Video & Transcript Research : 'black mangrove'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jul 14th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Today I rise on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus and in strong support, and also for
- our state has participated in any harm against any people, whether it's California's first people, Black
- Myself and the Legislative Black Caucus truly stand here in support of AJR 18.
- our state has participated in any harm against any people, whether it's California's first people, black
- Myself and the Legislative Black Caucus truly stands here in support of AJR 18.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, adopted the previous day’s journal, and handled several procedural motions, including suspending rules to allow committee notices and moving some bills and items on and off the file. Members also introduced a number of guests and fellows on the floor, including Equality California Comcast Fellows, tribal youth visitors, interns, local officials, and community representatives.
On the floor file, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1216 (TK-12 omnibus education technical changes), AB 377 (high-speed rail), and AB 951 (health care coverage), and adopted ACR 103 declaring July 14-18, 2025 as California Western Monarch Protection Week. The body also adopted AJR 18, a resolution calling for an official legislative apology to California Native Americans for historic injustices and affirming support for healing and reconciliation, and ACR 71 designating a portion of State Route 101 as the Little Saigon Freeway. Each of these measures drew supportive remarks from multiple members, and co-author rolls were opened before final adoption.
The Assembly also adopted SCR 66 proclaiming Law Day, after a lengthy partisan debate over the rule of law, executive power, and recent federal and state actions; the resolution was ultimately adopted by voice vote after 51 co-authors were added. Members then adopted SJR 3 urging Congress to reverse SNAP cuts and protect CalFresh benefits, with debate focused on food insecurity, fraud, work requirements, and the impact on low-income Californians; the resolution passed with 69 ayes and no noes after 70 co-authors were added. SB 757, authorizing local governments to use nuisance abatement liens or special assessments to collect abatement costs, also passed 68-0, and ACR 94 on anti-microbial resistance was adopted on the consent calendar.
The session concluded with adjournments in memory honoring Jane Day, agricultural leader John C. Harris, and Willie Earl Arno, followed by announcements of committee meetings and the schedule for the next floor session. The Assembly adjourned until Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 9 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 04/09/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- and yellow, red and yellow, or you know, black and yellow.
- I saw a little black and yellow there, but it are we to fear?
- </c><00:01:20.320><c> Black</c> black and I don't know how it is.
- Black black and I don't know how it is. Black and<00:01:20.640><c> yellow.
- I I saw a little black and and yellow.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- Overwhelmingly, these are people of color, Black and Latino.
- Against Black people.
- Black and Latino households face even deeper disparities.
- Black and Latino households face even deeper disparities.
- Black unemployment, it is the canary in the mine.
Summary:
The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee held an oversight hearing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on California’s safety net, focusing on Medi-Cal and CalFresh. The chair and vice chair framed the discussion around major federal changes to work requirements, eligibility redeterminations, immigrant eligibility, and financing rules, while noting the state’s own structural budget deficit and the need for a second hearing later in March on county and safety-net impacts. The first panel included the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Department of Finance, the UC Berkeley Labor Center, and the Food Research and Action Center.
LAO and Finance described H.R. 1 as driving major enrollment losses and cost shifts. LAO estimated that Medi-Cal work requirements and six-month redeterminations could affect 3.5 million people, with 1 to 2 million potentially disenrolled, while CalFresh changes could subject more than 800,000 people to work requirements and cause over 600,000 to lose food assistance. They also highlighted new ineligibility for certain non-citizens, reduced federal matching for emergency Medi-Cal services, tighter provider tax rules, and higher state and county administrative costs for CalFresh. Finance said the governor’s budget reflects about $1.4 billion in new General Fund costs in 2026-27 and a $2.4 billion reduction in federal funds, with larger out-year impacts and up to 2 million Medi-Cal disenrollments by 2029-30.
The UC Berkeley Labor Center projected up to 3 million Californians could lose full-scope Medi-Cal by 2028 when H.R. 1 is combined with state budget changes, though it said the state could limit losses by choosing not to apply some new requirements to state-funded populations and by keeping some immigrants in full-scope state-funded coverage. The Food Research and Action Center argued that CalFresh cuts and time limits would increase hunger, homelessness risk, and health costs, while also hurting local economies and increasing administrative burden. Committee members from both parties questioned the fiscal sustainability of Medi-Cal growth, the 11% CalFresh error rate and possible $2 billion penalty, county indigent care costs, and the effect of work requirements; several Democratic members argued the federal changes and state cuts would disproportionately harm low-income Californians, immigrants, and communities of color, while Republican members emphasized program growth, work incentives, and the need for budget restraint. No votes were taken in the portion provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Right Track Youth Internship Program, $500,000; STEM grants, $3 million; Minnesota Association of Black
- Right Track Youth Internship Program, $500,000; STEM grants, $3 million; Minnesota Association of Black
- Right Track Youth Internship Program, $500,000; STEM grants, $3 million; Minnesota Association of Black
- Right Track Youth Internship Program, $500,000; STEM grants, $3 million; Minnesota Association of Black
- </c> million Minnesota Association of Black million Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers Lawyers Lawyers
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, April 7, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Conference of National Black Churches. Conference of National Black Churches.
- </c> importance to the Congressional Black importance to the Congressional Black Caucus,<07:55:17.040
- Thanks<08:01:32.240><c> to</c><08:01:32.558><c> black</c> Thanks to black Thanks to black churches.<08
- I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide.
- I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 2, February 10, 2026-AM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Many people don't understand the world isn't just black and white.
- President, uh, leash dogs for tracking black bear.
- This is dogs for tracking black bear.
- And then it takes somebody down the street in a big black robe to say different.
- </c> in a big black robe to say different. in a big black robe to say different.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We just read a study that says black people live longer when there's more.
- Because in the black community especially, we'll say we're cursed with generational stuff.
- Even if it's one voice or one mind that focuses on black people.
- I want the same thing for some people of color, especially black people.
- have... positions, they live longer when they have black positions.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- interrupting, it appears as though when you got the first report about the discipline being harsher on Black
- In particular, larger numbers of complaints against Black male lawyers, so they had a larger history
- It unfortunately reminds me of our criminal justice system as well, where we say we have more Blacks
- More Blacks and more Latinos in prison because there are more complaints against them, but that they're
- But it was one of the bigger black eyes. I agree with that.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules established a quorum and first approved several items without required appearances, including the appointments of Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D., and Gerald Talbert, M.D., to the Medical Board of California, along with references of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments. The committee then heard testimony on two State Bar of California appointments requiring appearance: George Cardona, J.D., for Chief Trial Counsel, and Laura Enderton Speed, J.D., for Executive Director.
Cardona described his first four years as chief trial counsel, emphasizing reforms after the Girardi matter, including stronger conflict-of-interest and gift rules, tighter trust-account investigations, more data tracking, and efforts to reduce case backlogs and discipline disparities. Senators questioned him about the John Eastman disbarment case, the office’s role and jurisdiction, racial and Latino discipline disparities, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, staffing vacancies, and the use of AI in pleadings and internal work. Public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others supported his confirmation, and the committee voted 3-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate.
Enderton Speed said she sought the executive director role to help restore public trust, strengthen discipline and admissions, and address the February 2025 bar exam problems. Senators asked about the State Bar’s budget deficit, hiring freeze, long-term fiscal stability, the bar exam audit and litigation, safeguards against conflicts and gifts, and the decision to move the February exam largely remote before returning to in-person administration for July. Public witnesses also supported her confirmation, citing leadership, accessibility, and a focus on core functions. The committee voted 5-0 to advance her appointment to the full Senate. The meeting ended with remarks honoring Senator Jones on his final day on the committee and a cake presentation before adjournment to executive session.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 13th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the Holocaust, homosexuals were forced to wear the pink triangle or, in some cases, queer women, the black
- I rise as vice chair and on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus in strong support of H.R
- Black Americans and Jewish Americans share a history that runs deep.
- That's why on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus, I rise in strong support of H.R. 98.
- And I grew up with a rabbi who had a picture in his office of walking that bridge with our Black brothers
Summary:
The Assembly convened without a quorum, then quorum was established and the chamber proceeded with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and a series of procedural motions. Members approved multiple unanimous-consent requests to suspend rules, re-refer bills to committees, and allow committees to notice bills pending re-referral. The day also included several guest introductions recognizing student leaders, public power executive Randy Howard, a family member of Assemblymember Gallagher, higher education leaders, Leadership Torrance, and the Vacaville PAL program.
On the floor, the Assembly adopted several resolutions and heard extensive remarks in support of them. ACR 160, proclaiming April 2026 as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, was adopted by voice vote after co-authors were added. H.R. 98, designating California Holocaust Memorial Day, received broad bipartisan support and was adopted after 76 co-authors were added. H.R. 100, recognizing Vaisakhi, also passed by voice vote after 73 co-authors were added, with members highlighting Sikh history, service, and cultural contributions.
The Assembly then took up several bills on the third-reading file. AB 1977, relating to online notarization and notaries public, passed 69-5. AB 1987, which would direct wildlife-area fees back to operation and maintenance of state wildlife areas, passed 69-0. Other items on the second- and third-reading files were passed and retained, continued, or placed on the consent calendar as noted by the presiding officer.
The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory tributes for La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven, community organizer Cynthia Brantley Pierce, coach John Beam, and Ralph Cavallo. The Assembly then adjourned until Thursday, April 16, at 9 a.m.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Feb 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I live in Steilacoom, where each day I watch that old diesel ferry spew black smoke over the town as
- For the record, Paula Fillmore-Sardine is the chief architect of the Washington Black Alliance.
- Those are our Black communities, our AAPI communities, our Latinx communities, LGBTQTI+ communities,
- For the record, Paula Fillmore Sardinas with the Washington Black Alliance. Good morning, Mr.
- For the record, Paula Fillmore Sardinas with the Washington Black Alliance, testifying in strong support
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on several transportation-related bills. On Substitute House Bill 2251, staff explained changes to Climate Commitment Act accounts and revenue distribution, including new operating and capital accounts and a revised split of auction proceeds among transportation, capital, operating, and air quality accounts. Members asked about the bill’s effect on CERA funding, the air quality account, and whether the bill responded to projected revenue declines. Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of the bill’s goal of clearer, more predictable budgeting; tribal testimony requested clearer protections and a dedicated tribal set-aside, while other witnesses supported the bill for its transparency and climate/transportation benefits. No action was taken on the bill during the hearing.
The committee then heard House Bill 2588, which would allow county ferry districts to operate and finance vehicle ferries, not just passenger-only ferries. The prime sponsor and county officials from Whatcom and Pierce described the bill as a local option to help fund aging ferry systems without raising taxes, and public testimony from island residents, county representatives, and advocacy groups strongly supported it as a way to stabilize essential ferry service. The committee also heard House Bill 2722, which would raise the vehicle weight threshold for Transportation Benefit District fees from 6,000 to 10,000 pounds. Staff said the change would modestly increase TBD revenue statewide, and the sponsor argued the current law unfairly exempts heavier trucks while lighter vehicles pay the fee. Cities and local officials supported the bill, while the trucking association said it would support a compromise at 9,000 pounds instead of 10,000. The committee also heard House Bill 2727, creating an Educational Transit Access Grant Program for transit agencies and community and technical colleges to pilot free or reduced fares for students; the sponsor and transit advocates said it would improve affordability and access, and testimony emphasized equity and student retention benefits.
In executive session, the committee considered Second Substitute House Bill 1923, which would expand who can form passenger-only ferry service districts and where they can be formed, with added intent language related to southern resident orcas and a revised effective date. After discussion, the committee voted 23-4 to pass the bill out of committee with a do pass recommendation. The chair also announced a deadline extension for amendment requests on bills heard that day and thanked staff before adjournment.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Jan 27th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- The young adults that I work with, many of whom are Black, Latino, Native, Asian, Pacific Islander, or
- The young adults that I work with, many of whom are black, Latino, native, Asian, Pacific Islander, or
- Vice Chair and Ranking Member, for the record, Paula Fillmore-Sardinez with the Washington-Bellevue Black
- This is a program that doesn't care if you're Black, if you're brown, if you're Indigenous, if you are
- This is a program that doesn't care if you're Black, if you're brown, if you're Indigenous, if you are
Keywords:
artificial intelligence, AI regulation, algorithmic discrimination, high-risk AI, machine learning, generative AI, synthetic content, impact assessment, risk management policy, consumer protection, civil rights, discrimination, facial recognition, automated decision-making, deployers, developers, Washington RCW, Title 19 RCW, employment, housing
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
May 2, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Black. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
- To kind of go a little further into what Representative Black said, I think any time you do something
- Representative Black: Thank you, Chair.
- Representative Black. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Representative Black, would you like to add to this?
Summary:
The Select Committee on Property Taxes held its first meeting with opening remarks from the co-chairs and ranking member framing the committee’s task as developing property tax legislation for next session. Staff then gave a high-level overview of Florida property taxes, explaining how ad valorem taxes work, the roles of property appraisers, tax collectors, taxing authorities, value adjustment boards, and the Department of Revenue, and reviewing key concepts such as just value, assessed value, exemptions, taxable value, millage rates, homestead exemptions, Save Our Homes, and portability. The presentation also emphasized that property tax law is largely rooted in the Florida Constitution and that local governments choose millage rates, which affects collections. No public comment was taken.
The committee then discussed five Speaker-proposed concepts. Proposal 1 would require cities, counties, and special districts to hold a referendum on eliminating property taxes on homestead properties; members raised concerns about local funding, public safety, special districts, renters, and the need for extensive voter education, with some suggesting countywide elections or town halls instead. Proposal 2 would create a new $500,000 homestead exemption for non-school taxes and a $1 million exemption for seniors 65+ or long-term homesteaders; members split between seeing it as meaningful relief for seniors and warning it could devastate local tax bases, especially in lower-value or rural counties, while also potentially trapping older homeowners in place. Proposal 3 would authorize the Legislature to raise homestead exemptions by general law; some liked the flexibility, but others worried about statewide one-size-fits-all impacts, political difficulty in reversing changes, and the need for local revenue replacement. Proposal 4 would change assessment caps for homestead and non-homestead property; several members said it would not provide enough relief and could shift burdens to rental properties and non-homestead owners. Proposal 5, eliminating foreclosure on homestead property for tax liens, drew the strongest opposition, with members saying it would undermine lien priority, mortgage and title systems, and incentives to pay taxes.
Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly stressed the need to understand local fiscal impacts, including police, fire, infrastructure, and other services funded by property taxes, and to consider alternative revenue sources or offsets if taxes are reduced. The co-chairs said the committee is still in the information-gathering stage, that all ideas remain on the table, and that members should do “homework” by meeting with local taxing authorities and learning how property taxes are set and spent in their districts. The meeting ended with no votes on the proposals and adjournment after a motion to rise.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Finance and Taxation Apr 15th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- The dark brown is where the Bakken shales are generating significant amounts of oil, and the black dots
- The red is gas production, and that solid black line is the number of Middle Three Forks producing wells
- Also on the bottom, you'll notice those little black dots that I should have made bigger.
- So. ...black dots that I should have made bigger.
- So you see in black, if you can kind of see these black wells here, some of these old crow's feet, some
Summary:
The Finance and Tax Committee met to consider Senate Bill 2397 and a proposed amendment creating a development incentive well program for North Dakota oil and gas production. Representative Dockter explained the amendment as a way to encourage exploratory and innovative drilling in light of the state’s financial outlook and the growing share of stripper wells. Department of Mineral Resources Director Nathan Anderson and DMR geologist Timothy Nashim presented background on the Bakken and Three Forks formations, with Nashim describing research showing that Middle Three Forks second-bench development can add reserves in some areas but not others, and that roughly 600 additional wells in the strongest area could yield about 250 million barrels of oil.
Continental Resources representatives William Houser and John Argo supported the amendment. They said the bill would give a temporary oil extraction tax exemption for certified development incentive wells, limited to 36 months or 300,000 barrels, and would also update tax treatment for gas used in enhanced oil recovery and on-site electric generation. They argued the measure would encourage new technology and testing in existing spacing units, complementing House Bill 1483, which they said focused on geographic expansion into non-Bakken and non-Three Forks areas. Argo said Continental still invests heavily in North Dakota but is shifting rigs elsewhere because of economics, and he urged incentives to spur exploration and preserve the basin’s long-term future.
North Dakota Petroleum Council executive director Ron Ness also supported the concept, calling it a targeted, low-risk way to encourage innovation and future barrels. Committee members asked about royalty treatment, the difference from House Bill 1483, pressure maintenance, and how the program would be administered. DMR said the amendment should clarify that the operator bears the burden of proving a well qualifies and that only one incentive well per stratigraphic interval should be certified. No vote was taken; the committee paused to work on revised language and indicated the bill would likely need further adjustment, possibly in conference committee.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It's an inclusive celebration of Black culture, human excellence, and the power of community at its best
- It's building a legacy of Black excellence that is beneficial to all.
- So the African immigrant community is the largest Black community in Minnesota.
- Citing a report from the The Minnesota Census Bureau and peer reports indicate that Black Minnesotans
- experienced the highest population growth, which was mostly attributed to Black immigrants.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It is there in Florida where these two groups mingled and eventually became known as the Black Seminoles
- After the Second Seminole War, the Black Seminoles resettled in Indian Territory, led by John Horse,
- a famed Black Seminole hero.
- Attorney General ruled that the Black Seminole. were property that could be reclaimed.
- During this time, the Black Seminoles aided the Mexican Army's defense of the border, and they were awarded
Keywords:
occupation tax, securities, financial regulation, tax exemption, legislative amendment, capital gains tax, realized gains, unrealized gains, investment income, asset sale, capital assets, wealth tax, estate tax, trust tax, tax limitation, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, property tax, sales tax
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 11, 2025 - 10:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Black: Here. Benarroch: Here. Conerly: Here. Esposito: Here. Fabricio: Here. Gentry: Here.
- Black: Yes. Conerly: Yes. Cross: Yes. Esposito: Yes. Esposito: Yes. Fabricio: Yes. Gentry: Yes.
- Black? Yes. Connerly. Yes. Yes. Yes. Black? Yes. Connerly? Yes. Cross? Yes. Esposito? Yes.
- Black: Yes. Conerly: Yes. Cross: No. Esposito: Yes. Fabricio: Yes. Gentry: Yes. Maggard: Yes.
- Black? Yes. Connerly? Yes. Cross? Yes. Esposito? Yes. Fabricio? Yes. Gentry? Yes. Maggard? Yes.
Summary:
The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee met and heard several bills on boating, anchoring, plastics, coastal resilience, and permitting. HB 735, expanding the Boating Improvement Program to fund boat-trailer parking at public ramps and offering a submerged land lease discount for manufacturers using environmental best practices, drew no opposition and was reported favorably. HB 371, a nature-based coastal resilience bill, was amended with a strike-all and then reported favorably with committee substitute. HB 287, allowing building or plumbing permits to move forward while septic system permits are still under review, also passed favorably after testimony from the onsite wastewater industry and a brief debate about construction delays and final occupancy certification.
The committee also took up HB 565 on auxiliary containers, which would preempt local regulation of items like bags, cups, and bottles and maintain statewide uniformity. The sponsor argued it protects consumer choice and business consistency, while environmental groups, PTA representatives, and others warned it would worsen plastic pollution, microplastics, and local cleanup burdens. Despite opposition and a 13-5 vote with several members opposed, the bill was reported favorably. Members also discussed HB 565’s policy background, including prior DEP studies and the tension between state preemption and local environmental regulation.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 565 in the transcript’s boating context, actually HB 565 on anchoring limitations in Biscayne Bay and other heavily impacted areas. Supporters from Miami Beach and North Bay Village said derelict and anchored vessels are harming waterways, seagrass, public safety, and enforcement efforts, while cruisers and boating groups argued the bill would displace responsible boaters and fail to solve derelict-vessel problems. The committee adopted an amendment, then reported the bill favorably with committee substitute by an 18-0 vote. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were completed and the subcommittee adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Feb 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, Paula Fillmore Sardinas representing the Washington Build Back Black Alliance, a statewide
- Quite simply, we represent the largest number of Black homeowners in Washington.
- We quite simply represent the largest number of Black homeowners in Washington State.
- to be one of Washington state's most effective early intervention tools in making sure we can keep Black
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on two housing-related bills. Senate Bill 6054 would prohibit common interest communities, including HOAs and condominiums, from banning fire-hardened building materials that meet health and safety standards, while still allowing reasonable rules on design, placement, and appearance. The sponsor said the bill is intended to help homeowners reduce wildfire risk without forcing any resident to make changes, and staff explained that it would apply retroactively to conflicting governing documents. Testimony was generally supportive, including from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the Washington State Community Associations Institute, and HOA United, though the American Wood Council asked for narrower definitions so wood products could still qualify under other standards.
Senate Bill 5938 would revise the $80 foreclosure prevention fee created last session. Staff said the bill expands exemptions to include reverse mortgages for borrowers age 60 and older, chattel loans and retail installment contracts for dwellings secured as personal property, and limits duplicate charges in certain state-supported homeownership programs. It also removes the option to pay the fee from borrower cash at closing, allows financing through loan proceeds, clarifies disclosure and Commerce’s rulemaking authority, and directs Commerce and the Housing Finance Commission to study creating a state homeowner assistance fund by July 1, 2027. The sponsor and supporters said the changes would stabilize foreclosure prevention funding, prevent multiple charges on the same transaction, and help homeowners stay in their homes.
Testimony on SB 5938 was strongly supportive from the Washington Homeownership Resource Center, the Washington Build Back Black Alliance, HOA United, and the Northwest Justice Project, with speakers emphasizing foreclosure prevention, housing stability, and the need for assistance for seniors, first-time buyers, and HOA homeowners. At the end of the hearing, the chair announced that the committee would likely take executive action on the bills early the next week and asked members to submit amendments by the stated deadlines.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 031 Feb 14th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, today's hidden figure presented by the Black Caucus, Miss Glenda Strong Robinson, uh, guest pastor
- Today's hidden figure presented by<00:24:36.240><c> the</c><00:24:36.480><c> Black</c><00:24:36.799><
- Caucus,</c><00:24:37.679><c> Miss</c><00:24:38.159><c> Glenda</c><00:24:38.880><c> Strong</c> by the Black
- Caucus, Miss Glenda Strong by the Black Caucus, Miss Glenda Strong Robinson, Robinson, Robinson, uh<
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jan 21st, 2025
California Assembly Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These people are. trans community are women who, by the way, are largely black Latina people.
- And so back in the California Legislative Black Caucus in 2017, at that particular point in time, We
- And that was by and large. with the support of the California Legislative Black Caucus.
- He became Carson's first black mayor, later founded a founder of the city's crown jewel, California State
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2020, the maternal mortality rate for Black women in the United States stands at a staggering 50.3
- Black birthing people are more likely to experience preterm birth, severe maternal morbidity, and even
- Privately insured Black birthing people face a 17% higher risk.
- Many had high-risk pregnancies, many were socially at risk, and, most importantly, all were Black and
- Black and brown birthing people are more likely to face complications, most likely to be dismissed, to
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a lengthy public hearing with testimony on a wide range of health insurance and access-to-care bills. Early testimony focused on prescription drug pricing and pharmacy reimbursement, with supporters of H. 1326 arguing that pharmacy benefit managers and MassHealth managed care arrangements reimburse independent pharmacies too little, contributing to pharmacy closures and “pharmacy deserts.” The committee also heard repeated support for H. 1151/S. 742 on cognitive rehabilitation for acquired brain injury, H. 1288/S. 716 on telehealth parity for nutrition counseling, H. 1309/S. 761 on full-spectrum pregnancy care without cost-sharing, H. 1312 on insurance coverage for doula services, H. 309 on prompt access to health care by removing deductibles for certain services, H. 809/H. 1227 on biomarker testing, H. 1162/S. 810 on reducing inequities in access to medical procedures by limiting insurer cuts tied to Modifier 25, and S. 726 on insurance coverage for mobile integrated health.
Testifiers included legislators, physicians, pharmacists, dietitians, emergency and rehabilitation clinicians, and patients and family members. Supporters of the brain injury bill said cognitive rehabilitation is medically necessary, improves long-term outcomes, and can reduce institutional care and public costs; they noted the bill has been heard repeatedly and has support from the Brain Injury Commission and prior favorable committee action. Supporters of the pregnancy care and doula bills described out-of-pocket costs as a barrier to maternal health and shared personal stories of high bills and unmet support needs. Biomarker testing advocates and cancer patients said coverage gaps deny patients access to precision treatment, can lead to avoidable suffering, and should be standardized across insurers; several speakers said insurers often deny claims despite clinical benefit. Dermatology witnesses said insurers’ use of Modifier 25 cuts reimbursement for same-day evaluation and procedure visits, forcing separate appointments and increasing patient burden. Mobile integrated health supporters described home-based care as a way to reduce emergency department use and hospital readmissions, especially for patients with transportation or mobility barriers. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.