Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker Hortman was again a driving force behind that legislation.
• So, and we'll work hard to find common ground with that. Thank you, Senator. From the school.
• We were pretty hard mother male there, Mankato cat person, Red Wing campus to part of this plane.
• I started sweeping a drive-up at my dad's gas station in Ridgefield, actually 70 years ago.
• IN STARTED SWEEPING A DRIVE-UP. MY DAD'S GAS STATION IN RIDGEFIELD. ACTUALLY 70 YEARS AGO.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• LOOK LIKE, WHERE WE COME FROM, WHAT WE DO FOR A LIVING EYE THINK WE CAN ALL AGREE FLORIDIANS WORK HARD
• ENJOY FLORIDA'S NATURAL BEAUTY, SPEND TIME WITH THOSE WE LOVE AND LIVE THE LIVES WE HAVE WORKED SO HARD
• DRIVING AROUND NORTHWEST JACKSONVILLE WE WILL SEE CEMETERIES WHERE YOU WILL FIND THE GRAVES OF TONGUE
• YEAR AND THAT IS WHY FOR US IT'S IMPORTANT CERTAINLY IS A LEGISLATURE TO GET BACK AS MUCH OF THAT HARD
• IT TRIES TO GIVE HARD EARNED DOLLARS BACK TO OUR FAMILIES OR RESIDENTS, OUR FARMERS, OUR BUSINESSES AND

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• guided by when providing language access to linguistically diverse persons, including the deaf and hard
• For example, 61% of advocates reported that deaf, hard-of-hearing, and/or limited English proficient
• But it's hard to generalize. Yes, thank you.
• You know, if you take something like driving, we think it's safer when it's light driving—that's a known
• Corporate drive to maximize profits leads to larger class sizes and inferior instructional support.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight heard testimony on several bills. Senator Mike Moore supported S. 2185, which would delay implementation of the heavy-duty omnibus/advanced clean truck requirements while requiring the Commonwealth to purchase or lease electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles starting in 2025; he argued the delay is needed because infrastructure, grid capacity, vehicle availability, and costs are not yet ready. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2156/H. 3318, which would require free menstrual products in public buildings, with advocates and students describing period poverty and the need to treat menstrual products like other basic restroom supplies. Senator John Keenan testified for S. 2158, a bill to let municipal light plants protect proprietary and competitively sensitive information from public disclosure while keeping board meetings and minutes open, saying it would help level the playing field against larger competitors. A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 2125/H. 3384, the language access and inclusion bill. Testimony from the AAPI Commission, Mass Speaks coalition members, Mass Appleseed, MLRI, ATASK, MAPC, the Boston Bar Association, Mass Advocates for Children, and others described barriers faced by limited-English-proficient residents in accessing MassHealth, DCF, courts, domestic violence services, schools, and other state services. Witnesses cited untranslated documents, inadequate interpretation, delays, and the burden placed on bilingual staff and children; several also pointed to recent federal moves toward English-only policy as making state action more urgent. Committee members asked questions about implementation, interpreter availability, and the role of technology and remote participation, and the chair noted the bill had been reported favorably in a prior session and intended to be again. The committee also heard testimony on time-zone legislation. Dr. Karin Johnson, representing sleep medicine interests, supported H. 3405 for permanent standard time and opposed S. 2157 for permanent daylight saving time, arguing that standard time better aligns with circadian rhythms and health, while permanent daylight saving time would worsen morning darkness and sleep disruption. Members questioned the strength of the scientific evidence and discussed school start times, geography, and whether Massachusetts should align with neighboring states. No votes were taken during the hearing, and testimony continued on additional bills as the session progressed.

Transcript Highlights:

• last committee meeting where we presented on this bill because my folks from Eastern Kentucky had a hard
• <00:01:20.000> time from Eastern Kentucky had a hard time from Eastern Kentucky had a hard
• He's going to direct traffic so no cars drive in that scene when Joey gets shot 300 yards away.
• God willing, fourth time's the charm, and good luck driving home, everyone.
• <00:31:50.159> home, charm and and good luck driving home, charm and and good luck driving

Keywords: Reuploaded to restore a few minutes lost at the end of the meeting Representative Tackett-Lafferty: 00:22 • Line of Duty Disability Benefits Representative Grossberg: 26:32 • Loss of TRS Credit Due to Religious Holiday Observance Representative Blanton: 32:01 • Educational Contracts and Membership Dates in KERS Representative Tipton and Representative Blanton: 40:55 • Apply SB 10 Changes from 2025 to KERS/SPRS Senator Higdon: 46:08 • PPOB Reporting on Line of Duty Benefits • TRS Annual Leave Impact on TRS • PPOB Membership • Use of Sick Leave for Religious Holidays Adjournment: 56:03, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony from Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty on a bill to extend minimum line-of-duty hazardous duty retirement benefits to certain CERS and KERS non-hazardous members who are injured in the line of duty and cannot return to that work. She used a video and examples from Eastern Kentucky first responders, including a deputy who lost a leg and an emergency management director who lost an eye, to argue that some injured officers and responders fall through the cracks because their employers did not elect hazardous-duty coverage. She said the proposal would provide 25% of pay to the disabled officer, plus 10% for dependent children and minimal health benefits, and noted estimated actuarial costs of about $2.9 million for CERS and $0.542 million for KERS, funded through small employer-rate increases. Members asked how far back the bill would reach, how many people might qualify, and whether the benefit would apply only to active employees or also to past injuries. Laferty said the bill would include a five-year window for recent situations and could potentially cover a total of 3,333 positions statewide that could be certified as hazardous, though benefits would only apply if the person was injured in the line of duty and disabled from returning to that work. Questions also focused on whether a non-hazardous employee could qualify if injured in a hazardous situation; Laferty said yes, if the position could be certified as hazardous, but only for the bill’s minimum benefits. Rep. Josh Calloway and others noted that local governments choose whether to pay the higher hazardous-duty contribution rates, which they said often drives the coverage decision. The committee then heard Rep. Daniel Gberg present a separate bill revising school leave rules so teachers and school employees may use accumulated sick leave to observe religious holidays not on the school calendar, with a required personal statement and advance notice. He said the change would address a longstanding inconsistency for teachers who observe non-Christian holidays and currently may have to choose between unpaid leave or improperly using sick days, and he said prior concerns about retirement service credit and maternity leave were reduced by other policy changes. The discussion ended without a vote, with members indicating they had the relevant materials and that the bill would be revisited later.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to fund these things that are a public good, and it's really hard to incentivize folks to take
• Point of reference, driving in from Worcester, I didn't touch the Big Dig.
• Point of reference, driving in from Worcester, I didn't touch the Big Dig.
• Mandating PLAs also will reduce competition among bidders, and competition helps drive down costs.
• And I thank you very much for your time and consideration. ...competition helps drive down costs.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony on a range of bills focused on transportation funding, governance, and equity. Supporters backed proposals to create a North Central Massachusetts intercity passenger rail fund tied to a possible new gaming license (H. 3680/S. 2363), local parking assessments (H. 3756), third-party delivery fees (S. 2356/H. 3774), broader roadway pricing and congestion management measures (S. 2353/S. 2354), tolling equity and regional transit authority advisory boards (S. 2400/S. 2401), and Steamship Authority oversight reforms including board term limits (S. 2395). Testimony in favor emphasized new dedicated revenue sources, commuter rail expansion, regional equity, improved oversight, and better transit access for riders and communities that rely on public transportation. There was also testimony in opposition to the third-party delivery fee bills from Chamber of Progress, which argued the fee would raise costs for consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers, could reduce demand and jobs, and might not achieve the intended environmental benefits. Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts opposed H. 3633, a transit expansion, electrification, and resiliency bill, specifically objecting to its mandatory project labor agreement requirement and saying it would limit competition and disadvantage non-union contractors and workers. Several witnesses spoke in favor of the Steamship Authority bill, saying term limits would improve transparency, accountability, and board turnover. The committee also heard detailed support for the North Central rail proposal from a legislator, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and a transportation advocate, who described the bill as a way to generate long-term bonded revenue for rail infrastructure. After testimony concluded and no questions remained, the chairs entertained and received a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a big deal for us, but it's hard to convey this to the public.
• So we're working really hard on that.
• I think it's a really hard lift. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Campaigns which draw people to, or drive people rather, to the Quit Now services that we offer.
• Top of mind and drive to the outcomes that we want to drive. That sounds great.

Transcript Highlights:

• The super tested scout drive house is the single largest accountability unit, successfully reviewed 616
• I want to thank you for working hard on this trailer bill language.
• Because I know how hard you're working. I'll leave it there. Thank you.
• That is what's driving us forward with the aggressive timeline that we have.
• It's just hard to imagine. It's like taking a school, going back to it and saying, okay.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But you know, this is the hard part for me. I hope you guys realize how hard this is for me.
• I It's It's hard for me to Speaker. I It's It's hard for me to support<02:25:59.439> this.
• Um, interesting >> be<03:53:41.040> hard. >> be hard. >> be hard.
• And, uh, it is hard.
• And uh and it is hard. And I think I And uh and it is hard.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Being where I'm from up in Breathitt County, it's hard to find a house in the rural areas.
• <00:25:40.720> costs state is adopting that are driving costs state is adopting that are driving
• That would be really hard...
• <01:24:49.120> They're afford rent and they work hard.
• They're afford rent and they work hard. They're great<01:24:49.520> workers.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:07 Roll Call 00:00:25 Discussion of Lexington’s Housing Affordability Partnership 00:02:26 Discussion of Northern Kentucky’s Housing Blueprint 00:30:12 Discussion of Religious Institution Land Use 00:57:33 Discussion of Free-Market Solutions to Kentucky’s Housing Crisis 01:04:18 Adjournment 01:26:37, 958, all

Summary: The committee met without a quorum and began informally, with members noting this was the final information-gathering meeting on housing before a November meeting to discuss findings and report back to the LRC. The main presentation focused on the Lexington Affordable Housing Partnership, a public-private effort supported by a $10 million state allocation. Presenters described Fayette County’s housing shortage, citing a gap of more than 22,000 units, rising home prices, and the challenge of assembling land and capital for affordable projects. The partnership explained that five local banks created a $3 million capital investment fund to buy and hold land at no interest, with deed restrictions keeping the site at 80% or below area median income and allowing the banks to seek Community Reinvestment Act credit. The first project is a 12.5-acre former Transylvania University baseball field, planned for about 242 units, including detached homes, townhouses, garden-style apartments, and senior housing. Speakers said the project required extensive neighborhood engagement and zoning/development approvals, but that the planning phase is now largely complete and infrastructure work should begin soon. Financing details included roughly $64 million in additional funding through tax credit equity, market-rate loans, city support, Kentucky Housing Corporation resources, and donations from nonprofit partners. Developers said the multifamily bond applications are due to Kentucky Housing Corporation the next day, and they expect the land purchase to be repaid into the revolving fund once the property is entitled and closed, allowing the original $3 million to be redeployed for future projects. They estimated rental units could be filled within about six months of completion, while for-sale units would come online over 12 to 36 months. In discussion, members asked about regulatory barriers and project timelines. Presenters pointed to rising construction costs tied to new federal and state requirements, and one member highlighted the need to continue reviewing planning and zoning reforms to speed development plan approvals and reduce delays. The group also endorsed a possible statewide $20 million housing fund, a residential infrastructure fund, and efforts to avoid additional regulatory burdens on housing development.

Transcript Highlights:

• And honestly, it's hard enough as it is, y'all.
• We've heard folks talk about how it's hard to vote.
• Of course, our goal is easy to vote, hard to cheat.
• Hard to cheat. I still have my t-shirt.
• Y'all have a hard job here on the elections. I will. Y'all have a hard job.

Bills: SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37, SB 16

Keywords: voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• Bangladesh fought hard to maintain their sovereignty.
• And that's because the country is together, its resilience, its togetherness, and hard work.
• This team represents what can happen when hard work meets opportunity.
• That's a story of resilience, never giving up, working hard, believing in yourselves.
• If you're 17 years old, you can drive and pay taxes and work up to 28 hours a week, but ...

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, and then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing individuals, communities, and state traditions. The chamber honored Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis posthumously after his Medal of Honor recognition, with remarks from Senator Scarcella-Spanton and others praising his sacrifice and welcoming his parents. Senators also celebrated New York maple producers and Maple Weekends, Bangladesh Independence Day and the contributions of Bangladeshi New Yorkers, York Middle/High School girls varsity volleyball for winning a state championship, Pavilion/York Air Rifle for winning the state invitational championship, and Tartan Day. These resolutions were adopted, and the sponsors opened them for co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved through the regular calendar and passed multiple bills, including measures on environmental conservation, personal property, agriculture and markets, insurance, state law, executive law, workers’ compensation, election law, correction law, public health, and parks/historic preservation. Most passed with broad support, though some drew a handful of negative votes. One bill on election law, allowing certain 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they will be 18 by the general election, prompted supportive floor debate from several senators and passed 43-17. Another bill on correction law also passed after debate. A notable controversy arose over Calendar 227, a Public Authorities Law bill related to school energy planning and electric buses. Senator Borrello challenged an amendment as nongermane, the Chair ruled against it, and the Senate voted 22-0 to sustain the ruling. The underlying bill then passed, despite criticism from senators who argued the state should repeal the electric bus mandate and instead study safer, more practical alternatives for school districts. The Senate then completed its business and adjourned until March 24 at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we've had pathways and opportunities for students, but when you have to drive an hour or you have
• to drive two hours from greater Minnesota to access it, wherever it's being held, that is a barrier
• But it's very often that you have to drive an hour to access education, and that's just not feasible
• <00:08:54.240> an students, but when you have to drive an students, but when you have to drive
• But I think it's hard for us to do that.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3732, with the author moving both the bill and two separate amendments. The DE1 amendment would create a healthcare workforce grant program to let the Department of Employment and Economic Development identify and fund healthcare workforce shortage areas, while the A1 amendment would establish an Office of Community Investment to provide strategic grant management and help align grants with legislative priorities. Both amendments were adopted, and the bill was laid over for later consideration. The bill author explained that the healthcare workforce proposal is meant to address shortages that market forces alone have not solved, citing examples such as CNA training and rural oncologist recruitment. The Office of Community Investment was described as a way to improve grant oversight, set clearer goals, and strengthen collaboration between agencies and the legislature, drawing on the model of the Office of Justice Programs. Testimony from the Mong American Partnership strongly supported the healthcare workforce grant program, describing successful CNA and phlebotomy pathways, but also noting long waitlists and the need for flexible funding. Members discussed the importance of locating training opportunities in greater Minnesota and in communities with workforce gaps, so distance and travel barriers do not limit access. Several legislators said the proposal would help create good-paying jobs, strengthen healthcare access, and support overworked healthcare workers. The bill’s sponsors also emphasized that codifying grant programs can speed up future funding decisions and improve accountability, and they said the measures would return for further consideration in a few days.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they are a football team that prides themselves on hard work, on dedication.
• work, and we see that just like in the Legislature, where you have to work hard to get things done,
• Hard to follow, but I just have to stand today because I am a very proud Chicago native.
• Throughout his career, I think he was clear about the way we should make a drive.
• Throughout his career, I think he was clear about the way we should make a drive.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior Journal, and began with ceremonial recognitions before moving to legislative business. Members honored the Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner football team for winning the Eastern Regional Championship and being a top-ranked national team, with Senators Parker and Tedisco praising the players, coaches, and volunteers. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 1636, mourning the death of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson and recognizing his lifetime of civil rights, labor, voting rights, and social justice advocacy. Multiple senators spoke in support, reflecting on his influence on politics, the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and the message that “I am somebody.” After the resolution, the Senate took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, largely focused on health care, insurance, and public health. These included measures on municipal law, mental hygiene, correction law, executive law, and several insurance and public health bills addressing prescription drug pricing, pharmacy benefit managers, rebates, and anti-competitive drug practices. Senators Myrie, Borrello, Jackson, Fernandez, and others explained votes in support of transparency, patient access, and lowering drug costs; some members noted concerns about pharmacy deserts and corporate consolidation. Most bills passed with broad margins, though a few drew more opposition, including Calendar 304 on anti-competitive drug agreements. On Calendar 289, an amendment concerning domestic violence was ruled non-germane by the chair. Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick appealed, arguing the amendment would create a public registry for persistent domestic violence offenders to help protect potential victims. The Senate voted on the appeal, the ruling of the chair stood, and the bill was then restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed. The Senate then completed the calendar, had no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Beyond providing access, we also believe SB 18 would help drive economic development.
• Our grocery stores are kind of the hub of the town, and I'm the colleague that has to drive 100 miles
• Our grocery stores are kind of the hub of the town, and I'm the colleague that has to drive 100 miles
• We have a really hard time... I have the most fairs of any Assembly Member.
• I know how hard our fairgrounds work and our staff. And those are minimal.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture heard three bills. SB 18 by Senator Rubio would create a Food Desert Elimination Grant Program at CDFA to help open or improve grocery stores in food desert communities. Supporters said it would improve access to healthy food, create jobs, and help underserved neighborhoods; opponents argued it could favor large chains, lacked community input and accountability, and should better prioritize tribal, BIPOC-owned, and community-led retail. Committee members raised concerns about population thresholds, community engagement, and long-term commitments, and the author said the bill could be strengthened with guardrails. SB 18 passed 7-0 and was sent to Appropriations. SB 312 by Senator Umberg would require out-of-state shippers of dogs to electronically submit health certificates to CDFA and make them available to buyers and enforcement agencies, aiming to improve consumer protection and traceability in the puppy import pipeline. Supporters from animal welfare and humane organizations said the bill would help stop sick or misrepresented puppies from entering California and give investigators a central record. Members asked about privacy and enforcement, and the author indicated amendments could address consumer privacy concerns. The bill passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations. SB 493 by Senator Becker would change how compensation is set for secretary managers of district agricultural associations and fairgrounds, shifting salary-setting authority to CDFA and requiring periodic salary surveys. Supporters said fairgrounds are critical emergency-response and community facilities and that the bill would help recruit and retain qualified leaders with fairer pay. Some members expressed concern about local control and appointment delays, but clarified the bill only addressed salary, not appointments. SB 493 also passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• To be clear, I and many of my colleagues rode the Biden administration hard about delays of infrastructure
• I know that you guys have diligently been working on that, but safety is safety, whether you're driving
• You know, to blow the kazoo and, you know, send up the balloons when you announce a project, the hard
• It's a great process. and you know ice cream and you cut ribbon but truly the hard work is getting the
• grant agreement signed and the money out the door that is the hard work and and again so when I say

Keywords: surface transportation, infrastructure reauthorization, bipartisan collaboration, safety, federal programs, funding challenges, bureaucracy, transportation needs, critical projects, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the development of the next surface transportation reauthorization bill. Discussions centered around key principles aimed at improving the safety and reliability of the transportation network, reforming federal programs for efficiency, and addressing the diverse transportation needs across various states. Members emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration to streamline processes, eliminate bureaucratic delays, and ensure timely funding for critical infrastructure projects. There were also notable conversations about specific projects and funding challenges, reflecting the urgency for action and commitment to modernizing America's infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• But we work hard, 365 days a year in all weather, and we know how to do it.
• And also just driving the economy. You know, they're shopping at our local supply stores.
• We all share the goal of eliminating CWD, but driving breeders out of business isn't the solution.
• So here's what we've got: a statute that was very hard to interpret.
• It's hard to get any concrete direction on what we're supposed to be doing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our industry will continue to work hard to forge consensus and support bipartisan passage of a market
• those jurisdictions to put those in place, which is why it is so critical after many, many years of hard
• They're just inherently hard. So I think, you know, maybe we can learn from where they are on that.
• they had the threat of overhang. of litigation, and I think Senator Moreno made the point, you're driving
• That we focus on the use cases that drive adoption around the world, and I strongly support that.

Keywords: Digital Assets, Bitcoin, Stablecoins, Legislation, Bipartisan, Consumer Protection, Regulatory Framework, Financial Innovation, Testimony

Summary: The inaugural meeting of the Digital Assets Subcommittee brought a wave of excitement and anticipation regarding the future of digital assets, including Bitcoin and stablecoins. Chair Lummis expressed gratitude towards Senator Scott for establishing the subcommittee, indicating a commitment to promote responsible innovation while safeguarding consumers. Members discussed the necessity for a bipartisan legislative framework to regulate digital asset markets effectively while outlining the potential benefits such legislation could have on enhancing financial inclusion and streamlining payments. The meeting featured expert testimonies from key figures in the digital asset industry, highlighting the importance of creating clear regulatory guidance for digital assets to foster innovation without compromising consumer protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:04.240> Um,<00:05:04.639> my driving. I've given up working.
• Um, my driving. I've given up working.
• And, yeah, it's really hard.
• And um yeah, just<00:30:27.520> it's<00:30:27.840> really<00:30:28.159> hard.
• It's a process of just it's really hard.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting focused on two Parkinson’s-related bills in Minnesota: one to ban paraquat and another to create a state Parkinson’s research trust fund. Rep. Christy Purcell said the research bill would create a dedicated pot of money to coordinate and fund Parkinson’s research in Minnesota, with Sen. Mann as the Senate author. Supporters said Minnesota should act because Parkinson’s is growing rapidly, there is no cure, and state institutions could serve as a research hub. Several people living with Parkinson’s testified about the personal and family impact of the disease, including early-onset diagnoses, loss of work, mobility challenges, and the burden on caregivers. Speakers from the Parkinson’s Foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation supported both bills, arguing that paraquat is strongly linked to Parkinson’s, that exposure can affect farmers and nearby residents, and that prevention and research are both needed. The paraquat bill was described as especially important because alternatives exist and the chemical is reportedly used very little in Minnesota. During the discussion, Rep. Hansen said the paraquat bill would be held over and not voted on that day because a fiscal note was requested. He said the committee would hear the bill later that day and urged colleagues to keep an open mind. In response to questions, supporters said they anticipated little opposition beyond chemical-industry interests, and they emphasized that the bill was aimed specifically at paraquat rather than other chemicals. The research bill was discussed as a possible $25 million request, though no vote was taken on that proposal in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think you all work very hard.
• I was really shocked at how hard we went at it, so very good job. Thank you, Chair.
• It drives up costs, it drives up engagement, all sorts of other things, because it's this particular
• This is a subject that is just—we can't work hard enough on this. And it's a subject.
• It's a subject that is just—we can't work hard enough on this.

Summary: The committee first recognized Mark Roper of the Economic Development Department for his long service and retirement, with members and the secretary praising his work on economic development across the state. Secretary Rob Black then presented EDD’s budget and special appropriation requests, describing strong recent job and income growth and outlining the department’s strategy around science and technology, site readiness, workforce development, foreign direct investment, and rural/community programs. He highlighted wins in advanced energy, quantum, space and defense, and biosciences, and asked for funding for quantum/DARPA matching funds, additional site readiness work, LIDA closing funds, JTIP training support, New Mexico Partnership, and healthy foods and other community programs. Members asked detailed questions about the quantum proposal, site readiness, the new mapping tool for industrial sites, workforce participation, trade missions, foreign investment, tariffs, water and produced water, tribal site evaluation, and public engagement on major projects. Black said the quantum request was intended to match federal dollars and build a workforce pipeline, that the site-readiness software would be a set enterprise license, and that the department was working with tribes and local partners on future site evaluations. He also said tariffs have created uncertainty but New Mexico’s infrastructure and foreign trade zones could help attract manufacturing, and he acknowledged concerns about transparency and community input while noting that some projects, such as Pacific Fusion, had gone through extensive public processes. The committee also discussed specific projects and funding balances, including Mantis Space’s move to Albuquerque, the status of Virgin Galactic’s spaceport lease, and the current LIDA fund balance and encumbrances. Black and Deputy Secretary Isaac Romero said the department was trying to use State Investment Council-backed venture funds to attract companies and that the new investments were already producing deals and jobs. Members generally supported the department’s direction but pressed for more targeted expertise, faster deployment, and stronger community involvement in future economic development decisions. Later, Secretary de Blassie of the Department of Health presented the department’s budget request and progress report. He said DOH had improved revenue cycle management, reduced old Medicaid-pending cases, increased census at facilities, improved budget and contract timeliness, and responded effectively to the measles outbreak. The department requested additional base funding for epidemiology and response, the DOH helpline, the Vital Records Virtual Vault, state labs, and the veterans home, along with special requests for respiratory vaccinations and marketing and lab equipment replacement. He also noted progress on MOUD and the medical psilocybin program, and said the department was not seeking to launch new programs given the limited time left in the administration.

Transcript Highlights:

• I drive a Chevy Tahoe.
• At the high school level, sometimes it's hard to get a job.
• We are working hard to continue improving our math, ELA, and science scores.
• As we get set up here, our online participants do have a hard stop at noon.
• FF is pushing hard on this initiative.