Video & Transcript : 'event subsidies' :
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ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board Mar 31st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board
Transcript Highlights:
- to bring to you, although the month we're currently in, as we all know, has suffered a geopolitical event
- I've been pleasantly surprised that the markets have weathered the, you know, the Iran event reasonably
- So there really was an event impact to the market.
- And, you know, when will the market overcome that event? So we're all hoping soon.
- Summary: positive market forces, but we do have an event that has an uncertain outcome.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- But solar systems already receive a plethora of subsidies that include investment tax credits, renewable
- receive<00:39:36.320><c> a</c><00:39:36.640><c> plethora</c><00:39:37.599><c> of</c><00:39:37.920><c> subsidies
- </c> receive a plethora of subsidies. receive a plethora of subsidies. subsidies<00:39:40.400><c> that
- </c><00:39:40.920><c> include</c><00:39:41.920><c> investment</c><00:39:42.640><c> tax</c> subsidies
- that include investment tax subsidies that include investment tax credits,<00:39:44.160><c> renewable
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee Apr 15th, 2026
Banking and Financial Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- The federal subsidy for low-income residents, including in these communities that we're talking about
- It was a $30-a-month subsidy for internet access. That's gone away.
Committee:
Senate Banking and Financial Institutions
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions heard two bills. SB 1131, by Senator Jones, would update the Debt Collection Licensing Act by requiring the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation to conduct examinations remotely unless an on-site review is needed, and by allowing the department to rely on recent audits or examinations from other regulators or approved third parties. Supporters from the debt collection industry said the bill would reduce duplicative costs and fix issues with the advisory committee process; an opposition witness from the California Low-Income Consumer Coalition said concerns remained. After discussion about preserving consumer protections while reducing burdens on licensees, the committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 1131 and re-refer it to Appropriations.
The committee also heard SB 1291, the “Shine Act,” by Senator Gonzalez, which would increase transparency and accountability for mutual water companies by removing the 24-hour written notice requirement for board meetings, requiring websites with basic information such as consumer confidence reports, and directing a comparative analysis of mutual water companies serving disadvantaged communities. Supporters, including environmental justice advocates and Los Angeles County, described problems with access to water quality information, meeting notices, and board accountability in communities such as Cudahy and Maywood. The California Association of Mutual Water Companies opposed the bill unless amended, arguing it imposed unfunded mandates and one-size-fits-all requirements on small systems. Members discussed the need for transparency while acknowledging concerns about compliance burdens; the committee then voted 7-0 to pass SB 1291 and re-refer it to Environmental Quality.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee Apr 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The federal subsidy for low-income residents, including in these communities that we're talking about
- It was a $30-a-month subsidy for internet access. That's gone away.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions heard two bills. SB 1131, presented by Senator Jones’s staff, would update the Debt Collection Licensing Act by requiring DFPI to conduct examinations remotely unless an on-site review is needed for consumer protection, and allowing the department to rely on recent audits or examinations by other regulators or approved third parties to avoid duplicative work. Supporters from the California Association of Collectors and Receivables Management Association International said the bill would reduce examination costs and improve administrative efficiency while preserving consumer protections. A representative of the California Low-Income Consumer Coalition expressed concerns. Committee members noted the need to avoid unintended consequences for the consumer protection goals of the licensing program. The bill was moved on a due pass and re-refer motion to Appropriations and later received enough votes on call to pass out of committee.
The committee also heard SB 1291, the “Shine Act,” by Senator Gonzalez, which would increase transparency and accountability for mutual water company boards by eliminating the 24-hour written notice requirement for board meetings, requiring websites with basic information and consumer confidence reports, and directing a comparative analysis of mutual water companies serving disadvantaged communities. Supporters, including community and public health advocates, described problems with water quality, inaccessible meetings, poor notice practices, and lack of information in communities such as Cudahy and Maywood. The California Association of Mutual Water Companies opposed the bill unless amended, arguing it imposes costly, one-size-fits-all requirements on small systems without dedicated funding and could be difficult for remote or low-capacity mutuals to meet. Committee members generally supported the transparency goals but raised concerns about scale and compliance burdens; the author said he would continue working with opponents. SB 1291 was moved on a due pass and re-refer motion to Environmental Quality and later passed out of committee on call.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jan 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I was interested in the effect that the elimination of subsidies for the ACA will have on the MassHealth
- what's happening in other states, we're seeing premiums that were not covered out previously with the subsidies—premium
Summary:
The Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met with roll call, approval of prior minutes, and a presentation from Leslie Darcy, chief of LTSS at MassHealth. The main discussion focused on the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) working group, which had completed its legislatively mandated review and submitted recommendations. Darcy said several earlier recommendations were already implemented, including reinstating the 66-hour overtime cap, strengthening program integrity efforts, and removing paperwork-related authorized hours for EVV users. The group then reached consensus on additional recommendations to reduce the overtime cap from 66 to 60 hours, set a seven-hour weekly meal-prep support limit, and continue work on benchmarks, though no consensus was reached on a benchmark standard. Darcy said the proposed changes were intended to preserve program integrity while addressing rapid cost growth in PCA services.
Darcy also reviewed the expected effects of a recent federal Medicaid-related bill, estimating that Massachusetts could lose about $3.5 billion by January 2028. She described upcoming changes affecting Medicaid eligibility for certain immigrant groups in October 2026, work requirements for some non-disabled adults beginning in January 2027, six-month redeterminations for certain adults, and shorter retroactive coverage periods. She emphasized that people with disabilities and people on Medicare would be exempt from the new work requirements and six-month redeterminations. Members asked about the impact on community hospitals, the health safety net, and ACA premium subsidies; Darcy said federal changes could worsen uncompensated care pressures, but Massachusetts used state funds to offset the loss of enhanced ACA premium tax credits, helping keep premiums lower for middle-income families.
In response to questions about the FY27 budget, Darcy said MassHealth expected targeted reductions, some one-time measures, and likely a rate freeze rather than large base cuts, with further cost-containment work to follow in FY28. She noted that LTSS is a major share of MassHealth spending and that programs such as PCA, adult foster care, and adult day services are state-plan entitlements once adopted by the state, even though the federal government does not require them. Charlie Carr and other members stressed that the PCA work group had been difficult but collaborative, and Carr said the recommendations were modest compared with other options considered. The meeting ended with a brief planning discussion about a February guest presentation from the Department of Public Health and a motion to adjourn, which was approved.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Feb 10th, 2025
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- We are using Water Fund money that draws from the SWIFT fund that we use for subsidies, allowing the
- These events occur because of aging infrastructure.
- that these dams often increase in hazard levels based on the potential for life or property in the event
- And when we have major flood events, because you're there, you... ...have mitigated a lot of problems
- It's thought to be a spillover event from migratory waterfowl that began in the fall of 2023 or early
Committee:
Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Jun 24th, 2026
Housing and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that when we as a state are providing subsidies as it relates to making something affordable,
- the acceptance of those subsidies limits the rights of the owner.
- It is not through subsidies of the state.
- But I think that fundamental you have a right to purchase first without having subsidies associated with
- subsidize, or the federal government wants to subsidize, we're trying to impose rules without the subsidy
Committee:
House Housing and Community Development
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary & Secondary Education & Workforce Development (2-3-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- they have about 7,000 to 10,000 families that are CCAP families, so families that get child care subsidies
- So, we can give somebody a child care subsidy all day long in that county.
- So, we can give somebody a child care<00:45:15.599><c> subsidy</c><00:45:16.079><c> all</c><00:45:16.319
- 16.560><c> long</c><00:45:17.520><c> uh</c><00:45:17.680><c> in</c><00:45:17.920><c> that</c> care subsidy
- all day long uh in that care subsidy all day long uh in that county.<00:45:18.640><c> It</c><00:45:18.880
Summary:
The subcommittee met without a quorum and first heard from Kentucky Department of Education officials on career and technical education funding. KDE explained that House Bill 499 created a CTE funding formula using 60% weighted full-time equivalent enrollment and 40% incentives, but House Bill 6’s budget language excluded area technology centers (ATCs) from that supplemental funding. KDE requested approval of an additional budget request of $14,789,352 in each fiscal year 2027 and 2028 to include ATCs in the formula and hold local districts harmless. Officials said ATCs serve students from 117 of Kentucky’s 171 districts and argued the change would reduce funding disparities and better reflect the return on investment from CTE programs, citing growth in dual credit and work-based learning participation.
Members asked whether the issue would need to be revisited each budget cycle. KDE responded that the problem could be fixed by removing the notwithstanding language from the budget bill, which they said would allow ATCs to be included under the existing statute. Representative Klein supported the request, saying the current clause could lead to stagnation and that the committee should help the program continue to grow. No vote was taken on the CTE item during the portion of the meeting provided.
The committee then heard a presentation from PreK for All on expanding preschool access in Kentucky. Advocates said the state’s preschool program has been funded since 1990 and currently serves about 14,200 children at roughly $84 million per year, but that many working families still fall into a coverage gap. They proposed expanding eligibility to 250% of the federal poverty line, which they said would add about 9,600 children at a cost of $40 million in year two, after a planning year. The proposal also included regulatory flexibility for classrooms and partnerships with private child care providers and nonprofits, with speakers emphasizing child care deserts in some counties and citing research that early learning improves kindergarten readiness and later outcomes. No action or vote was taken on the preschool proposal in the transcript provided.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- a new form of housing that is distinct, both from private market housing as well as traditional, subsidy-dependent
- This is not just a one-time subsidy when we build social housing.
- infrastructure costs is one of the most effective ways to deliver durable affordability without ongoing subsidy
Committee:
Senate Housing
Keywords:
condominium, housing, warranty, property rights, construction, HB 2664, unlawful detainer, eviction notice, landlord-tenant, tenant rights, service of process, certified mail, notice by mail, notice posting, possession action, vacate notice, Washington RCW 59.12, housing law, rental housing, forcible entry and detainer
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Housing Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- represents a new form of housing that is distinct both from private market housing as well as traditional, subsidy-dependent
- This is not just a one-time subsidy when we build social housing.
- infrastructure costs is one of the most effective ways to deliver durable affordability without ongoing subsidy
Summary:
The committee heard several housing-related bills. Representative Connors testified on two notice-service bills: HB 2452, which would change manufactured/mobile home rent increase notices so they are served like other MHLTA notices rather than by certified mail, and HB 2664, which would remove certified-mail requirements for unlawful detainer and related notices. Connors said the current certified-mail rules are causing notices to go unclaimed and creating unnecessary costs for housing providers, while staff explained the bills would allow service by regular mail in the same manner as other notices. Public testimony on both bills was generally supportive, emphasizing reduced cost and better delivery, though one witness on HB 2452 urged allowing electronic notice options as well.
The committee also heard SHB 2269, which clarifies that middle housing in limited areas of more intensive rural development may be served by either a public sewer system or a large on-site sewage system in rural counties, while non-rural counties would still require public sewer service. The sponsor and supporters said the bill resolves ambiguity created by prior legislation and gives county planners more flexibility; questions focused on what kinds of systems and uses would qualify. EHB 1687 was heard next and would expand the housing cooperation law to allow cities and counties to assist social housing public development authorities. Representative Reed and supporters said the bill would give Seattle and potentially other jurisdictions a tool to support permanently public, mixed-income housing with land, infrastructure, and other assistance.
In executive session, the committee adopted a due-pass recommendation for EHB 1345 after Senator Gaynor withdrew an amendment that would have removed water-withdrawal and metering requirements for detached ADUs outside urban growth areas. The committee also adopted a striking amendment and moved ESHB 1500 and EHB 1501 forward, both with updated timelines and clarifications related to common-interest-community resale certificates and owner inquiries. Amendments to ESHB 1974 on land bank authorities were rejected, including proposals to remove private negotiation and tax preferences, and the bill was sent to Ways and Means. Finally, SHB 2288 on scissors stairs was advanced without amendment. Later, the committee heard HB 2304, which would expand the 2-10 warranty option to certain four-story stacked-flat condominium projects; testimony from builders, housing advocates, and the Office of Insurance Commissioner supported it as a way to reduce liability costs and increase condo supply. The committee also took testimony on EHB 1687 and HB 2664, and then closed the hearing on SHB 2452 after hearing support from housing providers for easing manufactured-home rent notice service requirements.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- But in no event shall debate continue beyond 1:50 p.m.
- But without health care subsidies, his health insurance costs rose 400% this year.
- ,</c> But without health care subsidies, But without health care subsidies, his<00:18:12.960><c> health
- ,</c><00:18:58.880><c> she</c> Without extensions of the subsidies, she Without extensions of the subsidies
- What began as a simple patriotic gesture grew into a cherished community event.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- This is not an ongoing subsidy.
- This is not<00:05:29.680><c> an</c><00:05:30.000><c> ongoing</c><00:05:30.560><c> subsidy.
- /c><00:05:31.120><c> It's</c><00:05:31.360><c> a</c><00:05:31.520><c> one-time</c> not an ongoing subsidy
- It's a one-time not an ongoing subsidy.
- Successful supportive housing requires three things: capital to build, rent subsidies, and a reliable
Committee:
House Housing Finance and Policy
Keywords:
affordable housing, housing finance, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, MHFA, low-income housing tax credit, LIHTC, Section 42, compliance period, housing stability, rental housing, affordable rental housing, homelessness, housing insecurity, housing supply, preservation, recapitalization, distressed properties, regulatory relief, local affordable housing aid, Interagency Council to End Homelessness
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Banking and Insurance
Transcript Highlights:
- :19:26.640><c> after</c><00:19:26.960><c> a</c><00:19:27.200><c> catastrophic</c><00:19:27.760><c> event
- </c> deductible after a catastrophic event deductible after a catastrophic event like<00:19:28.320><c
- ><c> I</c><00:43:08.400><c> don't</c><00:43:08.480><c> think</c><00:43:08.640><c> this</c> another event
- So, I don't think this another event.
- But the premium is so high that folks can't afford the repair act unless they qualify for subsidy from
Bills:
SB170 , SB177 , SB207 , SB208 , SB215 , HB27 , SB219 , SB247 , SB232 , SB81 , SB170 , SB177 , SB207 , SB208 , SB215 , HB27 , SB219 , SB247 , SB232 , SB81
Committee:
Senate Banking and Insurance
Keywords:
health insurance, health savings account, high deductible plans, federal regulations, cost-sharing, insurance law, breast cancer, health coverage, deductible, copayment, insurance, captive insurance, captive insurer, captive insurers, insurance regulation, Alabama Department of Insurance, insurance commissioner, premium tax, capital requirements, surplus requirements
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board Mar 31st, 2026
Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board
Transcript Highlights:
- currently in... ...although the month we're currently in, as we all know, has suffered a geopolitical event
- So there really was an event impact to the market.
- And, you know, when will the market overcome that event? So we're all hoping soon.
- Summary: positive market forces, but we do have an event that has an uncertain outcome.
- That would be like an event in the plan's life, where, again, as a part of that process, we'd come back
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the October 22 minutes, and received an update on the planned Legacy Fund transparency website. Jody Smith said the site is in contract negotiations after six bidders responded, with a target go-live around November 1 after added security review. The website is intended to provide downloadable, more detailed public information on the Legacy Fund, including historical changes, legislative allocations, and investment breakdowns. Members asked about comparables and data detail, and Smith said North Dakota would likely be the first state to offer this level of sovereign wealth fund transparency.
Scott Anderson of the Retirement Investment Office then reviewed Legacy Fund performance through January 31, 2026, describing strong returns, low fees, and the benefits of diversification. He noted that real estate had been a drag on returns, but it is a small portion of the portfolio, and he discussed market effects from geopolitical events, inflation, credit spreads, and private credit. Members also questioned the in-state investment program and the BND CD-Match program. Representative Bosch moved to pause new transfers to the CD-Match program until the bank reports back, and the motion passed on a roll call vote. The committee also agreed to request a cost-benefit analysis from RVK on that change.
After lunch, the committee heard from RVK consultant Jim Voidko on the investment policy statement, focused on the in-state investment provisions. He reported that, after interviews with implementers and stakeholders, RVK found no major policy impediments in the current IPS and no strong calls to change the size limits or core guardrails. He emphasized the importance of risk-adjusted returns, diversification, pacing, exit strategies, and governance, and warned that foregone returns or higher spending obligations can pressure the fund’s long-term mission. He also recommended clearer terminology around “infrastructure,” distinguishing public infrastructure from commercial infrastructure, and noted unresolved policy questions about nexus and economic diversification. The committee then began reviewing proposed IPS updates with Rio staff.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- But in any event, let's hear what you've got to say.
- I spoke at rallies, Democratic Party events, and actions from Logan Airport to the State House.
- Comcast launched the Xfinity Internet Essentials program in Brockton, actually, for a nationwide subsidy
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy opened its hearing with testimony on several broadband, towing, and rideshare-related bills. The first major issue was H. 3470/S. 2259, which would add data privacy and integrity protections for transportation network driver information. Rideshare drivers and labor advocates strongly opposed the bill, saying it would delay implementation of Question 3, which Massachusetts voters approved to give rideshare drivers a path to unionize. Drivers described low pay, deactivations, harassment, safety risks, and the need for a union to negotiate fairer working conditions. Legal and labor experts testified that the bill was largely duplicative of existing law and regulations and would unnecessarily postpone drivers’ organizing rights. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on broadband affordability and access bills, including S. 2318/H. 3527 and related measures. Supporters, including legislators, digital equity advocates, senior advocates, and service providers, said low-income households need a permanent affordable broadband option after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended. They argued that internet access is now essential for jobs, school, health care, housing, and daily life, and supported a flat-rate low-income plan around $15 per month with protections such as no installation fees or termination fees. Opponents from cable and wireless industry groups argued the bills would impose artificial price mandates, discourage investment, and reduce consumer choice, noting that providers already offer discounted programs. The committee also heard support for broadband deployment and pole-attachment streamlining bills, with providers and municipal broadband advocates saying permitting delays and pole access bottlenecks slow expansion and raise costs.
Additional testimony covered H. 3566, which would exempt municipal broadband projects from surety bond requirements, and towing-related bills including S. 2235, H. 3507, H. 3516, and H. 3482. Insurance and anti-fraud witnesses supported stronger towing protections, saying some towers charge excessive fees and hold vehicles hostage, while one witness urged broader consumer safeguards. The hearing ended after the chairs shortened testimony to fit the room schedule, asked for final comments on remaining bills, and then adjourned by motion and voice vote.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 8th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We had tribal leaders continue to move forward in standing unison during different events this week at
- I thank all of you for attending the events and letting your voices be heard.
- In 2019, Governor Newsom signed SB 329 by Mitchell to redefine source of income to include housing subsidy
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved routine procedural motions, and recognized several guest groups, including First Five California, a fourth-grade class from Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, visitors from Modoc and Lassen counties, and representatives from the Port of Long Beach. The chamber then moved through second reading and concurrence items, with most bills and resolutions being read, deemed adopted, or passed on file without debate.
The main floor action centered on ACR 39, designating May 2025 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month. Assembly Member Ramos and many caucus members spoke in strong support, describing the crisis as a state of emergency and emphasizing violence against Native women, girls, and two-spirit people, the need for better data collection, agency coordination, tribal sovereignty, and continued action beyond symbolic recognition. The resolution passed concurrence with 67 ayes and 0 noes.
The Assembly also passed a series of bills on topics including classified school employee pay stubs (AB 374), allowing voucher preferences in housing (AB 282), authorizing nurse practitioners to sign death certificates (AB 583), student health insurance protections (AB 594), local housing pre-approval programs (AB 1206), veterans education program administration (AB 1509), expanding the Family Urgent Response System (AB 898), Star Wars Day (H.R. 33), local news sale notice requirements (AB 611), mask-wearing protections in public spaces (AB 1326), a Chula Vista university land-use measure (AB 76), undercover officer record protections (AB 1178), and preservation of Clover Valley in Rocklin (AB 1152). Most passed with broad support, though AB 282 and AB 611 drew some opposition.
A major debate occurred on AJR 10, which urged the President to reverse cuts to the U.S. Forest Service. Members from both parties discussed wildfire prevention, forest health, staffing, and federal-state responsibility, with some criticizing the administration and others emphasizing forest management and the need for bipartisan cooperation. The resolution was adopted after a co-author roll and final roll vote of 67 ayes and 0 noes. The chamber then adopted the second-day consent calendar, heard an adjournment in memory for Giovanni “Johnny” of East Side Italian Deli, and adjourned until Monday, May 12, 2025.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Apr 22nd, 2025
US
Transcript Highlights:
- the voice for the carried interest but I'm not just sure I'm a hundred percent confident okay well events
- Clearly events have demonstrated that that particular change.
- There's no reason, it seems to me, to give these big investors taxpayer subsidies for doing something
Committee:
Senate Finance Committee
Keywords:
Commerce, International Trade, Tax Policy, Nominees, Inflation, Middle-class, Trade Practices, Economic Concerns
Summary:
The committee convened to discuss various bills and nominees, including the critical nominations of William Kimmett for Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade and Ken Keyes for Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Treasury Department. Discussions highlighted the nominees' roles in managing critical trade and tax policies amidst rising economic concerns, particularly focusing on inflation and its impact on American families. Members expressed both support and skepticism, emphasizing the significance of fostering fair trade practices and ensuring tax policies that benefit the middle-class amidst claims of an agenda favoring affluent individuals and corporations.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- very awkward position for us to be put in, to be able to be that go-between for this kind of seeming subsidy
- to people, which no one has This kind of seeming subsidy to people, which no one has agreed to in any
- very awkward position for us to be put in, to be able to be that go-between for this kind of seeming subsidy
- to people, which no one has, this kind of seeming subsidy to people, which no one has agreed to in any
Summary:
The commission met for its second hearing to study the future of credit card payments and sales transactions and their impacts on small businesses. Members heard extensive testimony from credit unions, retailers, restaurants, and payment-industry representatives on interchange fees, processing fees, fraud, chargebacks, rewards programs, and the ability of businesses to pass fees on to customers. Several witnesses argued that swipe fees have risen sharply, are especially burdensome for restaurants and other small businesses, and are charged on taxes and tips that are merely pass-through amounts. They urged state action to prohibit fees on tax and tip portions, improve transparency, and allow surcharging or convenience fees, while opponents warned that state regulation could reduce fraud protections, increase compliance costs, and threaten consumer rewards programs.
Business owners and trade groups described thin margins, rising costs, and the difficulty of understanding merchant statements or negotiating with processors. Restaurant witnesses said card-not-present and online transactions create the greatest fraud and chargeback risk, with money often removed immediately from merchants’ accounts and disputes rarely resolved in their favor. Retail witnesses gave examples of rising effective rates, higher fees on rewards cards, and the burden of processing fees on low-value transactions. A representative from the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and others said restaurants are effectively paying fees on meals tax and gratuities, which they argued should not be subject to interchange charges.
On the other side, the Cooperative Credit Union Association said interchange revenue helps credit unions fund fraud prevention, rapid card replacement, and member protections, and warned that state limits on interchange could weaken those safeguards and lead to higher consumer costs or reduced services. Airlines for America testified that airline credit card rewards are popular, support travel and jobs in Massachusetts, and could be harmed by interchange reform. The National Restaurant Association and a payments-policy attorney countered that interchange fees are set by card networks rather than competitive markets, that banks remain highly profitable even with rewards, and that states can act after recent court decisions. No votes were taken; the hearing consisted of testimony and questions from commissioners.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- How much was the average subsidy? Oh, the average amount. Yeah, we don't know.
- >> how much was the >> how much was the >> average<00:20:00.480><c> subsidy?
- </c> >> average subsidy? >> average subsidy?
Committee:
House Ways and Means
Keywords:
underground storage tanks, petroleum, reimbursement program, environmental regulation, pollution control, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, dentistry, licensure, registration