Transcript Highlights:

• So they would get a patent for the La Union town site. site, which exists in Dona Ana County, as a way
• So there are a couple of town sites, La Union and Doñana being one of them, under U.S. law, that never
• We went to the Las Vegas Land Grant and we asked to be autonomous from them, for them to give us recognition
• That's the reason why the state had to do all this work to give us some kind of lawful recognition, as

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• We're the only state in the union, by the way, that can produce some of these things, and we're going
• We're the only state in the union, by the way, that can produce some of these things, and we're going
• Uh, next, we're going to hear from Hunter Heavlin with the Hawaii Farmers Union.
• Uh, next, we're going to hear from Hunter Heavlin with the Hawaii Farmers Union.
• Uh, next, we're going to hear from Hunter Heavlin with the Hawaii Farmers Union.

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability. Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people. Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will say, though, what was encouraging that I learned a few weeks ago is that the Carpenters Union,
• There are many of those workers, non-union.
• Other union workers I talked to are making minimum wage.
• Yvonne Fernandez, on behalf of the California Federation of Labor Unions, in support.
• Elmer Lazzardo, on behalf of the California Federation of Labor Unions, in support. Thank you.

Committee: House Health

Transcript Highlights:

• Visiting with us today are two ministries from Union Bell Baptist Church, the youth ministry and the
• For generations, Union Bell has been more than just a place of worship.
• For generations, Union Bell has been more than just a place of worship.
• Speaker, it is also my distinct honor to share with you that just last month, the Union Bell Baptist
• I ask it to be the privilege of the body to give this Union Bell Baptist Church a warm House welcome

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we will pause for recognition. Representative Tant, you are recognized for recognition.
• Members, let's pause for recognition. Rep. Gantt, you are recognized for recognition.
• We will pause briefly for recognitions.
• We will pause for a recognition. Representative Spencer, you are recognized for a recognition.
• Members, we are going to Pause for a recognition.

Bills: SB 5 , SJR 3 , HB 11 , HJR 72 , HB 48 , HB 27 , HB 144 , HB 37 , HB 1481 , HB 581 , HB 1696 , HB 2216 , HB 1035 , HB 1633 , HB 742 , HB 754 , HB 1689 , HB 1690 , HB 2669 , HB 391 , HB 517 , HB 1775 , HB 1024 , HB 1607 , HB 252 , HB 1716 , HB 1562 , HB 4116 , HB 1866 , HB 1741 , HB 2103 , HB 2637 , HB 2884 , HB 3707 , HB 503 , HB 1089 , HB 1757 , HB 2986 , HB 972 , SB 365 , SB 1786 , SB 5 , SJR 3 , HB 14 , HB 43 , HB 36 , HB 26 , HB 149 , HB 121 , HB 206 , HB 136 , HB 3114 , HB 2733 , HB 1732 , HB 3700 , HB 467 , HB 1130 , HB 1846 , HB 1442 , HB 1147 , HB 2176 , HB 2701 , HB 805 , HB 2890 , HB 1154 , HB 1644 , HB 2118 , HB 1718 , HB 2488 , HB 2596 , HB 2468 , HB 484 , HB 2578 , HB 3204 , HB 1041 , HB 307 , HB 685 , HB 538 , HB 2525 , HB 3125 , HB 2027 , HB 2894 , HB 3077 , HB 106 , HB 18 , HB 11 , HJR 72 , HB 48 , HB 27 , HB 144 , HB 37 , HB 1481 , HB 581 , HB 1696 , HB 2216 , HB 1035 , HB 1633 , HB 742 , HB 754 , HB 1689 , HB 1690 , HB 2669 , HB 391 , HB 517 , HB 1775 , HB 1024 , HB 1607 , HB 252 , HB 1716 , HB 1562 , HB 4116 , HB 1866 , HB 1741 , HB 2103 , HB 2637 , HB 2884 , HB 3707 , HB 503 , HB 1089 , HB 1757 , HB 2986 , HB 972

Transcript Highlights:

• What you can decide is whether the people closest to it—the employers and colleges and unions and community
• there is a balance to help pay for food, is different from access to health care, and people's recognition
• We know that our graduates are getting well-paying jobs with wonderful benefits, many of them union jobs
• only area where this has occurred, where the federal support has eroded over time without a real recognition
• Maybe there is an opportunity to work in the laborers union to get my start in that project.

Summary: The select committee on Community Economic Mobility and Investment heard testimony on how California can support inclusive economic development through coordinated workforce, education, nonprofit, and industry partnerships. Chair Arambula opened by emphasizing that rural, low-income, and historically underinvested communities often face the greatest barriers to accessing state resources, and that the hearing would focus on successful collaboration models, the role of training and higher education, and future opportunities tied to economic mobility and social determinants of health. Witnesses from the California Workforce Association, Fresno State, and NextGen Policy described local and regional workforce systems in the Central Valley and beyond. They highlighted examples such as apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, employer-led partnerships, on-the-job training, support for women entering construction, programs for justice-involved and opportunity youth, and the need to braid federal, state, philanthropic, and private funding. Several speakers stressed that local workforce boards, community colleges, adult education, labor organizations, and community-based groups are best positioned to identify regional labor needs and that California should fund systems, not just individual grants, especially as federal workforce funding has declined and new work requirements tied to HR 1 and AI-related labor shifts create added pressure. A second panel focused on the Community Economic Mobility Initiative as a statewide model. Sierra Health Foundation and its partners said CME has helped community organizations build capacity, pursue more than $400 million in grants and contracts, and attract about $178 million back into California communities. Speakers from Siskiyou Economic Development Council, Fresno EDC, Edge Collaborative, and Líderes Campesinas gave examples of place-based projects in rural and urban regions, including business innovation centers, community-owned development, bioeconomy and restoration projects, subsidized employment, and farmworker-led cooperatives. They argued that long-term, locally driven investment produces stronger regional economies and better health outcomes, and urged the Legislature to provide durable funding and policy support rather than short-term extensions. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where is the recognition for him?
• Obama, again, he set a precedent, a new precedent, that completely...” “...recognition for him.
• with the Confederacy, and if they did, with their money and their navy, there was a good chance the Union
• with the Confederacy, and if they did, with their money and their Navy, there was a good chance the Union
• But because of Lincoln's the Union would have lost the war.

Bills: S0124 , S0206 , S0420

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Keywords: Florida Virtual School, FLVS, virtual school, online education, distance learning, K-12 education, public school choice, charter-like franchise, student enrollment priorities, home education, homeschool, military families, active duty military, rural schools, inner-city schools, accelerated graduation, education technology, supplemental funding, direct-support organization, foundation

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is to just kind of begin with a recognition that this is the third consecutive year in which
• Dean Garfield with Capital Advocacy here on behalf of CASE, the Union for State Attorneys, as well as
• Grateful for the legislature's recognition of the will of the voters in funding behavioral health to
• On behalf of UDW, the member union of CCPU, which represents 30,000 family child care providers around
• Hello, my name is Trevor Cleek, and I am a state scientist and member of CAP-COAW Local 1115 with the Union

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• But, again, in your experience, that wasn’t the case, whether...” “...tax states or non-union states,
• , industrial unions, and construction unions, and had a two-day summit.
• In 2010, we actually were contacted by a union manufacturer, had a good partnership.
• It's another union company. They are around since 1890 in California. It's another union company.
• Industrial policy done right lets us fight climate change, create good union jobs, and lower costs.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on California’s industrial policy and manufacturing, with opening remarks emphasizing the state’s large manufacturing base, the need to retain and scale advanced manufacturing in California, and the tension between economic growth, climate goals, labor standards, permitting, and energy reliability. Senators and witnesses repeatedly noted that California has strong innovation assets, but companies often face uncertainty around regulation, power availability, and the cost of expanding here, leading some to locate manufacturing elsewhere. Senator Wahab highlighted Fremont as a major manufacturing hub and stressed apprenticeship pathways, community college partnerships, and good-paying jobs for both college-educated and non-college workers. California Forward’s Agon Turplin and Jake Higden argued for a durable statewide regional economic development system with ongoing funding, regional strategic plans, and sector-specific roadmaps. They said California Jobs First and related regional planning efforts created useful infrastructure, but the system remains fragmented and one-time funded. Higden focused on “green industrial policy,” especially batteries, bioeconomy, and other clean manufacturing sectors, arguing California often funds R&D but loses the manufacturing scale-up phase to other states. Priyanka Mohanti of the Center for Manufacturing a Green Economy said climate policy must be paired with industrial policy so Californians can actually benefit from the transition through affordable clean products, good jobs, and domestic supply chains. She pointed to international examples such as India, Brazil, and China, and urged tools like public investment, procurement, loan guarantees, and supply-chain planning. Industry witness Josh Richmond, drawing on experience at Bloom Energy and Cy Quantum, said energy and economic development are inseparable and that “time to power” is often decisive in site selection. He argued California needs better coordination among the state, utilities, universities, national labs, and economic development agencies, and that the state should be more proactive and creative in helping strategic industries scale. Committee members discussed the role of high energy costs, regulatory burdens, K-12 education, and cap-and-trade, with Senator Niello raising concerns about business climate, education outcomes, and the cost impacts of climate regulations. Witnesses responded that California should balance regulation with benefits, and that regional coordination and state partnership can help companies navigate red tape and stay in-state. The second panel, from labor, supported a worker-led industrial policy. Sarah Flox of the California Labor Federation said manufacturing jobs can be good jobs only when paired with labor standards, apprenticeship pipelines, and public support tied to worker protections. Tom Hincey of UAW Region 6 said California should use public financing, procurement, off-take agreements, and, where appropriate, public ownership or equity stakes to localize supply chains and create union jobs in batteries, offshore wind, and heat pumps. The final panel featured Fremont economic development director Donovan Lazaro, who said Fremont has become California’s top manufacturing city by preserving industrial land, allowing by-right zoning, reducing permitting delays, and building in-house technical expertise to support advanced manufacturers. He said the city’s approach has helped double its manufacturing workforce and strengthen its tax base. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with committee members indicating they would continue working on follow-up legislation and coordination efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then under the Pipefitters Union, uh, CenterPoint's Gas Workers Local 340.
• CenterPoint Energy's two internal trade CenterPoint Energy's two internal trade unions. unions. unions
• ,</c> And then under the Pipefitters Union, And then under the Pipefitters Union, uh,<00:12:23.600><c
• But we work alongside hundreds and hundreds of additional union members.
• </c><00:20:07.240><c> Um</c> union members. Um union members.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think there is a recognition of the bill. The bill seeks to recognize...
• But I think there is a recognition of the bill.
• From what we hear from our union contractors and technicians, it's consistent: the permitting process
• Elmer Lozardo, with the California Federation of Labor Unions, in support.
• You know, I reached out to the Carpenter's Union. I've had some good conversations with them.

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Transcript Highlights:

• And then lastly, on behalf of Actors' Equity, a national labor union of theater actors, Thank you for
• And then lastly, on behalf of Actors Equity, a National Labor Union of Theater Actors, Thank you for
• We are asking for fairness and recognition of the essential work that we do.
• Chair and members, Tiffany Mock, on behalf of CFT, a union of educators and classified professionals,
• Chair and members, Tiffany Mock, on behalf of CFT, a union of educators and classified professionals,

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• Make of us a more perfect union and a commonwealth where faith, hope, and love abound.
• Medical School, and now they've just built a brand new facility down in Norton, all built with good union
• Small gestures of kindness offered without the expectation of recognition make the difference.

Summary: The joint convention of the Massachusetts Legislature convened to receive the Governor’s State of the Commonwealth address. The session began with procedural motions to appoint committees to notify the lieutenant governor, constitutional officers, Executive Council, and Governor, followed by an invocation from Archbishop Richard G. Henning, the posting and retiring of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. The Governor was then formally admitted to the chamber and delivered the address, with a benediction afterward by Rabbi Elaine Zacker. Governor Maura Healey’s address focused on affordability and public services. She highlighted actions and proposals on housing, including faster permitting, use of state land for housing, accessory dwelling units, down payment assistance, and expanded programs to help first-time buyers. She also discussed energy affordability, saying she would oppose utility rate hikes, pursue an energy affordability bill, and temporarily reduce electric and gas bills. On health care, she described efforts to cap costs, prevent prior authorization for insulin, ban medical debt reporting to credit agencies, and form a health care affordability working group. She also proposed making subscription cancellations easier, improving transportation through bridge repairs and transit investments, and strengthening protections for children on social media. The Governor also emphasized education, workforce development, and economic competitiveness, citing the state’s top national education ranking, expanded pre-K and child care, literacy and tutoring investments, early college opportunities, and a goal of 100,000 apprentices over 10 years. She praised Massachusetts’ response to federal actions, including support for vaccines, food assistance, abortion access, and research funding, and she criticized the Trump administration on tariffs, health care cuts, and immigration enforcement. She also noted public safety and veterans’ issues, including new assisted-living protections after the Gabriel House fire and the rebuilding of veterans’ homes. No substantive votes on legislation were taken beyond adoption of the ceremonial orders and the final adjournment motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise today in recognition of the National Day of Prayer.
• the California School Employees Association, strengthens the CalPERS audit notification to ensure unions
• the California School Employees Association, strengthens the CalPERS audit notification to ensure unions

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think we should also recognize that her impact with this recognition on the community solar program
• of Wildlife, The Nature Conservancy, landscape companies, then the crop growers, Minnesota Farmers Union
• Audubon, Defenders of Wildlife, landscape companies, then the crop growers, Minnesota Farmers Union,

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• the 2018 Arizona Teacher of the Year, Arizona's first physical education teacher to receive that recognition
• One is that the top-paid superintendent in the state, the superintendent of the Tolleson Union High School
• This, in spite of the fact that Tolleson Union is the 16th highest school district in the state.

Committee: Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several education-related bills. HB 2395 would create a voluntary Arizona School Fitness Program in ADE to recognize schools that participate in nationally recognized fitness testing, allow schools to note the designation on report cards, and direct ADE to issue guidelines and best practices. Supporters argued it would encourage student activity and improve health and achievement without penalties; it passed with a due pass recommendation on a 6-0 vote, with two members not voting. HB 2409, the Getting Arizona Ready for AI Act, would create an Arizona Artificial Intelligence Program in ADE to offer voluntary summer AI courses around the state, including digital hygiene/civic integrity and small-business/entrepreneurship components, with optional facility use and possible academic credit. The sponsor said the bill was meant to prepare students for AI-driven job disruption while keeping the program voluntary and low-cost. It passed 4-2 with one not voting. HB 2203 would require ADE to review school and agency reporting requirements, identify duplicative or obsolete reports, and recommend consolidation or repeal; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill passed unanimously by those voting. HB 2008 would bar school libraries from using public funds to pay professional associations for libraries and librarians; opponents called it unnecessary and constitutionally problematic, while supporters framed it as limiting public spending. It passed 4-2 with one not voting. The committee also heard HB 2075, which would require school districts to submit superintendent and CFO contracts to ADE, post them online, and maintain a searchable database and annual compensation report. Supporters said it would improve transparency and prevent excessive or hidden compensation, while opponents argued it unfairly targeted district schools and should, if anything, apply to all publicly funded schools. After extended debate over transparency and comparisons to charter schools and ESAs, the bill received a due pass recommendation on a 4-2 vote with one not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Article 3, Section 28 on marriage: a marriage between a man and a woman is the only domestic legal union
• Wedlock: the legal union of a man and woman for life.
• And as I indicated before, there are several other issues like recognition between states of carrying

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• her sister; Brent, her brother-in-law; cousins, nieces, nephews, other family members, and her SEIU union
• her sister; Brent, her brother-in-law; cousins, nieces, nephews, other family members, and her SEIU union
• By the way, lastly, you may have seen on Monday that there was a recognition of his service when there

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and handled routine announcements and motions, including a request by Senator Arreguín to remove SB 239 from the inactive file for second reading. The chamber then took up SJR 9 by Senator Durazo, a resolution concerning immigration rates, which was debated briefly and placed on call before later amendments were adopted by a 29-10 vote. The Senate next considered SR 70 by Senator Pérez, commemorating the third anniversary of the Monterey Park tragedy. Senator Pérez and Senator Rubio spoke about the 11 lives lost, the injuries, the heroism of Brandon Tsay, and the need to remember the victims and support the community. The resolution passed unanimously, 39-0, after which Senator Pérez introduced Monterey Park Mayor Elizabeth Yang on the floor. The remainder of the session was devoted largely to adjournment memories honoring Mary Gutierrez Hunter, labor activist Bob Mulholland, former Yolo County Supervisor Betsy Marchand, and Vietnamese American community leader Vu von Locke. Senators described each person’s public service, organizing work, and lasting impact on labor, veterans, local government, refugee resettlement, and community institutions. The Senate also announced the Appropriations Committee would meet shortly after adjournment and noted the next floor session would be held Monday, January 26, 2026, at 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Make of us a more perfect union and a commonwealth where faith, hope, and love abound.
• Medical School, and now they've just built a brand new facility down in Norton, all built with good union
• Small gestures of kindness offered without the expectation of recognition make the difference.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, I rise on behalf of the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus in solemn recognition of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust
• Through education, public recognition, and policy. Never again must be more than a phrase.
• I rise today in recognition of Lori.
• This will be more efficient and lead to faster resolutions so that both the courts and the union members
• I rise to join my colleague from Los Angeles in the adjournment and recognition of the Reverend Richard