Video & Transcript Research : 'continuation programs'
Page 66 of 500
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming
Transcript Highlights:
- continue Thank you. strong oversight and fiscal discipline, and ensuring programs continue reaching
- Save program.
- programs.
- program.
- power plant program.
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on the value of Mass Save, with opening remarks emphasizing that despite past criticisms the program has delivered major energy, cost, climate, and equity benefits. The chair cited large avoided system costs, strong benefit-cost ratios, and recent legislative changes that set emissions goals, restricted fossil-fuel equipment incentives, and increased focus on low- and moderate-income households. Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahoney testified that Mass Save has weatherized hundreds of thousands of homes, reduced bills, avoided emissions, and that the current plan includes budget controls after the DPU ordered $500 million removed from the approved budget. She said the governor’s proposal to have only electric utilities administer the program was intended to reduce administrative costs and align with current implementation trends.
Members questioned Mahoney about what counts as marketing and administration, and she said the category includes traditional advertising as well as community-based outreach, customer resource centers, and other customer engagement work, much of it in low- and moderate-income communities. She said administrative and marketing costs are under 5% of the budget, while more than 80% goes to incentives and direct program delivery. Several witnesses then focused on workforce and contractor impacts. Dave Betcher of Abode Energy Management and Rick Taglienti of Rogers Insulation said Mass Save sustains small businesses, creates careers, and supports thousands of jobs; both warned that budget cuts would reduce hiring, training, and work in homes and businesses. They also described a broad ecosystem of suppliers, trainers, and service providers that depends on stable program funding.
Other witnesses addressed cost-effectiveness, affordability, and emissions. Anna Johnson of ACEEE said Massachusetts remains a national leader, with Mass Save returning about $2.80 per dollar invested, reducing peak demand, and lowering bills for participants, especially through weatherization and heat pumps. Kyle Murray of Acadia Center said the program is statutorily required to be cost-effective and has avoided billions in supply and infrastructure costs for all ratepayers, including nonparticipants, by lowering overall demand and peak prices. Amy Boyd-Rabin of the Environmental League of Massachusetts argued that efficiency is the cheapest way to meet climate targets and that cutting the budget would force more expensive power generation. The hearing also featured testimony on equity and housing: Mary Wampo described historic under-service to renter-heavy and lower-income communities and said recent reforms, including designated equity communities and performance incentives tied to equity, are helping correct that imbalance; Brian Biot and James Collins of LEAN/ABCD described low-income delivery systems and wraparound services; Barney Heath and John Nannari said Mass Save incentives are essential to affordable housing, passive house construction, and keeping projects on time and on budget. The final witnesses highlighted Connected Solutions and electrification: Sunrun’s Bronte Payne said the virtual power plant program saved more than it cost and helps avoid peaker plants and grid upgrades, and Highland Electric Fleets’ Ben Sondaga said electric school buses can provide similar grid benefits while lowering transportation costs for districts.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Education Committee Apr 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, continue, Jim. Sorry. So our program typically will hire all faculty that are in K-12 schools.
- May I continue?
- May I continue?
- If you don't continue it and you stop it, Barr goes away, well then the program fails.
- Continue. If I may continue. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Summary:
The committee met to hear presentations on dual credit programs from North Dakota higher education leaders, a school superintendent, and teachers. Valley City State University described its dual credit model, emphasizing quality control through annual teacher training, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty qualification review, school visits, and pathways aimed at the College Studies Certificate. Members asked about teacher employment, course scheduling, revenue, scholarships, and whether a centralized model might improve efficiency; VCSU said most instructors are K-12 employees, online offerings are still small, and centralization could weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College similarly stressed access and partnerships, noting about half of its headcount is still in high school, with both online and face-to-face dual credit options, district reimbursement arrangements, and support for rural schools. Lake Region also said dual credit helps students who might not otherwise see themselves as college-bound, but reduced tuition can still be a barrier for some families.
Fargo Public Schools reported continued growth in dual credit, with 50 courses offered in partnership with several NDUS institutions and a 12.61% increase in participation. The superintendent highlighted a growing education pathway, including students completing Introduction to Education and field experience, and said the district is exploring a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. He also raised concerns about inconsistent institutional processes, teacher credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity, arguing for more aligned statewide systems. In response to questions, he said AP and dual credit can coexist, with AP often better for highly selective out-of-state colleges and dual credit better for students targeting North Dakota institutions, and he described some use of Arizona State online courses in earlier rural partnerships but said Fargo is focused on local institutions.
Two teachers then testified on the classroom perspective. A West Fargo anatomy and physiology teacher said dual credit has expanded access, lowered costs, and prepared students well, but agreed that foundational science courses may be more effective when taken later in high school to reduce knowledge loss before college. A Drake-Anamoose English teacher, who has taught dual credit for more than 20 years, said the program has supported many students who went on to a wide range of careers and emphasized that small rural schools rely on dual credit to provide opportunities they otherwise could not offer. No formal votes or actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- programs continue to do what's best for students and continue to improve beyond what we even hope they
- programs continue to do what's best for students and continue to improve beyond what we even hope they
- programs continue to do what's best for students and continue to improve beyond what we even hope they
- programs continue to do what's best for students and continue to improve beyond what we even hope they
- programs continue to do what's best for students and continue to improve beyond what we even hope they
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/26/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to continue to grow this program. It is proven to change young people's lives.
- So, the ProStart program popularity continues to expand impressively every year as many more schools
- able to continue to continue to expand able to continue to continue to expand this<01:05:13.440>
- Finally, for more of our programs that continue this year, tourism, we're really excited to be able to
- Finally, for more of our programs that continue this year, tourism, we're really excited to be able to
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We'd like to see that change so that we can continue to collaborate with the city programs.
- This bill seeks to block local governments from continuing these programs.
- Nicholas Dalton: Governments from initiating or continuing guaranteed income programs unless the state
- Existing programs could be allowed to continue until January 1, 2026, or until their terms expire.
- And so by continuing these programs we perpetuate the unaffordableness of our state and we push more
Keywords:
HB 21, Texas Tax Code, ad valorem tax, property tax, delinquent taxes, tax delinquency, penalty reduction, interest rate, split payment, installment payment, tax relief, county tax collector, taxing unit, property owner, tax collection, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax increase election, supermajority, 60 percent threshold
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Criminal Justice Feb 4th, 2025
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget review Sub. on Postsecondary Education. (2-26-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- As well, our allied health programs continue to grow.
- Our aviation program continues to enroll a lot of students getting commercial pilot licenses upon completion
- Our aviation program<00:31:09.279>
continues <00:31:10.320>uh <00:31:10.399>to <00 - continues uh to enroll a lot of program continues uh to enroll a lot of students<00:31:12.080>
getting - . program. program.
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education heard presentations from the University of Louisville and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) on their strategic plans, enrollment trends, and budget priorities. University of Louisville President Bradley highlighted the university’s new five-year strategic plan, its R1 research status, community-engaged and opportunity college classifications, record enrollment of 25,005 students, and its role in serving first-generation, Pell-eligible, military-connected, and rural students. He also emphasized the university’s economic and workforce impact, including athletics, nursing, dentistry, and a recent Speed School building, and previewed major capital and program requests: a $142 million STEMH building, a $15 million one-time request for National Cancer Institute-related cancer research, and $5.3 million for the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership. He also discussed a planned $260 million health sciences building and the university’s efforts to expand health care access beyond Louisville through regional sites and residency partnerships.
Members responded positively, with Representative Tipton asking about agency bond projects and regional health outreach, and President Bradley saying the university is evaluating debt capacity and exploring smaller projects while noting that the STEM building request would rely on state-funded debt service. He described UofL Health’s expansion into places such as Bullitt County, Shelbyville, Madisonville, and Paducah, and its efforts to train physicians for rural practice. Representative McCool praised the university’s military-friendly designation and cancer research priorities and noted personal family ties to UofL. Michaela Aman, a sophomore from Letcher County, also testified about how UofL has supported her as a rural student and emphasized the university’s commitment to opportunity and social mobility.
KCTCS President Ryan Quarles and CFO Todd Kilburn then presented the system’s enrollment, completion, and workforce-training results. They said KCTCS now serves more than 110,000 students, graduated a record 24,000 students last May, and has moved from 45th to 4th nationally in graduation rate. They also highlighted that over half of students are first-generation, 60% work while enrolled, 70% of graduates work in Kentucky, and 74% graduate with no student loan debt. KCTCS described its common-course-numbering agreement with Morehead State as part of a broader transfer simplification effort, and said it trains about 200,000 Kentuckians annually when including workforce training and firefighter instruction. The system also outlined efficiency measures, including property sales, a new bookstore contract projected to save $4.3 million over five years, and a new evaluation process for real estate and facilities.
KCTCS’s budget and capital requests included operating funding tied to enrollment growth, support for the TRAINs program, the ECTC training facility at Glendale, continued support for Health Force Kentucky, three capital construction projects at Jefferson, Bluegrass, and Gateway, and asset preservation funding focused on safety and security upgrades. Quarles also referenced House Bill 5, saying it would expand KCTCS’s correctional education and re-entry work and could help reduce recidivism. Members asked about the bill and its impact, and KCTCS said it already provides instruction in jails and prisons and sees the proposal as an extension of that work.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 5, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- The next programs that we have are the Capital Projects Fund Program, which encompasses three programs
- The Digital Connectivity Program is an $11 million grant award program to entities within 25 counties
- Program.
- The Big Kahuna, the B Program, I'm sure a lot of you have learned a lot about this program.
- We launched a B program.
Summary:
The committee heard introductory remarks from Chair LaMarca and members, then received presentations on electric utility planning, transportation infrastructure, and broadband deployment. Public Service Commission staff explained how Florida’s utilities plan for reliability and cost through 10-year site plans, demand forecasting, and economic dispatch. The presentation emphasized Florida’s residential-heavy load, growing EV demand, expanding solar and battery storage, continued reliance on natural gas combined-cycle plants, and the role of nuclear power. Members asked about energy efficiency, rates, renewable options beyond solar, cybersecurity, grid resilience, data centers, and small modular nuclear reactors; the witness said efficiency programs are reviewed every five years, utilities must balance reliability and affordability, and large new loads like data centers generally must pay for their own infrastructure needs.
Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue described FDOT’s five-year work program, decentralized district structure, and funding mix, noting that the agency is predominantly state-funded and prioritizes maintenance and preservation before expansion. He highlighted record investment levels, major congestion-relief projects, toll-road revenues, seaport and airport partnerships, spaceport investments, workforce and equipment needs, and emerging technology such as advanced air mobility. Members asked about project timing, MPO planning, rail and ferry funding, airport governance, winter storm preparedness, and flooding/sea-level rise; Perdue said faster delivery depends on resources, local governments lead transit operations with FDOT as a capital partner, and coastal and drainage projects are designed around storm surge and resiliency.
The Office of Broadband reported on six grant programs supporting infrastructure, community facilities, digital connectivity, and future digital capacity and broadband expansion. Director Leo Garcia said the office has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars across most counties, leveraged significant private investment, and focused heavily on rural areas. He noted that broadband efforts are intended to support telehealth, education, workforce development, and economic growth, and said the state has reduced the number of unserved locations from more than 400,000 to a projected 170,000 after current awards are completed. He also said the office needs additional budget authority for the upcoming digital capacity program and that the larger federal/state broadband deployment program will be used to reach remaining unserved and underserved areas.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 04/07/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- We also continue to oppose the program.
- We're happy<00:30:28.080>
to <00:30:28.320>continue happy to continue happy to continue - The first is a technical change to ensure that utility low-income programs can continue to operate even
- >
if <00:37:36.320>programs continue to operate even if programs continue to operate even - >
LMI <00:51:54.960>program <00:51:55.680>is the new program, the LMI program is
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans’ & Military Affairs Oct 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the program coordinator for the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Sentinel Landscape Partnership Program.
- The program was established in 2013. In fact, JBLM was the first Sentinel Landscape program.
- And this could be a location where we can continue to help our veterans without homes and continue to
- We have a few programs that I'll talk about, and there are quite a few programs actually from the national
- We have a few programs that I'll talk about and are on the next slide of quite quite a few programs actually
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs heard presentations on several military and veterans-related topics. Dr. Dan Calvert briefed the committee on the JBLM Sentinel Landscape Partnership, explaining its voluntary conservation work to reduce encroachment around the base by protecting prairie habitat, supporting agriculture, and managing sensitive species. He described REPI funding, recent and proposed projects, and possible policy support such as state designation, dedicated funding, management endowments, prescribed fire flexibility, and water-right transfer tools. Members asked about seed sourcing, the distinction between natural-resource encroachment and development-related encroachment, and the impact of federal REPI staffing cuts.
David Puente of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs updated the committee on plans for a new state veterans cemetery in the Tri-Cities area and a replacement Spokane Veterans Home. He said the cemetery project has two candidate sites near Richland/West Richland, with pre-design funded by the legislature and a future request expected for land purchase and construction; he also noted the current cemetery funding source is limited and would not support a second cemetery without additional state operating funds. On the Spokane home, he described the current facility’s limitations and said the replacement would be a 120-bed, small-house model on a larger site, with the VA expected to cover 65% of construction costs if the state provides the match. He also reviewed agency budget reductions, including vacant positions, reduced outreach, cuts to counseling and wellness funding, and reduced support for veterans service organizations.
Blue Star Families’ Puget Sound chapter also presented on its programs for military-connected families, including Coffee Connects, a children’s book club, outdoor programming, career support, and Blue Star Welcome Week. The group said it is expanding beyond the South Sound and is using local outposts and online networks to reach more families, while also helping with food insecurity through grocery gift cards and partnerships with local nonprofits. Committee members discussed the need to expand the organization statewide and the ongoing food-security challenges facing military families.
During the final discussion on potential legislation, members raised ideas including restoring Washington National Guard retention efforts, expanding E-CAP eligibility to military families, revisiting the composition of the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, and addressing veterans’ preference issues for service members who have not yet received a DD-214. The committee did not take any formal votes or actions, but members and presenters discussed future policy and budget requests, and the chairs thanked the presenters and staff before adjourning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- With the anticipated growth drivers continuing to be the ramp-up of breakfast programs—so if you recall
- Breakfast programs.
- programs now more than ever.
- Yeah, I mean in that case I would continue to have them look at whatever state programs we have or also
- The KID program is critical to the success of the School Meals for All program.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Dec 10th, 2025 at 01:45 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Dow, what's critical is that we continue those educational programs for the youth that
- Agencies are continuing to shift toward contracting for evidence-based programs and are adding oversights
- For instance, there are continuing concerns over program implementation.
- outcome data as programs continue to expand.
- programs are listed.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- We wanted to make sure it was successful, and as we continue to see success and refine that program,
- We wanted to make sure it was successful, and as we continue to see success and refine that program,
- We are continuing to evaluate this program.
- We are continuing to evaluate this program.
- So we're continuing to work on that, and we'll continue to try to advance that program as much as we
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So I just plead with this body to continue to fund a robust tax credit program, especially in the rural
- Chairman, continue. Mr. Blackie, what do you mean by fraud? Fraud in the LIHTC program? Mr.
- not others, and... ...for some programs and not others, and this budget continues to deteriorate with
- So as the administrator of this program, I want to ensure, and my team wants to ensure, that we can continue
- Chair, Representative Blackman, I think that is a distinct possibility as this program continues to grow
Keywords:
funding, auditor general, county treasurer, procedural reviews, state appropriations, HB2388, Arizona Commerce Authority, ACA, small modular reactor, SMR, nuclear energy, advanced nuclear, data center, data centers, economic development, study, appropriation, general fund, jobs, wages
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2584, which would prohibit public funds from being used for genetic sequencing equipment made by companies owned or controlled by entities domiciled in a foreign adversary. The sponsor said the bill is intended to prevent sensitive genetic data from being sold or used against the United States. There was little public testimony, and the committee approved the bill on a 13-5 vote for a do pass recommendation.
Members then considered HB 2804, a rural development and housing tax credit bill that would let the Department of Housing allocate up to $2 million per year in credits for qualifying rural affordable housing projects, with the program set to expire in 2037. Supporters, including the sponsor, the mayor of Flagstaff, and housing investors and developers, said the credit would leverage federal LIHTC dollars, attract private capital, and help finance affordable housing for seniors, veterans, and low-income residents in rural Arizona. Opponents from the Arizona Free Enterprise Club argued state LIHTC programs are inefficient, costly, and hard to oversee. The committee passed the bill 13-4.
The committee also heard HB 2388, as amended, which appropriates $100,000 to the Arizona Commerce Authority to study the economic benefits of small modular reactors and data centers, with a report due by June 30, 2027. Supporters said the study could help Arizona plan for future energy and data-center growth, while opponents argued the agency already has other funding sources and should not receive additional money for the study. The amended bill passed 10-7.
After a presentation from Auditor General Lindsay Perry on county treasurer procedural reviews and the Santa Cruz County embezzlement case, the committee approved HB 2352, which provides $2,385,900 in FY 2029 for the Auditor General to continue county treasurer reviews, on an 11-7 vote. The committee then unanimously approved HB 2418, as amended, which directs $600,000 to be evenly distributed among five major incident task force counties and codifies the longstanding distribution practice. Finally, the committee took up HB 2499, the first of two ESA administration bills, which would appropriate $2.6 million and 12 FTEs to the Department of Education for ESA administration and oversight beginning in FY 2027; the bill drew extended debate about ESA growth, accountability, testing, and spending oversight, but the transcript cuts off before the final vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- If you continue to do that, you do destabilize the program, which means then no one would have access
- If you continue to do that, you do destabilize the program, which means then no one would have access
- And I think it's a great bill in the recognition of that as we continue to fine-tune this program to
- and we want to make sure that Minnesotans continue to have the benefit of this program that they have
- This is a program program standards.
Keywords:
workforce development, appropriations, nonprofit organizations, employment services, state funding, paid leave, S corporations, employment law, exemptions, Minnesota Statutes, cancer, healthcare, appropriation, Rural Cancer Institute, Minnesota clinicians, pilot program, nursing, education, University of Minnesota, equity
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, February 10, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Continue, Senator. >> Go ahead. Continue, Senator.
- for the county's program. So that would for the county's program.
- continues to to to continue as it data continues to to to continue as it is,<00:43:16.400>
by < - <00:51:44.640>
Um continues its usage continues to go. - Um continues its usage continues to go.
Bills:
HB0032
Keywords:
English proficiency, commercial drivers, vehicle operation, traffic safety, penalties, 916, all
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- That's still part of the education program.
- The Vocational Rehabilitation Program and the Office of Special Education program are jointly under the
- I strongly urge that we continue that work and continue to recognize that all children do need a sufficient
- It's where the gifted education program plan is.
- And we'll continue to work. Thank you.
Keywords:
special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP, individualized education program, students with disabilities, IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, dyslexia, dyslexia screening, structured literacy, reading intervention, multilayered system of supports, MTSS, student assistance team, free appropriate public education, FAPE, special education compliance, charter schools
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The funding for College Corps is really a continuation of the existing program.
- This expanded program. to launch this expanded program on an ongoing basis.
- that the program does.
- I hope this program continues to support more students like me, who, when given an opportunity, can serve
- in Proposition 2, but also to continue, excuse me, our administration of the school facility program
Summary:
The subcommittee held an informational budget hearing covering several GovOps, CDT, CPPA, and DGS items. GovOps reported that most deliverables under the Governor’s generative AI executive order have been completed, including guidelines, procurement tools, community-impact guidance, and a new project delivery lifecycle for Gen AI projects; one workforce-related deliverable remains. Members and public commenters raised concerns about privacy, labor impacts, and how the state will explain and oversee Gen AI use. The committee also heard a proposal to create a California Education Interagency Council with $5 million ongoing and 16 positions to coordinate workforce and education systems; LAO questioned duplication and recommended limited-term funding, while supporters said a neutral convening body is needed to improve coordination and student outcomes.
GoServe presented the College Corps budget proposals, describing the program as a paid service and career-development opportunity for undergraduate students that helps reduce college costs while supporting communities through tutoring, food insecurity work, climate and disaster response, and other service. The administration sought one-time and ongoing funding to expand the program to more campuses and students, while LAO objected to the high administrative costs and recommended rejection. Several students and alumni testified that College Corps provided financial support, professional experience, and career pathways. The committee also heard a $5 million proposal for a Belonging Campaign to address loneliness and social isolation through research, outreach, and local grants; LAO said the proposal lacked clear goals and measures, while supporters said the effort is needed for youth, seniors, and community resilience.
The Department of Technology updated the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, saying construction is underway on the statewide open-access network and the project remains on track for the 2026 deadline, though LAO noted a required business plan had not yet been submitted. The California Privacy Protection Agency presented its Delete Act implementation request for the DROP platform, which will let consumers request deletion of personal information held by data brokers; LAO flagged oversight concerns because CDT is both developing the system and involved in project support. Public commenters from business groups urged caution on CPPA’s rulemakings, warning of compliance costs and job impacts.
The Department of General Services then discussed implementation of Proposition 2 school facilities bonds, requesting staffing and administrative funding to manage the new bond program and continue school facility work. Officials said the program can also help districts affected by the January wildfires, including interim site funding and expedited assistance. Finally, DGS requested authority and positions to operate Building 18 for labor-agency tenants relocating from older Capitol Mall space; SEIU Local 1000 criticized the state’s four-day return-to-office policy and said telework has improved productivity and retention. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and member questions on each item.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- First, to continue this work, communities should leverage the mental health grant program for justice-involved
- And I'm glad they're going to continue to keep having it. program, and I'm glad they're going to continue
- We need to continue making investments in diversion, especially court programs, because they are effective
- the creation of a program like that, a data sharing program.
- I hope you will continue supporting the FYI future program, along with the case management and supportive
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (7-24-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- will continue and will continue to be funded.
- will continue and will continue to be funded.
- <00:02:08.800>
will <00:02:09.119>continue hopes that this program will continue hopes - that this program will continue and<00:02:09.679>
will <00:02:09.920>continue <00:02:10.239 - federal program? federal program?
Summary:
The Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy met for a public hearing and presentation on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). After approving the minutes, members heard from Shannon Hall of the Department for Community Based Services and Rick Baker of Community Action Kentucky, who explained that LIHEAP is a 100% federally funded block grant used in Kentucky to help low-income households pay home energy bills, prevent utility disconnects, and support weatherization and crisis assistance. Hall outlined the program’s income eligibility limits, the fact that payments go directly to vendors or utilities rather than households, and the program’s funding levels, including $43.4 million spent in federal fiscal year 2025 and an anticipated $58 million for federal fiscal year 2026.
The presenters described LIHEAP’s main components: fall and spring subsidy programs, winter crisis assistance, and weatherization. They gave participation figures for recent program cycles, including tens of thousands of households served in each component, and explained that weatherization prioritizes elderly, disabled, households with children, and high-energy-burden homes. They also noted that weatherization is carried out in partnership with the Kentucky Housing Corporation and includes repairs and efficiency measures such as insulation, air sealing, and safety checks.
Rick Baker described Community Action Kentucky’s role as the statewide administrator through 23 local community action agencies, emphasizing their presence in all 120 counties and their local board structure. Members praised Baker’s long service and the program’s importance for families facing high energy costs, especially in coalfield areas. One member asked for clarification on a slide reference to “Assurance 16,” but the transcript cuts off before the answer is completed. No votes or other committee actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.