Transcript Highlights:

• , which is sort of a feature and hallmark of the personal care assistance program, so there's more flexibility
• c> more</c> care assistance program so there's more care assistance program so there's more flexibility
• The assistant commissioner said that within the existing PCA and CFSS structure, they are in a program
• The assistant commissioner responded that within the existing PCA and CFSS structure, they are in a program
• </c> cfss program and its models and assist cfss program and its models and assist people<00:59:06.240

Committees: Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• So, FMEF, Federal Matching Assistance Program, that's really around Medicaid.
• Program.
• Assistance.
• These would be to maintain coverage through the insurance exchange and the medical assistance program
• program expired.

Transcript Highlights:

• Care Affordability, the CalRx program, and the Hospital Fair Billing Program.
• any more assistance?
• The program includes a rural health technical assistance center to support implementation directly to
• screening program and the voluntary prenatal screening program.
• The tribal program, training and technical assistance, program to fund all 61 local health jurisdictions

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh when our program for some time now.
• ,</c> seeking support from legal assistance, seeking support from legal assistance, um,<00:32:03.559>
• ,</c> support, including housing assistance, support, including housing assistance, healthcare<00:34:
• provide assistance?
• </c><01:13:21.199><c> or</c><01:13:21.520><c> programs,</c> totality of uh the program or programs, totality

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• Is sort of focusing on additional assistance or beefing up the Meals on Wheels program a response?
• Home Program.
• position authority for 11 existing positions funded through a portion of local assistance housing program
• But not any programs. No programs are going to be additional.
• But many people only learn about these programs because they first connect with information and assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• Care Affordability, the CalRx program, and the Hospital Fair Billing Program.
• The program includes a rural health technical assistance center to support implementation directly to
• We are actively coordinating the program design now to build out those programs.
• screening program and the voluntary prenatal screening program.
• The tribal program, training and technical assistance, program to fund all 61 local health jurisdictions

Summary: The hearing began with a stakeholder presentation from Let California Kids Hear urging coverage of pediatric hearing aids for children in the large group market. Advocates described the issue as a long-running developmental emergency, argued that existing state efforts have been inefficient, and said the new proposal would cover about 70% to 80% of affected children without new spending by redirecting existing dollars. Public commenters, including parents, audiologists, and children’s advocates, strongly supported the proposal and emphasized the need for timely access to sound. The chair thanked the group and noted hope for a future fix, including continued work on the exchange market. The Department of Finance then gave a broad budget warning about the state’s more than $20 billion structural deficit and said new investments must be weighed against out-year shortfalls. HCAI followed with an overview of its programs, including CalRx insulin and naloxone, reproductive health grants, the Office of Health Care Affordability, seismic hospital compliance, workforce programs, and the Data Exchange Framework. Members asked about geographic targeting of workforce funds, behavioral health pipeline programs, the status of the 21st Century Nursing Initiative, and future CalRx products such as EpiPens and GLP-1s. HCAI also described its enforcement approach for health care spending targets, saying the board would not change the targets in response to H.R. 1, and outlined the diaper access initiative, which will distribute diapers through hospitals in higher-need areas. Several HCAI budget items were discussed and held open, including additional expenditure authority, the transfer of the Data Exchange Framework and Office of the Patient Advocate, long-term care payment transparency staffing, and reporting on health care worker waiting periods. The department also presented its Behavioral Health Services Act workforce initiative and a proposed $100 million General Fund offset, which both the LAO and the chair questioned as unclear and potentially one-time in nature. HCAI said the final workforce plan would be adjusted after stakeholder consultation if the offset proceeds. The department also described the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying California received $233.6 million in federal funds, had to revise its proposal to satisfy CMS, and must obligate the money by October 30; the program will fund rural care models, workforce development, and technology, with grants rolled out on a phased basis. The Department of Managed Health Care then presented its budget and three legislative implementation requests: SB 41 on PBM reform, SB 306 on prior authorization transparency, and AB 1041 on provider credentialing timelines. Finally, the administration outlined a menopause care proposal requiring coverage and education for menopause-related services, provider training, and an outreach campaign, with DMHC requesting staffing and funding to implement and enforce the new requirements. Throughout the hearing, most items were held open for later action, and no final votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, the federally funded public workforce system is broken, and public assistance programs
• And then public assistance programs—I was very involved in 1996 in the state of Utah with implementing
• If Governor Leavitt is going to do workforce reform, the public assistance program should be part of
• And the other big goal we had around TANF and our public assistance programs is increasing family income
• “That allowed states to experiment with doing public assistance programs better.

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The committee met to hear consultants Mason Bishop and Cameron Christie discuss Arkansas’s “one door/no wrong door” workforce and social services modernization effort. Bishop argued that the current system is fragmented across multiple agencies, offices, and portals, making it hard for job seekers and employers to access services efficiently. He said the goal is to create a more integrated system that promotes upward mobility, longer labor force attachment, better employer access to talent, greater efficiency, and faster adaptation to changes such as AI and other economic disruptions. Bishop repeatedly pointed to Utah as a model, describing how that state combined workforce and public assistance functions into a single agency, used statewide cost allocation to blend funding streams, and improved customer service and outcomes after reform. He said Arkansas should consider integrating governance, service delivery, and financing, including possible waivers, a statewide cost allocation plan, and a benefits-cliff pilot. He also said Arkansas’s current local workforce board structure creates duplication and weak coordination, and that Launch is a useful tool but not a full service-delivery system. Committee members asked how the proposal would work in practice, including whether TANF could be used to cross-train DHS workers, how federal waivers might be obtained, how local boards would be affected, and how disabled clients would be handled. Bishop said TANF should be treated as part of a workforce strategy, that federal pilot authority for workforce reform nearly passed but did not, and that waivers are now the practical path. He also said Arkansas could either merge functions more fully or at minimum co-locate workforce staff in DHS offices statewide. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with plans to continue the discussion in August, including a focus on case management and whether the state is managing programs or people.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this. programs.
• This program will provide financial assistance for the repayment of student loans for eligible participants
• Michael Emmanuel Rainer, a person living with HIV/AIDS, a client of the AIDS Drug Assistance Program.
• However, half of the 32,000 clients in the AIDS Drug Assistance Program statewide were being terminated
• This program?

Bills: S2500 , S2502 , S2504 , S7028 , S2506 , S2508 , S2510 , S2512 , S2514 , S2516 , S2518 , S0482 , S0678 , S0984 , S1016 , S1074 , S1706 , S7030

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2026-2027 budget, SPB 2500, with chairs outlining major spending in K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Highlights included a $115 billion overall budget, pay raises for state employees and public safety workers, major K-12 funding increases and enrollment supplements, higher education workforce and nursing investments, expanded Medicaid/KidCare and behavioral health funding, corrections and law enforcement operational funding, transportation and housing investments, and significant environmental and water quality spending. Members asked about civic education funding, declining enrollment, professor retention, APD waiver waitlists, cultural grant allocations, and other line items. Public testimony also addressed HIV/AIDS drug assistance funding and prison air conditioning. SPB 2500 was adopted as a committee bill after amendment consideration and a roll call vote. The committee then took up implementing and related budget bills, including SPB 2502 (implementing the General Appropriations Act), SPB 2504 (state employee bargaining placeholder), SB 7028 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and related retirement changes), SPB 2506 (fuel tax distributions), SPB 2508 (state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge), SPB 2510 (termination of an unused court trust fund), SPB 2512 (new judgeships), SPB 2514 (K-12 conforming changes), SPB 2516 (higher education conforming changes), and SPB 2518 (health conforming changes). Most were explained as technical or conforming measures tied to the budget, and all were reported favorably as committee bills, with SB 7028 amended to direct a portion of increased contributions to disability and line-of-duty death benefits in the FRS investment plan. The committee also heard and passed several member bills, including CS for SB 1074 on rounding rules for cash transactions in a world without pennies, CS for SB 678 restoring the alcohol loss deduction framework for distributors, and SB 964 on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention. SB 964 drew the most discussion, with questions about the one-year death-benefit window, the separate $25,000 cancer diagnosis payment, and whether the bill could create gaps in coverage for firefighters diagnosed or dying just outside the new time limits. Firefighter representatives testified in support, saying the bill would provide clearer protections for members and families. All of these measures were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• or AESD's Behavioral Health Student Assistance Program.
• student assistance professionals, or, excuse me, paraprofessional student assistance professionals,
• program.
• That's student assistance professional. Thank you.
• A technical assistance and training network.

Summary: The House Education Committee held a work session on the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group and its school-based behavioral health and suicide prevention subgroup, followed by a public hearing on House Bill 1634, as amended in a proposed second substitute. Work group leaders Lisa Callan and Tisha Kirschbaum described the group’s statewide, cross-agency structure, its Washington Thriving strategic plan, and the goal of moving toward a more integrated “system of care” for children and youth. They emphasized that behavioral health, physical health, and education are interconnected, that families and schools often face a fragmented system, and that Washington’s youth flourishing outcomes show a need for stronger supports. Committee members raised concerns about regional disparities, rural access, language and cultural responsiveness, and the burden on schools and educators, while the presenters stressed that schools should be supported to identify needs and connect students to outside clinical services rather than carry the full burden themselves. Representative My-Linh Thai and Christian Stark then outlined the school-based subgroup’s work and recommendations. They said the subgroup meets monthly, includes students, parents, educators, providers, and agencies, and has focused on prevention, early identification, early intervention, and crisis response in schools. For the 2026 session, the subgroup recommended maintaining current investments in school behavioral health programs, strengthening statewide guidance on school behavioral health, and creating a coordinated technical assistance and training network for schools. They explained that the proposed substitute for HB 1634 would direct OSPI and the educational service districts to work with behavioral health agencies and community partners to conduct a needs assessment, map resources, and build a statewide framework for technical assistance and training, with public posting required by August 1, 2027. Testimony in support came from school staff, OSPI, behavioral health professionals, students, parents, and advocacy groups, who described high student anxiety, suicide risk, staffing shortages, and the need for coordinated, accessible supports. One witness from a psychiatric watchdog group opposed the bill, arguing it could increase labeling and drugging rather than holistic care. No vote was taken in the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• build on the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
• Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
• I'm here to support House File 771 to expand on the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
• I'm the Director of the Energy Assistance Program for the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
• For households who really need the assistance, this is a program we should support.

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it's just a Should have made the updates for this program.
• programs and things like that.
• programs and things like that.
• The goal is: there's 1,000 people on public assistance.
• And how many people are using multiple programs?

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> programs and we should have the data. programs and we should have the data.
• </c> assistance. Nearly 40%. assistance. Nearly 40%.
• But the story on medical assistance, assistance, assistance, frankly,<00:23:46.480><c> it's</c><00:23
• </c> be eligible for medical assistance. be eligible for medical assistance.
• </c> programs, wavered services. So, Mr. programs, wavered services. So, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we'll do interim charge number one, concerning the integrity of veterans' assistance claims programs
• And finally, we'll take up charge number three. ...of Veterans Assistance Claims Programs.
• Program, or TAP, ...military service, including the Federal Transition Assistance Program, or TAP; the
• The Transition Assistance Program is important, but TAP alone cannot make a successful transition.
• And, you know, the TVC runs their Fund for Veteran Assistance grant program. It's fantastic.

Summary: The Senate Select Committee on Veteran Affairs met on August 26, 2026, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks honoring veterans, military families, and service members who died in a recent Fort Hood helicopter crash. The committee then took up interim charge number two on military-to-civilian transition, with invited testimony from university and community leaders from Wichita Falls and Texas A&M. Witnesses described programs such as Midwestern State University’s Military Education Center, the Sheppard Military Affairs Committee’s community connections, Texas A&M–Central Texas’s military talent pipeline, and campus veteran services that help service members and veterans move into higher education, employment, and community life. Members emphasized that transition should begin well before separation, with better data-sharing, stronger local “warm handoffs,” and more coordination among bases, schools, workforce systems, and community organizations. Testimony focused on practical ways to keep transitioning service members in Texas and match their skills to workforce needs. Witnesses urged earlier outreach before the TAP window, better tracking of service member skills and destination plans, and stronger use of peer mentors and community partners. Several witnesses highlighted the need to recognize military training for civilian credentials, including proposals for a Texas medic/corpsman-to-nursing pathway modeled on Wisconsin’s WISMAC program, and broader reciprocity or competency-based credit in fields such as nursing, aircraft maintenance, trucking, teaching, and other trades. Members asked about AI and future job skills, and witnesses said Texas should better prepare service members for emerging technology jobs and use existing programs more effectively. The committee then heard from Texas Veterans Commission and transition experts on the role of the Military Veteran Peer Network, the Governor’s Challenge on suicide prevention, and the need for more resources and better access to bases. Witnesses said the transition period, especially the first 12 to 18 months after separation, is a high-risk time for suicide, unemployment, housing instability, and loss of purpose. They recommended installation-specific transition plans, stronger coordination between TAP, Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Veterans Commission, and local partners, more trained counselors, expanded College Credit for Heroes use, and better employer apprenticeship pipelines. One witness from Onward Ops said its program has shown an 80% reduction in suicidality among participants and asked for more Texas community partners and certified mentors. No formal votes were taken beyond adopting the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• And our program impacts.
• With regard to SYTF programming, core programming may include dual enrollment and higher education access
• We are available to provide technical assistance to assist counties and CBOs in how to leverage existing
• Program.
• So that would include diversion programs supporting transitional-age TGI youth, programs providing resettlement

Summary: The hearing began with an overview of the California Health and Human Services Agency, which described its 2026-27 budget, major departments, and strategic priorities, including behavioral health, housing and human services integration, children and youth, and aging/disability services. The agency also explained a technical CalHHS/CalHires budget adjustment tied to HR1 compliance and eligibility system work. No LAO concerns were raised on that item. The committee then heard from the Office of Youth and Community Restoration on its budget, its SB 823 realignment report, and related issues. OYCR said county-based realignment has generally succeeded but outcomes and readiness vary widely, and it recommended more climate surveys, youth advisory councils, stronger behavioral management, better programming, improved transition planning, and integrated longitudinal data systems. Members pressed OYCR on “net widening,” county-by-county trends, and the gap between the detailed recommendations discussed in hearing and the more general recommendations in the public report. OYCR also described problems with federal Title II grant timing and a pending $14 million administrative funding adjustment, and discussed implementation of the juvenile justice realignment block grant formula. The Ombudsperson division separately requested two new positions due to rising complaints, site visits, and records-access disputes with counties; LAO noted the proposal would create ongoing General Fund costs. Several other departments presented budget change proposals. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities requested $730,000 General Fund ongoing to cover an interagency administrative support gap with DSS; LAO had no concerns. EMSA presented its department overview, said its AB 716 ambulance-rate report has been delayed after resources were reduced, and requested funding for disaster-response vehicle replacement, IT security assessment work, and additional HR/legal staff; members questioned delays, compliance, and the ongoing General Fund impact. The Department of Community Services and Development sought reappropriation of LIWIP funds and explained a new Proposition 4 process for continuing the farmworker housing component. The Department of Rehabilitation requested authority for $60 million in additional federal funds and 54 positions to meet growing vocational rehabilitation demand, with no General Fund impact. The Department of Child Support Services presented its budget and a supplemental report on full pass-through of child support collections. Members questioned why local agency funding was being restored despite declining caseloads, and staff explained that staffing costs have risen faster than caseload declines and that additional funding is needed to maintain service levels. The supplemental report estimated full pass-through would cost about $150 million General Fund annually, or about $80 million for a state-and-county portion, with $3 million to $5 million in automation costs. Finally, the Department of Public Health gave a broad overview of its $5.1 billion budget and its State of Public Health report, highlighting improved mortality and life expectancy, declining overdose deaths and STI rates, persistent racial and regional disparities, and increasing public health emergency demands. CDPH also warned that federal funding threats and policy changes are creating major uncertainty for state and local public health systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> program</c> 29612 I childare assistance program 29612 I childare assistance program C1000<03:47:
• </c><03:47:23.520><c> 9500,000</c><03:47:24.479><c> program</c> Childcare assistance: $9,500,000 program
• </c> administering the childare assistance administering the childare assistance program<03:48:32.080
• 135,5 million program financial 135,5 million assistance<04:25:11.760><c> 14250,250,000</c> assistance
• Program Administration: 29.0 FTE, $11,524,618. Low-income energy assistance.

Transcript Highlights:

• The federally funded public workforce system is broken, and public assistance programs often create barriers
• And then public assistance programs, I was very involved in 1996 in the state of Utah with implementing
• If Governor Leavitt is going to do workforce reform, the public assistance program should be part of
• And the other big goal we had around TANF and our public assistance programs is increasing family income
• programs better.

Committee: All ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• So now we'll take up tab two, program review for the state court system performance measurement of medication-assisted
• program.
• Program.
• For investigative assist and special programs, here our agents, a lot of times, there's a lot of our
• For investigative assist and special programs, here our agents, a lot of times, there's a lot of our

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met to continue its review of performance measurement in the criminal justice system. The first presentation, from State Courts Administrator Eric McClure, described how the court system uses multiple data sources to track filings, dispositions, clearance rates, workload, and support services, and how those data inform judge need, budget requests, resource allocation, and court administration. He also discussed ongoing efforts to improve case-level reporting, the use of case management systems in trial and appellate courts, and performance efforts in problem-solving courts and civil case management. McClure noted that the legislature provides dedicated funding for problem-solving courts and for medication-assisted treatment, and that the courts are required to report outcomes and monitor compliance with contract requirements. Melanie Brown-Whor of the Florida Behavioral Health Association then reviewed the medication-assisted treatment program funded through the courts budget. She said the program combines medication with counseling and behavioral supports, serves people involved in or at risk of criminal justice involvement, and has expanded over time to include additional medications and more counties. She reported improved engagement and retention, with more than 10,000 people screened over five years, about 9,200 receiving medication, and over 6,600 successfully discharged. Senators asked about racial and ethnic demographics, hospital referrals, and how services are delivered; Brown-Whor explained that local community providers deliver treatment under contract and that the program is working to improve data reporting and consistency. The Department of Law Enforcement then presented on investigations, forensics, and criminal justice information services. Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard outlined FDLE’s strategic plan and major investigative priorities, including cybercrime, targeted violence, crimes against children, mutual aid, and the SAFE fentanyl eradication program. He said SAFE has led to major seizures, arrests, and a reported decline in fentanyl deaths. Director Jason Bundy described FDLE’s forensic laboratory operations, DNA and rapid DNA capabilities, cold case and missing persons work, and the staffing and turnaround-time challenges tied to complex evidence testing. Director Lucy Saunders reviewed FDLE’s criminal history, biometric, incident-based crime reporting, and criminal justice transparency systems, noting that Florida is still transitioning agencies from summary reporting to incident-based reporting. The committee raised questions about Rapid DNA deployment, cold case coordination, and the slow pace of NIBRS/FIBRS adoption. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and he received food assistance through the Federal Supplemental Nutritional Assistant Program, SNAP
• Assistant Supplemental Nutritional Assistant Program,<00:15:29.839><c> SNAP.
• </c> Program, SNAP. Program, SNAP.
• Our local food purchasing assistance program is something that has been bipartisan.
• It's a great program to help folks who need assistance get that assistance.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have a technical assistance portion of the grant program, but we also have regional administrators
• We do have a technical assistance portion of the grant program, but we also have regional administrators
• Agriculture programs, I think that's where the technical assistance component that Dr.
• First, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, or LFPA.
• This is a unique program that builds bridges between small farms and Local Food Purchase Assistance Program

Summary: The subcommittee heard a series of budget presentations from the Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), and related agencies. CDFA discussed its overall budget, ongoing support for the Farm to School program and climate-smart agriculture, and a proposed climate bond expenditure plan. Members focused heavily on whether the Farm to School proposal should become ongoing, how schools and suppliers are selected, whether the program is reaching disadvantaged and food-insecure communities, and whether the trailer bill language creates new duties. The LAO recommended rejecting the ongoing Farm to School proposal as presented, suggesting the Legislature consider Prop. 98 funding instead, while CDFA argued the program supports children, farmers, and local economies and helps build long-term supply-chain infrastructure. Several members also questioned the bond plan’s timing, program metrics, and workforce impacts, while LAO said the bond plan was generally reasonable and should be guided by legislative input. The committee also discussed CDFA’s proposal to eliminate vacant positions; the department said the positions were largely long-vacant or unfunded and could be reclassified if needed, while LAO recommended retaining the special-fund positions and weighing the General Fund positions on their merits. CDFA’s IT support request for additional ongoing funding and four positions was presented as necessary to address staffing shortages, legacy systems, and cybersecurity risks, and LAO had no concerns. The committee then took public comment and voted to approve items 9 through 13, including CDFA dog importation and carcass disposal items, a Gambling Control Commission IT item and tribal grant fund item, and an ABC office relocation item. DCC presented a request to strengthen enforcement against the illicit cannabis market by opening a North State office in Redding and adding sworn and non-sworn staff. The department said most cannabis consumed in California still comes from the illicit market, that it receives about 1,500 complaints annually but can close only about 400 cases, and that it has a backlog of roughly 4,000 cases. DCC argued that a northern office would reduce travel time, improve coordination with local agencies, and help target cross-county and cross-border criminal networks. Finance supported the request as a targeted investment, and LAO had no comment. Members asked about public safety, office security, and whether a North State presence would increase complaints or referrals; DCC said safety is considered in every office opening and that a local presence would likely improve case development. The director also described the broader regulatory strategy as balancing consumer safety, illicit-market enforcement, consumer awareness, and reducing friction for legal operators. The discussion continued into broader concerns about the size of the illicit market and the long-term goals for the cannabis program.

Transcript Highlights:

• And second, in our TTK program.
• Because of these programs, students involved in CTSO programs are at a 98% graduation rate.
• They include expansion of the Parent-Child Assistance Program, referrals to Plan of Safe Care, referrals
• Wildfire Resilience Program.
• Wildfire Resilience Program.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on the Senate operating budget proposal, beginning with a staff briefing from James Kettle. He described the budget as built on relatively flat revenue after multiple forecast updates, with substantial mandatory cost growth, especially in Health Care Authority, DSHS, and DCYF. He highlighted major policy-level additions and savings, including large tort liability costs, continued support for long-term services, reductions tied to child care and K-12 items, several assumed revenue bills, and major transfers from reserves and other accounts. Kettle also noted the four-year outlook remained positive overall, with about $1 billion ending fund balance in the final year and roughly $3 billion in total reserves. A committee member asked about a diagram showing the loss of federal funds, and staff said they would follow up. Public testimony then focused first on K-12 education, where school leaders, teachers, OSPI, PTA, and rural district representatives largely opposed the proposed cuts to local effort assistance, transition to kindergarten, bus depreciation, and related school funding items. Many argued the reductions would disproportionately harm rural and property-poor districts and weaken early learning access, while several students and educators spoke in favor of career and technical education and IT Academy funding. The committee also heard support for wildfire prevention funding from the Commissioner of Public Lands, who thanked the Senate for restoring those dollars but raised concerns about recreation program reductions. Higher education testimony was mixed but generally supportive of the Senate proposal compared with the governor’s budget. Community and technical college leaders warned that the budget still shifts compensation costs to tuition and reduces Running Start funding, while university representatives from Western, Eastern, Central, WSU, and UW thanked the committee for avoiding deeper cuts. Private vocational college students and administrators urged extension of Washington College Grant eligibility for students already enrolled, and others asked to preserve IT Academy and related certification funding. In early learning, child care and advocacy groups praised the decision not to cap Working Connections Child Care but warned that child care and transition to kindergarten still bear a disproportionate share of cuts; they also requested continued support for Dolly Parton Imagination Library and Pierce County early childhood programs, including Family Connects. The hearing continued with testimony on employee compensation, mental health, and human services. State employee and retiree groups supported the budget’s COLA and wildfire funding but objected to cuts in retiree health benefits. Behavioral health and public safety advocates supported mentoring, Trueblood-related funding, crisis stabilization, and the Recovery Navigator Program, while others opposed reductions to those programs and to community-based recovery services. In human services, witnesses thanked the committee for funding victim services, child welfare supports, health homes, adult day care, community health centers, energy assistance, and disability services, while urging the committee to avoid further reductions to skilled nursing, case management, and recovery navigation. No votes were taken during the hearing.