Video & Transcript Research : 'laborers'
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NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/26/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Restarting New York Sun, which will create 15,000 jobs for electrical workers and laborers, and at the
- Restarting New York Sun, which will create 15,000 jobs for electrical workers and laborers, and at the
- Restarting New York Sun, which will create 15,000 jobs for electrical workers and laborers, and at the
- Chair of the Civil Service and Pensions Committee, I welcome the progress that we fought alongside labor
- CHAIR OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND PENSIONS COMMITTEE, I WELCOME THE PROGRESS THAT WE FOUGHT ALONGSIDE LABOR
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then moved through a series of budget-related and ceremonial items. The chamber accepted Rules and Finance Committee reports and took up several budget extender and budget implementation bills, including the main appropriations extender and later a transportation, economic development, and environmental conservation budget bill. Senators questioned the sponsor extensively about the status of the remaining budget bills, the use of messages of necessity, and the absence of joint budget conference committees. The extender bill passed 59-2, and later budget-related measures were advanced after reconsideration and amendment.
A major portion of the session focused on the environmental and energy provisions in the budget bill, especially changes to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Senators debated extending emissions targets, the role of cap-and-invest, utility affordability, ratepayer impacts, and the structure of a proposed blue-ribbon commission. Supporters said the changes were needed to give the state more time to implement the law and to protect affordability, while opponents argued the bill was a political delay that would not lower energy costs and relied too heavily on subsidies and future planning. The bill also drew questions about electric vehicle rebates, thermostat control programs, emergency diesel generation for Micron, and how imported electricity and out-of-state emissions would be treated.
The Senate also adopted several previously adopted resolutions honoring the 50th anniversary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, India Independence Day, the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame, and the 50th anniversary of Interfaith Works of Central New York. Senators spoke in support of each resolution, highlighting the contributions of Black legislators, Indian-American communities, veterans, and refugee and interfaith service organizations. The Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony was specifically noted as a chamber event, and guests were recognized from the floor and gallery.
In addition, the Senate restored recalled bills to the third reading calendar through reconsideration votes and amendments, including a highway law bill and another recalled bill, and then stood at ease for scheduled conferences and a Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony before resuming session. The transcript ended with discussion of a separate bill affecting automobile insurance serious-injury standards, with questions about what claims would remain available and whether the change would improve affordability.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- federal government that they meet the CMS requirements, let's say Sam's, Walmart, whomever, Costco, the labor
- By targeting the coordination between our school districts and our labor organizations, this measure
- generation for a clean energy economy, not being hamstrung by politically motivated restrictions on labor
- that the voters are going to answer is: should public monies and public resources be used to support labor
- Should public monies and public resources be used to support labor organizations?
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day. Members also read a proclamation honoring National School Social Work Week, with remarks emphasizing the role of school social workers in supporting students’ mental health, safety, and access to services. The House then handled a long series of first readings and committee/calendar actions before moving into multiple Committee of the Whole sessions.
In the first major round of floor action, the House advanced HB 2123, HB 2140, and HB 2144 after adopting amendments. HB 2123 would affirm gold and silver as legal tender and allow their use through electronic systems; HB 2140 would let the state treasurer invest up to 10% in gold and silver; and HB 2144 would require child support to begin at pregnancy, prompting debate over paternity, genetic testing, rape-related pregnancies, and recourse for mistaken paternity. The House also advanced HB 2492 on urban growth boundaries, HB 2875 with clarifying language, HB 2946 on housing affordability and construction sales tax, and HB 4115/HCR 2051 on ballot initiative petition rules and disclosure. Supporters framed those measures as transparency reforms and protections against out-of-state influence, while opponents argued they would make it harder for citizens to qualify initiatives and local measures for the ballot.
Later Committee of the Whole action advanced HB 2175, HB 2270, HB 2416, HB 2557, HB 2697, HB 2940, and HB 4010, along with HB 2324, HB 2573, HB 2601, HB 2876, and HCR 2004. HB 2175 drew debate over whether political affiliation should be included in hate-crime law; a proposed Garcia amendment to add gender identity and remove political affiliation failed, and a later motion to add it to the report also failed by roll call. HB 2557 clarified a medical-records timeline to business days. HB 2697 created a good-Samaritan style protection for use of expired opioid antagonists such as Narcan. HB 2940 was defended as reducing improper enrollment in Access/SNAP-related programs and opening managed-care bidding, while opponents said it would cut benefits and burden vulnerable residents. HCR 2004, dealing with photo enforcement, was amended to let cities put the issue to local voters; supporters called it a compromise and opponents argued photo radar saves lives and reduces speeding-related crashes.
In third-reading votes, HB 2264 passed overwhelmingly on Arizona Geological Survey matters, HB 2373 passed unanimously on income tax refunds for veterans, HB 2413 failed on sex offender monitoring, and HB 2862 passed on sentencing enhancements for crimes committed while wearing a mask. The House also reconsidered and revived HB 2055, HB 2150, HB 2426, and HB 2755 related to state land and groundwater measures. The transcript ends with the House beginning third-reading consideration of HB 2941 on motorcycles, with members speaking in support of roadway safety and personal experience.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Sep 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Labor market, according to more recent BLS data.
- The reason for that is these projections are tied to demographic trends as well as labor market trends
- Some labor market, excuse me, in the state going forward.
- Say, different kind of specialization in which the labor force, yeah, it is important, but maybe it's
- No, supply, the labor force.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- They've stood in the gap for the constituents and labored for the good of this great state, and I thank
- They've stood in the gap for the constituents and labored for the good of this great state, and I thank
- This has been truly a labor of love. I'm so thankful for my caucus members.
- The Brezans helped a lot, so the TTLA and labor. We really appreciate your help.
- They both hold it down for labor.
Summary:
The House met on sine die and began with prayer, pledges, quorum verification, and a series of announcements and recognitions. The chamber received Senate messages reporting adoption of conference committee reports on SB 268 and SB 2972, and Senate concurrence in House amendments to SB 1637. Members also referred several resolutions and announced the signing of numerous House and Senate measures by the presence of the House. Technical correction resolutions were adopted: HCR 171, authorizing corrections to HB 46, passed 138-0, and SCR 55, making a wording correction in SB 1964, passed 126-12.
A large portion of the meeting was devoted to memorials and recognitions. The House honored Pastor Dave Welch, with several members offering condolences and reflections on his work organizing pastors and engaging in civic life, followed by a moment of silence. Members also recognized the Ganado High School Maidens for winning the 2025 UIL 2A Division I softball state championship, Waco police K-9 Andor after being shot in the line of duty, Region 7 DPS for Capitol Complex security, and various restaurants, staff members, interns, caucus staff, and caucus freshmen of the year across Republican, Democratic, Black, Progressive, LGBTQ, IT, Energy and Climate, and Mexican American Legislative Caucuses.
The chamber also heard a retirement-style address from Rep. Tony Tinderholt, who reflected on his six sessions in the House, his military service, and his decision to step aside to focus on family, while colleagues from both parties praised his service, discipline, and willingness to work across differences. The House then continued with additional staff and caucus recognitions, including committee staff, district office staff, and interns, with members repeatedly thanking their teams for their work during the session.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee May 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- is how do we ensure the communities that are hosting much of this critical infrastructure and the labor
- is how do we ensure the communities that are hosting much of this critical infrastructure and the labor
- is how do we ensure the communities that are hosting much of this critical infrastructure and the labor
- in an uncontrolled rapid manner without a plan, the communities that host these refineries and the labor
- to think about what's the best strategy to then kind of also make sure we protect the workers and labor
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held its annual oversight hearing on the transportation fuels sector, focused on California’s fuel transition, the announced refinery closures by Phillips 66 and Valero, and the potential effects on supply, prices, and the broader fuel system. Committee leadership said the state needs a system-wide transition plan rather than a piecemeal approach, and state witnesses from CARB, the CEC, and DPMO described the fuel market as a complex, interconnected ecosystem involving crude production, refining, storage, imports, and delivery. They emphasized that declining gasoline demand from EV adoption is occurring alongside shrinking in-state refining capacity, which could increase volatility and price spikes if not managed carefully.
CARB Chair Liane Randolph reviewed the state’s climate and air-quality programs, including AB 32, SB 32, the 2022 scoping plan, the low-carbon fuel standard, and vehicle emissions rules. She said these policies have reduced emissions substantially but that California still faces major ozone and PM2.5 problems, especially in disadvantaged communities. Randolph also said federal actions challenging California waivers could complicate the state’s clean-air efforts, and she noted that while liquid fuels will still be needed in some sectors, the state must continue reducing fossil fuel dependence while protecting public health.
CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda and DPMO Director Ty Milder presented data on gasoline demand, refinery throughput, crude imports, and price differentials. Gunda said the Legislature’s special-session laws gave the agencies transparency and planning tools, and that the CEC is developing a fuels transition plan while evaluating whether any regulatory tools should be used. Milder previewed DPMO findings that Californians have paid a long-running “mystery gasoline surcharge” averaging 41 cents per gallon since 2015, with higher margins concentrated in branded gasoline and among vertically integrated firms. He said the data show a concentrated market with some refiners doing well and others struggling, and that DPMO will continue investigating price behavior, competition, and supply risks.
Members pressed the witnesses on whether state regulations contributed to refinery exits or higher prices, and on whether the agencies had adequately analyzed consumer costs. Witnesses said they had not yet implemented the new permissive tools from SB X1-2 and AB X2-1 because they were still assessing risks and benefits, and they stressed that refinery closures and capital decisions are driven by broader market conditions as well as regulation. No vote was taken; the hearing was informational, with the committee seeking updates and urging the agencies to develop a practical transition strategy that balances affordability, reliability, climate goals, and worker/community protections.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Adjournment Sine Die Fri May 2, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 60
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- What are the mechanisms and labor costs to monitor expiration dates, as well as considerations for updated
- What are the mechanisms and labor costs to monitor expiration dates, as well as considerations for updated
- What are the mechanisms and labor costs to monitor expiration dates, as well as considerations for updated
- What are the mechanisms and labor costs to monitor expiration dates, as well as considerations for updated
- Labor costs to monitor expiration dates, as well as considerations for updated versions of product that
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee May 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- sponsors for their thorough work on this complex issue and all of our supporters from small business, labor
- Sarah Flox, California Federation of Labor Unions, in support.
- Yvonne Fernandez from the California Federation of Labor Unions, proud co-sponsor of AB 1221.
- Madam Chair, members, James, Director with the California State Council of Laborers. Thank you.
- Madam Chair and members, James, the director with the California State Council of Laborers.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills and took up multiple votes. AB 576, dealing with updates to California’s charitable fundraising platform registry after AB 488, was presented as a technical fix to help charities and platforms more quickly update eligible listings; there was no opposition testimony, and the measure was later moved on a due pass basis. AB 1160, on law enforcement drone programs, was presented with proposed amendments requiring U.S.-based data storage and limits on sharing or selling collected data; supporters said it would protect sensitive drone-collected information while preserving affordable drone use, while there was no opposition testimony, and it was also later passed out on a due pass as amended basis. AB 75, which would require insurers to give notice before collecting aerial images of homes and provide homeowners access to those images, drew support from the Department of Insurance and consumer advocates, while insurers opposed it unless amended, arguing aerial imaging is a cost-saving inspection tool and that the bill could worsen availability and affordability; the bill was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open for absent members.
The committee spent the most time on AB 325, which would address algorithmic price-fixing and collusion. The author and supporters argued that competitors using the same pricing software or algorithm to set prices can function as collusion even when the agreement is hidden behind code, and cited examples involving housing, frozen potatoes, gas pricing, and other industries. Opponents, including apartment, business, hospital, retail, chamber, and tech groups, said the bill was too broad, could sweep in lawful software and public-data market research, and might chill legitimate pricing tools, especially for small businesses and housing providers. Committee members raised concerns about clarity, intent standards, and whether the bill should focus more narrowly on nonpublic competitor data; despite those concerns, AB 325 was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open.
Later, AB 1221 was presented as a workplace surveillance bill that would prohibit certain invasive or discriminatory surveillance tools, require notice to workers, limit sharing of worker data, and require corroborating evidence before discipline based on surveillance outputs. Labor and consumer groups supported the bill, saying modern surveillance technologies can track speech, movement, emotion, and other sensitive traits and can be biased or abusive. The Security Industry Association opposed it, warning that the bill’s broad definitions could restrict legitimate security systems, emergency sharing with first responders, and employer responses to misconduct or unsafe behavior. The transcript cuts off before any final vote on AB 1221 is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/27/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't know if you've had these conversations with the Department of Labor and Industry, who has construction
- I don't know if you've had these conversations with the Department of Labor and Industry, who has construction
- I don't know if you've had these conversations with the Department of Labor and Industry, who has construction
- I don't know if you've had these conversations with the Department of Labor and Industry, who has construction
- I don't know if you've had these conversations with the Department of Labor and Industry, who has construction
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/13/25
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Feist said, “I didn’t— you said 20 USC, so this is like a Department of Labor regulation
- :34:16.720>
it's <00:34:16.839>a <00:34:16.960>US <00:34:17.359>you of Labor - regulation so it's a US you of Labor regulation so it's a US you have<00:34:17.639>
in <00:34: - the context of this bill because all this site, which is—I always thought 20 USC was Department of Labor
- but I don't know anyway it's of Labor but I don't know anyway it's what<00:36:38.240>
it <00:36
Keywords:
mortgage foreclosure, redemption, foreclosure surplus, sheriff's sale, junior lienholder, mortgagor, homeowner protections, loss mitigation, dual tracking, foreclosure redemption period, certificate of redemption, certificate of sale, sheriff, county recorder, registrar of titles, homeownership center, lien priority, real property, foreclosure by advertisement, surplus funds
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Wed Mar 12, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 30
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This budget prioritizes investments in a labor force and workforce to modernize operations and expand
- million in fiscal year 26 and $3.1 million in fiscal year 27 for software upgrades for Department of Labor
- This budget prioritizes investments in a labor force and workforce to modernize operations and expand
- million in fiscal year 26 and $3.1 million in fiscal year 27 for software upgrades for Department of Labor
- million in fiscal year 26 and $3.1 million in fiscal year 27 for software upgrades for Department of Labor
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- And then the Labor Law. Moved by Senator Mayer, seconded by Senator Mayer.
- And then the Labor Law. Moved by Senator Mayer, seconded by Senator Mayer.
Summary:
The Committee on Rules convened for its first 2026 meeting and considered a long list of Senate and Assembly bills, mostly moving them from committee to the floor. The transcript reflects routine motions, seconds, and voice votes on measures spanning election law, public authorities, public health, real property, insurance, labor, environmental conservation, general business, local tax, domestic relations, state finance, and New York City administrative code provisions, along with several chapter amendments and bills from 2025. No substantive debate or testimony is recorded in the excerpt; the discussion is largely procedural, with bill numbers and sponsors announced as they were reported out.
Most items were approved without objection and reported to the floor, including Senate Print 324 and numerous bills such as 568, 1035, 1036, 1085, 8604, 8646, 8754, 8761, 8762, 8764, 8768, 8772, 8774, 8778, 8783, 8800, 8822, 8823, 8824, 8825, 8827, 8831, 8832, 8834, and 8835, as well as several Assembly bills. The chair noted that all bills would go to the floor, with seven to be taken up and returned to session shortly. The meeting then adjourned.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Joint Portable Benefits Task Force Mar 6th, 2025
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Inflation<00:13:46.200>
for <00:13:46.320>labor <00:13:46.600>and <00:13:46.680>< - c> medical<00:13:47.040>
supplies Inflation for labor and medical supplies Inflation for labor - that charity care, when you look at it, has originated directly from either the emergency room or labor
- being gone for an extended period of time, which we have impacts for looking at overtime, contract labor
- being gone for an extended period of time, which we have impacts for looking at overtime, contract labor
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We are a labor union representing over 18,000 state workers across all agencies, boards, and commissions
- heard both pro and con from various interests in the state: business interests, education interests, labor
- heard both pro and con from various interests in the state: business interests, education interests, labor
- heard both pro and con from various interests in the state: business interests, education interests, labor
- :53.160>
state, ...various interests in the state, business interests, education interests, labor
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Banking and Insurance (10-14-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, rising labor costs, inflation, labor shortages, scarcity of ... some degree flood uh flooding
- Um,<00:10:51.680>
again, <00:10:52.079>rising <00:10:52.480>labor <00:10:52.880>< - c> costs, Um, again, rising labor costs, Um, again, rising labor costs, inflation,<00:10:54.640><
- , labor shortages, and scarcity of materials all lead to increased costs for the insurers and increased
- needed to repair and rebuild pose labor needed to repair and rebuild pose new<00:58:00.319>
levels
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:15
Department of Insurance Update 00:01:39
Department of Financial Institutions Update 00:37:07
Insurance Industry Update 00:54:50
Credit Union Industry Update 01:10:53, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the September 16 minutes, and then received an update from Insurance Commissioner Sharon Clark and staff on the Department of Insurance. Clark reviewed department activity, including growth in premium volume and licensing, consumer complaints and recoveries, and a rise in fraud referrals. She said the department has 66 open fraud cases and described common schemes such as staged auto accidents, inflated repair or cleanup charges, and roofing scams. She also said the department’s investigators often prepare strong cases but face reluctance from local prosecutors, especially in Fayette and Jefferson counties, to pursue them.
Clark reported favorable workers’ compensation news, saying rates will decrease 9.7% next year for the 20th straight year. She contrasted that with a difficult property insurance market driven by storms, reinsurance costs, inflation, labor shortages, and litigation, but said Kentucky’s market remains relatively stable, citing the Kentucky Fair Plan’s small number of policies. She then warned of significant 2026 health insurance premium increases on the exchange: 16.1% for Molina, 23% for Anthem, and 37% for WCare, after CareSource withdrew. She said the rates were reviewed by actuaries and found fair, but that the biggest pressure point is the scheduled expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, which she said could leave about 90% of exchange enrollees facing a compounded increase.
Members questioned Clark about fraud prosecution, the number of people in commercial versus public coverage, and the impact of expiring subsidies. Clark said the prosecution issue is mainly with Commonwealth attorneys and that rural counties are more cooperative than urban ones. She also said the health market is individually rated and that older enrollees would be hit harder, while the loss of tax credits could push some people out of the marketplace. One member asked about the attorney general’s recent opinion on SB 188, the PBM bill; staff said attorneys were still reviewing it. Clark closed by noting that Kentucky’s fraud and towing/storage legislation has become a model for other states.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- different<01:31:26.400>
studios <01:31:26.880>as <01:31:27.120>I Erotic Laborers - I would even volunteer Erotic Laborers Alliance to be involved.
- Erotic<01:32:55.360>
Laborers <01:32:55.760>Alliance <01:32:56.159>has <01:32:56.400 - >
been Erotic Laborers Alliance has been Erotic Laborers Alliance has been included<01:32:57.280 - >
be laborers alliance to be laborers alliance to be involved.<01:33:14.480>The <01:33:
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Taxes Committee debates bill to modify tax breaks for MN data centers, HF1277 2/27/25
Transcript Highlights:
- And last year it led to 74,000 jobs, $5.5 billion in labor income, $9.1 billion in GDP.
- And last year it led to 74,000 jobs, $5.5 billion in labor income, $9.1 billion in GDP.
- And last year it led to 74,000 jobs, $5.5 billion in labor income, $9.1 billion in GDP.
- And last year it led to 74,000 jobs, $5.5 billion in labor income, $9.1 billion in GDP.
- And last year it led to 74,000 jobs, $5.5 billion in labor income, $9.1 billion in GDP.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Commission to Study Costs of Special Education (06/16/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- We don't have the too labor intensive. We don't have the staff.
- It's labor the staff to do this. It's labor intensive. intensive. intensive.
- It's not just your special ed costs are mostly labor. Your public school costs are mostly labor.
- Your public school costs mostly labor.
- are mostly labor. They're people. are mostly labor. They're people.
Summary:
The commission meeting focused on reviewing and correcting draft minutes and then working through a draft report on the cost of special education. Members made mostly clerical corrections, including clarifying references to Spalding, fixing acronyms such as LETRS, and cleaning up membership titles and appointee roles to match SB 57. The minutes were approved as amended, with some members abstaining because they were not present at the prior meeting. The chair also noted the commission’s deadline to complete findings and recommendations by July 1 and said the final report must be delivered to legislative leaders, the governor, the state librarian, and others.
The main substantive discussion centered on the report’s findings about special education funding. Members agreed the report should emphasize that the commission was created to study the cost of special education and reduce reliance on local property taxes. One draft section described FY24 special education funding as coming from three primary state and federal sources totaling about $152 million, or roughly 15% of annual costs, with the remaining 85% paid by local school districts through property tax revenue, estimated at about $825 million. Members discussed adding historical or longitudinal data to show trends over time, and some suggested attaching charts or tables showing funding over the last 20 to 30 years.
A second major topic was demographic data. The draft noted that statewide K-12 enrollment has declined since 2003 while the number and share of students with IEPs has increased. Members questioned whether the data compared like with like, especially given the growth of Education Freedom Accounts and charter school enrollment, and whether the figures included or excluded those students. Several members asked for clearer sourcing from the Department of Education and suggested keeping a list of unresolved questions, including the impact of the shift from ADMA to ADMR and the effect of the EFA program. The discussion ended with agreement to continue refining the report and to gather additional attachments and clarifications before finalizing recommendations.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (01/28/2026)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- in New Hampshire and also cost of labor in New Hampshire and also cost of labor here<00:56:49.359
- <01:33:51.760>
Um labor for manufacturers etc. Um labor for manufacturers etc. - chairman, chairman of the labor chairman, chairman of the labor committee<03:47:52.720>
said, - It because it didn't go to the labor.
- It got to you didn't get back to labor.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/27/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I spoke to Rich Labors, Deputy Commissioner over at NHES, who was here last week. um<01:52:55.199>
- on assumptions I spoke to Rich labors on assumptions I spoke to Rich labors Deputy<01:53:27.960>
- So the two I thought of, that's one: the Labor Department.
- Most of these cases have to do with labor.
- <04:35:43.320>
Relations that Labor Relations that Labor Relations Board<04:35:45.719>
Summary:
The committee held a work session on the Department of Business and Economic Affairs’ budget, with testimony from division leadership on staffing, funding sources, and program changes. Early discussion focused on vacant positions in the agency, including a senior planner tied to FEMA requirements, a federally funded program assistant, a program specialist to be reclassified during a planning reorganization, and two Housing Champions positions that were authorized but not funded in the current biennium and are requested for 2026-27. The witnesses also explained that temporary welcome center positions are filled as funds allow, and that the agency’s requested general fund increase is driven largely by the Division of Travel and Tourism Development and its formula-based funding.
Members then reviewed rest areas, welcome centers, outdoor recreation, economic development, procurement, and workforce opportunity lines. The department said there are 12 rest areas, with 5.8 million foot counts in FY 24, and that welcome centers are generally open year-round, though Sutton is currently closed and staffing relies on a mix of full-time and temporary employees. The outdoor recreation position is federally funded through USDA and supports business outreach, trade shows, and industry promotion. In economic development, the agency said increased dues reflect participation in the Northern Borders Regional Commission, and that a marketing line item is intended to support recruitment and promotion of growth industries such as advanced manufacturing and life sciences. The Apex Accelerator Program was described as a state-federal partnership requiring a state match and providing government contracting assistance to businesses, while the Office of Workforce Opportunity was explained as a federally funded WIOA-related effort administered through multiple agencies and subrecipients.
A major point of discussion was the proposed reduction to the Small Business Development Center, which members said had generated significant public concern. The department described SBDC as a highly effective technical assistance program for new and small businesses, but said the cut was one of the few places it felt it had room to reduce funding. Members asked about federal support and matching requirements for various programs, and the department said less than half of its overall budget is generally funded by the state and that some programs require state match. The committee also discussed travel and tourism marketing and the Joint Promotional Program, with the department saying those funds support broader advertising campaigns and grants to chambers and trade associations for events such as Bike Week, Restaurant Week, and the Seafood Festival. No votes were taken during the work session.