Video & Transcript Research : 'M.J. Foster Promise Program'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing: Committee on Education Policy and Committee on Education Finance - 05/06/26
Transcript Highlights:
- I've heard enough promises and I've watched enough of those promises be broken.
- I've heard enough promises and I've watched enough of those promises be broken.
- I've heard enough promises and I've watched enough of those promises be broken.
- I've heard enough promises and I've watched enough of those promises be broken.
- Minnesota Legislature Page Program. Minnesota Legislature Page Program.
Summary:
The committee held a joint hearing recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and focusing on civic education, free speech, voting, and Minnesota’s America 250 commemorations. Opening remarks emphasized the importance of education, Indigenous land acknowledgement, and the idea that democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. The chair then invited student debaters from the Minnesota High School League to testify about how debate, free speech, and evidence-based reasoning have shaped their education and civic participation. The students argued that debate teaches critical thinking, helps young people engage with difficult issues, and should be protected as part of a healthy democracy; one also urged lawmakers to move beyond empty promises and take action on issues such as eviction moratoriums, ICE collaboration, and protest protections.
Commissioner Willie Jett of the Minnesota Department of Education testified that public education is where citizenship first becomes real, and that schools, libraries, and educators help students learn to listen, question, debate respectfully, and understand both the ideals and failures of American history. He said democracy is something each generation must learn and strengthen, and thanked the committee for convening the hearing. Former students Sarah Griffin and Charlie Crocker then offered tributes to Senator Swedzinski, describing how his teaching encouraged civic engagement, disagreement, and action, and how his classroom shaped their lives and public service. Their remarks emphasized that democracy is not a spectator sport and that ordinary people build it through small, courageous acts.
Secretary of State Steve Simon followed with testimony on Minnesota’s civic culture and voter participation. He said Minnesota has long ranked near the top nationally in voter turnout, including youth turnout, and attributed that to a combination of good election laws and a strong pro-voting culture. He highlighted school-based civic education efforts such as pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and the Students Vote mock election program, and noted that Minnesota’s congressional delegation was unanimous in supporting the Voting Rights Act in 1965 as an example of the state coming together on major moral questions. The Minnesota Historical Society then began its presentation on America 250, with Kent Whitworth describing the organization’s role, the new edition of the Northern Lights curriculum, and broader commemorative activities; Dr. Bill Convery introduced historical context about how Americans have celebrated independence and how the semiquincentennial can leave a legacy for future generations.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We've worked together on foster care bills, foster care awareness.
- And sustained funding, not temporary pilot programs. and sustained funding, not temporary pilot programs
- We have an MMIP drone program.
- possibly use the drone program.
- It's happening at an earlier stage within the social service program, foster care, domestic violence.
Summary:
The Select Committee on Native American Affairs held an informational hearing on the state’s response to the missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIP) crisis, with an added focus on foster youth and child welfare. Opening remarks from the chair and members emphasized that California has made some progress through the Feather Alert, DOJ coordination, grant funding, and MMIP summits, but that the crisis remains severe and requires ongoing, not one-time, investment. Members repeatedly noted the need for stronger statewide coordination, better data, and more consistent attention to tribal communities and foster youth.
Tribal leaders described the crisis as rooted in jurisdictional gaps, poor data collection, and lack of urgency from law enforcement. Witnesses from Hamul, Chachancey, Tahon, Yurok, and Hoopa tribes shared personal accounts of missing and murdered relatives, criticized inconsistent responses, and called for regional response agreements, direct tribal access to data, sustained funding, and clearer law enforcement protocols in Public Law 280 settings. Several leaders said Feather Alert and state grants have helped build infrastructure and partnerships, but stressed that trust-building, training, and accountability are still uneven across the state.
The second panel featured the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Justice’s Office of Native American Affairs, both of which reported on implementation improvements. CHP said it has tightened Feather Alert practices, increased activations, improved outreach and training, appointed a tribal liaison, and expanded human trafficking training. DOJ described work under AB 3099 and AB 1334, including a Public Law 280 advisory council, improved crime reporting and data systems, MMIP outreach, and a tribal police pilot program with the Yurok Tribe. Members also raised the need to better support tribal courts and ensure protection orders are enforced.
The final panel focused on foster youth as part of the MMIP crisis. Advocates from Pitt River, the California Tribal Families Coalition, and Coyote Valley said Native children are disproportionately represented in foster care and are at heightened risk of going missing or being exploited. They argued that foster care, trafficking, poverty, housing instability, and historical trauma are all connected to MMIP, and called for stronger ICWA implementation, culturally grounded services, better coordination with social workers and law enforcement, and immediate use of Feather Alert when Native children are missing. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with continued calls for legislative, budgetary, and policy action.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Task Force on Child Protection - 01/08/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and the promise we made to fosters back in 2021.
- The third initiative is changing the Extended Foster Care Program to an opt-out program.
- This is a program that allows folks who are aging out of foster care to continue in foster care up until
- an the extended Foster Care Program to an the extended Foster Care Program to an OP<01:32:23.960>
- <01:47:10.159>
Care <01:47:10.400>Program utilize the extended Foster Care Program
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The California College Promise Program was created with the intention of reducing financial barriers
- benefit from this critical program, our college promise for all.
- Because of the Promise Program, I was able to save money, That they would cover my tuition.
- Please support AB 537 and expand the College Promise Program to include part-time students.
- And thank you so much again for your leadership and efforts on the California College Promise Program
Summary:
The committee hearing covered several higher education bills, with extensive testimony on student aid, affordability, and institutional debt. AB 587 would add veteran representation to the California Student Aid Commission; the author said the change would bring lived experience from the veteran community to student aid policy, and members raised a concern about keeping the commission’s membership odd-numbered, which the author said would be addressed by amendment. AB 791 would standardize cost-of-attendance housing calculations using objective data and improve notice of the adjustment process; supporters said current budgets often underestimate students’ real living costs, while UC, CSU, and independent colleges opposed or had concerns about the bill’s prescribed methodology, fiscal impact, and a 14-day turnaround for adjustments. AB 850 would create a one-term grace period for students with institutional debt to re-enroll while arranging repayment, bar reporting that debt to credit agencies, and require more transparency; proponents described students being blocked from continuing school over debts, while CSU, UC, and private-college representatives said they already use holds and payment plans and worried about added liabilities and budget pressures. AB 537 would extend the California College Promise Program to part-time community college students; supporters said most community college students attend part-time and should not be excluded from fee waivers, while the committee noted fiscal concerns but ultimately advanced the bill. AB 7 would allow universities to consider whether an applicant is a descendant of American chattel slavery in admissions as a reparative measure; supporters framed it as lineage-based reparative justice, while opponents argued it would function as a racial proxy and conflict with Proposition 209 and equal-protection principles. The committee took roll-call votes on the measures, advancing AB 587, AB 791, AB 850, and AB 537 to Appropriations, with AB 850 and AB 537 receiving fewer votes and the roll left open for additional members.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services Apr 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- As mentioned, HR-1 is going to make catastrophic changes to the health care program, the food programs
- to yield the best program outcomes.
- Disability Advocacy Program.
- reductions for that program.
- For HSP, the one... ...severe program reductions for that program.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Families & Children (2-25-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- public assistance program, Ms. Klein. public assistance program, Ms. Klein.
- employment programs. employment programs.
- programs that they're already doing. programs that they're already doing.
- program? No. program? No.
- They have psychiatric programs, pediatric psych programs.
Keywords:
Roll Call - 00:10
Discussion on SCR 61 – 01:46
Vote on SCR 61 – 11:33
Discussion on SR 18 – 12:30
Vote on SR 18 - 30:01
Discussion on Ky Residential Autism Services – 32:34
Questions & Comments – 56:56, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 61, sponsored by Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer and Representative Matt Lockett. The resolution, as amended by committee substitute, would create a legislative task force tied to the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) framework to study Kentucky health policy, including Medicaid drug approvals, preventive and alternative therapies, holistic health education, oversight and transparency in health care, and research into integrative approaches. Supporters said the goal was to address chronic disease and reduce over-medication, while emphasizing the effort was not intended as an attack on agriculture or the pharmaceutical industry. The resolution received favorable expression and passed the committee 9-0.
The committee then heard Senate Resolution 18 from Senator Neal, urging Kentucky to maximize participation in the federal SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program. Testimony from Jessica Klein of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy and Secretary Eric Friedlander explained that SNAP E&T provides job training, education, and support services for SNAP participants, and that the program is federally matched and does not require additional General Assembly funding in the normal course. Members discussed how the program works, whether it could create new state costs, and how it fits with efforts to connect food assistance, workforce development, and local agriculture. Questions also focused on whether SNAP spending can be steered toward healthier foods and farmers markets, including Kentucky’s Double Dollars program, which was described as helping participants buy produce, meat, and dairy at participating markets and some retailers.
Several members expressed support for the workforce goals but asked for more information on fiscal impacts and purchasing data. Secretary Friedlander said the SNAP E&T funds are separate from nutrition benefits, and that the state match generally comes from employer, university, or workforce partner contributions rather than new state appropriations. Senator Herron explained her vote in favor by saying the program could help people gain education and employment and reduce reliance on SNAP over time. Senate Resolution 18 was then adopted by the committee.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 18, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to make sure to note that this program and this participation in the pilot program is completely
- people enrolled in the pilot program.
- The pilot program, there is limited data on the pilot program.
- The pilot program is a voluntary program to allow people to get the much-needed services that some of
- If they don't like the program, they can come off the program, go back on the wait list, and wait for
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and heard six bills, all of which were reported favorably. HB 1567, relating to insulin administration by direct support professionals, was amended to clarify the type of insulin that may be administered and to allow supervision of self-administration of an insulin pen. Supporters described the bill as a way to keep people with developmental disabilities in group homes rather than forcing institutional placement; the amendment and bill both passed unanimously, 17-0.
PCS for HB 1103, on services for persons with disabilities, would expand the APD managed care pilot statewide in phases, require more transparency on waitlist data, create a statewide family care council, and address transition services for young adults leaving foster care. Testimony was mixed: supporters emphasized the long APD waitlist and the need for a voluntary option, while some witnesses and members raised concerns about the accelerated rollout, limited data, and preserving consumer-directed care. The committee adopted the bill 17-0. CS for HB 127, on exceptional student education, would create micro-credentials and coordinate with the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and OSHA to support students with disabilities transitioning to work; it passed 17-0 after testimony from a parent and advocates.
HB 989, concerning licensure of family foster homes, was amended to streamline license transfers for foster parents moving within Florida while maintaining oversight and directing DCF rulemaking. A teacher and other supporters said the bill would reduce bureaucracy and help children remain in stable homes; it passed 17-0. PCS for HB 1091, on substance abuse and mental health care, updates processes related to the 988 crisis line, methadone treatment needs assessments, and forensic evaluators, and adds data/reporting requirements for DCF managing entities. After one amendment and testimony from supporters and one opponent, it passed 16-0. Finally, HB 633, on behavioral health managing entities, was amended and then approved 17-0; it requires more structured data and reporting from managing entities to increase accountability and transparency in the behavioral health system.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- . program.
- The program has supported more than 300 students already who have completed their Ph.D. programs.
- Is it the creation of new programs? Is it the growth of existing programs?
- A cost-effective program that maximizes climate programs and uses your funds well.
- For what program? Low-Income Weatherization Program. Thank you. Thank you.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 3/5/25
Rules and Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- House File 4 is a result of a promise made to Minnesotans, a promise that we do not just look for new
- House File 4 is a result of a promise made to Minnesotans, a promise that we do not just look for new
- Our choices are to cut programs or go to taxpayers and ask for tax increases to fund programs.
- Our choices are to cut programs or go to taxpayers and ask for tax increases to fund programs.
- c> could prevent people from fostering and could prevent people from fostering and could cause<00
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 12, 2026 - 02:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- The PCS removed Section Two which would statutorily require foster youth to receive an allowance.
- I entered foster care when I was six.
- Miss Rosenberg: Foster care exists to protect children, not providers.
- The foster care system cannot recruit providers, secure insurance, or keep placements open.
- Foster care providers are not typical businesses.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- They need a foster parent.
- And so, as I go through Each program I'll talk about what LFC research has shown each program does.
- This is a really great program.
- No program has a pre-kindergarten program at all.
- So if a parent wants the program and there's no providers, they don't get the program.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, I noticed that there's no fiscal impact and it says that TWC concurrently implement the program with
- the cost, well, concurrently implement the program with no new costs.
- House Bill 3173 takes a comprehensive approach to ensure that workforce development programs are not
- We believe that clear, measurable objectives are essential to ensuring the success for any program.
- youth. will become homeless within 4 years of aging out of foster care.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Help us, Lord, to take a moment to quiet our minds and reflect on your promise found in this uplifting
- And Alina Dosamantes, program coordinator with the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance.
- He fostered the newly established Arizona State Partnership program between the Arizona National Guard
- he made. ...following through on a promise he made.
- Everyone, they fell in love with you, especially kids in foster care.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 9, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This program promised student loan borrowers that after 10 years of public service their across the country
- This program promised student loan borrowers that after 10 years of public service their cuts to IRS
- This program promised<00:09:49.760>
student <00:09:50.000>loan <00:09:50.320>borrowers - Foster, Mr. bill offered by Mr. Foster, Mr.
- black veterans out of its promise. black veterans out of its promise.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
An oversight hearing to examine Native American education, focusing on Federal programs at the U.S. Department of Education. Apr 2nd, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Indian Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Programs like the Native American Language Grants or the Alaska Native Education Program, which we call
- , programs, programs with tribal set-asides, and broader programs that tribal nations are eligible for
- Impact Aid is another key program.
- Education Program.
- What that actually might look like if the program programs were not eliminated, but housed elsewhere,
Keywords:
Native education, Department of Education, federal funding, testimony, treaty obligations, public schools, educational policies, Indigenous students
Summary:
The meeting focused on the responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Education towards Native students, highlighting the importance of federal education programs that satisfy treaty obligations to Native communities. Various witnesses testified about the impact of educational policies designed to support Native students who primarily attend public schools. Concerns were voiced over recent proposals that could potentially undermine these programs, citing the role of federal funding in ensuring successful educational outcomes for Native youth. The chair of the committee emphasized the need for continued federal support and attention to the unique educational challenges faced by Indigenous populations.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- >
and foster integration, delivery, and foster integration, delivery, and management<00:04:32.960 - our rural physician associate program. our rural physician associate program.
- We have a number of programs across our academic programs at the university and the medical school to
- recognized Fairview with the Foster G. recognized Fairview with the Foster G.
- . promise. promise.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:36:21.680>
talk <00:36:21.839>about promise program so as we talk about promise program - and the Northstar Promise program.
- Promise program.
- are Northstar promise program um there are Northstar promise program um there are some<00:53:22.640
- <01:36:09.400>
are programs like the Northstar promise are programs like the Northstar promise
Summary:
The committee received an informational presentation from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education on the State Grant program and governor-recommended changes, with some discussion of North Star Promise. Staff explained that State Grant is the state’s largest financial aid program, intended to promote college access and choice for students with the highest financial need, and that it works alongside Pell Grants. They reviewed program eligibility, award calculation, and participation rules, and noted that the program serves a large share of low- and middle-income students, including many dependent students, student parents, BIPOC students, and adult learners. They also described how awards and spending are distributed across public and private institutions and how the agency projects spending using enrollment, tuition, and FAFSA data.
A major focus was the current fiscal-year deficit in State Grant. Staff said the program is experiencing a shortfall driven by higher-than-expected enrollment, more students with greater financial need, and major FAFSA formula changes that increased the number of applicants with zero or negative student aid index values. They said the office has already rationed awards where allowed and imposed a FAFSA deadline for spring awards, and does not expect to fund some awards. Officials explained that if the program projects a surplus, they typically adjust the living and miscellaneous expense allowance to spend down funds; if it projects a deficit, they can increase student and family responsibility to reduce award sizes, but the program must stay within its appropriation.
Senator Duckworth asked several questions about whether unused funds could be transferred between State Grant and North Star Promise, and how the two programs are treated. Staff said State Grant funds revert to the general fund at the end of the biennium, while North Star Promise uses a special revenue account, and that transfers may be possible but would need clarification under current authority. They referenced a prior legislative transfer from North Star Promise funds to cover a shortfall in the Fostering Independence Grant and said they would follow up on the exact transfer authority. No votes or formal actions were taken during the presentation and discussion.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Help us, Lord, to take a moment to quiet our minds and reflect on your promise found in this uplifting
- Alina Dosamantes, program coordinator with the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance.
- He fostered...
- He fostered the newly established Arizona State Partnership program between the Arizona National Guard
- Everyone, they fell in love with you, especially kids in foster care.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call, then approved the journal and spent much of the early session on personal privilege remarks, guest introductions, and proclamations. Recognitions included Arcadia High School’s 2026 state championship boys basketball team, the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, Diné College and Navajo sovereignty/Indigenous higher education, Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, and Route 66’s centennial. The chamber also honored Senator Lela Alston for her long legislative career and retirement, with remarks from colleagues and a musical tribute after recess.
The Senate then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered three House bills. HB 2048, dealing with orders of protection and process service, was amended and recommended do pass. HB 2398, concerning watercraft insurance requirements and penalties, was amended after debate over a floor amendment exempting some infrequent boat rentals; the amendment was adopted over opposition from Senator Epstein, and the bill was recommended do pass as amended. HB 2611, relating to child welfare and group home safety, was amended with changes requiring DCS reporting and standards for group foster homes, and was also recommended do pass as amended.
On third reading, the Senate passed HB 2198, HB 2434, HB 2764, HB 2772, HB 2837, HB 2868, HB 2906, and HB 2996, with HB 2772 drawing a 17-9 vote after Senator Gonzales objected that it could affect emergency responders seeking driver’s licenses from patients. HB 2868 passed 25-1, HB 1668 passed 25-1, and the rest passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to SB 1168, SB 1254, and SB 1668, then passed SB 1168 and SB 1254 on final reading and sent them to the Governor; SB 1668 also passed final reading and was sent to the Governor. The chamber then recessed.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Are we actually investing enough in things that work, programming like reentry programming, being able
- I promise I'm wrapping up, Mr. Chairman.
- Are we actually investing enough in things that work, programming like reentry programming, being able
- and our jail management programs.
- The recurring theme around here are resources to establish and access the programming pilot program to
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House higher education panel debates bill to restrict state aid for undocumented immigrants 2/11/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I’m here to defend the North Star Promise program because of all my peers that benefit from it.
- Please reject any efforts to remove students from eligibility for the North Star Promise program.
- Please reject any efforts to remove students from eligibility for the North Star Promise program.
- I’m here today to strongly support the North Star Promise program for all of our students because it
- Danielle Huck continued: The North Star Promise program is not just an investment in citizens; it is