Video & Transcript Research : 'Hmong veterans'

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FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 11th, 2026

Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security will now come to order.
  • Members, we're going to slip forward and go to tab two, and we're going to talk about SB 1594, veteran
  • Senate Bill 1594 would ensure that veterans' benefits that are accessed by a foster care agency are not
  • And for veterans transitioning into civilian life, entrepreneurship can be a path to independence.
  • Serving veterans throughout your entire, literally your entire tenure in the Florida Senate.
Bills: S1182, S1594
Summary: The Senate Committee on Military, Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up two bills. SB 1594, by Senator Gates, would change how veterans’ benefits received on behalf of foster youth are handled so the funds are not used to offset foster care costs, but instead are preserved for post-secondary education or aftercare services when the youth leaves foster care. The bill drew one supportive appearance from Victoria Zep of Family Support Services, had no debate, and was reported favorably by a unanimous roll call vote. Senator Sharief later asked to be recorded as a yes vote on the bill. The committee then considered SB 1182, by Senator Jones, which creates the Florida Veterans and Military Spouses Business Development Act to provide fee relief and tax incentives for veteran-owned and military spouse-owned businesses. The committee adopted Jones’s strike-all amendment, which added information-sharing and verification provisions, refined the tax exemptions, and broadened eligibility for fee waivers and sales tax relief. After no questions or debate, the amended bill was reported favorably by unanimous vote. The committee also held a confirmation hearing for three appointees—Matthew Bacchano, Tim Thomas, and Belinda Kaiser—and recommended confirmation on all three in one vote. The meeting concluded with several members offering remarks praising Chair Wright’s long service and leadership on veterans’ issues, followed by adjournment.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 2nd, 2026

Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security will now come to order.
  • I wanted to take a moment to recognize an outstanding veterans group that's here in our committee today
  • We can't do enough for our veterans, can we?
Bills: S0502, S1182, S1514
Summary: The Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met with a quorum present and took up two bills. Senator Burgess presented SB 1514, a public records measure tied to Space Florida that exempts Board of Space Florida meetings from public records requirements when trade secrets are discussed. He said the exemption was needed to protect sensitive business information and support Space Florida’s mission. The bill drew no questions or debate, and it was reported favorably by a unanimous roll call vote. The committee then considered CS for SB 502, sponsored by Senator Wright, which would provide concurrent state and federal legislative jurisdiction over certain juvenile offenses on U.S. military installations in Florida when federal jurisdiction is waived and the conduct is also a state crime. Senator Wright argued the change would allow juveniles to be handled in the state juvenile justice system rather than federal court, which he said is better suited for rehabilitation. The bill also had no questions or debate and was reported favorably by unanimous vote. After the bills, the committee recognized representatives from a Pasco County veterans wellness group and their therapy dog, Grit, for their work with veterans. The committee then adjourned without objection.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • With veterans serving community organizations provide veterans life-saving clinical care and non-clinical
  • For so many veterans, it's geared toward meeting veterans where they are, providing access to services
  • The fact is, the Veterans Crisis Line has seen a dramatic impact in call volume, largely from veterans
  • among veterans will increase?
  • Outreach materials acknowledging LGBTQ veterans. women, veterans of color, and disabled veterans have
Summary: The committee meeting focused primarily on the critical issues surrounding veterans' mental health and suicide prevention. Discussions centered on the reauthorization of essential programs aimed at providing non-clinical support services to veterans, particularly the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Senators emphasized the urgent need for adequate mental health resources as the suicide rate among veterans remains alarmingly high. Key testimonies were provided by various advocates and officials, illustrating both successful implementations of these programs and areas needing improvement.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

House in Session Mar 26th, 2025

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I move that funding of Florida's Senior Veterans Crisis Fund and Appropriation 602 on page 142 of HB
  • Members, this project will help our veterans in crisis by obtaining federal Veterans Affairs benefits
  • Over the past three years, the Association of Veterans has submitted 50,000 claims to the Department
  • of Veterans Affairs and has had 47 claims denied.
  • BECAUSE OF OUR VETERANS, GUESS WHAT.
Summary: The Florida House convened for regular business, with Speaker Perez announcing historic budget plans including the largest state tax cut in Florida history - a permanent 0.75% sales tax reduction from 6% to 5.25%, saving Floridians nearly $5 billion annually. The House will propose a budget lower than both the Governor's proposal and last year's budget. Several bills passed including Lucy's Law (boating safety), water access facilities funding, municipal utility rate corrections, hazardous walking conditions for schools, and medical malpractice 'Free Kill Law' repeal. The controversial firearm purchase age bill (HB 759) passed 78-34, lowering the minimum age from 21 to 18, despite emotional opposition citing the Parkland shooting. Other bills addressed cursive writing instruction, peer support for first responders, and government sunset reviews. Multiple veto override motions were approved unanimously, reinstating funding for veterans programs and infrastructure projects.
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Jan 21st, 2026

Public Safety and Homeland Security

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, line 60 describes it'll be a disabled veteran spouse.
  • Um, and then on down to line 65, there will be a new disabled veteran spouse plate issued for one motor
  • Uh, and then she has to return the disabled veteran plate when she receives that one, providing proof
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jan 28th, 2026

Military and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • So all this does is bring it down so that a disabled veteran is 50% disabled or greater can apply and
  • , I wasn't a disabled veteran.
  • Now I am a disabled veteran and then eventually I was hired and I utilize a similar practice.
  • ,</c><00:03:50.480><c> I</c> because even though I was a veteran, I because even though I was a veteran
  • </c> working with the Department of Veterans working with the Department of Veterans Affairs.<00:03:57.200
Bills: HB292, HB307, SB33, HB292, HB307, SB33
TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 17th, 2025

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Veterans, sadly... also die by suicide at a rate 57 percent higher than non-veterans.
  • Justice Involved Veteran.
  • the death of a veteran.
  • They're also veterans.
  • Many of them are veterans, while many Texans are veterans. now frankly.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Health and Human Services Oversight REVISED: 11:15 a.m. - New Start Time

Health and Human Services Oversight

Transcript Highlights:
  • Example would be last year a veteran died and left $3 million to the Oklahoma National Guard that was
  • It passed out of the veterans committee unanimously.
  • It would just require that businesses of a certain size post information about veterans benefits in a
  • And it would change existing law related to 100% disabled veterans so that 100% disabilities caused by
  • 100% disabled veterans.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Apr 16th, 2025

Ways and Means Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • It will provide scholarship opportunities for eligible dependents of disabled and deceased veterans that
  • may meet certain residency... veterans that may meet certain residency and disability requirements.
  • will also set up and establish a pilot program to allow a certain number of dependents of eligible veterans
  • Um, as far as the qualifying veterans' disability rating, and that's for this first amendment.
Bills: HB46, HB379, SB22, HB487, HB273, HB525
TX

Texas 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 24th, 2025

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have so many veterans that struggle, and I’ve chaired the Veterans, Defense, and Veterans Affairs
  • . veterans from World War II.
  • I've dealt with so many veterans, and so many veterans...
  • Texas Veterans Commission.
  • I'm in favor of the bill, sir, and I'm representing the Voices of Our Veterans and our veterans.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • John Almodin, Office<00:35:37.680><c> of</c><00:35:37.760><c> Veterans</c><00:35:38.120><c> Services,
  • </c><00:35:38.760><c> State</c><00:35:39.000><c> of</c> Office of Veterans Services, State of Office
  • </c> comprised of Office of Veterans comprised of Office of Veterans Services, Services, Services, our
  • </c> the grounds of the Hawaii State Veterans the grounds of the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery.
  • If you're familiar with the cemetery grounds at Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe, towards the
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • I get Veterans Affairs back in front.
  • </c> admitting veterans. admitting veterans.
  • Uh, every year we bring in all of the veteran service organization leaders, major veteran community leaders
  • Uh this year we will have veterans face.
  • We'll have about 110 veteran leaders there. It's invite only.
Summary: The committee first heard from Personnel Cabinet officials on House Bill 6, which required the Kentucky Employees Health Plan to offer a qualified high-deductible health plan by the 2026 plan year. Officials said the plan was already added for 2025, described it as the lowest-premium option with higher deductibles, and explained that federal rules prevent first-dollar coverage except for limited preventive services. They said 264 members had selected the plan out of about 142,000, and noted it also allows health savings accounts. Members asked about the plan’s benefits, what “catastrophic” meant, the deductible amounts, and whether employees were aware of the option; the cabinet said it would continue to highlight the plan in communications and that the deductible is above $8,000 for individuals and above $16,000 for families. The committee then received an update from the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs on the Bowling Green veterans center. Officials said the current target is to move into the building on October 28, with first admissions about two months later, pending final fixes and certification steps for Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA. They explained that about $7 million in FY25 appropriations lapsed because of construction delays, staffing ramp-up was postponed to avoid unnecessary spending, and the unspent funds should be considered in the next budget request. Members praised the project and asked about annual operating costs; officials said the current operating budget is about $15 million, though they do not expect to spend all of it this year. The commissioner also announced the fifth annual state commanders conference in Lexington, focused on veterans issues and featuring state, federal, and advocacy leaders. State Auditor Allison Ball then outlined her office’s budget priorities. She said the office is primarily a billing agency that charges audited entities for its work, and warned that some agencies are now signaling they may refuse to pay for audits related to kinship care and the medical cannabis application process. She said the office plans to continue requesting outlier credits for unusually burdensome county audit fees, funding for the ombudsman office’s transition and expanded in-office operations, and revenue replacement for local government audits and possibly state audits and special examinations. Ball also said the office conducts about 500 audits, reviews, and examinations a year and wants to restore performance audits with seed funding, as well as add investigators to the ombudsman office to focus more on child abuse and neglect cases. Members discussed the value of performance audits, the possibility of raising certain board thresholds to account for inflation, and the need for additional capacity to handle more audits.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/25/2026 - House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections

Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm here on behalf of Veterans Guardian and on behalf of myself as an Arizona veteran.
  • Veterans Guardian. Yeah, Veterans Guardian.
  • Magnus, does Veterans Guardian prepare claims or forms on behalf of the veterans? Mr.
  • So I'm a 25-year veteran.
  • Is Veterans Guardian itself helping veterans fill out the forms? Mr.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Committee on Veteran Affairs will come to order.
  • We strongly support initiatives to create opportunities for veteran-owned businesses and veterans and
  • A report from the Texas Veterans Commission found that among 24,000 veteran-owned businesses, there's
  • I am a constant advocate for veterans in their businesses, veteran families, and I think you all know
  • Incentives, but not requirements, to contract with veteran-owned businesses or any veteran businesses
Bills: SB390, SB1197, SB1271
Summary: The Committee on Veteran Affairs heard several bills related to military installations, veterans, and contracting opportunities. Senator Birdwell presented SB 1197, which would extend existing drone restrictions over military bases and airports to spaceports, with exceptions for authorized users; no public testimony was offered at the first hearing, and the bill was left pending before later being reported favorably. Chairman Hancock presented SB 1271, which would allow Texas to accept concurrent jurisdiction over military installations so state and local authorities could handle certain juvenile offenses and provide more rehabilitative options; a committee substitute was explained, but the bill was left pending after no initial witnesses appeared. The committee also considered SB 390, which would expand the state historically underutilized business definition to include SBA-certified veteran-owned businesses regardless of disability rating. Supporters from the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce and other veterans argued the change would improve access to state contracting, strengthen the economy, and better recognize veterans’ contributions. Senator Eckhardt raised concerns that broadening the category to all veterans might not satisfy the disparity-study basis typically used for HUB classifications, and Jim Brennan echoed that concern while suggesting a separate category might be more workable. During the pending-legislation portion, the committee voted on several bills. SB 651 and SB 897 were each substituted and reported favorably to the full Senate, with both also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1814 was likewise reported favorably and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1197 was reported favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1271 was left pending after a motion to report the committee substitute favorably, and SB 390 was left pending after testimony concluded. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26 - Part 1

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Did the bill go back to veterans?
  • It was in veterans and it never made it all the way to transportation, and so we went through the other
  • When we heard it in committee, wasn't our motion to refer back to veterans?
  • Addie's Day and spirit of cooperation, it will accede to your understanding of the veterans chairs.
  • </c><00:07:36.639><c> chairs</c> understanding of the the veterans chairs understanding of the the veterans