Video & Transcript : 'Gold Star recipient' :
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FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill changes the first payment installment of the year for all recipients to mid-August.
- And sometimes money doesn't get paid to the recipients as quickly as they would like to have the money
- Sometimes money doesn't get paid to the recipients as quickly as they would like to have the money paid
- There's a gold star sticker. Amanda, you have a sticker? You saw the stickers, Amanda?
- There's a gold star sticker. Amanda, you have a sticker? You saw the stickers?
Summary:
The committee first heard the Pre-K-12 education budget proposal for fiscal year 2025-26 and voted to adopt it as the committee’s recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The proposed $34.7 billion budget includes increases for the FEFP, Family Empowerment Scholarships, VPK, school safety, the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, school hardening, Jewish day school security, and an education enrollment stabilization fund. Members asked no questions on the budget before it was advanced, and staff was authorized to make technical corrections.
The committee then passed CS/SB 1402, which expands eligibility for dropout retrieval services to any individual who has withdrawn from high school and clarifies how school grades are calculated for virtual instruction providers that offer only dropout retrieval services. An amendment to clarify the grading calculation was adopted without objection, and the bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also took up SPB 7030, a comprehensive scholarship-program bill sponsored by Senator Gates, which would separate Family Empowerment Scholarship funding as its own categorical, expand the education stabilization fund, create fall and spring application windows, require a single scholarship application and more documentation, assign student IDs, change payments to a monthly schedule, require background checks for paid instructional providers, mandate annual FTE audits by the Auditor General, and standardize reimbursement and eligibility procedures. After extensive discussion and public testimony, the bill was adopted as a committee bill and reported favorably, with Senator Osgood voting no.
Finally, the committee considered CS/SB 508, which requires private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to disclose in writing what accommodations, modifications, and services they will provide for students with existing plans such as IEPs, 504 plans, or ELL plans. An amendment was adopted to require public schools to consult with private schools about equitable services, and the bill was reported favorably. Public testimony included support from parent-choice advocates and concerns from private-school representatives about administrative burden and the scope of the required disclosures. The meeting concluded after the final roll call votes and adjournment motion.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Mar 26th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill further requires the department to assign a student ID for all scholarship recipients that would
- The bill changes the first payment installment of the year for all recipients to mid-August.
- And sometimes money doesn't get paid to the recipients as quickly as they would like to have the money
- There's a gold star sticker. Amanda, you have a sticker? You saw the stickers, Amanda?
- There's a gold star sticker. Amanda, you have a sticker? You saw the stickers?
Summary:
The committee first heard the proposed Pre-K-12 education budget for fiscal year 2025-26, totaling $34.7 billion. The chair highlighted major increases for the FEFP, including $29.6 billion for public schools and K-12 scholarships, a $984 million year-over-year increase, along with higher per-FTE funding, $4 billion for the Family Empowerment Scholarship, $431.4 million for VPK, funding for school safety, the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, school hardening, Jewish day school security, and an education enrollment stabilization fund. With no public comment, the committee adopted a motion for staff technical corrections and then approved the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee.
The committee then considered SB 1402 on dropout retrieval programs. The bill expands eligibility so any individual who has withdrawn from high school may enroll in dropout retrieval services and clarifies how school grades are calculated for virtual instruction providers that offer those services. An amendment clarifying the grading calculation was adopted, and the committee reported the bill favorably.
Next, the committee took up SPB 7030 on educational scholarship programs, a broad measure addressing school choice funding and administration. The bill would fund the Family Empowerment Scholarship as a separate categorical, expand the education stabilization fund, create fall and spring application windows, require a single scholarship application and more documentation, assign student IDs, standardize payment timing to monthly installments, require continued eligibility verification, and add Level 2 background checks for providers receiving state funds. Members raised questions about background-check enforcement, payment timing, data sharing, and the impact on homeschool and private-school families. Public testimony included support from school-choice advocates and concerns from private-school representatives about added regulatory burdens and deadlines. The committee adopted the bill as a committee bill and reported it favorably, with Senator Osgood voting no.
Finally, the committee considered SB 508 on the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, which requires private schools to disclose in writing what accommodations, modifications, and services they will provide to students with existing plans such as IEPs, EEPs, 504 plans, or ELL plans before enrollment. An amendment was adopted to require public schools to consult with private schools about equitable services. Testimony was mixed: supporters said the bill would give parents needed information for informed choice, while private-school representatives said the language could be burdensome and vague. The committee reported the bill favorably.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- We also have the Purple Star campus designation.
Committee:
House Education
Keywords:
artificial intelligence, AI, BESE, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, content standards, K-12 education, public schools, curriculum, digital literacy, computer science, STEM, technology education, student privacy, ethical AI, workforce development, future-ready workforce, instructional resources, education policy, school standards, Louisiana education
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 28th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Bills:
HB85 , HB94 , HB276 , HB323 , HB374 , HB586 , HB656 , HB998 , HB1204 , SB42 , SB46 , SB51 , SB87 , SB110 , SB154
Committee:
House Administration of Criminal Justice
Keywords:
animal abuse, registry, law enforcement, felony offenses, public notification, firearms, due process, confiscation, law-abiding citizen, government funding, self-defense, bail, contradictory bail hearing, Gwen's Law, pretrial detention, criminal procedure, child sexual abuse, child rape, sexual battery, oral sexual battery
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 9th, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Unties the hands of local workforce development boards to allow them the option to reimburse the rising star
- As it stands, at TRS maximum rate for a four-star school, we're still only receiving.
- This rising star, four-star providers, that's the highest level.
- It's all based on... ...the provider's rates, the Texas Rising Star level of the providers, the case
- I'm Kurt Atzanona, a four-star provider at a Child Care Center in Allen, Texas.
Bills:
HB74 , HB175 , HB460 , HB576 , HB2271 , HB2294 , HB2874 , HB3016 , HB3133 , HB3191 , HB3458 , HB3929 , HB4063 , HB4115 , HB4394 , HB74 , HB175
Keywords:
Puerto Verde, Port Authority, eminent domain, bonds, tax assessments, economic development, infrastructure, transportation, public welfare, child care, certifications, Texas Rising Star Program, grant program, disability inclusion, family income, affordability, economic impact, state study, cost analysis, government support
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 9th, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Scholarship recipients make up only 12% of all child care participants in Texas.
- create a program I mean, sorry, it'll provide an optional certification for providers in Texas Rising Star
- And so, you can already be a Texas Rising Star, but if you also want to get a special certification,
Bills:
HB74 , HB175 , HB460 , HB576 , HB2271 , HB2294 , HB2874 , HB3016 , HB3133 , HB3191 , HB3458 , HB3929 , HB4063 , HB4115 , HB4394 , HB74 , HB175
Keywords:
Puerto Verde, Port Authority, eminent domain, bonds, tax assessments, economic development, infrastructure, transportation, public welfare, child care, certifications, Texas Rising Star Program, grant program, disability inclusion, family income, affordability, economic impact, state study, cost analysis, government support
TX
Bills:
HB 109 , HB136 , HB694 , HB 1201 , HB1716 , HB2071 , HB2216 , HB2358 , HB2807 , HB2886 , HCR78 , HB109 , HB136
Committee:
House Human Services
Keywords:
mental health, inpatient psychiatric facility, juvenile treatment, residential treatment facility, emotionally disturbed juveniles, Department of State Health Services, Health and Human Services Commission, state grant, facility construction, facility expansion, facility operations, Waco Center for Youth, education services, school district, Texas Health and Safety Code, youth residential care, behavioral health, state appropriations, Medicaid, lactation
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- You can see a clip from, I believe, a Star Tribune article about the apprenticeship programs that we
- You can see a clip from, I believe, a Star Tribune article about the apprenticeship programs that we
- You can see a clip from, I believe, a Star Tribune article about the apprenticeship programs that we
- You can see a clip from, I believe, a Star Tribune article about the apprenticeship programs that we
- </c> you know I like to say it is the gold you know I like to say it is the gold standard<01:23:53.320
Committee:
Senate Labor
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Joint Legislative Budget Hearings (PM) Feb 6th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We can actually pay for your child care for 12 months if you are a TANF recipient.
- We also operate the Quality Stars program.
- your staff but to your recipients?
- If it were benefits to recipients, that was not going to be cut.
- Our plan’s first recipients tend to be more women, and so do our nursing home recipients. ...and so do
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- As recipients of this esteemed award, Cade and Morgan Hodges have demonstrated exceptional commitment
- the state of Texas join citizens of Texas in remembering the life and legacy and Medal of Honor. recipient
- future. and it is indeed fitting to honor them for their unique contributions to the story of the Lone Star
- I want I want to send a special thank you to the president star Marla Smith board member Sharon clunger
- Aliyah is currently receiving the Presidential Gold Award for completing 600 hours of community service
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And, of course, star tests.
- Well, it's gold standard for what we do here.
- ESA recipients are certainly not wealthy people.
- star test.
- SB2, notwithstanding star test repeal or kill the star.
Bills:
SB2 , HB2 , HB2000 , HB2196 , HB213 , HB222 , HB645 , HB1458 , HB 1022 , HB141 , HB502 , HB643 , HB3093 , HB1700 , HB 117 , SB503 , SB2 , HB 120 , HB20 , HB150 , HB6 , HB 100 , HB210 , HB215 , HB1393 , HB 1151 , HB 1268 , HB142 , HB451 , HB 124 , HB2 , HB2000 , HB2196 , HB213 , HB222 , HB645 , HB1458 , HB 1022 , HB141 , HB502 , HB643 , HB3093 , HB1700 , HB 117
Keywords:
public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, child grooming, sex offender registration, criminal justice, reportable conviction, law enforcement, virtual education, hybrid learning, school funding, average daily attendance
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 2/11/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Rec peanut butter cups and Mr Golding Rec peanut butter cups and Mr Golding why why why not<00:02
- division works with counties and tribal nations to investigate recipient fraud.
- They said that would be a shining star, a North Star, that they could actually accomplish.
- </c><01:44:57.800><c> our</c> would be I think a shining star our would be I think a shining star our
- </c><01:44:59.920><c> actually</c> North Star that we could actually North Star that we could actually
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 03/19/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, this is a Gold Star and Blue Star family memorial plaque authorization.
- a Gold Star and Blueest Next, this is uh a Gold Star and Blueest Star<00:38:38.400><c> family</c><00
- :38:38.720><c> memorial</c><00:38:39.200><c> plaque</c> Star family memorial plaque Star family memorial
- Star families.
- So there's actually no cost to this, but we would like this authorization to create a Gold Star and Blue
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study May 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, um, old star for overachievement, Senator, and looking ahead, reading ahead.
- if we find that, and, and research already shows that dual language, for instance, is sort of the gold
- I will go ahead and start with the, uh, Purple Star Public School rule.
- So, so how many do we expect to be purple star schools?
- Um, I would love to give you a number on that, um, especially how many Purple Star schools we do have
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 024 Feb 6th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And we honor our Gold Star families who have had a loved one lost in the line of duty, prisoners of war
- And, you know, I'm honored to be on the Gold Star family resolution.
- You know, when we see a flag with a gold star on it, you know, we're reminded of the sacrifice and the
- </c><01:07:12.160><c> star</c><01:07:12.480><c> families</c> continue to let those gold star families
- continue to let those gold star families know<01:07:13.039><c> that,</c><01:07:13.680><c> you</c><01
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Feb 3rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
State Government & Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- estimated 300 Washington service members were killed in action, and an estimated 2,500 Purple Heart recipients
- As a military spouse, Gold Star mom, and the co-founder of Gold Star Families of Washington, our organization
- of over 400 Gold Star families... ...families of Washington, our organization of over 400 Gold Star
Committee:
House State Government & Tribal Relations
Keywords:
HB 2514, global war on terror, GWOT, war on terror memorial, Capitol campus memorial, Washington veterans, fallen service members, military memorial, post-9/11 veterans, Iraq War, Afghanistan War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn, veterans memorial, capitol grounds, state memorial, Secretary of State, Capitol Committee, Department of Veterans Affairs
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government & Tribal Relations Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- estimated 300 Washington service members were killed in action, and an estimated 2,500 Purple Heart recipients
- As a military spouse, Gold Star mom, and the co-founder of Gold Star Families of Washington, our organization
- of over 400 Gold Star families...
- Families of Washington, our organization of over 400 Gold Star family members, support the Washington
Summary:
The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee heard testimony on House Bill 2514, which would create a work group to plan a Global War on Terror Memorial on the Capitol campus. The prime sponsor and supporters, including veterans, Gold Star family members, and military advocates, said the memorial would honor Washingtonians who died in Iraq and Afghanistan and those who later died by suicide, while helping secure private fundraising and a concrete plan for the project. No opposition was recorded during the hearing, and the bill was later closed without a vote in the transcript excerpt.
The committee also heard House Bill 2661, which would create a temporary task force to study public records request abuse, including frivolous, retaliatory, or harassing requests, and consider possible reforms. Supporters from cities and school-related organizations said some agencies face heavy costs, legal review burdens, and repeated or overly broad requests, especially in schools. Opponents from open-government and media groups argued the bill misdiagnoses the problem, could restrict access, and should instead focus on better staffing, training, technology, and compliance. The hearing ended without a vote in the excerpt.
In executive session, the committee voted to advance several bills. It reported out proposed substitute House Bill 2637, which expands Public Records Act exemptions for certain personal information, on a 4-3 vote; House Bill 2632, which updates terminology for noncitizens, on a 4-3 vote; proposed substitute House Bill 2499, on conservation district governance and disclosure rules, on a 4-3 vote after rejecting two amendments; House Bill 2198, concerning the statewide credential catalog and online repository, on a 6-1 vote; and House Bill 2520, allowing emergency meetings outside a county seat and clarifying Open Public Meetings Act procedures, on a 7-0 vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 4th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise today to present SCR 154 in honor of Green Star Veterans and Families Day.
- The blue star represents a family member serving in the military.
- The gold star represents a family member who died in the service of our nation, and the Silver Star represents
- I hope that by implementing the Green Star banner in California, Green Star Veterans and Families will
- I rise in support of SCR 154, recognizing Green Star veterans and families.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor recognitions. Members welcomed the Far West Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and honored its leadership and civic service, including wildfire recovery work and local chapter anniversaries. The body also recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees, with remarks tied to Cinco de Mayo and Latino resilience, followed by a series of resolutions and guest introductions.
Several resolutions were adopted, including SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week, SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 recognizing California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 designating Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 on Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and remarks emphasized cultural heritage, shared struggles for justice, veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention, law enforcement sacrifice, and persistent racial health disparities. Most resolutions passed by unanimous roll call votes.
The Senate also confirmed multiple Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation appointments, including Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson. Senators Grove and others voiced protest over CDCR appointments, arguing for consideration of Frank Silva, but the confirmations still passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. The chamber then approved several bills, including SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public meetings, SB 1416 shortening refund timelines for duplicate medical/dental payments, SB 1273 expanding tied-house advertising rules for winery instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues, and SB 990 allowing a highway information sign near Ridgecrest. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader and UCLA Labor Center director Kent Wong and recognition of his family and colleagues.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Further, in other states that have created voucher systems, the vast majority of recipients have already
- Creighton was uncomfortable with it, it's corroborated by the LBB analysis that more than 75% of the recipients
- That should be our North Star. This should be our guide.
- In the emergency department I provide the gold standard of care to every single person who comes through
- whatever it takes, no matter how many people show up to my emergency Do what it takes to provide the gold
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Chamber Meeting Jan 28th, 2026 at 11:02 am
New Mexico House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
- What a beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. From Western New Mexico University.
- What a beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. On that point, Mr.
- That's more precious than gold: water.
- The largest recipient of oil and gas funds, in New Mexico.
Keywords:
nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial