Transcript Highlights:

• The issues between small pharmacies and... ...issues between small pharmacies and pharmacy benefit managers
• Pharmacy benefit managers are one of the most important issues facing our small business community right
• communities.
• from community pharmacy.
• The cost of drugs in 1984 was very, very small compared to... ...1984 were very small compared to 2025

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cloud Technical and Community College.
• businesses, our communities, and our economy.
• Your community. As I was whipping the bill, I had Rep.
• small portion of what they send into the state every year.
• We couldn't prioritize small businesses and B.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just like we are every day at 1 o'clock, 1:30, 10 o'clock, community, whatever.
• Limiting larger franchises will protect small businesses, keep money in the community, and ensure sustainable
• Often these small businesses have higher prices and larger national franchises.
• Often these small businesses have higher prices and larger national franchises.
• I adore the concept of supporting small businesses.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The meeting was a Girls State House session in which members received a brief orientation on chamber rules, voting procedures, recognition, decorum, and live-stream etiquette before the House was gaveled in with 99 members present. The body then moved through a series of bills, with immediate-consideration motions used several times to end debate and proceed to votes. The first bill, House Bill 1001, would have prohibited the sale or transfer of over-the-counter diet pills to people under 18; supporters argued it would help prevent eating disorders and misuse, while opponents raised concerns about medical exceptions and the bill’s wording. It failed, 42-55 with two present. House Bill 1002, which would keep lottery winners confidential for a period of time, was amended in discussion to a $100,000 threshold and a three-year confidentiality period; supporters emphasized privacy and protection from scams, and it passed 79-17 with one present. House Bill 1003 would have required schools to provide resources and courses on child workplace laws and readiness skills. Supporters said many teens enter jobs unprepared, while opponents worried about added burdens on schools and whether the bill should be an optional unit rather than a required course; it failed 22-73 with three present. House Bill 1004, the Arkansas Head Injury Act, would require approved helmets for all operators and passengers of motorized cycles; testimony focused on safety for riders, other drivers, and first responders, and it passed 94-4. House Bill 1005 would have required a year-long personal finance course before graduation, but members questioned scheduling, teacher preparation, and whether existing classes already covered the material; it failed 35-60 with four present. House Bill 1006 would increase the teacher classroom investment income tax deduction from $500 to $1,000. Supporters said teachers often spend their own money on classroom supplies and student needs, and the bill passed overwhelmingly, 97-0 with one present. House Bill 1008 sought to limit the number of national franchise businesses in an economic zone to encourage local entrepreneurship; supporters argued it would protect small businesses and keep money local, while opponents raised concerns about grocery and retail access, jobs, and unclear definitions of economic zones and franchises. It failed 23-69 with six present. The session then began House Bill 1009, which would create a voluntary blue envelope program for people with intellectual disabilities to help law enforcement communication during traffic stops; sponsors described it as an optional, training-based tool for officers, and discussion was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• This program also includes $200 million for culvert and small bridge modernization.
• and rural communities.
• and rural communities.
• Finally, as the administrator mentioned, For small and rural communities.
• like the Senator's... ...members, so like say, you know, a community like the Senator's or a community

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Bonding, State Assets, and Capital Expenditures held its first public hearing on House Bill 4257, a transportation bonding bill. The administration testified in support, describing the bill as a $1.185 billion authorization: $300 million for Chapter 90 municipal road funding and $885 million for statewide transportation capital programs. Officials said the bill would increase municipal aid by 50%, with $200 million distributed under the traditional Chapter 90 formula and $100 million based solely on road mileage to better help rural communities. They also highlighted $500 million for bridge and pavement lifecycle asset management, $200 million for culverts and small bridges, and $185 million for congestion, safety, ADA, sidewalk, and multimodal improvements. Committee members asked about how municipalities would apply, how the road-mile formula would affect rural towns, and how the bill would interact with federal funding uncertainty and debt financing. Administration witnesses explained that projects would be administered through MassDOT district offices and Grant Central, that the bill would not backfill rescinded federal funds, and that the proposal would likely use special obligation bonds backed by Fair Share revenues to reduce pressure on the Commonwealth’s general obligation debt limit. Members also pressed the administration on the shift from general obligation to special obligation financing and on whether the Chapter 90 increase keeps pace with inflation. Administration officials said the special obligation structure would be credit-rated separately and was intended to expand available capital without affecting the GO bond cap, while acknowledging that the Commonwealth’s debt portfolio would grow. They said the Chapter 90 increase would roughly restore purchasing power lost since 2012, though construction inflation has outpaced general inflation. Several members and witnesses emphasized the importance of the road-mile formula for rural communities and the need for technical assistance for small towns. The Massachusetts Municipal Association testified in strong support of the bill, calling Chapter 90 and the new infrastructure authorizations critical for cities and towns facing federal uncertainty and rising costs. The Massachusetts Aggregate and Asphalt Pavement Association also supported the bill, citing the importance of the funding for road and bridge work, the construction season, and the industry’s economic impact. A committee member asked about asphalt price inflation, and the witness said liquid asphalt costs rose sharply after COVID, including increases of around 20% in some years. At the end of the hearing, the chair said members would receive a poll by email to move the bill out quickly, and the committee then voted to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• The community grants program language...
• So moments small farmers in my district.
• I to the small farmers in my district.
• own community. own community.
• So I understand that when you community.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• requirements that these small requirements that these small communities<02:47:50.160> are
• And how does a small community afford that? They can't.
• And how does a small community<02:57:31.359> afford<02:57:31.840> that?
• So I'm speaking for the Town of Shosonyi and many of the small communities, but the BRC—I know we're
• So I'm speaking for the Town of Shosonyi and many of the small communities, but the BRC—I know we're

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, I have small towns. I have rural. I have regional communities. And I don't know.
• I mean, I have small towns. I have rural. I have regional communities. And I don't know.
• I've seen smaller communities, rural communities.
• It just means that one wealthy person moved into a very small, very rural, very elderly community.
• But my question is, I represent small towns and rural communities, and small towns and rural communities

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was a Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget session held in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 education and local aid budget, with remarks from legislative co-chairs, local officials, and education agency leaders. Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero emphasized Lawrence’s high-need student population, the importance of Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, and the impact of state aid on schools serving many English learners and low-income families. Carrero highlighted Lawrence High School programs such as early college, dual degrees, career pathways, and early childhood classrooms embedded in the high school, while lawmakers introduced themselves and noted the importance of the hearing to their districts. Acting Secretary of Education Amy Kershaw, Commissioner of Higher Education Noi Ortega, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez, and Commissioner of Early Education and Care Amy Kershaw outlined the administration’s FY27 priorities. They described investments in literacy initiatives, universal school meals, student mental health, early college and career pathways, higher education affordability, community college and university student-success supports, preschool expansion, child care subsidies, and workforce supports for early educators. The commissioners also discussed federal funding threats, equity gaps, and the administration’s efforts to improve outcomes for Black and brown students, multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and low-income students. Members questioned the panel about the local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to revisit Chapter 70 funding to better address rising costs such as special education, transportation, and health care. Officials said the local contribution study report is expected by the end of June, with a draft to be shared after data analysis and public comment. Commissioner Martinez said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but more work is needed, and he pointed to a proposed Accelerating Achievement Initiative to support the highest-need schools. Senator Oliveira also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities and asked about partnerships with libraries to support literacy, prompting discussion of broader early literacy collaboration.

Transcript Highlights:

• that it covers is there is a small that it covers is there is a small percentage<00:16:02.240>
• And a third of those communities that have local option taxes are our smallest communities.
• > instances<01:05:04.200> meaning communities in many instances meaning communities in
• cost with across border communities cost with across border communities because<01:05:11.040>
• those are small towns. those are small towns.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There have been several tragic high-profile cases that have shown us small examples—numerically small
• Food banks, community hospitals, school districts, small businesses, and even you and the Legislature
• So restricting it to 30 days doesn't just impact those few small large agencies, or small number of..
• It doesn't just impact those few small large agencies, or small number of large agencies.
• , but for all of our communities.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2765 would align the definitions of rural counties with HUD's Community Development Block
• Texas Farm Bureau's support will help boost economic growth in our communities.
• This ensures that every community has the tools they need to protect these vital facilities.
• I was honored to be appointed as the co-chair of the Governor's Small Business.
• I believe that with the help of the business community. that they do.

Bills: HB2564, HB2760, HB2765, HB2898, HB3260, HB3800, HB4341, HB4396, HB5195

Keywords: Defense Economic Adjustment, grant applications, economic assistance, local government, Evaluation panel, judicial review, Texas Workforce Commission, unemployment compensation, legal proceedings, labor law, rural development, infrastructure, Texas economic fund, private investment, job creation, meteorological evaluation towers, wind resources, aviation safety, regulations, construction notice

Transcript Highlights:

• of rural counties with HUD's Community Development Block grant program and expand eligibility for financial
• This ensures that every community has the tools they need to protect these vital facilities.
• Advanced notice that the tower is going to be built would enable military-based personnel to communicate
• , our task was simple but important identify barriers to small business success and recommend practical
• Small business owners told us time and time again that navigating Texas agency websites was one of the

Transcript Highlights:

• The kids you see here today are here because they have contributed 100 hours or more of community service
• organization is a youth organization that instills those values in the next generation of leaning into your community
• Brian Stevens, who's been a longtime pillar of our community, served on the Sepulpa City Council with
• Members, please join me in honoring these young people for their service to their community, their endeavor
• to lean in and serve their community, and become the next leaders of the state of Oklahoma.

Bills: SB330, SB2069, SB2095, SB1721, SB1433, SB1316, SB1280, SB1455, SB1456, SB1457, SB1459, SB1461, SB1463, SB1465, SB1466, HJR1088, SB1684, SB378, SB1447, SB1920, SB1443, HR1047, SB1877, SB1884, SB1365, SB2174, SB1525, SB1810, SB1771, SB1805, SB1916, SB1530, SB1847, SB1990, SB2060, SB1992, SB1579, SB1778, SB2132, SB1623, SB2067, SB1589, SB1441, SB1224, SB372, SB1232, SB1264, SB1450, SB2011, SB2030, SB1980, SB1936, SB1477, SB1593, SB1725, SB1670, SB1480, SB1726, SB1633, SB1735, SB1632, SB1277, SB1217, SB1826, SB1824, SB1813, SB1326, SB1937, SB1641

Keywords: elk population, wildlife management, Oklahoma State University, veterinary medicine, ecosystem health, habitat assessment, waterfowl hunting, crane hunting, hunting guide, hunting outfitter, wildlife conservation, commercial hunting, outfitter license, guide license, hunting services, licensed guide, licensed outfitter, game and fish, hunting for compensation, waterfowl guide

Transcript Highlights:

• That's not just a small name.
• That's not just a small name.
• Or communities that were rocked, physically rocked by the explosion and then their community torn apart
• These are very valuable to both rural communities and urban communities.
• And those two tweaks that we made were to adjust communities of interest: the community of Rosena Ranch

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are very small businesses.
• I haven't heard anything from small businesses.
• small business owners.
• And I think everyone has... ...community.
• It destabilizes communities.

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 197, which would require all private employers in Florida, regardless of size, to use E-Verify for new hires and eliminate the current exemption for businesses with fewer than 25 employees. The sponsor said the system is free, uses information already collected on I-9 forms, and helps employers confirm work authorization; supporters argued it simply enforces existing law and closes a gap in current requirements. Opponents, including labor and policy groups, said the bill would burden small businesses, could produce errors, and should be addressed through comprehensive federal immigration reform rather than state mandates. Members also raised concerns about implementation, enforcement, and potential impacts on workers and employers in industries such as agriculture, hospitality, and small business. The committee voted along party lines to report HB 197 favorably. The committee then received an update from the Florida Gaming Control Commission, beginning with new Executive Director Alana Zimmer and then Director of Gaming Enforcement Carl Harold. Zimmer outlined the commission’s structure, staffing, legal slot and card room locations, and the Seminole gaming compact, noting that changes in state law or court rulings could affect compact revenue. Members asked for additional information on salaries, commission vacancies, and how veterans’ organizations can determine whether gaming machines are legal. Harold described the commission’s enforcement work against illegal casinos, saying they are widespread, often exploit vulnerable patrons, and can be tied to organized crime, weapons, drugs, and other offenses. Harold reported thousands of complaints, more than 4,000 illegal slot machines seized, over 100 illegal casinos raided, millions in proceeds recovered, and numerous arrests and joint operations with other agencies. He said the main barriers are weak misdemeanor penalties and limited staffing, and requested two additional enforcement squads, one in southwest Florida and one in Jacksonville. Members questioned the cost of the request, storage of seized machines, coordination with local law enforcement, and how the public can report illegal gambling. The commission said it works with local agencies, has many MOUs, and directs the public to its website and law enforcement hotline for reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• it very concerned that this bill was going to hurt the small wineries.
• Explain how this bill will not be damaging to a small winery.
• You may hear that it fails to support small wineries.
• We do a lot for the community, within the communities, and it's a very honorable and sacred profession
• ..encountering as small business.

Bills: HB223

Keywords: municipal budget, county budget, local government finance, spending cap, expenditure limit, inflation plus population growth, taxpayer impact statement, budget transparency, property tax, fees, Legislative Budget Board, voter approval, disaster spending, fiscal restraint, Texas Local Government Code, city budget, county expenditures, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In this manner, we prop up small local nonprofits, providing important community services including youth
• In this manner, we prop up small local nonprofits, providing important community services including youth
• isolation we need social communication isolation we need social communication as<00:07:56.479>
• The Legion runs a golf tournament and one other small community fundraiser.
• <00:15:38.759> community one other small community one other small community fundraiser<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:54.000> large<00:31:54.200> and<00:31:54.399> small state and communities
• large and small state and communities large and small the<00:31:55.279> hybrid<00:31:55.600><
• He said this was a really important tool for small cities and small towns.
• Thank you, and we mentioned small cities. I thought to me Hopkins is small.
• That's small, yeah. So that is small.

Bills: HF1277, HF812, HF457, HF633

Keywords: data centers, tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, economic development, employment growth, income tax, tax brackets, tax adjustments, Minnesota, tax policy, underutilized buildings, adaptive reuse, building conversion, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, vacant property, vacancy reduction, refundable tax credit, income tax credit, grant in lieu of credit

Transcript Highlights:

• > either Startups and small businesses either Startups and small businesses either leave,<00:03
• 00:04:57.680> businesses those facilities, these small businesses those facilities, these small
• <00:05:32.800> businesses, research and these small businesses, research and these small businesses
• states make it easier for small states make it easier for small businesses<00:10:40.160> to
• Over relationship with the community.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:08 Infrastructure Grant Program 00:00:45 SB 76 Discussion 00:25:50 SB 76 Vote 00:31:55, 958, all

Summary: The committee met without a quorum at first, so it began with an informational presentation from Dr. Kristen Goodell, executive director of LifeKY, about innovation infrastructure and a proposed grant program to support life sciences and other startup facilities. She argued that Kentucky’s research investments only translate into jobs and companies if startups have access to physical lab and equipment space, and said shared facilities can serve many companies over time. Goodell described LifeKY’s Northern Kentucky facility as a proof of concept, noting it has attracted companies from other states and Japan, secured a Thermo Fisher Scientific partnership, and could be replicated elsewhere in the Commonwealth. Members asked about university pipelines, local talent development, sustainability, and how the grant program would measure return on investment; Goodell emphasized public-private partnerships, earned revenue, philanthropy, internships, and STEM programming as part of the model. The committee then took up Senate Bill 76, sponsored by Senator Bledsoe, which would limit school board occupational license tax increases by raising the population threshold for such increases from 300,000 to 500,000. Bledsoe said the bill was intended to respond to Fayette County’s recent tax controversy, restore public trust, and provide stability for employees, employers, and the school system. He argued that occupational taxes affect many commuters who work in Fayette County but live elsewhere, and said the measure would give time for community buy-in before any future increase. Supportive comments came from Senator Nunn and others, while Senator Boswell asked about the tax rate and cautioned against local tax increases offsetting state income tax reductions. After discussion, the committee called the roll on SB 76. The bill advanced on a roll-call vote, with Senator Armstrong explaining a no vote because he did not want to take tools away from local government and preferred local control. The transcript indicates the measure moved forward from committee after the vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are small devices.
• This is these are small metering.
• Um, and these small projects are what you see on municipal buildings, small businesses, YMCA's.
• Um, and these small projects are what you see on municipal buildings, small businesses, YMCA's.
• Um, and these small projects are what you see on municipal buildings, small businesses, YMCA's.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in low-income and underserved communities through programs like the New Markets Tax Credit in front
• in low-income and underserved communities through programs like the New Markets Tax Credit in front
• Treasury awards five billion dollars to community development entities, CDEs, like Advantage Capital
• > communities low-income and underserved communities low-income and underserved communities through
• to a state to make sure that the small to a state to make sure that the small businesses<00:04:04.000

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 2360, as amended by H.F. 2360A1, which would create a state-level New Markets Tax Credit-style program modeled on the federal program. Chair Swedzinski explained that the bill is intended to drive investment across Minnesota, including a requirement that at least 50% of the $200 million allocation be directed to greater Minnesota, and noted that the program would run for 12 months with state oversight to help guide investments. Testimony in support came from Alex Stuponic of Advantage Capital and Jason Wabama of Advanced Machine Guarding Solutions in Hibbing. Stuponic described the federal New Markets program as a tool for directing capital to low-income and underserved communities, cited Minnesota projects that have already benefited from federal funding, and argued that state programs in other states have successfully attracted more investment. Wabama said the credit could help rural businesses like his expand, noting that his Hibbing company has grown from one employee in 2021 to 22 employees and hopes to reach 50 employees while eventually becoming an ESOP. Chair Gomez raised concerns about the bill’s changes, especially the set-aside of half the funds for one region and the five-year carryforward, saying the proposal seemed arbitrary and more permissive and that there was likely not room in the budget for the $100 million cost this year. In response, Swedzinski said the fiscal note pushes costs into future years, with the first costs beginning in 2028-2029, and emphasized that the structure would allow the investment benefits to occur upfront. The amendment was adopted, and the bill, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill.