Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WneLzLKy56I, 2026-07-02T01:23:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_AGR-EEP_03-25-26_.PDF Followed by AGR 9:15 AM Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/Session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_AGR_03-25-26_.PDF Then followed by AGR 9:30 AM Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2026/hearingnotices/HEARING_AGR_03-25-26_2_.PDF Timestamps: 3:45 - Introduction (AGR/EEP 9:00AM) 5:47 - SB2110 SD1 10:10 - SB2100 SD2 ------ 30:29 - Introduction (AGR 9:15AM) 30:35 - SB874 SD2 34:02 - SB2102 SD2 47:32 - SB2128 SD2 1:01:20 - SB2360 SD1 HD1 ------ 1:10:04 - Introduction (AGR 9:30AM) 1:10:26 - HCR60 1:14:39 - HCR144 / HR136 ------ 1:22:57 - Decision Making (AGR 9:30AM) ------ 1:27:41 - Decision Making (AGR/EEP 9:00AM) ------ 1:31:01 - Decision Making (AGR 9:15AM), 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• Now what's happened over those 35, 36 years, we've had great consolidation and monopolization.

Bills: HF363, HF2155, HF1524, HF821, HF1677, HF1292

Keywords: HF363, property tax credit, agricultural water quality credit, Minnesota agricultural water quality certification program, clean water fund, class 2a, class 2b, certified acres, conservation incentive, water quality, agricultural property, county assessor, county auditor, Department of Revenue, Department of Agriculture, property tax reimbursement, school district reimbursement, legacy finance, taxes committee, southeastern Minnesota

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAowpk51SmI, 2026-07-02T01:23:15+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 0:00 - Start 0:47 - SB3215 3:55 - SB2547 5:38 - SB2930 8:18 - SB2973 19:07 - SB2474 51:23 - SB1580 1:21:42 - SB2569 1:23:37 - SB2661 1:27:30 - DM LBT-HHS 3:00 PM 1:34:21 - SB578 SD1 1:35:07 - SB560 SD1 1:46:26 - SB3217 1:48:53 - SB2527 1:52:33 - SB3370 1:53:20 - DM LBT 3:15 PM 1:57:26 - DM LBT DEFER 3:21 PM Hearing Notices: LBT-HHS 3:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_LBT-HHS_02-12-24_.PDF LBT 3:15 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_LBT_02-12-24_.PDF LBT DEFER 3:21 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_LBT_02-12-24_DEFER_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbTmms4Q2NI, 2026-07-02T01:22:47+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPC-LMG_04-13-23_.PDF Followed by CPC 2:15PM Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPC_04-13-23_.PDF 11:28 - Introduction (CPC/LMG 2:00 PM) 11:58 - SCR 4, SD1 13:26 - SCR 15, SD1 17:22 - SCR 17, SD1 18:12 - SCR 18, SD1 19:02 - SCR 202, SD1 21:58 - Decision Making (CPC/LMG 2:00 PM) ------- 30:43 - Introduction (CPC 2:15 PM) 31:20 - SCR 28 31:59 - SCR 48, SD1 34:22 - SCR 91, SD1 35:30 - SCR 124 37:33 - SCR 131, SD1 39:58 - SCR 147, SD1 40:54 - SCR 183, SD1 43:22 - SCR 188 48:15 - Decision Making (CPC 2:15 PM), 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3cJZsAO_Kw, 2026-07-02T01:23:09+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:10 - SCR 87 / SR 78 03:44 - DM GVO-HHS 1:00 PM (Part 1) 06:10 - HHS 1:05 PM 07:57 - GM 556 08:45 - GM 557 09:25 - GM 604 13:05 - GM 605 14:24 - GM 594 / 595 / 612 18:15 - GM 595 18:41 - GM 612 20:36 - GM 629 22:20 - GM 644 31:14 - DM GVO-HHS 1:00 PM (Part 2) 31:55 - DM HHS 1:05 PM 35:53 - GM 527 01:13:47 - DM GM 527 Hearing Notices: GVO-HHS 1:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_GVO-HHS_03-31-23_.pdf HHS 1:05 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HHS_03-31-23_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wst6UpBTVCI, 2026-07-02T01:22:45+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HLT-JHA_03-15-23_.PDF Followed by JHA 2:15PM Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_JHA_03-15-23_.pdf Timestamps: 9:35 - Introduction (HLT/JHA 2:00PM) 10:59 - SB1, SD2 1:24:21 - Decision Making (HLT/JHA 2:00PM) ------------------------- 1:32:01 - Introduction (JHA 2:15PM) 1:32:24 - SB1447, SD1 1:49:48 - SB687, SD1 1:51:28 - SB1411, SD2 1:52:10 - SB1166, SD2 1:52:57 - SB753, SD2 1:59:05 - SB1490, SD1 2:08:55 - SB1527, SD2 2:09:47 - SB1078, SD1 2:11:58 - SB813, SD1 2:33:32 - SB35, SD2 2:39:49 - SB483, SD1 2:42:05 - Decision Making (JHA 2:15PM), 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9pLP85_NPA, 2026-06-21T07:17:01+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, MEETING START 00:00:00 ROLL CALL 00:00:08 HB 243 DISCUSSION 00:00:41 HB 243 VOTE 00:01:55 HB 244 DISCUSSION 00:02:27 HB 244 VOTE 00:06:16 HB 259 DISCUSSION 00:06:46 HB 259 VOTE 00:09:07 HB 459 DISCUSSION 00:10:12 HB 459 VOTE 00:11:35 HB 250 DISCUSSION 00:12:56 HB 250 VOTE 00:25:17 HB 291 DISCUSSION 00:29:10 HB 291 VOTE 00:29:52 HB 745 DISCUSSION 00:31:06 HB 745 VOTE 00:36:17 HB 8 DISCUSSION 00:37:20 HB 8 VOTE 00:44:46 HB 320 DISCUSSION 00:45:49 HB 320 VOTE 00:56:20, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• you asked how we were coming on the environmental impact statement for Highway 85 south of the interstate
• It goes from the interstate right around the New Salem area north to Hanover, which is about 17 miles
• So we only could utilize about $35 million of the $55 million, so $20 million is lost to us at this point
• So we do not have funding to fund Highway 85 from the interstate to 200.
• The committee will move to our 11:35 a.m. presentation by Information Technology. Welcome, Greg.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you asked how we were coming on the environmental impact statement for Highway 85 south of the interstate
• It goes from the interstate right around the New Salem area north to Hanover, which is about 17 miles
• So we only could utilize about $35 million of the $55 million, so $20 million is lost to us at this point
• So we do not have funding to fund Highway 85 from the interstate to 200.
• The committee will move to our 11:35 a.m. presentation by Information Technology. Welcome, Greg.

Summary: The Budget Section met to approve prior minutes and receive a series of budget, revenue, and program updates from OMB, the Tax Department, DOT, DMR, and DPI. OMB reported that general fund revenues through May were about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls, though the biennium is still projected to end with a positive balance. OMB also reviewed oil price and production assumptions, the budget stabilization fund transfer above its cap, Legacy Fund performance, federal grant applications, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting that most of the settlement funds had been deposited but a small amount of accrued interest would require a future deficiency request. The committee then considered Emergency Commission requests. It approved requests for Public Service Commission abandoned mine lands federal authority, an Attorney General FTE and related funding for criminal investigator work tied to the Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. After discussion, the committee also approved DPI’s request for a $500,000 transfer for the food vendor program, despite questions about the program’s savings and cash-flow structure. Later, the Tax Commissioner presented the primary residence credit program, reporting that current biennium costs are expected to exceed the appropriation by about $22 million and explaining how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran credits and the 3% property tax levy cap. The Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board reported strong returns for both funds, and DOT sought and received approval for two flexible fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. DOT also updated members on Highway 85 construction and said remaining flex fund dollars were essentially fully allocated. DMR reported on the abandoned well plugging and site reclamation fund, noting North Dakota’s relatively small orphan well inventory, current and projected fund balances, rising remediation costs, and a possible need to adjust the fund cap in future sessions. Finally, DPI outlined the new integrated formula gap funding program, explaining that it compensates school districts that cannot reach the assumed 60-mill local contribution because of the 3% levy cap; the first year’s gap funding totaled about $1.8 million, with future costs expected to grow.

Transcript Highlights:

• you asked how we were coming on the environmental impact statement for Highway 85 south of the interstate
• It goes from the interstate right around the New Salem area north to Hanover, which is about 17 miles
• So we only could utilize about $35 million of the $55 million, so $20 million is lost to us at this point
• So we do not have funding to fund Highway 85 from the interstate to 200.
• The committee will move to our 11:35 a.m. presentation by Information Technology. Welcome, Greg.

Summary: The Budget Section approved the March 18 minutes and received an OMB update showing the general fund is still ahead of the budgeted starting point, but revenues through May are now about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls. OMB also reported the budget stabilization fund is above its cap, meaning a transfer to the general fund is expected, and reviewed oil price/production assumptions, noting continued volatility. Members asked about the income tax netting process, the sales tax decline, oil price discounts/premiums, natural gas taxation, and when the executive branch would present its revenue forecast. The committee then acted on several Emergency Commission requests. It approved, as a group, requests for federal mine reclamation funds for the Public Service Commission, an additional criminal investigator FTE and funding for the Attorney General’s office, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. It separately approved DPI request 2164 for $500,000 to support the food vendor program after debate over whether the program’s savings were known and whether the money was simply a pass-through. OMB also reported on federal grants, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, FTE pool usage, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting the settlement funds had been deposited and that a deficiency appropriation may be needed later to cover remaining accrued interest. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus presented on the primary residence credit program, saying participation has grown sharply and that the current biennium will likely need about $431 million, roughly $22 million above the appropriation. He explained how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran benefits, how the 3% property tax cap works, and why county valuations and mill rates vary. The committee also received a Legacy Fund/Budget Stabilization Fund report showing strong returns, and DOT Director Ron Henke received approval for two Flex Fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. Henke also explained remaining Highway 85 funding and said the department is exploring uses for leftover state dollars. Finally, the Department of Mineral Resources reported on abandoned well plugging and site restoration, noting North Dakota remains in relatively strong shape compared with other states, and DPI began a presentation on gap funding tied to the 3% levy cap, reporting 24 districts received $1.8 million in the first year and projecting higher future needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:01.880> going<00:35:02.000> to<00:35:02.160> be<00:35:02.520> a<00
• of<00:35:03.040> people<00:35:03.760> that<00:35:04.760> um<00:35:05.240> are
• /c><00:35:08.760> and<00:35:08.960> years<00:35:09.440> before<00:35:09.720>
• > their<00:35:10.200> lives<00:35:10.680> together<00:35:11.040> and<00:35
• <00:35:14.400> some<00:35:14.520> of<00:35:14.680> the<00:35:14.920> downturn

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:05 Capitol Renovations Update 00:00:40 Damage from Recent Disaster Discussion 00:33:25, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its third meeting of the session and received an update on the Capitol renovation project from Finance and Administration Secretary Holly Johnson and State Budget Director John Hicks. They reported the project budget remains $291.52 million, with Messer Construction as construction manager, and said the temporary legislative chamber completion has slipped into 2025 because of wiring, voting machine, KET camera, and canopy work. They outlined the current bid schedule: site and utility bids due February 27, 2025; roofing and fourth-floor structural work due April 24; major renovation bids due May 23; bid review in late May and early June; roofing and fourth-floor work beginning in late June; and overall construction starting July 7, 2025. A major focus of the discussion was the project contingency, which officials said is only $10.8 million for an older building with significant unknown conditions. They explained that earlier investigations led to about $60 million in value engineering cuts, including more than $40 million tied to unexpectedly extensive terrace damage on the north, south, and east sides. The terraces were originally expected to need only minor work, but officials said investigations showed reconstruction would eventually be necessary and could not be handled by simple restoration. They also said the mechanical equipment plan changed from a basement location to a vault under the east parking lot, and that the west terrace will still see some ADA-related work. Committee members questioned why the terrace work was not included in the current budget, whether doing it later would cost more, and why bids and construction planning had taken so long. Officials said the terraces were left out because of cost, that future work would likely be more expensive because of market escalation, and that the timing reflected extensive investigation needed to produce reliable bids. Members also raised concerns about scaffolding and the temporary chambers; officials clarified that the scaffolding discussed was for the separate Capitol Dome project, not the chamber project, and said the Dome scaffolding is part of that project cost and is expected to come down in early 2027. They said the temporary chambers are expected to be used for three sessions, through the 28th session, with a return to the Capitol planned for the 29th session, and that public tours of the Capitol would likely end around June depending on the bid results and construction schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.160> Senator<00:35:01.520> Johnson<00:35:01.839> Stewart<00:35:02.800> no
• no Senator Quan<00:35:05.240> I<00:35:06.240> Mr<00:35:06.480> chair<00:35:06.760
• > there<00:35:06.839> are<00:35:07.079> five<00:35:07.280> eyes<00:35:07.520
• :55.839> I<00:35:55.920> think<00:35:56.040> the<00:35:56.200> layering<00
• <00:35:57.400> of<00:35:57.760> the<00:35:58.079> regulatory<00:35:59.000> element

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• access highway replacing Route 22A and linking Burlington, Vergennes, Middlebury, and Rutland to Interstate
• <00:14:33.440> 87<00:14:34.480> introduced and Rutland to Interstate 87 introduced
• and Rutland to Interstate 87 introduced by<00:14:35.360> Senator<00:14:35.839> Weekes<00
• and Rutland to Interstate 87. and Rutland to Interstate 87.
• We now take up JRS 35, which was placed on the calendar for action today.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The second tranche of increased revenue comes from a 35% increase to the weight distance tax, or about
• Areas in New Mexico along interstates, is that correct? **Mr.
• We have about 100 miles of interstates.
• We launch into our priorities, which are the interstate system.
• And some more I-40, emphasizing again our emphasis we place on the interstate system between mileposts

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:00:49.960> completed<01:00:50.599> roughly<01:00:51.079> 30<01:00:51.640> 35
• <01:00:52.200> grants um we've completed roughly 30 35 grants um we've completed roughly 30
• You can see a number of businesses alongside the interstate.
• of businesses alongside the interstate of businesses alongside the interstate uh<01:05:44.559>
• <01:05:57.599> which that gets on to the interstate which that gets on to the interstate which

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Labor was the heart<00:35:09.040> and<00:35:09.359> soul<00:35:10.079> of<00:35:
• As<00:35:15.040> a<00:35:15.200> member<00:35:15.359> of<00:35:15.599> local<
• A union man<00:35:26.880> through<00:35:27.040> and<00:35:27.280> through,<00:35
• <00:35:32.640> for<00:35:32.800> the<00:35:33.040> right<00:35:33.200> to
• <00:35:54.240> He<00:35:54.480> helped<00:35:54.720> found<00:35:54.960>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's<00:35:18.400> a<00:35:18.560> separate<00:35:18.800> issue,<00:35:19.280>
• <00:35:23.119> Um<00:35:23.920> as<00:35:24.160> we<00:35:24.400> the
• my<00:35:48.079> understanding<00:35:48.480> is<00:35:49.920> the<00:35:50.160
• I think in<00:35:56.640> the<00:35:56.800> month<00:35:56.960> of<00:35:57.200><
• <01:35:02.400> of<01:35:03.600> um<01:35:03.840> financial<01:35:04.239>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• vehicles up to 12 feet wide, 14 feet, 6 inches high, and 100 feet long to travel on and off the interstate
• This law kind of came into place, you know, a lot of the interstate highways were not lit up.
• Come to find out, he was the owner, and he spoke to me for about 30 to 35 minutes.
• Come to find out, he was the owner, and he spoke to me for about 30 to 35 minutes.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee heard and approved three bills. HB 1165 by Rep. Owen would authorize FDOT to issue a special blanket permit for mobile cranes and accessory support vehicles meeting specified size limits, allowing them to travel on and off interstates at all hours, including at night, while still following safety requirements and local travel restrictions. The sponsor and crane industry proponents said the bill would reduce congestion and improve emergency and disaster response. The bill was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote. The committee also considered CS for HB 279 by Rep. Partington, which strengthens penalties for misuse of the 911 system. The bill adds restitution requirements for emergency response costs and creates enhanced felony penalties when a false emergency report causes great bodily harm or death. Members raised concerns about juvenile prank calls and suggested awareness efforts in schools; the sponsor said those ideas could be considered separately. A Volusia County Sheriff’s Office representative supported the bill, and it passed favorably by a unanimous vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 177 by Reps. Harris and Woodson, designating a portion of I-Drive as the Harris Rosenway in honor of philanthropist and hotelier Harris Rosen. An amendment was adopted to also designate a bridge in Duval County as the Bernard Wilkes Rebaugh River Bridge in honor of longtime coach Bernard Wilkes. Members spoke in support of both honorees and their community impact. The bill, as amended, was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• > from<00:35:18.960> a<00:35:19.119> health<00:35:19.280> and<00:35:19.440
• As<00:35:23.760> you<00:35:23.920> can<00:35:24.079> see<00:35:24.240> from
• <00:35:30.320> Uh<00:35:30.800> much<00:35:31.040> of<00:35:31.200> this<
• uh so<00:35:44.000> this<00:35:44.240> next<00:35:44.400> slide<00:35:44.720>
• Uh<00:35:52.720> due<00:35:52.880> to<00:35:52.960> the<00:35:53.119> unlikely

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the March 5 minutes, then heard a presentation from Balig Engineering on cost drivers for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in small Minnesota communities. The testifier said most Minnesota communities are small, and that limited local staff, complex funding requirements, and the need to combine multiple funding sources make projects expensive and labor-intensive. He cited examples of aging infrastructure, including a Tracy street collapse and failing water mains, and said federal funding can help but often requires extensive reports that can cost tens of thousands of dollars and hundreds of staff hours. He also pointed to inflation, supply-chain disruptions, colder climate requirements, higher material and labor costs, limited competition among contractors and suppliers, and newer treatment requirements such as PFAS removal and cybersecurity controls as major cost drivers. Members asked whether reduced bonding or less frequent state funding would lower prices, whether annual bonding bills provide market certainty, how regionalization could be encouraged, and whether tightening specifications adds costs. The testifier said stopping work would likely drive contractors out of the market and reduce competition, which could raise prices later, and that consistent funding helps keep contractors in Minnesota. He said regional water systems such as Red Rock Rural Water and Lincoln Pipestone Rural Water are already helping lower costs and that legislators could encourage more regionalization through incentives. He also said some specifications and federal requirements, especially around treatment plant controls and cybersecurity, increase costs, though some standards like deeper water-main burial are necessary. The committee then moved on to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, where John Kelly began presenting the governor’s 2026 capital budget recommendations and described the department’s mission, statewide network of veterans homes and cemeteries, and service to nearly 300,000 veterans and dependents.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, you're probably 30 to 35 as a net cash impact that you might...
• You're probably 30 to 35 as a net cash impact that you might kind of take away from the OB3 changes,
• And you can see the interstate.
• line kind of blurs it out, but that's a good visual of where this site sits and adjacent to the interstate
• The total expenditures as of June 10th is just under $35 million.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes before hearing a series of informational updates. The Petroleum Council reported that North Dakota oil production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with activity shifting northward in the Bakken as technology improves and three- and four-mile laterals boost well performance. The presentation also discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, the importance of pipelines and other linear infrastructure, and enhanced oil recovery pilot projects supported by state and federal funding. Members asked questions about gas production taxes, natural gas liquids, and the outlook for drilling rigs and future production. The Office of State Tax Commissioner then reviewed the federal “big beautiful bill” and its estimated effect on North Dakota individual and business income tax collections. Staff explained that most of the individual income tax impact comes from the permanent increase in the standard deduction, while temporary provisions such as senior deductions, tip and overtime exclusions, and auto loan interest deductions have smaller or limited-term effects. They also noted that business tax changes, especially depreciation and expensing provisions, create a larger near-term cash impact, and that some FY25 collections likely reflected one-time oil field transactions that may have inflated the baseline used in earlier estimates. OMB provided updates on major capital projects and facility funding. For Capitol grounds improvements, officials described plans for 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding upgrades, public seating, lighting, tree management, and possible restroom and lobby reconfiguration, while also noting the governor’s residence security project and the discovery of human remains on the Capitol grounds. OMB and its consultants also reported on the state facility maintenance fund, including window replacement, boiler work, roof and foundation repairs, and a new facility conditions assessment covering more state buildings. Updates were also given on the new state hospital in Jamestown, the Minot state office building, and the use of federal state fiscal recovery funds, including possible future reallocations to the Department of Corrections. Finally, Legislative Council staff summarized the interim compliance report on legislative intent and trust fund activity, highlighting the status of lines of credit, Bank of North Dakota profit transfers, the statewide litigation pool, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, corrections planning, HHS program updates, and a likely future general fund request for the unemployment insurance modernization project. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational, with members asking clarifying questions throughout.