Video & Transcript Research : 'hunger'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/19/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So, we also know that the Hunger Relief Network is doing a pretty remarkable job of ensuring that most
- So, um I will say that all of these changes will directly impact the hunger relief system in Minnesota
- So, um I will say that all of these changes will directly impact the hunger relief system in Minnesota
- So, um I will say that all of these changes will directly impact the hunger relief system in Minnesota
- We are another nonprofit in the hunger relief space.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- that SNAP ensures that there's nutritional food, that there's plenty of food, at least to prevent hunger
- I share this to make this point: SNAP is not an anti-hunger bill.
- In rural New Mexico, hunger is not abstract.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- He then noted that Miss Milligan from Hampshire Hunger Solutions was present to testify.
- Laura Millin, with New Hampshire Hunger Solutions, said the organization appreciates the opportunity
- said they help coordinate eight food access coalitions across the state working together to solve hunger
- who are working together to solve hunger who are working together to solve hunger in<00:05:51.039
- <00:07:03.759>
and School Under C it reduces hunger and administrative costs.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- supportive services that keep older adults and people with disabilities within the community, prevent hunger
- Hunger has risen to a shocking level.
- Hunger has risen to a shocking level, with one in five California households and 27% of households with
- This is a win-win solution that prevents hunger while supporting our vital food and farming economy.
- system that supports the well-being of all Californians and prevents any backward steps in fighting hunger
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard a long agenda of bills focused largely on child welfare, foster care, child care, CalWORKs, mandated reporting, and public benefits. Early items included AB 890, which would ease county transfer rules for nonminor dependents in extended foster care; AB 461, which would replace punitive truancy-related penalties with supportive services for families; and AB 753, which would create an interim associate teacher pathway to help address the child care workforce shortage. Testimony on these bills emphasized barriers faced by foster youth, low-income families, and child care providers, and members expressed support for the general policy direction.
The committee also heard AB 926 on foster care visitation, AB 563 on early childhood planning and reporting, AB 601 on standardized mandated reporter training, AB 1074 on CalWORKs reunification aid, AB 822 extending the Commission on the State of Hate, AB 970 creating a Los Angeles County mandated reporter pilot, AB 1161 protecting public benefits during disasters, AB 1172 allowing trained staff to administer emergency seizure medication in community care settings, and AB 363 expanding CalWORKs student supports and work-study. Witnesses generally supported these measures as ways to reduce trauma, improve reunification, modernize reporting and training, and expand access to services. County welfare and child welfare groups, advocacy organizations, and providers largely testified in support, while some bills drew concerns from county representatives about implementation or needed amendments.
Several bills were voted out of committee, often unanimously and sometimes as amended, including AB 926, AB 563, AB 601, AB 1074, AB 822, AB 970, AB 1161, and AB 1172; AB 1172 was reported on call. The committee also took up consent items and later voted on subcommittee-held bills AB 461, AB 753, and AB 890, leaving them on call. At the end of the hearing, the committee heard AB 1211, which would protect CalFresh benefits from federal cuts and require a feasibility study on increasing benefits and eligibility; testimony stressed rising food insecurity and the economic importance of food assistance, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Childhood hunger is easily one of the most pressing issues, they said.
- New Hampshire Hunger Solutions is taking a neutral stance on SB 24.
- New Hampshire Hunger Solutions is taking a neutral stance on SB 24.
- milikin from New Hampshire hunger milikin from New Hampshire hunger Solutions<02:13:24.719>
um - <02:13:53.960>
in working together to solve hunger in working together to solve hunger in
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, so let's go to the senior hunger program.
- I noticed that there was no... and I think the senior hunger... the senior hunger... the senior hunger
- ... the senior hunger... the Meals and Wheels... ...the senior hunger program, the Meals and Wheels.
- The senior hunger program, there was an appropriation grant to the agency, but there was no funding attached
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-02-27 - 11:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's partnered with Hunger-Free Vermont. Its videos have been seen by thousands of people.
- She's also the director of the pediatric new American program. partnered with Hung Hunger-Free Vermont
- . partnered with Hung Hunger-Free Vermont.
- We have excellent written testimony from Anora Horton, who is the executive director of Hunger-Free Vermont
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- action on **SB 105** (questionable) to address the devastating impacts of H.R. 1 on CalFresh and hunger
- We will not be able to prevent hunger for veterans, foster youth, children, and others as a result of
- But these investments will help us prevent hunger for many and may help save our state budget from unnecessary
- California from being subject to a $2 billion federal penalty is a start to ensure our entire anti-hunger
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Laura Milikin from New Hampshire<01:16:46.640>
Hunger <01:16:47.040>Solutions. - I'm the executive director of New Hampshire Hunger Solutions.
- >> What kind of budget does New Hampshire Hunger Solutions have?
- Just under about Hunger Solutions have?
- to to address hunger at the local<01:19:00.560>
level.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I just continue to go back to number 3, the right to nutritious food without having to your hunger.
- As we know, some of us may be very familiar with the Food Hunger and Agricultural Program, where the
- I think this can be done not just with New Mexico State University, but the Food and Hunger Network.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- But there are programs such as SNAP which provide dollars to programs such as 68 Hours of Hunger or the
- <01:27:16.800>
N68 <01:27:17.679>hours <01:27:18.000>of <01:27:18.159>hunger - <01:27:19.600>
150 <01:27:19.920>of assisted by N68 hours of hunger. 150 of assisted - by N68 hours of hunger. 150 of them<01:27:20.239>
by <01:27:20.480>the <01:27:20.800>- or the Peterborough Food Bank Hunger or the Peterborough Food Bank that<01:28:07.840>
allow <01 - or the Peterborough Food Bank Hunger or the Peterborough Food Bank that<01:28:07.840>
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- So, if we can't prevent recidivism, we need to prevent hunger.
- So, if we can't prevent recidivism, we need to prevent hunger.
- So, if we can't prevent recidivism, we need to prevent hunger.
- And so, we stand we're prevent hunger.
- We have the Hawaii Hunger Action Network in support. Are they on Zoom? >> Yes, aloha.
Keywords:
HB1518, Hawaii SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food stamps, Department of Human Services, DHS, pre-release SNAP, pre-release application process, incarcerated individuals, prisoner reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, jail release, prison release, recidivism, food security, benefits eligibility, controlled substance felony, drug felony, drug conviction
Summary:
The committee opened its first meeting of the 2020 session and heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 1518, which would allow people incarcerated and nearing release to apply for SNAP benefits before release. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Human Services said they support the bill and are already piloting a pre-release application process at two facilities, with plans to expand it. The Attorney General’s Office supported the intent but noted a technical issue: one section of the bill appears to affect TANF as well as SNAP, while the title refers only to SNAP. A wide range of advocates, including Catholic Charities, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Hunger Action Network, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, ACLU of Hawaii, and others, testified in strong support, emphasizing food insecurity after release, reentry stability, and reduced recidivism. The committee did not take a vote during the hearing.
The committee then heard HB 1747, which would direct the Department of Human Services to seek federal waivers or extensions related to restricting certain SNAP purchases, including sugary drinks. DHS said it had already been approved for a narrow demonstration waiver and was working with retailers on implementation, with a target date of August 1. Supporters of the measure argued it would promote healthier choices, while opponents, including Hawaii Appleseed, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, said such restrictions are ineffective, stigmatize low-income residents, create burdens for retailers and DHS, and may be difficult to implement. Members asked DHS to clarify the scope of the waiver and confirmed it applies to sugary drinks and beverages containing more than 10 grams of sugar.
Finally, the committee took up HB 1705, which would allow licensed mental health counselors to serve as child custody evaluators, but there was no testimony from the relevant agencies and the item was quickly set aside. The committee also heard HB 1565, which would establish a judiciary working group to improve family court processes and legal representation for youth in the child welfare system. The Attorney General’s Office offered minor technical amendments, and supporters from the Office of Wellness and Resilience, High Hopes Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and a social work student described the need for legal representation, citing better reunification and stability outcomes and the importance of youth voice in court proceedings. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a sold-out event this year for the Hunger Caucus and for Serving Up Solutions, which is a fundraiser
- for the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.
Summary:
The Arkansas Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief morning hour that included an announcement about volunteers for the Hunger Caucus “Serving Up Solutions” fundraiser. The chamber then moved to its business agenda, where the main item was Senate Bill 1 by Senator Dismang, which would reduce income tax rates for individuals, trusts, estates, and corporations. Senator Dismang explained the bill as a continuation of tax reductions begun in 2013, lowering the top individual rate from 3.9% to 3.7% effective January 1, 2026, and reducing the corporate rate to 4.1% starting next year.
The bill drew debate over state priorities and fiscal tradeoffs. Senator Flowers questioned local sales tax limits and whether future needs such as Medicaid, education, and educational freedom accounts could be funded if taxes were cut further. Senators Tucker and Leding spoke against the bill, arguing the state should prioritize investments in early childhood education, hospitals, maternal health, and public schools rather than returning revenue to taxpayers. Senator McKee spoke in favor, saying money should be returned to the people who produced it. Senator Dismang closed by emphasizing that the tax cut was supported by surplus revenue and that a family making $65,000 had already seen a significant reduction in effective tax burden since 2013.
The Senate passed Senate Bill 1 by a vote of 29 yeas to 6 nays and transmitted it to the House. Afterward, members announced that the Revenue and Taxation Committee would meet after House adjournment if the House sent over its tax bill, and the Senate adjourned subject to clearing the desk and reading House Bill 1001 across the desk, until 9 a.m. the next day.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a sold-out event this year for the Hunger Caucus and for Serving Up Solutions, which is a fundraiser
- for the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.
Summary:
The Senate convened, took leave requests, heard prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved into the morning business agenda. Senator Irvin announced a Hunger Caucus fundraiser, Serving Up Solutions, and invited members to sign up to wait tables. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 1, which would reduce income tax rates for individuals, trusts, estates, and corporations, continuing a series of tax cuts begun in 2013.
Senator Dismang presented the bill, explaining that it would lower the top individual rate from 3.9% to 3.7% effective January 1, 2026, and reduce the corporate rate to 4.1% starting next year. In questions, senators discussed local sales tax limits, the impact of the cut on funding for Medicaid, education, and educational freedom accounts, and whether federal fiscal uncertainty should affect the state’s decision. Supporters argued Arkansas’s conservative budgeting and reserve set-asides made the cut sustainable and that returning money to taxpayers was the best use of surplus funds.
Senators Tucker and Leding spoke against the bill, saying the state should prioritize early childhood education, health care, maternal health, and public schools over tax cuts, and that the reduction would mainly provide small benefits to most taxpayers while reducing resources for other needs. Senator McKee spoke in favor, arguing the money should be returned to the people who earned it. The Senate then passed Senate Bill 1 by a vote of 29 yeas to 6 nays and transmitted it to the House.
After the vote, members were told the Revenue and Taxation Committee would meet after House adjournment if the House version of the tax bill was transmitted. The Senate then announced it would adjourn subject to clearing the desk and reading a House bill across, with the body set to reconvene the next day.
NE
Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Morning Session Apr 8th, 2026
Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So what you're really saying is there's no solution to school hunger that you're going to accept.
- I think if you went back to your constituents at every corner of the state, because hunger is something
- not... ...raise your tax bill, 99% of the time, they're not going to have a problem with it because hunger
- This helps not solve, but alleviate that problem of hunger. And we've found a private way to do it.
- the infrastructure, determine eligibility, and coordinate with every single school, because again, hunger
Bills:
LB878, LB958, LB958A, LB762, LB1187, LB966, LB929, LB962, LB1209, LB937A, LB962A, LB1050, LB1050A, LB965, LB1022, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB745, LB749, LB778, LR293, LR296, LR422, LR495, LR496, LR497, LR498, LR499, LR500, LR501, LR502, LR503, LR504
Keywords:
paid parental leave, state employees, workplace benefits, family support, economic impact, Medicaid, Medical Assistance Act, home and community-based services waiver, HCBS waiver, waiver participant, assessment tool, clinical interviewing, service tier, retroactive coverage, doula, doula reimbursement, maternal health, prenatal care, pregnancy, birth outcomes
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- them the resources they need to be empowered to serve the vulnerable people who are vulnerable for hunger
- them the resources they need to be empowered to serve the vulnerable people who are vulnerable for hunger
- vulnerable uh people who are<00:07:08.000>
vulnerable <00:07:08.320>for <00:07:08.440>hunger - <00:07:08.680>
in <00:07:08.760>their are vulnerable for hunger in their are vulnerable - for hunger in their communities.<00:07:09.240>
Thank <00:07:09.400>you <00:07:09.440>
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 2271 HD2, making emergency appropriations for public employment cost items, drew support from state agencies and other entities, including HPHA, the University of Hawaiʻi, DLNR, OYS, DAGS, DOH, DOA/Biosecurity, and the Behavioral Health Administration; no opposition was noted. HB 2324 HD2, relating to the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Law, was supported by DLIR, which said the bill removes a duplicative Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board requirement and aligns whistleblower investigation timelines with federal standards. HB 2387 HD1, relating to workers’ compensation medical benefits, also received support from DLIR and the State Fire Council, with the chair noting 40 supporters and no opposition or comments.
HB 2116 HD2, relating to grants, was presented as a response to federal SNAP-related eligibility changes. Supporters included the Office of Community Services, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and several other organizations. Testimony said the bill would help nonprofits provide volunteer opportunities that could count toward an 80-hour monthly work requirement and help vulnerable residents avoid losing benefits; witnesses cited potential impacts on older adults and households with dependent children. HB 1682 HD1, relating to the disclosure of intimate images, drew strong support from advocates, the Uniform Law Commission, the Commission to Promote Uniform Laws, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and others. Testifiers emphasized the harms of non-consensual image sharing, the need for civil remedies, confidentiality protections, and the bill’s alignment with a uniform act already enacted in other states.
HB 2468 HD1, relating to internship programs, received support from the University of Hawaiʻi, DLIR, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others. Testimony focused on the Hālau Mua internship program, workforce development, and the need to clarify sponsor contracts, background checks, and onboarding; committee members asked about a former intern now working in an 89-day hire position and how to streamline hiring into civil service roles. HB 2091 HD2, relating to petitions to restrain and enjoin harassment of DOE employees, was supported by DOE, the Attorney General’s office, UPW, and others; the AG’s office requested a data-driven appropriation amount, and members discussed a $300,000 figure for the full two-year pilot. The chair also asked for confirmation of prior cost figures for HB 2116 before moving toward decision-making.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 7 on Accountability and Oversight Aug 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- have worked to expand health care coverage to nearly every resident, established programs to combat hunger
- You heard from my colleagues in that coalition earlier today, as well as the anti-hunger coalition and
- the administration to act as soon as possible to mitigate the impacts of H.R. 1, particularly on hunger
- and the administration to act as soon as possible to mitigate the impacts of HR1, particularly on hunger
- Hunger is a policy choice, and we thank you for standing alongside us during this critical time.
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Oversight held its fifth hearing of the year to examine the newly enacted federal H.R. 1 and its effects on California. Members and the chair described the law as a major threat to state health, food, education, and climate programs, and emphasized that California would not be able to fully backfill the federal cuts. Several members also highlighted the bill’s tax provisions, including temporary deductions for tips, overtime, seniors, and auto loan interest, while warning that the largest benefits flow to higher-income taxpayers and that major cuts to Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and clean-energy incentives are delayed or phased in over time.
The Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Department of Finance presented detailed overviews of the bill’s likely impacts and implementation timelines. They identified the main affected areas as health care coverage and financing, food assistance, higher education, personal income taxes, and clean-energy/electric-vehicle credits. They explained that H.R. 1 limits provider taxes used to finance Medi-Cal, adds work and redetermination requirements, restricts CalFresh eligibility and increases state costs, changes student loan and Pell Grant rules, extends and modifies federal tax provisions, and phases out many clean-energy credits. Finance also noted major rescissions of Inflation Reduction Act funds, new border and immigration enforcement spending, and the possibility of PAYGO sequestration if Congress does not act to offset the deficit increase.
During member questions, the committee focused on likely enrollment losses, administrative burdens, and fiscal exposure for the state and counties. Witnesses said many details still depend on federal guidance, but they estimated significant impacts on Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and graduate/professional student borrowing, and noted that California’s high CalFresh error rate could increase state costs. UC testified that the elimination of Graduate PLUS loans would affect thousands of professional students, especially in health, law, and other high-cost programs. Members asked for follow-up data on county, health, and tax impacts, and staff agreed to provide additional tables and estimates as implementation guidance becomes clearer.
Public commenters from counties, early childhood advocates, health coalitions, disability rights groups, immigrant-rights organizations, and other stakeholders urged the Legislature to mitigate the law’s effects. They warned of higher county costs, reduced access to health care and food assistance, increased administrative burdens, and harm to children, immigrants, people with disabilities, and low-income families. Several urged new state revenue solutions and stronger protections for Medi-Cal, CalFresh, child care, and home- and community-based services. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with a commitment to continue monitoring federal guidance and to work on state responses in the budget process.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 036 Feb 19th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- faith, grow our gratitude, strengthen our discipline, and cultivate empathy for those experiencing hunger
- /c> and cultivate empathy for those and cultivate empathy for those experiencing<00:45:30.040>
hunger - experiencing hunger and hardship. experiencing hunger and hardship.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the February 17, 2026 journal, and received a series of committee reports. Senate Services reported several bills and resolutions as correctly printed or engrossed. The Appropriations Committee advanced Senate Bill 5 with amendments, and reported a large slate of House bills 1150 through 1179, most with favorable recommendations and many recommended for the consent calendar. The Finance Committee advanced Senate Bill 46 with amendments and reported several appointments for confirmation, including members of the Financial Services Board and the Advisory Committee to the Property Tax Administrator. The State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee postponed Senate Bill 33 indefinitely and sent Senate Bill 48 to Appropriations. The Senate also approved an appointment filling a vacancy on the Legislative Audit Committee, naming Senator William Lindstedt.
On third reading, the chamber passed Senate Bill 11, concerning search warrant requirements for operators of certain electronic platforms, by a vote of 31-2 after no votes from Senators Basley and Zamora Wilson. Senate Bill 76, concerning the practice of certified public accountants, passed 33-0. The Senate then resolved into Committee of the Whole for second reading of Senate Bill 7, concerning medical marijuana use by terminally ill patients in health facilities, and Senate Bill 54, concerning a security deposit exemption for post-closing occupancy agreements; both were adopted, amended, and advanced to third reading. Later, the Committee of the Whole considered House Bill 1027, which would allow retiree executive directors of boards of cooperative services to keep retirement benefits and clarify BOCES funding eligibility; after brief discussion, it was adopted and advanced. The committee also laid over Senate Bill 84 until February 19 and Senate Bills 37, 31, 53, and 43 until February 23.
During announcements, senators noted committee meetings and caucus gatherings, including Statutory Revision, Transportation and Energy, Judiciary, Capital Development, and Democratic and Republican caucuses. Senator Jaquez marked the start of Ramadan and invited members to observe with local Muslim communities. Senator Priestly used personal privilege to criticize the state’s AI policy and the relocation of Palantir, prompting a reminder that policy debate should occur in the proper forum. The Senate adjourned until Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Apr 17th, 2025
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health
Transcript Highlights:
- We are for House Bill 231, as it will help us target interventions to reduce hunger in Texas, thereby
- If Texas can't fund remedies for the root causes of hunger, then it should at least fund studies to allow
Bills:
HB231
Keywords:
HB 231, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, permit exemption, dam, reservoir, erosion control, flood control, floodwater control, sediment control, watershed protection, Natural Resources Conservation Service, NRCS, Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, local sponsor, water appropriation, small dam, water diversion, maintenance, rehabilitation
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Apr 17th, 2025
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health
Transcript Highlights:
- We are in favor of House Bill 231 as it will help us target interventions to reduce hunger in Texas,
- If Texas can't fund remedies for the root causes of hunger, then it should at least fund studies to allow
Keywords:
food access, food deserts, communities of color, health disparities, socioeconomic impact, nutritious food, health effects, socioeconomic disparities, legislative recommendations, nutrition, access to food, Medicaid, multisystemic therapy, healthcare, reimbursement, mental health services, education, funding, local control, school system