Transcript Highlights:

• It's taxpayer dollars. Thanks for the. Question. I absolutely would agree with that.
• With taxpayer dollars, and then they use the other end of the taxpayer dollars to reimburse the schools
• So again, is that not using taxpayer dollars to buy and taxpayer.
• Taxpayers did purchase that prison, and taxpayer dollars will go to reimburse that public.
• You positioned this as protecting taxpayer dollars.

Bills: HB4420 , HB3974 , HB3016 , HB3062 , HB3021 , HB3145 , HB4128 , HB3131 , HB3015 , HB3472 , HB3453 , HB1638 , HB4126 , HB2696 , HB2710 , HB3552 , HB3031 , HB3544 , HB3521 , HB4490 , HB4488 , HB1746 , HJR1069 , HB4428 , HB4429 , HB1170 , HB3538 , HB4124 , HB3904 , HB4106 , HB2999 , HB3982 , HJR1077 , HB3464 , HB2588 , HB3462 , HB4440 , HB3674 , HB3345 , HJR1067 , HB4326 , HB4331 , HB4337 , HB4338 , HB4359 , HB4392 , HB3557 , HJR1076 , HB4003 , HB3495 , HB3497 , HB3501 , HB3505 , HB3749 , HB3011 , HB4336 , HB4346 , HJR1087 , HB3240 , HB3647 , HB3796 , HB3969 , HB3972 , HB3983 , HB3984 , HB3989 , HB3383 , HB3130 , HB4358 , HB3327 , HJR1055 , HB3386 , HJR1089 , HB3087 , HB2970 , HB3314 , HB4129 , HB4199

Keywords: reading, intervention, literacy, education, third grade retention, teacher training, funding, Strong Readers Act, tort claims, inmate housing, government immunity, public trust, private prison, emergency legislation, vision screening, binocular vision, kindergarten, elementary education, health, firearm rights

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> return on investment for taxpayers. return on investment for taxpayers.
• </c> these issues and ensuring that taxpayer these issues and ensuring that taxpayer funds<03:11:56.080
• </c> taxpayer 12% more. taxpayer 12% more.
• As too many taxpayers well know, the VA spends millions of our hard-earned taxpayer dollars training
• </c> taxpayers investments in these programs. taxpayers investments in these programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Removing him with no explanation sends a troubling signal to taxpayers, students, and employers, and
• Reforms that improve accountability, align education with workforce needs, and ensure that taxpayers
• and families are getting the value for their investment. ...needs and ensure that taxpayers and families
• We do have a fiduciary duty on behalf of the state of Wisconsin and certainly taxpayers to be engaged
• Is it, you know, an increase in funds from the taxpayer pots that we have here?

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges

Transcript Highlights:

• But the underlying important protections for the ratepayers and the taxpayers still exist with this floor
• This bill offers ratepayers and taxpayers some relief from the government increasing the amount that
• This is a very measured protection for ratepayers and taxpayers.
• What's left is to protect the taxpayers. What's left is to protect the ratepayers.
• this measure to a discussion on what limit is acceptable to you, because I think that the taxpayers

Transcript Highlights:

• But if you are so confident that the law is on your side, we shouldn't force taxpayers into footing the
• But the most important thing you accomplished today, you kept your taxpayer funded lawyers.
• One colleague mentioned sort of with disdain using taxpayer-funded lawyers to defend what officials in
• California will not use taxpayer dollars to shield convicted. felons, including those who illegally reside
• The least you could do is stop spending taxpayer funds to keep violent criminals in our country.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> accountability when it comes to taxpayer accountability when it comes to taxpayer dollars.<02:00
• </c><02:04:04.719><c> not</c> and that those taxpayer dollars do not and that those taxpayer dollars
• </c><02:05:34.560><c> dollars</c> amendment is to hold taxpayer dollars amendment is to hold taxpayer
• </c><02:32:33.439><c> Really,</c> return on taxpayer investment.
• Really, return on taxpayer investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The taxpayers paid for it.
• We're just trying to make sure that the taxpayers and its investment are protected.
• </c> uh back to the taxpayers of Kentucky. uh back to the taxpayers of Kentucky.
• </c><01:29:38.719><c> If</c> doing as a steward for the taxpayers.
• If doing as a steward for the taxpayers.

Summary: The Information Technology Oversight Committee met to hear a presentation from Kentucky Department of Education officials David Couch and Mike Lingham on the history and current status of Kentucky’s K-12 internet network, including its relationship to KentuckyWired. They described the original KETS design from 1995, when KDE established district internet hubs and left local districts to connect to them, and said that model helped Kentucky become a national leader in school connectivity and cloud-based services. They also emphasized the importance of E-rate eligibility, saying it has saved the state substantial money and remains central to KDE’s network contracting. Couch and Lingham said the current “next generation Kentucky K-12 internet” contract with Education Networks of America is more reliable, offers more functionality, and costs less than the prior system, including lower bandwidth and firewall costs. They explained that the transition was complicated by build-out and provisioning issues, especially the need for more “type two” connections through local providers, which pushed some implementation past the June 30, 2024 E-rate deadline. As a result, 39 sites remain on type two connections, and KDE absorbed the loss of federal discount dollars for the portion of the transition that extended into July. The witnesses also discussed home internet access for students. They said KDE has tracked home access for about 20 years and estimates about 4.5% of students still lack adequate internet at home, with roughly 3% able to reach access nearby and 1.5% having no access. They said the biggest barrier is usually cost rather than lack of available lines, and noted that temporary hotspot support during COVID helped students continue schoolwork. Senator Williams asked about the costs of the transition, the current type two sites, and the potential cost of any future transition, but the transcript cuts off before a full answer was given.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the taxpayer is private services.
• ,</c> financed by the American taxpayer, financed by the American taxpayer, funded<05:45:44.558><c> by
• </c> subsidized by the taxpayer any longer. subsidized by the taxpayer any longer.
• </c> we've been funding with taxpayer we've been funding with taxpayer dollars. dollars. dollars. $6<
• </c> Is that what you think your taxpayer Is that what you think your taxpayer dollars<05:58:38.000><

Transcript Highlights:

• Then that money gets redistributed to other taxpayers within that town that have to pick up that tax
• Then that money gets redistributed to other taxpayers within that town that have to pick up that tax
• That's how much money statewide is pushed to other taxpayers by issuing this credit.
• That's how much money statewide is pushed to other taxpayers by issuing this credit.
• </c><01:05:30.079><c> in</c> the burden of tax property taxpayers in the burden of tax property taxpayers

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• who is seeking care is paying nothing, while Hawaii taxpayers in general pay everything.
• That really does not create any incentive for the taxpayer to do due diligence before incurring expenses
• who is seeking care is paying nothing, while Hawaii taxpayers in general pay everything.
• That really does not create any incentive for the taxpayer to do due diligence before incurring expenses
• </c><00:34:33.079><c> applicable</c> is to increase the taxpayers applicable is to increase the taxpayers

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies. The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted. For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are some major financial consequences for both local property taxpayers but also for the state
• but also for the property taxpayers but also for the state<00:36:03.920><c> to</c><00:36:04.040><c>
• </c><01:34:01.040><c> So,</c><01:34:01.200><c> just</c><01:34:01.440><c> in</c> Of taxpayer funds.
• And the school just, you know, takes their taxpayer-funded lawyer to all these hearings.
• taxpayer-funded taxpayer-funded EFA EFA EFA program.<02:17:34.880><c> And</c><02:17:35.160><c> I</c>

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• The option is for the partnerships, the taxpayers.
• But for the Tax Commission, they're auditing Idaho taxpayers.
• So I think it would just apply to those that are Idaho taxpayers, and I'm not sure how it works across
• But right now it's directing how the Tax Commission would audit Idaho taxpayers.

Committee: House Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a taxpayer of Fairfield, Alabama, and I just need some clarity because we're just now finding out
• Number one, will there be a cap on the amount that the taxpayers can be charged in connection with the
• Number two, will taxpayers have the opportunity to vote on this matter and will there be any public hearings
• or opportunities for any public hearings or opportunities for input from taxpayers?

Bills: SB330

Committee: House Commerce and Small Business

Keywords: water management, regional boards, municipal governance, ethics compliance, public utility

Transcript Highlights:

• Adding up state and local spending, we spend over $10 billion a year from general taxpayer funds, not
• further limit our tools to manage growth wisely, increase traffic, and place even greater burdens on taxpayers
• Taxpayers shouldn't incur the cost and hassle of endless votes on every segment of toll road, more than
• This creates an imbalance between infrastructure development and taxpayer fairness, especially when public

Bills: HB483 , HB3345 , HB3643 , HB3821 , HB3849 , HB4472 , HB4523 , HB4524 , HB5346 , HB5347 , HB5376

Committee: House S/C on Transportation Funding

Keywords: high-speed rail, Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, public-private partnership, comprehensive development agreement, CDA, Interstate 35, I-35 corridor, Dallas, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, intercity passenger rail, rail infrastructure, private entity, transportation infrastructure, rail corridor, passenger rail, infrastructure finance, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• It all adds up: veto overrides of spending bills have cost the taxpayers nearly $800 million in my time
• We have to stand up for the taxpayers and advocate for the future of our state.
• in history: the Path to Zero Income Tax, effectively capping in statute spending to protect the taxpayers
• This keeps the growth of government in check and it protects the Oklahoma taxpayer.
• Today, I call on the legislature to create the Taxpayer Endowment Fund, seeding it with $750 million

Bills: HB3725 , HB3260 , HB3660 , HB3369 , HB3370 , HB2937 , HB3419 , HB3264 , HB3266 , HB3267 , HB3268 , HB3310 , HB4311 , HB3841 , HB3024 , HB3075

Keywords: labor, e-verification, immigration, employers, employment eligibility, Department of Labor, penalties, funeral licensing, continuing education, Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association, professional development, licensing requirements, HB3660, natural organic reduction, human composting, soil reduction, green burial, funeral services, cremation, burial permit

Transcript Highlights:

• The withholding rate of 9% is a smaller percentage in the cushion of taxpayers, but applied against the
• $4 billion of income. ...percentage of a cushion for taxpayers, but applied against the $4 billion of
• So it was intentional, or as discussed, you know, did taxpayers change their withholding?
• With the franchise appeal, do you think taxpayers have claimed all the refunds of the estimated franchise
• , do you think taxpayers have claimed all the refunds of the estimated franchise tax?

Summary: The Revenue Estimating Conference met with four members present and first approved the December 11, 2025 minutes. Members then recognized the FYI end-of-balance of $577,077,871 as non-recurring revenue. The main business was revising the state revenue forecast for FY 2026, with the Division of Administration recommending a reduction of about $113 million, driven primarily by weaker individual income tax collections, softer general sales tax receipts, and a substantial cut to corporate income tax forecasts. The Legislative Fiscal Office presented a somewhat different but still cautious outlook, and members discussed withholding rates, refund growth, corporate collections, and the effects of the franchise tax repeal and tax reform changes. After questions to the Department of Revenue about collections, refunds, enforcement, and settlements, the conference adopted the Division of Administration’s FY 2026 forecast. The conference then reviewed the FY 2027 recurring forecast. The Division of Administration again recommended a reduction, this time about $104 million, citing continued caution on individual income and corporate taxes, while the Legislative Fiscal Office projected a net increase of about $127 million, largely from sales tax, severance, royalties, vehicle sales tax, and other revenue streams. Members discussed the practical budget impact of the revised forecasts, including the need to reduce spending and the difficulty of funding a possible teacher stipend if a constitutional amendment fails. The FY 2027 recurring forecast was adopted. Members also adopted the long-range forecast, the proposed inflation rates for the Millennium Trust and parish severance allocation, and the incentive expenditure forecast. The incentive discussion noted that reported incentive costs reduce available revenue before appropriations, and members raised the possibility of reviewing or capping such incentives. The Treasurer’s Office then reported that the General Fund cash balance was $404.1 million as of May 5, 2026, and the interfund borrowing base was about $9.18 billion, with cash positions generally similar to the prior year. The meeting ended with a note that another REC meeting might be needed after the May 16 election, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The withholding rate of 9% is a smaller percentage in the cushion of taxpayers, but applied against the
• The percentage of a cushion for taxpayers, but applied against the $4 billion of income tax, overcollections
• So it was intentional, or as discussed, you know, did taxpayers change their withholding?
• A quick question for you on the franchise: with the franchise appeal, do you think taxpayers have claimed
• , do you think taxpayers have claimed all the refunds of the estimated franchise tax?

Summary: The Revenue Estimating Conference met with four members present and first approved the prior meeting minutes and recognized the FYI end-of-balance of $577,077,871 as nonrecurring revenue. The main business was revising the state revenue forecast for FY 2026, FY 2027, and the long-range outlook. The Division of Administration recommended a $113 million reduction to the FY 2026 State General Fund forecast and a $104 million reduction for FY 2027, citing weaker-than-expected individual income tax collections, softer corporate income tax receipts, and some weakness in general sales tax, partly offset by stronger motor vehicle sales tax and higher mineral-related revenues tied to oil prices. The Legislative Fiscal Office presented a somewhat different but broadly similar forecast, with modest net increases to the general fund bottom line in the current year and next year, emphasizing caution on income and corporate taxes and more optimism on sales, severance, royalties, and some other revenue streams. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on the causes of the income tax shortfall, especially withholding and refund patterns after tax changes that lowered rates. Department of Revenue officials explained that withholding tables had been set with a cushion that may be producing larger refunds, and said changing the tables could quickly reduce overwithholding, though the effect would take time to show up. Members also discussed corporate collections, the lingering effects of the franchise tax repeal, the role of settlements and audits, and the extent to which collections are voluntary versus enforcement-driven. The Department of Revenue said corporate collections still had key filing and estimated-payment milestones ahead in May and June, and that refund and audit activity related to the former franchise tax would continue for some time. The conference then adopted the Division of Administration’s FY 2026 forecast, the FY 2027 recurring forecast, and the long-range forecast, along with the proposed inflation rates for the Millennium Trust and parish severance allocation. Members also adopted the incentive expenditure forecast, noting that the reported amount is only the REC-reported portion and that larger tax exemption amounts come off the top before appropriations. The Treasurer reported a General Fund cash balance of about $404.1 million as of May 5, 2026, and an interfund borrowing base of about $9.18 billion, saying cash levels were similar on average to the prior year. The meeting ended with a note that another REC meeting might be needed depending on the May 16 election, and the conference adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• So any child who goes to school or gets an education in any way, based on the money that we as taxpayers
• So any child who goes to school or gets an education in any way, based on the money that we as taxpayers
• protect and help and support all of the children in Arizona who are getting an education via the taxpayers
• The taxpayers deserve the accountability.
• The taxpayers deserve to know how the money is being spent.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, when I look at this, I see a taxpayer-funded position for a taxpayer-funded facility and institution
• Six figures of taxpayer money. I think this is a prudent step.
• This makes it more efficient for both the taxpayer and the Tax Commission.
• partnerships and saves the Tax Commission a whole lot of extra work, but it also saves you, the taxpayer
• adopting it if they have an income tax, because the efficiencies this affords to both tax collector and taxpayer

Committee: Senate Local Government and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• we are already enforcing that on a... you guys, your jobs is to bring in money; our jobs protect taxpayers
• So from a taxpayer standpoint, we have to protect taxpayers and we want you guys to do... ...from a taxpayer
• standpoint we have to protect taxpayers and we want you guys to do well too, but really we want our
• from about $386 for free use to $27.50, and so I do understand your concern for the West Virginia taxpayers

Summary: The Senate Infrastructure Committee first returned to engrossed House Bill 4419, which would require the West Virginia Parkways Authority to hold public hearings and give notice before increasing tolls, rents, fees, or charges, and would allow legislative auditing of related revenues and sinking funds. The committee debated two amendments related to E-ZPass transponders: one from the Senator from Jefferson to clarify that the Parkway Authority would not be required to read every plate failed on a 4-4 tie, and one from the Senator from Wetzel to codify a restriction on transferring single-fee transponders between vehicles was rejected after discussion with counsel and the Parkways Authority about current policy, convenience for users, and possible effects on the bill. The committee then approved a motion to send HB 4419 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, but first be referred to Finance, and a separate motion to send it to Finance passed. The committee also considered engrossed House Bill 4563, on which Senator Randolph moved for a second reference to Finance because of fiscal concerns. After discussion of the newly filed fiscal note and the bill’s potential revenue impact, that motion failed by a 4-5 division vote. The committee then voted to report HB 4563 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 4538, which increases fines and penalties for failing to obey traffic control instructions or speeding in construction and work zones, and also references penalties tied to distracted driving provisions. Counsel noted the bill’s possible overlap with existing vehicular homicide penalties and that it had no fiscal note. Jason Pizzitella of the Contractors Association testified in support, emphasizing work-zone safety and recent fatalities, while senators from Fayette, Randolph, and Jefferson also supported the bill and discussed the need to protect workers and drivers. The committee adopted a motion to report HB 4538 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass, and then adjourned.