Video & Transcript Research : 'fairness'
Page 76 of 479
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- That's not fair, and it certainly needs to be addressed, which is why Bell County has supported and will
- The changes ensure the fund remains fair, sustainable, and responsive to the people who have earned it
- That's fair. So that's what we're here to sort of work out.
- Number two, this provides for economic justice and fairness for all Texans.
- Number three, this is a proper role of government to make sure that that money is fair for everybody.
Keywords:
SB 524, Texas franchise tax, veteran-owned business, new veteran-owned business, business tax exemption, filing fee exemption, Tax Code Chapter 171, Business Organizations Code, Comptroller, small business, veterans, entrepreneurship, tax repeal, privilege tax, beginning date, franchise tax exemption, severance tax, oil, gas, restimulation wells
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 Apr 28th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe behind this proposed increase to $200 is a concern that EV owners aren't paying their fair
- There's a very strong argument that EVs already pay more than their fair share.
- It does add inflation indexing to that so it matches the gas tax perspective, so fairness.
- I said I think it's for much more fairness, and I encourage a green vote. from Hennepin, Representative
- Second is fairness.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill introduces common-sense reforms to ensure fairness and transparency in PBM. Contracts.
- House Bill 3317 restores balance, transparency, and fairness to the contracting process.
- Is that fair? Yes sir. OK. Are there any other questions of the witness? If not, we appreciate it.
- That makes it hard for the commissioner of Insurance to make fair decisions that reflect current market
- for that are fair for both the title industry and the Texas homeowner.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's fair to say that it's a more direct benefit.
- Is that a factor that I think I think that's fair to say that's that's a factor sure and so that you
- I think sustainability, you know, is a fair question, and that's.
- While we believe in fairness and equity in our relationship with the state, I'm asking you today to help
- So is it fair to say that the loss in... in real property valuation, sort of, because of the change in
Keywords:
HB 8, school finance, compressed tax rate, maximum compressed tax rate, MCR, PYMCR, property tax, school district taxes, Education Code, Tax Code, state aid, school funding formula, local school taxes, Texas school finance, tax rate compression, public education funding, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the Panama Canal and its impact on U.S. trade and national security, focusing on fees and foreign influence. Jan 28th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- When he demanded fair treatment for American ships and goods, many in the media scoffed.
- Additionally, Chinese companies have won contracts, often without fair competition.
- By supporting U.S. firms, we reduce reliance on Chinese contractors and promote fair competition.
- Is that fair? And who makes the judgment?
- A fair amount of time was spent reviewing the ratification hearings in the Senate in 1978.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- to be fair housing compliant elsewhere. to be fair housing compliant elsewhere.
- a fair opportunity to obtain housing. a fair opportunity to obtain housing.
- Fair enough. But consider the cost.
- Fair enough. But consider the cost.
- red button of intergenerational fairness red button of intergenerational fairness so<05:03:34.480
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (01/21/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- >
and but fair questions fair questions and but fair questions fair questions and now<00:29:32.240 - documents um that has allowed for a fair documents um that has allowed for a fair bit<00:33:36.120
- <00:35:39.440>
number collect although I think a fair number collect although I think a fair - That's fair.
- together that make sense that's fair together that make sense that's fair okay<02:13:47.280>
Summary:
The committee received an overview from Chris of the Legislative Budget Assistance Office on how it will estimate unrestricted revenues for the General Fund, Education Trust Fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He explained that the committee’s work is based on current law, not pending bills, and that the estimates will feed into a House resolution and an amendment to House Bill 1, the operating budget. He also described the broader budget process, including how House and Senate estimates are reconciled, how surplus statements account for revenue changes from enacted bills, and how a committee of conference could resolve differences later in the session. No votes were taken.
Members then asked about why the Education Trust Fund was running below plan. Chris said the shortfall appeared to be driven largely by business taxes, including differences in the BET/BPT split and improved tax-processing systems that better track where business tax payments belong. Representative Orr also asked about tobacco tax collections and out-of-state sales; Chris said tobacco revenue was likely overestimated in 2023 based on COVID-era patterns, with more people smoking at home, and noted that e-cigarette tax revenue goes to the General Fund while cigarette taxes are split between the General Fund and Education Trust Fund. He said he did not have a specific estimate for cross-border sales.
Commissioner Lindsay St. Pierre of the Department of Revenue then began a deeper dive into the department’s role and the taxes it administers. She reviewed the department’s mission, organizational structure, taxpayer services, and the tax policy and legislative analysis staff who prepare fiscal notes and testify on bills. She noted that the department administers about $2.9 billion in revenue across major taxes such as business taxes, meals and rooms, and utility property tax, and that the figures being discussed were preliminary because the annual report had not yet been issued. The discussion was informational only, with no formal action taken.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC/CPN Joint Info Briefing - Thu Apr 3, 2025 @ 9:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That's fair. I have a follow-up.
- That's fair. I have a follow-up.
- That's fair. I have a follow-up.
- <00:49:34.520>
I rate and get back to us is that fair I rate and get back to us is that fair - um I mean fair maybe that's not fair um I mean maybe<01:59:10.480>
we <01:59:10.599>should
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I would say largely that is a fair statement.
- I would say largely that is a fair statement.
- I would say largely that is a fair statement.
- I would say largely that is a fair statement.
- I think that's a pretty fair assessment.
Summary:
The committee received an informational presentation from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education on the State Grant program and governor-recommended changes, with some discussion of North Star Promise. Staff explained that State Grant is the state’s largest financial aid program, intended to promote college access and choice for students with the highest financial need, and that it works alongside Pell Grants. They reviewed program eligibility, award calculation, and participation rules, and noted that the program serves a large share of low- and middle-income students, including many dependent students, student parents, BIPOC students, and adult learners. They also described how awards and spending are distributed across public and private institutions and how the agency projects spending using enrollment, tuition, and FAFSA data.
A major focus was the current fiscal-year deficit in State Grant. Staff said the program is experiencing a shortfall driven by higher-than-expected enrollment, more students with greater financial need, and major FAFSA formula changes that increased the number of applicants with zero or negative student aid index values. They said the office has already rationed awards where allowed and imposed a FAFSA deadline for spring awards, and does not expect to fund some awards. Officials explained that if the program projects a surplus, they typically adjust the living and miscellaneous expense allowance to spend down funds; if it projects a deficit, they can increase student and family responsibility to reduce award sizes, but the program must stay within its appropriation.
Senator Duckworth asked several questions about whether unused funds could be transferred between State Grant and North Star Promise, and how the two programs are treated. Staff said State Grant funds revert to the general fund at the end of the biennium, while North Star Promise uses a special revenue account, and that transfers may be possible but would need clarification under current authority. They referenced a prior legislative transfer from North Star Promise funds to cover a shortfall in the Fostering Independence Grant and said they would follow up on the exact transfer authority. No votes or formal actions were taken during the presentation and discussion.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- They've said that the purpose is to assist voters in rationally assessing the proposal by providing a fair
- It's fair that we specify at which election every decade this should be done. Mr.
- They are Fair and put what's in the wording.
- Is that fair to say? Mr.
- that omitting a fair explanation of this really far-reaching provision is misleading on its own.
Summary:
The committee met to review and adopt Legislative Council ballot measure analyses, with members repeatedly reminded that the hearing was limited to the accuracy, clarity, and impartiality of the summaries and not the merits of the underlying proposals. Steve Premack explained the statutory role of the analyses in the publicity pamphlet, and staff presented draft language for several measures. The committee considered and voted on multiple amendments, often debating whether proposed wording was clearer or instead crossed into advocacy or added unnecessary legal detail.
For SCR 1004, members debated amendments to more closely mirror the measure’s text and to add language about electric vehicles and mileage, but several proposed changes were rejected. The analysis was ultimately adopted by an 8-6 roll call. HCR 2021 was then adopted without amendment by the same 8-6 margin. For HCR 2055, members debated whether the summary should say the Department of Homeland Security must “do everything” or “use all lawful means available,” and whether to add language about cartels acting “individually or collectively”; both amendments were rejected and the analysis was adopted 8-6.
The committee next took up SCR 1004 on photo enforcement systems, where members proposed amendments to clarify that the measure would apply to red light cameras, to add “thereafter” regarding recurring voter approval, and to specify that approval would occur at the general election; those amendments failed, and the analysis was adopted 8-6. On SCR 1032, dealing with instructional expenses and classroom site fund reductions, members debated adding a definition of the Classroom Site Fund and spelling out the waiver process in more detail; both amendments failed, and the analysis was adopted 8-6. Finally, on HCR 2001 regarding citizenship identification and early voting, members rejected amendments that would have added background on current law, clarified that mail voting would be affected, added severability and revenue-source language, and struck the measure’s short title; the discussion was lengthy and at times contentious, but the transcript ends before a final roll-call vote on that measure is shown.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation. (7-1-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- , there will be more of us to pay fair share to contribute to existing tax levies.
- , there will be more of us to pay fair share to contribute to existing tax levies.
- fair share?
- So I think we're paying our fair share. We're not saying we're being overcharged." "Okay.
- So I think we're paying our fair share. We're not saying we're being overcharged." "Okay.
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met with a quorum, approved the June 3, 2026 minutes, and then heard a presentation from Mike Proctor of Evolve Kentucky on electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Proctor described Evolve Kentucky as a nonprofit formed in 2016 to promote EV adoption and charger deployment, said the group has helped place more than 135 chargers at 65 locations, and reported that Kentucky EV registrations have grown rapidly but still represent about 1% of the state’s roughly 3 million vehicles. He also outlined the group’s view that EV drivers and charger operators already contribute to state revenue through annual vehicle fees, charger taxes, utility taxes, and related business taxes, and cited figures showing rising revenue collections as EV adoption increases.
A major theme of the presentation was that EV owners are paying their “fair share” rather than being overcharged. Proctor said the current $126 annual EV fee is roughly comparable to the fuel tax a typical gasoline vehicle would pay, and noted that public charging can add additional tax burdens for drivers who cannot charge at home, such as those living in apartments or condos. He also argued that EVs provide broader benefits, including lower noise and air pollution, grid-stabilizing nighttime charging, tourism spending at destination chargers, and reduced road wear for passenger EVs compared with much heavier vehicles.
Members questioned Proctor about whether EV owners are paying more than their fair share, how the fee compares with gasoline taxes, and whether apartment and condo residents are disproportionately affected because they rely on public chargers. Proctor responded that the fee was intended to bring EV owners into parity with gas vehicles, not to overcharge them, and said some public chargers are free while others are used by drivers who cannot charge at home. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond the minutes approval.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Commerce panel votes down bill to regulate digital book contracts for libraries 4/7/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:05:05.759>
in restores transparency and fairness in restores transparency and fairness in the - Fair pricing expands readership, strengthens Minnesota's book economy, and supports creators.
- Their law does fair, transparent terms.
- These are fair questions. I'm not trying to pin...
- These are fair questions. I'm not trying to pin...
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/24/26
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- So, to require the landlord to do the same feels pretty fair to me.
- And I'll also say pretty fair to me.
- of the ongoing education we need to do to help you make sure folks understand and I think that's a fair
- of the ongoing education we need to do to help you make sure folks understand and I think that's a fair
- value, you may not capture fair market value, you may not capture the<01:02:36.840>
full <01:02
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- That's not a fair marketplace; it's a manipulated one, and we now have clear evidence in how it works
- That's not a fair marketplace; it's a manipulated one, and we now have clear evidence in how it works
- That's not a fair marketplace; it's a manipulated one, and we now have clear evidence in how it works
- Uh, this bill would restore fairness, protect consumers, and help ensure that the ecosystem at large
- , protection helps ensure fairness, protection helps ensure fairness, accessibility,<01:00:12.600
Keywords:
Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, state funding, public performances, educational programs, cultural arts funding, culture and arts, arts policy, cultural preservation, community development, economic revitalization, place-based planning, public spaces, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, mixed-use development, business improvement district, Honolulu Chinatown, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, state foundation on culture and the arts
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SB 2603 SD1, which would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state symphony orchestra, require annual reports to the legislature, and appropriate funds. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from the orchestra, the Hawaii Youth Symphony, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, business and arts groups, and many individuals. Supporters emphasized the orchestra’s cultural value, its role in inspiring youth and supporting arts education, and its broader community impact. No opposition or questions were raised, and the chair offered praise for the level of public engagement around the measure.
The committee then took up SB 3007 SD2, relating to culture and the arts, which would create an Office of Community Culture and Innovation within the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, require annual reporting, appropriate funds, and establish a Community and Cultural Partnerships Program. The Attorney General’s office warned that section four, which separately funds preservation and relocation of artwork from Aloha Stadium, may be non-germane and should be moved to a separate bill; it also suggested the office would be more properly placed under DAGS rather than SFCA. SFCA Director Karen Ewald testified with concerns about added costs, staffing burdens, and the need for earlier communication, while also saying the agency could support the work if properly coordinated. Opposition testimony argued the bill was duplicative or unnecessary, while supporters, including Governor Abercrombie and Dean Sakamoto, said it would help communities, especially Chinatown, and could support planning and cultural revitalization. The chair noted roughly eight opposition testimonies and five in support, and questioned witnesses about coordination and the cost of relocating the Aloha Stadium artwork, which Ewald estimated could cost at least $1.2 million. The AG’s office said removing section four would substantially reduce legal risk.
Finally, the committee heard SB 3019 SD2, a consumer protection measure that would cap ticket resale prices at no more than $3 above the original price for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to adopt enforcement rules and fines. The Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill, arguing it would strain limited enforcement resources, push sales to less regulated channels, and likely eliminate the protections offered by established secondary platforms. Chamber of Progress also opposed the bill, saying price caps would encourage black-market sales, scams, and fraud, and that resale markets serve legitimate consumer needs. In support, the National Independent Venue Association backed the measure, though the remainder of its testimony was not fully captured in the transcript excerpt.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- and um for each line they cruise fair and um for each line they charge<00:27:16.320>
like <00: - and so that level a different fair and so that percentage<00:27:20.320>
would <00:27:20.480>- <00:28:08.720>
And um revenue stream based on the fair.- And um revenue stream based on the fair.
- So that's that's part of our cruise fair So that's that's part of our cruise fair as<00:32:26.880
- <00:28:08.720>
Keywords:
water carriers, transportation, public utility, Department of Transportation, liability, agricultural rates, certificates of convenience, cruise ship, passenger head fee, harbor, capital improvement, funding, environmental impact, active intelligent speed assistance, intelligent speed assistance, speed limiter, speed limiting device, speed governor, vehicle telematics, traffic safety
Summary:
The joint committees on Transportation, Labor and Technology, and later Transportation and Economic Development and Tourism, heard several bills. SB 2573 would allow administrative driver’s license revocation hearings to be held by interactive conference technology such as Zoom and permit electronic exchange of evidence. The chief adjudicator for the ADLRO supported it as a non-mandatory option that has worked well since 2021, improving attendance and saving time and money; DOT also supported it. The committees voted to pass SB 2573 with technical, non-substantive amendments.
SB 3215 would make permanent the requirement that securing mooring lines at commercial docks be performed by labor subject to collective bargaining by repealing the sunset date in existing harbor safety law. DOT did not submit testimony, and the chair noted support from longshore labor. The committees voted to pass SB 3215 unamended.
The committees also heard SB 2693, which authorizes $15 million in general obligation bonds for planning, design, and construction of a 50,000-square-foot aerospace hangar and related facilities at Hilo International Airport. A Phoenix Space executive testified in support, saying Hawaii and Hilo have geographic advantages and that the project could support aerospace investment and jobs; several other organizations and individuals submitted supportive testimony. Committee members questioned whether federal matching funds or airport capacity existed, and DOT said it had no assurance of federal participation and would need to check on capacity and potential users. The hearing then moved to SB 2698, which would create a cruise ship special fund and impose a per-passenger head fee on cruise ships docking in state commercial harbors while repealing the existing cruise ship TAT framework effective January 1, 2026. DOT supported the bill but requested amendments to clarify that the new fee is in addition to existing passenger, port entry, and dockage fees and to raise the fee from $6.50 to $10; DOT said the higher amount would better fund harbor improvements such as shore power. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings testified in support but said the added fee would significantly increase costs, while a local ship supply business supported the cruise industry and opposed the TAT approach, saying cruise activity benefits local farmers and jobs. No final vote on SB 2698 was taken in the excerpt provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs (10/08/2025)
Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Is that fair?
- The Texas Fair Defense Project. My name is Rylan Maksud.
- And is this fair, knowing that we want to preclude people from killing...
- We're just making sure that those who can pay do pay their fair share.
- House Bill 2282 is about fairness, fiscal responsibility, and public... ...safety.
Bills:
HB 1194, HB 1221, HB1738, HB1913, HB2177, HB2178, HB2180, HB2229, HB2282, HB2448, HB2492, HB2777, HB2984, HB3357, HB3553, HB3602
Keywords:
emergency protection order, protective order, magistrate, criminal procedure, victim safety, family violence, domestic violence, stalking, assault, magistrate's order, temporary protection, court order duration, defendant restrictions, Article 17.292, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, emergency restraining order, victim protection, firearm restriction, pretrial intervention, reimbursement fee
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- That's not really fair to me because I... I pay very, very high property taxes on my home.
- This is a pastor in South Dallas, in the Fair Park area. He's been a pastor there for 36 years.
- Chris Simmons at Cornerstone Baptist Church in the South Dallas Fair Park area, and they're wanting to
- Texas Appleseed itself spent a fair amount of time and effort working to try and include fair housing
- Representative Hinojosa has every right to challenge that in a process that is fair to her.
Keywords:
zoning, public notice, local government, residential development, protests, water conservation, municipal utility districts, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, environmental regulation, groundwater management, nonconforming uses, zoning regulations, land use, property rights, municipal authority, municipal moratorium, development moratorium, property development, subdivision, site plan
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/12/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Sounds fair to me. Splendid. Mr. Chair, I have a question for the sponsor still. Either of you may.
- Sounds fair to me. Splendid. Mr. Chair, I have a question for the sponsor still. Either of you may.
- school, and in return is asking for half of that so that they could educate their child, I think that's fair
- school, and in return is asking for half of that so that they could educate their child, I think that's fair
- I don't think that's fair. I don't think that's what we should be doing with this money.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Appropriations, Transportation and Technology heard HCR 2048, as amended by a strike-everything amendment. The amendment would constitutionally prohibit the state from confiscating scholarship account monies from children of military families who are eligible for education scholarship accounts (ESAs) and can use the funds for tuition and fees at eligible postsecondary institutions. It also would make any later bill or voter-approved measure that violates that prohibition void in its entirety, with no severability, for measures enacted or approved on or after November 1, 2026.
Representative Way, the sponsor, said the measure was intended to protect military families from having education funds taken away and argued that military children face unique disruptions because of deployments and frequent moves. Supporters including Matt Beinberg of the Goldwater Institute, Kevin Beasty of the Arizona Christian Education Coalition, Peter Gentala of the Center for Arizona Policy, and Senator Rogers said the amendment was needed to safeguard military families and preserve their ability to use ESA funds flexibly, including for college savings. Opponents, including Senators Alston, Fernandez, Kuby, and Epstein, argued the proposal was unnecessary, overly broad, and an attempt to preempt or invalidate a pending ESA-related citizen initiative. They also raised concerns about ESA accountability, public school funding, and constitutional issues involving voter initiatives and judicial review.
After debate, the committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then voted on HCR 2048 as amended. The final committee vote was 6 ayes, 4 noes, and 1 not voting, giving the measure a do-pass recommendation.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Quite simply, it's a fairness bill when it comes to revitalization districts.
- And so I just want to make sure that everything is fair not only for the city, which will protect the
- Today, overtime wage violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act are primarily handled by the U.S.
- This bill is balanced and fair. It includes clear notice, timelines, and due process for employers.
- This bill reflects Arizona values: fairness, accountability, and respect for hard workers.
Keywords:
insurance regulation, modeling organizations, financial disclosure, rate-making, predictive models, revitalization districts, construction contracts, infrastructure, municipal services, intergovernmental agreements, user fees, landowner agreements, overtime, wages, employee rights, industrial commission, complaints, adjudication, landlord, tenant