Video & Transcript Research : 'general manager'
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations and Budget Judiciary Subcommittee - Morning Session Jan 13th, 2026 at 09:00 am
A&B Judiciary Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- To your left is the Deputy Attorney General of Policy.
- Thank you, General, for your presentation.
- Thank you, Attorney General, for being here.
- This is a very general question. This is an ask for $8 million.
- From time to time, it's generally reported in the newspaper.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- destination management. destination management.
- management.
- . management. management.
- managed that's under our jurisdiction. managed that's under our jurisdiction.
- We manage many sites. Sorry. Kauaii. We manage many sites. Sorry.
Bills:
SB2187
Keywords:
housing, economic development, tourism, state department, renaming, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 910, house, all
Summary:
The joint House Tourism and Water and Land hearing focused on HB 1947, which would repeal the Hawaii Tourism Authority, create an Office of Tourism in DBEDT, and establish a Division of Destination Management in DLNR. The Attorney General opposed provisions allowing the new tourism office or advisory board to hire independent attorneys, and also noted civil service and transfer-of-functions issues, including the need for standard transition language for employees, contracts, records, and equipment. DNR said it stood on its written comments, while the Department of Taxation also stood on its written testimony.
HTA opposed the bill, arguing that Act 132 had already improved its governance and that destination management should remain within a single, holistic tourism framework. HTA said it is better positioned to coordinate with counties, communities, and state agencies on both tourism promotion and mitigation of impacts, and pointed to its strategic plan and DMAP work as evidence. The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development also opposed the bill, saying tourism issues cross multiple agencies and that coordination is best handled by one entity rather than splitting responsibilities between DBEDT and DLNR. One member of the public testified in support with reservations, saying Hawaii needs stronger leadership and control, but also warning that dissolving HTA would be a major change.
During questioning, committee members pressed HTA on why destination management should not simply be handled by DLNR if HTA already consults with it on land-use and conservation issues. HTA responded that its role is broader than conservation alone and includes balancing economic development, visitor management, and resident quality of life, while deferring to DLNR on matters within DLNR’s jurisdiction. The hearing then moved to decision-making, where the chairs announced amendments that removed the transfer of destination management to DLNR, added counties and state/county agency assistance to the Office of Tourism, and made other conforming changes. The House committees voted to recommend HB 1947 pass with amendments, with several members voting aye and some voting with reservations, and the hearing was adjourned.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Capital Improvement Committee Meeting Jun 24th, 2026
Capital Improvement
Transcript Highlights:
- They have a general construction manager already picked.
- Brian Maxwell, Director of Office Management Budget.
- Section 3 is the appropriation of general funds.
- Section 5 on page 6 is general fund reprogramming.
- Section 6 is general fund reprogramming.
Summary:
The committee met to finalize the FY27 bond bill, beginning with a roll call and a detailed review of updated appropriation amounts. The Comptroller General walked through major changes across agencies, including additions for OMB, the Department of State, DNREC, Agriculture, Education, and Transportation, and explained the funding sources that would cover the total $1.256 billion package. Members then debated several large items, especially the $110 million appropriation for the Diamond State Port Corporation, the $35 million Legislative Hall addition, the $20 million Community Reinvestment Fund, and the $30 million land and building acquisition line. Questions focused on the port project’s costs, expected jobs, return on investment, and whether the state would face future commitments; Secretary of State Charney Patitofunded Chances and other officials testified that the port expansion would create construction and permanent jobs and support long-term economic growth, while some members remained skeptical and objected to the process and spending priorities.
The committee also discussed school construction funding, with officials explaining that additional money would forward-fund projects already in the pipeline and help districts that had been turned down for certificates of necessity. Other items reviewed included funding for park improvements, marina acquisition, the Plummer Center demolition and transfer, the Pyle Center sewer project, the Site Readiness Fund, affordable housing, the Arts Endowment Fund, an unclaimed property task force, and various transportation and community transportation projects. Several members raised concerns about county distribution, minority-party involvement in negotiations, and the scale of certain appropriations, but the majority defended the package as statewide investment and economic development.
The committee then voted on the Section 1 addendum and a series of new and replacement epilogue sections, including provisions for the port project, Legislative Hall minor capital improvements, land acquisition, affordable housing, the Community Reinvestment Fund, downtown development districts, the Rite Aid demolition, the Site Readiness Fund, school construction formula review, and enhanced school capital funding. Most motions carried, with a few recorded no votes or abstentions on the main addendum. The meeting concluded with a motion authorizing technical corrections by the Comptroller General’s office, followed by closing remarks thanking staff and members for their work and noting that this was likely the final bond committee meeting for some participants before adjournment.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine advancing carbon capture, utilization and sequestration technologies and ensuring effective implementation of the USE IT Act. Feb 12th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Environment and Public Works Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Our final witness is Jack Cavanaugh, who is the Manager of Carbon Management for Breakthrough Energy.
- Carbon management brings economic development.
- A power generator?
- The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality successfully managed that.
- CO2 pipeline, and then you have to have a generator of some sort, right?
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources, May 27, 2026 - AM
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- And we spend over $2 million managing<00:33:57.240>
them. managing them. managing them. - manage the bear properly. manage the bear properly.
- wildlife management. wildlife management.
- <02:11:33.080>
fund general fund dollars to the general fund general fund dollars to the general - It keeps the management decisions within the managers' hands.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So we use a combination largely of the Clean Water Fund, the water management fees that are generated
- So we use a combination largely of the Clean Water Fund, the water management fees that are generated
- So we use a combination largely of the Clean Water Fund, the water management fees that are generated
- water management fees that are generated water management fees that are generated from<00:09:58.800
- > water<01:02:23.040>
planning general manager for water planning general manager for water
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 22, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- , prohibits water management district officials and employees from accepting any prohibits water management
- Requires water management districts to submit additional information on capital and requires water management
- So, Representative Connerly, if the management, the water management districts are not using these Representative
- Connerly, if the water management districts are not using these management review teams, would they
- Ensuring that our local businesses thrive, they generate tax revenues and generate jobs.
Summary:
The State Affairs Committee met with a quorum present and took up several measures. It first considered HJR 1215, an ad valorem tax exemption for farmers and agricultural lands. The committee adopted an amendment making technical changes and removing a requirement that implementing language be set by general law. Several agricultural and business groups supported the measure, and it was reported favorably by a vote of 22-4.
The committee then heard CS for CS for HB 1169, a bill revising water management district planning, budgeting, reporting, and business practices, including restrictions on lobbyist expenditures and additional budget disclosures. An amendment removing the statutory section on management review teams was adopted after debate over whether those teams were still useful. The bill was reported favorably 19-8-7. Members then debated PCS for CS for HB 1221, which would redirect local option tourist development tax revenues toward property tax relief and give counties more control over certain local taxes. County, tourism, beach preservation, and hospitality groups opposed the bill, warning it would weaken tourism marketing, beach renourishment, and local services, while supporters argued it would provide property tax relief and accountability. The bill passed 14-12.
Finally, the committee considered HB 4079, which would dissolve the town of White Springs. The sponsor and supporters described years of mismanagement, intimidation, and illegal conduct, while opponents argued dissolution was an extreme step and pointed to the ongoing election and other remedies. After extensive public testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably 19-6. The committee then adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We usually look at that as a percentage of the general revenue.
- We have about 72% of our managed care population, or of our total Medicaid population, in managed care
- minimum general revenue reserve of about $2.2 billion, the projected general revenue surplus is $3.8
- managed care.
- But in terms of managed care in general, you don't really have a counterfactual at this point.
Summary:
The committee met to receive Amy Baker’s presentation on Florida’s long-range financial outlook for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2028-29. Baker said the forecast assumes continued but moderating economic growth, with Florida GDP slowing from recent highs, personal income remaining above average, wages continuing to rise faster than job growth, and population growth eventually slowing as the state approaches 2030 and the baby-boomer cohort fully ages into retirement. She also highlighted weakening housing and real-estate-related revenue, especially documentary stamp collections, along with low consumer sentiment as signs of caution in the outlook.
Baker explained that the state’s near-term general revenue picture improved largely because of legislative actions taken in the prior session, including contingency releases, reversions, and other budget adjustments, rather than from major new revenue growth. She said reserves remain strong at nearly $15 billion, or just under 30% of general revenue, with the budget stabilization fund at its constitutional maximum. The main spending pressures identified were critical needs and other high-priority needs, led by a new recurring transfer to the emergency preparedness and response fund and by Medicaid, where rising service costs and medical inflation—especially behavioral analysis costs in managed care—are driving higher expenditures despite lower caseloads and a slightly better federal match.
Members questioned the accuracy of the forecast, the Medicaid cost drivers, the treatment of the governor’s emergency fund, federal funding assumptions, and whether recent federal legislation was reflected in the numbers. Baker said the outlook assumes current federal funding paths continue, that the new federal tax/revenue law had not yet been fully incorporated because agencies were still reviewing it, and that the emergency fund line was calculated from recent appropriations without distinguishing specific uses. She also said the vetoed $750 million did not affect the budget stabilization fund because it reverted to unallocated general revenue. No bills were heard, no votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentation and discussion.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Oct 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- funding was below its general allocation on the funding formula.
- And it's about $6 million in general revenue and 28 new FTEs. That is it.
- The total request is $1.32 million in general revenue, with $600,000.
- Other routine emergency management projects total just over $3 million.
- I said we have 500 buildings that we manage, but a lot of those that...
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Samantha minkler Capital asset manager Samantha minkler Capital asset manager thanks<00:01:34.439
- <00:07:43.680>
State quality and safety of DNR managed State quality and safety of DNR managed - effective Capital Asset Management effective Capital Asset Management program<00:10:12.240>
to - One of the forest managers for one of the companies brought up a really good point about managing our
- repurpose them for badora or general repurpose them for badora or general Andrews<00:26:42.679><
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The sense of responsibility to the land was handed down over the generations.
- , and they're able to pass down their property to next generations of Floridians. ...next generations
- But along with production agriculture comes the need to manage honeybees.
- But along with production agriculture comes the need to manage honeybees.
- People manage bumblebees, et cetera, to put on crops.
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture heard two informational presentations before taking up legislation. Tracy Dean of Conservation Florida described the organization’s work protecting wild and working lands, especially ranch and timber lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and argued that agricultural conservation easements are essential to preserving habitat, water resources, family farms, and the corridor itself. Senators discussed how conservation easements can help family operations remain viable across generations, and Dean emphasized strong demand for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and Florida Forever funding. Dr. Jamie Ellis of the University of Florida then gave a detailed presentation on honeybees, their role in pollination and Florida agriculture, and major threats such as Varroa mites, queen quality, nutrition issues, hurricanes, and the yellow-legged hornet; senators asked about colony losses, pollination alternatives, and the economic importance of beekeeping in Florida.
The committee then considered SB 210 on animal cremation, sponsored by Senator Harrell. The bill was described as a response to a case involving mishandled pet cremation and would require crematories to provide clear disclosures about services, prohibit false or misleading information, and authorize civil penalties enforced by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. Next, the committee took up SJR 318, a joint resolution by Chair Truenow creating a proposed ad valorem tax exemption for tangible personal property used in agricultural production or agritourism on agricultural land and owned by the landowner or leaseholder. Several industry and agency representatives appeared in support, and the resolution was also reported favorably by unanimous vote.
The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment motioned by Senator Rouson.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Land Grant Oct 7th, 2025
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- In terms of the management of the fund, as Representative Garcia mentioned, this would be managed by
- The Forest Service now manages that land.
- How do we manage for that? We manage through partnerships with our local communities and our staff.
- Unfortunately, 25% of the general fund is legislatively directed, while 75% is self-generated.
- And then I guess I worry about the next generation, as Toby talked about, getting the next generation
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Oct 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We met to adopt the new general revenue forecast.
- So we have about 72% of our managed care population, or of our total Medicaid population, in managed
- minimum general revenue reserve of about $2.2 billion, the projected general revenue surplus is $3.8
- managed care.
- But in terms of managed care, in general, you don't really have a counterfactual at this point.
Summary:
The committee met to hear Amy Baker’s presentation on Florida’s constitutionally required long-range financial outlook for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2028-29. Baker said the forecast reflects slower but still positive economic growth, continued above-average personal income growth, rising wages, and population growth that is increasingly driven by in-migration as Florida’s senior population expands. She highlighted weakening housing-related revenue, especially documentary stamp taxes, softer consumer sentiment, and the expectation that Florida will pass 25 million residents by 2030, with nearly a quarter of the population age 65 or older.
Baker said the outlook largely retained the March 2025 general revenue forecast, but the Legislature’s 2025 session actions significantly improved near-term funds available by redirecting or freeing up money, including contingency appropriations and reversions. She noted total state reserves are just under $15 billion, or about 30% of general revenue, and that the budget stabilization fund is at its constitutional maximum. The main spending pressures in the outlook were critical needs, led by a new emergency preparedness and response fund transfer and Medicaid growth driven mainly by medical inflation and behavioral analysis costs in managed care, not by caseload growth. Other high-priority needs were also identified, and Baker said the first year shows a projected surplus, but years two and three show shortfalls, meaning fiscal strategies will still be needed.
Members questioned Baker about the accuracy of the forecast, Medicaid managed care costs, the emergency preparedness fund, federal funding assumptions, and whether recent federal legislation was reflected in the numbers. Baker said the outlook is a good representation of the total picture, though the Legislature will likely adjust it as conditions change, and that more information on federal changes would come in later estimating conferences. Senator Trumbull asked about the governor’s veto of $750 million, and Baker said it simply returned to unallocated general revenue rather than being spent or added to the budget stabilization fund. The chair closed by warning members to expect a difficult budgeting process and noting that the committee would adjourn without further action.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:04:06.200>
fund and 25 our uh general fund and 25 our uh general fund Appropriations<00 - almost 200 million F year 27 in general almost 200 million F year 27 in general fund<00:04:19.160
- <00:04:48.360>
fund the percentage of general fund the percentage of general fund appropriates - But in general, it is a cleanup function that we run into where managers understandably want to just
- a program manager so the branch manager a program manager so the branch manager is<02:17:12.399>
Summary:
The joint Ways and Means and Health and Human Services committees heard Hawaii Health Systems Corporation’s biennium budget request, with testimony from HHSC leadership on the Hilo/Big Island region (HTH 212) and the Oahu region (HTH 215), plus discussion of capital improvement projects and systemwide partnerships. HHSC described its role as the rural healthcare safety net, serving a high share of Medicare, Medicaid/Quest, and uninsured patients, and said its costs are elevated by state employee fringe benefits, which it said are about 64% compared with roughly 30% in the private sector. HHSC also said pandemic-era federal aid, including relief funds and PPP loans totaling about $100 million, reduced the need for general fund support in prior years.
For HTH 212, HHSC said its general fund request for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 was higher than the governor’s recommendation because of rising insurance, pharmaceutical, and contractor labor costs, and because it includes $13.2 million in FY 2026 and $2.3 million in FY 2027 for Epic electronic medical record implementation in East Hawaii. For HTH 215, HHSC said the requested general funds were aligned with the governor’s recommendation, in part because of increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for long-term care facilities under prior legislation. HHSC also said it was restoring a special fund ceiling so the region could spend its cash collections on operations.
Members asked about the 64% fringe rate, and HHSC explained the difference was mainly due to defined-benefit pension and retiree health insurance costs, which private hospitals generally do not bear at the same level. Members also asked about the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home, and HHSC said operations would be funded through the general fund corporation for the home when it opens, with management by Ohana Pacific, but no additional legislative operating funds were being requested at that time. Other questions focused on staffing and vacancies, including an abolished procurement position and an ongoing IT help desk recruitment need.
HHSC highlighted several capital and partnership projects, including a $25 million state CIP request matched by $25 million from the Benioff family for the Benioff Health Center, an ER expansion and reconfiguration at Corner Community Hospital, and $7.5 million in each fiscal year for Kauai EMR capital funds to join the Epic platform. Testimony also described collaborations with Queen’s, the University of California San Francisco, Hawaii Pacific Health, the Hawaii Cancer Consortium, the Department of Health, and the state hospital to improve specialty access, clinical trials, behavioral health, and patient placement across the system.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Aug 13th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you very much, Manager.
- In that order, we manage securities.
- We have a lot of different accounts to manage.
- Anna to update it for the general public.
- Does your office manage it? Where is it managed?
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I’m the general manager for Consolidated Water Supply Corporation. Excuse me.
- I serve as a general manager for the Trinity River Authority, and I'm here in that capacity today.
- I serve as a general manager for the Trinity River Authority and I'm here in that capacity today.
- Amber Stelli, General Manager for the Consolidated Water Supply Corporation, and I'm testifying for..
- Amber Stelli, General Manager for the Consolidated Water Supply Corporation, and I'm testifying for..
Summary:
The committee met to hear House Bills 27 and 24 on groundwater issues in East Texas, with members and witnesses focusing on a proposed large-volume groundwater export project and the need for more science before major permitting decisions are made. HB 27, which was within the special session call, would direct the Texas Water Development Board to conduct a hydrogeologic study of the aquifers in the affected area and temporarily pause new export permits while the study is underway. HB 24, a separate bill that would limit certain production and export permits to 5% of modeled available groundwater, was laid out but the chair said it would not be moved out of committee.
Testimony on HB 27 was largely supportive, though some witnesses were neutral. Supporters, including representatives from a water supply corporation, the Trinity River Authority, Environmental Defense Fund, and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, said the region lacks enough hydrologic data, that the proposed pumping could affect private wells, surface water, and local economies, and that the state needs better information on sustainable yield and groundwater-surface water interaction. Several witnesses emphasized that groundwater conservation districts need clearer tools and better data, while also noting concerns about property rights and the rule of capture. Committee members discussed the scale of the proposed project, the absence of a groundwater conservation district in Houston County, and the possibility that the study should examine desired future conditions and maximum sustainable pumping rather than only modeled available groundwater.
The committee adopted the committee substitute for HB 27 and voted it out favorably to the full House with a recommendation that it do pass, be printed, and be sent to the Committee on Calendars. The roll call was unanimous, 11 ayes and 0 nays. After the vote, members briefly reflected on the complexity of the issue and the need to continue working on broader groundwater policy in the interim and next session. HB 24 was discussed later in the meeting, but no final action on that bill was taken in the portion provided.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Apr 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It's really a land management issue.
- University College of Business, Department of Risk Management.
- government officials with emergency management roles.
- Members, this is the water management district bill.
- And it allows the Northwest Florida Water Management District and the Suwannee Water Management District
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met for Budget Day and heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper said the plan reduces overall spending from the prior year, keeps strong reserves, includes a 4% pay raise for state employees, maintains employee health care contributions, and makes major investments in water quality, transportation, and education infrastructure. Committee chairs then summarized their budget silos, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Members asked questions mainly about school funding, AP and dual enrollment support, voucher and scholarship impacts, and the My Safe Florida Home program.
The committee adopted a large consent package of amendments and then approved three late-file amendments: funding virtual college tours for high school students, funding the FSU Sunshine Genetics program, and providing money for the Port of Fernandina customs facility. The committee then voted to report SPB 2500, the General Appropriations Bill, as a committee bill. It also favorably reported SPB 2502 (implementing bill), SPB 2504 (state employees placeholder), SB 7022 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and DROP changes), CS/SB 1320 (recreating the Resilient Florida Trust Fund), SPB 2506 (gaming compact revenue distributions, including water projects and rural lands), SPB 2508 (29 new judgeships), SB 7014 (ending the court mediation and arbitration trust fund), SPB 2510 (K-12 conforming bill), SPB 2512 (higher education conforming bill), and SPB 2514 (health and human services conforming bill).
The committee also took up several policy bills. It approved SB 7028 on cancer research, creating grant parameters, reporting requirements, a five-year pediatric cancer research incubator, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute VisionGen Initiative. It approved CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality, adding resident satisfaction surveys, medical director standards, safety culture reviews, electronic health record requirements, financial reporting penalties, and a study of best practices. It approved CS/CS/SB 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion options, adds Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, expands grant uses, and creates a behavioral health data repository. It also approved SB 114 creating the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at FSU and moving the public hurricane loss model there. The committee then began considering SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, including a late-file amendment, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'm sorry, on Medicaid generally, before you had managed care.
- And I'm sorry, on Medicaid generally, before you had managed care, and it was really the call to action
- Medicaid managed care. Today, about 98% of Medicaid clients are in Medicaid managed care.
- Everything at this point is in Medicaid managed care. Managed care works just like insurance.
- Who's actually managing the list?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Apr 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Water managers are engaged now.
- and our locals in general.
- It should be funded by California's General Fund.
- Do you have a specific about that particular issue, or do you have general comments and general question
- Anyway, just general reactions for us. I'd appreciate it.
Summary:
The subcommittee began by announcing a change in the agenda order, moving item 6 ahead of item 1 and then item 7, and noting there would be no votes taken on any items that day. Item 6 covered a proposed operational efficiencies control section for the Natural Resources Agency that would let multiple departments jointly fund landscape-scale or multi-jurisdictional projects and allow Finance to transfer climate bond funds to a lead state entity. The LAO said the proposal was reasonable but suggested the Legislature consider requiring summary notification on how it is used; Finance said it would consider that request.
Item 7 focused on the 2026-27 biodiversity and nature-based solutions spending plan. Finance and the Wildlife Conservation Board described the climate bond funding for habitat restoration, wildlife crossings, public access, tribal nature-based solutions, and related work, including $111 million proposed for WCB and $30 million for Salton Sea habitat and public access projects. The LAO supported the overall approach but flagged the San Andreas Corridor Program as an area where the Legislature may want to specify geographic priorities. Members discussed the pace of Salton Sea work and whether the proposed projects would count toward disadvantaged community goals.
Item 8 addressed Cal Fire’s aviation contract and staffing needs for wildfire response. Cal Fire said year-round fire activity, a larger and more complex aircraft fleet, and labor market pressures justified the proposed contract increase, including more mechanics, pilots, and maintenance support. The LAO recommended approval, saying the proposal addressed health and safety concerns. Members asked about contractor staffing, competition in the bidding process, and future technology for early fire detection and suppression.
The committee then took up item 1 on golden mussel containment. Fish and Wildlife described the invasive species’ spread in the Delta, the task force and response framework, and a request for eight new positions funded by Prop. 4 to support control plans, outreach, monitoring, research, and coordination with partners and law enforcement. Members pressed the department on whether the state should fund more direct decontamination infrastructure and grants to local water managers, and on the realistic goal of containing the mussel. The chair and several members emphasized the urgency of the threat and requested an itemized breakdown of the $20 million request. The hearing then moved to a broader LAO overview of wildfire prevention and response funding, where the LAO summarized the state’s funding mix and warned that ongoing wildfire resilience funding will likely decline as one-time bond and GGRF funds are exhausted, prompting discussion of long-term funding options and the balance between prevention, suppression, and community hardening.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (7-30-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I I'm I generating that waste.
- I'm referencing the Water Management Assistance Fund that was adopted in the 2022 General Assembly.
- I'm referencing the Water Management Assistance Fund that was adopted in the 2022 General Assembly.
- We generate $950,000 in revenue.
- not construction management not construction management professionals<01:41:54.159>
like <
Summary:
The meeting began with roll call, adoption of the minutes, and brief remarks, including birthday recognition for Representative Maseroni and a moment of reflection for a soldier who died during training at Fort Knox. The committee then heard a presentation from Tony Hatton, commissioner of the Department for Environmental Protection and acting director of the Kentucky Division of Water, with Amanda Lefer, deputy commissioner, on the state’s water and wastewater programs and planning.
Hatton described Kentucky’s water resources and the Division of Water’s responsibilities, including watershed and nonpoint source work, KPDES discharge permitting, PFAS response, engineering review of water infrastructure, inspections, public outreach, and sampling. He said Kentucky has 428 public water systems, 263 water treatment plants, about 1.9 million service connections, and nearly 97% of the population has access to municipally treated water. He also noted that the state has 43 systems receiving awards for EPA areawide optimization and emphasized operator training, regionalization, and use of GIS mapping and Kentucky Infrastructure Authority data to support planning and funding decisions.
Members raised concerns about aging infrastructure, water loss, staffing shortages, and wastewater problems in local systems. Representative Blandon described severe failures in a city system, including major water loss and sewer backups, and asked whether the state could intervene; Hatton said the division inspects treatment facilities and provides compliance assistance but is not authorized to manage delivery systems, though third-party help and emergency funding can be used in some cases. Senator Smith and others shared similar experiences with line loss and system failures, while Hatton pointed to regionalization and funding support as the main tools available. The discussion also highlighted PFAS as an emerging issue, with Hatton saying the department is working with systems to meet anticipated federal requirements by 2029.