Video & Transcript : 'taxpayers' :
Page 55 of 448
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- And then it's the taxpayers of Right.
- </c> this will wind up being taxpayer-funded this will wind up being taxpayer-funded attorneys<01:14:
- So the taxpayers brought by individuals. So the taxpayers aren't<01:14:50.800><c> paying.
- taxpayer money to defend<01:15:32.520><c> maps.
- </c> which would save all of us as taxpayers which would save all of us as taxpayers a<01:45:31.880><
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Taxpayer protections: unlike the personal lines clearinghouse, which involves taxpayer resources through
- This keeps taxpayers off the hook while enabling a market.
- This keeps taxpayers off the hook while enabling a modern private capital solution.
- It's about getting taxpayers and limiting their risk.
- It's taxpayer dollars.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and memorial remarks, including a moment of silence for service members killed in the conflict in Iran. The chamber then moved to special orders and took up a series of bills, with many measures passing unanimously after brief explanations and, in several cases, substitution of House companions. Early bills included CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, which drew extensive supportive debate about the civic value of debate programs and passed 37-0, and SB 1072 on an anti-Semitism task force, which was amended to clarify that criticism of Israel is not prohibited and then passed 37-0.
The Senate also approved CS/CS/SB 1230/HB 1019 on PFAS chemicals and firefighting foam, with discussion focused on phasing out AFFF, testing requirements, exceptions for federal aviation and military uses, and support for firefighters and water quality; the bill passed 37-0. Other measures passed without opposition included SB 1706 on the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 186 on student health and safety and seizure response training, SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services, SB 990/HB 883 on protected cell captive insurance companies, SB 554 on nonprofit corporations, SB 560 on child welfare and foster care medication procedures, SB 684/HB 961 on electronic signatures for salvage titles, and SB 778/HB 569 on forensic client services. Two bills, SB 432 on intoxicating substances and SB 928 on dangerous crimes, were temporarily postponed.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to SB 1134 on official actions of local governments and DEI-related activities. The sponsor argued the bill would prevent counties and municipalities from funding or promoting DEI efforts he described as discriminatory or indoctrinating, while opponents offered amendments to narrow the bill to spending only, add an intent requirement for penalties, and preserve local proclamations and observances. Those amendments were debated at length but were not adopted. The sponsor then continued explaining the bill’s exceptions, including references to holidays, heritage sites, and the Pulse Memorial, and the chamber was still in debate on the underlying measure when the transcript ended.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/29/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:42:56.800><c> are</c> districts when property taxpayers are districts when property taxpayers
- </c> and that pathway involves using taxpayer and that pathway involves using taxpayer dollars<05:06:
- The actual taxpayer savings under this bill would be $12.4 million for New Hampshire taxpayers, double
- The actual taxpayer savings under this bill would be $12.4 million for New Hampshire taxpayers, double
- ,</c> million for New Hampshire taxpayers, million for New Hampshire taxpayers, double<05:27:18.320><
Committee:
House Education Policy and Administration
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on House Bill 1571, which would direct the Department of Education to review and revise statewide academic standards and curriculum and make an appropriation. Representative Kristen Noble, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to update outdated standards, especially in math, and to have the department create a list of high-quality curriculum and materials aligned to the revised standards. She noted she would likely amend the bill to change a requirement that districts “shall” select from the list to “may,” and said a misplaced crossed-out section would need to be restored and moved by amendment. She also said assessments would need to be updated to match any new standards.
Testimony from Marie Banfield strongly supported the bill and the move away from a mandate, arguing that current standards are outdated and that Common Core and related standards have not improved student outcomes. She criticized the math standards for emphasizing multiple strategies and written explanations over computation, and said stronger standards would better support students, including those with learning or communication challenges. She also argued that New Hampshire should follow examples such as Massachusetts, which she said used rigorous standards successfully.
Nate Green of the Department of Education did not take a position on the bill but explained that the bill would affect statewide academic standards, state assessments, and potentially federal compliance. He distinguished academic standards from minimum standards in statute, said any standards revision would require work with content experts, State Board approval, and then a corresponding assessment update that could take about two years. He estimated assessment development costs could range from about $200,000 to $500,000 for minor revisions and $1 million to $2 million for a wholesale new set of standards. He also said the bill would apply to public and charter public schools, not private or homeschool students, and that the department does not currently provide a statewide list of curriculum materials because curriculum decisions have historically been local.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Education (9-17-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, we are the federal taxpayers.
- I mean, we are the federal taxpayers.
- Um, this is also the only taxpayers.
- I mean, we are the federal taxpayers.
- Uh and it Kentucky taxpayers a penny.
Summary:
The meeting focused on Kentucky school choice and innovation, with discussion of the state constitution’s “common schools” requirement and how that has been interpreted alongside newer education models. Chairman Tipton described model laboratory schools, Gatton and Craft Academies, magnet and virtual programs, and said these options show that Kentucky has long expanded opportunity through innovation. He then turned the discussion to Senate Bill 207, which he said was designed to support schools of innovation.
Senator Steve West reviewed the history of Kentucky charter schools and explained that SB 207 was modeled on a South Carolina approach. He said the bill allows a local school board to contract with a third-party entity to manage an existing school, seek waivers from certain state rules, and receive SEEK funding while also allowing outside private investment. He emphasized that the district initiates the process, that the school remains public, and that the bill includes accountability through a time-limited contract that can be ended if the school is not performing.
Members asked about the difference between SB 207 and the earlier charter school law, whether schools could cherry-pick students, and whether teachers would remain district employees. West and Tipton said the new model is tied to an existing school rather than a new charter, cannot cherry-pick students, and keeps teachers as district employees. Representative Brown raised concerns that charters and exceptions could leave some children out, especially lower-income students, while West responded that the proposal is intended to expand choice for families who may not otherwise have it and cited examples from other states where similar models improved low-performing schools. No vote or formal action was taken during the discussion.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They are doing to the American patient and the American taxpayer.
- Today I want to discuss an interesting event: how the American taxpayer is subsidizing stock buybacks
- They love that taxpayer federal dollar.
- So it's our responsibility to ensure taxpayer funds... Taxpayer funds are handled appropriately.
- As the federal government works to prevent fraud and protect taxpayer dollars, AI tools can keep the
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Seven - Tuesday, April 7
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's about clarity and responsible stewardship of the taxpayers' resources.
- Good stewards of the taxpayer money. What do you mean by that?
- those taxpayer dollars.
- This is going to cost more money, more taxpayer money.
- Is the goal of this legislation to ensure that taxpayer-funded assistance is... ...to ensure that taxpayer-funded
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions Committee, February 13, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, good thing for the state of Wyoming monetarily, not a great thing for our taxpayers, sometimes our
- I think it's effective, at least for my taxpayers, and it is helping their office to find some fraudulent
- Um, good thing for the state of Wyoming monetarily, not a great thing for our taxpayers, sometimes our
- I think it's effective, at least for my taxpayers, and it is helping their office to find some fraudulent
- I know you guys are these taxpayers will notice is they're these taxpayers will notice is they're going
Bills:
SF0082
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 7 on Accountability and Oversight Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This measure reflects responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, something that I am very focused on
- It ensures that while we... ...stewardship of taxpayer dollars, something that I am very focused on.
- advocate and defender of taxpayers, and was actually someone who supported the concept of reserves and
- So I think, and I would offer, it is possible to be a fierce advocate for protection of taxpayers, a
- That we can both protect taxpayers and protect our roads and our safety net programs. Mr.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight heard ACA 20, the Safe for California Futures Act, a constitutional amendment to strengthen the state’s Budget Stabilization Account (rainy day fund). The authors, Assembly Members Gabriel and Valencia, said the measure would raise the reserve cap from 10% to 20% of General Fund revenues, change how reserve deposits are treated under the Gann limit so deposits would not count against the spending cap until withdrawn, and update eligible debt repayments to include items such as budget loans, Proposition 98 settle-up obligations, and unemployment insurance debt. They emphasized that the proposal was intended to protect schools and core public services and to help California better withstand revenue volatility and future downturns.
Committee discussion focused heavily on the technical effects of the measure, especially its interaction with Proposition 98 and the Gann limit. LAO and Department of Finance staff explained that Prop. 98 funding would not be changed directly, that the reserve deposits would be treated as exclusions from the appropriations limit, and that withdrawals would count when spent. Members asked about current reserve levels, mandatory deposits, and whether the measure would create more room for discretionary spending; supporters argued it would simply allow the state to save more in good years, while one member expressed concern that it could function as a slush fund and expand spending opportunities. Several members cited recent budget volatility, record revenues, and the need for stronger reserves, while others stressed that the measure should be understood as a future-oriented savings reform rather than a response to this year’s budget choices.
Public testimony was uniformly supportive. California Forward, Elevate California, and the California Chamber of Commerce all backed the proposal, with the Chamber noting support for the policy and highlighting the importance of addressing unemployment insurance debt for small businesses. The chair concluded by thanking the authors, staff, and witnesses, and said ACA 20 was expected to move to the Assembly floor the next day.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Feb 26th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- Those are people that put us in, and they're taxpayers. They matter, and their loved ones matter.
- So, you know, these costs are borne by Missouri taxpayers and residents.
- As a taxpayer, I should have a say in where my taxpayer money is being spent.
- It shouldn't take a public lawsuit for taxpayers to pay out millions for something that could be preventable
- It shouldn't take for it to get to a public lawsuit that taxpayers are paying out millions for something
Committee:
House Corrections and Public Institutions
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Feb 26th, 2026
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- Those are people that put us in, and they’re taxpayers. They matter, and their loved ones matter.
- So, you know, these costs are borne by Missouri taxpayers and residents.
- As a taxpayer, I should have a say in where my taxpayer money is being spent.
- It shouldn't take for it to get to a public lawsuit that taxpayers are paying out millions for something
- It shouldn't take for it to get to a public lawsuit that taxpayers are paying out millions for something
Committee:
House Corrections and Public Institutions
Summary:
The committee first took up several bills in executive session. House Committee Amendment No. 1 was adopted and rolled into a substitute for House Bills 3292 and 2171, which then received a do pass recommendation by a 10-2 vote. House Bill 2753 also received a committee substitute and was voted do pass 10-2. House Bill 2912 was voted do pass by an 11-1 vote. During this portion, one member criticized the Department of Corrections for not responding to inquiries or attending earlier hearings, and the chair acknowledged the concern.
The committee then heard testimony on House Bills 1616 and 2832, sponsored by Representatives Allen and Collins, which would create an independent corrections oversight structure, including an Office of Corrections and Transparency or ombudsman-style advocate with authority to inspect facilities, investigate complaints, access records, and report publicly. The sponsors argued that DOC currently lacks independent oversight and that internal review is insufficient. They cited deaths, unsafe conditions, medical neglect, and the need for confidential reporting by staff and incarcerated people. Committee members questioned whether the bills would duplicate existing processes, what the fiscal impact would be, and whether the proposal had enough enforcement power; the sponsors said the office would be small, likely around $300,000, and were open to amendments.
Supporters testified that independent oversight is needed because of repeated deaths in custody, lack of trust in internal complaint systems, retaliation concerns for staff, and large taxpayer costs from lawsuits and settlements. Witnesses from Empower Missouri, Missouri Justice Coalition, the NAACP, ACLU of Missouri, and FAMM all supported the bills, with several emphasizing that prisons are closed institutions with inherent power imbalances and that external oversight would improve transparency, safety, and accountability for both incarcerated people and staff. The hearing ended after testimony in support, with no opposition presented and the committee adjourning without taking final action on the oversight bills.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (01/30/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Today's taxpayers should pay the expenses of today's employees.
- We are taxpayers.
- This legislation is bad for taxpayers.
- This legislation is bad for taxpayers.
- </c> about taxpayer about taxpayer dollars<05:32:25.840><c> as</c><05:32:25.958><c> you</c><05:32:26.160
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 622, but after the sponsor said further research raised concerns, he asked that the bill be tabled. The committee then moved in executive session and voted unanimously to find the bill inexpedient to legislate, sending it to consent. The committee also retained House Bill 349, the ophthalmologic laser bill, after members said more time was needed for the professions involved to work out training standards and provide additional information; that motion also passed unanimously.
The committee then discussed House Bill 244, a municipal building/fire code recodification measure. Members said the bill needed more review and careful scrutiny because of its length and possible unintended effects, and they voted unanimously to retain it as well. House Bill 534 was then heard; the sponsor said the bill did not do what was intended because of a misunderstanding about current processing, and the committee voted inexpedient to legislate and placed it on consent.
The committee next considered House Bill 233, with an amendment to remove a requirement affecting the New Hampshire Vaccine Association. Supporters argued the bill would reduce an unnecessary burden and improve transparency, while opponents said the committee should not single out one private 501(c)(3) organization. The amendment was adopted 8-5, and the bill as amended then passed 7-6; a minority report was requested. Finally, the committee opened House Bill 536, a proposed 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment for certain state retirees. The sponsor and supporters argued retirees had not received adequate COLAs and that the bill would help offset inflation, while the retirement system testified that the proposal would add significant costs, including an estimated $1.5 million for the state, $6.6 million for political subdivisions, and about $100.7 million in present-value unfunded liability, with the impact reflected in future employer contribution rates.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on State Government. (6-23-26)
State Government
Transcript Highlights:
- > Protecting taxpayers' resources becomes Protecting taxpayers' resources becomes long<01:06:53.640><
- Protecting taxpayer resources requires Protecting taxpayer resources requires consistency<01:09:37.160
- </c> maintain our responsibility to taxpayers maintain our responsibility to taxpayers by<01:12:32.120
- </c> value of taxpayer dollars. value of taxpayer dollars.
- . taxpayers. taxpayers.
Committee:
Joint State Government
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 118 May 12th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- qualified taxpayers that make contributions to the enterprise.
- Indirect taxpayer impact: taxpayers bear costs, higher insurance fees, higher premiums for insured Coloradans
- I know the good taxpayers know this. We go from taxes to fees.
- Taxpayers will be asked to cover the difference.
- without a sustainable... ...local taxpayers without a sustainable funding plan.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 11th, 2026
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Stormwater runoff fees were challenged by a taxpayer and ultimately the city won.
- The taxpayer is going to pay for the... do matter. That's the inconsistency.
- , the taxpayer.
- The taxpayer bought that land. The taxpayer put the pipes in that right-of-way.
- It's all from the taxpayer. I don't care whether it's opaque or transparent.
Committee:
Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:20:37.800><c> and</c> would you support your taxpayers and would you support your taxpayers and
- And yet now you're asking my taxpayers to pay for this.
- </c> And yet now you're asking my taxpayers And yet now you're asking my taxpayers to<01:25:20.720><c
- You are so concerned about taxpayers suddenly? Give me a break.
- You are so concerned about taxpayers suddenly? Give me a break.
Bills:
HF4477
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- bill forward, our municipal welfare association respectfully asks that you consider two points of taxpayer
- This maintains consistency for local welfare budgets and ensures that the taxpayer is not asked to provide
- </c> protections for the municipal taxpayer. protections for the municipal taxpayer.
- </c><00:33:04.399><c> We</c> managed by actual taxpayers, per se.
- We managed by actual taxpayers, per se.
Committee:
Senate Commerce
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/26
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And so the increases as needed have been supplemented by property taxpayers.
- </c><01:30:09.920><c> And</c> supplemented by property taxpayers.
- And supplemented by property taxpayers.
- </c> taxpayers from this committee if we can. taxpayers from this committee if we can.
- Minnesota taxpayers have been taken advantage of to the tune of billions of dollars.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- What is the risk to the state or the state taxpayers or safety, whatever?
- uh we also do things our taxpayers uh we also do things called<00:42:05.680><c> atcs</c><00:42:06.480
- I think the discussion here today is protecting taxpayer money and how we're spending it to make sure
- I think the discussion here today is protecting taxpayer money and how we're spending it to make sure
- I think the discussion here today is protecting taxpayer money and how we're spending it to make sure
Committee:
Senate Transportation
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- authority, which means more bureaucracy, more government jobs, more oversight, and more spending of taxpayer
- And as a matter of fact, we as taxpayers have abolished them as a public policy, a governmental policy
- This is building commercial properties on the taxpayer dime and on the shoulders of taxpayers.
- In my opinion, this bill is financing on the taxpayer dime.
- So the taxpayers are not being taken advantage of at all.
Committee:
House Rules - Legislative
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Increasing the standard deduction and adjusting the brackets provides money back to the taxpayers' pocket
- 00:13:28.440><c> the</c> brackets provides money back to the brackets provides money back to the taxpayers
- ' pocket day to day, and they taxpayers' pocket day to day, and they never<00:13:32.280><c> have</c><
- Our taxpayers need relief now. What's happening right now?
- Our taxpayers need relief now. What's happening right now?