Video & Transcript : 'tourism program' :
Page 59 of 500
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/27/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- program.
- ><00:03:44.000><c> specialist</c> program we have a program specialist program we have a program specialist
- They run and oversee the InvestNH program and the Housing Champions program.
- Well, the program itself, there are two programs that are run: there's the Housing Champions program
- So the SBDC program is a program that's been around for over 45 years.
Summary:
The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs budget, with testimony from Chase Hegman and Kathy Frederickson. Early discussion focused on staffing and vacancies, including a senior planner position tied to FEMA requirements, a program assistant funded by federal ORID dollars, a program specialist being considered for reclassification, two Housing Champions positions to be funded in the next biennium, and temporary welcome center positions. Members also reviewed the commissioner’s office, indirect cost recoveries tied to federal program administration, and the structure and staffing of rest areas and welcome centers, including the Turnpike-funded locations and seasonal staffing patterns.
Members then moved through economic development and federal grant-related accounts. Hegman explained that a large share of the agency’s funding is federal, with some programs requiring state match, including the Apex Accelerator, which supports government contracting assistance for businesses. He described Apex as a small team that helps businesses with DOD and other contracting opportunities through webinars, matchmaking, and one-on-one support. The Office of Workforce Opportunity was described as largely federally funded through Commerce-related workforce programs and subrecipients, with some general fund support for agency-wide needs. The Northern Borders Regional Commission dues and capacity grant were also discussed, with officials explaining the state’s required contribution and the federal funds used to administer the program.
A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which officials said provides one-on-one technical assistance to new and small businesses and has a strong return on investment. Members questioned the cut, the federal funding sources, and whether there was a waiting list for services; officials said they would provide more detail on matching requirements and funding. The committee also reviewed travel and tourism accounts, including the joint promotional grant program and tourism advertising funds, both of which are proposed to increase. Officials said the tourism marketing formula is based on a percentage of meals and rooms tax revenue and argued that the spending generates significant visitor spending and tax revenue, citing an outside ROI study and examples of advertising in test markets. No votes were taken during the work session.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Commerce and Tourism will now come to order. Renita, please call the roll.
- They have the flexibility because of the waiver program.
- There is already a program in place to help families that need it.
- As I mentioned earlier, I think the waiver program works as it is.
- Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Tourism
Summary:
The committee first took up a committee substitute for SB 752, which would require newspapers and television stations to remove online reports later found to be false or defamatory in certain circumstances, and would change when the statute of limitations begins to run. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address lasting harm from false accusations that remain searchable online. Several speakers opposed the measure, arguing it would chill reporting, punish accurate historical coverage, and create vague legal risks for the press. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably.
The committee then approved CS/SB 846, a bill aimed at preventing immigration service fraud by non-attorneys and misuse of the term "notario." Supporters, including an immigration attorney, said the bill would protect vulnerable immigrants from bad advice and fake legal services. The committee also approved CS/SB 800, which updates battery labeling and recycling requirements to reduce fires caused by discarded batteries; waste and recycling representatives supported it, while a battery industry group warned the bill could effectively ban battery-embedded products. CS/SB 578, dealing with wine container rules and allowing recyclable inserts and boxes up to 5.16 gallons, was also reported favorably.
The committee next approved CS/SB 1734, the Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which sets product standards, labeling rules, age limits, testing, and enforcement provisions. Supporters said it reflects current science and consumer safety needs, while opponents warned it could burden small businesses and overregulate the market. SB 918, which would loosen state child labor restrictions for certain minors and align Florida law more closely with federal standards, drew extensive opposition from advocates, students, and labor groups who said it would increase exploitation and harm education; several senators also raised concerns, but the bill was still reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 854 on unlicensed contractors and deposit fraud, and confirmed several appointments to state boards and commissions. A separate bill on online encryption and child safety, SB 868, was taken up with an amendment and public testimony, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that item.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Mar 21st, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, it will be $50 extra for the consumer. $38 will go to the tourism department for the New Mexico
- Uh, Representative Dow, the, uh, the proceeds would go to the tourism department to, to supplement the
- New Mexico through tourism budget.
- Uh, but there are other programs that are spread throughout the state.
- Public Radio has a program called Youth Radio, so they've been looking for ways to get more equipment
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 25, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 1143 would also ensure that going forward all of these seafood workers, the tourism industry
- House Bill 1143 would also ensure that going forward all of these seafood workers, the tourism industry
- Go on. ...would also ensure that going forward all of these seafood workers, the tourism industry, the
- rebuild this community that's been hit by the BP oil spill, Hurricane Michael, COVID's impact on tourism
- Our tourism, our environmental health, our water quality are too important.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum present and took up five bills related to Florida waterways, vessels, and environmental protection. HB 1149 on vessel accountability was presented as a way to strengthen enforcement against derelict and long-term anchored vessels, create nuisance authority for repeat violators, and shift relocation/disposal costs to owners; it drew support from marine industry and boating groups and passed 15-1. HB 795 would allow voluntary buffer zones near deepwater port channels and turning basins to prevent anchoring or mooring in protected areas; after questions about federal overlap and impacts on other counties, an amendment narrowed the buffer concept and added authority to remove uninsured vessels anchored more than 45 days, and the bill passed 13-3 with committee substitute. HB 1285 defined “migrant vessels” and authorized FWC to remove them more quickly as derelict vessels; a technical amendment was adopted, Monroe County supported the bill, and it passed unanimously 16-0.
The committee then considered HB 1133, which would restructure the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission by requiring geographic representation on the seven-member board, staggering terms, and limiting warrantless entry onto private land by FWC officers. The sponsor said the goal was to ensure statewide representation and align FWC enforcement with probable-cause standards; an amendment changed board terms from five years to three years, and the bill passed 16-0. Finally, HB 1143, sponsored by Representatives Shoaf and Tant, would prohibit oil and gas drilling and exploration within 10 miles of certain sensitive estuarine and coastal areas and require DEP to weigh environmental and economic impacts before permitting near waterways. Support came from oyster farmers, shellfish groups, conservation advocates, and local residents, while the American Petroleum Institute opposed the setback as too broad and raised mineral-rights concerns. After extensive debate emphasizing protection of Apalachicola Bay, tourism, seafood, and fragile ecosystems, the bill passed unanimously 16-0.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- , the program itself development program, the program itself is<00:08:51.519><c> being</c><00:08:51.760
- value-added program.
- Correct, program.
- </c> about some of their programs. about some of their programs.
- . tourism. tourism.
Committee:
Joint Appropriations
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee and Joint Committee on the Arts May 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- program.
- Through grant-making programs, Through grant-making programs like our California Documentary Project,
- These are outreach programs, education programs, youth programs, job training programs, incubators for
- These are outreach programs, education programs, youth programs, job training programs, incubators for
- These are outreach programs, education programs, youth programs, job training programs, incubators for
Summary:
The joint informational hearing focused on how recent federal actions are affecting arts, culture, humanities, libraries, museums, and the creative economy in California. Chair Ben Allen and Vice Chair Chris Ward opened by describing the hearing as a response to proposed and ongoing federal cuts to the NEA, NEH, IMLS, and public broadcasting, as well as grant terminations and leadership changes at cultural institutions. Several members emphasized the economic and civic importance of the arts, while one Republican member argued for greater ideological diversity in the arts and noted the loss of music programs in small schools.
Testimony from Aaron Harky of Americans for the Arts and Jolie Fisher of SAG-AFTRA described the impact of federal policy on grants, jobs, and production. Harky said executive orders and the FY 2026 budget proposal threaten arts agencies and arts education, and that rescinded grants are causing hiring freezes, shutdowns, and losses for small organizations, especially in rural and underserved communities. Fisher focused on runaway film and television production, outdated tax rules, and the need for federal incentives, intellectual property protections, and action on AI and digital replicas. Members also discussed bipartisan support, the role of business and tourism partners, and the need to include more diverse voices in arts advocacy.
The second panel featured Rick Noguchi of California Humanities, Greg Lucas of the State Library, and Danielle Purcell of the California Arts Council. Noguchi said NEH funding was cut immediately, putting California Humanities’ grantmaking and documentary programs at risk and prompting consideration of litigation and possible state support. Lucas reported that IMLS funding for California libraries was briefly canceled but partly restored, though a budget gap remains. Purcell said the California Arts Council is still awaiting federal award language for state partnership funds, but NEA grant terminations and the proposed elimination of federal cultural agencies create major uncertainty; she also said the council is assessing the damage and tracking impacts on grantees. Members asked about measuring outcomes, AI’s threat to creative work, documentary funding losses, and possible state and national strategies to protect cultural institutions and jobs.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Economic Development and Tourism Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Economic Development and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- This is an area that depends largely on tourism, and Florala itself is a gorgeous town, and you know
- This is an area that depends largely on tourism, and Florala itself is a gorgeous town, and you know
- This is an area that depends largely on tourism, and Florala itself is a gorgeous town, and you know
- </c><00:18:55.520><c> and</c> that depends largely on tourism and that depends largely on tourism and
- The Class 6 program, part of this broader UIC program, was established by the U.S.
Committee:
House Economic Development and Tourism
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP-WAL Joint Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 8:45 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- These unsustainability of this program.
- </c> $300,000 to administer this program $300,000 to administer this program that's<00:33:12.720><c>
- What about the tourism? All these guys, they going unchecked.
- </c><00:58:26.640><c> including</c> on reef tourism activities including on reef tourism activities including
- </c><00:58:30.799><c> economy</c> of Hawaii's naturalbased tourism economy of Hawaii's naturalbased tourism
Bills:
HB2101
Committee:
House Energy & Environmental Protection
Summary:
The joint committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Water and Land heard testimony on House Bill 21101, which would ban or otherwise end commercial aquarium collection. Chairs opened the hearing with a short time limit for testimony and noted they would move to decision-making before the next committee meeting. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it appreciated the bill’s intent and stood on written testimony, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the measure as part of its legislative package, citing community calls to ban the practice. Many other organizations and individuals also testified in support, including environmental, Native Hawaiian, and community groups, with arguments focused on reef protection, public trust, cultural concerns, and the view that the trade is extractive and not sustainable.
Supporters repeatedly cited declines in yellow tang and other reef fish, especially on West Hawaii and Oahu, and argued that reef recovery has not occurred where collection pressure existed. Several testified that legal aquarium collection has not occurred in West Hawaii since 2017 or on Oahu since 2021, and that the state should not reopen an industry that has been effectively shut down for years. Others said the program is fiscally inefficient because permits generate little revenue compared with the cost of administering and enforcing the program, and that aquaculture or other alternatives could provide jobs without removing wild fish. Native Hawaiian speakers and civic club representatives emphasized traditional and customary practices, community stewardship, and the need to protect resources for future generations.
Opposition testimony came from aquarium fishers and related advocates who argued the fishery has been shown sustainable, that the EIS process was completed, and that the bill would unfairly target one user group over another. They said the trade provides livelihoods for local families, that management is solid, and that the legislature should not ban a fishery after requiring compliance with environmental review. Some opponents also argued that fish populations have increased in recent years and that the issue reflects broader user conflict rather than science. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the chair continued taking testimony, including on Zoom, as time allowed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee and Joint Committee on the Arts May 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- program.
- Through grant-making programs, Through grant-making programs like our California Documentary Project,
- We had a program launched at the end of February, and the title of the program was How the Humanities
- They're outreach programs, education programs. These are people's jobs. These are livelihoods.
- These are outreach programs, education programs, youth programs, job training programs, incubators for
Summary:
The joint informational hearing focused on how federal actions are affecting arts, culture, humanities, libraries, museums, and creative industries in California. Chair Ben Allen, Vice Chair Chris Ward, and other members described the moment as a crisis, citing proposed or implemented cuts to the NEA, NEH, and IMLS, grant terminations, leadership removals, and budget proposals to zero out major cultural agencies. Members emphasized that arts and humanities are both culturally essential and economically significant, and they framed the hearing as a chance to hear impacts on the ground and consider state and federal responses.
Testimony from Aaron Harky of Americans for the Arts and Jolie Fisher of SAG-AFTRA highlighted the scale of the problem. Harky said federal rescissions and policy changes are causing immediate financial harm, forcing hiring freezes, program cancellations, and emergency fundraising, while disproportionately hurting rural, immigrant, elder, and small community organizations. She noted California’s creative economy generates hundreds of billions of dollars and urged support for restoring state arts funding, museum grants, and legislation such as SB 456 and AB 3149, along with federal measures like the Charitable Act and Performing Arts Tax Parity Act. Fisher focused on film and television production, saying runaway production, outdated tax rules, and weak federal IP protections are harming workers and local businesses; she urged federal production incentives, tax parity for performers, and stronger protections against AI misuse of artists’ voices and likenesses.
State agency leaders Rick Noguchi of California Humanities, Greg Lucas of the State Library, and Danielle Purcell of the California Arts Council described direct impacts from federal funding disruptions. Noguchi said California Humanities lost NEH support immediately, putting grants and documentary projects at risk and prompting possible litigation and appeals. Lucas said the State Library initially faced a major IMLS funding loss but has since had part of the money restored, though still with a reduced amount that will limit local assistance. Purcell said the California Arts Council is assessing terminated grants and fielding urgent calls from grantees, while continuing to distribute state arts funds and track the damage. Members asked about bipartisan support, business coalition-building, economic measurement, AI threats to creative work, and the implications of federal leadership changes; no votes were taken, but the hearing ended with calls for continued advocacy, legal action, and possible state investment to stabilize the sector.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ECD Public Hearing - Fri Mar 21, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Economic Development & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Economic Department of Business, Economic Development,<00:14:14.160><c> and</c><00:14:14.320><c> Tourism
- to sponsor a Development, and Tourism to sponsor a Michelin<00:14:15.519><c> Guide</c><00:14:15.760>
- <00:14:57.040><c> to</c><00:14:57.199><c> establish</c><00:14:57.440><c> a</c><00:14:57.680><c> tourism
- </c><00:14:58.000><c> and</c> Tourism to establish a tourism and Tourism to establish a tourism and gaming
- </c><00:20:01.120><c> we</c><00:20:01.360><c> already</c><00:20:01.520><c> do</c> of our core programs
Committee:
House Economic Development & Technology
Summary:
The committee heard several resolutions focused on economic development, tourism, technology, and related policy issues. Testimony generally came from state agencies and industry groups, with DBED, HTDC, and others mostly supporting measures that would create working groups, promote advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, encourage a Michelin Guide for Hawaii restaurants, support Taiwan’s international participation, and explore import substitution. One measure on a tourism and gaming working group drew strong opposition from the prosecutor’s office, which argued it would signal support for gambling and could worsen social harms, while other witnesses supported it as a way to gather data before any policy decisions. The committee also heard support for relocating the Pearl City Post Office to improve traffic and safety, and for a resolution to focus HTDC on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity.
Several items were amended before action. The committee agreed to amend the tourism and gaming working group resolution to narrow and clarify its purpose, and to amend the Taiwan resolution to add the president of the Republic of China as a recipient. The import-substitution resolution was also amended to add a definition, include language about avoiding new import dependencies such as LNG, and direct state and utility purchasing power toward substituting imports. A resolution on HCR 211/HR 203 was rewritten to address lowering fire insurance rates and mitigating fire risk in Puna lava zones, but decision-making on that item was deferred to a later hearing so the new language could be posted publicly.
The committee voted to adopt several measures, including HCR 57/HCR 152, HCR 156/HR 151, HCR 19/HR 115, and HCR 33/HR 32, with some passed as amended and others passed as is. HCR 192 was adopted with amendments despite reservations from some members, and HCR 209/HR 2011 was adopted with amendments. The committee also recessed for decision-making during the hearing and later adjourned after completing action on the agenda.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- the same name, and they are responsible for the direction and consistency of administering those programs
- Although we are a little short of our objective in that large tracts program, the timber companies have
- Sustainable tourism and conservation jobs, on the other hand, build generational stability.
- Sustainable tourism and conservation jobs, on the other hand, build generational stability.
- Sustainable tourism and conservation jobs, on the other hand, build generational stability.
Committee:
House Resources and Conservation
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- There is an oversight or tourism board, and its makeup would determine those projects.
- There is an oversight or tourism board, and its makeup would determine those projects.
- Daily programming, concerts, sports events,... ...revenue.
- Daily programming, concerts, sports events, tournaments, expos.
- That's tourism working the way that it should by helping our local economy grow.
Summary:
The Committee on Local Government met and first moved into executive session to consider three bills. House Bill 1825 and House Bill 1940 were each voted do pass by unanimous roll call votes of 16-0. HB 1940 was then also approved do pass by consent, with the sponsor explaining it would help small-town rural newspapers survive and preserve a local source for legal advertising. House Bill 2395, which was described as updating soil/perk test standards and protecting consumers, was voted do pass 15-0 and then also do pass by consent 15-0 after brief questions about whether it was the same bill as last year and whether it had changed.
The committee then held a public hearing on House Bill 1867, which would allow the City of Joplin to ask voters to approve a 2% increase in the hotel-motel tax, with the revenue dedicated to tourism-related capital projects. Sponsor and witnesses said the measure was intended to help fund the rehabilitation of Memorial Hall, a city-owned historic building and veterans memorial, and to support future tourism projects through an oversight board and city approval process. Several members voiced support for local control and historic preservation, and witnesses from Joplin, including a former mayor and an American Legion commander, testified in favor. No opposition testimony was offered.
The committee also heard House Bill 2600, a bill to update ambulance district law. The sponsor and witnesses from the Missouri Ambulance Association said it would make ambulance district elections at-large, allow board size changes with voter approval, and create a clearer process for consolidating adjacent ambulance districts, including public notice, hearings, and voter approval if objections are filed. Supporters said consolidation is needed to improve rural EMS efficiency, staffing, and response times, and cited a difficult prior consolidation process. Some members raised concerns about at-large elections, the 10% petition threshold, and whether the bill should be narrowed or revised, but no one opposed the bill on the record. Finally, the committee heard H.J.R. 143, which would remove a constitutional restriction to allow the legislature and counties to consider a limited motor vehicle personal property tax exemption. The sponsor framed it as a local-control measure and a possible future tax cut, while committee members and the Missouri Municipal League warned it could shift revenue burdens to local governments, schools, fire districts, and other services. The hearing closed with no further business and the committee adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- A couple other programs, and plus there's a number of educational programs that we have posted on our
- , to America's Field Trip, and other essay programs.
- educational programs that are definitely accessible.
- The last two programs from America 250 is America Gives.
- So we're really excited about that program as well.
Summary:
The commission meeting opened with a roll call that established a quorum, after which members could not approve prior minutes because the earlier meeting had not been official. Co-chairs Senator Paul Mark and Representative Sean Garballey offered remarks praising recent America 250/Henry Knox Trail events in Great Barrington, Alford, and Springfield, and noting the upcoming Worcester commemoration. Sheila from the Office of Travel and Tourism then outlined Massachusetts’ America 250 plans, including the state’s 250th signature event on July 4 with the Boston Pops, grant-funded programming across the Commonwealth, and several national initiatives: a time capsule contribution, a coordinated July 8 reading of the Declaration of Independence, America’s Potluck on July 5, volunteer-service promotion through America Gives, and a tractor-themed tribute idea from Kansas. Members discussed how to handle the time capsule, with suggestions that Secretary of State William Galvin help decide the final item and that Massachusetts create its own backup time capsule; they also said the Declaration reading should be broadly promoted, while the potluck should likely wait for Governor Healey’s buy-in. Jonathan Lane and Dusty Rhodes then updated the commission on Henry Knox Trail, Evacuation Day, and Sail Boston, describing large crowds at prior events, the move of the Worcester program to a larger venue, planned commemorations in Framingham, Cambridge, Roxbury, and Dorchester Heights, and a major Sail Boston schedule in July with many international ships and extensive public-safety coordination. They also noted related plans such as an invitation-only Boston Public Library event to unveil the Washington Medal and a March 17 Dorchester Heights ceremony with a procession and tented program.
The final presentation was from John Lane on Rebel Town, a musical about the Boston Tea Party developed in western Massachusetts. He described the show as a family-friendly, educational production that blends history and theater, with characters including John Adams, Paul Revere, Mercy Otis Warren, and John Hancock, and said it had been staged in Lenox with strong audience response. Lane asked the commission to help find a Boston venue and broader support so the production could be mounted for the 250th anniversary, estimating a larger-scale budget and noting interest from local supporters and cultural organizations. Members asked a few questions about prior performances and logistics, then agreed to circulate his materials to the commission. With no further business, the commission voted unanimously to adjourn.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- To start us off today, we will be receiving program updates and conducting oversight regarding the programs
- , Pathways program.
- , Pathways program.
- rollout, program coordination.
- 6 of the program.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard an overview from Go-Biz Director D.D. Myers on the administration’s economic development strategy, centered on the California Jobs First framework. Myers described regional planning across 13 regions, the Jobs First Council, and pilot sectors including ag-tech, space and defense, life sciences, and semiconductors. She also outlined budget requests for CalCompetes, CalExport, the California Film Commission, innovation/emerging technologies, and the California Civic Media Fund, along with the new California brand campaign. Committee members raised questions about misinformation about California, regulatory burdens, tourism versus broader economic messaging, and how the brand campaign would highlight underrepresented communities. No vote was taken; the item was informational.
The committee then reviewed CalOSBA’s work on small business support, including California RISE, the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, and TAP/SIP technical assistance and capital infusion programs. CalOSBA reported that California RISE’s first cohort awarded $16.9 million to 61 employment social enterprises, with growth in revenue, contracts, and jobs; the performing arts payroll fund paid all 100 recipients but was heavily oversubscribed; and TAP supported more than 112,000 businesses in the past year, helping leverage federal and local funds. Testimony from program partners emphasized the importance of small business counseling, community-based outreach, and support for arts organizations facing post-pandemic and AB 5-related cost pressures. Senators pressed for more data on long-term job retention, better outreach to smaller and ethnic media, and possible program changes to speed grants and stretch funding further.
Finally, the committee heard Go-Biz’s request for additional staff and funding for the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program. Staff said the request would support application review, DEIA implementation, and data tracking. The Film Commission reported that about 147 productions had been approved and roughly 90% were opting into the new diversity provisions, with career pathways reporting to include demographic and participation data and a future report expected in 2027. Senators asked about accountability, apprenticeship and internship hours, and whether the program was producing real career pathways and inclusive hiring outcomes. The item remained informational, with no vote or action taken during the hearing.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:16:10.159><c> that</c> an excellent um sports program that an excellent um sports program that
- :24:26.880><c> by</c><01:24:27.199><c> state</c> program that's been vetted by state program that's been
- </c> would require the state Medicaid program would require the state Medicaid program to<02:08:34.480
- <c> patients</c><02:14:18.800><c> utilizing</c> programs found that patients utilizing programs found
- </c> know, this fee might impact the tourism know, this fee might impact the tourism industry.<02:55:
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Four - Tuesday, March 31 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They are actually in an enrichment program. At the California Middle School.
- And we've talked a lot about tourism. This helps out tourism as well.
- Well, and... ...you know, for tourism. And we've talked a lot about tourism.
- This helps out tourism as well. Well, and to a very popular site, the George O.
- This helps tourism. That's what I'm going for here. Absolutely. Yeah.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 43rd day by roll call vote, 122-1. Members also used points of personal privilege to honor former state representative and St. Louis public servant Edward L. Bushmeyer with a moment of silence, and to recognize Jean Carnahan during Women’s History Month. The chamber then welcomed numerous guests, including students from California Middle School, Missouri Centers for Independent Living, Southern Boone cheer teams, Conservation Day participants, Project Home woodworking students and veterans, Coro Fellows, YMCA advocacy day participants, Easter Seals guests, and others.
The House then took up several appropriations bills. House Bill 2017, the reappropriations bill, was explained as carrying forward previously approved capital and other projects into a new fiscal year; members raised concerns about unspent general revenue and the large $186 million storm-recovery item for St. Louis, but the bill was adopted and perfected. House Bill 2018, the maintenance and repair bill for state facilities, was described as routine upkeep of state buildings and was also adopted and perfected. House Bill 2019, the capital improvements bill, drew more debate over new projects, the $104 million transfer from the Capital Commission Fund, and whether some projects had been adequately vetted; an amendment by the gentleman from Texas to shift $3 million from the Conservation Commission Fund to help repair a state-owned road to the George O. White Nursery was adopted, and the bill then passed through committee substitute adoption and perfection. House Bill 2020, the ARPA spending bill, was described as the final year for spending federal pandemic funds, with any unspent amounts to flow to the foundation formula; members discussed how much might remain and whether funds could be used to offset education costs, and the bill was adopted and perfected.
The House also considered House Bill 2760, the “Praise Act,” which would bar government from imposing stricter emergency restrictions on houses of worship than on comparable private entities, while preserving emergency carve-outs for disasters, terrorism, and civil unrest. Supporters framed it as a religious liberty bill and argued it would prevent unequal treatment during emergencies; opponents warned it could undermine public health protections during pandemics and noted past restrictions on church gatherings. The debate included extended exchanges over whether churches were treated differently from airports and other venues during COVID-19. The transcript ends during continued discussion of House Bill 2760, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation - 02/04/2026
Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks And Recreation
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the first meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation
- Historic Preservation Law in relation to establishing a New York State Park Adopt-a-Trail Stewardship Program
- amend the State Finance Law in relation to establishing the State Park Adopt-a-Trail Stewardship Program
- With that, I will conclude this first meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism
- with that, I will conclude this first meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation met on February 4, 2026, with a quorum present and voting sheets received from members. Senator Serrano chaired the meeting and noted attendance from Senators Baskin, Tedisco, Helming, Cooney, and Scarcella-Spanton. The committee took up a five-bill agenda focused on arts, parks, outdoor education, and snowmobile safety.
The committee reported several bills: S.115A, which would increase access to resources for culturally diverse arts and cultural organizations; S.1062, creating an arts and cultural history initiative; S.1067A, establishing a New York State Park Adopt-a-Trail Stewardship Program and fund; and S.1377, creating a legislative task force on outdoor environmental education and recreation. Each was moved, seconded, and approved without opposition, though S.115A received without-recommendation votes from Senators Helming and Tedisco. S.1067A was reported to the finance committee.
The final bill, S.3256A by Senator Cooney, would increase penalties for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated. Senator Cooney described the measure as a response to a fatal constituent incident and said it would align snowmobile intoxication penalties with those for other vehicles. The chair and other members expressed support, and the bill was reported unanimously. Senator Serrano also announced that Arts Day would return on February 10, as a forum for arts community panels.
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
American Revolution 250 Commission Apr 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I can report that our work on the Virginia 250 grant program is going along well.
- It's very exciting the program that...
- The Virginia Tourism grants are generally $10,000 and below.
- And so that’s why you see money in VCI for programs and events.
- VCI does fund certain aspects of programs and events.”
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Tourism Apr 1st, 2026
Special Committee on Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- On tourism. The Special Committee on Tourism will come to order. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.
- Can you just give me your definition that you intend for this resolution on what patriotic programs?
- How do you define patriotic programs?
- Chair. for this bill on what patriotic programs? How do you define patriotic programs?
- This is the Tourism Committee. We do have fun here, and that's on purpose. So I appreciate that.
Committee:
House Special Committee on Tourism
UT
Utah 2025 Regular Session
Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee - November 19, 2025
Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- This is not a grant program; it is a loan program that provides access to capital for small businesses
- The other thing we wanted to highlight is our specific program called the ABLE program.
- The other thing we wanted to highlight is our specific program called the ABLE program.
- Street Program.
- We talked about a bunch of signature programs, and those programs are really underway.