Video & Transcript Research : 'Project 25'
Page 68 of 500
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (01/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- ><00:25:09.360>
serve <00:25:09.840>but <00:25:10.000>we <00:25:10.120>do - > but<00:25:24.120>
it <00:25:24.279>almost <00:25:24.559>seem <00:25:25.000> - So you'll see in orange there's a how many projects have at least 25 tasks, and so the goal is to try
- <02:32:04.319>
tasks <02:32:05.319>and many projects have at least 25 tasks and many - projects have at least 25 tasks and so<02:32:05.600>
the <02:32:05.720>goal <02:32:06.000
Summary:
Finance Division 3 met for a work session on House Bill 519, which concerns funding for Waypoint. The chair noted general support for the organization but said the bill would likely need to be suspended and folded into the budget process because the committee did not yet know available revenues or what amount, if any, could be committed. Kya Fox, director of the Division for Behavioral Health, testified that the department supports the bill and the program, explaining that it had been funded with other available funds, including $100,000 for 2024 and $400,000 for 2025, under a contract running through June 30 of this year. She said the shelter serves a unique population of young adults and is part of the department’s children’s system of care and Mission Zero efforts to reduce barriers to psychiatric discharge and emergency department use.
Members questioned Fox and Waypoint representatives about the budget placement of the request, the difference between the efficiency budget and prioritized needs, and whether state budget documents would show any internal Waypoint revenues. Fox said the request appears as a general fund item and that the state would not see Waypoint’s internal financial operations in the budget. A legislative member explained that prioritized needs are critical services already in place but not necessarily included in the efficiency budget, and another member said the distinction is not strictly applied. The committee also raised a separate question about how DHHS would handle any future state or federal restrictions on DEI practices; Fox said that was a question for department leadership and legal staff, but that the department follows state law and contract requirements.
Waypoint CEO Bor Alvare and Director Mandy Lancaster then described the shelter and related services. They said the shelter serves ages 18 to 24, is a 14-bed open-room facility with half walls, and is staffed overnight by two full-time workers. They said admission is first come, first served, with some vulnerability factors considered, and that they do not discriminate by race, gender, or sexual orientation. They reported no known incidents of sexual violence, though some youth are turned away each night because the shelter is full. They also explained that Waypoint provides broader services beyond the shelter, including outreach, drop-in centers, housing support, rental assistance, and family mediation, and said they serve about 400 youth and young adults in Manchester alone. The discussion ended with questions about whether lowering the upper age limit would affect the program; Waypoint said most residents are already in the 18-to-23 range, but that housing shortages make the current age span important for helping young adults avoid chronic homelessness.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 02/25/26
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- > now<00:25:23.919>
total <00:25:24.240>project we've received four now total project - we've received four now total project applications<00:25:25.440>
uh <00:25:25.520>under - 00:25:40.000>
for <00:25:40.240>this <00:25:40.400>project slide.- Uh and I do uh for this project the<00:25:41.200>
final <00:25:41.520>public <00:25:41.840- >
first statutory deadline for this first statutory deadline for this first project<00:25:58.960 - 00:25:40.000>
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House bill would halt spending funds on Rondo land bridge over I-94 3/3/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 25:44.399>
me <00:25:44.559>just <00:25:44.720>close <00:25:45.159>by <00: - Rondo this investment in the reconnect Rondo project<00:25:50.600>
will <00:25:50.760>yield - <00:25:51.159>
substantial <00:25:52.039>benefits project will yield substantial benefits - project will yield substantial benefits as<00:25:53.200>
Frank <00:25:53.520>dolmer <00 - :25:54.279>
director <00:25:54.799>of <00:25:55.000>urban <00:25:55.399>and
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions, February 13, 2026
Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions
Transcript Highlights:
don't <00:25:03.600>know <00:25:03.679>how <00:25:03.840>we <00:25:04.000- see<00:25:21.600>
if <00:25:21.760>they're <00:25:21.919>on <00:25:22.080> - 25:24.000>
just <00:25:24.159>see <00:25:24.400>what <00:25:24.640>their - <00:25:28.080>
on <00:25:28.240>the <00:25:28.480>list <00:25:29.760>um - c><00:25:30.960>
to <00:25:31.440>be <00:25:31.600>on <00:25:31.760>there. - c><00:25:30.960>
Bills:
SF0082
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL, WTL DEFER Public Hearings 03-21-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- the proposed kahab B erosion mitigation mitigation mitigation project<00:25:05.960>
with <00:25 - > project with this measure um chair's project with this measure um chair's recommendation<00:25:10.880
- >
uh <00:25:11.080>is <00:25:11.360>to <00:25:11.679>pass <00:25:12.360>- :25:33.360>
this <00:25:33.720>project <00:25:34.640>okay <00:25:35.399>any - c> parties on this project okay any parties on this project okay any discussions<00:25:36.559>
hearing - :25:33.360>
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Water and Land met on March 21, 2025, and considered several resolutions related to water resources, coastal management, and energy planning. On SCR 42/SR 27, which urged DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife to prioritize restoration and protection of additional wetlands and anchialine ponds, DLNR supported the measure and suggested a technical correction changing a reference from the Division of Agriculture to the Division of Aquatic Resources. Testimony from Hā‘ena Reef and Ocean Coalition, Maui Ocean Center, and individuals was in support. The committee recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments.
The committee also heard SCR 54/SR 36, which would create a desalination planning task force to study whether large-scale desalination for potable water is feasible. DLNR and CWRM said the proposal was a large undertaking and raised capacity concerns, noting the Board of Water Supply was already moving forward with its own desalination planning. BWS testified in support, saying its project was still in planning and design, with construction not expected until late 2027 or 2028, and that the project would produce about 1.7 million gallons per day to supplement Ewa’s water supply. Members discussed whether the task force might duplicate existing work and noted the measure focused on consumption rather than other desalination uses. The committee ultimately recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments.
For SCR 59/SR 43, which asked DLNR, the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, and the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission to work together on maintaining the Kihei ramp, DLNR reported ongoing collaboration and listed prior improvements including paving, washdown work, dredging, and a retaining wall. The committee recommended passage with technical and non-substantive amendments. On SCR 106/SR 87, which requested a study of which energy sector could be most quickly and cost-effectively decarbonized through public investment in combustion-free alternatives, OPSD said the State Energy Office had already completed a decarbonization study under Act 238 (2022) and a follow-up alternative fuels analysis, and suggested the resolution duplicated existing work. Energy Justice Network testified in support, arguing the proposal would build on prior studies by focusing on non-combustion options such as wind, solar, and storage. Despite support from several organizations and individuals, the committee deferred the measure indefinitely. The committee also passed SR 18 as is, passed SC 51/SR 33 as is, deferred SC 47, and passed SC 76/SR 59 with amendments.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (04/14/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm<00:25:18.360>
trying <00:25:18.600>to <00:25:18.720>refamiliarize <00:25:19.440 - 25:20.920>
One <00:25:21.080>was <00:25:21.240>447, <00:25:22.080>221, those - >
know <00:25:24.800>I <00:25:24.880>get <00:25:25.040>this <00:25:25.200> - Hey, you know<00:25:26.200>
anything <00:25:26.480>about <00:25:26.760>the <00:25 - No, I get it.<00:25:28.920>
Um <00:25:29.400>if <00:25:29.640>I <00:25:29.720>
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE, WTL-HRE, HRE-LBT Public Hearings 03-18-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:25:11.039>
So <00:25:11.400>it's <00:25:12.400>originally <00:25:12.799>< - /c><00:25:15.760>
and <00:25:16.000>then <00:25:16.080>it <00:25:16.159>was - c><00:25:23.279>
for <00:25:23.520>the <00:25:23.679>same <00:25:24.400>um So, you're looking at a 25% funding up to 25% of the housing capital projects.- . project. project.
- c><00:25:23.279>
Summary:
The committee heard three University of Hawaiʻi-related measures. HB 718 HD1 would appropriate funds for faculty and staff positions at the John A. Burns School of Medicine in cardiovascular, law, biology, tropical medicine, quantitative health/biostatistics, and environmental health and safety. Testimony was in support, including from university representatives and others who submitted written testimony. Members asked whether the positions were additional and how they would affect enrollment; the university said the hires would teach medical students and conduct biomedical research, helping increase the class size to about 77 and eventually 80, and noted a workforce paper requested by the committee would be provided soon.
The committee then discussed SB 1170 HD1, which would grant resident tuition at any UH campus to certain graduates of Hawaiʻi high schools enrolling in undergraduate programs. UH supported the bill and said it had adjusted its testimony in response to prior committee concerns. Members focused on the proposed four-year window, asking why that timeframe was chosen and whether the change was needed at all. UH explained that four years would allow students who left the state to return and still complete an undergraduate degree or prepare for graduate school, and said the bill would help students who come back after one or two years but otherwise would have to wait a year to reestablish residency under current rules. UH also said it was discussing possible administrative rule changes as an alternative if the bill did not pass.
Finally, the committee heard HB 1300 HD1, which would fund a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center pilot study on cancer disparities among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and people living near landfills in Nanakuli, focusing on social determinants of health, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and resilience factors. Testimony from researchers and advocates strongly supported the measure, saying the study could help explain cancer disparities and support future research funding. Members questioned the cost, the reliance on future federal or foundation funding, and the practical outcome of the study. The Cancer Center said the pilot would cost about $500,000 per year for two years, with later funding sought from federal, nonprofit, or private sources; it said the study would produce longitudinal data that could help identify at-risk groups and provide evidence for policy decisions, though members expressed concern that the project needed a clearer end goal and stronger case for public investment.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee. (2-23-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- bit of treatment,<00:25:01.039>
a <00:25:01.200>little <00:25:01.279>bit <00:25: - law enforcement.<00:25:02.559>
Uh <00:25:03.200>but <00:25:03.440>it <00:25:03.760 - :25:07.120>
have <00:25:07.520>and <00:25:07.760>that's <00:25:09.200>some - Obviously you<00:25:23.520>
got <00:25:23.600>a <00:25:23.760>lot <00:25:23.840><- >> I<00:25:26.559>
see <00:25:26.960>on <00:25:27.279>in <00:25:27.600> - Obviously you<00:25:23.520>
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:07
Chair Comments 00:00:36
Approval of Minutes 00:04:01
Volunteers of America 00:04:21
Soil and Water Conservation/Energy and Environment Cabinet 00:14:52
Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy/Justice & Public Safety Cabinet 00:21:05
Kentucky Department of Agriculture 00:26:01
Early Childhood Advisory Council 00:45:18, 958, all
Summary:
The Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee met to review how tobacco settlement dollars are being used and to press recipients for detailed information on total funding, administrative versus program spending, and measurable outcomes. The chair emphasized that the committee was not there for general program overviews, but to assess return on investment and whether each program should continue to receive tobacco settlement support. The committee approved the minutes from its December 22, 2025 meeting and then heard presentations from several agencies and organizations.
Volunteers of America Mid-States described its southeastern Kentucky restorative justice program, which uses an evidence-based New Zealand model for juvenile cases in nine counties. The group reported tobacco settlement funding of $516,000 in FY24 and $233,500 in FY25, representing about 17% and then about 5% of the program budget, respectively. It said the funding helped expand the program from 13 cases in 2021 to 180 youth served, and cited an independent evaluation showing recidivism of 24.5% compared with 40.4% in AOC data, along with a cost of a little under $20 per day versus detention and other placements. Some members questioned whether the program fit the tobacco settlement funding categories and suggested it might be better supported through other justice-related funding sources.
The Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Conservation explained that tobacco funds support $1 million in direct aid to conservation districts and $2 million in cost-share projects for farmers, with 5% of the cost-share appropriation allowed for administration, or about $100,000 in FY26. Officials said the direct-aid line was moved into tobacco funding in 2019, reducing money available for farmer cost-share, and described a multi-year project approval and reallocation process. Senator Webb asked for a more specific breakdown of the $850,000 direct-aid amount, and the cabinet said it would provide that information.
The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy reported that in FY24 it expended just under $30 million across tobacco funds, general funds, restricted funds, and a one-time federal grant, with less than 2% used for administration. Officials said most tobacco settlement money goes to Kentucky ASAP local boards in all 120 counties, supporting prevention, treatment, and some law enforcement work. The Department of Agriculture then began its presentation, describing strategic investments, loan programs, county funding, administrative costs, and a reported return of about $2.30 for every dollar spent, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation was completed.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR-AEN Joint Info Briefing - Fri Jan 16, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, just as a comparison, in fiscal year 25, uh, we only had, I know, 19 projects that we were able to
- 25, uh we only uh had I know 19 projects 25, uh we only uh had I know 19 projects that<00:18:44.720
- > Um,<00:25:04.159>
they <00:25:04.480>are <00:25:04.960>in <00:25:05.200> - ,<00:25:11.840>
a <00:25:12.159>little <00:25:12.480>one <00:25:12.720>on - . projects. projects.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/13/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
fiscal <01:14:48.000>year and 25 and projections for fiscal year and 25 and projections- On the right, it shows estimated changes in projected enrollment for fiscal year 25 that we received
- February projection, and while fiscal year 25 is not projected to have a deficit based on the most recent
- >
is projection and while fiscal year 25 is projection and while fiscal year 25 is not<01:29:05.159 - State Grant awards were rationed dramatically in fiscal year 25 to offset the projected deficit.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (03/04/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- campus<00:25:31.600>
Spalding <00:25:32.080>is <00:25:32.200>one <00:25:32.320>< - :33.279>
is <00:25:33.399>in <00:25:33.559>dire <00:25:33.880>need <00:25: - The CTE project is a 75/25 match, is that correct?
- That project is continuing, and they expect it to be completed by August of '25. installation at Walker
- to be completed come August that project to be completed come August of<03:35:14.439>
25 <03:35
Summary:
The Department of Administrative Services presented its capital budget process and priorities, explaining that it maintains and operates 96 state buildings and uses annual facility walkthroughs, condition assessments, and rough cost estimates to rank projects for the governor’s capital budget. Officials described how requests are triaged, how the governor’s office and Public Works refine estimates, and how the resulting capital budget book serves as legislative intent for approved projects. They also noted that this year the governor’s office asked for estimates on all selected projects, which increased workload but reduced detail.
The department highlighted several requested projects, including $1.5 million for the ERP system sustainability fund, which officials said is critical because the state is upgrading its core financial, HR, and budget system to the cloud. Other priorities included courthouse HVAC and boiler work, brick repointing at the State House annex/main building, window replacement at the Spalding building, and elevator replacement on the hospital campus. Officials also said the governor’s proposed capital budget included fewer DAS projects than in past years and asked the committee to consider funding closer to historic levels.
The committee then reviewed lapse and reallocation items. DAS said most older projects are still in design, bid, or construction because projects now take four to six years rather than two to three, in part due to ARPA-related workload and post-COVID construction backlogs. Members discussed lapsing $81,000 from the completed Spalding roof project and redirecting small remaining balances from several 2019 projects toward the Hillsboro County South cell block project through the Capital Project Overview Committee. Officials also confirmed ARPA-funded projects are expected to be completed before the December 2026 deadline and explained that the ERP system is the main state IT exception outside DOIT’s usual centralized control, though it still requires DOIT consultation and approval.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.560>
and <01:25:00.800>put <01:25:00.960>them <01:25:01.120>into <01:25 - >
have <01:25:12.000>what <01:25:12.080>is <01:25:12.239>the <01:25:12.480 - <01:25:36.560>
Majority <01:25:37.840>are <01:25:38.159>in <01:25:38.480> - . projects. projects.
- . project. project.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations - Room 216, 24 February, 2026; 1:30 PM
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:25:04.400>
get <00:25:04.480>a <00:25:04.640>whole <00:25:04.799>lot< - There's<00:25:15.279>
no <00:25:15.520>question <00:25:15.760>about <00:25:16.000 - Flipping the<00:25:17.840>
script <00:25:18.880>and <00:25:19.120>I <00:25:19.360 - 25:26.480>
has <00:25:26.720>never <00:25:26.880>done <00:25:27.039>before. - We<00:25:28.000>
we've <00:25:28.400>never <00:25:28.640>got <00:25:28.799>in
Summary:
Legislative leaders opened the hearing by focusing on statewide technology issues affecting agencies, including rising IT costs, cloud migration, cybersecurity risks, procurement delays, and the need for better coordination across government systems. They said the meeting was intended to hear from agency directors about current challenges and possible legislative solutions.
The ITS director described the state’s IT structure as decentralized but increasingly moving toward shared services. He highlighted recent legislative and executive actions on cloud computing, artificial intelligence, procurement modernization, and data sharing, including House Bill 1491, Senate Bill 2426, Senate Bill 2267, House Bill 958, and an executive order on AI. He said ITS has worked with large agencies on a cloud center of excellence, a procurement modernization advisory council, and a state data exchange, and noted plans for a master contract, potentially with OpenAI, that could be available to all public entities.
He also emphasized cybersecurity, saying the state is seeking a secure operations center and a broader “cyber maturity” approach after recent incidents. On procurement, he said the goal is to speed up purchasing while keeping it safe, and on optimization he pointed to potential savings from consolidating duplicate agreements, such as multiple Microsoft enterprise contracts. In response to questions, he said exceptions to centralization would be based on business and technical architecture and regulatory requirements such as HIPAA, CISA, or FERPA, rather than ad hoc decisions.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (09/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:25:04.320>
about <00:25:04.640>$50,000 <00:25:05.520>for <00:25:05.679>- <00:25:07.440>
Is <00:25:07.679>that <00:25:07.919>still <00:25:08.159>a< - <00:25:24.240>
go <00:25:24.400>up <00:25:24.640>over <00:25:24.880>time. - <00:25:29.760>
Chair, <00:25:30.080>and <00:25:30.320>thank <00:25:30.400>- Secretary,<00:25:31.279>
for <00:25:31.520>taking <00:25:31.760>my <00:25:32.080> - <00:25:07.440>
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 219, which would revise the renewable portfolio standard. Representative Bose explained that the bill would modify class one definitions, eliminate class two, reduce the utility obligation for class one thermal renewable energy certificates from 2.2% to 1.7%, and adjust alternative compliance payments for classes one, three, and four. He said the changes were intended to save ratepayers an estimated $5.7 million annually, would not materially harm the renewable portfolio standard, and would have little effect on class two because that market is already saturated. Members questioned the impact on consumers, the state budget, and the renewable energy fund; Bose said the fund had already been redirected in the state budget, and another member noted an amended fiscal note showing a $1.2 million reduction in general fund revenue. The committee also discussed the bill’s history, including that it had been added to HB 2 and later removed by the Senate, and Bose said the Senate’s eventual action was hard to predict.
The committee then heard House Bill 164 on local records retention from Secretary of State David Scanlan. He said the long-standing local records manager position had never been funded, but that the need for it had grown as towns increasingly digitize records and must ensure accessibility, including ADA compliance. He described the bill as a way to provide state support and expertise to municipalities, especially smaller towns with limited resources, and said the fiscal note for hiring the position remained accurate, though broader website and storage costs could rise over time. Members asked about retrieving lost records, the cost of a public website, and whether records should remain local or be stored at the state level; Scanlan said the state would serve as a resource rather than take control of local records.
Finally, the committee began work on House Bill 365, also with Secretary Scanlan, concerning proof of U.S. citizenship for indigent voters. He said the bill would help voters who may lack required documents under the new voter registration law by allowing the state to verify qualifications through federal, private, or other state databases and by providing vouchers to cover the cost of obtaining documents such as birth certificates. He compared the proposal to earlier voter ID accommodations and said the goal was to help qualified voters meet the new requirements without weakening them. Members raised questions about defining “indigent,” how out-of-state birth records would be handled, and the practicality of the verification process; Scanlan said the term would likely need further discussion and that the state would try to assist voters before election day whenever possible.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- >
we <00:25:21.159>will <00:25:21.760>get <00:25:21.919>that <00:25:22.120 - 00:25:27.720>
uh <00:25:28.000>adapt <00:25:28.399>with <00:25:28.640>them <00:25:38.480>- thank you<00:25:36.600>
um <00:25:37.600>yes <00:25:37.799>can <00:25:37.960>- you
also <00:25:39.039>uh <00:25:39.200>figure <00:25:39.559>< - thank you<00:25:36.600>
- are<00:25:43.159>
also <00:25:43.399>run <00:25:43.720>by <00:25:43.840>the<
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Securing Human Services / Strengthening Election Integrity / Legislating Legacy Jun 8th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 47% uh<00:25:02.480>
to <00:25:02.720>the <00:25:02.960>Minnesota <00:25:03.440> - > their<00:25:06.159>
own <00:25:07.080>um <00:25:08.240>uh <00:25:08.480> - <00:25:28.320>
uh <00:25:28.559>project <00:25:29.039>out <00:25:29.279>there - <00:25:29.679>
you <00:25:29.840>know some other uh project out there you know some - other uh project out there you know MPC<00:25:31.039>
uh <00:25:31.279>NPR <00:25:31.840
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/23/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- >
at <00:25:03.800>a <00:25:03.840>loss <00:25:04.200>when <00:25:04.360>< - .<00:25:08.160>
Why <00:25:08.360>does <00:25:08.520>it <00:25:08.640>say - .<00:25:13.760>
Um <00:25:13.840>we <00:25:14.200>we <00:25:14.760>there < - ><00:25:24.440>
we <00:25:24.560>would <00:25:25.160>uh <00:25:25.320>we < - <00:25:26.800>
the <00:25:26.920>mail <00:25:27.120>date <00:25:27.320>on
Keywords:
vehicle registration, title transfer, rental vehicles, state regulations, motor vehicle laws, school buses, USDOT number, first aid kits, transportation safety, vehicle regulations, transit safety, assault penalties, public transportation, criminal justice, transit workers, transportation, railroad, safety, economic development, public roads
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee BR Sub. on Primary & Secondary Education & Workforce Dev (2-11-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- >
15 <00:25:06.720>16% <00:25:07.360>in <00:25:07.559>10 <00:25:07.840> - >
special <00:25:12.880>education <00:25:13.320>and <00:25:13.520>I <00:25 - :25:16.919>
the <00:25:17.279>um <00:25:17.600>a <00:25:17.679>lot <00:25: - at<00:25:28.480>
the <00:25:28.600>office <00:25:28.840>and <00:25:29.000> - :29.360>
else <00:25:29.520>we <00:25:29.600>need <00:25:29.720>to <00:25:
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development received a presentation from Kentucky Department of Education officials on the final SEEK estimate for fiscal year 2025. Commissioner Robbie Fletcher, Matt Ross, and Chay Ritter explained that SEEK is developed through a consensus process with the Office of the State Budget Director using multiple models and district-level inputs, and that the estimate is a projection made well before actual data are available. They emphasized that the discussion was separate from the pending education-funding lawsuit and described SEEK as one part of a much larger K-12 budget picture.
The presenters said the current SEEK estimate shows a statutory shortfall of about $14.7 million, or roughly 0.53% of the appropriation, with additional optional items that could bring the total to about $40.5 million if funds are available. They noted that prior years have sometimes produced excess funds, which are redirected according to budget language rather than automatically flowing back through SEEK. They also reviewed the main drivers of the estimate, including property assessments, average daily attendance, free lunch counts, exceptional child counts, home hospital, and limited English proficiency, and said property assessments have been especially volatile while exceptional child counts and ELL populations are difficult to predict.
Members asked about why the estimate missed on some categories, especially special education and ELL, and whether district-level changes were being monitored closely enough. The presenters said KDE does monitor special education counts and will review larger districts and districts with unusual growth, and they acknowledged that exceptional child growth has been hard to forecast. Representative Bojanowski asked about the Cloverport virtual school, and staff said its growth was much larger than projected and accounted for a significant portion of the shortfall. Members also discussed the impact of property value growth, population shifts, illness, and legislative changes on SEEK projections. No vote or formal action was taken, and the meeting ended after questions and discussion.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
WLA-EDU, EDU Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
Transcript Highlights:
- onto other folks can move those funds onto other projects<00:25:42.080>
and <00:25:42.400> - <00:25:43.679>
So <00:25:43.919>I projects and other priority areas. - >
projects <02:25:40.080>or <02:25:40.399>what <02:25:40.640>areas <02:25: - ; what projects or what areas that would be<02:25:42.000>
best <02:25:42.240>suited <02: - facilities projects and<02:25:58.800>
DOE <02:25:59.200>took <02:25:59.439>it <02
Bills:
SB2003
Keywords:
Mauna Kea, land management, University of Hawaii, astronomical observatories, leasable lands, natural resource management, stewardship authority, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts and Education heard testimony and discussed SB 20003, which would require the auditor’s report under Act 255 to include a recommendation on whether the Monarch Stewardship and Oversight Authority is fit to continue managing Monaca lands. Testimony focused on the bill’s reversion language, the role of the auditor, and whether the measure gave the auditor too much discretion without clear criteria. The Office of the Auditor’s position, read into the record, was that it had strong reservations because the bill did not provide standards for assessing fitness and asked that the requirement be held or amended. Other testimony suggested a work group with relevant agencies and Hawaiian practitioners to manage the transition and reduce conflict.
Committee members debated whether the bill should simply restore the original reversion language or also require an audit-based fitness determination. Several members questioned the need for a 2031 audit when Act 255 already provides for a performance and financial audit in 2031 and noted that the bill could shift authority away from the legislature. In response, the committee chair explained that the measure was intended to restore language removed during conference and to address the transition back to the University of Hawaii if the authority was not meeting the act’s purpose.
The committees ultimately recommended SB 20003 be passed with amendments. The amendments would strike the auditor/audit section, add language addressing timelines by providing a 10-year lease extension and sublease extension, and make technical changes including a defective date. The committees voted to adopt the amended measure and send it forward as an SD1.
The transcript also included a separate Education Committee hearing on SB 3286, which would require the University of Hawaii to develop a facilities and student housing master plan and report to the legislature. University of Hawaii testimony said the system supports the intent but that the bill’s requirements are a heavy lift across 10 campuses and should follow development of a broader academic strategy. Members raised concerns about deferred maintenance, shifting priorities, and the lack of a systemwide plan, while the university said it already has a six-year capital improvement plan but acknowledged it does not fully incorporate the broader academic and housing strategy the bill contemplates.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- uh and a portion of<00:25:03.279>
that <00:25:03.600>is <00:25:03.960>um <00:25: - under DPS<00:25:06.840>
excuse <00:25:07.200>me I<00:25:10.760>29% <00:25:11.520 - >
of <00:25:11.640>that <00:25:11.799>distribution <00:25:12.679>um <00:25 - ><00:25:15.799>
money <00:25:16.080>is <00:25:16.240>distributed <00:25:16.679>- 25:41.880>
as <00:25:41.960>you <00:25:42.080>see <00:25:42.279>on <00:25: - 25:41.880>