Video & Transcript Research : 'Senate rules'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Healing Our Herd: How Horses Help First Responders Recover from Trauma Mar 20th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:04:30.920>
Senator <00:04:31.360>Eric <00:04:31.720>Pratt Senator Eric Pratt - So Senator Howe, Senator Sieberger, and Senator Hoffman met that threshold and, quite honestly, they
- So Senator Howe, responder background.
- So Senator Howe, Senator<00:04:51.800>
Sieberger, <00:04:52.560>and <00:04:52.720>Senator - <00:04:53.040>
Hoffman Senator Sieberger, and Senator Hoffman Senator Sieberger, and Senator
Summary:
The transcript describes Abijahs on the Backside, a Minnesota equine-assisted therapy program that helps first responders process trauma and anxiety using retired racehorses. Speakers explain that the sessions are less like traditional talk therapy and more of a full-body, experiential approach that uses the horses’ behavior to help responders externalize feelings, reduce barriers, and work through stress. One horse, Figaro, is highlighted as an example of a retired racehorse finding a new purpose, while another horse, Finn, became a meaningful symbol of faith for a participant.
First responder Angela Casey shares that after a traumatic call, she realized the experience was affecting her mental health, family life, and work, and she sought help through the program. She and others say the therapy helped them remain on active duty and better manage their roles as officers, parents, spouses, and community members. A particularly moving story involved a first responder who had contemplated suicide before a session and later returned to work after the horse’s behavior helped her process that crisis.
Senator Eric Pratt is identified as the author of Senate File 901, which funded the program. He says he sought co-authors with mental health or first responder backgrounds, and that the bill received strong bipartisan support in committee and throughout the legislative process. Supporters argue the program is effective, backed by science and testimonials, and worth funding because it helps keep first responders healthy, on the job, and serving their communities.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Wakai. Aye. Senator Kim. Aye. Senator Favela. Aye. Chair recommends adoption.
- Senator Wakai. Aye. Senator Kim. Aye. Senator Wakai. Aye. Senator Kim. Aye.
- I vote yes, Senator Wakai. Senator Kim: Aye. Senator Fevella: Aye. Chair recommends adoption.
- I vote yes, Senator Wakai. Senator Kim: Aye. Senator Fevella: Aye. Chair recommends adoption.
- Senator Favela. >> Aye. Senator Kim. Aye. Senator Favela.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures related to Hawaii’s film tax credits, timeshare registration, and a Hawaii Technology Development Corporation matching program. For HB 1939, witnesses from the Governor’s office, DBEDT, the Department of Taxation, the Attorney General’s office, film industry groups, neighborhood boards, and others discussed changes to film tax incentives, including local hire requirements, indigenous content, and possible bonus credits. Supporters said the bill would diversify the economy and strengthen local jobs, while DBEDT and others raised operational, fiscal, and legal concerns about administering the multiple bonus options, defining indigenous content, and tracking compliance. The committee noted strong support in testimony and moved the bill forward with a Senate draft, including an amended effective date and a change to apply the bill to costs incurred rather than taxable years.
HB 1941, also relating to taxation and film incentives, drew mixed testimony focused on the interaction between physical production and post-production credits. DBEDT, the Honolulu Film Office, and the Hawaii Film Alliance said the bill’s structure could discourage productions, especially because many productions complete post-production elsewhere and because the measure would be difficult to administer and verify. They urged keeping physical production and post-production separate or addressing post-production through workforce development instead. After hearing the testimony, the chair deferred HB 1941 for further work rather than advancing it.
The committee also heard HB 1946 on timeshare registration, which had support from industry representatives and DCCA. The bill was advanced with a Senate draft incorporating DCCA’s requested language providing that renewal applications are deemed approved after 30 days unless a deficiency letter is issued. Finally, HB 2545 on HTDC’s matching program for federal SBIR/STTR awards was advanced with a technical amendment clarifying that the federal awards are separate and should be referenced in the alternative. All three of those measures were adopted unanimously by the members present.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman and Senators. Good morning, Mr. Chairman and Senators.
- Thank<00:07:04.040>
you, <00:07:04.120>Senators. - Good<00:07:50.800>
morning, <00:07:51.240>Senator. - Um Senator Chang has a question. Um Senator Chang has a question.
- Yeah, absolutely, Senator.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 725, the nomination of Daniel M. Gluck to serve as associate judge of the Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced a two-minute testimony limit, said the committee would not vote that day, and scheduled decision-making for the next day at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016. Testimony in support came from the Governor’s Office, judges and legal professionals, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and members of the public, including a child who described Gluck’s kindness and help in Girl Scouts. The committee reported 72 supporters, zero opposition, and one comment from the West Side Bar Association.
Gluck thanked the committee and outlined his background in private practice, nonprofit work, and government service, including work in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. He emphasized access to justice, pro bono representation, and his commitment to reducing the ICA backlog. In response to questions, he said he would focus on fuller staffing, shorter and more concise opinions, possible use of AI for limited administrative tasks, and process improvements to speed appeals. He also discussed appellate timelines, briefing schedules, and the value of oral argument for transparency and clarification.
Members questioned him about impartiality, especially in cases involving tension between Hawaii and federal precedent. Gluck said judges must follow controlling law, including U.S. Supreme Court precedent on federal questions and Hawaii Supreme Court precedent on state-law issues, and that the judiciary should not make policy. He also described his current work as deputy corporation counsel, including HART, firearms licensing after Bruen, appeals, and pending state cases. No vote was taken, and the hearing was adjourned after questions concluded.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-03-20 - 11:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I see familiar faces like Senator Baruth and Senator Lyons, Senator Hardy, and Senator Cummings, yes,
- I think of Senator McCormick, Senator Kitchel, Senator Star, and sadly Senator Sears and Senator Mazza
- I think of Senator McCormick, Senator Kitchel, Senator Star, and sadly Senator Sears and Senator Mazza
- Senator<00:30:33.920>
from Senator from Senator from uh<00:30:35.240>Grand <00:30: - Senator<01:11:03.560>
from Senator from Senator from Rutland. Rutland. Rutland.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Rules and Administration followed by Rules Subcommittee on Committees - 03/19/26
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate rules allow an individual member to challenge the referral of a bill, and I believe that rule
- We have a rule in the Senate that says no eating on the floor.
- We have a rule in the Senate limited.
- And I understand and appreciate that when we make this the rule of the Senate, that will be my job.
- When we make this the rule of the Senate, that will be my job.
Summary:
The Rules and Administration Committee met on March 19, 2026, to consider the referral path for Senate File 4139, the sports betting bill, rather than the substance of the proposal. Senator Franzen, the bill’s chief author, asked that the bill be referred first to the Commerce Committee, saying he had discussed the matter with the relevant committee chairs and that Commerce was the best place to address the bill’s consumer protection provisions. He emphasized that any final path to passage would still require the bill to go through State and Local Government as well.
Senator Rasmusson objected and argued the bill should go first to State and Local Government, citing Senate jurisdiction rules, which he said assign gambling bills to that committee. He noted that prior sports betting bills had been referred there first and said a predictable referral process is important. Senator Maye Quade, Senator Dibble, Senator Bar, and Senator Jasinski also supported sending the bill to State and Local Government first, arguing that the committee has primary jurisdiction over gambling and that the bill’s consumer protection language does not change that basic referral. Senator Champion and Senator Miller supported the Commerce referral, saying authors may request an initial committee and that the bill’s consumer protection sections fit Commerce jurisdiction.
Senator Marty moved to re-refer Senate File 4139 to the Committee on State and Local Government. Before the vote, members continued debating whether the bill’s structure and prior referral history justified Commerce or whether committee jurisdiction rules required State and Local Government first. The transcript ends with the motion pending and no final vote or disposition shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/19/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator<01:38:45.119>
Liur. Senator Liur. Senator Liur. - Senator<02:00:57.679>
Croom. Senator Croom. Senator Croom. - Senate floor. Senate floor.
- Uh, Senator, uh, Chair Latz, Senator Kun, Uh, Senator, uh, Chair Latz, Senator Kun, under the process
- Senator<02:40:38.479>
Kron. Senator Kron. Senator Kron.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HHS, HHS, Public Hearings 03-18-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- consent noting the excuse of Senator consent noting the excuse of Senator Favela.<00:08:16.120><
- Thank you very much. the Senate companion of this. This is the Senate companion of this.
- So, thank you for the question, Senator. So, thank you for the question, Senator.
- Rule 48 doesn't don't have a backlog. Rule 48 doesn't really<01:05:45.800>
apply. - Senator Favela. Anybody else? Senator Favela. Anybody else?
Summary:
The committee first took up gubernatorial message nominations. Margaret Jackson was heard for reappointment to the State Council on Mental Health, where she said her lived experience with family members facing schizophrenia, houselessness, and substance use issues motivates her service. Andrew Savaiano was heard for the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council and said he wanted to continue elevating youth voice and lived experience. Tao Yan was heard for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants and emphasized the importance of wastewater treatment to public health and the environment. The Department of Health testified in support of the nominations, and the committee later adopted chair recommendations to advise and consent to all three nominations, noting Senator Favela’s excuse and no recorded objections.
The committee then heard HB 1853 relating to dementia. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state agencies, advocacy groups, caregivers, and individuals with lived experience, including a person living with Alzheimer’s and his caregiver spouse, who described the value of early diagnosis and coordinated support. Supporters said the bill would expand memory care navigation and access, especially on neighbor islands and in rural areas, and help families connect to resources earlier. One member raised concerns about the cost and scale of the proposed program, asking about the number and cost of dementia specialists and noting broader budget pressures, but the bill remained under discussion with no final action shown in the transcript.
The committee also heard HB 1591 relating to health care, which would expand the preceptor tax credit to additional health professions, including physician assistant students and PAs, with testimony in support from nursing, public health, medical, and provider organizations. Supporters argued the measure would help address workforce shortages and improve training opportunities for local and economically disadvantaged students. A committee member asked about the aggregate cost of the credit and whether the existing credit had been fully utilized; the chair noted the bill was being kept narrower than broader proposals because of fiscal concerns. The transcript then moved to HB 1961 relating to health care access near facilities, with supporters arguing it protects access to legal reproductive health care and opponents saying it is unnecessary, vague, and burdensome on free speech and protest activity. No final vote on the bills appears in the excerpt provided.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WLA, WLA DEFER Public Hearings 03-18-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator<00:11:12.320>
Chair. Senator Chair. Senator Chair. - Sorry. >> [laughter] Um, yeah, aloha Senator Lee, Senator Inouye, Senator Chang.
- <00:36:45.720>
Senator Is excused. Senator Lomassau. I. Senator Is excused. - Senator<00:38:13.680>
Chang. Senator Chang. Senator Chang. - <00:38:16.240>
Senator >> I. Senator Lomassau. I. Senator >> I.
Summary:
The committee heard and then later voted on a series of gubernatorial nominations and several bills. In the nomination portion, DLNR and the nominees generally testified in support or briefly described their qualifications and goals. The nominees included Elray Moreno, Richard First, and Stephen DeWalt for the Game Management Advisory Commission; Noah Dolim and Graham Hart for the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board; Joseph Pickard, Jared Machado, and Elena Bryant for the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council; Kaipuloa Makanui Alona Kealoha for the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission; and Zachary Bentolina for the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission. Testimony emphasized public service, community representation, historic preservation awareness, and bridging communication between communities and DLNR. For the Kaho‘olawe nomination, testimony also discussed storm damage and ongoing assessments on the island. The chair asked questions about historic preservation outreach, board vacancies, and the status of Kaho‘olawe facilities. GM 651 was deferred so the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts could weigh in, while the others were later recommended for advise and consent and adopted without opposition.
In decision making on the 1:00 p.m. agenda, the committee voted to advise and consent on GM 641, 642, 703, 683, 743, 645, 646, 647, and 738. GM 651 was deferred to a later date. The committee also noted that some nominees were interim or reappointments, and clarified that the Kaneohe Bay and Kaho‘olawe-related appointments were being confirmed for the first time or as continuing service, as applicable.
The committee then moved into its 1:05 p.m. agenda on several bills. HB 2426 relating to state parks was passed with amendments, including an effective date change. HB 1881 relating to land use was passed with amendments that limited passenger ropeways for private single-home use, removed the mountain definition, prohibited passenger ropeways in all land use districts, and added a narrow exemption for certain government or recognized nonprofit projects subject to legislative approval. HB 1918 relating to taxation was passed with amendments changing the effective date to January 1, 2028 so it could proceed to Ways and Means. HB 1802 relating to conservation mitigation banks was passed with technical amendments. Each measure was adopted by the members present without recorded opposition.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair, Senator Favela.
- Aloha, Chair, Vice Chair, Senator Favela.
- >
Elefante Yes, good afternoon, Senator Elefante Yes, good afternoon, Senator Elefante and<00: - Senator Ihara, aye. Senator Moriwaki, aye. Senator Fevella, aye.
- Um, this definition is from our earlier version that we took up in Senate Bill 2076, Senate Draft 2.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 2271 HD2, making emergency appropriations for public employment cost items, drew support from state agencies and other entities, including HPHA, the University of Hawaiʻi, DLNR, OYS, DAGS, DOH, DOA/Biosecurity, and the Behavioral Health Administration; no opposition was noted. HB 2324 HD2, relating to the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Law, was supported by DLIR, which said the bill removes a duplicative Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board requirement and aligns whistleblower investigation timelines with federal standards. HB 2387 HD1, relating to workers’ compensation medical benefits, also received support from DLIR and the State Fire Council, with the chair noting 40 supporters and no opposition or comments.
HB 2116 HD2, relating to grants, was presented as a response to federal SNAP-related eligibility changes. Supporters included the Office of Community Services, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and several other organizations. Testimony said the bill would help nonprofits provide volunteer opportunities that could count toward an 80-hour monthly work requirement and help vulnerable residents avoid losing benefits; witnesses cited potential impacts on older adults and households with dependent children. HB 1682 HD1, relating to the disclosure of intimate images, drew strong support from advocates, the Uniform Law Commission, the Commission to Promote Uniform Laws, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and others. Testifiers emphasized the harms of non-consensual image sharing, the need for civil remedies, confidentiality protections, and the bill’s alignment with a uniform act already enacted in other states.
HB 2468 HD1, relating to internship programs, received support from the University of Hawaiʻi, DLIR, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others. Testimony focused on the Hālau Mua internship program, workforce development, and the need to clarify sponsor contracts, background checks, and onboarding; committee members asked about a former intern now working in an 89-day hire position and how to streamline hiring into civil service roles. HB 2091 HD2, relating to petitions to restrain and enjoin harassment of DOE employees, was supported by DOE, the Attorney General’s office, UPW, and others; the AG’s office requested a data-driven appropriation amount, and members discussed a $300,000 figure for the full two-year pilot. The chair also asked for confirmation of prior cost figures for HB 2116 before moving toward decision-making.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 03/19/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- In Senate, Wednesday, March 28, 2026, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment.
- >> THANK YOU, SENATOR HARCKHAM. >> Thank you, Senator Harckham.
- SENATOR GIANARIS.
- >> MADAM PRESIDENT, SENATOR SKOUFIS WOULD LIKE TO OPEN THIS Calendar 392, Senate Print 3207A, Senator
- Also Senator Ryan.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Major Brittany Wooten, then took up Senate Resolution No. 1749 designating March 19, 2026, as West Point Day in New York State. Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Senator Skoufis, Minority Leader Ortt, and several other senators spoke in support of West Point, its cadets, and the academy’s history and role in national service. Colonel Daniel R. Stuewe, commander of U.S. Army Garrison West Point, also addressed the chamber, emphasizing the long-standing partnership between West Point and New York and the academy’s mission to develop leaders of character. The resolution was adopted, and the West Point Day observance included recognition of cadets and academy staff.
The Senate then moved through a calendar of bills, passing measures including amendments to the Public Health Law, Election Law, Executive Law, Penal Law, Elder Law, Real Property Tax Law, General Municipal Law, and Public Authorities Law. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote or debate. Senator Mayer spoke in support of a bill establishing Fred Korematsu Day, framing it as a reminder of the injustice of Japanese American internment and the need to defend civil rights. Senator Ryan supported a bill streamlining the senior citizen property tax exemption process, calling it a way to reduce burdens on older residents. Senator Helming opposed a local government planning mandate as an unfunded mandate, while Senators Walczyk and Martins criticized a housing-related reporting bill as burdensome and ineffective.
The most debated item was Calendar 457, a housing-data and reporting bill sponsored by Senator May. Supporters argued it would improve transparency and help the state understand zoning and housing capacity, while opponents said it imposed new reporting burdens on municipalities and could penalize poorer communities by threatening CDBG funding. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and ultimately passed by a vote of 37-23. The Senate then adjourned until the next legislative day.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 1 - 03/19/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Mann, Senator Liskkey, Senator Coopek, and Senator Dames, you are right that we have had 340B
- Uh, Senator Bolton, is it your understanding or intent to make this the widely used rule or more the
- Anything else is going to be ruled out of order. Senator West. >> Well, Mr.
- <03:27:13.520>
Senator going to be ruled out of order. - Senator going to be ruled out of order. Senator West. West. West.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/19/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- >
rules community well siting rules community well siting rules and<00:08:12.000>the <00 - Senator<00:09:30.520>
Waters. Senator Waters. Senator Waters. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. - >> Senator McConkey. >> Senator McConkey.
- were mentioned, Senator. were mentioned, Senator.
- it, Senator. Thank you. it, Senator. Thank you.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Judiciary is now in session. My comrade, Senator Reardon, I think it's your turn.
- Senator Abvis. testimony. Senator Abvis.
- Welcome, Senator. Senator. Senator. >> Thank<00:27:44.000>
you, <00:27:44.159>Mr. - Senator Ren. questions. Senator Ren.
- Senator, Senator, Senator, >> thank<01:07:37.359>
you <01:07:37.520>very <01:07:37.680
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 3 - 03/19/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, Senator Clark. Thank you, Senator Clark.
- And I'm going to answer that, Senator. Senator. Senator.
- Senator Latz, you have Senate File 3699. Senator Latz, you have Senate File 3699.
- Senator Kroon. Senator Kroon.
- Senator Latz. Uh Senator >> Madam Chair. Senator Latz.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/19/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Lang excused. Senator Bahr. No. Senator Watzke. Yeah. Senator Dziedzic. Aye. Senator Fateh.
- Senator Senator Hemmingsen-Jaeger. Senator Senator Hemmingsen-Jaeger.
- Uh, thank you, Senator Kupec. We will be moving the bill to the Rules Committee.
- Senate File 3593 as amended is referred to Rules. moves Senate File 3593 moves Senate File 3593 as<01
- Senate File 3593 to send it to finance instead of rules.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Children and Family Law (03/19/2026)
Children and Family Law
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator<00:30:35.120>
Sullivan. Senator Sullivan. Senator Sullivan. - It could come in either through the House or the Senate through late rules.
- <02:31:03.920>
You or the Senate through uh late rules. - You or the Senate through uh late rules.
- Senate as Senator Sullivan well knows. Senate as Senator Sullivan well knows.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-03-19 - 11:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Balint. Yes. Senator Bray. Yes. Senator Brooks. No. Senator Chittenden. Yes.
- Senator Clarkson. Senator Collamore. Yes. Senator Cummings. Yes. Senator Giuili. Yes.
- Senator Ingram. No. Senator Lyons. Yes. Senator Mazza. Yes. Senator Mato. Yes. Senator Morrissey.
- Senator Sirotski. Yes. Senator Watson. Yes. Senator Weeks. No. Senator Westman. Yes. Senator White.
- Senator Williams. No. Senator Clarkson. Senator Sirotski. Senator Clarkson. Senator Clarkson.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- >> Senator<00:24:28.840>
Rarick. >> Senator Rarick. >> Senator Rarick. - >> Senator<00:25:13.160>
Rairic. >> Senator Rairic. >> Senator Rairic. - words, Senator Muhammad? words, Senator Muhammad?
- Senator Omar >> Thank you, Senator Clark. Senator Omar for<01:01:36.960>
Baden. - Um and Senator >> Thank you, Senator Clark.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 03/18/26
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate File 4319 from Senator Her, then Senate File 3807 and Senate File 4183 from Senator Gustafson.
- And so first up will be Senator Her presenting Senate File 4319.
- Senate File 4183 from Senator Gustafson.
- And so first up will be Senator Her presenting Senate File 4319.
- Senate File Thank you, Senator Champion.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
2026 Joint Budget Subcommittee on Higher Education - 03/18/2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Senator Rachel May. We have Senator Gonzalez. We have somebody texting me.
- We have Senator Rachel May. We have Senator Gonzalez. We have somebody texting me.
- And we have Senator Griffo.
- Senator Griffo.
- Senator Griffo. >> Thank you, Madam Chair.
Summary:
The Higher Education Conference Committee met to discuss budget priorities for SUNY, CUNY, community colleges, TAP, student aid, and capital funding. Chair Toby Ann Stavisky emphasized the need for increased operating and capital support, protection against enrollment-based funding losses, no tuition increases, a review of TAP because it has not kept pace with living costs, and action on student loan access and research funding cuts. Assembly Chair Alicia Hyndman outlined the Assembly’s higher education proposal, including $475.7 million to expand TAP eligibility, raising income thresholds for TAP and the Excelsior Scholarship, creating a graduate tuition assistance program, adding community college operating aid, expanding the Opportunity Promise Scholarship, forgiving SUNY hospital debt service, increasing CUNY operating support, restoring opportunity program funding, creating a $110 million student loan support program called New York Rises, and funding five-year capital plans for SUNY and CUNY plus additional ECAP grants.
Members broadly supported making higher education more affordable and accessible, while highlighting district-specific needs. Senator May praised SUNY Reconnect, community college workforce programs, hospital debt service relief, and a five-year SUNY capital plan. Senator Gonzalez framed the budget as an investment in economic mobility. Senator Griffo supported affordability, operating and capital aid, and additional support for medical schools and hospitals. Assembly Members Walker, Colton, and Fall backed TAP expansion, opportunity programs, disability supports, SUNY Downstate’s transformation, and capital needs at CUNY and SUNY campuses.
Assembly Member Smullen, speaking for the minority conference, urged a five-way budget process, said TAP has not kept pace with inflation, and called for a more stable long-term funding model for community colleges. He also stressed aligning higher education with workforce needs. Assembly Member Pirozzolo pointed to the College of Staten Island as an example of the benefits of investment and warned that employers recruiting students directly from high school could weaken higher education unless colleges continue strengthening trade and career training. The meeting ended with no vote on the budget items, and the chairs adjourned the conference committee after concluding remarks.