Video & Transcript Research : 'rebate program'

Page 62 of 500
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • our 65 and over retirees, a huge portion of that's paid for with federal subsidies and formulary rebates
  • our 65 and over retirees, a huge portion of that's paid for with federal subsidies and formulary rebates
  • We had budget requests for that $80 million at 7.1% over 20 years. federal subsidies and formulary rebates
  • . federal subsidies and formulary rebates.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance heard testimony from Bo Barnes, deputy executive secretary and general counsel for the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), on the TRS budget request for the upcoming biennium and how it compares with House Bill 500 as introduced. Barnes emphasized that the bill fully funds the system’s additional funding request to pay down TRS’s legacy unfunded pension liability, which he described as critical to the system’s long-term funding plan. He also explained that the pension and health insurance requests are broken into several line items, including legacy benefit items, state shared-responsibility payments for retiree health insurance, and reconciliation items that adjust for prior over- or underpayments. Barnes said the state portion of shared responsibility for retiree health insurance was funded below the request in House Bill 500, but he described the health insurance trust as a success story under the post-2010 shared-responsibility model. He said the trust is projected to be fully funded in about two years if medical inflation and federal subsidies remain stable, and he noted that any shortfall in the current budget would be reconciled later and could reduce investment income. In response to questions, he explained that the legacy benefit items are treated as part of the total actuarially determined employer contribution and that unpaid legacy benefits would have the same impact on the retirement trust as unpaid ADC amounts. Barnes also addressed questions about whether the $47.2 million SEEK-related teacher contribution reconciliation could be split between fiscal years, saying it could be done but would reduce investment income and potentially increase future contribution needs. He said the pension fund is currently about 61% funded and that TRS has received full funding for the pension for 10 straight years, with the state having provided full additional funding and more in recent budgets. He concluded by asking the committee to consider TRS’s original budget request, warning that underfunding now would be reflected in future actuarial calculations and could cost the Commonwealth more over time.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • That might be okay for a pension fund, but on a medical insurance fund we rely on rebates from the federal
  • ><00:19:55.600> on a medical Insurance Fund we rely on a medical Insurance Fund we rely on rebates
  • > the<00:19:57.320> federal<00:19:57.760> government<00:19:58.520> uh rebates
  • from the federal government uh rebates from the federal government uh from<00:19:59.880> uh<00
Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 545, a routine claims bill. Representative Tim Truett explained it as a measure to pay debts the Commonwealth owes. The bill received a motion, a second, and a roll call vote, and passed with favorable expression and no nay votes. Members then considered House Joint Resolution 54, which related to the Kentucky State Fair Board’s expansion plan. The chair explained that the resolution simply acknowledged receipt and approval of the plan so previously appropriated funds could be released. The resolution passed by roll call with no nay votes and was reported favorably to the floor. The main discussion centered on House Bill 694, concerning the Kentucky Teachers Retirement System medical insurance fund and the 2010 “shared responsibility” agreement. The bill would redirect employer contributions from local districts from the health side to the pension side once the plan reaches 100% funded. The chair and Senator Givens argued the bill was a continuation of the state’s long-term commitment to TRS and taxpayer responsibility, while Senator Neal raised concerns about fairness, the timing of the change, and whether the original agreement and statutory trigger for TRS board recommendations had been honored. Testimony from KEA President Eddie Campbell and former Jefferson County Teachers Association president Brent McMahan supported the 2010 agreement but urged the committee to pause the bill, saying the parties should return to the table and that the current proposal could conflict with the original understanding, create actuarial and legal issues, and potentially affect school district finances and bond ratings. Despite those concerns, the committee voted 8-1 to pass House Bill 694 with favorable expression, with Senator Neal voting no and explaining his objection as a process and good-faith concern.
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

EEP Public Hearing - Thu Jan 30, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST

Energy & Environmental Protection

Transcript Highlights:
  • Naaza, Government Relations Program Specialist.
  • , so, uh, because of the experience from the last grant program, we specified an engineer and then we
  • Each would do a little additional work besides just this grant program, and they do...
  • > uh<01:08:13.200> to been a testing program um at uh uh to been a testing program um at uh
  • <01:11:25.719> we we're looking at a threeyear program we we're looking at a threeyear program
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/20/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • SB 1179, group home monitoring program continuation.
  • SB 1179, group home monitoring program continuation.
  • SB 204, DES child care pilot program, Health and Human Services and Appropriations.
  • SB 2025, pharmacy cost-sharing requirements rebates, Finance.
  • SB 1159, health insurers saving incentive programs.
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, approved the journal, and welcomed several guests, including the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Tammy Penhollow, as well as visitors from Republic Services, Copper Valley Energy, and a young guest shadowing Senator Bolick. The President also announced deadline extensions for opening Senate folders and bill introduction preparation, and the chamber received communications from the Governor without reading them aloud. The main floor business was the reading and reference of a large number of Senate bills and resolutions to committees, covering topics such as education, taxation, water and natural resources, health care, behavioral health, public safety, elections, family law, immigration, transportation, and appropriations. The Senate also completed second reading of another extensive set of bills on issues including concealed weapons, nicotine products, rental housing, mental health, behavioral health, radiation protection, school safety, family courts, elections, and various appropriations and regulatory measures. No bills were debated or voted on during this transcript. Standing committee reports were waived from reading, and committee announcements were made for upcoming meetings of Government, Health and Human Services, Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency, Education, Judiciary and Elections, and Public Safety. The Senate then adjourned until Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Education Oversight Mar 2nd, 2026 at 03:00 pm

Education Oversight

Transcript Highlights:
  • If we allow a private program to establish standards for a certification program.
  • Alternatively, prepared teachers through our regular programs also have strong staying power.
  • I'm sorry, I don't look at these as job programs for folks like that.
  • Therefore, can we not expect the program to solve itself without lowering our standards?
  • But if all we did was dry those up with a program like this, wouldn't it be worth it?
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/18/2026 - Senate Public Safety

Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • One being the school safety program governed by A.R.S. 15-154. I briefly alluded to it earlier.
  • They did do training for all of the alerts and added that to their training programs.
  • When the state creates a program to help specific people and the program gets hijacked by fraud, the
  • I've been following this program.
  • been heavily highlighted how the social equity program had immense failures built into it.
Summary: The committee first took up SB 1071, which would repeal the statutory framework for the Arizona Rangers. The sponsor argued the bill was about accountability and transparency, citing concerns about missing training and firearms qualification records; Arizona Rangers representatives and several sheriffs opposed the bill, saying the Rangers provide valuable volunteer support and that the real issue was adding oversight rather than eliminating protections. After discussion, the committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1071 a do pass recommendation, with members noting they expected amendments later. The committee then heard SB 1315, requiring school districts and charter schools to maintain interoperable emergency communications with law enforcement and to submit annual affidavits confirming testing and compliance. Testimony from school safety officials and sheriffs emphasized the value of real-time communication during emergencies and the need for secure sharing of campus maps and floor plans; concerns about cost and information security were addressed by supporters. The bill passed unanimously, 7-0. The committee also advanced SB 1317, which appropriates opioid settlement funds for county reentry planning programs; sheriffs and association representatives supported it, citing reduced recidivism and jail populations, and it passed 7-0. Several public safety and missing-children measures were considered next. SB 1416, as amended, revises missing child reporting requirements, adds runaway children back into reporting, requires faster photo and information sharing, and expands training requirements; advocates for missing children and law enforcement supported the compromise language, and the bill passed 7-0. SB 1740, which updates Turquoise Alert training and procedures, was also advanced 7-0 after discussion about statewide versus geographically targeted alerts and the need to keep alerts effective. Later, SB 1493, a strike-everything amendment affecting police officer termination appeals and fee shifting when an employer rejects a favorable administrative ruling, passed 5-2 despite opposition from chiefs’ representatives. SB 1537, renaming the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund and repealing its advisory commission, passed 5-2. The committee also approved SB 1751 and SCR 1049, which expand execution methods to include lethal gas and firing squad and make firing squad mandatory in certain cases involving the murder of a law enforcement officer; opponents raised constitutional, ethical, and practical concerns, while supporters framed the measures as aligning Arizona with other states and providing additional options. Both measures passed 4-3. Finally, SB 1542, which would create a framework and funding for MDMA research and treatment for PTSD in first responders and peace officers contingent on FDA approval, was heard with testimony describing promising clinical trial results and the need for Arizona research; the bill was then moved forward, though the transcript cuts off before the final roll call result is fully shown.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Fiscal Policy Feb 18th, 2026

Fiscal Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • in Bay County, and the Pompano, R-Y-Z-E program in Broward County.
  • in Bay County, and the Pompano, R-Y-Z-E program in Broward County.
  • in addition to nursing education programs.
  • in addition to nursing education programs.
  • in addition to nursing education programs.
Summary: The Fiscal Policy Committee met and first reported favorably SB 774, which extends enhanced workers’ compensation benefits to 9-1-1 public safety telecommunicators for mental or nervous injuries, after adopting a late-filed amendment declaring an important state interest. The committee also heard supportive testimony from a Palm Beach County dispatcher. SB 770, which updates the definition of forensic clients so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism can be housed with other Chapter 916 residents in secure forensic settings, was reported favorably as well. Members then approved CS/SB 86, which declares unauthorized operation of a commercial vehicle by an unauthorized alien an imminent safety hazard and imposes driver, carrier, and enforcement consequences, despite questions about vehicle impoundment and cargo handling and one appearance in opposition. SB 1594, which protects veterans’ benefits received on behalf of foster youth from being used as reimbursement and instead sets them aside for education and transition services, was reported favorably after supportive testimony. The committee also approved CS/SB 760, creating a new offense for willful violations of no-contact pretrial release conditions in certain violent crime cases, though the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about expanded warrantless arrest authority in one section. The committee next reported favorably CS/SB 554, a complete rewrite of Chapter 617 governing nonprofit corporations, after a technical delete-all amendment. It also approved CS/SB 844, requiring continuing education on sickle cell disease care for certain health care professionals; the bill drew extensive supportive testimony from advocates and patients describing pain management gaps and health disparities. SB 1022, expanding Florida Children’s Initiatives by adding programs in Bay County and Broward County, and CS/SB 1246, broadening the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund to include health science workforce programs and related uses, were both reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved CS/CS/SB 1230, which restricts the use, sale, and distribution of aqueous film-forming foam containing intentionally added PFAS and requires inventory and disposal reporting, after adopting amendments that removed airports from one provision. It also approved CS/CS/SB 128, directing DEP to erect markers for the Andrew Red Harris Spoil Island water body designation. Several senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on specific bills, and the committee adjourned without objection.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Education Pre-K - 12 Jan 20th, 2026

Education Pre-K - 12

Transcript Highlights:
  • If we change the program, students basically pass the algebra exam.
  • We will return to our regularly scheduled program.
  • We will return to our regularly scheduled program. Welcome, Senator Avila.
  • I appreciate the fact that they do a great program. But I do think that this is appropriate.
  • I appreciate the fact that they do a great program. But I do think that this is appropriate.
Summary: The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee considered and reported favorably several bills. SB 1036 on school counselors was amended to clarify certification exemptions and passed, with support focused on addressing counselor shortages and student mental health needs. SB 1136 on dental screenings for K-12 students was converted by delete-all amendment to place the screening definition in the School Health Services Act and to require written parent notice and exemption procedures; it passed with support from PTA and other advocates. SB 920 on mathematics education passed after discussion of applied algebra courses tied to career pathways, while preserving Algebra I standards, end-of-course testing, graduation requirements, and university admission eligibility. SB 178 on athletics and public K-12 schools also passed after amendment adding a $15,000 annual cap on coach-provided personal support per team and discussion of guardrails to prevent recruiting abuses; members emphasized the role coaches play in supporting students. SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation passed with broad support for giving districts more flexibility on pay, cost-of-living adjustments, and advanced degree compensation. The committee also approved SPB 7022, a public records exemption bill extending protections for examination and assessment instruments to 2031 and clarifying coverage for district and school materials. SB 464 on observance of Veterans Day in K-12 schools passed after debate over whether schools should be closed or use the day for programs, with supporters arguing for statewide consistency and honoring veterans. Finally, SB 538 on physical education passed after a delete-all amendment establishing standardized extracurricular participation rules for public, private, virtual, and home education students, addressing coach compensation at the district level, and clarifying participation limits across schools. The committee recessed briefly for Senator Avila’s arrival, postponed SB 430, and adjourned after recording one additional favorable vote on SB 1036.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • There are counties withdrawn from the program.
  • Whereas if you take the program away, in the places that have taken the program away, they've seen the
  • The FTA program is voluntary.
  • Now, I will tell you, they have a great reserve program. Like this reserve program is so great.
  • Now, I will tell you, they have a great reserve program. Like this reserve program is so great.
Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard several bills, generally leaving them pending after testimony. HB 4995 would create a training/certification program allowing licensed physicians and certain EMS personnel assigned to tactical units to carry firearms during high-risk deployments, with supporters saying it would protect tactical medical staff and improve emergency care; the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill left pending. HB 2609 would repeal the OmniBase/failure-to-appear-or-pay license hold program; the author and supporters argued it unfairly compounds debt and traps drivers in noncompliance, while judges and municipal court representatives said it is an effective, voluntary tool that prompts court appearances and reduces warrants. HB 4879 would create a grant program to help local law enforcement pay for lab testing of suspected hemp/THC substances, and HB 5436 would allow licensed auto recyclers to purchase certain untitled vehicles for scrap or parts to curb illegal sales, VIN cloning, and chop shop activity; both bills drew supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard HB 1777, which would place a discrete sex-offender designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for registrants under Chapter 62. The author said the marker would help law enforcement and businesses quickly identify potentially dangerous offenders and cited other states and research in support, while opponents argued it would function as a scarlet letter, increase harassment, and punish people who are already complying with the law. HB 4155 would create a Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force in the Governor’s Office to study risk factors, coordinate agencies, and recommend policy changes; the author, HHSC, TCFV, and a survivor testified in support, emphasizing the number of family violence homicides and the need for coordinated, data-driven prevention, and the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 4514 would authorize DPS to use facial image verification, with consent and confidentiality protections, to help businesses verify identities and combat fraud. Supporters from the lumber and identity-verification industries said it would reduce losses from fake IDs and organized theft, while the author stressed privacy safeguards and limited, consent-based use. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 23rd, 2025

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Whereas if you take the program away, in the places that have... taken the program away, they've seen
  • The additional violations are the product of the way that this program works, and because the program
  • I use this program, which is an optional program. It's not an automated program. ...program.
  • Yeah, there are other programs that we can use, but this program gets people into my ...
  • The FTA program is shown to be flexible and fair.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • Similar programs offered by Texas institutions of higher education would enable the Texas Higher Education
  • students and prospective transfer students regarding the requirements for all degrees or similar programs
  • will clarify if those requirements differ between tracks for completing the degree or certificate program
  • Two of these people were my own daughters with graduation issues regarding their program requirements
  • general academic teaching institutions are eligible institutions for the Texas Leadership Scholars Program
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • has received, I'll talk a little bit more about Seapred, which is a comparable faculty recruitment program
  • Well, it would allow Rice University... to strengthen our already world-class research programs in non-cancer
  • This lack of transparency creates inefficiencies and delays, making it difficult. for nursing programs
  • of nurses will be notified. approval to begin their program, they submit a listing of clinical spots
  • We, along with other nursing programs in Texas, work tirelessly to find the very best clinical placement
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Ways and Means Committee 4/7/25

Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • My understanding is it's some of the educational programming, some of the tribal nations postrelease
  • supervision programming, and of course the housing initiatives as we just talked about, but why those
  • Um, this is a band-aid on a program.
  • our<00:18:38.400> uh<00:18:38.640> projected program.
  • I believe our uh projected program.
Bills: HF3006, HF2130, HF1290
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25

Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:08:46.519> uh veterinary loan forgiveness program uh veterinary loan forgiveness program
  • this program.
  • food for their summer feeding program food for their summer feeding program Which<00:35:36.079><
  • will continue to be necessary programs will continue to be necessary this<00:53:13.799> program
  • to get the program kickstarted.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Child Committee Meeting - 2025-04-01

Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • and programs that operate within tribal reservation land.
  • We have programs that are there to help you monetarily.
  • Any specific funding for programs? That are food support programs.
  • We are a four-star Parent Aware rated program.
  • Focusing our funding rather than having random programs drop off for random programs to continue to have
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Taxes Committee 4/1/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • Given the great success of this program over the past several years for just three cities, the city of
  • Given the great success of this program over the past several years for just three cities, the city of
  • Given the great success of this program over the past several years for just three cities, the city of
  • Given the great success of this program over the past several years for just three cities, the city of
  • <00:36:46.160> over the great success of this program over the great success of this program
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25

Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • reference so for enhancing program reference so for enhancing program Integrity<00:03:13.400>
  • and programs that licensed programs and programs that operate<00:10:40.680> within<00:10:40.959
  • program so what happens when the program program so what happens when the program is<00:15:00.320
  • that are food support programs."
  • of<01:16:26.199> a<01:16:26.320> couple program program there's sort of a couple program