Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:25:05.120> you<00:25:05.279> know,<00:25:05.440> I<00:25:05.679> think
• <00:25:08.400> I<00:25:08.559> I<00:25:08.960> can<00:25:09.360> I<00
• know,<00:25:15.279> that<00:25:15.600> I<00:25:16.159> was<00:25:16.320> just
• <00:25:18.080> And<00:25:18.320> so,<00:25:19.039> um<00:25:19.520> if
• This project lead on the project.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a 25 cent up to 25 cents for a $25 million over 25 years for our new highway department facility
• . project. project.
• :25:21.680> on<00:25:21.920> the<00:25:22.040> projects referendum in and caps on
• the projects referendum in and caps on the projects for<00:25:22.760> costs.
• <00:25:52.120> We<00:25:52.240> couldn't<00:25:52.680> quite Opus project.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:25:06.399> gets<00:25:06.600> passed<00:25:06.880> to<00:25:07.039> the<
• <01:25:42.960> projects<01:25:43.280> not<01:25:43.400> all<01:25:43.520>
• of<01:25:43.639> them some of these projects not all of them some of these projects not all
• > are<01:25:44.960> brand<01:25:45.199> new<01:25:45.400> projects some of
• them are are brand new projects some of them are are brand new projects but<01:25:46.119> the

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Hawaiian Affairs committee heard a budget presentation from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on its biennium requests for critical projects, repairs and maintenance, and operations. DHHL described its role in administering the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust, noted the large beneficiary wait list, and said prior funding, including Act 279, has helped the department accelerate land development and reduce vacancies. Officials said they have about 47,219 applications involving 29,548 Native Hawaiians, roughly 28 projects underway, and that about $471 million of a $600 million appropriation has been encumbered, with the remaining lapse-fix funds expected to be resolved before the June 30, 2026 deadline. DHHL emphasized that its current request would support additional lot development and could help produce roughly 6,000 units from the existing project pipeline, with another phase of requests potentially adding about 2,000 more units. The department said it is prioritizing shovel-ready projects, accelerating lease awards and orientations, and using a mix of approaches including paper leases, rental-with-option-to-purchase, owner-builder, and loan programs. Officials also discussed a shift toward denser urban development, citing projects in West Oahu and Honolulu, and said the department is working to reduce its vacancy rate and move beneficiaries onto the land more quickly. Members questioned why Oahu, despite having the largest wait list, was receiving comparatively lower amounts, and DHHL responded that land availability and cost drive those decisions, with Oahu having limited developable land and very high acquisition costs. The department pointed to land acquisition on Kauai and other islands, and to urban high-rise projects that can yield far more units on small parcels. Members also raised long-term maintenance and wildfire risk, asking whether current acquisition and development choices account for future infrastructure costs; DHHL said maintenance is a growing concern, especially on large unused or isolated lands, and that it is pursuing Firewise planning, federal funds, and partnerships to reduce risk. The discussion also touched on mixed-use and community-led development, with DHHL explaining that it leases land to nonprofit homestead associations under general leases with milestones, business-plan requirements, and land-use restrictions to support local services and community goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:07.440> that<00:25:07.919> but<00:25:08.080> not<00:25:08.320> this
• <00:25:19.760> they're<00:25:19.960> critical<00:25:20.360> units<00:25:21.240><
• c><00:25:24.559> 60%<00:25:25.200> Ami<00:25:25.559> is<00:25:25.679> that
• > these<00:25:29.440> projects<00:25:29.720> that<00:25:29.880> they<00:25:30.000
• only income for back in five years the only income for these<00:25:58.919> projects<00:25:59.279

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related measures. SB 38 SD2 drew mixed testimony on changes to 21H projects, with HHFDC supporting and county and community groups split between support and opposition. In discussion, members focused on how county legislative bodies can alter projects in ways that increase costs, including changes to AMI mixes and fee waivers. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, limiting county changes that would impose stricter conditions than HHFDC, stricter AMI requirements, or reduced fee waivers; the motion passed with one member voting with reservations and two members excused. A major portion of the hearing focused on SB 71 SD2, which would revise the rental housing revolving fund. Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi YIMBY, and NAAP Hawaiʻi opposed the bill, arguing it would weaken support for deeply affordable units, eliminate the 5% set-aside for households at or below 30% AMI, and create a funding gap for households between 60% and 120% AMI. Supporters of the bill, including public housing and some development interests, emphasized the need to redirect funding and make the program more flexible. In decision-making, the committee described the bill as making comprehensive changes that would narrow Tier 2 toward higher-income projects and favor shorter loan terms, then moved it out with amendments. The committee also heard and advanced several other measures with little or no opposition: SB 40 SD2 on state finances, SB 378 on HHFDC, SB 572 SD1 on housing, SB 1229 ST2 on the dwelling unit revolving fund, and SB 602 on the Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority all received support testimony and were moved forward. For SB 65 SD2, HPHA and other agencies supported the measure, and HPHA testified it sought roughly $8 million to $10 million for repair and maintenance of units not covered by CIP funds. The committee also took up SB 826 SD1 on the low-income housing tax credit, where HHFDC, the Tax Foundation, and DHHL expressed confusion over the bill’s intent and whether it would bar state agencies from using LIHTC financing; no action was taken on that item in the excerpt. SB 944 SD2 on LIHTC transferability drew support and a suggestion to keep clarifying language that notifies the tax department, and the committee indicated it would keep the provision in.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a regular schedule on schools that we support, the CTE project, and it's a 75/25 match, I believe
• They expect that project to be completed come August of '25. Thank you. Any other questions?
• They expect that project to be completed come August of '25. Thank you. Any other questions?
• They expect that project to be completed come August of '25. Thank you. Any other questions?
• to be completed come August that project to be completed come August of<03:35:14.439> 25<03:35

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Administrative Services presented its capital budget process and priorities, explaining how agencies assess facility needs, rank projects, and submit requests to the governor’s office. DAS described its Plant and Property division, which maintains 96 state buildings, and Public Works, which develops detailed cost estimates for selected projects. Officials said the governor’s office has traditionally narrowed requests into priority tiers, but this year all projects were estimated, creating more work and less detail. They also emphasized that the capital budget book functions as legislative intent and can be binding on how approved funds are used. On the substance of the request, DAS highlighted several priorities: continued funding for the state ERP system upgrade to the cloud, with about $5 million requested for sustainability and related Treasury functions; emergency fund and annex renovation work; a sprinkler replacement at DMV; and elevator repairs at the main building. Karen Rocky also identified maintenance projects that rose in priority after a facility condition assessment, including HVAC work for Portsmouth Circuit Court and Coos County Courthouse, boilers and controls for Carroll County and Lebanon Circuit Court, brick repointing at the main building and annex, window replacement at Spalding, and Brown building elevator replacement. Officials noted that the governor’s proposed capital budget included fewer DAS projects than in past years and no projects for the Bureau of Court Facilities. The committee also discussed lapses and reprogramming of prior appropriations. DAS said the first eight projects approved in 2023 remain under construction and should be extended, while many 2021 projects are delayed because of ARPA-related workload and broader construction backlogs. Members reviewed a 2019 project list and agreed to lapse project number 49, the Spalding roof project, with about $81,000 remaining. DAS also said some small 2019 balances, including courthouse generators, a boiler, cooling and controls, roof and exterior repairs, and the State House Annex elevator, could be redirected through Capital Budget Overview toward the Hillsboro County South Cell Block project. The hearing ended with questions about project schedules, ARPA deadlines, and the division of authority between DoIT and DAS for the ERP system.

Transcript Highlights:

• :13.520> project<01:25:13.840> came<01:25:14.000> in<01:25:14.239> at<01:
• <01:25:15.840> So pro project came in at 33 million.
• the project<01:25:17.840> on<01:25:18.080> hold<01:25:19.040> to<01:25:19.440><
• c> do<01:25:19.600> the<01:25:19.760> the<01:25:20.320> structural project on
• do the more funding to to actually do the project.<01:25:28.960> So<01:25:29.120> they

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:25:01.280> I<01:25:01.520> worry<01:25:01.679> that<01:25:01.920> it<
• c> that<01:25:49.280> they project they're very expensive that they project they're very expensive
• worry about having enough money to complete<01:25:54.800> the<01:25:55.040> project<01
• :25:55.760> but<01:25:56.320> the<01:25:56.560> trunk complete the project but the
• trunk complete the project but the trunk highway<01:25:57.120> bonds<01:25:57.600> count

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 25:23.279> and<00:25:23.520> so<00:25:23.679> I<00:25:24.159> salute<00:25
• So, we were 88th of 89 projects on the fiscal year 25 list and [clears throat] one of the reasons why
• So, we were 88th of 89 projects on the fiscal year 25 list and [clears throat] one of the reasons why
• So, we were 88th of 89 projects on the fiscal year 25 list and [clears throat] one of the reasons why
• So when we fund a project in Janesville, we're talking about supporting 25% of the renters in Janesville

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, the project was ranked pretty low. It was number 24 out of 25 projects.
• And uh<00:25:37.919> the<00:25:38.080> fund<00:25:38.400> also<00:25:38.640>
• <00:25:50.799> contract<00:25:51.279> with<00:25:51.520> us<00:25:51.679> to<
• 25:56.960> we<00:25:57.120> might<00:25:57.279> bring<00:25:57.520> in spend
• ><00:25:58.480> on<00:25:58.720> these<00:25:58.960> important<00:25:59.360>

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:47 Maintenance 12:40 Approval of Minutes 12:55 Vehicle Regulation 21:08 General Admin and Highways 34:11 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum at first, then later approved the minutes once quorum was established. The committee heard presentations from Transportation Cabinet officials Mike Hancock, Jeremy Slinker, and Sean McCarnieran on maintenance, vehicle regulation, general administration, highways, and related capital projects. Hancock emphasized that maintenance is the cabinet’s most visible public service, especially for snow and ice removal and routine roadway upkeep, and said rising costs have outpaced funding. He cited a 61% increase in highway construction costs since 2020 and said maintenance spending was $488 million in FY 2024 and $511 million in FY 2025, while the FY 2026 baseline request was $483.3 million. The cabinet’s additional maintenance request would add $23.6 million in FY 2027 and $38.6 million in FY 2028, with expected impacts on litter pickup, mowing, vegetation management, and pothole repair if not funded. The cabinet also outlined five maintenance-related capital projects: additional funding for Ballard County maintenance/salt storage, Hopkins County maintenance/salt storage, Whitley County maintenance/salt structure, and the District 2 office and materials lab, plus reauthorization of the Breckinridge County maintenance and salt facility. Hancock also asked for budget language allowing the cabinet to use unexpected restricted and federal funds more quickly, similar to existing authority for federal earmarks. McCarnieran described the governor’s inclusion of funding for the ASHTOWare system, employee health exams, priority IT projects, and a District 7 office renovation request, noting that some items were not funded because they ranked low among competing projects. He also said the governor’s budget included a $7.5 million annual maintenance pool for the cabinet’s 1,200 facilities and requested additional restricted fund authority for Trimark and the Cumberland Gap Tunnel. Slinker focused on the Department of Vehicle Regulation, saying recent investments in staffing and equipment had reduced wait times and improved customer service in driver licensing offices. He requested $535,600 to keep temporary contract workers in place for the rest of the year, warning that without it regional office operations would have to be reduced. He said the surge in demand was driven by new 15-year-old licensing requirements, vision testing, and Real ID implementation, but believed the volume was beginning to level out. He also outlined FY 2027 and FY 2028 plans totaling $20.38 million and $19.85 million, including six new regional offices and a shift away from temporary workers toward state positions. Additional requests included $106,000 for debt service on the new driver’s license modernization system and operating costs of $5 million in FY 2027 and $2.5 million in FY 2028 to support the transition from the old system. Members asked about the cabinet’s funding sources, and officials said the road fund is the primary source, supported by motor fuels tax, usage tax, driver-related receipts, and some restricted funds; they stressed that the requests were not for additional general fund dollars. Questions also covered employee health exam reimbursements, the annual Trimark/Cumberland Gap contract, and the District 7 renovation request. No votes were taken on the budget items during the meeting, beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:14.720> It's<00:25:15.039> kind<00:25:15.200> of<00:25:15.279> new
• we do with<00:25:20.559> I<00:25:20.720> guess<00:25:20.880> you'd<00:25:21.200
• <00:25:27.279> cut<00:25:27.440> it<00:25:27.679> down<00:25:28.799> our<
• What<00:25:30.799> do<00:25:30.960> we<00:25:31.120> do<00:25:31.279> with
• . project. project.

Bills: HB0078, HB0087, SF0070, SF0068, SF0017, SF0043

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, water development, feasibility studies, appropriations, water management, rehabilitation, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, forestry management

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, these components of the project would be about 25% in this bill. Okay, so sorry.
• Um, these components of the project would be about 25% in this bill. Okay, so sorry.
• 25:01.920> it<00:25:02.040> continue<00:25:02.560> to<00:25:02.720> grow,
• we<00:25:03.720> hope<00:25:03.920> that<00:25:04.080> we<00:25:04.200>
• can<00:25:04.360> work<00:25:04.520> with<00:25:04.720> you<00:25:04.800>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:25:39.679> This<01:25:40.000> project<01:25:40.560> is different locations
• This project is critical<01:25:41.760> to<01:25:42.080> protect<01:25:42.480> the
• > projects<01:25:52.159> in We currently have nine projects in We currently have nine projects
• in design<01:25:52.960> and<01:25:53.360> four<01:25:53.679> projects<01:25:54.320
• Some<01:25:57.120> of<01:25:57.199> the<01:25:57.360> projects<01:25:57.920>

Keywords: Discussion of SB 126 (2025 RS) 00:05:13 Discussion of HB 16 (2025 RS) 00:15:40 Kentucky Department of Parks – Overview 01:05:06, 958, all

Summary: The committee met jointly for State Government, State and Local Government, and Elections and Constitutional Amendments, approved the minutes from the September 23 meeting, and then took up discussion of Senate Bill 126, a proposed constitutional amendment to restrict the governor’s pardon power. Senator Chris McDaniel said the measure was prompted by concerns over pardons issued in 2019 and would bar pardons for 60 days before a gubernatorial election through the swearing-in of a new governor, leaving the power otherwise intact. Members who spoke generally supported the proposal as a way to increase accountability, and McDaniel said he intended to place it on the 2026 ballot. No vote was taken on the bill during the discussion. The committee then moved to House Bill 16 on water fluoridation. Representative Hart and Senator Greg Elkins said the bill would remove Kentucky’s fluoridation mandate and give local water districts the choice to add fluoride or not. They emphasized that the revised draft also adds immunity language to protect districts from civil litigation regardless of their decision. Dr. Jack Call, a Louisville dentist, presented against fluoridation, arguing that the main dental benefit is topical rather than from drinking water and citing studies and reports he said linked fluoride exposure to reduced IQ in children and other health concerns. Cindy Batson, a nurse and parent, also supported the bill and said she had testified on the issue for years. During questions, Senator Rollins raised concerns about fluoride being an industrial byproduct and described fluoridation as forced medication. The discussion remained focused on the bill’s local-control and immunity provisions, with sponsors saying they were not trying to relitigate the broader science but wanted to remove the mandate. The transcript ends while questions and testimony on HB 16 were still underway, and no final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um I went<00:25:00.000> to<00:25:00.159> a<00:25:00.320> meeting<00:25:00.720>
• <00:25:03.520> Um<00:25:03.840> it<00:25:04.080> was<00:25:04.159> a<
• 10.320> in<00:25:10.559> charge<00:25:11.200> of<00:25:11.679> kind<00:25
• <00:25:15.520> He<00:25:15.760> came<00:25:15.919> up<00:25:16.080> to
• "<00:25:19.679> And<00:25:20.000> he's<00:25:20.320> going<00:25:20.559> into

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:04 Approval of Minutes 00:36 KOAP Report 00:51, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the June 12 minutes, and then received a presentation from Brandon Reid and Bill McCloskkey of the Agricultural Development Board on the June report and the 25th anniversary of the Agricultural Development Fund. They described a joint anniversary meeting held at the Kentucky Historical Society, thanked staff, and noted that the board presented members with a token of appreciation. They also reported a clean annual audit, with the audit report to be shared more fully at a later meeting. The presenters reviewed June activity and funding decisions, saying the development board approved about $3.3 million and the finance board about $5 million in loans. They highlighted program activity such as advisory council meetings, site visits, project reports, and county comprehensive plans. Specific projects discussed included the Food Chain project, which sought support for equipment and improvements to expand Kentucky product marketing; Miller Rockbridge Farms LLC, which sought county support for a barn for an education program; and Thompson Family Farm LLC, which sought funding for a livestock buying station. The board approved reduced or county-only funding in some cases, including $45,643 for the Food Chain project and county money for the farm projects. Members asked about the meaning and purpose of the county comprehensive plans and how counties use them to guide funding decisions. The presenters explained that House Bill 611 created a structure in which each county council develops a comprehensive plan, updated on a five-year cycle, to prioritize local agricultural investments and evaluate applications. They said county councils work with extension agents and the Agricultural Development Office, and that staff attend meetings, provide training, and help new agents and council members understand the program. Members emphasized that the planning process helps ensure funds are targeted to local needs and supports diversification of agriculture beyond tobacco.

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, as happened in the $25 million, we had two large projects that we felt, those Mercer studies
• million we had two happened in the 25 million we had two large<00:19:21.039> projects<00:19:22.000
• . projects. projects.
• Uh there's<00:25:01.039> some<00:25:01.200> big<00:25:01.440> ass<00:25:01.760><
• :25:21.279> and<00:25:22.240> uh<00:25:22.480> do<00:25:22.640> a<00:25:22.799

Bills: HB0105, HB0107, SF0002

Keywords: K-12 education, school facilities, security improvements, public funding, state appropriations, school construction, local government funding, sales tax distribution, municipal funding, economic equity, state revenue, Wyoming Legislature, legislative appropriations, Legislative Service Office, LSO budget, general fund, biennial budget, legislative branch, legislator travel, per diem

Transcript Highlights:

• :25:41.080> be<01:25:41.160> able<01:25:41.320> to<01:25:41.440> bring<01
• <01:25:42.760> to<01:25:42.880> be<01:25:42.960> able<01:25:43.120> to<01
• So, we'll<01:25:46.240> we'll<01:25:46.480> work<01:25:46.680> with<01:25:46.840
• of<01:25:53.400> ETS<01:25:53.880> to<01:25:53.960> be<01:25:54.040> able
• >> 25 25 mil. >> 25 25 mil.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > uh<00:25:09.279> in<00:25:09.640> in<00:25:09.760> the<00:25:09.919>
• c><00:25:11.760> the<00:25:11.960> next<00:25:12.240> decade<00:25:13.120> U<
• ><00:25:19.760> real<00:25:20.080> for<00:25:20.399> people<00:25:21.320> um<
• I don't know<00:25:25.559> the<00:25:25.760> dimensions<00:25:26.919> but<00:25
• projects are ranked on the project projects are ranked on the project project<00:42:04.240> priority

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the project part that's taking<00:25:00.640> care<00:25:00.799> of<00:25:00.960> the
• >> And<00:25:07.279> next<00:25:07.520> we<00:25:07.760> have<00:25:07.919
• c> because<00:25:58.480> these<00:25:58.960> projects it is a mandate because these
• projects it is a mandate because these projects are<00:25:59.679> needed<00:26:00.080> all
• It typically saves 5 to<01:25:40.800> 25%<01:25:41.520> of<01:25:41.679> a<01:25

Bills: HF2986, HF3555

Keywords: virtual power plant, VPP, distributed energy resources, DER, demand response, load management, grid modernization, peak demand, peak shaving, battery storage, energy storage, solar photovoltaic, solar panels, electric vehicles, smart thermostats, heat pumps, aggregator, public utilities commission, PUC, rate recovery

Transcript Highlights:

• :25:16.320> breakdown<00:25:16.799> of<00:25:17.000> how<00:25:17.120> you
• :25:24.480> I<00:25:25.000> yes<00:25:25.960> you<00:25:26.159> you<00:25
• 25:36.480> the<00:25:36.799> 200<00:25:37.080> is<00:25:37.240> for<00:25
• And so in '24 we had $22.6 million available for new projects, and '25 similarly we had $26.1 million
• And so in '24 we had $22.6 million available for new projects, and '25 similarly we had $26.1 million

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Department of Education’s Bureau of Wellness and Nutrition presented an overview of the school meal and child nutrition programs it administers, including the National School Lunch Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), After School Snack Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, and Special Milk Program. Staff explained which programs are federally funded through USDA, which have state matching funds, and how reimbursement rates are set for different programs and fiscal years. They also walked the committee through a packet showing reimbursement tables, state and federal funding totals, and eligibility data. Members focused much of their questioning on how state and federal reimbursements work for lunch and breakfast, why lunch is shown as a state match while breakfast has meal-based breakdowns, and how the department allocates funds in the budget. The department explained that lunch uses a set state match tied to federal requirements, while breakfast reimbursement is based on meals served. They also reviewed FY 22-24 funding trends, noting higher federal spending during COVID-era waivers and lower amounts as those waivers ended. A committee member asked for the data in Excel and the department agreed to provide it. The discussion also covered summer meal programs and the distinction between the Summer Food Service Program and Summer EBT. Staff explained that SFSP provides meals at approved open or closed sites, while Summer EBT is a separate DHHS-run benefit program that provides funds to families; the two programs coordinate through data sharing but are not the same. Members also discussed CEP, with staff explaining that New Hampshire currently has three schools participating, that the qualifying threshold was reduced from 40% to 25% identified students, and that districts must cover the non-federal share with non-federal funds. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• > so<00:25:05.440> I<00:25:05.520> wanted<00:25:05.720> to<00:25:05.880><
• > every<00:25:11.360> state<00:25:11.679> dollar<00:25:12.039> that<00:25
• <00:25:17.480> private<00:25:18.039> funds<00:25:19.039> um<00:25:19.200>
• as<00:25:19.799> we<00:25:19.960> think<00:25:20.159> about<00:25:20.880>
• > project<01:25:59.159> certainty<01:25:59.679> earlier<01:26:00.360> in

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Capital Investment held its first meeting of the 2025 session with members and staff introducing themselves and describing their priorities. Senators from both parties repeatedly emphasized the goal of passing a strong bipartisan bonding bill this year, with several members noting that local projects were delayed after no bonding bill passed the previous year. Chair Housley also said the committee would not meet later that week and previewed an upcoming presentation from MMB on federal funds. The committee then heard a presentation from MMB’s Leah Corey and Anna Ming on Minnesota’s federal funding efforts. Corey explained that MMB’s federal funds team coordinates state efforts to maximize funding from IIJA, IRA, CHIPS, and related federal programs. She said Minnesota has secured about $12.3 billion in federal funding so far, including roughly $3 billion more since the last presentation, supporting about 1,800 projects statewide. Most of the funding is going to transportation, roads, and bridges, with other major areas including clean energy and weatherization. She also highlighted an interactive public dashboard showing projects by region and noted that much of the data reflects funds flowing through the state enterprise. Corey also discussed state match programs that helped unlock federal dollars, including the IIJA discretionary match fund, the State Competitiveness Fund, and the Forward Fund. She said $180 million in state match has unlocked about $1 billion in federal investment through the IIJA discretionary match fund, nearly $17 million in state investment has unlocked nearly $90 million in federal funding through the State Competitiveness Fund, and $124 million for the Forward Fund has unlocked nearly $1 billion in federal and private investment. Members asked whether more state dollars could have brought in more federal funds; Corey said she was not sure, but noted the IIJA match fund is expected to run out in the coming months. The presentation also focused on direct pay tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, which allow tax-exempt entities such as governments, nonprofits, school districts, and tribal nations to receive payments for eligible clean energy projects after they are completed. Corey said the state is building awareness and technical assistance around direct pay, including educational sessions and a tax expert resource. She also described Minnesota’s Green Bank, the Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority, which is beginning to issue loans for projects such as community energy, nonprofit geothermal systems, and solar-plus-battery installations.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the amounts for the projects that are in House Bill 25 as introduced.
• for the projects that are in House Bill 25<01:06:55.599> is 25 is 25 is introduced<01:06:58.599
• :25:02.000> asked<01:25:02.199> you<01:25:02.360> to<01:25:02.560> reduce
• <01:25:39.840> I<01:25:40.000> apologize<01:25:40.480> for<01:25:40.639> being
• > was<01:25:46.719> sitting<01:25:46.920> there<01:25:47.080> looking<01:25:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing and work session on House Bill 25A, the capital improvements appropriations bill, which Representative David Mills said was based on Governor Ayotte’s budget and included appropriations for capital improvements and extensions of prior appropriation lapses. The hearing drew testimony on several requested additions to the bill, with the chair noting the unusually large turnout and moving quickly through speakers. No questions were taken on the initial bill presentation, and the public hearing on HB 25A was later closed. The Community College System of New Hampshire asked for an additional $2.6 million, including $800,000 for IT infrastructure, $1.3 million for critical maintenance, and $500,000 for energy management systems. The witness said the money would address cybersecurity and online learning needs, replace failing boilers and a roof at several campuses, and prevent costly damage such as frozen pipes. The New Hampshire Veterans Home requested $1.5 million for ADA compliance and safety improvements, including floor replacement and wider doors, citing an upcoming VA inspection and the importance of preserving federal funding. Testimony also focused on career and technical education and airport funding. Milford CTE sought to keep $9.9 million in the budget for renovations after a local vote fell short, explaining the project had been scaled down from an earlier $60 million concept and that the school board wanted another chance to seek voter approval. On aviation, Concord, the New Hampshire Municipal Association, and Department of Transportation representatives urged restoring state matching funds for FAA airport grants, saying roughly $3.6 million in state money would leverage about $62 million to $65 million in federal funds for safety and infrastructure projects at public airports. Committee members asked about project selection, matching requirements, and the airport priority process, and witnesses said the program is driven by FAA-approved capital improvement plans and safety needs rather than business-return rankings.