Transcript Highlights:

• Sharing in that cost is something that we're grateful for. Performance funding.
• in that cost is something that<00:13:38.399> we're<00:13:38.560> we're<00:13:38.880>
• <00:24:29.919> the requesting a PhD that will not cost the requesting a PhD that will not
• cost the Commonwealth<00:24:31.039> any<00:24:31.360> penny.
• <00:24:35.440> and fully funded by federal allocation and fully funded by federal allocation

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education met to begin hearing budget requests from Kentucky universities. Eastern Kentucky University President David McFaden highlighted EKU’s enrollment growth, its large population of Pell-eligible and first-generation students, and its role in producing graduates for Kentucky’s workforce, especially in health care, public safety, manufacturing, engineering, and aviation. He said EKU is seeking support for a Center for Health Innovation, including a doctor of osteopathic medicine program, with a $50 million accreditation escrow and startup funding that would be returned to the state after accreditation. He also described EKU’s health programs, which have strong pass rates and high in-state employment outcomes, and said the university wants continued asset preservation funding, inflationary operating support, and other recurring budget items. McFaden also outlined EKU’s aviation request, including $10 million for new aircraft and support for an enhanced air traffic control program created in response to a legislative study. He said the program would enroll cohorts of about 30 students, likely attract out-of-state students, and require a $5 million startup investment plus $1.5 million in annual recurring support. He added that EKU’s lab school is seeking a revised funding model tied to enrollment rather than a flat mandated amount. Committee members asked follow-up questions about the medical school escrow, aircraft needs, and program capacity, and McFaden clarified that the escrow would remain intact until accreditation and then be returned to the general fund. Kentucky State University President Kakpo then reviewed prior capital support that helped repair a dorm and several leaking roofs, and said the university is still addressing campus infrastructure problems. He said KSU’s main request is a new health sciences building to house its growing nursing program and language program, along with $40 million for additional dorm renovations and a carve-out for its aquaculture program. Kakpo said the aquaculture PhD proposal would be federally funded and could bring in more revenue, while the new building would help relieve overcrowding and support KSU’s research role. In response to questions, he said KSU’s campus housing capacity would be about 1,334 beds if all dorms were repaired, and that the university is rotating students through renovated buildings while trying to keep them on campus. Committee members also raised safety concerns about the December campus shooting at KSU. Kakpo said the incident was isolated, expressed sympathy for the families affected, and said the university has reviewed campus procedures, added police and security positions, and is strengthening safety processes. The meeting did not include any votes or formal actions; it was a budget presentation and question-and-answer session.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1687, ESA's return monies, administrative costs. SB 1689, home equity revolving loan lenders.
• Available funds that were already allocated to the Secretary of State in the budget we negotiated last
• The cost to acquire, treat, and deliver water continues to rise.
• Waiting until shortages appear limits options and raises costs.
• and higher costs.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a recorded roll call showing 30 members present, and approval of the previous journal. The President announced receipt of HB 2022 from the governor and made temporary committee substitutions for the Rules Committee. The chamber also received a large calendar of first- and second-reading bills and resolutions covering elections, education, water, public safety, marijuana, housing, taxation, and other topics. A major presentation recognized licensed naturopathic physicians in the gallery, who were invited to support SB 1178, a bill expanding their authority to administer certain intravenous legend drugs, including antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals. The Senate then recessed to honor public safety personnel with a proclamation commending Deputies Gregory Sanders and Jacob Montoya, along with several Cochise and Pinal County and Border Patrol personnel, for rescuing an eight-year-old boy from a human trafficking situation. The members applauded the honorees and took photos with them. After returning to order, several senators used points of personal privilege to urge the Joint Legislative Budget Committee to review $2.85 million in election-related funding requested by the Secretary of State for IT and election infrastructure needs, arguing the money was already available and necessary for secure 2026 elections. Another senator spoke about the need for long-term water planning and reduced groundwater reliance. Additional announcements covered caucus and committee meeting times, Arizona Aerospace Day, and a mental health advocacy group visiting the chamber. No substantive floor votes on legislation were taken in the portion provided, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The cost of implementing, and this would be the matching cost if we could get federal funding to build
• I think drove some of the cost up.
• I can also get you what those operations cost the department.
• that compare to the maintenance costs on the turnpike?
• You know, material cost or labor costs when we talk about federal requirements, you know, those kind

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to have a state match on management costs.
• So if we have our, we only get like 12% management costs on these.
• That is state allocated money. 97% of that state allocated money went to Pinellas County.
• Of that state allocated money went to Pinellas County.
• Well, if it's going to cost me X... Disasters. So, for example, what does that mean?

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Major General James Hartzell of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs on the agency’s mission, outreach efforts, state veterans nursing homes, and support programs. He highlighted Florida’s large and growing veteran population, the state’s existing nursing homes and the planned 10th home in Collier County, and the department’s dental assistance program, which served 245 veterans in the first quarter of the fiscal year and completed 1,631 procedures while saving more than $525,000. He also discussed veteran service officers, the benefits guide, the department newsletter, efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, and mental health outreach through the Overwatch/Firewatch program. Senators asked about future nursing home locations, adult day health care, homelessness, and the dental program; Hartzell also announced that retired Colonel D.J. Reyes will become deputy executive director on November 7. The committee then heard from Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Division of Emergency Management, on disaster response, recovery, and agency modernization. He described the State Emergency Response Team, the new Florida Central Operations and Coordination Office warehouse in Auburndale, and the new state emergency operations center in Tallahassee, which is ahead of schedule and designed to hold about 220 people and withstand 200-mph winds. Guthrie reviewed recovery efforts for recent storms, including debris removal, volunteer villages, sheltering, and FEMA reimbursement totals for Hurricanes Milton, Helene, Debbie, Idalia, Ian, and earlier storms. He also discussed the Elevate Florida home-elevation program, the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation training initiative, the DEMES platform, and WebEOC, noting that 60 counties and 22 colleges and universities are using the system. Members asked Guthrie about flood-response resources for cities, training for local officials, and lessons from inland flooding after recent storms. He explained how local governments can request pumps and other assistance through county and state channels, described upcoming elected-official training, and emphasized mutual aid and EMAC as key future disaster-response tools. The committee took no formal votes or other legislative action and adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• and tutoring expenses. curriculum and tutoring costs.
• Well, just as we're addressing with public schools, costs go up.
• So the cost to educate a child in our schools is closer to $15,000.
• Senator Parker. ...students, as well as your estimated cost of $15,000.
• Jennifer, you mentioned your estimated cost of $15,000 per student.

Bills: SB 2

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• which required there to be a cost which required there to be a cost Effectiveness<00:13:49.040><
• line in the country the cost line in the country the cost effectiveness<00:16:27.279> of<
• cost and maintenance cost operating and cost and maintenance cost of<00:43:17.680> that<00:43
• keep the line going with low ridership, the maintenance cost, and the planned cost over the next five
• maintenance cost um and the Planned cost maintenance cost um and the Planned cost over<00:51:30.480

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 269 and House File 749 together, both aimed at ending Northstar Commuter Rail service. The bill author described HF 269 as directing the Metropolitan Council and MnDOT to request a federal waiver and discontinue Northstar operations, with HF 749 setting performance requirements that would trigger a similar termination request. Supporters argued Northstar has low ridership, high operating subsidies, and large maintenance costs, and said the agencies now agree with the intent to terminate the line and possibly replace it with bus rapid transit. The chair moved HF 269 to the general register while also laying HF 749 over in committee, and testimony was heard on both bills at once. Testimony split sharply. Supporters of termination, including the bill author and Annette Meeks, said Northstar has consistently underperformed ridership projections, has required large taxpayer subsidies, and should be ended rather than extended. Opponents, including Jesse Cook, Darwin Scherlan, Joel Mueller, Katie Nicholson, and Annie Buckle, argued the line still serves riders, workers, and communities, that low frequency and underinvestment are the real problems, and that the state should improve service rather than shut it down. Several opponents emphasized Northstar’s role for commuters, special events, and future growth, especially the St. Cloud corridor. Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle and MnDOT Commissioner Danenberger said they support carefully evaluating alternatives to commuter rail and acknowledged the subsidy is not acceptable, but they also said the agencies are working with the federal government and BNSF on possible next steps. Zelle said the agencies believe bus service could provide more frequent and direct service, and when asked directly, he confirmed they are in favor of terminating Northstar and replacing it with bus service if feasible. No final disposition beyond the motion on HF 269 and the laying over of HF 749 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:22.599> of um get increased to cover the cost of um get increased to cover the cost
• minimum one-time funding for startup and training costs.
• minimum one-time funding for startup and training costs.
• <00:08:28.400> and $6.50 in reduced health care costs and $6.50 in reduced health care costs
• <00:08:42.360> minimum reimbursement rate and allocates minimum reimbursement rate and allocates

Bills: HF958, HF688, HF702

Keywords: mental health, behavioral health, psychiatric care, collaborative care model, healthcare funding, service dog, service animal, service dog in training, assistance dog, guide dog, disability rights, housing accommodations, fair housing, landlord, rental housing, homeowners association, HOA, Minnesota human services, accessible housing, reasonable accommodation

Transcript Highlights:

• Grand Forks, and the University of North Dakota through a cost allocation plan.
• So we have a cost allocation plan that is set up.
• So we have a cost allocation plan that is set up.
• The cost of fuel has gone up.
• And how much does that cost? That bus will cost me $450,000 delivered. How much does that cost?

Summary: The committee met as a study subcommittee on fixed-route public transportation and first approved the December 11 minutes. It then heard detailed presentations from transit leaders in Grand Forks, Bismarck/Mandan, and Fargo about their systems, including route structures, paratransit service, ridership trends, fare changes, funding sources, fleet replacement needs, and operational challenges. Grand Forks described Cities Area Transit’s 17 routes, university shuttle service, expanded paratransit coverage, a 2025 fare increase, and rising costs for labor, fuel, parts, and new buses. Bismarck/Mandan’s Bisman Transit outlined its fixed-route and paratransit operations, recent service expansions approved for April 1, fare structure, ridership recovery since COVID, and major funding streams including mill levies, federal grants, and new local sales tax revenue. Fargo’s MATBUS representative emphasized the importance of continued state support for urban fixed-route transit. Members asked extensive questions about cost per ride, fare increases, school transportation, veteran service partnerships, app-based ticketing, local funding formulas, and whether ride-share or microtransit could replace fixed routes. Transit officials said fixed-route service remains essential because it provides reliable capacity, supports jobs and access to services, and preserves federal funding tied to public transit operations. They also said paratransit is costly but necessary for riders with disabilities, and that vehicle and maintenance costs have risen sharply. Minot’s transit superintendent added context on the state’s existing transit aid formula, explaining that it is weighted more toward rural and paratransit providers and that urban fixed-route systems are seeking a separate, dedicated funding source rather than changes to the current formula. The committee also heard public testimony from North Dakota Protection & Advocacy supporting both fixed-route and paratransit service for disabled riders, and from Minot staff on refurbished buses, CDL driver recruitment, and why the agency is not pursuing full electric buses. Near the end, members discussed whether to recommend additional state funding for the four urban fixed-route systems. A motion passed to have Legislative Council prepare a summary of the subcommittee’s activities for inclusion in the Government Finance Committee’s report to Legislative Management. Members then continued discussing possible recommendations, including a separate funding source for urban fixed-route transit and whether the four urban systems should meet to develop a proposed amount.

Transcript Highlights:

• allocating the money there? allocating the money there?
• So we would be using allocations.
• <00:46:40.800> low borrowing costs low borrowing costs low um<00:46:42.480> and<00:
• service costs by ensuring that the cost service costs by ensuring that the cost of<00:53:15.119>
• construction costs. construction costs.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• By my calculation, since April of 2024, more than $33 million has been allocated to the READ Act, with
• reminder of why this money was allocated reminder of why this money was allocated uh<00:57:56.640
• uh and that the money was allocated uh and that the money was allocated specifically<00:57:58.680
• <01:09:08.000> are unfunded mandates and Rising costs are unfunded mandates and Rising costs
• materials budget for ordering costs materials budget for ordering costs submit<01:10:40.600>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We would hope the dorm would allow us to bring people to move into that area at a low cost or no cost
• Because it's a cost to move. The cost is one that we have within our just operational budget.
• to cost me $800 a day.
• Speaker: ...BIPs are cost-effective.
• You've heard earlier about some of the overtime costs and the housing costs.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that health care already costs too much. that health care already costs too much.
• <01:07:21.520> of which do not reimburse at the cost of which do not reimburse at the cost
• cost today's challenges. cost today's challenges.
• > from<01:15:16.320> 3 care, you have costs that range from 3 care, you have costs that
• cost and funding. funding. funding.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, it's going to cost—my farm alone is going to cost me close to $60,000.
• I mean, it's going to cost—my farm alone is going to cost me close to $60,000.
• I mean, it's going to cost—my farm alone is going to cost me close to $60,000.
• I mean, it's going to cost—my farm alone is going to cost me close to $60,000.
• I mean, it's going to cost—my farm alone is going to cost me close to $60,000.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• allocation or entitlement is going down. allocation or entitlement is going down.
• The next item is a no-cost item.
• The next item is a no-cost item.
• cost transfers from Pelsby over to MDE. cost transfers from Pelsby over to MDE.
• or legal costs, pardon me, Madam Chair. or legal costs, pardon me, Madam Chair.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Provides financial support to dairy farmers when between milk prices and feed costs is low.
• Provides financial support to dairy farmers when between milk prices and feed costs is low.
• Provides financial support to dairy farmers when between milk prices and feed costs is low.
• allocated to the university? allocated to the university?
• cautious and careful about allocating cautious and careful about allocating the<00:25:33.880>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, there's no cost on this.
• Uh, there's no cost on this.
• Uh, there's no cost on this.
• Uh, there's no cost on this.
• Uh, there's no cost on this.

Keywords: Cabinet for Economic Development – Bluegrass State Skills Corporation Overview 02:35 ----Discussion of BR 868, 2026 Regular Session 24:08, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with a quorum call and approval of the August 21 minutes. The main presentation was from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development on the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation (BSSC), which was created in 1984 and is administratively tied to the cabinet. Staff explained that BSSC supports workforce training for companies in Kentucky through two main programs: the grant-in-aid reimbursement program and the skills training investment tax credit. They also described the board’s structure, quarterly meetings, annual audit, and the metropolitan tax credit tied to UPS in Louisville, along with public-private training consortia supported by the program. The cabinet outlined eligibility and funding rules: applicants must be qualified companies, trainees must be full-time Kentucky residents meeting wage requirements, and eligible training includes in-house company-specific training, train-the-trainer efforts, safety/OSHA training, and outside training through KCTCS or other providers. Grant-in-aid is a 50% reimbursement program capped at $75,000 per company per fiscal year and $2,000 per trainee, while the tax credit is capped annually and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are scored based on county tier, wages, workforce development activity, veteran hiring, participation in consortia, and job growth. Members asked for data on trainees and industries served, and staff said they could provide it. They also discussed coordination with other workforce programs, especially KCTCS and the state’s TRAIN program, to avoid overlap and double dipping. Several members asked about program usage and differences between fiscal years. Staff said the tax credit is less popular because it is not refundable and requires tax liability, while grant-in-aid is more attractive because it is cash reimbursement. They said lower or delayed spending in some years can reflect one-year training windows, reimbursement lag, new facilities ramping up, consortia activity, and special allocations such as those tied to Ford facilities. Questions also covered support for new businesses, which staff said can receive favorable scoring for new jobs and may have funds set aside for new location projects. On veterans, staff said they connect companies to Kentucky Valor and other resources, but the program does not track veteran retention outcomes. The final discussion was on a draft bill related to the Kentucky Horse Park and the U.S. Center for SafeSport. Representative Vanessa Gracel and Kentucky Horse Park President Lee Carter explained that the proposal is intended to help the park maintain integrity and protect athletes, volunteers, coaches, trainers, and guests from abuse and misconduct. They described SafeSport’s federal role in Olympic and Paralympic sports and said they hope to move the draft forward as legislation in 2026. No votes were taken on the BSSC presentation or the horse park discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• All services are provided to students at no cost to their families.
• This bill also adds a cost-of-living adjustment to the C-T grant.
• From the cost of housing to the high cost of living in San Francisco to the financial debt many newly
• From the cost of housing to the high cost of living in San Francisco to the financial debt, many newly
• We feel it in our lives, and when we have a static kind of allocation, but when that static allocation

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard several education bills, with AB 887 by Assemblymember Berman proposing that every school district and charter school adopt a plan so all high schools offer at least one computer science course by 2029-30. Supporters, including a teacher and student, argued California is falling behind other states and that computer science is essential for student opportunity and workforce readiness. ACSA opposed the bill, citing the shortage of qualified computer science teachers and administrative burden. The bill passed the committee on a 6-0 vote and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1390 by Assemblymember Solache, which would allow local and county school boards to raise trustee compensation above long-standing statutory minimums that have not changed in decades. Supporters said the current stipends are too low to make board service accessible to working families and younger community members. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed with five votes, with the roll left open for additional members. AB 865 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would create a $5 million, three-year grant program for dual-language immersion instructional materials, split between high-demand languages and other languages. Supporters said districts often lack standards-aligned materials in languages beyond Spanish, forcing teachers to create their own. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. AB 857 by Assemblymember Gibson, requiring annual cultural competency training for K-12 staff, also passed 5-1 after supporters linked it to the state reparations task force report and argued it would improve trust and student outcomes. The committee additionally approved AB 677 by Assemblymember Bryan, which would make it easier for unhoused students to access school-based vision and dental screenings by allowing directory information to be used for that purpose with an opt-out process; it passed 8-0. AB 903 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, directing the Department of Education to develop best practices on education technology and digital equity, passed after amendments and with some opponents indicating they would remove opposition once the amendments were in print. Finally, AB 917 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, extending permanent-status protections to certain educators in small districts and county programs, drew significant opposition from small districts and regional occupational programs over flexibility and funding concerns; the bill still passed 5-2 with the roll held open for additional votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• only 3% of their 1.4 million donations; the other 97% paid for vague and miscellaneous fundraising costs
• attorney, or the injured party may bring forth a civil action to recover damages together with the cost
• in 2024 Pax went to fundraising costs in 2024 Pax called<00:02:12.840> Patriots<00:02:13.319>
• recover damages together with the cost recover damages together with the cost of<00:03:58.720>
• :51:40.160> an if the allocation options did include an if the allocation options did include

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not going to drive up costs for consumers.
• allocation of those were being appropriately allocated to those data centers and not general consumers
• allocation of those were being appropriately allocated to those data centers and not general consumers
• allocation for any transmission upgrades.
• Because this is also a jurisdictional question about how cost allocation of transmission occurs, we do

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy heard SB 1259, which would require refineries to provide advance closure and remediation planning information, and SB 1425, which would authorize the High-Speed Rail Authority to create a permit process for encroachments in its right of way. The committee also held an informational hearing on California electricity reliability and the future of the Strategic Reliability Reserve. The chair opened by noting the hearing room change, testimony limits, and that the committee would proceed without a quorum at first, then later established quorum for votes. On SB 1259, Senator Blake Spear argued the bill would give communities and state agencies needed information to plan for refinery closures, cleanup, and land reuse, comparing the requirement to estate planning. Supporters, including Benicia City Councilmember Carrie Birdseye and UC Santa Barbara professor Ranjit Schmook, said the bill would help communities facing refinery closures avoid being left without information and better prepare for redevelopment and remediation. Opponents, including the Western States Petroleum Association, the State Building and Construction Trades Council, and business groups, argued the bill could send negative market signals, create conflicts with federal reporting, and potentially accelerate refinery closures. The committee passed SB 1259 on a 7-3 vote, later reopening the roll and recording additional votes before moving it out as amended to Appropriations. On SB 1425, Senator Cortese and sponsor Robert Pearsall said the bill would help the High-Speed Rail Authority manage utility, broadband, drainage, and vegetation encroachments along the project corridor and reduce delays. Labor and construction groups supported the measure as a way to add certainty and speed project delivery. Utilities and local agencies, including LADWP, Southern California Gas, Southern California Edison, PG&E, and others, opposed unless amended, saying the bill needed clearer language on emergencies, existing agreements, and potential impacts on their own rights of way and service obligations. After discussion about emergency language and utility coordination, the committee passed SB 1425 as amended to Appropriations on a 10-3 vote. In the oversight hearing, CEC, CPUC, CAISO, and DWR officials reported that California’s summer reliability outlook is better than in prior years, with substantial new procurement, storage, and demand-response resources added since 2020. They said the state is projected to meet its summer reliability standard and has not needed a flex alert for three straight years, but cautioned that extreme heat, fire, hydro conditions, and federal policy uncertainty still pose risks. Officials emphasized that the current Strategic Reliability Reserve remains important as a backstop, while longer-term planning must address rising demand from electrification and data centers and the eventual retirement of emergency resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• And through the city of Winona funded design and engineering, we potentially found a more cost-effective
• is a reality uh, with this allocation is a reality for<00:09:05.560> us.
• When the state neglects to invest in asset preservation, costs grow and we spend far more when we have
• When we have an unplanned failure, we still have to fix it whether we were allocated HEAPR funding or
• The longer we wait, the higher the cost and the worse state is. Thank you very much. Thank you.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all