Video & Transcript Research : 'farming'
Page 56 of 209
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 211, a bill to be entitled, An act relating to farm products.
- Members, HB 211 redefines the term farm product to include plant and plant products.
- farm operation on land classified as agriculture, and that is the bill.
- House Bill 211, a bill to be entitled, An act relating to farm products. Is there debate?
- Seeing none, Senator... ...a bill to be entitled, An act relating to farm products.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, then moved into special order and returning messages. Early floor action included passage of HB 6503 (relief for Mandy Penny Lamon by Sarasota County), HB 1123 (sewer collection systems), HB 211 (farm products), and a joint resolution on ad valorem tax exemption for agricultural tangible personal property, all approved without opposition. Several other measures were temporarily postponed before the chamber recessed and later returned to messages from the House.
The Senate then took up a series of House amendments and conference-style motions on major bills. SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response was amended and concurred in after debate over hurricane recovery, local government moratoriums, evacuation timing in the Keys, and property tax and redevelopment provisions; it passed 34-1. CS/HB 1609 on waste incineration and auxiliary containers was heavily debated over plastic and polystyrene preemption, local beach and park regulations, and landfill/incinerator provisions, then passed 26-10. CS/HB 1205 on citizen initiatives was amended to allow volunteers to carry up to 25 petitions without registration/training and passed 28-9. The Senate also refused to concur in a House amendment to SB 234 on offenses against law enforcement, and in SB 116 on veterans, seeking to restore funding for veteran suicide prevention.
Later, the chamber approved or advanced several education and health-related bills. CS/HB 1255 on education was amended and passed, with changes to school readiness and other education provisions. CS/HB 875 on educator preparation passed after discussion of cognitive science, classroom management, teacher excellence programs, and the phaseout of the general knowledge test. CS/HB 1105, a large education package, passed after debate over charter school conversions, cell phone restrictions, and other school governance changes. In health care, CS/HB 1427 was introduced as a comprehensive package combining multiple health-related provisions, though the excerpt ends before final action on that bill. Throughout the day, the Senate also concurred or refused to concur in various House amendments on mental health, financial institutions, land development, brownfields, and out-of-network provider legislation, with votes generally recorded and several measures passing on divided but mostly favorable roll calls.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Energy panel OKs bill to exempt electricity generated outside MN from clean energy standards 3/11/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- that prohibited new energy generation, new energy transmission lines, a move that banned new wind farms
- AC access to Great Rivers wind farms AC access to Great Rivers transmission transmission transmission
- of Canada, how do you differentiate what is coal power from, uh, Bismarck, for example, from a wind farm
- <00:14:52.519>
and <00:14:52.680>in example from from a wind farm and in example from - from a wind farm and in Ashtabula<00:14:54.000>
it's <00:14:54.160>on <00:14:54.360>
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
PUBLIC HEALTH WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE-SENATE AND HOUSE Apr 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- That Heart Initiative has a farm initiative, which is looking at how we can help Arkansas—an agricultural
- I've just been proud to support our farm-to-school program.
- So do the farm-to-school folks need to coordinate with the regional people to get funds for that?
- So I do represent rural Pulaski County as well, and so I have a lot of farms, small farms in Pulaski
Summary:
The committee first heard extensive public testimony from youth and advocates urging stronger restrictions on vaping. Speakers described vaping as a youth-targeted public health problem, citing flavored products, social media marketing, nicotine addiction, brain development concerns, school disruption, and exposure to harmful aerosol. They recommended prohibiting vaping in public indoor spaces and aligning vape rules with smoke-free laws. Committee members praised the speakers and encouraged them to continue building support for future legislation.
The main presentation was on Arkansas’s Rural Health Transformation Program, administered through DFA. Secretary Jim Hudson and program director Brad Andi explained that Arkansas received about $209 million in the first year under the federal program, with potential for roughly $1 billion over five years if performance is strong. They emphasized that the program is meant for long-term rural health transformation, not general operating support, debt relief, or new construction. The state’s plan centers on four initiatives: HEART for prevention and community health, PACT for access and provider collaboration, RISE for workforce development, and THRIVE for technology and telehealth. Officials said applications will be handled through upcoming notices of funding opportunity, with a focus on local, shovel-ready projects, regional collaboration, and transparency.
Committee members asked how the program would work for hospitals, clinics, nonprofits, schools, faith groups, and urban providers serving rural patients. Officials said eligibility is broad if applicants can show a connection to rural health, and that targeted renovations, mobile units, school-based clinics, farm-to-school or garden projects, EMS equipment, residency expansion, and behavioral health initiatives may fit if they align with the plan. They stressed that the program cannot fund working capital, routine maintenance, or new buildings, but can support repurposing space and collaborative networks. Members also raised concerns about protecting existing rural providers from being displaced, and officials said applications would be reviewed by a state committee with technical assistance and a reimbursement-based process.
The committee then reviewed and took no objection to several DHS and Health Department rules. DHS presented a Medicaid/CHIP rule implementing federal requirements for incarcerated youth, including pre- and post-release coverage, care coordination, targeted case management, and screening services, with no public comments received. The Health Department also presented a licensing rule for audiology and speech pathology that implements recent acts and changes the renewal deadline; that rule was likewise reviewed without objection. The meeting adjourned after no further business.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Brian Miyamoto from the Farm Bureau in support, and also James Falconer from the Hawaii Coffee Growers
- He's in support with Farm Bureau. Nicole Galase on Zoom. Thank you, Chair Gabbard.
- He's in support<00:03:07.239>
with <00:03:07.440>Farm <00:03:07.680>Bureau. - support with Farm Bureau. support with Farm Bureau.
Summary:
The AEN hearing on March 14, 2025 reviewed several agriculture, biosecurity, animal, and climate-related measures, but the chair announced at the outset that the committee would not have decision-making that day because quorum was not expected. Decision-making for the full agenda was rescheduled to Monday, March 17, 2025 at 1:02 p.m. in room 224. Testimony was limited to one minute per speaker.
Measures heard included HB 48 HD2 on coffee labeling and regional origin, HB 782 HD1 creating a Department of Agriculture working group to review obsolete agricultural laws, HB 980 HD1 on mongoose and feral chicken control, and HB 1237 HD1 appropriating funds for agricultural biosecurity and invasive species work in Maui County. The Department of Agriculture supported HB 48, HB 782, and HB 1237, and several industry and conservation groups testified in support of the first two. HB 980 drew strong opposition from Pono Advocacy and the Hawaiian Humane Society, who argued it raised animal cruelty and public health concerns, especially during H5N1 risks; the measure also had support from agriculture-related groups. HB 1237 received broad support, with witnesses asking for language changes to broaden coverage to additional invasive species and to better support Maui Invasive Species Committee work on little fire ants and other pests.
The committee also heard SCR 88/SR 71 on a microbial algae soil products pilot program, SCR 91/SR 74 on self-defense law changes for agricultural communities, SCR 93/SR 76 on integrating indigenous knowledge into climate policy, SCR 94/SR 77 on Maui axis deer control and venison, and SCR 103/SR 84 on a PFAS working group. Testimony on SCR 91/SR 74 came largely from ranching and agricultural interests in support, citing trespass, poaching, and safety concerns. SCR 93/SR 76 drew support from a Native Hawaiian testifier and others who emphasized stewardship, intergenerational planning, and climate resilience. SCR 94/SR 77 and SCR 103/SR 84 also received support, including from the Department of Agriculture and the Honolulu Board of Water Supply on the PFAS measure. No votes were taken.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Senate Organization Session Nov 19th, 2024
Florida Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Wainwright's farm in Live Oak, where he sat with a handful of farmers devastated by Hurricane Adalia
- Farm families always have and continue to play an important role in our state.
- As a fourth-generation citrus grower, please join me in the fight to support Florida farm families, our
- When he saw too much of forest farm and ranch land being sold to developers, Jason fought for record
- funding to save our family farms, expand our wildlife corridors, and make it more accessible to Floridians
Summary:
The Florida Senate convened for its organizational session with prayer, presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem, followed by a moment of silence for the mother of Senator Fine. The chamber then received special guests and administered oaths to newly elected senators after reading certificates of election from the Secretary of State. Tracy Campbell Cantella was nominated and unanimously elected Secretary of the Senate, then sworn in. Ben Albritton was nominated, seconded, and elected as President of the Senate for the 2024–2026 term, and Jason Brodeur was later nominated, seconded, and elected President Pro Tempore. Both leaders were sworn in and delivered extended remarks about faith, service, Florida’s economy and education, hurricane recovery, insurance, rural communities, agriculture, water quality, Israel, veterans, and the need for data-driven, accountable government.
After the leadership elections, the Senate adopted its rules for the new term and authorized the Secretary to make technical and conforming changes. The chamber also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 2-O-RG, which establishes the joint rules of the Florida Legislature for 2024–26. A committee was appointed to notify the House that the Senate had convened for organization, and the committee later reported back that the House had been informed. The Senate then received a communication from the Democratic caucus certifying that Senator Jason Pizzo was elected Democratic leader and Senator Tracie Davis Democratic leader pro tempore for the term.
The session included additional remarks recognizing Senate staff and security personnel, as well as tributes to the late John Pasidomo and a moment of silence for him. The meeting concluded with a performance of “Amazing Grace,” brief closing comments, and an attempted motion to adjourn sine die that was briefly tabled until the House confirmed it was convened and ready to transact business. The Senate then adjourned sine die.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day One - Wednesday, January 7
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And whereas, as a young boy, Don learned firsthand the value of hard work on his parents' dairy farm.
- work ethic through the rest of his days, he often vowed never to return to the hard labor of dairy farming
- And whereas Don attended... ...to the hard labor of dairy farming again.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- And so for the past several years, we've been able to acquire several farms, four farms on the island
- we've been able to acquire several Farms we've been able to acquire several Farms Four<02:32:56.920
- Farmed families also greatly support our crucial agriculture community.
- also requested an operating Gia for Farm also requested an operating Gia for Farm to<03:26:34.640
- Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau Foundation not present. Bō Family Law Clinic also not present.
Summary:
The joint Ways and Means and Finance informational briefing on grants and aids was held February 14 and was organized as a high-volume public testimony session with strict procedures: no Q&A, one representative per applicant, one minute per testimony, in-person testimony first, and then Zoom participants. The chairs also announced a recess at 11:00 a.m. for floor sessions and a reconvening at 1:00 p.m. Testimony was heard first from neighbor island applicants, then Oʻahu applicants, with members repeatedly directing speakers to line up and keep remarks brief.
Neighbor island testimony focused on a wide range of capital and operating requests. Health and community projects included Hawaii Island Community Health Center’s workforce housing in Kau, Wuli Hawaiian Homestead Association’s learning center and predevelopment work, Rescue Tube Foundation’s beach rescue tube expansion, Puna Community Medical Center’s planned hospital/ER campus, Maui Humane Society’s free veterinary care after the wildfires, Hawaiʻi Care Choices’ palliative care readiness, and the Lyman Museum’s HVAC replacement. Other requests included the Maui Advanced Manufacturing Alliance’s Pāʻia Mill redevelopment, Laua 2020’s preschool and learning lab, Mālama Aina’s USDA-compliant meat processing facility, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s water safety programs, Kaha P Organization’s agriculture education support, Ohana Arts’ youth performance project, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center’s emergency closet, EOA Pacific’s Marshall Islands teacher training, and the Central Pacific Youth Athletic Club’s new facility.
Oʻahu testimony included the YWCA Oʻahu/Pythink Center’s renovation of Juliet M. Atherton Hall and its community kitchen, West Oʻahu Community Health Center’s wildfire protection and security needs, the Early School’s playground improvements, Surfing the Nations’ food distribution center expansion, and Sounding Joy Music Therapy’s weekly services for people with disabilities. Speakers generally emphasized community benefit, workforce development, health access, food security, disaster recovery, and support for children, seniors, and underserved populations. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- our food system is that over 95% of meat, dairy, and eggs in the United States come out of factory farms
- Every year, we roll the dice in factory farms that will not be bringing about the next pandemic, whether
- Globally, three-fourths of all medically important antibiotics are fed to farmed animals.
- You may be thinking that these problems with animal farming are unrelated to the Bean New Deal.
- In a country where animal farming is destroying our health, the environment, and the lives of trillions
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a lengthy hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills related to environmental health, PFAS, medical device chemicals, food access, lead poisoning, air quality, oral health, and school food additives. Chair Driscoll and Chair Decker emphasized that the hearing was for testimony only, no decisions would be made that day, and that written testimony could still be submitted. They also noted the high volume of speakers and asked witnesses to keep remarks brief.
A major portion of the hearing focused on PFAS-related legislation, including bills to restrict PFAS in products and food packaging and to create a PFAS remediation trust fund. Municipal officials and advocates described the high costs of PFAS cleanup, especially for drinking water systems, citing Easton’s multimillion-dollar treatment investments and rate increases. Testimony from legislators and advocates argued that Massachusetts should act despite federal uncertainty, and that the state should stop PFAS at the source rather than leaving municipalities and residents to pay for remediation. The committee also heard strong support for a bill banning DEHP in medical devices, with physicians, nurses, and a bill sponsor saying the chemical can leach from IV bags and tubing and that safer alternatives already exist.
The committee also heard testimony on bills to establish statewide food truck permitting, with food truck owners and a senator describing the current system as costly, duplicative, and inconsistent across municipalities. Another set of witnesses supported the “Bean New Deal,” which would expand plant-based food options in public institutions, senior nutrition programs, and WIC, citing health, equity, and cost savings. On lead poisoning, housing advocates and a representative backed bills to expand lead-safe housing requirements to all rental units, arguing the current law contributes to discrimination against families with children and leaves too much pre-1978 housing uncertified. The committee also heard support for an outdoor air pollution bill that would create an advisory committee, identify pollution hotspots, expand monitoring, and set reduction targets, with testimony from environmental justice groups, pediatricians, and legislators describing disproportionate asthma and other health harms in overburdened communities.
Later testimony addressed oral health bills to create dental therapists and allow dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide, with supporters saying the measures would expand access, reduce costs, and help underserved patients. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to prohibit harmful food dyes in competitive school foods, with parents describing behavioral and health concerns tied to synthetic dyes. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 52 (3-24-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Also, we are allowing farm-based poultry processors that are exempt from certain USDA requirements to
- ;> [snorts] >> we<00:09:31.120>
are <00:09:31.280>allowing <00:09:32.240>farm-based - <00:09:33.080>
poultry >> we are allowing farm-based poultry >> we are allowing - farm-based poultry processors<00:09:34.560>
that <00:09:34.760>are <00:09:34.880>exempt - , and waterways, their work has farms, and waterways, their work has helped<01:04:30.520>
build
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 14th, 2026 at 12:23 pm
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a lot of state land, and we have major wind farms.
- Farm tractors, combines, that type of stuff has been, I don't know, they've been kind of overwhelmed
- with the amount of turbine blades that are being transported down on farm-to-market roads in my area.
- I am also a real good hand with any sort of farm machinery that there is.
- Real good hand with any sort of farm machinery that there is.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Economic Development and Tourism Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- families who have business farming families who have business personal<00:14:09.680>
property - We got children, grandchildren, livestock, farms. This is a beautiful place.
- We got children, grandchildren,<00:31:13.360>
livestocks, <00:31:14.159>farms. - <00:31:14.960>
This grandchildren, livestocks, farms. - This grandchildren, livestocks, farms.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate DFL Press Conference 4/24/25
Transcript Highlights:
- I was the one reaching out to farm owners and their employees after confirming avian flu exposure and
- When the federal government cuts Medicaid, uh, cuts the farm bill, and cuts tax rates for millionaires
- I grew up on a farm in southeast Minnesota, and at nine, my dad died.
- I grew up on a farm in southeast Minnesota, and at nine, my dad died.
- I grew up on a farm in southeast Minnesota, and at nine, my dad died.
Summary:
Sen. Erin Maye Quade, Rep. Esther Abad, and other Minnesota DFL legislators held a press event focused on responding to Trump administration and federal Republican actions that they said threaten health care, education, housing, public health, and other state services. Speakers argued Minnesota must not make “false trade-offs” between core services and should instead protect programs like Medicaid, school funding, disability services, nutrition, and public health by raising additional revenue and closing tax breaks for wealthy individuals and corporations.
Rep. Abad and others outlined possible revenue options, including a fifth-tier income tax, a corporate rate match, closing tax exemptions for luxury items and second homes, a social media tax, and ending data center tax exemptions. They said these measures would not fully replace possible federal cuts, but could help mitigate harm and preserve services. Several speakers also criticized Republican opposition to tax increases and said the state should ask wealthy taxpayers and corporations to contribute more.
Testimony from Olivia Dylan, a laid-off Minnesota Department of Health epidemiologist, described the impact of federal public health funding cuts and MDH layoffs on outbreak response, nursing home support, lab work, and tribal public health. Sean Leaden of SEIU Local 284 described low pay and staffing shortages among hourly school workers and said underfunding has hurt students and employees. Sen. Doran Clark and Rep. Emma Greenman framed the issue as both a budget and democracy question, arguing that federal cuts and attacks on public programs undermine self-governance and community well-being. In response to questions, speakers said Minnesota cannot fully backfill expected federal Medicaid losses, but can use state tools to reduce harm and should press Republicans to identify what services they would cut instead.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So, with the beginning farmer and seller assist, it can be bare land, farm site, 5 acres.
- So, with the beginning farmer and seller assist, it can be bare land, farm site, 5 acres.
- Assist, it can be bare land, farm site, 5 acres. Uh, we do have net worth requirements.
- So the beginning farmer is just a million, 69,000, which a large farm wouldn't even be close to.
- a large farm wouldn't even be close to. a large farm wouldn't even be close to.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, Hawaii Farm Bureau.
- Um<01:03:44.559>
Hawaii <01:03:44.799>Farm <01:03:45.119>Bureau. - Brian Miamoto here on behalf of the Hawaii Farm Bureau Rodeo Division.
- We liken it to something similar that Hawaii Farm does, the Hawaii State Farm Fair, an agriculture activity
- does, the Hawaii State that Hawaii Farm does, the Hawaii State Farm<01:04:12.640>
Fair, <01:04
Keywords:
Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, state funding, public performances, educational programs, cultural arts funding, historic properties, preservation, inheritance, working group, public-private partnerships, sustainable funding, historic preservation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, construction, state review, burial sites, cultural artifacts, development review, phased review, administrative fees
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2603, which would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state orchestra of Hawaii. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the Attorney General’s office, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Symphony, the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association, and others. Supporters emphasized the bill’s value to arts education, cultural vitality, and the visitor economy. The chair noted there were also many written testimonies submitted, and the bill was left without questions or action in the excerpt.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 2083, which would create a state-owned historic properties preservation plan working group within DNR. The State Historic Preservation Division supported the bill and said it would help create a statewide database and better planning for state-owned historic properties, while noting its current review work is reactive and project-by-project. The committee asked about duplication and existing consultation processes; SHPD said it already reviews state projects under existing law and has in-house architectural staff. The measure was then set aside after brief discussion, with no vote shown in the excerpt.
Next was Senate Bill 2341, which would authorize phased review of certain private-property projects and change SHPD’s review deadlines. SHPD and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the bill, saying it could encourage more proactive, programmatic review and that the current average review time for simple projects is about 56 days. Several opponents, including Sierra Club of Hawaii, Bianca Isaki, Malama Kane Lua, and Tara Roas, argued phased review would delay projects, create conflict, and weaken historic preservation protections, especially for iwi kūpuna and burial sites. Committee members raised concerns about whether the bill conflicted with prior court decisions and asked SHPD for its view; SHPD said it was not a legal question for them and suggested a programmatic alternative. The bill was not voted on in the excerpt.
Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 2306 on administrative fees for the Bureau of Conveyances. HGEA opposed the measure, focusing on a provision allowing the special fund to be used for qualified contractors, while the Bureau of Conveyances supported the bill as a fee correction that would equalize recording fees between systems. The bureau said specialized technical work sometimes requires outside contracting and that it could consider a contract period; the chair and members discussed the HGEA concern and asked whether the issue could be addressed. No final action was shown in the excerpt.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there, what would be included under normal farming practices? Mr.
- I did notice the New Mexico Farm Bureau was on the opposition list to this.
- Do you know why the Farm Bureau would be in opposition? Mr.
- That is not good for farming and ranching.
- For solar panels and wind farms, we have a mineral tape. Mr.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, one reason these were the farm bill.
- has been done federally in the farm has been done federally in the farm bill.<01:03:18.000>
Um - It says farm bill compliant.
- It says farm bill compliant.
- It says farm bill compliant. packaging. It says farm bill compliant.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Employees regularly to manage workflow at small businesses and farms.
- Hi, I'm Megan, and I farm in western Minnesota.
- Our farm is a small family farm, and we have found the best way to structure our farm.
- Um, on our farm I am the administration.
- My family and I run a small turkey farm just south of Willmar.
Keywords:
workplace regulations, employee rights, meal breaks, rest breaks, exemptions, paid leave, small employers, employment law, Minnesota Statutes, workforce development, HF4569, Minnesota Paid Leave Law, protected leave, seasonal employee, seasonal worker, hospitality, hospitality industry, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, employer certification
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee. (2-23-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Will Snell, UK, and he presents this information usually at the annual Farm Bureau meeting.
- Next, I'm going to move on to Farm to Food Banks.
- That's where Dale takes his team and goes on farms and actually helps farmers understand farm safety.
- Also, how to quickly react to farm accidents.
- I grew up on a farm. Totally get it. Senator How, you have a question? Yeah, thank you, Mr.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:07
Chair Comments 00:00:36
Approval of Minutes 00:04:01
Volunteers of America 00:04:21
Soil and Water Conservation/Energy and Environment Cabinet 00:14:52
Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy/Justice & Public Safety Cabinet 00:21:05
Kentucky Department of Agriculture 00:26:01
Early Childhood Advisory Council 00:45:18, 958, all
Summary:
The Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee met to review how tobacco settlement dollars are being used and to press recipients for detailed information on total funding, administrative versus program spending, and measurable outcomes. The chair emphasized that the committee was not there for general program overviews, but to assess return on investment and whether each program should continue to receive tobacco settlement support. The committee approved the minutes from its December 22, 2025 meeting and then heard presentations from several agencies and organizations.
Volunteers of America Mid-States described its southeastern Kentucky restorative justice program, which uses an evidence-based New Zealand model for juvenile cases in nine counties. The group reported tobacco settlement funding of $516,000 in FY24 and $233,500 in FY25, representing about 17% and then about 5% of the program budget, respectively. It said the funding helped expand the program from 13 cases in 2021 to 180 youth served, and cited an independent evaluation showing recidivism of 24.5% compared with 40.4% in AOC data, along with a cost of a little under $20 per day versus detention and other placements. Some members questioned whether the program fit the tobacco settlement funding categories and suggested it might be better supported through other justice-related funding sources.
The Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Conservation explained that tobacco funds support $1 million in direct aid to conservation districts and $2 million in cost-share projects for farmers, with 5% of the cost-share appropriation allowed for administration, or about $100,000 in FY26. Officials said the direct-aid line was moved into tobacco funding in 2019, reducing money available for farmer cost-share, and described a multi-year project approval and reallocation process. Senator Webb asked for a more specific breakdown of the $850,000 direct-aid amount, and the cabinet said it would provide that information.
The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy reported that in FY24 it expended just under $30 million across tobacco funds, general funds, restricted funds, and a one-time federal grant, with less than 2% used for administration. Officials said most tobacco settlement money goes to Kentucky ASAP local boards in all 120 counties, supporting prevention, treatment, and some law enforcement work. The Department of Agriculture then began its presentation, describing strategic investments, loan programs, county funding, administrative costs, and a reported return of about $2.30 for every dollar spent, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation was completed.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I guess you could say you can take the girl off the farm, but you can never take the farm out of the
- At almost 90 years of age, my auntie still lives on that same farm in Verndale, Minnesota.
- I guess you could say you can take the girl off the farm, but you can never take the farm out of the
- I guess you could say you can take the girl off the farm, but you can never take the farm out of the
- I guess you could say you can take the girl off the farm, but you can never take the farm out of the
Keywords:
HF2367, Community First Services and Supports, CFSS, personal care assistance, PCA, consumer-directed community supports, CDCS, home and community-based services, HCBS, direct support professionals, direct care workers, caregivers, support workers, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa, collective bargaining agreement, retention stipend, health care cost stipend, training stipend, orientation program, retirement trust
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/19/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- I will just say finally, look, there are similar issues with the installation of wind farms.
- When we take down a wind farm, you don't take out the entire concrete foundation.
- If you happen to have a farm that has been pattern tiled, you will see tile that lie at every 50, 60,
- Senator Kunish, you mentioned during your presentation about farm drain tile, and that's a very
- If you happen to have a farm that has been pattern tiled, you will see tile that lie at every 50, 60,