Conservation Law Foundation and Acadia Center were more critical, saying the plans lack the detailed modeling, targets, and transparency needed to show how the utilities will help meet the Commonwealth’s heating and cooling sublimits and broader climate goals. No votes were taken; the hearing consisted of testimony and questioning.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Jun 26th, 2025

Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The marketplace affordability programs are a set of subsidies to reduce premiums and out of pocket costs
  • This could increase the monthly per member per month cost of these marketplace affordability program
  • And as part of that reorganization, the Healthcare Affordability Fund programs, as Matt mentioned, moved
  • Fund program and the fund itself has really proven to be a national leader in healthcare coverage affordability
  • , then if those individuals qualify for the marketplace affordability program, then they would, then
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 26th, 2026 at 01:39 pm

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Part of that money goes to the ROC program. Okay. You call it the ROC's program?
  • We recently launched a program called the ZIP Program, Zero Interest Homebuyer Program, recently launched
  • a program called the ZIP Program, Zero Interest Homebuyer Program, which is to stimulate entry-level
  • It was a startup program.
  • I think I counted over a dozen different internship programs and apprenticeship programs.
Keywords: 996, all