Video & Transcript Research : 'workforce readiness'

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ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Joint Policy Jan 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am

Transcript Highlights:
  • Workforce is 33.2 million or 16.2% of our overall application.
  • First is strengthening and stabilizing rural workforce.
  • Provider and vendor readiness to start implementation is one of the biggest.
  • of ready to do what.
  • They are remarkable participants in our workforce. The adults are.
Keywords: 908, all
Summary: The Joint Policy Committee met to hear an overview of North Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation Program before taking up the related policy bills. Department of Health and Human Services staff explained that the state received a $198.9 million CMS award, with funding focused on four pillars: strengthening rural workforce, bringing care closer to home, connecting technology and data, and improving population health through prevention. They emphasized that the program is intended to benefit rural and frontier residents statewide, including areas near urban centers when the project serves rural patients, and that CMS approval, provider readiness, and sustainability will drive what can be funded. Committee members asked about how the program would treat border communities, frontier counties, urban providers serving rural patients, multilingual outreach, tribal consultation, and whether there would be information sessions for applicants. HHS said the website will include sign-up and translation features, more listening sessions and training will be offered, and a rural health tribal liaison will work alongside the existing Medicaid tribal liaison. Members also raised concerns about reimbursement timing, cash flow for providers, and whether projects in urban areas could qualify; HHS responded that urban projects may be eligible if they clearly benefit rural residents. The department then outlined the four policy bills tied to the grant scoring: nutrition continuing medical education for physicians, the presidential fitness test, the physician assistant compact, and pharmacist scope of practice. HHS said these policy actions were incentivized in the federal funding opportunity and that failure to pass them could reduce future funding. The committee did not take final action on the bills in this portion of the transcript and recessed for lunch before moving on.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Education Policy and Administration (01/28/2026)

Education Policy and Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • to expand funding for education for workforce readiness and provide federal funding to students in New
  • funding for uh education for workforce funding for uh education for workforce readiness readiness
  • <01:22:50.480> uh<01:22:50.639> readiness through um workforce uh readiness through
  • um workforce uh readiness programs<01:22:51.520> that<01:22:51.760> are<01:22:51.920><
  • c><01:28:20.560> would workforce readiness and um I would workforce readiness and um I would encourage
Keywords: 1189, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • for research and higher education poses long-term threats to California's economy, to a skilled workforce
  • The goal is retaining midwives in those areas to build local health care workforce and expand economic
  • SB 520 builds on the 2021 Midwifery Workforce Training Act, which previously funded active midwifery
  • For a strong midwifery workforce. Thank you for your time and consideration today.
  • And what I mean by cultural is, you know, I'm getting ready to graduate and my family is working and
Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate measures focused on student access, workforce needs, and institutional stability. Senator Laird presented SJR 4, which urges the federal government to restore NIH funding cuts and protect California’s research universities; UC testified in support and there was no opposition. Senator Ashby presented SB 761, the CalFresh for Students Act, to connect Cal Grant applicants with potential CalFresh eligibility and expand qualifying programs; the bill drew broad support from higher education, student, anti-hunger, and county groups, with members sharing personal experiences with food insecurity and no opposition. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 520 to create a California Nurse Midwifery Education Fund for a new master’s-level nurse midwifery program, citing maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and Central Valley communities. Supporters from the California Nurse Midwives Association and the Black Wellness and Prosperity Center emphasized workforce shortages and maternal mortality; one member raised concerns about the bill’s use of inclusive language, but the bill was otherwise well received. Cabaldon also presented SB 640, which would create a statewide direct admissions process to CSU for eligible high school seniors using existing data systems; supporters said it would reduce barriers, improve equity, and help declining-enrollment campuses, while members raised questions about special education students, rural access, dual enrollment, and measuring effectiveness. The committee voted SB 640 out on a 6-0 roll call. Cabaldon’s SB 744 would preserve California students’ access to enrollment and financial aid if a federally recognized accrediting agency loses approval, by treating affected institutions as accredited for state purposes; the bill drew no public testimony and advanced on a 4-2 roll call. Senator Cortese’s SB 494 would require classified school employees’ disciplinary appeals to be heard by an administrative law judge, matching protections already available to teachers and community college faculty; labor groups supported the bill, while school districts and administrators opposed it over cost, local control, and implementation concerns. The committee also heard SB 550, a revised pilot to allow San Jose State and a nonprofit, state-accredited law school to jointly develop a public law school pathway; supporters argued it would expand affordable legal education and public-interest careers, while UC and independent colleges opposed it as inconsistent with the Master Plan. Members debated access, jurisdiction, funding, and bar pass rates, and the bill advanced on a 4-2 roll call to the Judiciary Committee.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • WE ARE DEFINITELY WORKING TO PREPARE FOR TOMORROW'S WORKFORCE.
  • PROVIDING THE OPTION OF ENTERING THE WORKFORCE UPON GRADUATION AND BEING AWARDED COLLEGE CREDIT UPON
  • WE KNOW WE SERVE A LOT OF STUDENTS AND FAMILIES WHO REALLY NEED THE SUPPORT OF THE SCHOOL TO BE READY
  • MY MISSION AND VISION DOING THIS WORK IS YOU DON'T HOLD STUDENTS BACK IF THEY ARE READY.
  • WHAT WE SAW IS STUDENTS WHO WERE EVEN YOUNGER AND READY TO MOVE INTO DUAL ENROLLMENT AND PURSUE, SOME
Keywords: 999, senate, all
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • c> to<00:14:04.079> the policies and procedures to the policies and procedures to the workforce
  • And so one other thing I workforce.
  • Um, so the chair's recommendation is to defer it for now because I'm not ready to pass anything that's
  • ><00:27:30.880> not it for now because chair um I'm not it for now because chair um I'm not ready
  • to pass anything that's ready to pass anything that's duplicative<00:27:32.559> to<00:27:32.799
Keywords: 910, house, all
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • and state economic development workforce boards.
  • Barriers to success with our clients: I will reiterate that the workforce is not ready for the people
  • that we serve, and the people that we serve are not ready for the workforce in our experience.
  • Our teams are a workforce solution.
  • , as we say, this is an absent workforce.
Summary: The meeting focused on integrated employment and related services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with testimony from several provider agencies and state officials. Robin Arder and Belinda Stevens of ThinkAbility described how their organization supports people through residential services and self-created businesses because community employers often are not ready to hire people with disabilities. They said rigid service rules, difficulty fitting individuals into existing job definitions, and reimbursement requirements can prevent person-centered employment supports. They also reported that, in their experience, employees had not lost benefits when work was coordinated carefully with Social Security and benefits management. Tina Hannah of South Central Industries described a broad business model that includes manufacturing, janitorial and highway contracts, state-use products, a food truck, and an entertainment trailer, along with an adult day program and residential services. She said the organization uses a temp-service style model to make employers more comfortable and noted barriers such as employer concerns about productivity, lack of awareness of tax credits and accessibility resources, and the need for consistent job coaches. Miranda Figueroa of A New Leaf said her agency is moving toward a more person-centered model, including a Transition Academy for young adults that combines independent living instruction, community college classes, internships, and follow-along support; she said the program has an 85% placement rate but is expensive and not eligible for traditional student aid because it is not accredited. She also cited barriers including dual diagnoses, workforce readiness, and low reimbursement rates. Angela Decker and Deborah Copeland of DRTC described their long-running enclave contracts and a new Community Skills and Connection program that uses interest-based cohorts, community exploration, and volunteer experiences to build skills and networks tied to employment. They said the agency is phasing out its 14(c) subminimum wage certificate by the end of the year and is trying to expand community-based opportunities. DRTC and other providers emphasized the need to blend DDS and DRS services more effectively, reduce restrictive rules such as line-of-sight requirements, and better support people in congregate living settings. DRS representatives said the agency does provide school-based transition services, employer accommodations, and job carving support, and noted federal reporting requirements tied to wage outcomes. Members also discussed safety concerns, employer education, data collection, ABLE accounts, and the role of schools in preparing students for work and community life. The co-chairs proposed organizing the task force into three working groups: in-school/transition services, program support and service blending, and community integration/employer engagement. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with plans for further working-group discussion and follow-up on data and policy ideas.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Higher Education and Workforce Development Jan 13th, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Higher Education and Workforce Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • Please start when ready.
  • Development in the Department of Economic Development to the Office of Workforce Development in the
  • Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.
  • Awesome, and begin when ready. Good afternoon, Chair and members of this committee.
  • Development to the Office of Workforce Development.
Keywords: 959, house, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 1st, 2025

Business and Professions

Transcript Highlights:
  • With agenda item 14, AB1082 coming in hot, ready to go. Nope, you can sit down down there.
  • Madam Secretary, please call the vote when you're ready. On AB 1082, Flora, the motion is...
  • The clinical lab workforce shortage has existed for well over a decade and continues to intensify as
  • He was invited, it's true, the chair did offer, but he was not ready for prime time yet.
  • Ready when you are. Okay. Well, good morning everyone. Thank you Chair and members.
Keywords: 988, house, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • >> how we can address the workforce >> how we can address the workforce problem?
  • a state that is age ready? a state that is age ready?
  • for longevity-ready living.
  • We're going to have a greater demand on the direct care workforce. growing the direct care workforce.
  • So, direct care workforce.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee first handled routine business, approving the prior meeting minutes with one abstention from a member who had been absent. It then received an update from DHHS Commissioner Lori Weaver on the department’s rural health transformation grant submission. Weaver said the grant was submitted ahead of the deadline, reflected input from communities and providers statewide, and would now enter a CMS review and negotiation phase. She explained that the governor’s office will oversee the grant with DHHS, that some proposals may be limited by federal parameters, and that the department may need to hire some staff to administer the grant, within the grant’s administrative cap. Members also discussed DHHS budget pressures and staffing. The department’s CFO, Nathan White, reviewed the agency’s budget mix, noting that DHHS accounts for a large share of the state’s operating and general fund budgets, and explained projected general fund lapse estimates, which he said are currently just under $20 million for the department. He also described why lapse projections are difficult to predict in DHHS because many costs are driven by utilization and because some funds are statutorily non-lapsing. White reported that vacancy rates have risen, citing about 400 unfunded positions in the current biennium and the department’s hiring freeze, while emphasizing that direct-care positions are being prioritized. Committee members raised concerns that back-of-the-budget cuts and weak revenue collections could affect the department’s ability to manage lapse projections. The committee then heard from Division of Public Health Director Ian Watt on vaccine policy and federal changes. Watt said New Hampshire continues to support access to safe and effective vaccines, including through the universal purchase program and seasonal respiratory virus guidance. He explained a recent CDC change regarding the MMRV vaccine, which now discourages the combined shot for the first dose in children under four because of febrile seizure risk, while still allowing it for the second dose. Watt said New Hampshire’s school and child care vaccine mandates remain stable, with nine vaccines required for schoolchildren and 10 for child care, and that the state continues to review federal recommendations cautiously. He also said there have been no supply or funding disruptions affecting vaccine access, and that childhood vaccine funding through commercial insurers remains intact. Finally, the Permanent Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias presented its annual report. The subcommittee said it met about six times, heard presentations on state services, silver alerts, brain health awareness, and palliative/hospice care, and began work on updating the state’s Alzheimer’s plan, which had last been updated in 2015-2016. To gather more direct input, the subcommittee formed a needs-assessment work group to develop a survey for people living with dementia, caregivers, and service providers. It recommended integrating Alzheimer’s and dementia materials into chronic disease, aging, and public health outreach; embedding cognitive health into systems of care and the state health improvement plan; adding cognitive health measures to BRFSS; and continuing partnerships with aging and advocacy organizations. Members praised the report and suggested it should clearly identify the subcommittee and include page numbers in future versions.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/26

Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • immigration policy is workforce policy. immigration policy is workforce policy.
  • massive workforce shortage already. massive workforce shortage already.
  • c><00:37:40.160> Unidos workforce development manager at Unidos workforce development manager
  • Our workforce reality is fragile.
  • term implications for our workforce term implications for our workforce pipeline.<01:25:43.840><
Keywords: 1183, house
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Workforce Support Subcommittee meeting on addressing workforce barriers through apprenticeships.
  • Melissa Sebeli is the director of workforce development programs at Mass Higher Hampton County Workforce
  • Every workforce area tends to be very different.
  • Every workforce area tends to be very different.
  • You're ready to wrap? I think so.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee met to discuss using registered apprenticeships to help address workforce shortages in disability services, human services, and other high-need fields. Co-chairs and staff introduced the session as a follow-up to earlier discussions with state labor officials and representatives from developmental disability and behavioral health provider associations. The panel focused on how apprenticeships can create paid, structured pathways into jobs while also supporting credentialing and retention. Amara Ramon of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards explained how Massachusetts apprenticeship programs are registered and supported, including the roles of apprenticeship liaison staff, operations, quality assurance, and grant support. She described the core features of apprenticeships—paid on-the-job training, related technical instruction, wage progression, and industry credentials—and contrasted them with internships or co-ops. Melissa Chabelli of the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board described the intermediary role her board plays in designing programs, registering apprentices, coordinating employers, and handling compliance. She emphasized flexibility, employer investment, tax credits, retention benefits, and the importance of mentors and local workforce partnerships. Lisa Morris of UMass Chan/For Health Consulting described a developing apprenticeship for medical interpreters, built from an existing training foundation and designed to address the gap between classroom preparation and work experience. She said the model would combine pre-apprenticeship training, employer interviews, 2,000 hours of apprenticeship, and related technical instruction tied to national certification. Speakers also discussed examples for nursing, early childhood education, CNC machining, and programs serving neurodivergent learners, including Bridgewater State’s Excel program. In response to audience questions, panelists said state agencies can serve as intermediaries, recruitment can come through career centers, youth programs, community colleges, ESL centers, and incumbent workers, and accommodations or modified curricula can support apprentices with disabilities. No votes were taken; the session ended with encouragement for attendees to contact the presenters and Division of Apprenticeship Standards for help developing programs.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Joint Minerals, Business & Economic Development Committee, June 5, 2026

Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • So any specifics that the workforce housing allows us to do, that's handled by the business ready communities
  • So any specifics that the workforce housing allows us to do, that's handled by the business ready communities
  • housing with our handling workforce housing with our business<01:15:28.080> ready<01:15:28.400
  • How ready is the readiness information.
  • business ready community program. business ready community program.
Keywords: 916, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Executive Departments and Administration (02/05/2025)

Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • you thank you go ahead when you're ready you thank you go ahead when you're ready sir<00:04:09.920
  • <01:38:44.360> crisis Hampshire's Workforce crisis Hampshire's Workforce crisis particularly
  • to experience an ongoing Workforce to experience an ongoing Workforce shortage<01:56:33.880>
  • hygienists understand the workforce hygienists understand the workforce shortage<02:01:05.679>
  • <02:13:35.000> to<02:13:35.119> be as competent and ready to be as competent and ready
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 9th, 2025

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Committee on Trade Workforce and Economic Development will now come to order.
  • The chair refers the following measure to the Subcommittee on Workforce.
  • The chair recalls HB 322 from the subcommittee on Workforce.
  • The chair calls HB 331 from the subcommittee on Workforce.
  • So we offer, we stand here saying we're ready to support this bill and also that we stand and we're ready
Bills: HB74, HB175
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Session (06/05/2025)

New Hampshire Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are you ready for the amendment. Are you ready for the question?
  • Are you ready for the 2630. Are you ready for the question?
  • Are you ready for the 2711s. Are you ready for the question?
  • Ready? Okay. The Senate will Okay. Okay. Ready? Okay.
  • Are you ready for the Okay. Are you ready for the question?
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Committee on Housing (02/03/2026)

Housing

Transcript Highlights:
  • When the clerk's ready, she can call the roll.
  • <01:13:01.280> housing and meet their workforce housing and meet their workforce housing obligations
  • within the repeal of the workforce within the repeal of the workforce housing<03:42:53.040> law
  • <05:31:10.718> We're<05:31:10.958> ready. Right there. We're ready. Right there.
  • We're ready.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 1598 and an amendment, 2026-0463H. Elliott Barry and Nick Norman testified that the amendment reflected a hard-fought compromise balancing concerns from all sides, and they urged no further changes. With no questions from members, the subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend the bill with the amendment to the full committee, 3-0, and closed the subcommittee. The housing committee then moved through several executive session bills. HB 1010 was amended with 2026-0274H, described as clarifying and implementing prior housing law (HB 631) governing residential units above office and retail space; the amendment was adopted unanimously and the bill was reported ought to pass as amended on a 17-0 vote and placed on consent. HB 65 was then voted ought to pass and also placed on consent, with members saying it was duplicative of the compromise reached on HB 1010. HB 1349 was reconsidered for a clarifying vote and again received unanimous support for its prior disposition, 17-0, and was placed on consent. The committee next took up HB 1523, which concerned homeowners associations. An amendment, 2026-0380H, removed Section 5’s Attorney General enforcement mechanism, added HOA conflict-of-interest approval language, and delayed the effective date to give stakeholders more time; it was adopted unanimously. The bill then passed 18-0 as amended and was put on consent. The committee also voted ITL on CACR 16, a constitutional amendment related to sleeping or homelessness issues, after debate over unintended consequences and whether it protected a basic right; the vote was 10-8, with a majority report assigned and a minority report to be written. Later, HB 108, dealing with inclusionary zoning, was voted ITL 10-8 after members argued the bill imposed unrealistic burdens and could halt development; a minority report was noted with amendment 0149H. HB 7, concerning ADUs and restrictive covenants, was also voted ITL 10-8 after discussion of unintended consequences and a proposed amendment to encourage second ADUs; it was sent to the regular calendar with a minority report and amendment 0289H. HB 1120, on water-related subdivision requirements, was ITL’d 17-1 and placed on consent, with one member noting a study amendment had been offered. HB 1143, addressing housing-provider obligations and municipal enforcement powers, was ITL’d 17-1 and placed on consent. Finally, HB 1145, a fee/tax proposal tied to housing development, was ITL’d 11-7; members debated whether it would discourage development, and a minority report was assigned.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • We have a construction workforce shortage. We need to train, you know, new clean energy workforce.
  • We have a construction workforce shortage. We need to train, you know, new clean energy workforce.
  • We have a lot of current workforce that's being trained, and a lot of workforce that's out of work.
  • Our workforce development partners is what help us experience.
  • And so we're getting them ready for those positions.
Summary: The work session focused first on Washington’s apprenticeship system, especially building trades programs and support services. Labor and Industries staff explained how registered apprenticeship works in the state, including the role of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, the requirements for paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction, and the difference between apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship. Panelists emphasized that apprenticeship is tied to actual jobs and training agents, and that many waitlists reflect a shortage of job openings and employer participation rather than a lack of interest. They also discussed youth apprenticeship, the growth of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and the use of Career Bridge and L&I’s database to help people find programs. Representatives asked whether the state should expand apprenticeship programs and how people can find openings. Speakers said more programs alone would not solve the backlog without more employers signing on as training agents and more apprenticeship utilization on projects. The panel also highlighted the Constructed Career Initiative, a grant-funded navigation and support program that helps people enter and stay in building trades apprenticeships through outreach, case management, and wraparound aid such as transportation, tools, and work clothes. A related nonprofit, Build Up, described similar support services, including prison-based boot and PPE programs and assistance for reentry participants. The panel said these services are especially important because apprentices often face unstable income, housing, food, and transportation barriers. The panel also discussed House Bill 2084 and the new Construction Training Pathway Oversight Committee, which is examining construction training in correctional facilities and how to create clearer pathways from prison-based training to apprenticeship, college, or work. Speakers said the committee is still in its early stages and will report to the legislature. The session ended with committee members thanking the panel and noting the importance of support services and referral networks for apprentices. The meeting then resumed at Renton Technical College, where college leaders and faculty discussed serving non-traditional students. The college reported strong enrollment growth, a median student age of 30, a diverse student body, and high job placement rates, while also noting significant budget cuts and program reductions from the prior year. Health care and early childhood education programs were highlighted, including efforts to expand access through hybrid scheduling, evening and Saturday classes, Spanish-language offerings, and in-person wraparound support for admissions, financial aid, and registration. Faculty said these changes were driven by student data and were aimed at helping working parents, English learners, and other non-traditional students complete credentials and enter family-wage careers.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
  • . >> And the Assembly designates, and here is pronunciation, ready, Jolynn Sheskey, I got it, >> Okay
  • We continue to invest in workforce development, climate-focused job programs, safety training, and future
  • We continue to invest more in workforce development, climate-focused job programs, safety training, and
  • I would argue we need to do one step further, which is there is a whole pile of workforce horses not
  • We want to see the money getting to the workforce.
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Human Services and Labor budget hearing opened with Senate and Assembly co-chairs introducing members and naming secretaries for the record. The agencies covered included Human Services, Labor, Temporary and Disability Assistance, Children and Family Services, Veterans Services, Human Rights, Workers’ Compensation, the Welfare Inspector General, and the Public Employment Relations Board. Members then gave brief statements on their priorities for the upcoming budget negotiations. A major theme was affordability, with repeated discussion of child care, SNAP, housing, and worker supports. Senators and Assembly members highlighted the Senate and Assembly one-house proposals for a $500 million child care worker retention grant program, additional child care slots and subsidies, cost-of-living adjustments for human services workers, and expanded support for supportive housing, youth employment, HEAP, and energy affordability. Several members also emphasized food insecurity and SNAP-related issues, including funding to address payment errors, prevent penalties, expand SNAP education, and respond to expected federal changes. Labor-related issues included workers’ compensation fraud, wage theft enforcement, workplace violence, temporary disability insurance reform, and the creation of dedicated enforcement funding for the Department of Labor. Some members supported using workers’ compensation assessments or insurance-company-related funding to pay for anti-fraud efforts, while others preferred grants to district attorneys or broader DOL enforcement. There was also discussion of occupational health clinics, labor standards in any SEQRA changes, and expanding access to doctors in the workers’ compensation system. Veterans, child care, and public assistance fraud prevention were also discussed, including funding for veterans legal defense and mental health services, microchip/secure EBT cards to reduce skimming, and restoring or protecting various programs. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with the chairs stating that the Senate, Assembly, and Executive would continue negotiations toward a final budget.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
  • I think we're ready. So we're going to go ahead and get started.
  • We heard over and over again that child care costs are a workforce barrier. 69% of Arkansas moms cited
  • We heard over and over again that the child care costs are a workforce barrier. 69% of Arkansas moms
  • We had another meeting earlier this week about workforce, and I brought up the question of education
  • We are currently getting ready, probably within the next couple of weeks, to release CLASS transition
Keywords: 1204, all
Summary: The committee first approved the prior meeting minutes, then heard a presentation from Maddie San Juan of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas on the report “Holding It All Together: Working Moms and Child Care in Arkansas.” She said the research found Arkansas moms are working and want to work, but face major barriers from inflexible schedules, high child care costs, and the mental load of balancing work and caregiving. The report cited survey and focus group findings showing most mothers want full-time work, with flexibility as the top requested workplace support. It also highlighted that child care costs can consume a large share of family income, with one infant care averaging about $8,900 annually and infant-plus-toddler care about $17,500. She also discussed paid leave, noting many mothers returned to work before six weeks after birth, and shared a personal story from a working mom in Monticello to illustrate the strain families face. Committee members asked about labor force data, flexibility examples, child care voucher changes, and whether state or employer policies could help. San Juan also referenced partnerships with Excel by 8 and business leaders to address child care as both a family and economic development issue. The committee then received an update from the Department of Education’s Office of Early Childhood on several administrative issues. Officials said new internal dashboards had gone live to improve transparency and data tracking for school readiness assistance, including enrollment, applications, and provider participation. They also said the state is continuing the CLASS transition and expects to release transition funding to providers soon, while emphasizing that OEP awards based on CLASS scores are separate from OEC’s work. They warned providers that a system transition from ACE to a new platform will likely delay payments from June 30 through about July 13, with payments owed during that period to be processed once the system is back online. Members also asked about Head Start audit requirements, market rate survey work, and an overpayment case involving a child care center that is under appeal. Additional updates covered early childhood special education funding, with one member raising concerns that inflation has eroded the value of the funds and that rural areas need more early intervention support. Department officials said they would follow up with special education staff to review funding sources and needs. They also discussed the upcoming QRIS work, including a June 23 webinar, and said the local lead network has been recompeted and will consist of 23 local leads covering all counties starting July 1. Officials said the local leads’ job duties remain the same, and that a new stakeholder group has been formed to provide ongoing feedback on PDG and broader early childhood issues. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.
AL

Alabama 2026 1st Special Session

Alabama House Ways and Means General Fund Committee Feb 11th, 2026

Ways and Means General Fund

Transcript Highlights:
  • And when you're ready, I the prison.
  • The workforce communities up there.
  • economic development and workforce economic development and workforce development<00:13:44.639><
  • development and workforce development. development and workforce development.
  • <00:18:41.600> and work uh the secretary of workforce and work uh the secretary of workforce
Bills: HB304, HB285, HB312, HB311, SB60