Transcript Highlights:

• We recommend funding a smaller increase.
• But that's a different issue from the increasing inflation.
• You know, some proposals for ongoing spending increases, for one-time spending increases because of that
• Healthcare costs have also increased by more than 10 percent.
• Increasing those grants to $100,000.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With the total of $100 of increase that we've seen between the January increase and the July increase
• And that's just what our weekly benefit amount increase.
• And we're seeing this slight increase.
• And we're also experiencing these increased outflows through the weekly benefit amount increases.
• We're expecting due to unemployment increases, unemployment benefits increases, and other factors that

Keywords: Commission on Unemployment Compensation, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• close schools, cut bus routes, increase close schools, cut bus routes, increase class<00:01:55.280
• <00:03:36.560> sounds for a property tax increase sounds for a property tax increase sounds
• After the a property tax increase.
• If your of a property tax increase.
• <00:09:49.440> by that their property tax will increase by that their property tax will increase

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This increased funding will support salary and benefit increases for L.A.
• support for those rate increases.
• But no new rate increases.
• And $300 million for rate increases, but not rate increases associated with Prop 35. Correct.
• They will have their rate increases maintained since the 2024 rate increases.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health heard presentations on several May Revision proposals, beginning with an overview from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Department of Finance on the state’s budget condition and the administration’s efforts to reduce out-year deficits through a mix of revenue measures, fund shifts, and program reductions. The chair expressed support for some administration proposals, such as added health IT funding, county administration support, a delay in Medi-Cal cuts for some immigrants, and additional Covered California subsidy backfill, but also criticized proposed Medi-Cal premiums, changes to senior eligibility, the lack of a Medi-Cal dental solution, and other cuts affecting counties, workforce, and rural access. The LAO said the budget still relies heavily on reserves and borrowing and urged more reserves and caution on new commitments. The Department of State Hospitals presented several proposals, including reduced county bed billing authority, limited contract exemption authority for online clinical subscriptions, reversion of unspent prior-year funds, additional lease revenue authority for the Metro Central Utility Plant replacement, funding for electronic health record implementation, and a shift of workforce development costs to Behavioral Health Services Act funds. The department also described savings and realignments in its IST and CONREP programs, including making the Independent Placement Panel permanent and adjusting funding for jail-based competency treatment and conditional release services. Members questioned the BHSA workforce funding swap, and the administration said it was part of a broader General Fund offset strategy. The Emergency Medical Services Authority requested funding for statewide behavioral health crisis response guidance and for continued operation of its enterprise systems, and the Department of Managed Health Care sought funds to modernize its complaint system and claims settlement data systems. The largest debate centered on the administration’s proposed use of Behavioral Health Services Act revenues to offset General Fund spending and fund state-directed behavioral health programs. The Department of Finance said the proposal would support population-based prevention, workforce programs, mobile crisis services, and other state-directed uses, while the LAO said it was still reviewing whether the uses comply with Proposition 1 and whether the non-supplement and eligible-use requirements are met. The Commission for Behavioral Health strongly opposed proposed cuts to its Innovation Partnership Fund and community advocacy grants, arguing that both programs are central to community voice, culturally responsive services, and statewide innovation. Commissioners and many public commenters said the cuts would reduce grants to community-based organizations, tribal groups, veterans, LGBTQ communities, youth, and other underserved populations, and that the advocacy program helps communities participate in local planning and access services. The Department of Finance defended the reductions as a way to prioritize direct services and said the programs fit within Proposition 1, but members criticized the proposal as a midstream shift that would weaken community engagement and redirect funds away from prevention and advocacy.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are not seeing the increase.
• And you said, increase UGA. And I think we see a huge interest in increasing UGA.
• And you said increase UGA. And I think we see a huge interest in increasing UGA.
• And you said increase UGA. And I think we see a huge interest in increasing aga.
• This nominal increase will help libraries across the state keep pace with increasing demand.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was a Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget session held in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 education and local aid budget, with remarks from legislative co-chairs, local officials, and education agency leaders. Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero emphasized Lawrence’s high-need student population, the importance of Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, and the impact of state aid on schools serving many English learners and low-income families. Carrero highlighted Lawrence High School programs such as early college, dual degrees, career pathways, and early childhood classrooms embedded in the high school, while lawmakers introduced themselves and noted the importance of the hearing to their districts. Acting Secretary of Education Amy Kershaw, Commissioner of Higher Education Noi Ortega, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez, and Commissioner of Early Education and Care Amy Kershaw outlined the administration’s FY27 priorities. They described investments in literacy initiatives, universal school meals, student mental health, early college and career pathways, higher education affordability, community college and university student-success supports, preschool expansion, child care subsidies, and workforce supports for early educators. The commissioners also discussed federal funding threats, equity gaps, and the administration’s efforts to improve outcomes for Black and brown students, multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and low-income students. Members questioned the panel about the local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to revisit Chapter 70 funding to better address rising costs such as special education, transportation, and health care. Officials said the local contribution study report is expected by the end of June, with a draft to be shared after data analysis and public comment. Commissioner Martinez said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but more work is needed, and he pointed to a proposed Accelerating Achievement Initiative to support the highest-need schools. Senator Oliveira also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities and asked about partnerships with libraries to support literacy, prompting discussion of broader early literacy collaboration.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also increase the cyber security.
• , but a modest increase.
• capacity, which then increases recoveries which then increases the ability for this agency to protect
• I mean, it's a 19% increase.
• Growth that was included in the executive rack to cover increased IT costs, GSC costs, increased cost

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:30.320> in cycles, we haven't had an increase in cycles, we haven't had an increase
• We look at what is the actual tax or fee increase or decrease, but in this case, it's an increase.
• Um, and I case, it's an increase.
• Um the increases are necessary.
• application of the uh um toll increase application of the uh um toll increase could<02:15:29.520

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The work session focused first on SP 492, a bill intended to give the New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services authority to lease or license property for housing and related uses. Major General David Mikolitis testified that the bill is aimed at addressing affordable housing for junior enlisted service members, especially those assigned to Pease Air National Guard Base who currently face long commutes because of the Seacoast housing shortage. He said the most likely uses would be converting limited barracks space in Pembroke or Stratford into apartment-style or extended-stay housing, and possibly allowing office/co-op space for federal civilians, though he emphasized the primary purpose is housing for junior ranks. He also said any development would likely be done by a private developer through an RFP, with costs borne by the developer rather than the department. Committee members asked about whether the bill could apply to commercial uses, how taxes would work, whether revenues would go into the general fund, and whether the concept could be expanded statewide. Mikolitis said the intent was housing only, not commercial development like a Starbucks, and that any developed property would be taxable locally rather than remain tax-exempt. He said revenues would go into a dedicated Veteran Services Property Fund and be used for facilities, not the general fund. He also explained that the department has about 20 armories statewide but sees only a few viable locations for this concept, mainly Pembroke, Stratford, and possibly one other site, because the goal is to serve personnel within roughly a 45-minute drive of Pease. He noted that a proposed seven-acre parcel near Pease had already been approved by the Pease Development Authority but still needed FAA approval, and he was not optimistic about using that land for housing because of contamination and redevelopment costs. Committee discussion ended with members indicating support for OTP, but the chair said the vote would have to wait until 11 o'clock and then closed the work session on SP 492. The committee then opened a work session on SP 627 and heard testimony from Jim Jelbert, owner of CJ Bus Lines and chair of the legislature’s transportation council, who spoke in support of the bill. Jelbert argued that the measure would allow New Hampshire to raise tolls and generate significant revenue for the 10-year highway plan without directly taxing citizens, and said the money could address congestion and safety problems, including work on I-93 in Manchester and other statewide projects. He estimated the bill could generate substantial revenue over time and said toll credits could help leverage federal matching funds. He also said improved roads would benefit businesses like his by reducing vehicle wear and improving efficiency. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on SP 627 is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• So part of this attorney fee increase and the discovery advancement increase is to allow access to justice
• It was to increase to $30,000, with no other provisions, and also to increase the discovery from $3,000
• So I'm encouraging the committee to adopt the increase to $30,000 and to consider passing the increase
• White was saying, every time we increase the cap, every time we increase the cap, that cap applies to
• didn't think it was going to be a significant increase, but it was not a determined increase.

Transcript Highlights:

• ways to increase our revenue.
• <00:29:51.519> social with problem gambling increase social with problem gambling increase
• <00:30:07.559> rates<00:30:07.840> of increased rates of increased rates of bankruptcy<
• revenues, increased sales, and increased revenues for vets and charities.
• revenues, increased sales, and increased revenues for vets and charities.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It probably should be 'step increases' or some kind of expected salary increases.
• It probably should be 'step increases' or some kind of expected salary increases.
• It probably should be 'step increases' or some kind of expected salary increases.
• We're seeing an increase that will help us adjust and react to increases in pay, increases in benefits
• We're seeing an increase that will help us adjust and react to increases in pay, increases in benefits

Bills: HF2432

Keywords: HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board

Transcript Highlights:

• And that would be for increasing customers, generally increasing customer support.
• increase of FTEs, like we've increased by 10 FTEs, 20 FTEs, to ease over the last four years.
• So it's increased from 207 to. 191, and that's in- That'd be almost like 50% increase in their workforce
• them spread out that have increased efficiencies.
• This is funding to. increased state aid for that strategy.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Then for the... ...cost increases.
• several years of increases for policy-covered employees.
• Since 2022, the project's costs have increased.
• Since 2022, the project's cost have increased.
• This represents a 3% increase in base funding.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held an extended hearing focused primarily on University of California budget issues, enrollment, housing, and Title IX. Chair David Alvarez opened by noting the governor’s proposed 8% ongoing General Fund reduction to UC, the deferral of compact funding, and the College of the Law budget item, while emphasizing that no votes would be taken that day. Public commenters, including UC Davis employees and lecturers, urged restoration of UC funding and opposed the hiring freeze, saying cuts would worsen staffing shortages, reduce research capacity, and harm students and patients. On UC core operations, the Department of Finance said the governor’s budget maintains the compact but defers $240.8 million in ongoing support and continues a planned 7.95% reduction, while the LAO recommended rejecting the deferrals and instead making any changes in the budget year. UC San Diego’s chancellor and UC Office of the President argued the cuts and deferrals would create major campus shortfalls, force hiring freezes, larger class sizes, fewer course offerings, delayed projects, and possible layoffs. Committee members questioned whether cuts could be shifted away from students and toward administration, discussed UCOP reserves and bond debt, and noted that UC’s budget structure makes the campus-level impact larger than the headline reduction. The committee also reviewed enrollment trends and nonresident replacement. The LAO said UC resident enrollment has grown and recommended revisiting 2026-27 targets and pausing the nonresident replacement plan if state funding does not improve. UC said it has exceeded California undergraduate enrollment and nonresident replacement goals, but warned that continued growth without funding would force enrollment reductions and harm quality. Members discussed the role of nonresident and international students, tuition rates, and the value of UC as a pathway for California students and a source of talent for the state. A separate housing item covered the state’s Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program. UC reported that recent bond savings could support additional affordable beds at UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara, but the LAO and Finance noted the Legislature would need to decide how to use the $6.2 million in savings from the original projects. The committee also heard a Title IX update from UC’s systemwide civil rights office, which described campus Title IX structures, training, and policy enforcement, and said the system has been working to improve confidentiality guidance and streamline complaint processes after survey feedback showed confusion and lengthy procedures.

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes the first increase to the disabled veteran annuity in 17 years, increasing and implementing
• The biggest increase you'll see with respect to my office is the increase in the annuity, and I think
• If we increase our staff, that will also provide an increase as well.
• Specific budget items that speak to our priorities are the increase in foster parent stipends, increase
• And that's in the average of about 10% increase in our detention population, about a 15% increase in

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from Senate Chair Robyn Kennedy and House Chair Chynah Tyler, who emphasized that the fiscal year 2026 hearing was focused on the Health and Human Services budget, asked members to keep questions budget-related, and noted that no public testimony would be taken. They also highlighted the choice of Doherty Memorial High School as the venue to showcase Worcester’s investment in career and technical education. Committee members then introduced themselves before the first panel, the Executive Office of Veterans Services and the state veterans homes, began testimony. Secretary John Santiago said the governor’s FY26 proposal would support implementation of the HERO Act, which he said is now about 95% implemented, including higher disabled veteran annuities, expanded behavioral health benefits, and other service expansions. He described efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, including nearly $20 million in ARPA-funded housing and outreach initiatives, and said the agency has delivered more than 100,000 supportive services to nearly 8,500 veterans. Leaders from the Chelsea and Holyoke veterans homes reported on staffing, quality measures, electronic medical records, and major construction projects at both facilities, including a new Chelsea campus and the new Holyoke home. Members asked about funding transfers, geographic equity in access to the homes, outreach to women veterans and veterans of color, suicide prevention, Gold Star family support, and the impact of federal uncertainty; Santiago said the homes are now licensed and certified, that the current budget is sufficient, and that the agency is expanding engagement and data collection. The second panel, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, testified that its FY26 request is about $3.3 million, up from the current $2 million, to cover staffing, a larger office, and higher technology costs. Veteran Advocate Bob Notch said the office is a new independent oversight agency created in 2022 to examine systems, coordinate with local veteran service officers, and investigate fatalities or serious harm involving veterans in state care. He said the office’s work depends on research, data, and collaboration with other agencies, and that current funding is only enough for minimum operations. In response to questions, Notch and Deputy Commissioner David O’Callaghan discussed the difficulty of tracking veteran suicides, the need for better data across agencies, and the office’s role as an oversight body rather than a direct service provider. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• for increased participation.
• misconduct and increased OAH fees.
• It increased and it increased funding in the state preschool program for those purposes.
• There were increases in rates, there were also increases associated with requiring higher percentages
• Those were due to projected increases in awards and paid students in 24-25, which result in increased

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The increased levels of spending do not automatically go into effect under law.
• appropriate those funds The increased appropriate those funds The increased levels<00:03:48.360>
• income as employers face increased income as employers face increased competition<00:14:53.880><
• <00:23:37.480> in tals and this is driven by increases in tals and this is driven by increases
• alone and that amount would increase alone and that amount would increase over<00:35:27.200>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget presented the February 2025 budget and economic forecast, with Commissioner Aon Campbell, State Economist Anthony Becker, and Budget Director Anam Mingi outlining updated revenue, spending, and long-term balance projections. The state’s FY 2026-27 general fund outlook remains positive but weaker than in November, with an ending balance of $456 million, down $160 million from the prior forecast. Looking ahead, the planning years FY 2028-29 show a projected deficit of just under $6 billion, driven largely by spending growth outpacing revenues. Officials emphasized that discretionary inflation is a major factor in the forecast, but also noted that those amounts are not automatically appropriated and would require legislative action. Becker said the national outlook has changed since November, with higher expected inflation, higher interest rates for longer, and slower growth in later years. He highlighted uncertainty around tariffs, trade policy, immigration policy, federal spending, and possible changes to tax and debt-ceiling policy, all of which could affect Minnesota’s economy and revenues. Minnesota’s labor market remains tight, with low unemployment and rising wages, and the revenue forecast was revised upward overall for FY 2026-27, including higher income and sales tax receipts, though corporate tax revenue was slightly lower than previously projected. Mingi said projected general fund spending is up $79 million in FY 2026-27 and $960 million in FY 2028-29 compared with November. The largest increases are in education and health and human services, especially due to inflation, higher pupil counts, special education costs, long-term care, and higher Medical Assistance spending. She noted that higher utilization of weight-loss drugs also raises Medicaid costs, and that a smaller assumed bonding bill helps offset some debt service costs. The commissioner and staff repeatedly warned that federal policy changes, especially possible Medicaid reductions, pose a major risk; they said Minnesota could face billions in lost federal funding, including a potential $2.4 billion hit if the enhanced Medicaid match for adults without children were eliminated. No votes or legislative actions were taken in the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• By all accounts, it's increased the dollar per gallon of, it's increased cost by about a dollar per gallon
• That increased in 1927 to 3 cents.
• As the state grew and transportation demands increased, lawmakers enacted several increases over time
• That increased by about 9% to 17.5%.
• There was no increase in crude oil.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications held an oversight hearing on managing the transportation fuels transition, with a focus on gasoline prices, supply reliability, refinery closures, and the implementation of recent transparency and market oversight laws. Chair Allen opened by citing SB 1322 and special session measures that expanded reporting to the California Energy Commission (CEC), authorized possible refining margin caps, and required minimum inventory and resupply planning. He framed the hearing around rising fuel costs, refinery shutdowns, global supply disruptions, and the need to ensure affordable and reliable fuel during the transition to cleaner transportation. CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda described California’s growing dependence on imports as in-state refining declines, noting that gasoline production has fallen and imports now supply a large share of the market. He said the state has substantial marine import capacity and that the proposed Gateway Pipeline could improve connectivity to the Gulf Coast, but emphasized that distribution and storage remain key constraints. Gunda also said the CEC’s new “days of supply” metric suggests inventories remain within historical ranges, and he attributed recent price increases largely to global crude oil shocks, refinery outages, and the war in Iran. He said taxes and environmental costs have remained relatively stable, while crude costs and industry margins have risen. CDTFA Chief Deputy Director Gentian Droboniku focused on retail pricing, saying widening retail margins and growing price dispersion indicate that retail business models and pricing strategies are increasingly driving pump prices. He highlighted the growth of hypermarts and unbranded stations, the widening gap between branded and unbranded prices, and future work on ownership concentration and algorithmic pricing. Ty Milder of the Department of Petroleum Market Oversight said the Iran conflict is the largest global oil supply disruption in history and that California’s recent price increases largely track national and crude price movements, unlike earlier localized spikes that lacked input-cost justification. He said branded stations, especially major brands, have charged substantially more than nearby competitors, and that the “mystery gasoline surcharge” that appeared after the Torrance refinery fire is still under investigation. Milder also pointed to high diesel spreads, limited market liquidity, and the need for more transparency in spot pricing. Matthew Boutill of CARB said the state’s long-term goals remain deep greenhouse gas reductions and carbon neutrality by 2045, with transportation fuel transition strategies aimed at cleaner fuels, zero-emission vehicles, and support for workers and communities. In questioning, Senators Caballero and Richardson pressed agency witnesses for clearer, more concrete explanations of what the transition will look like in practice, how many refineries California will still need, and what the impacts of increased imports will be on ports, trucking, storage, and local communities. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, we have have asked for a slight increase in funding because of the increase in complaints
• Well, whatever increases, large or small, that we provided for schools. whatever increases we provide
• If you increase the basic allotment, if you increase any other aspect of the formula is you're going
• If we increase the basic allotment, we actually will increase by the way the statute's written, salaries
• , that increase would actually be able to also increase salaries.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The increase should be implemented by increasing the basic allotment further and adding a provision to
• Our own analysis shows that teacher salary increases do not keep up with the increases that go towards
• The increase in the basic allotment and the adjustment of the percentage of that increase that must be
• While increasing that supply...
• An increase upon completion?

Bills: HB2, HB2

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:41:16.160> and at, what's driving the increases, and at, what's driving the increases
• <00:46:55.520> far already maintain a rent increases far already maintain a rent increases
• because I am disturbed by the increase because I am disturbed by the increase in<01:00:00.480>
• cost increases, thereby increasing the cost increases, thereby increasing the cost of<01:19:12.320
• the area of housing to increase supply. the area of housing to increase supply.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It increased that from 20% to 34%.
• Uh, that total funding increased... That total funding increased approximately 123.1 million.
• increase in total funding.
• Um, that was a 28% increase.
• Those salary increases had to occur. Those salary increases had to occur.

Keywords: 916, all