Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks for the question, assembly member, and thanks Kristen, for giving me the space here.
• Thanks, Kristen, for giving me the space here.
• Well, I do believe it's classified under C-I-A, but as specifically a commercial. Commercial, okay.
• This is a highly competitive space. Not all data centers are created the same.
• Recycled water is not always an available source for industrial or commercial use.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we're coming across these commercially we're coming across these uh<00:21:39.520><c> items</c><00:21
• that UAV and be able allow us to launch that UAV and be able to<00:25:20.640><c> set</c><00:25:20.840
• the UAV figure out where they are launch the UAV figure out where they are set<00:25:32.399><c> a</c
• </c><00:27:49.559><c> needs</c> in the next 15 20 years for space needs in the next 15 20 years for space
• The concept of leasing space from an existing building, and so the $100 fee was to allow for people,

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it leads to it leads to commercial.
• The reimbursement for commercial was at commercial rates.
• Um, we launched a phones anymore.
• About our commercial plan coverage.
• </c> can see that to start the commercial can see that to start the commercial which<01:21:18.400><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing by the Health and Human Services and Commerce and Consumer Protection committees focused on projected impacts to Hawaii consumers from federal changes affecting Med-QUEST and the ACA marketplace, including the loss of ACA premium tax credits, OBVA/HR1-related Medicaid changes, immigrant eligibility restrictions, and new Medicaid work/community engagement requirements. Committee members noted the meeting was being streamed live and emphasized the need to explain potential coverage losses affecting a significant share of the state population. Med-QUEST administrators reported current enrollment at 390,766, about 27% of Hawaii’s population, and broke that down into major groups including roughly 128,000 ACA expansion adults and about 52,000 parent/caretaker relatives. They said the expansion adult population would be most affected by the new federal requirements, which will shorten renewal periods from 12 months to 6 months and impose community engagement rules beginning in late 2026 and 2027. They described the work requirement as 80 hours per month of work, community service, work program participation, or half-time education, with an income-based pathway tied to $580 per month at the federal minimum wage; they also noted a long list of exemptions, but said many details are still awaiting federal guidance and rulemaking. The administrators said federal changes to immigrant eligibility would eliminate Medicaid coverage for certain noncitizen categories, with an estimated 1,200 to 2,400 people affected, though about 200 may remain covered through a state-funded program for otherwise eligible individuals. They also said marketplace subsidies would no longer be available for some immigrants under 100% of the federal poverty level starting January 1, 2026, with further restrictions expected in 2027. For Hawaii overall, they estimated the new Medicaid work and renewal rules could push an additional 19,000 to 38,000 people into uninsured status, with another estimated 6,000 at risk from the six-month renewal process alone. Members asked about how exemptions would be determined, especially for medically frail and seriously mentally ill individuals, and administrators said they were still awaiting detailed federal rules and were working on data-matching and verification processes to reduce coverage losses.

Transcript Highlights:

• space space and<04:20:35.920><c> the</c><04:20:36.080><c> intangible</c><04:20:37.040><c> but</c><04
• Shepard, first Granite Stater in space, first American in space.
• Twenty-two days ago, the Artemis 2 mission launched the first manned space flight to the moon since 1972
• the first man Artemis 2 mission launched the first man space<06:01:05.480><c> flight</c><06:01:05.720
• </c> space from getting into the space space from getting into the space capsule<06:02:59.800><c> and

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Bills: HB3767, HB3934, HB4199, HB4336, HB2947, HB3834, HB4302, HB4095, HB3287, HB3649, HB4430, HB4431, HB2059, HB3647, HB3986, HB3548, HB3661, HB4346, HB3075, HB4273, HB3391, HB4128, HB3557, HB3239, HB3982, HB2123, HB2979, HB2997, HB3148, HB4108, HB4143, HB4266, HB2053, HB4058, SR30

Keywords: controlled dangerous substances, controlled substances, drug scheduling, Schedule I, Schedule IV, anti-drug diversion, drug diversion, synthetic opioids, fentanyl analogs, designer drugs, synthetic cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine analogs, opioids, hallucinogens, depressants, pharmacy regulation, narcotics control, Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, DEA scheduling

Bills: HB3767, HB3934, HB4199, HB4336, HB2947, HB3834, HB4302, HB4095, HB3287, HB3649, HB4430, HB4431, HB2059, HB3647, HB3986, HB3548, HB3661, HB4346, HB3075, HB4273, HB3391, HB4128, HB3557, HB3239, HB3982, HB2123, HB2979, HB2997, HB3148, HB4108, HB4143, HB4266, HB2053, HB4058, SR30

Keywords: controlled dangerous substances, controlled substances, drug scheduling, Schedule I, Schedule IV, anti-drug diversion, drug diversion, synthetic opioids, fentanyl analogs, designer drugs, synthetic cannabinoids, benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine analogs, opioids, hallucinogens, depressants, pharmacy regulation, narcotics control, Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, DEA scheduling

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, offered the invocation and pledges, and recognized the doctor, psychologist, and nurse of the day. The chamber then hosted several honorary introductions and citations, including congratulations to the Murray State College shotgun team for winning back-to-back national championships and to the Coedah High School varsity wrestling team for a record-setting 5A season and state title. Both groups were formally presented citations and received Senate applause. The Senate also considered Senate Resolution 30, which reaffirmed Oklahoma’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan, supported stronger economic and diplomatic ties, and celebrated the anniversaries of the Taiwan Relations Act and the Oklahoma-Taiwan relationship. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after brief remarks from Senator Peterson and a representative from Taiwan’s office in Houston, who thanked the Senate and spoke about Taiwan’s trade relationship, economic growth, and international challenges. The meeting included introductions from several student pages, who described their schools, sponsoring senators, and future plans. Announcements were made for committee meetings, including Revenue and Taxation, Health and Human Services, and Appropriations and Budget, along with a reminder about Diabetes Awareness Day. The Senate then adjourned until Tuesday, April 14th at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is the conservation legacy fund, which is to preserve outdoor space, water investments like that
• They make loans to businesses, and they can do them to residences and commercial power, but it's for
• energy programs, or is this for a business launching renewable energy?
• So, I believe they're starting with more either commercial-sized projects or... commercial-sized projects
• After thirty years of finding spaces for our board meetings, we finally opened our offices over on San

Transcript Highlights:

• to the Distinguished Chair of the Education Committee for the work that he’s done in the literacy space
• to the Distinguished Chair of the Education Committee for the work that he’s done in the literacy space
• to the Distinguished Chair of the Education Committee for the work that he’s done in the literacy space
• there was recited a number of funding sources, whether it be the early literacy fund or the literacy launch
• to the Distinguished Chair of the Education Committee for the work that he has done in the literacy space

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Commercially useful function. DBEs must actually perform meaningful work to count toward DBE goals.
• So we conduct commercially useful function reviews on job sites to make sure DBEs are doing the work
• So we conduct<00:25:15.039><c> commercial</c><00:25:15.520><c> useful</c><00:25:15.919><c> function</
• c><00:25:16.240><c> cover</c> conduct commercial useful function cover conduct commercial useful function
• launched in July a new online application<00:29:04.640><c> platform</c><00:29:05.200><c> designed</c

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The August 2025 interim meeting of the Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity began with roll call, confirmation of a quorum, approval of the June meeting minutes, and welcoming a new member, Ivonne Smith, who noted her background in MWBE and DBE work. The chair also offered condolences to a member whose father recently passed away and explained that the committee had invited agency officials to answer questions raised at the prior meeting. The first presentation was from Singer Buchanan of the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, who described the state’s equal opportunity and contract compliance office and its certification programs for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and minority/women business enterprises. He outlined outreach efforts, including partnerships with veterans’ organizations, the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, UK, and transportation-related groups; explained that the programs are intended to expand market access rather than provide grants; and said the office has moved to an online application portal that has processed 227 new applications since December 2023. He reported 536 total vendors across the programs, including 29 service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and said the office is considering website testimonials to improve outreach. Members asked about staffing, application assistance, and whether the state program conflicts with federal policy; Buchanan said the office has three staff members and that the program is state-funded and, based on legal advice, should continue under Kentucky law. Tony Yusefi of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet then presented on the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. He explained the program’s legal basis under federal DOT regulations, its eligibility standards, and its purpose of creating a level playing field while helping firms grow and eventually compete without assistance. He described certification requirements, annual documentation, prompt-payment protections, commercially useful function reviews, good-faith effort requirements, and sanctions for violations. He also discussed barriers facing DBEs, including access to capital, bonding, insurance, training, and prequalification requirements, and noted that 50 firms were removed last month for noncompliance with annual documentation rules. Yusefi said the cabinet has expanded supportive services, including an online application platform, bid notifications, and a nine-class business development program; 95 DBEs are enrolled this year, and the bid-matching system reaches an average of 377 DBEs monthly.

Transcript Highlights:

• to launch later this year.
• What happens between Thursday night and when their case is adjudicated—that big space in there?
• Several cities were preparing to launch pilot programs. Automated speed enforcement cameras.
• These cameras are typically installed in high-risk areas such as school zones, commercial corridors,
• Will not be incarcerated because of lack of jail space, is what he cited.

Summary: The joint Senate Public Safety and Transportation hearing focused on DUI, impaired driving, traffic violence, speed management, and how criminal and administrative systems interact. Chairs Jesse Arreguín and Dave Cortese said the hearing was intended to inform upcoming legislation and noted that no bills would be acted on that day. They emphasized the scale of roadway deaths and serious injuries, the need for a holistic Safe System approach, and the importance of hearing from law enforcement, researchers, victims’ advocates, judges, and DMV officials. The first panel reviewed current DUI law and research. Thomas Nozowitz of the Committee on Revision of the Penal Code outlined California’s DUI penalties, including escalating misdemeanor and felony consequences, ignition interlock device requirements, license suspensions, Watson advisories, and homicide-related offenses. Stephanie Doherty of the Office of Traffic Safety described statewide crash trends, the role of alcohol, drugs, speed, and vulnerable road users, and the state’s Safe System and safety corridor efforts. Dr. Julia Griswold of UC Berkeley presented research supporting systemic interventions such as self-explaining roads, safer speed limits, speed safety cameras, ignition interlocks, sobriety checkpoints, and treatment for chronic offenders; she also noted that many DUI fatalities involve first-time offenders and that punitive measures alone have limited effect on high-risk drivers. Members pressed witnesses on ignition interlocks, speed governors, DUI treatment, diversion, and whether current penalties are strong enough. Several senators, including Archuleta and Blakespear, argued for stronger immediate consequences and better use of in-car technology, while witnesses said chronic offenders often need treatment and that some existing programs may be underused or inconsistently effective. The discussion also touched on data gaps, the need to distinguish alcohol- from drug-involved crashes, and the possibility of allowing diversion for some first-time DUI cases while preserving consequences for repeat offenses. The second panel addressed DMV and court processes. DMV Director Steve Gordon said the department handles mandatory, court-ordered, and administrative actions, and that recent process changes have reduced DMV hearing delays from roughly 170 days to under 70 days in many cases. Judge Lisa Rodriguez explained that county-by-county court practices, case filing delays, sentencing timelines, and paper or mixed electronic systems can slow reporting to DMV, especially for misdemeanors and felonies. She said courts are reviewing reporting requirements, training, and case-management coding to improve transmission of DUI orders, while DMV said it is open to simplification and better coordination but is constrained by aging systems and the motor vehicle account’s financial limits. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes both Medi-Cal and commercial plans.
• And we facilitated spaces for that to occur.
• And we facilitated spaces for that to occur.
• So lots of efforts in the college and university space.
• And so they come, they sort of love coming into our space.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any use of the closed-captioned coverage of the House proceedings for political or commercial purposes
• Flagged and United States-crewed commercial vessels.
• He launched the North Star using his own money, giving voice to the voiceless in the years before the
• He launched the North Star using his own money, giving voice to the voiceless in the years before the
• Any use of the closed-captioned coverage of the House proceedings for political or commercial purposes

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 9, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Almost no community, unless they have a tremendous commercial base, has escaped the municipal funding
• An act relative to advancing the profession of commercial interior design, Senate No. 3107.
• Third reading of the bill: An act relative to advancing the profession of commercial interior design.
• Third reading of the bill: An act relative to advancing the profession of commercial interior design.
• It would also establish a board of registration of commercial interior design to oversee licensure and

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted two resolutions recognizing the town of Sturbridge on the nation’s 250th anniversary and congratulating Zachary Erich on becoming an Eagle Scout, and then took up several committee reports and extension orders. The chamber suspended rules multiple times to act immediately on committee extensions for Financial Services and State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, and it referred a House petition on cleft lip and cleft palate treatment to Financial Services. Members also adopted an order extending the Financial Services committee’s reporting deadline on credit union and mortgage financing matters. The Senate then considered and passed House No. 4361, a bill on teacher retirement benefits, after extensive debate in support of a one-time window for certain teachers who were excluded from Retirement Plus due to administrative errors. Senators described the measure as a long-overdue fix for more than 8,500 educators, noting that eligible teachers would have to pay the difference in contributions. The bill was ordered to a third reading, passed to be engrossed by a 39-0 roll call, and sent on for further action. The chamber also passed Senate No. 3106 on toxic-free medical devices and Senate No. 3107 on commercial interior design licensure, both after supportive remarks about patient safety and professional regulation. A major item was the conference committee report on H. 5280, the FY26 fair share supplemental budget. Supporters highlighted funding for municipal winter relief, MBTA operations and capital needs, education initiatives, housing incentives, home heating assistance, and collective bargaining agreements, while opponents raised concerns about MBTA subsidies, legal defense funding, and tax policy implications. After roll call, the report was approved by a 37-3 vote. The Senate also adopted the emergency preamble and passed H. 5470, the FY26 supplemental appropriations bill, and later enacted local bills including Berkeley recall authority, a Milton school deadline extension, a Lexington parkland exchange, and long-term municipal roads and bridges financing. Near the end of the session, the Senate recognized guests from the Caribbean diplomatic corps and the Authentic Caribbean Foundation, who spoke about Caribbean American Heritage Month and partnership agreements with Massachusetts. The chamber then concurred in a House amendment to Senate No. 2563, a bill updating disability-related terminology in the general laws, with senators emphasizing the importance of person-first language and dignity for people with disabilities. The Senate adopted the emergency preamble and enacted the bill. The session concluded with an adjournment order to meet again the following Monday and with adjournment in memory of Richard Louis Volpe of Sturbridge.

Transcript Highlights:

• Almost no community, unless they have a tremendous commercial base, has escaped the municipal funding
• An act relative to advancing the profession of commercial interior design, Senate No. 3107.
• Third reading of the bill: An act relative to advancing the profession of commercial interior design.
• Third reading of the bill: An act relative to advancing the profession of commercial interior design.
• The legislation also clearly delineates the boundaries between commercial interior design practice, The

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two resolutions: one recognizing the town of Sturbridge on the 250th anniversary of the United States and another congratulating Zachary Erich on earning Eagle Scout. The chamber then handled several procedural matters, including suspending Joint Rule 12 on multiple petitions and adopting extension orders giving the Committee on Financial Services additional time to report on credit union and mortgage financing bills, with members emphasizing the extensions were limited and needed to complete ongoing work. The Senate then took up House No. 4361, a bill relative to benefits for teachers, which was amended by Ways and Means and passed to be engrossed after extensive support from members. Senators described the measure as a long-delayed fix to the Retirement Plus program, creating a one-time window through June 30, 2027 for eligible teachers to buy in, with required back payments of missed contributions. The bill passed by a roll call of 39-0. The chamber also passed S. 3106 on toxic-free medical devices and S. 3107 on advancing the profession of commercial interior design, both after supportive floor debate. The Senate later adopted a conference committee report on the FY26 supplemental budget, H. 5470, after debate over its major spending items. Supporters highlighted municipal winter relief, MBTA operating and capital support, education funding, housing incentives, and collective bargaining agreements, while opponents criticized MBTA subsidies, legal defense funding, and tax-related provisions. The report was approved by roll call, and the bill was passed to be enacted. The Senate also enacted several local bills, including measures for Berkeley recall elections, a Milton school construction deadline extension, a Lexington parkland exchange, and long-term municipal roads and bridges financing. Near the end of the session, the Senate concurred in a House amendment to S. 2563, a broad bill revising laws affecting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities by replacing outdated and offensive terminology in 346 sections of the General Laws. Members described it as a dignity and language modernization measure. The Senate adopted the emergency preamble and passed the bill to be enacted. The session concluded with an adjournment order to meet again the following Monday, and the day’s adjournment was dedicated to the memory of Richard Louis Volpe of Sturbridge.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the Medicare market, Medicaid market, and the commercial market.
• We have the Medicaid data from the state as well as commercial data.
• The Medicaid data looks a little bit better than commercial, just not a lot better.
• But I'm just showing you commercial because that's who we tend to talk about a lot.
• They're not always below commercial.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee opened its 2026 session with a work session focused on the committee’s priorities of access, quality, and affordability. Health Care Authority staff Michelle Needham and Ross Florey reviewed the Health Care Cost Transparency Board’s work, noting Washington’s uninsured rate has fallen from 15% in 2010 to 5%, but health care spending growth remains above the benchmark. They said 2023 spending grew 6.2% versus a 3.2% target, with prescription drugs, hospital outpatient care, professional services, and non-claims spending driving growth. They highlighted ongoing work on market transparency, hospital spending, primary care, and federal policy changes that could reduce coverage and increase uncompensated care. Dr. Drew Oliva of the Washington Health Alliance added quality and safety data, saying many measures remain below top national performance, primary care attachment is weak, hospital pricing varies widely, and behavioral health data are limited. He urged stronger primary care investment, more transparency, and better patient safety oversight. Committee members then introduced themselves and staff before moving to public hearings. The committee first heard Senate Bill 5877, a technical fix expanding the physician health program surcharge to certified anesthesiologist assistants so they can participate in the Washington Physicians Health Program and related educational resources. The bill sponsor and witnesses from the Washington Medical Commission, the Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, and the Washington Physicians Health Program all supported the measure, describing it as a consistency and access fix for a newly licensed profession. The bill drew 12 pro, 2 con, and 0 other sign-ins. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5967, which would preserve access to preventive services by allowing the Department of Health to issue immunization recommendations based on multiple expert sources and by freezing state insurance coverage protections for preventive services and vaccines as of mid-2025, with OIC rulemaking authority to keep coverage at least as favorable. The sponsor, Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham, and Governor’s office staff said the bill is intended to protect existing coverage, not create new vaccine mandates, and to keep recommendations grounded in science amid federal uncertainty. Supporters included Dr. Helen Chu, Dr. Beth Harvey, Dr. Maria Huang, Dr. J. Miller, and Dr. Matt LaGalbo, who emphasized vaccine safety, rising vaccine-preventable diseases, and the importance of no-cost preventive care. Opponents, including Bob Runnels and Natalie Chavez, argued the bill politicizes vaccines, reduces transparency, and expands state authority without adequate fiscal detail. The hearing continued with additional testimony after the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• TMIP provides qualifying film, television, commercial, animation, documentary, and documentary...
• In Texas, we are immediately at the bargaining table for shooting more films and television commercials
• The majority of my projects have been in the faith and family space.
• The importance of building more studio space in the state of Texas.
• We have a large space downtown where they could graze and just walk downtown to be on set.

Bills: SB22, SB 22

Keywords: Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation, economic development, youth camp, summer camp, camp safety, emergency operations plan, emergency preparedness, evacuation drill, camp staff training, volunteer training, camper safety, lost camper, natural disaster, fire safety, mass casualty

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:40.080><c> 25</c> University of Minnesota launched 25 University of Minnesota launched 25 startup
• commercialization commercialization um<01:13:02.640><c> that</c><01:13:02.880><c> generates</c><01:13
• They wanted to help solve a problem for people. uh in this brand new space uh in this brand new space
• It is discoveries launched new companies.
• It is discoveries launched new jobs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's no space if you break down. There's no space for safe merging and weaving.
• So you just create space for folks to get on and off.
• Did we consider using the light rail space?
• You would still need to build the sort of facilities to get up to that space and use that space even
• Would they be saying you don't need more space?

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The committee first received an informational update on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project from Carly Francis and Travis Brower. They described the project’s purpose as improving seismic resilience, safety, freight movement, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian access across the Columbia River, and said the updated cost estimate is $13.2 billion to $14.4 billion for the full corridor. They explained the increase from the 2022 estimate as driven by construction inflation, a more conservative inflation curve, schedule delays, more detailed engineering, and risk modeling. They also outlined the funding plan, including $2.1 billion in federal funds, $1 billion each from Oregon and Washington, and $1.5 billion in projected toll revenue, and said they are working to obligate federal funds by the end of September. The panel described a first funded phase that would include the bridge, highway connections, tolling infrastructure, bridge removal, and transit design, with light rail to Vancouver still intended but dependent on additional funding. Members questioned the risk of losing federal transit funds, whether bridge design decisions were being made with legislative input, and whether the space reserved for light rail could be used for buses if transit funding does not materialize. The committee then heard testimony on maintaining Oregon’s existing roads and bridges from representatives of Knife River, the Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon, and CRH. Witnesses said pavement and bridge preservation is severely underfunded, with ODOT needing about $400 million per year for pavement preservation but receiving roughly $100 million annually. They showed examples of deteriorating highways such as U.S. 97 and I-84 and argued that delaying maintenance leads to much higher reconstruction costs, more safety risks, and higher user costs. Knife River described layoffs and reduced work in Oregon because of limited preservation funding, while witnesses also said rising wages, equipment costs, fuel, and permitting delays are increasing project costs. Committee members asked about the role of prevailing wage, diesel equipment, hauling distances, and whether preservation work could be prioritized more effectively. Finally, economist Joe Cortright presented on recent ODOT megaproject cost overruns. He said Oregon has experienced persistent overruns driven by overly optimistic revenue forecasts, heavy reliance on debt, consultant costs, inflation above forecast, and projects that have become much larger in scope than originally presented. He cited major increases in the Interstate Bridge, Rose Quarter, and Abernathy Bridge projects and argued that some designs are far wider and more expensive than necessary. Cortright said better accountability, clearer priorities, and more disciplined project sizing are needed, and committee members pressed him on why agencies proceed with larger designs even when consultants recommend narrower, less expensive alternatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• American in space.
• His subsequent ocean recovery became the model for many more missions into space. space agency NASA chose
• This mission proved American in space.
• His space vehicle, Apollo 14, was destined to land on the moon.
• commercialized commercialized way.<00:18:24.320><c> Um</c><00:18:25.039><c> he</c><00:18:25.360><c>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We launched this program with our state universities this past year.
• Literacy Launch is key to the expectations we have for students and teachers.
• We offered additional Literacy Launches to this school year, and we'll offer more this summer.
• In addition to that, we encourage your continued support for Literacy Launch at $25 million.
• They do incredible work in that space, and we certainly support their recommendations on that.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a public hearing in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 budget for education and local aid. Opening remarks from Senator Pavel Payano, Representative Pat Duffy, and local leaders emphasized the importance of education funding for Lawrence and other Gateway Cities, with Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero highlighting the city’s high-need student population, Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, early college and career pathways, and the need for sustained support to close achievement gaps. The Education Secretariat testified in support of the budget, with Acting Secretary Amy Kershaw outlining investments in early literacy, universal pre-K, student mental health, school meals, high school redesign, higher education affordability, and early childhood systems. Commissioner Noi Ortega described higher education proposals including expanded free community college, continued free tuition at public four-year institutions, student success funding, early college and dual enrollment investments, and the Bright Act and Drive Act. Commissioner Pedro Martinez detailed K-12 proposals such as full Student Opportunity Act funding, increased Chapter 70 aid, special education circuit breaker funding, transportation aid, literacy initiatives, and a new Accelerating Achievement Initiative aimed at schools with the greatest needs. Commissioner Kershaw also described early education proposals including funding for C3, child care financial assistance, CPPI, workforce supports, and administrative funding restoration. Committee members questioned the administration about the pending local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to address health care and other cost drivers in school funding. Officials said the local contribution report is expected by the end of June and that a draft will be shared for public comment after data analysis is complete. Members also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities between districts and urged a broader review of the formula. In response, the commissioners said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but further work is needed, and they pointed to the new achievement initiative, literacy efforts, and early college expansion as ways to improve outcomes. No votes were taken at the hearing.