Video & Transcript : 'Eastern Mediterranean' :

Page 58 of 137
NH
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Public Works and Highways (03/31/2026)

Public Works and Highways

Transcript Highlights:
  • For the cost of the Central New Hampshire Turnpike, Eastern Turnpike, and New Hampshire Turnpike systems
  • 16.640><c> New</c><00:10:16.800><c> Hampshire</c><00:10:17.120><c> Turnpike,</c><00:10:17.600><c> Eastern
  • </c> Central New Hampshire Turnpike, Eastern Central New Hampshire Turnpike, Eastern Turnpike,<00:10:
Committee: House Public Works and Highways
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/23/26

Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:
  • infrastructure that prohibits power or limits the amount of power going from the western states or into eastern
  • into</c> from the western states or in into from the western states or in into uh<00:33:23.480><c> eastern
  • /c><00:33:24.440><c> Minnesota</c><00:33:24.880><c> into</c><00:33:25.080><c> Minneapolis,</c> uh eastern
  • Minnesota into Minneapolis, uh eastern Minnesota into Minneapolis, St.<00:33:25.800><c> Paul,</c><00
Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
CO
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 063 Mar 18th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • So whether you're on the western slope or the eastern plains or the I-25 corridor, starting whenever
  • c><00:43:40.160><c> the</c> you're on the western slope or the you're on the western slope or the eastern
  • 40.960><c> or</c><00:43:41.040><c> the</c><00:43:41.200><c> I25</c><00:43:41.839><c> corridor,</c> eastern
  • plains or the I25 corridor, eastern plains or the I25 corridor, starting<00:43:44.000><c> whenever</
MD
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session, 3/6/2026 #1

Maryland Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I ask that we journalize the remarks of the good Senator from the Eastern Shore. >> Most certainly, without
  • <01:19:31.920><c> Senator</c><01:19:32.240><c> from</c><01:19:32.360><c> the</c><01:19:32.440><c> Eastern
  • </c> the good Senator from the Eastern Shore. the good Senator from the Eastern Shore.
NM
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Chamber Meeting Feb 9th, 2026

New Mexico House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • He went on to earn a master's degree in business administration from Eastern New Mexico University.
  • whereas Senator Hardin served the state with distinction and a special concern for the people of eastern
  • Development District, Dewey Cave of the Mid-Regional Council of Governments, Sandy Chancy of the Eastern
  • And I live in the land of EPCOG, Eastern Plains Council of Governments.
Bills: HB111 , HB61 , HB43 , HB156 , HB70 , SB3 , HB103 , HB109 , HB128 , HB247 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and pledges, and spent much of the session on memorials and recognitions. Members honored former Senator Clint Hardin with a certificate and extended condolences, with several representatives sharing personal remembrances of his work on autism coverage, second chances for formerly incarcerated people, rural issues, and bipartisan dealmaking. The chamber also recognized Council of Governments Day, 4-H Day, NMSU Day, scouting groups, and several student and community guests, including youth from 4-H, NMSU CAMP, folklórico, and the La Cueva boys soccer team. The House received messages from the governor and Senate, including authorization for House Bill 320, the Industrial Carbon Reduction Act, and Senate passage of several bills. Committee reports were adopted on a long list of measures, including House Bills 145, 158, 180, 49, 164, 256, 287, 60, 120, 166, 306, 124, 314, 185, 253, 195, 259, 295, 296, 338, and others, along with several joint resolutions and memorials. The chamber also ordered certain bills germane and referred them to committees, and enrolled and engrossed multiple memorials. On third reading, House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill, passed 65-0. The House Judiciary Committee substitute for House Bill 70, updating the Public Regulation Commission and hearing officer structure, passed 66-0 after brief debate. House Bill 247, which modernizes capital outlay procedures and limits reauthorizations, was then taken up; the sponsor explained it would send unspent general fund capital outlay money to a Capital Development and Reserve Fund and tribal project balances to the tribal infrastructure fund. An amendment was offered to redirect the reserve fund money to the state road fund, and debate began, with members discussing road conditions and the purpose of the reserve fund.
KY
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Health Service (1-21-26)

Transcript Highlights:
  • He has spent 44 years in rural health care in Eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia.
  • spent 44 years in rural healthc<00:35:02.160><c> care</c><00:35:02.880><c> in</c><00:35:03.200><c> Eastern
  • </c><00:35:03.599><c> Kentucky</c><00:35:04.160><c> and</c> healthc care in Eastern Kentucky and healthc
  • care in Eastern Kentucky and southern<00:35:05.359><c> West</c><00:35:05.599><c> Virginia.
Summary: The committee first handled several referred administrative regulations, including a package from the Board of Respiratory Care described as a substantive housekeeping update to its regulations and incorporated materials. There were no questions from members, and the committee also heard from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, which was present in case questions arose but did not require action. Members then took up an amendment to the state health plan for facilities and services, specifically 900 KAR 5:02. Wesley Duke explained that a previously proposed criteria related to mega-voltage requirements, originally suggested by the Kentucky Hospital Association, was now being removed because the association no longer considered it necessary. The committee moved to accept the agency amendment, with a motion and second, and approved it without opposition. The committee next considered Senate Joint Resolution 23, a “food is medicine” resolution sponsored by Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer. Supporters from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Hospital Association described the initiative as a voluntary, statewide effort already adopted by 52 hospitals, aimed at improving patient health while supporting Kentucky farmers and local food systems. Members discussed access to healthy food, grocery-store availability, school nutrition, and the need to reduce barriers to local procurement; the resolution was adopted unanimously after a roll call vote, with one senator briefly explaining a late vote due to weather. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 12, which would allow mid-level practitioners to serve as the leader of a Level IV trauma center under physician direction. The sponsor and witnesses from Appalachian Regional Healthcare argued the change would help address rural trauma-care shortages, align with national standards, and improve access without changing scope of practice or other trauma-center requirements. Several members raised questions and comments about rural access, liability, costs, and the broader health impacts, but no vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
NM
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Military and Veterans Affairs Jul 15th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • So Eastern, Western, and Northern, they all have some veteran type of support on campus?
  • Robert Johnston, the 27th Special Operations Wing, outlined housing as Megan mentioned: Sendero, Eastern
  • We also, our mayor, Mike Morris, is the chairman of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Authority, and
  • Transmission Corridor, which under the previous federal administration was going to run down the eastern
ID
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Jun 24th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • That will be at the Eastern Idaho State Fairgrounds, and Hannah Lurie will be joining them there.
Summary: The America 250 in Idaho Advisory Council met with a quorum and approved the June 10, 2026 minutes. Staff then gave a financial update showing an unobligated balance of $42,547.53, with additional accrued revenue expected to become available in fiscal year 2027; members were also reminded that Luma would be closed July 1-2 for invoice processing. Treasurer Ellsworth reported on the ambassador program and statewide America 250 activities, highlighting events and outreach efforts across Idaho, including service projects, festivals, and public appearances. He also updated the council on the Liberty Bell project, noting that the bell had been restored, that fundraising for the statewide tour was ongoing, and that the bell’s route would include county seats and other communities; a request was made on the record for the bell to pass through Nampa. He also said the bell’s transport and liability arrangements had been reviewed with risk management and that state employees could volunteer to drive it. Secretary McGrane gave a broader planning update for the July 4 Capitol celebration, saying preparations were largely complete and that the event would proceed outdoors if possible, with an indoor backup at Treefort Music Hall and a rescheduling option if needed. He described Capitol decorations, media promotion, volunteer recruitment, and coordination with Idaho Public Television, the governor’s office, and event partners. He also highlighted the national recognition of Idaho’s July 4 event, the Idaho State Pavilion in Washington, D.C., the Move 250 initiative, the restored Liberty Bell’s statewide tour, and other upcoming America 250-related events, including a July 8 statewide reading of the Declaration of Independence. The council then discussed scheduling its next meeting for July 14, tentatively, and members confirmed who would attend the July 4 celebration before adjourning.
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution Jun 21st, 2026 at 03:00 pm

Transcript Highlights:
  • Eastern Time and have someone in your community or town read the Declaration of Independence.
Summary: The Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution met at Mass MoCA in North Adams, with members attending both in person and virtually. The meeting opened with a moment of remembrance for Senator Edward Kennedy, followed by roll call and informal approval to proceed. Co-chairs and members thanked the hosts and noted the importance of engaging western Massachusetts communities in the 250th planning. The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism gave an update on the Massachusetts 250 campaign, including a website listing more than 500 events and 250 attractions, an ongoing virtual Lunch and Learn series, and the Museums 250 program. The presenter also outlined several America 250 ideas for commission consideration: a nationwide-style community potluck on July 5, 2026; a coordinated reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 2026; and possible state or national time capsule participation. Members expressed interest, especially in a Massachusetts-specific time capsule, and agreed to circulate the ideas for broader brainstorming. Revolution 250 and Jonathan Lane reported on recent and upcoming commemorations, including follow-up from the Bunker Hill event, a planned 251st Battle of Gloucester event, and extensive planning for Knox Trail activities in January 2026. He highlighted meetings with Berkshire communities along the route, the need for a Knox marker in Sandisfield, and efforts to recognize and preserve a historic stretch of the Knox Road. He also noted proposed Declaration of Independence readings in several communities and a July 18, 2026 Watertown commemoration of the first treaty between Massachusetts and Indigenous peoples of Maine and Nova Scotia. Dusty Meadows of Conventures then presented logistics for the Knox Trail commemoration, including branding, horse arrangements, route planning, plaque concepts, and budget needs. Members raised questions about the Cambridge/West Cambridge portion of the route and Arlington’s historical connection to that name; the presenters agreed to follow up and correct materials. The meeting ended informally after no further business was raised.
LA
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 21st, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • January and been working with Representative Henry from New Orleans East and Representative Barrow from eastern
Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works met with five members present and approved the May 14, 2026 minutes. The committee first considered HCR 32, which urges the Port of New Orleans to secure backup motors for the aging St. Claude Avenue Bridge; members discussed the bridge’s importance, the relatively low cost of the motor, and the traffic and emergency-response impacts of repeated breakdowns. HCR 32 was reported favorably. HCR 68, a request to Congress for funding to remove unusable bridges along Highway 90 as part of reconnecting the corridor toward New Orleans East, was also reported favorably after brief discussion about federal representatives and coordination with DOTD. House Bill 582 was deferred without objection. The committee then took up HB 762, which clarifies that the Office of Motor Vehicles may, rather than must, refer certain delinquent reinstatement-fee debts to the Office of Debt Recovery or other collection channels. Testimony from OMV and the bill author emphasized that the measure was intended to clean up prior language and preserve OMV discretion, while senators raised concerns about political influence, collection practices, and the impact of fees and debt on drivers. HB 762 was reported favorably. HB 730, concerning automatic dependent surveillance broadcast devices on aircraft, was amended to limit its application to aircraft over 2,500 pounds and to prohibit the use of the imposed fees on smaller aircraft. Supporters said the bill restores the original safety purpose of the devices and prevents their use for fee collection; the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also reported favorably on HCR 53, which creates a study committee on oversized vehicle permits and their parish-level impacts, and HCR 60, which urges DOTD to pursue the DRIVE initiative to study and improve safety on the I-12 corridor. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.
LA
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 21st, 2026

Transportation, Highways & Public Works

CT
CT

Connecticut 2026 Regular Session

Finance Advisory Committee May 14th Meeting May 14th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • Eastern... Great, great point, great question.
Summary: The Finance Advisory Committee approved the minutes of its April 2 meeting and then took up three budget transfers. The first, FAC 2026-6 for the Office of the State Treasurer, moved $75,000 from personal services to other expenses to pay for consultant help applying for federal energy credits under the Inflation Reduction Act’s direct pay provisions. Treasurer’s office staff said the agency had one open position and several others pending posting, and members discussed how the transfer related to vacant positions and the committee’s budget display. The second item, FAC 2026-7 for the Office of the State Controller, transferred $700,000 from personal services to other expenses to cover higher Core-CT software maintenance and licensing costs. Comptroller staff said the office had 21 open positions, most in Core-CT, and explained that the system, implemented in 2003, receives regular quarterly and monthly updates from Oracle. Members also discussed how the system serves payroll, HR, purchasing, accounting, and related functions for many state agencies, including UConn and the Board of Regents. The final item, FAC 2026-8 for the Department of Veterans Affairs, transferred $700,000 from personal services, the veterans opportunity pilot, and headstones accounts to other expenses for year-end operational needs. Commissioner Ron Welch said most vacancies were in the skilled nursing facility, food service, and physical plant, with staffing challenges especially for nurses and aides. He also explained that the veterans opportunity pilot never fully launched, that the Institutional General Welfare Fund has been depleted and the agency now relies more on general fund support, and that the department faces rising food, utility, and pharmaceutical costs, including a federal VA reimbursement change that will leave the state responsible for medication costs by 2027. All three transfers were approved, and the meeting adjourned.
OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Revenue and Taxation Apr 13th, 2026 at 02:00 pm

Revenue and Taxation

OK
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Agriculture and Wildlife Apr 6th, 2026

Agriculture and Wildlife

Transcript Highlights:
  • In eastern Oklahoma, it is a huge economic force, and they do a lot of good in the communities.
Bills: HB3406 , HB2975 , HB3977 , HB3263 , HB2988 , HB3404 , HB1770
Committee: Senate Agriculture and Wildlife
Summary: The Agriculture Committee heard and advanced a series of bills focused on burn bans, poultry waste regulation, veterinary qualifications, wildlife, and land management. House Bill 3406, presented by Senator Hines, would make burn bans easier to declare when conditions warrant, require earlier review so bans do not linger unnecessarily, remove certain local fire departments from the decision process, and preserve a prescribed-burn exemption for farmers. After questions about the shortened ban period and the removal of local fire departments, the bill passed 12-0. House Bill 2975, presented by Senator Woods, was amended to restore contact information for poultry litter haulers and to streamline nutrient management plan amendments for poultry waste that is moved off-site and land-applied. Department of Agriculture testimony said the change would reduce duplication for producers who both export and land-apply litter while maintaining tracking of waste management. The bill passed 11-2. House Bill 3977, also by Senator Woods, would add food-animal and veterinary practice experience to the qualifications for the state veterinarian; members discussed whether wildlife experience should also be considered, but the bill passed unanimously 13-0. The committee also passed House Bill 3263, designating the morel mushroom as the state mushroom in honor of David Beyer, and House Bill 2988, which expands harmful woody species to include redberry juniper, ash juniper, and honey mesquite and broadens the Terry Peach North Canadian Watershed Restoration Act statewide. Members emphasized the impact of red cedars on water use and wildfire risk. House Bill 3404, a follow-up measure on prescribed burns, passed 12-0, and House Bill 1770, directing OSU and its veterinary college to conduct elk population studies in northwest Oklahoma, passed 10-2 after questions about cost and the role of Wildlife Department studies. The chair then adjourned the meeting.
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Feb 24th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • for me, you know, the interim work is sometimes we carry a little bit of a chip on our shoulder in eastern
Summary: The State Government, Tribal Affairs and Elections Committee met on February 24, 2026, for what was described as its last regular meeting of the session. The committee reviewed a large slate of bills and gubernatorial appointments, with staff briefing measures on voting rights, voter registration challenges, military justice victims’ rights, terminology changes from “alien” to “non-citizen,” shared leave for hate-crime and immigration-enforcement-related absences, civil service coverage for Washington Technology Solutions security staff, language-access services, small works roster limits, deceased candidates on ballots, postgraduate degree requirements, foreign national participation in elections, public records exemptions, and personal information protections. Several amendments were discussed, including changes to voting-rights language, county-residency requirements for voter-registration challengers, and a proposal on foreign national certifications; a satirical amendment to the terminology bill referencing “extraterrestrial” was also presented and later withdrawn. After caucus, the committee moved into executive session and took action on four gubernatorial appointments, recommending confirmation for Megan Matthews, Reedy Mukapade, Kiana Daniels, and Gauri Shratria, all subject to signatures. The committee then voted out the bills, generally on unanimous voice votes, sending most to the Rules Committee and several fiscal measures to Ways and Means. Amendments were adopted on HB 1710, HB 1750, HB 1916, and HB 2123, while the amendment to HB 2632 was withdrawn. HB 2574 and HB 2637 were noted as not being moved that day. The chair and members closed by thanking staff for their work and adjourned the meeting.
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Pro Forma Floor Session Feb 18th, 2026

Washington Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • What do I want this world to be like for the children in East Asia or Eastern Europe or South America
Summary: The Senate opened by approving the previous day’s journal, receiving messages from the House, and referring newly introduced Senate Bill 6353 to the Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs, and Elections. The chamber then moved to resolutions. Senate Resolution 8687, commemorating the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 and recognizing Japanese American veterans, incarcerees, and civil rights activists, was presented and adopted. Several senators spoke in support, describing the wartime incarceration of Japanese Americans as a grave civil rights injustice and emphasizing remembrance, healing, and the need to prevent similar abuses in the future. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8688 honoring Washington’s dairy farms and dairy workers. Senators highlighted the industry’s economic importance, family farm traditions, and the hard work involved in dairy production, with some members sharing personal family and farming experiences. After adoption, the Senate welcomed representatives of the Washington State Dairy Council, Washington State Dairy Women’s Organization, and Dairy Ambassadors Apprentices to the gallery. The Senate then adjourned without objection until 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Feb 3rd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • He's been in eastern Washington, Spokane, a bunch of times, and I just want to take a moment to say how
Summary: The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on February 3, 2026, for executive session on 13 bills and a public hearing on Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1541. One published bill, Senate Bill 6123, was not moved forward. The executive session covered election integrity, holiday recognition, agency reporting and disclosure, veterans and state government administration, and several memorial or symbolic designations. Staff briefed each bill and several proposed substitutes or amendments, including changes to Senate Bills 5763, 6215, 6160, 6049, and 5784. Members discussed policy and fiscal concerns on some measures, including the cost of the aviation support grant program in SB 5763 and the inclusiveness of holiday recognition in SB 5950. The committee adopted amendments or substitutes where offered and advanced all of the bills it took up, generally by due-pass recommendation to the Rules Committee or, for fiscal measures, to the Ways and Means Committee. Senate Bill 5950’s amendment was withdrawn before final action, and Senator Hasegawa stated he would be without recommendation on that bill because a Buddhist observance was missing from the list. Other bills passed with little or no opposition, including SB 6084 on voting more than once, SB 6044 on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, SB 6046 creating a Civil Air Patrol division, SB 6160 on agency reports, SB 6049 on public disclosure exemptions, SB 6164 on WOTEC information, SB 6313 creating a Capitol Centennial Stewardship Account, SB 5046 designating Kim Chie Day, and SB 5489 naming the Wilkinson sandstone the state sandstone. In the public hearing on ESHB 1541, staff explained that the bill would reorganize the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee by increasing at-large seats, reducing the number of VSO-designated seats, and allowing appointments to reflect military experience and personal attributes. The prime sponsor and Representative Simmons described the bill as a compromise developed after prior concerns, including representation for formerly justice-involved veterans, and said it would broaden advice to the governor. The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs supported the bill, saying it would provide more flexibility in appointments and preserve a 17-member committee. The hearing closed with 57 pro and 1 con sign-ins, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.
MO
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Conservation and Natural Resources Feb 2nd, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Conservation and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Most of that was felt on the eastern side of the state due to last spring being the wettest spring on
Committee: House Conservation and Natural Resources
MO
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Conservation and Natural Resources Feb 2nd, 2026

Conservation and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • Most of that was felt on the eastern side of the state due to last spring being the wettest spring on
Committee: House Conservation and Natural Resources
Summary: The Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources heard House Bill 1624, sponsored by Rep. Sassmann, which updates Missouri’s invasive plant law. The bill makes clerical corrections to Latin plant names and extends the existing affidavit requirement, previously applied to nurseries and nursery dealers, to seed dealers so they cannot knowingly sell seeds of listed invasive species. Support came from the Missouri Municipal League, Sierra Club, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, an individual landowner, and the Conservation Federation of Missouri, all describing the bill as a needed cleanup and expansion of last year’s law. One witness from Armourvine opposed the bill, arguing the plants have medicinal uses and warning against broader restrictions on landowner choice. No vote was taken in the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 1736, sponsored by Rep. Wellenkamp, a disaster resilience measure focused on parks and flood mitigation. The bill would allow cities and counties to use existing sales tax revenue tied to parks to buy repetitive-loss properties, remove structures, and convert those areas into natural floodways, greenways, or other stormwater management spaces that still function as parks. The sponsor and several members discussed repeated flood damage in St. Charles, St. Louis County, and other river communities, emphasizing that the proposal would help with voluntary buyouts, reduce long-term losses, and avoid expensive concrete infrastructure. Members asked about eminent domain, funding limits, and how the land would be kept from future development; the sponsor said the bill is limited to voluntary sales and local discretion. Support for HB 1736 came from St. Charles County and the Sierra Club, which said the bill would clarify eligible park fund uses, support natural stormwater infrastructure, and protect environmental and economic resilience. Committee members from affected districts described local examples where buyouts and park conversions had worked or where flooded homes remain a burden. There was no opposition testimony, and the hearing concluded without a vote.
WA
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Democratic Leaders Media Availability Jan 13th, 2026 at 11:00 am

Transcript Highlights:
  • Attorney over in the Eastern District of Washington.
Summary: State legislative leaders held a press availability focused on the upcoming session’s priorities, framing the federal government as the main source of pressure on Washington residents’ access to health care, food assistance, housing, and other services. They said the session would center on defending Washingtonians from federal overreach while also addressing affordability, with emphasis on a balanced 2025-27 budget, possible spending cuts, and longer-term tax reform. Leaders also said they expect to pursue measures on housing costs, transportation, child care, preventive health care, and energy/data-center impacts. A major topic was a proposed “millionaire tax” or income tax on adjusted gross income over $1 million. Leaders said the basic mechanics are largely agreed upon between House and Senate sponsors, though a draft is still pending and stakeholder outreach remains ahead. They described the proposal as part of a broader effort to rebalance the tax code, with some revenue potentially used to reduce more regressive taxes such as property taxes or to support credits for working families and small businesses. They also said any major new revenue would likely not arrive in time to solve the current biennial budget gap, though smaller tax changes and loophole closures could contribute. The leaders also discussed the House and Senate response to two citizen initiatives, saying the legislature will not hold hearings on them and that they will instead go to voters if certified. They rejected claims that the state constitution requires hearings or floor votes on such initiatives, and questioned the signature-gathering process described by the Secretary of State’s office. Another issue was a public records exemption bill related to child care providers; leaders said they were not tracking it closely but defended broader privacy and safety concerns for child care businesses and families. The press availability included a lengthy exchange about allegations of fraud and reports of journalists or others knocking on child care doors. Leaders said concerns should be reported to DCYF, the state auditor, or legislative auditors rather than handled by ad hoc visits, and they tied those concerns to broader fears about masked individuals, ICE activity, and public safety. On the budget, they said the rainy day fund is likely to be considered this year, especially if it helps avoid cuts to education, child care, and health care, and noted that federal policy changes could impose significant state implementation costs.