Transcript Highlights:

• We Lead CS will launch both next year.
• We Lead CS added 57 in just one year.
• We Lead CS is not just an education initiative.
• <00:59:18.000> We're lead CS for the 2628 bianium. We're lead CS for the 2628 bianium.
• We lead Kentucky employers like Chris.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met without a quorum, so the minutes were not approved. The main presentation was from retired economics professors John Garren and Dr. Kums, who discussed their Bluegrass Institute research on teacher compensation in Kentucky since the Kentucky Education Reform Act era. They said teacher base salaries, adjusted for inflation, have declined over the last decade, while state-paid “on-behalf” benefits such as pension and health insurance contributions have risen sharply; they argued total teacher compensation has increased modestly overall, but less than per-pupil funding. They also presented broader context on staffing growth, declining average daily attendance, Kentucky’s low share of teachers among total school staff, and flat or weak NAEP and ACT performance trends, including widening white-Black score gaps on NAEP. Members questioned the methodology and interpretation of the compensation figures. Representative Bojanowski argued the on-behalf calculations may overstate teacher compensation because they include insurance and pension costs that also benefit classified employees and retirees, and he asked for clarification on the denominator used to derive the per-teacher amount. Representative Truit said the presentation could be misleading if it implies teachers earn $94,000 in salary, and he objected to framing pension stabilization payments as teacher pay. The presenters responded that they were using total compensation, not salary alone, said they had divided total personnel-related on-behalf payments by the relevant staff count, and promised to review and send a technical explanation. Representative Truit and Chairman Typton both emphasized that compensation should be viewed as salary plus benefits, not salary alone, and noted that pension contributions are part of the cost of employing teachers. The presenters said their intent was to show the full compensation package and its relevance to labor supply and teacher shortages, not to claim that individual teachers earn the total compensation figure as salary. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond the decision to revisit the minutes at a later meeting due to the lack of quorum.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is only an investigative lead.
• It is only an investigative lead.
• And we generated 335 investigative leads.
• So, a little less than half leads.
• we have seen that individuals leading we have seen that individuals leading more<01:05:44.640>

Bills: HF3661, HF2380, HF3468, HF3483

Keywords: facial recognition, privacy, government surveillance, public safety, data protection, civil liberties, disability rights, discrimination, accommodations, employment, housing, public services, education, civil action, failure to render aid, damages, Minnesota Statutes, legal liability, trespass, civil immigration enforcement

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from February 24 and February 26. It then took up House File 3661, a bill originally authored by Representative Gomez and presented by Representative Feist, which would ban government use of facial recognition technology and be re-referred to the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee. The committee adopted the A1 amendment, described as a technical amendment based on House Research recommendations, before hearing testimony on the bill. Representative Feist said the bill is aimed at preventing serious privacy and civil-liberties harms, including secretive surveillance, racial and gender bias, and the lack of statewide rules governing government use of facial recognition. Supportive testimony came from Chad Marlo of the ACLU, who argued the issue is bipartisan, the technology has accuracy problems, and government use is expanding against vulnerable groups. Chris Wayland of Restore the Fourth Minnesota also supported a ban, emphasizing the inability to opt out of facial recognition and the lack of standards, disclosure, and community input. Rich Newmeister urged stronger transparency measures, including agency policies and public notice in buildings using the technology. Major Spencer Baky of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office opposed an outright ban, saying facial recognition is used only as an investigative lead, not for positive identification or real-time surveillance, and that results are corroborated before use. He said the office has used the tool in hundreds of investigations and supports a statutory framework with safeguards instead of a ban. In member discussion, Representative Hudson argued a blanket ban was too broad and suggested a more targeted evidentiary approach, while Representative Moller and Representative Kurr expressed concern about misuse and the federal government's use of the technology. Representative Durant asked whether there was a current Minnesota problem and whether stakeholders and law enforcement had been involved in drafting the bill. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided, beyond adoption of the amendment and the committee’s continued consideration of HF 3661.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is an update on the local leads.
• going on with the local leads, if you have that information.
• because some of our current local leads decided not to continue on.
• and aligned with our local leads and then our local leads out to their catchment areas.
• So similarly to the recompete with the local leads, we also had the reset for the grant.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The committee first approved the prior meeting minutes, then heard a presentation from Maddie San Juan of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas on the report “Holding It All Together: Working Moms and Child Care in Arkansas.” She said the research found Arkansas moms are working and want to work, but face major barriers from inflexible schedules, high child care costs, and the mental load of balancing work and caregiving. The report cited survey and focus group findings showing most mothers want full-time work, with flexibility as the top requested workplace support. It also highlighted that child care costs can consume a large share of family income, with one infant care averaging about $8,900 annually and infant-plus-toddler care about $17,500. She also discussed paid leave, noting many mothers returned to work before six weeks after birth, and shared a personal story from a working mom in Monticello to illustrate the strain families face. Committee members asked about labor force data, flexibility examples, child care voucher changes, and whether state or employer policies could help. San Juan also referenced partnerships with Excel by 8 and business leaders to address child care as both a family and economic development issue. The committee then received an update from the Department of Education’s Office of Early Childhood on several administrative issues. Officials said new internal dashboards had gone live to improve transparency and data tracking for school readiness assistance, including enrollment, applications, and provider participation. They also said the state is continuing the CLASS transition and expects to release transition funding to providers soon, while emphasizing that OEP awards based on CLASS scores are separate from OEC’s work. They warned providers that a system transition from ACE to a new platform will likely delay payments from June 30 through about July 13, with payments owed during that period to be processed once the system is back online. Members also asked about Head Start audit requirements, market rate survey work, and an overpayment case involving a child care center that is under appeal. Additional updates covered early childhood special education funding, with one member raising concerns that inflation has eroded the value of the funds and that rural areas need more early intervention support. Department officials said they would follow up with special education staff to review funding sources and needs. They also discussed the upcoming QRIS work, including a June 23 webinar, and said the local lead network has been recompeted and will consist of 23 local leads covering all counties starting July 1. Officials said the local leads’ job duties remain the same, and that a new stakeholder group has been formed to provide ongoing feedback on PDG and broader early childhood issues. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We thank you for the women who nurture with tenderness, lead with wisdom, and serve with compassion.
• Assemblymember Dixon will lead us in the pledge.
• From the beginnings to the finish line, fighting to lead the way for a better tomorrow.
• The more women seated at the table, the more women leading on all issues.
• Now, she is the first African American woman to lead the L.A.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:37.360> the status for more than a year leading the status for more than a year leading
• /c><00:31:26.480> sort<00:31:26.720> of<00:31:26.880> issues you lead it leads to
• the sort of issues you lead it leads to the sort of issues we're<00:31:27.880> experiencing<00
• They're leading the nation in their efforts. But Minnesotans know the truth.
• They're leading the nation in their efforts. But Minnesotans know the truth.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Lead Muller. I was alerted to the fact that there is a separate statute related to DOC.
• the drugs lead the drugs lead mhler<00:10:39.040> yeah<00:10:39.200> thank<00:10:39.360
• Thank you for that, Lead Mhler, as well as Commissioner Schell.
• Is there House nonpartisan that could clarify for Lead Mhler on that question? Mr.
• Chair, and thank you, Lead Mhler.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 327, which would increase penalties for introducing contraband into correctional facilities, especially drugs and other dangerous items sent through the mail or brought in by outside actors. Representative Ingan described the bill as a response to a sharp rise in violations and staff exposures in DOC facilities, arguing that stronger felony penalties are needed to deter people from sending in illicit substances. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the committee omnibus because it has a fiscal note. The committee adopted the DE1 author’s amendment after Representative Ingan explained it was intended to clarify language that could otherwise create a catch-22 for people arrested or booked into jail who already have contraband on them. Members then raised concerns about the breadth of the bill, including overlap with an existing DOC statute and the possibility that the language could sweep in incarcerated people in situations involving prescription medication or minor exchanges. House nonpartisan staff and members suggested the DOC provisions should be reconciled with existing law before moving forward, and some suggested narrowing the bill to focus more specifically on jails. Sheriff Brad Wise of the Minnesota Sheriffs Association testified in support, saying contraband in jails threatens staff, inmates, visitors, and administrators and that current penalties are not enough to deter smuggling. Commissioner Paul Schell of Corrections also testified, noting that DOC already has a separate statute with a higher felony penalty for certain contraband, described the department’s mail-scanning contractor process, and said it has reduced suspected drug incidents by about two-thirds. An A2 amendment tied to medication intake practices was offered by Representative Curran but then withdrawn after discussion, with members agreeing the issue of medication access in facilities should be handled separately.

Transcript Highlights:

• student no matter their starting point has access to clear affordable and accelerate pathways that lead
• One that leads to meaningful employment and helps Floridians bill lasting careers right here at home,
• serve as gateways to employment, equipping students with the skills and industry certifications that lead
• In earning industry credential that leads directly to Employment.
• Now there we have several different programs that lead to that information.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Douglas Lei is their recovery lead, which is a separate unit.
• Uh, but John Smith leads the office of recovery as a product of the Maui wildfires.
• Sullivan leads the resiliency unit.
• Sullivan leads the resiliency unit.
• My apologies. leads the resiliency unit. And similar leads the resiliency unit.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions, beginning with STR 51, which asks the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to convene a working group to evaluate creating and placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. Testimony from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Governor’s Recovery and Resiliency Unit supported the measure but suggested changing the working group membership so each county mayor, or designee, could appoint the representative instead of naming county civil defense administrators. Members questioned whether any county had requested that change, and the testifier said it was a recommendation based on their experience, not county consultation. The committee also heard STR 40, urging the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to focus more on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, but there was no one present to testify. STR 65, on finalizing a contract for the new Aloha Stadium and advancing the stadium entertainment district, received support from the Stadium Authority, DAGS, and Aloha Stadium District Partners, all saying they were already working hard on the project. STR 78 SD1, encouraging the East-West Center to expand international engagement, was supported by the East-West Center. STR 30, asking the commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to allow use of restricted vacant land on the Pearl City Peninsula for youth ball programs, drew strong support from the Pearl City Neighborhood Board, which described a shortage of ball fields and said the site would be well suited for recreation. The committee then heard STR 24 SD1, urging the U.S. Department of Defense to keep references to the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team on its websites; multiple veterans and advocacy groups testified in support. STR 195 and STR 196, supporting broader relationships with Sweden and Norway, respectively, had limited or no testimony. After recessing briefly for decision-making, the committee voted to adopt all of the measures as introduced, without amendments, with members voting in favor and some members excused on certain votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the report also evaluated lead solder and key fobs and found that lead-free alternatives are
• key fobs and found that uh lead free key fobs and found that uh lead free alternatives<01:18:58.239
• some lead free alternatives that exist. some lead free alternatives that exist.
• writing instruments from their lead writing instruments from their lead limitations.<01:32:03.600
• Lead is rarely used in artist paints and pigments, and with very few exceptions, the lead content

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And our current academic innovation leads are working to support successful integration into university
• And then we have approximately 300 seniors, CPI that at this light leads for their units.
• The department transitions oversight to lead agency.
• Currently the department manages 18 contracts with 15 lead agency statewide.
• The lead agencies, AHCA managed care plans, managing entities and sit providers.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:04:03.599> administrators, charter literacy leads, administrators, charter literacy leads
• screening assessment is a leading screening assessment is a leading indicator<00:15:50.880> for
• a grassroots group of literacy leads a grassroots group of literacy leads from<00:41:38.319>
• , like a literacy lead in district.
• district lo or district literacy lead. district lo or district literacy lead.

Bills: HF3421

Keywords: early literacy, reading instruction, teacher preparation, teacher candidates, teacher licensure, educator licensing, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, field experience, supervised practicum, evidence-based reading, science of reading, literacy methods, teacher training, preservice teachers, school-based experience, reading intervention, Minnesota education policy, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And as we know, California is home to a growing and leading alternative protein sector, from research
• So all of this leads us to the economic opportunity for alternative proteins.
• How do we train the next generation to be able to lead sustainable future food systems?
• It's the scientists that are the ones that are really going to lead us.
• The ones that are really going to lead us.

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its second informational hearing at UCLA, focusing on California’s alternative protein sector and the role of public institutions in expanding plant-based, fermentation, and cultivated protein options. Chair Ash Kalra opened by highlighting prior state investments in UC research centers, the importance of student engagement, and the hearing’s three panels: reducing the carbon footprint of institutional meals, addressing market challenges to scaling alternative proteins, and advancing future food research and workforce development. Assemblymember Isaac Bryan also briefly praised the committee’s work and its relevance to climate and health goals. The first panel featured Friends of the Earth, UCLA Dining, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Megan Jones described California school food efforts, including technical assistance and microgrants that helped districts expand plant-based meals, reduce water and carbon footprints, and improve student satisfaction. Pete Angelese explained how UCLA Dining uses concept-driven venues, sustainable purchasing, and marketing nudges to increase plant-forward choices, while Dr. Michelle Wood outlined Los Angeles County’s 2024–2025 board motions to expand plant-based options in county food venues and programs, including joining the World Resources Institute’s Cool Food Pledge. Committee members asked about costs, procurement, and how student and consumer behavior can be influenced. The second panel addressed market barriers to scaling alternative proteins. Zach Weston and Daniel Gertner emphasized that the sector faces a cost-and-scale trap, high capital needs, and financing gaps, and they recommended grants, tax credits, loan guarantees, procurement commitments, and workforce development. T.K. Pillen of Beyond Meat argued that the category has faced a recent downturn due to consumer skepticism, industry attacks on “fake meat,” and pricing pressures, and said the key to renewed growth is increasing demand through better taste, health, pricing, and messaging around “plant protein.” Panelists also discussed hidden subsidies and structural advantages for conventional animal agriculture, and committee members raised questions about iBank loan guarantees and supply chain challenges. The final panel highlighted UCLA’s research and training efforts. Dr. Amy Roet described the Future Food Fellows program, which trains students across disciplines in science, communication, leadership, and community-building, and supports research on scalable, safe, and nutritious alternative proteins. Corinne Smith shared her cultivated meat research and student leadership in the Alternative Proteins Project at UCLA. Dr. Janet Tomiyama presented consumer psychology findings showing that disgust, gender norms, and terminology strongly affect acceptance, with “plant protein” and “complementary proteins” testing better than “fake meat.” The hearing concluded with support for continued public investment, clearer messaging, and expanded education and workforce pipelines to help California remain a leader in alternative protein innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:06:10.560> up<00:06:10.720> to<00:06:10.880> this leading up to this leading
• And I would like to see this state lead and continue to be that Northstar state.
• And I would like to see this state lead and continue to be that Northstar state.
• , and leading means lifting this moratorium today.
• In fact, many of the states that are leading on this way are either blue, purple, red.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Diane Buterak, and I lead Ecology's Clean Energy Coordination section.
• That is something that depends on who the lead agency is and who's doing the permits.
• So typically for these, the lead agency is going to be a local agency, so a city or a county, and so
• That is something that depends on who the lead agency is and who's doing the permits.
• You know, the SEPA lead agency is the one making decisions. That is the local entity.

Summary: The committee held a work session on state environmental policy act (SEPA) implementation and carryout bags. Ecology staff Diane Buterak described the Clean Energy Programmatic Environmental Impact Statements (PEISs) completed for utility-scale solar, onshore wind, and green hydrogen, plus a new PEIS underway for sustainable aviation fuel. She explained that PEISs provide broad planning-level analysis to help developers and agencies avoid or mitigate impacts, but do not replace project-level review. Members asked about permitting timelines, greenhouse gas emissions from different hydrogen production methods, water use, agricultural land conversion, battery fire risk, and tribal consultation. Buterak said the PEISs identify potentially significant impacts and mitigation measures, including fire response planning, early tribal outreach, and agrovoltaics as an option for solar projects. EFSEC’s Amy Hofkimer then presented the transmission-facility programmatic EIS required by SB 5165 for 230 kV and higher transmission projects. She said the statewide review covers new lines and certain upgrades/modifications, analyzes impacts to water, cultural and tribal resources, habitat, and other areas, and uses general measures, design considerations, avoidance criteria, and sensitivity maps to guide siting and corridor planning. She said the final document would be issued in early October. Questions focused on reconductoring, tribal lands, scenic areas, and whether the review could affect existing lines crossing tribal lands. A Grant County planning director, Jim Anderson Cook, said Ecology’s PEIS would help with cumulative impacts for clustered solar projects, but noted tight local review timelines and the need for strong pre-application coordination, especially on cultural resource studies and decommissioning plans. Yakama Nation attorney Shona Leverett argued SEPA is only an assessment tool and said tribes face barriers from short comment periods, limited confidential tribal input, weak cumulative impact analysis, and challenges in the FSEC process; she urged better upfront developer diligence and more effective tribal coordination. Puget Sound Energy’s Sarah Leverett said the utility needs efficient and predictable permitting to meet clean energy mandates while maintaining reliable service and aging infrastructure. She described the scale of needed clean energy and transmission buildout, including a 10-year process for the Energize Eastside transmission rebuild, and said more consistent SEPA and PEIS processes could help. Members asked about future generation sources, reliability, and hydropower as a firming resource; she said PSE is pursuing an “all of the above” approach and would welcome more firm, dispatchable clean energy options. The committee then shifted to carryout bags. Staff Jacob Lipson and Tracy Taylor reviewed Washington’s bag law, its preemption of local ordinances, the current 8-cent charge, the scheduled increase to 12 cents, and the 2025 change delaying the 4-mil thickness requirement until 2028 while adding a temporary 4-cent penalty for thicker bags. Ecology’s Peter Lyon said the agency emphasizes education and complaint-based enforcement, has received 872 reports, and has not yet imposed any fines. Commerce’s Kirk Esmond summarized a WSU study finding fewer plastic bags distributed but more plastic by weight, and said Commerce and Ecology support keeping the 2.25-mil standard and not allowing thinner single-use bags again. Retail industry testimony from Brandon Housekeeper said grocers comply with the law but oppose the added 4-cent penalty and thicker-bag requirement, citing higher costs and confusion in the policy changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, evolving but also happily leading the way. Okay, thank you.
• Another system solution the health councils are leading.
• They will serve as the community lead, bringing individuals together.
• So that's what the health council has been leading there.
• That's where the medical alert program that they are leading, the health council is leading in Katron

Transcript Highlights:

• I just think it's an opportunity for us to lead in the Senate.
• decorum of the Senate, but I feel like there's a bigger responsibility there, and that is to help lead
• in the Senate um the for us to lead in the Senate um the Senate<00:02:40.000> has<00:02:40.159
• conversations that ultimately will lead conversations that ultimately will lead to<00:02:59.120>
• I just think it's an opportunity for us to lead in the Senate.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senator Jeremy Miller discussed the Minnesota Senate’s new power-sharing arrangement with DFL Senator Bobby Joe Champion, describing it as a historic opportunity to restore cooperation after what he said were difficult and trust-losing last sessions. He said co-presiding officers should not slow progress, argued that the Senate has a tradition of respectful dialogue, and said his goal is to help rebuild relationships and focus on what is best for Minnesotans rather than partisan interests. Miller said he has heard positive feedback from constituents and emphasized that Minnesota is a “purple state” that expects balance and collaboration. He also said the legislature should address a looming budget deficit by reining in spending, reviewing the budget line by line, and targeting waste, fraud, and abuse, which he said could help create room for tax relief. He framed his legacy goal as cooperation and working together across party lines, saying he and Champion were entrusted by colleagues to lead in the best interest of the Senate and the state. No votes or formal legislative actions were taken in the interview.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any lead witnesses?
• Anyone that would like to speak as lead opposition, please come to the table.
• We will have two witnesses to speak in lead opposition.
• Lead is pretty simple, and I agree there's no safe level of lead for our children.
• Lead is pretty simple, and I agree there's no safe level of lead for our children.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Which leads me to ask were Americans.
• can lead to shortages and inflation. can lead to shortages and inflation.
• America intends to lead. We will lead. We will build, not just consume.
• America intends to lead. We will alike. America intends to lead.
• lead. We will build, not just consume. lead. We will build, not just consume.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 23, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• California has the resources to lead.
• Do we have any lead witnesses in opposition to the bill?
• Lead opposition witness? Me too. Okay. No other lead opposition witnesses.
• To our lead witness, please come to the microphone.
• Seeing no others, do we have any lead...

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lead Clerk, can't do that. Representative Ston, would you like to move the minutes?
• Uh, just by way of getting us prepared for what we're going to be doing today, Lead Clevel and I had
• Thank you, Lead Clerk. Um, I just want to say thank you.
• Lead Clor, let's suspend with the interruptions.
• <00:26:06.360> to of the system will continue to lead to of the system will continue to lead

Bills: HF1, HF1754, HF1809, HF1478

Keywords: Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud