Transcript Highlights:

• Whether or not it's adequate to prepare scratch-cooked meals as opposed to just kind of warming the ovens
• We actually have been cooking scratch meals before it was mandatory, and all of our buildings were combined
• That you're able to, in any design, provide the highest quality scratch meals for your students.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• schools, undergirding our health care system, money into housing, the child tax credit, and school meals
• schools, undergirding our health care system, money into housing, the child tax credit, and school meals
• schools, undergirding our health care system, money into housing, the child tax credit, and school meals

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:15:55.800><c> this</c> approach I mean we can peace meal this approach I mean we can peace meal
• </c><02:30:43.439><c> thing</c><02:30:43.600><c> or</c> as it is with a peace meal thing or as it is
• with a peace meal thing or whatever<02:30:44.520><c> if</c><02:30:44.680><c> you</c><02:30:44.920><c>
• And so if you can go with the full meal deal and two small meals, but it also, it's very clear in the
• </c><02:54:37.319><c> but</c><02:54:37.560><c> it</c> meal deal and two small meals but it meal deal

Committees: Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• There's also an exception to the denial of the business deduction for certain employer-provided meals
• be allowed for meals provided on fishing vessels.
• That's one of the tax advantages of that. provided meals. This would be for meals provided meals.
• This would be for meals that<00:35:22.079><c> are</c><00:35:22.240><c> prepared</c><00:35:22.560><c>
• </c> deduction would be allowed for meals deduction would be allowed for meals provided<00:35:30.240>

Bills: HR1 , HF387

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• We experimented with a flex delivery at one of the partner schools in English, and that was in English
• We experimented with a flex delivery at one of the partner schools in English, and that was in English
• are preparing our students for success as they are being exposed to different platforms of course delivery
• free and reduced students, or frankly, students who don't necessarily qualify for free and reduced meals
• don't have all the money that they can afford classes, but they don't qualify for free and reduced meals

Summary: The committee met to hear presentations on dual credit programs from North Dakota higher education leaders, a school superintendent, and teachers. Valley City State University described its dual credit model, emphasizing quality control through annual teacher training, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty qualification review, school visits, and pathways aimed at the College Studies Certificate. Members asked about teacher employment, course scheduling, revenue, scholarships, and whether a centralized model might improve efficiency; VCSU said most instructors are K-12 employees, online offerings are still small, and centralization could weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College similarly stressed access and partnerships, noting about half of its headcount is still in high school, with both online and face-to-face dual credit options, district reimbursement arrangements, and support for rural schools. Lake Region also said dual credit helps students who might not otherwise see themselves as college-bound, but reduced tuition can still be a barrier for some families. Fargo Public Schools reported continued growth in dual credit, with 50 courses offered in partnership with several NDUS institutions and a 12.61% increase in participation. The superintendent highlighted a growing education pathway, including students completing Introduction to Education and field experience, and said the district is exploring a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. He also raised concerns about inconsistent institutional processes, teacher credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity, arguing for more aligned statewide systems. In response to questions, he said AP and dual credit can coexist, with AP often better for highly selective out-of-state colleges and dual credit better for students targeting North Dakota institutions, and he described some use of Arizona State online courses in earlier rural partnerships but said Fargo is focused on local institutions. Two teachers then testified on the classroom perspective. A West Fargo anatomy and physiology teacher said dual credit has expanded access, lowered costs, and prepared students well, but agreed that foundational science courses may be more effective when taken later in high school to reduce knowledge loss before college. A Drake-Anamoose English teacher, who has taught dual credit for more than 20 years, said the program has supported many students who went on to a wide range of careers and emphasized that small rural schools rely on dual credit to provide opportunities they otherwise could not offer. No formal votes or actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• orientation, organization, scheduling, instruction, hospitality, emotional support, counseling, worship, meals
• support, hospitality emotional support, counseling,<02:58:18.880><c> worship,</c><02:58:19.439><c> meals
• </c><02:58:19.760><c> or</c> counseling, worship, meals or counseling, worship, meals or refreshments

Summary: The meeting included a Senate recognition ceremony honoring the Winona High School boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association 5A state championship. A resolution was read commending the team for its 101-40 victory over Silicag, noting the team’s record-setting performance, Brendan Davis’s MVP honor, the contributions of other players, and Coach Cedric Lane’s leadership. Senators and the lieutenant governor praised the players’ sportsmanship, the school community, and the team’s historic season, and copies of the resolution were presented to the team, coaches, and administrators. Several guests and school representatives also spoke briefly, including the coach and principal, who thanked the Senate and noted the team’s success and the principal’s retirement after 35 years. After the recognition, the Senate returned to session and adopted the Committee on Rules report setting the special order calendar. The calendar included Senate Bill 99 on the Ten Commandments, Senate Bill 298 on Class 3 municipalities, House Bill 381 on camp safety, Senate Bill 370 on tax increment districts, Senate Bill 363 on the Department of Economic and Community Affairs, House Bill 466 on firefighters, House Bill 95 on elections, House Bill 259 on stablecoin, and Senate Bill 342 on education. The chamber then took up SB 99, sponsored by Senators Kelly and Sessions. Senator Kelly described the bill as requiring local school boards to display the Ten Commandments, together with founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Alabama Constitution preamble, in certain history classrooms and common areas for grades five through 12, using donated displays and funds when available. He said the bill was intended as a historical and educational measure, not religious instruction, and emphasized the inclusion of a disclaimer stating Alabama is not establishing a religion. After extended debate and a petition to close debate from the Rules Committee, the Senate voted on the bill by long roll and passed SB 99, with the recorded vote announced as 30 yeas and 4 nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• . $78,772 shall be from the Healthy School Meals for All Program Fund created in section 22-82.9-211,
• </c> shall be from the Healthy School Meals shall be from the Healthy School Meals for<04:03:54.080><
• Nutrition 101, Healthy School Meals for All Program, 11. Program administration, 12, 4.9 FTE.
• School meal reimbursements, 1418,253,84518,250 53,845 53,845 53,845.
• for all program 11 school meals for all program 11 1,20,761, 1,20,761, 1,20,761, 20,76<04:18:31.359>

Transcript Highlights:

• , that they weren't going to be able to pay for seniors to have meals from area development districts
• And then the Meals on Wheels is kind of a late one to the game, but that's just been a recent issue.
• And then the meals kinship care issue?
• And then the meals on<01:27:50.639><c> wheels</c><01:27:50.880><c> is</c><01:27:51.040><c> kind</c><01
• that was supposed that the meals that was supposed that notification<01:28:09.840><c> was</c><01:28:

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board meeting began with a roll call and approval of the October 7 meeting minutes. The chair then reordered the agenda to hear the item on Medicaid reimbursement rates and network adequacy first because of scheduling issues. Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association was sworn in and testified at length about Kentucky’s dental Medicaid program, arguing that reimbursement rates are unsustainably low, have been largely flat for decades, and are often below the cost of providing care. He said Kentucky ranks near the bottom nationally in oral health, dental Medicaid rates are often 60% or less of commercial rates, and the program’s share of the Medicaid budget has effectively remained around 2% despite growth in enrollment and services. Dr. Robertson said the low rates are contributing to provider losses, rural access gaps, longer wait times, dental deserts, and greater use of emergency rooms for preventable dental problems. He cited examples of office costs exceeding reimbursement for basic procedures, noted that many dentists are small private businesses, and said the state is struggling to recruit and retain dentists because of low payment levels and high student debt. He also pointed to disparities with neighboring states and said recent increases in some oral surgery and cleaning codes were not enough to address the broader problem. His recommendations included completing the rebasing study, increasing dental reimbursement in the upcoming budget, tying future reviews to inflation and cost data, aligning benchmarks, and prioritizing preventive and restorative care to improve workforce stability and access. Board members asked about the size of the needed increase, the effect of private insurance on dental practice finances, and what a new dentist might expect to earn. Dr. Robertson said the association is working on an appropriations request and that private insurance pressures are part of the problem as well, since many plans are HMOs or PPOs with limited provider control over rates. He also said the association can no longer conduct reimbursement surveys because of FTC restrictions, but would try to obtain current ADA data. In response to questions about the future of the program, he warned that without significant changes it could become unsustainable and cited Ohio and Missouri as examples where higher reimbursement improved provider participation and access. The board then heard from Mr. Bowman of Baldwin Consulting, who discussed outpatient behavioral health providers, including ABA therapy and mental health/substance use disorder services. He said these providers face similar issues of rising costs, flat reimbursement, and access problems. He reviewed Kentucky’s network adequacy standards, including travel-time standards, 30-day appointment limits, and newer federal requirements that will require services within 10 business days by 2029. He said wait times for outpatient behavioral health, especially children’s services and ABA, have grown substantially, sometimes to more than a year, and emphasized that the Medicaid department must enforce these standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• And some of the conversations I had with Metro Meals on Wheels, um, some of those resources were not
• We wanted a greater Minnesota Meals on Wheels program.
• </c><01:36:01.280><c> on</c> conversations I had with Metro Meals on conversations I had with Metro Meals
• We wanted a greater<01:36:14.960><c> Minnesota</c><01:36:15.360><c> meals</c><01:36:15.600><c> on</c>
• <01:36:15.760><c> wheels</c> greater Minnesota meals on wheels greater Minnesota meals on wheels program

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• This area also includes a new item: there is $140 million provided in fiscal year 29 for free school meals
• We have instituted the millionaires tax, which will in the future deliver free meals for families.

Summary: The conference committee on Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5998 received a detailed briefing from House and Senate budget coordinators on the operating budget conference report. They walked through comparison documents showing the Senate-passed budget, House-passed budget, and the conference proposal, including statewide totals, agency-level changes, revenue assumptions, transfers, and outlook impacts. The proposal uses the February 2026 ERFC forecast, includes an $880 million transfer from the Budget Stabilization Account to the general fund, and reflects various revenue-related bills and prior-period adjustment assumptions. The coordinators highlighted major spending and policy changes across several areas, including Working Families Tax Credit expansion, local government fiscal health funding, child care attendance policy changes, behavioral health facility and staffing adjustments, long-term care support for certain non-citizens affected by federal changes, health care and public health responses to H.R. 1, K-12 changes such as free school meals contingent on legislation, Running Start and transportation depreciation adjustments, higher education administrative reductions, corrections staffing and bed changes, and natural resources funding including wildfire response and low-income energy assistance. They said the conference report results in $80.2 billion in near general fund spending for 2025-27, with projected ending fund balances of $231 million in 2025-27 and $563 million in 2027-29, though fiscal year 2028 shows a negative near general fund ending balance. After the briefing, Senator Robinson moved to adopt the conference report and pass the bill, and the motion was seconded. Supporters said the budget reflected a compromise between House and Senate proposals and protected core services, while opponents criticized it as overly reliant on optimistic revenue assumptions, the rainy day fund transfer, and reductions in K-12 and other areas. The committee then voted 4-2 to recommend the conference report to the legislature, with Representatives Gregerson and Ormsby and Senators Robinson and Stanford in support, and Representative Couture and Senator Gildon opposed.

Transcript Highlights:

• than 3,500 years, Lunar New Year has brought families together around tables filled with symbolic meals
• New Year is a time when family and friends come together, often traveling great distances to share meals

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of a motion to withdraw SB 107 and SB 117 from the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and place them on third reading. Members also approved procedural requests for adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest seating, and later took up the daily file. The main floor item was H.R. 80, a resolution recognizing Lunar New Year. Assembly Member Fong presented the resolution, and several members from different caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing the holiday’s cultural significance, themes of renewal and family, and California’s large AAPI community. The resolution was opened for coauthors, received 62 coauthors, and was then adopted by voice vote. Fong also distributed prosperity cookie boxes to members after passage. The chamber also observed moments of silence for Reverend Jesse Jackson and later for Babatunde Akinlola and Harold Tripp during adjournments in memory. Members gave tributes highlighting Akinlola’s film and education career and Tripp’s leadership in the Karuk Tribe and work on tribal restoration and natural resources. The session ended with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• than 3,500 years, Lunar New Year has brought families together around tables filled with symbolic meals
• New Year is a time when family and friends come together, often traveling great distances to share meals

Transcript Highlights:

• Typically, every meal we cook at the farm is a vegetarian meal, because I became a vegetarian three years

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• Another area that has been discussed is a free meal program.
• As was noted during the regular session, $6 million was provided for free meals for families with incomes
• Another area that has been discussed as a free meal program, as was noted during the regular session,
• $6 million was provided for free meals for families with incomes at 225% of the poverty level or below

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum present and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity, which described North Dakota production as holding steady around 1.1 to 1.2 million barrels per day despite lower prices and market volatility. The presentation emphasized that efficiency gains, longer laterals, and improved completion technology are allowing operators to sustain output while activity shifts north in the Bakken. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, flaring, and enhanced oil recovery; the witness said gas is taxed by volume, most liquids are handled through oil lines or gas processing, and the state’s EOR pilot projects and new gas infrastructure are intended to help hold production flat and expand future recovery. The committee then received a presentation from the Tax Department on the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. The department explained that most of the federal changes were extensions of existing Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, but several items — including the larger standard deduction, senior deduction, tip and overtime exclusions, auto loan interest deduction, and business expensing changes — affect state collections. Revised estimates showed a smaller-than-expected impact on individual income tax, with the department suggesting a net cash effect in the range of roughly $30 million to $35 million when business and individual effects are combined, plus a possible one-time distortion from large oil-field transactions in fiscal year 2025. Members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns, and the department clarified that most of the individual provisions apply broadly, while the SALT-related item is itemizer-specific. OMB then reported on major capital projects and facility funding. Updates included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, augmented reality displays for the Rough Rider Hall of Fame, tree management and lighting studies, and restroom and parking reconfiguration in the tower. OMB also described security upgrades at the governor’s residence, where human remains were discovered on site and are being handled with historical and legal review. The state hospital project in Jamestown remains on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028, with costs currently estimated a little over $292 million and a line of credit expected to be drawn in April 2027. The North Central State Office Building in Minot is under construction, with a $5.6 million line of credit already accessed. OMB also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, noting about $1.1 million spent so far on projects such as the Liberty Memorial Building roof and foundation work, Capitol window replacement, boiler replacement, and kitchen remodeling. Finally, Legislative Council staff reviewed the interim compliance report on legislative intent and state trust funds. The report highlighted the status of multiple lines of credit, including those for the state hospital and Minot office building, and noted that the executive budget will likely need to include repayment planning for about $350 million of expected outstanding balances. Other updates included the Bank of North Dakota profit transfer schedule, litigation pool spending, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, the Missouri River Correctional Center planning effort, HHS items such as FMAP and child care assistance, Job Service’s unemployment insurance modernization project, and DPI school aid turnback estimates. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is estimated how much a meal would cost, right?
• And so if someone gave $6,000, essentially they're funding that symposium meal.
• All we do is buy more meals. We know what that cost. We know what microphone rentals are.
• We have to let the hotel know three weeks prior for all the meals.

Committee: House Oklahoma Education Commission

Summary: The meeting focused heavily on planning the upcoming AI Symposium and on fundraising strategy. Nellie Sanders, former Secretary of Education, introduced herself and described her background in education, workforce development, and fundraising, saying she would help in a volunteer capacity. The committee discussed the symposium theme, “The ground has moved, building Oklahoma’s AI-ready future,” and confirmed the event dates at the Hard Rock Hotel in Tulsa from June 8 to June 10. They also reviewed the event’s structure, including keynote and speaker slots, vendor participation, and the need to finalize the agenda and printed materials soon. A major portion of the discussion centered on sponsorship levels and the need to expand fundraising beyond the original food-cost-based tiers. Members debated whether the current $6,000, $15,000, and $25,000 levels were too low and proposed adding larger sponsorship tiers, including $50,000 and $100,000 event sponsor options. Based on projected costs of roughly $130,000 to $150,000 and a goal of creating reserve funds for future AI work, the group ultimately discussed aiming for a $300,000 budget and increasing attendance from 200 to as many as 400 participants if funding allows. They also talked about using the symposium to create long-term value for sponsors by offering visibility, networking, and follow-up opportunities. The committee reviewed participant categories and numbers, including innovation grant recipients, libraries, higher education, CareerTech, K-12, corrections, tribal representatives, and commission members. They emphasized that attendees must complete a microcredential and leave with actionable deliverables, such as projects, cohort meetings, and shared AI practices they can replicate at their institutions. Several members stressed the importance of broader K-12 participation, especially for rural districts, and suggested adding administrator and teacher tracks if attendance grows. The group also discussed outreach to Google, tribal partners, and other vendors, and set a planning meeting for Monday at 5 p.m., with a follow-up full committee meeting scheduled for the 30th at 1 p.m. The meeting also included an update on legislation, especially proposed changes to bill 1782. The revised bill would create an AI-related infrastructure without state appropriations, allow funds from private and federal sources, add FERPA, accessibility, and transparency protections, and accelerate council activation. Members discussed using the bill to support future AI initiatives and possibly the symposium, though they noted that any such use would need to be written into the legislation. The meeting ended with updates on the commission’s podcast, “AI Unpacked: The Oklahoma Edition,” and a brief discussion of the commission’s unique cross-sector makeup and its role in representing learners across Oklahoma.

Transcript Highlights:

• They list what a nutritious meal should be, how to shop for it, how to grow some of it, and how to prepare
• <00:27:35.600><c> what</c><00:27:35.840><c> a</c><00:27:36.080><c> nutritious</c><00:27:36.640><c> meal
• </c> They list uh what a nutritious meal They list uh what a nutritious meal should<00:27:37.200><c>

Committee: House Education

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 18, 2026, and heard four bills. HB 2519 would shift University of Hawaii funding toward block appropriations, a stabilization fund, limited procurement and fiscal exemptions, performance-based metrics, and annual reporting. UH supported the bill, saying line-item budgeting hampers systemwide efficiency across its 10 campuses; the State Procurement Office commented on the procurement exemption. The chair proposed amendments to address concerns from Budget and Finance and procurement, including capping UH’s retained funds at 10%, requiring lapse after three fiscal years, removing CIP-to-operating transfers, narrowing procurement exemptions while keeping Chapter 103B principles, shifting performance metric-setting to the Board of Regents, and requiring annual reporting. The committee then voted to pass HB 2519 with amendments. HB 2409 would establish the Hawaii Geological Survey in Hilo and designate its director as the state geologist. UH Hilo supported the concept but said it would need sufficient general-fund support, estimating roughly $200,000 to start. DLNR and the Attorney General offered comments, with the AG calling it a matter of statewide concern. The chair said the DNR testimony raised public safety concerns and that UH Hilo had not identified a firm funding amount, so the committee voted to defer the bill. HB 2141 HD1 concerned state enterprise zones and would expand eligible business activities and allow DBED to designate up to two areas as enterprise zones with gubernatorial approval. DBED, the Tax Foundation, and other organizations submitted support or comments. After discussion, the chair said the current version no longer fit the higher education committee’s focus and recommended reverting to the original bill, which would limit the zone to Kakaʻako Makai for a biomedical health innovation hub near JABSOM and the Queen’s Cancer Center, with a defective date. The committee voted to pass HB 2141 HD1 with amendments. HB 2233 HD1 would appropriate funds to continue the SNAP-Ed program through UH and the Department of Health. DOH supported the bill and said it had been working on nutrition education and environmental changes; it estimated about $600,000 each for DOH and SEAR, or $1.2 million total. Testimony in support also came from several organizations and individuals, including a senior advocate who described the program’s practical benefits. The chair said the committee would reflect the $600,000-per-entity estimate in its report, and the committee voted to pass HB 2233 HD1 as is before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• banks do make sure that we have food access in all 33 counties in New Mexico, with over 45 million meals
• I do want to emphasize that that's mostly delivered in the form of groceries that people create meals
• There are some prepared meals involved in that, but the bulk is not.
• And again, for every meal that food banks can provide to people, SNAP provides nine.

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy presentation from the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative in support of fully funding the rural library endowment with an additional $29.5 million. The presenters described rural libraries as essential community infrastructure that provide not only books and internet access, but also early childhood programs, adult education, workforce support, telehealth, disaster response, and civic meeting space. They argued that the endowment would provide stable annual support for staffing and operations, help sustain libraries in very small towns and tribal communities, and support new or developing libraries. Members asked about eligibility, county coverage, how funds are distributed, and whether the state tracks broader outcomes such as job placements or certifications; the presenters said the State Library administers the funds and that the initiative itself is a nonprofit capacity-building organization, not the fund manager. Some members raised concerns about whether an endowment is the best long-term model versus recurring annual appropriations, and about the need for better reporting and state-library involvement. The committee then heard from food bank leaders Jill Dixon and Katie Anderson about food security and its economic impact. They said New Mexico’s five food banks and more than 500 partner agencies serve all 33 counties, distribute over 45 million meals, and rely mostly on philanthropy, with some state and local support. They emphasized that SNAP is a major economic driver, supporting grocery access, jobs, and local spending, and that recent legislative growth funding helped food banks respond to a surge in demand during a SNAP disruption. They also highlighted food banks as community hubs that can connect people to health care, job training, and other services, including through clinic referrals and closed-loop systems. In response to questions, they said food access gaps remain in some rural areas, that clients can generally seek food at other distribution sites without barriers, and that longer-term solutions should include more grocery access, healthy corner stores, and stronger broadband and health care infrastructure. The final presentations came from the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. Gallup-McKinley described a shrinking workforce, youth outmigration, crime, health care shortages, malpractice costs, and gross receipts tax burdens as major barriers to rural economic growth, and urged action on workforce pipelines, housing, public safety, malpractice reform, and tax/regulatory changes. Artesia highlighted its murals, library, sports tradition, oil and gas, agriculture, federal training center, and refinery, while also noting workforce shortages, health care recruitment challenges, housing constraints, and the need for quality-of-life investments and more flexible regulation. The committee also briefly heard a bill presentation proposing a New Mexico-Ireland Trade Commission to promote bilateral trade and investment, especially in technology, agriculture, and energy sectors. No votes were taken because quorum was not reached, and the endorsement item was not acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• distribution sites, food access in every single county, and cumulatively, we provide over 45 million meals
• While we are a food security entity, our funding does not come from SNAP, or universal school meals,
• You'll see a list here of different social support programs that exist: SNAP, WIC, Universal School Meals
• They provide nine meals, and they also are an economic driver. So there is no replacing SNAP.

Transcript Highlights:

• towards food through the purchasing system, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma allows us—$1 equals three meals
• We don’t use the free and reduced meal program because that’s not a good indicator.
• Secured a grant that provides free meals for all students, so it’s not a good indicator the way there
• Thank you so much, and I appreciate the fact that year... secured a grant that provides free meals for

Committee: House A&B Finance Subcommittee

Summary: The committee heard an interim study on expanding or simplifying sales tax exemptions for Oklahoma nonprofits. Representatives Stark and Schreiber said the issue has been filed repeatedly over several sessions and framed it as a bipartisan effort to keep more charitable dollars in service of communities rather than paying sales tax. Schreiber also suggested broader tax reform or an omnibus approach rather than continuing to add individual exemptions. Marnie Taylor of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits gave an overview of the sector, describing nonprofits as a major part of the state economy and safety net, and argued that many organizations are highly regulated, under-resourced, and facing declining donations and funding. She said the current patchwork of exemptions is uneven and that a blanket or broader exemption would help organizations serving public needs. Committee members asked for sources behind some of the poverty, education, and health rankings cited in her presentation. Several nonprofit leaders testified about how sales tax affects their operations. RG Foods described the cost of opening neighborhood grocery markets in food deserts and said sales tax on a Tulsa project would divert about $85,000 from programming. Jubilee Partners, Skyline Urban Outreach, the Pencil Box, the Tulsa Police Foundation, Blue Rose Ranch, and Legacy Parenting Center each explained how exemption status or the lack of it affects food assistance, school supplies, public safety equipment, animal rescue, and diapers and family support. Members asked follow-up questions about food desert definitions, budgets, and how much sales tax savings would change operations. No vote was taken in the excerpt, but the study concluded with closing remarks emphasizing that the exemption would keep more money in direct services and support the nonprofit sector statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have seen it used in the discussions surrounding the school meals that we provide for our children
• surrounding the surrounding the the<00:07:34.000><c> the</c><00:07:34.120><c> school</c><00:07:34.480><c> meals
• that</c><00:07:35.000><c> we</c><00:07:35.120><c> provide</c><00:07:35.640><c> for</c> the the school meals
• that we provide for the the school meals that we provide for our<00:07:36.000><c> children.