Transcript Highlights:

• The top photo on the right is the foundation walls in area C.
• Unfortunately, you can't really see well in that photo, but just so you know the shallow foundations,
• so the foundations where the slab-on-grade areas are going to be, those have also started in area A
• Of rebar in the foundations of this project.
• Foundations are being worked on. Excavation is underway, and it's working.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first approved the December 10 minutes and then received a DEQ base budget summary and agency overview. DEQ staff explained that the agency is largely federally and special funded, with major ongoing costs in salaries, operating expenses, grants, and continuing appropriations. Director Dave Glatt and accounting director Beth Jacobson highlighted core programs, the move to a new chemistry laboratory, the new state fuel inspection program, wastewater-related funding from HB 1577, and implementation of SB 2267 for on-site wastewater rules. They also noted the agency’s spending patterns, possible federal EPA cuts, and the likelihood of some fee adjustments or program changes if federal support declines. Members asked about DEQ’s travel, field offices, future staffing, and how the agency would respond to reduced federal regulation. DEQ said most staff are based in Bismarck, with field offices in Fargo, Sawyer, and Gwinner, and that travel is driven by inspections and spill response. Glatt said the agency would continue to rely on science and law, and that any future federal retrenchment could mean more state responsibility but likely not a wholesale increase in FTEs. The committee also discussed a feedlot enforcement case in the Minot area, with DEQ explaining its role in ensuring compliance, permitting, and animal-waste management standards. The Department of Health and Human Services then presented on FTE block grant reporting, TANF balances, child care transfers, and the Rural Health Transformation Program. Donna Ockland explained that no line-item transfers had occurred yet for the new rural health work, but about 33 positions were planned and some current staff time could be reimbursed through approved cost allocation. HHS also reviewed TANF’s frozen eligibility and block grant structure, the transfer of up to 30% of TANF funds to child care, and recent program changes that increased benefits and raised the income limit. Staff said the department is using TANF more strategically to support child care and other allowable uses, while still carrying over unused funds as many states do. Finally, Pat and HHS staff gave an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying the first funding opportunity was being posted and that the state is on track to obligate the federal funds within the required timeline. They described priorities such as workforce retention, preceptor development, technical assistance for critical access hospitals, community wellness projects, and ambulance upgrades. Members asked about rural versus urban eligibility, immigrant recruitment, evaluation of year-two funding, and how the program would address varied local workforce needs. The meeting then shifted to an Office of Management and Budget update on the new State Hospital project, where Lindsay Ashley reported continued construction progress, updated cost information, and selected alternates, with photos and details showing work underway in multiple building sections.

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I also would like to talk a minute about the New Mexico Community Foundation, and it is the
• only community foundation serving the entire state of New Mexico.
• Foundation, and it is the only community foundation serving the entire state of New Mexico.
• Organizations such as the Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico, the New Mexico Cancer Foundation, and the
• The New Mexico Community Foundation is led by Justin Heaman.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Portrait of the Wildcat has laid the foundation for our strategic plan, where we have three priorities
• Strong family and community engagement is the foundation of student success, just like my colleagues
• We not only transform their individual lives, but we also lay the foundation for fostering inner strength
• How do those behavioral skills, how are they foundational to your entire curriculum, and how are those
• Maddox Foundation and the Permian Strategic Partnership that said, "We don't want to do education.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I want to welcome and thank the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, the Conservation Florida
• And so, with your support over the last several years, and thank you to the Florida Wildlife Foundation
• It's the foundation of success. When we provide stability, we empower futures.
• It's the foundation of success. When we provide stability, we empower futures.
• It is a foundation of trust.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing guests, students, advocates, and a resolution honoring the late USF men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. Senators also observed moments of silence for victims of recent campus violence and for former FSU President John Thrasher. The chamber then moved to special order bills, with several members explaining measures and, in some cases, substituting House companions before final passage. Among the bills passed were measures updating child care and early learning provider regulation; strengthening penalties and cost recovery for false reporting and swatting; extending protections against extraordinary medical debt collection; expanding hazardous walking condition criteria for schoolchildren; creating young adult housing support for foster and homeless students; and requiring private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to disclose which accommodations they will provide. The Senate also passed a bill adjusting interest rules for trust accounts funding legal aid, after extended debate over the impact on legal aid funding and banking practices, and a transportation package that was heavily amended to address issues such as school bus camera hearings, beach vehicle use for equipment removal, flooded-street wake restrictions, expectant mother parking permits, micromobility regulation, and traffic signal modernization. The chamber also approved public-records exemptions for Agency for Health Care Administration investigators, Judicial Qualifications Commission employees, and appellate court clerks; a municipal water and sewer rate bill affecting Miami-Dade residents near a plant; motor vehicle offenses involving impersonating law enforcement and obscured license plates; trespass penalties at law-enforcement-controlled locations and large ticketed venues; refund requirements for patient overpayments; stem cell therapy authorization with source and consent limits; and insulin administration authority for direct support professionals and relatives in group homes. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including cardiac emergencies, chemicals and consumer products, and motor vehicle manufacturer/franchise dealer legislation. Most measures passed with strong bipartisan support, though the trust fund interest bill drew notable opposition and passed 28-10, and the Family Empowerment Scholarship bill passed 37-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's houses, and the Surf Rider Foundation had conclusive evidence.
• houses um, and the Surf Rider Foundation houses um, and the Surf Rider Foundation had<00:12:33.040
• <00:23:11.520> Kman<00:23:12.159> Foundation.
• Kman Foundation. We're with the Susan G. Kman Foundation.
• Uh, Lisa Rance, Hilo Benoff Medical Center Foundation, in support on Zoom. Great.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several health-related resolutions and received testimony on each. HCR 28/HR 27 would ask the Department of Health to reconvene a working group on water and air contamination and remediation tied to the Pu‘uloa Range training facility; supporters said nearby residents and the broader public may be exposed to lead and heavy metals, and that further testing and eventual relocation of the range are needed. HCR 35 would request an auditor’s report on the social and financial effects of mandatory insurance coverage for biomarker testing, and HCR 36 would request a similar report on colorectal cancer screening coverage. The Department of Health and cancer advocates supported both, saying biomarker testing helps match patients to the right treatment and that earlier colorectal screening improves outcomes; DOH also cited screening data showing lower screening rates among uninsured people. HCR 134, on limiting cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, drew support from the Susan G. Komen Foundation and others, who said out-of-pocket costs can delay diagnosis and treatment. HCR 171, on mandatory coverage for continuous glucose monitoring, also drew support from health and disability advocates. HCR 185, on coverage for Native Hawaiian healing and cultural practitioners through federally qualified health centers, received support from Papa Ola Lōkahi and a community testifier who described the value of traditional healing and access gaps. HCR 173, urging DOH outreach and vaccination drives at schools with low vaccination rates, drew support from DOH, DOE, and public health and disability advocates, but also strong opposition from several testifiers who argued the measure was government overreach and raised concerns about vaccine safety and parental choice. Testimony on HCR 173 was the most divided, with supporters emphasizing the need to raise immunization rates to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable children, while opponents argued schools should not host vaccine drives and that parents should make vaccination decisions without government involvement. The Department of Health said it is already working with schools and community partners to expand school-based immunization efforts and would prioritize schools with rates under 30%. The State Health Planning and Development Agency also supported the measure, saying rates below 50% are a serious public health concern. No votes or final committee actions were announced in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendations include $155.2 million. and transfers from the Foundation School Program for the 26-27
• First, the foundation for academic. success, which addresses known learning loss for K-12 students through
• We also awarded over 400 doctoral degrees according to the National Science Foundation.
• And I�d be remiss� if I didn�t mention that just last week we heard from the Carnegie Foundation that
• I'm a policy fellow with the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the President of the Bloomington Kennedy<00:15:33.839> activities<00:15:34.360> Foundation
• <00:15:35.079> located<00:15:35.600> in Kennedy activities Foundation located in Kennedy
• activities Foundation located in Bloomington Bloomington Bloomington Minnesota<00:15:38.040> about
• 00:16:15.920> a<00:16:16.120> hand<00:16:16.480> up Rachel Keller said the foundation
• Right now, the Bloomington Activities Foundation relies solely on charitable gambling donations, as with

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 733, which would restore electronic pull-tab features such as open-all, free play, bonus games, and similar functions that were restricted in 2023. The bill’s supporters, including representatives of Allied Charities of Minnesota, the American Legion, and a Bloomington school activities foundation, argued that the 2023 changes reduced revenue for charitable gambling operations and, in turn, cut funding for veterans programs, youth sports, food shelves, school needs, and other local community services. Several supporters cited early revenue declines since the new rules took effect, including double-digit drops and one example of a Bloomington site reporting a 29% year-over-year decline overall and a 44% drop in e-tab revenue. They also argued that restoring the features would help charities without meaningfully increasing casino play. Opponents, including Citizens Against Gambling Expansion and the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, said the bill would expand slot-machine-like gambling in neighborhood bars and restaurants and increase problem gambling and related social harms. They argued the features in question mimic slot machines, are especially concerning in non-age-restricted locations, and would amount to a major expansion of gambling. The tribal representative also said the 2023 clarification was appropriate, that charitable gambling revenues do not translate efficiently into mission funding, and that tax relief or other policy changes would be better ways to help charities than restoring the disputed features. The chair reminded testifiers to keep comments neutral and not partisan. After testimony, a member discussion began, with Representative Ray Rower thanking the testifiers and expressing support for their work. The transcript excerpt does not show a final vote or disposition beyond the bill being recommended to be re-referred to the Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• okay<00:34:02.639> but<00:34:02.880> that's<00:34:03.080> not Weinberg Foundation
• okay but that's not Weinberg Foundation okay but that's not public<00:34:03.720> lands<00:34:
• Historic Foundation sent communication in support as well.
• okay thank you so much uh historic stand okay thank you so much uh historic C<00:51:43.520> Foundation
• <00:51:44.520> send C Foundation send C Foundation send communication<00:51:46.920> uh<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees first heard SB 443, which would require agricultural-district lands with solar energy facilities to also be certified as being used for a farming operation. DLNR, the State Energy Office, and the Agri-Business Development Corporation all supported the bill but recommended changes, including shifting the certifying authority from DLNR/BLNR to the Department of Agriculture. The Attorney General also recommended replacing the certification requirement with a condition that the land be used for a farming operation, citing the lack of a clear statutory framework for certification. The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported the measure but suggested using existing county agricultural dedication processes and raised concerns about conversion of agricultural land. The committees adopted amendments reflecting the Department of Agriculture as the certifying body and the Attorney General’s proposed language, then passed SB 443 with amendments. The committees then took up SB 79, relating to historic preservation reviews for state affordable housing projects. DLNR State Historic Preservation and DHHL supported the bill with amendments, including striking a redundant section and conforming the language to existing law. The committees agreed to those changes, and after a brief recess and decision-making, Water and Land, Housing, and Hawaiian Affairs each voted to pass SB 79 with amendments. The record notes that some members were excused and that the committees adopted the chair’s recommendations. Later, the joint Housing and Water and Land hearing considered SB 26, SB 867, and SB 1170. SB 26 would create an affordable housing land inventory task force within HCDA; HHFDC supported it, while HCDA suggested an alternative approach involving county coordination. The committees amended the bill to incorporate OPSD’s proposed language, add legislative and county representatives to the task force, and include an appropriation for the Mayor Wright project, then passed it with amendments. SB 867, which creates a working group to inventory water resources and streamline well permit approvals for affordable housing, drew broad support and was amended to specify the Department of Health director rather than the Clean Water Branch chief; it also passed with amendments. SB 1170, which would exempt certain Maui affordable rental housing projects from chapter 205A, drew support from housing interests but concern from the Attorney General that it could be unconstitutional; the AG suggested narrowing the bill to disaster recovery and limiting its scope. Testifiers also discussed the Weinberg Court Apartments project and other redevelopment concerns, but the transcript ends before final action on SB 1170 is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• McMillan for the Tax Foundation of Hawaii. We will stand on our written comments. Thank you.
• McMillan for the Tax Foundation of Hawaii. We're going to stand on our written comments. Thank you.
• :25.040> we<00:14:25.160> will<00:14:25.480> stand<00:14:25.839> on Foundation
• of Hawaii uh we will stand on Foundation of Hawaii uh we will stand on our<00:14:26.160> written<
• Jade McMillan, on behalf of the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, we've offered some comments on the measure,

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on January 28, 2025, and heard testimony on a series of bills dealing with vehicle titles, motor vehicle taxes, window tinting, license plates, electric bicycles, insurance penalties, vehicle inspection fines, and transportation discrimination. For HB 532, which shortens the time to forward a transferred vehicle title from 30 days to 14 days and allows a letter of attestation to serve as an endorsement certificate, testimony was listed in support from Councilmember U. Hajin and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, and in opposition from Maui Mayor Richard Bisson and Sylvie Madison. HB 655 would require payment of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties for the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency; the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi stood on written comments, with Tim Rymer and Robert Souza providing comments/support. HB 368, which would exempt certain medically sensitive drivers from sunscreen-device tint limits, drew opposition from the Department of Transportation and support from several individuals. HB 226, lowering allowed windshield tint from 35% to 20%, drew opposition from the Department of Transportation and support from TNT Tinting Specialists; members asked about federal preemption, and DOT said federal guidance applies to manufacturers while states retain authority over aftermarket tinting. The committee also heard HB 543, prohibiting license plate flipping devices and imposing a $2,000 fine, and HB 228, authorizing counties to adopt rules for electronic license plates, repealing flipping devices, and setting a minimum fine for obscuring plates; both measures had DOT support, comments from the Honolulu Department of Customer Services, and opposition from Sylvie Madison. HB 70 would require insurance for electric bicycles and create a regulatory framework effective January 1, 2026. The Office of the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill improperly distinguishes e-bikes from mopeds; PeopleForBikes and the Hawaiʻi Bicycling League opposed it as costly and unnecessary, while the Insurance Division said the bill could conflict with existing no-fault definitions and might fit better in the motor scooter/moped insurance framework. HB 231, increasing the fine for violating motor vehicle insurance requirements from $500 to $1,500, was opposed by the Office of the Public Defender, which argued it would burden low-income residents and add to court congestion; members debated whether higher fines would improve compliance. Later, HB 227 would add fines for operating a vehicle without a current inspection certificate and had DOT support. HB 184 would require operators of low-speed electric bicycles to have a driver’s license, instruction permit, or provisional license; Kawaii Path, PeopleForBikes, and Get Fit Kauaʻi opposed it as a barrier to low-cost transportation and noted concerns for riders with disabilities, while DOT later said it would support the measure and was asked to research whether other states have similar licensing requirements. The final major measure discussed was HB 468, which would require the Civil Rights Commission to investigate discrimination complaints involving transportation network company drivers and riders with service animals and allow DOT to issue penalties to the companies. The National Federation of the Blind of Hawaiʻi, the Disability Rights Center, and individual riders supported the bill, saying current protections lack enforcement and that denials still occur; Uber and Lyft opposed it, saying they already prohibit discrimination, train drivers, investigate complaints quickly, and that the bill would duplicate existing law and create unnecessary penalties. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 9th, the National Football Foundation 9th, the National Football Foundation named<00:15:05.199><
• Home ownership remains foundational to financial security and long-term prosperity.
• remains foundational to financial remains foundational to financial security<00:33:44.559> and
• <02:39:48.399> of upon attempts to shake the foundation of upon attempts to shake the foundation
• Somebody has to lay the foundation for it.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• State Foundation. Are are you auditing State Foundation.
• I mean, it's private foundation.
• But that was actually separate from the foundation, which is fortunate because with the foundation they
• foundation last June, I believe. foundation last June, I believe.
• ><01:10:24.000> the<01:10:24.159> benefit foundation still exists for the benefit foundation

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a full quorum and approved the prior minutes. Members offered introductions of guests and family members, then heard a presentation from University of Louisville President Thomas Jared Bradley, who was sworn in before testifying. He described his background and outlined U of L’s strategic priorities: student success, access and affordability, workforce development, community engagement, and research. Bradley highlighted enrollment growth, increases in first-generation and Pell-eligible students, strong transfer pathways with KCTCS, and support programs such as the Cardinal Commitment Grant, 15-to-Finish, Comeback Cards, tutoring, mentoring, and mental health services. Bradley also emphasized U of L’s statewide and regional impact through UofL Health, rural outreach, the Bullitt County rural cancer education and research center, nursing expansion, and the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership program. He noted major institutional distinctions, including R1 status, a new Carnegie Opportunity College and University designation, and community-engaged classification. He said the university is one of only 10 public universities nationwide with all three designations and reported record enrollment, improved retention, and strong research expenditures. He also thanked lawmakers for significant capital and operating support, including funding for the simulation center, health science center, asset preservation, and the MEP program. During questions, members praised the university’s public service role and asked about first-generation enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and post-graduation outcomes. Bradley said the university is working to improve completion by expanding academic support, early alerts, incentives for tutoring, and faculty/advisor mentoring, especially for first-generation and high-need students. He acknowledged that post-graduation employment data is difficult to collect but said the new Carnegie classification reflects positive outcomes. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes, and no formal actions were taken on legislation in this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• on behalf of a number of our firm's clients: the Wildlife Crossing Fund, Oceana, the Surfrider Foundation
• , the Wildlife Conservation Network, the California Wildlife Officers Foundation, the Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Center, the National Wildlife Federation, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and the California Wolf Foundation
• State Archery Association, the California Deer Association, California Chapter of the Wild Sheep Foundation
• State Archery Association, the California Deer Association, California Chapter of the Wild Sheep Foundation

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• H. 1547 follows a number of recommendations included in a 2022 report from the Boston Foundation and
• Together, these bills provide a more coordinated and inclusive foundation for housing policy, grounded
• A 2020 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation study found that people who had been homeless
• I want to be clear: housing is not just a basic need; it is a foundation for rehabilitation, employment
• The MRVP serves as a stable foundation for thousands of residents and families to build their futures

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of housing and homelessness bills. Chairs Rich Haggerty and Julian Cyr opened by noting the committee’s focus on EOHLC programs such as RAFT, MRVP, and HomeBASE, and several members and advocates emphasized the urgency of the state’s homelessness crisis, including rising family homelessness and the need for earlier intervention, more stable subsidies, and stronger long-term housing tools. A major theme was homelessness prevention and rehousing. Multiple witnesses supported bills to codify and strengthen RAFT and HomeBASE, arguing that assistance should be available earlier in a crisis rather than only after a notice to quit or imminent loss of housing. Testimony from legal services, homelessness coalitions, social workers, municipal housing staff, and tenant advocates said the programs help families avoid eviction and shelter, but need more flexibility, higher benefit caps, and permanent statutory protection. Several speakers also urged support for codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), describing it as a critical long-term subsidy for low-income households and older adults, and warning that codification would protect the program from future budget or policy changes. The committee also heard testimony on housing stability for older adults, affordable homes for people with disabilities, supportive housing, housing cooperatives, home sharing, local preference, and reentry housing for returning citizens. Advocates for older adults described a Somerville bridge subsidy pilot that helped stabilize seniors while they waited for permanent housing, and urged statewide expansion. Supporters of supportive housing called for an interagency board to streamline funding and development, while cooperative housing proponents backed creation of a Massachusetts Center for Housing Cooperatives and a dedicated funding reserve. A bill to secure housing for returning citizens drew support from reentry providers and Senator Adam Gomez, who said stable housing is essential to successful reintegration. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses generally asked the committee to report the bills favorably, and some members asked follow-up questions on data and program details.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in 2014, D.D. convinced the Tiger Athletic Foundation to have a groundbreaking so people would realize
• A graduate student on a campus doing research off of private foundation dollars, that is still public
• A graduate student on a campus doing research off of private foundation dollars. on a campus doing research
• off of private foundation dollars, that is still public information you can get for a public record.
• HB 632 improves data protections and functionality of Louisiana's foundational integrated research system

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Carrie Robin Bruner with the Water Foundation.
• The Water Foundation is very supportive of this bill.
• I will just say that, yes, this would be the foundation for a bill to be able to bring this status of
• It's also, as you've heard, a foundational component of the New Mexico Grown program, with 34% of those
• It's already there, the foundation, so we can have this program stood up again after the federal program

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Microsoft actually started, and the Seahawks are owned by one of the co-owners, which is the Paul Allen Foundation
• been a member of, but had actually been a leader of, including CowBelles and the Junior Livestock Foundation
• been a member of, but had actually been a leader of, including CowBelles and the Junior Livestock Foundation
• been a member of, but had actually been a leader of, including CowBelles and the Junior Livestock Foundation
• , and Stacey has really been of, including CowBelles and the Junior Livestock Foundation.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so those findings from our LAC working group were the foundations for House Bill 63.
• drawdowns in cash balances, restrictions on out-of-state travel, increased contributions from their foundations
• A lot of them have received more contributions from... their charter school foundations, and some of
• schools can decide to do... ...if they have Holland Cabervale, Leader of the Hoy Tatha Christon Foundation
• And I'm supposed to remind people about dinner at the Rio Chama with the Golden Apple Foundation, I believe

Transcript Highlights:

• The ability to access credit is foundational to liberty and economic opportunity.
• I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
• A colleague here at the table and I at the Texas Public Policy Foundation found that proxy advisors working
• The Chambers of Commerce Foundation study never corrected its analysis and still continues to use that
• He is a member, Brent Bennett with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, testifying in support of Senate

Bills: SB312, SB945, SB946, SB1367, SB1861, SB2044, SB2337, SB2403, SB2819, SJR54

Keywords: public school funding, education, budget allocation, financial transparency, state law, local control, fiduciary responsibility, public retirement systems, investment management, proxy voting, financial factors, insurance, political shareholder proposals, fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental regulation, discrimination, credit extension, social credit, value-based standards

Transcript Highlights:

• Nathan Hochman Foundation for Florida's future waiving in support. Thank you. Thank you, members.
• I serve as the chair of the Florida Youth Foundation supporting Secretary Hall and helping our young
• second term as vice chair of the board of Trustees and most recently trust the liaison to the FGCU Foundation
• Taxwatch is Committee on Health and Aging and I have served on the Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation
• community and in the future, I really see Daytona State continuing to build on the very strong foundation

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Johnson continued: "And so my wife is a former educator and was our Education Foundation
• Truck drivers are foundational to the U.S. economy.
• But at the manufacturing level, this starts with the foundations of science and math, problem-solving
• Middle school is usually more of a foundational certification than high school; high school is more of
• Middle school is usually more of a foundational certification than high school; high school is more of

Summary: The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee met for its first meeting of the year, took roll, and heard member introductions centered on the importance of workforce pathways beyond the traditional four-year college route. Members repeatedly emphasized manufacturing, trades, rural workforce needs, apprenticeships, and helping students and adults find multiple paths to good jobs. The chair outlined the subcommittee’s focus on policies that build a skilled workforce and announced the day’s theme would be manufacturing, with presentations from the Florida Department of Commerce, the Florida Semiconductor Institute, and Fleet Force CDL training. Secretary Alex Kelly presented Florida’s manufacturing report, saying manufacturing is a major economic driver and that Florida has become the 10th largest state in manufacturing employment. He highlighted strong job multipliers, rapid growth in manufacturing GDP and establishments, the importance of logistics and ports, and the state’s small-business-heavy manufacturing base. He also stressed the aging manufacturing workforce, the need for modern skills such as robotics, cybersecurity, and data analytics, and the role of public-private partnerships, apprenticeships, and workforce education investments in supporting reshoring and industry growth. Dr. David Arnold described Florida’s semiconductor sector and the Florida Semiconductor Institute’s mission to grow research, workforce, and ecosystem development. He said semiconductors are strategically important, Florida ranks fifth nationally in semiconductor workforce, and the main bottleneck is mid-level technician talent rather than engineers or entry-level workers. He pointed to NeoCity, Valencia College, and other regional partnerships as models, and said the state needs more proactive planning, better instructor capacity, and stronger pathways from K-12 through postsecondary. Evan Agiloff of Fleet Force discussed Florida’s CDL shortage, saying trucking is essential to the supply chain, Florida has about 18,000 open CDL positions, and Fleet Force’s college-based model can quickly move students into middle-class jobs. Members asked about apprenticeships, CTE pathways, semiconductor training, infrastructure needs, and how to expand and better fund workforce programs; no votes were taken.