Video & Transcript Research : 'levy'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Floor debate on automatically returning future budget surpluses to taxpayers 3/17/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Levies have become supplemental.
- of like the batter in the cake and Levy of like the batter in the cake and Levy school<00:41:34.000
- <00:43:45.480>
it it could be the local option Levy it it could be the local option Levy it - <00:44:05.119>
increased the local property levies increased the local property levies increased - <01:02:30.480>
shift the 9010 shift and then a levy shift the 9010 shift and then a levy shift
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 4/15/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:29:57.360>
that authorities levy property taxes that authorities levy property taxes that - Um and these entities do have a property levy.
- Um and these entities do have a property levy.
- It depends on do have a property levy.
- Uh so the aggregation of all levy funds.
Bills:
HF4693
Keywords:
transportation, license plates, validation stickers, replacement fees, government fees, 1183, house
Summary:
The Transportation Finance and Policy Committee approved the April 13, 2026 minutes and then heard a presentation from Charles Carlson of Metropolitan Transportation Services on regional transit governance and finance in the Twin Cities area. Carlson reviewed the history of transit governance from private streetcars and buses to public control, including the creation of the Met Council and Metropolitan Transit Commission in 1967, later fragmentation through suburban opt-outs and the Regional Transit Board, and the 1994 consolidation that made Metro Transit part of the Met Council. He also explained the role of the Transportation Advisory Board as a state-created advisory body to the council’s federally designated MPO function, and noted that any major structural change to the Met Council could trigger federal redesignation requirements.
The presentation then focused on funding changes over time. Carlson said transit was long supported by fares, property taxes, and federal aid, but that property taxes for operations were prohibited in 2001, federal operating assistance ended, and the state shifted to general fund support and then motor vehicle sales tax revenue. He described the 2006 constitutional dedication of motor vehicle sales tax, the volatility of that revenue during the Great Recession, and the use of one-time state appropriations and later federal COVID relief to cover operating gaps. He said the 2023 legislature created the regional 3/4-cent transportation sales tax to stabilize transit operations, reduced the state’s rail operating obligation, and moved Metro Mobility/Metro Move into a state forecast-based program effective in 2025.
Members asked several questions about the structure of suburban “opt-out” providers, including Maple Grove and Plymouth, and how they can contract with Metro Transit or private providers while still retaining control of their allocated funds. Carlson explained that replacement service municipalities receive statutory and formula allocations and choose how to use them. He also described Metro Move as a waiver-based service begun in 2024 that uses human services and Medicaid funds to reduce pressure on the state general fund. Later discussion covered ridership and service shares, with Metro Council providing the vast majority of regional transit service and suburban providers accounting for a small share. No votes or bill actions were taken beyond adoption of the minutes; the chair indicated a bill would be taken up later in the meeting.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Our current debt levy is roughly $120 million per year.
- Our current debt levy is roughly $120 million per year.
- Our current debt levy is roughly $120 million per year.
- Our current debt levy is roughly $120 million per year.
- Our current debt levy is roughly $120 million per year.
Keywords:
Hennepin County, sales tax, health care facilities, ballpark improvements, tax revenue, HF4234, Minnesota private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, bond cap, aggregate bond limitation, residential rental projects, multifamily housing, affordable housing finance, housing bonds, public finance, bond allocation, private activity bond cap, Minnesota Statutes 474A.02, tax committee, tax refund
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Gov. Tim Walz's tax bill, HF2437, heard in House Taxes Committee 4/2/25
Transcript Highlights:
- It was not in the tax portion of this, and it deals with the air U airport fund levy.
- this levy kind of moves up or down depending on how the other three revenue sources come in.
- It was not in the tax portion of this, and it deals with the airport fund levy.
- Their entire levy is $7 million.
- , the counties levied $4.2 billion, so that $173 million would be about 4.1% levy.
Summary:
The committee took up House File 2437, the governor’s proposed tax bill, and first adopted the A25-Z42 amendment to put the bill in the desired shape. Commissioner Paul Marquardt of the Department of Revenue then presented the bill as part of Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan’s budget, describing it as a response to budget pressures that would make the tax system more fair and stable while supporting economic development and jobs.
Marquardt walked through the bill’s major provisions. These included sustainable aviation fuel policy, repeal of K-12 education credit assignment, elimination of the political contribution refund, expansion of the research and development credit, short-line railroad infrastructure modernization, changes to the state airport fund levy, replacement of attachments and appearances with distribution systems, a narrow personal property tax exception for low-income housing tenants, reduced aquatic invasive species aid, and a 34% reduction in PILT payments. He then focused on the sales tax article, saying it would lower the statewide rate by 0.75% while expanding the base to selected professional services such as accounting, banking, brokerage, and legal services, with business-to-business transactions exempt. He said the proposal would be effective for sales and purchases after September 30, 2025, and estimated a first-year rate-cut impact of about $99 million versus $215 million from the service expansion, while arguing that most households would see a net tax cut. He also noted other changes such as landlord penalty adjustments, a 30% reduction in sustainable aviation fuel incentive payments, repeal of local government cannabis aid, and repeal of the tax filing modernization account.
Public testimony began with Kyle Playford of the Financial Planning Association of Minnesota, who strongly opposed the proposed sales tax on professional services, especially financial planning. He argued that financial planning is an essential service for retirement, investment, and long-term financial security, and said the tax would raise costs for consumers, reduce access for middle-class families, small business owners, and retirees, and put Minnesota firms at a competitive disadvantage. The chair then indicated that additional public testimony would continue before member questions.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations - Government Operations Division Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:30 am
Appropriations - Government Operations Division
Transcript Highlights:
- Maybe we'll just have Levi walk through it and we'll just, if anyone objects or says that's not the way
- But if Levi, if you would just present the amendments to us. Yep, Mr.
- Chairman and members of the committee, if you all turn to page... ...I asked Levi if he would.
- Stephanie or Levi can work on, or can you stay for these? Okay, 1143? It's the point.
- They update that every week, Levi? Well, maybe, Mr.
Bills:
SB2012
Summary:
The Government Operations Division met to continue work on budget and bill amendments. The committee first took up the Attorney General’s budget and reviewed a detailed amendment package that adjusted FTE levels, salary equity funding, funding sources, and several one-time appropriations. Changes included removing some House-added items, adding contingent funding tied to other bills, restoring certain funding sources, increasing the electronic smoking device manufacturer fee, and adding a provision on 24/7 sobriety program fees. Senator Dwyer then offered a further amendment to make the electronic smoking device fee a $2,000 application fee with a $500 annual renewal fee, which passed. The committee then voted 4-1 to adopt the budget as amended and give it a do pass recommendation as amended.
The committee next considered House Bill 1143, relating to Great Plains Food Bank funding. After testimony from Amy Cleary on behalf of Great Plains Food Bank, members discussed the organization’s statewide role and the project’s financing, including a planned $30 million facility and existing fundraising. Senator Burkhard moved to restore the appropriation from $5 million to $10 million, and the motion passed 4-1. The committee then voted 4-1 to give the bill a do pass recommendation as amended, with Senator Burkhard designated as carrier.
Finally, the committee discussed House Bill 1524, which would fund regional planning councils and authorize 16 FTEs. Members expressed sympathy for the councils’ work but concerns about approving new state-funded positions. No action was taken, and the chair asked to hold the bill over for further review. The committee then recessed, noting remaining budget work and upcoming hearings.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- There would also be a $40 million reduction in the levy going forward because of the timing of the levy
- And again, the payable 26 levy, which is for fiscal year 27 that we're going to be doing this summer,
- will also then have a cleanup payment for fiscal year 27, as we're doing those adjustments on the levy
- The levy is slower to action than our state aid, so we need to take the time to do that adjustment on
- this upcoming levy.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 20, 2025 - 11:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Sixty-five of the 67 counties in Florida do levy some sort of local option sales tax.
- Forty-eight specific levies would be needed to go back to the ballot before the 2025 deadline.
- Sixty-five of the 67 counties in Florida do levy some sort of local option sales tax.
- Our small counties are authorized to levy a small county surtax.
- Thirty of our 31 counties levy that. It generates $211 million for our small counties.
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee met on March 20, 2025, and first approved HB 4025, creating the Duke Farm Stewardship District in Lee County, on a 17-0 vote. The committee then advanced HJR 1215, which proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt agricultural tangible personal property from property tax, after extended debate about the fiscal impact on counties, especially rural and fiscally constrained ones; it passed 16-1. HB 411 also passed unanimously after an amendment, extending affordable housing tax exemption treatment to certain nonprofit projects on leased land, including Habitat for Humanity projects. The committee likewise approved CS/HB 669, allowing local governments to purchase certain unrated bonds, and CS/HB 4017, codifying the Vermont Drainage District charter in Charlotte County, both without opposition.
The committee also approved HJR 1039, which would let the Legislature prevent assessed-value increases for homestead properties that are improved to mitigate flood damage, and the related implementing bill HB 1041; both passed 17-0. Public testimony on these items included some opposition to the flood-related amendment, but no floor debate changed the outcome. The final major item was CS/HB 1221 by Rep. Miller, which would require local option taxes to be renewed by voter referendum every eight years, with longer terms allowed for bonded projects. That bill drew the most extensive testimony and debate, with counties, tourism groups, and local officials warning about impacts on tourism funding, infrastructure, schools, and public safety, while supporters argued for taxpayer accountability and periodic review. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably on a 13-4 vote.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency Jun 30th, 2026
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- Ask the Levi to take the roll. Chairman Toman, here. Representative Bosch, Weisz, here.
- I think we were going to toss it over to Levi first, correct? Yeah, Mr.
- Levi, can we back up?
- Normally in procurement, it is, just as Levi said, what is the scope of the procurement.
- Levi, I believe we're trying to figure out we should come.
Summary:
The task force first approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, including a correction removing language that suggested the auditor’s office would contract with a security vendor. Members then moved to a bill draft on concessions (LC 27.0161.00000), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, clarify that proceeds go to the entity’s operating fund or general fund, and make other technical updates. OMB explained the draft and answered questions about scope, fragmentation, vendor restrictions, school districts, and whether concession proceeds could be directed to nonprofits; OMB said the draft could be refined further, including clarifying covered entities and contract length. No vote was taken on the draft during the discussion.
OMB also reported on other survey items. It said a proposal to broadly allow agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering/land surveying vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is working well for the agencies that already have it. On legal notices, OMB said it has been working with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernization, including an ADA-compliant online notice system and possible statutory updates to reflect changing technology and notice definitions. On click-through agreements for routine IT purchases, OMB and the Attorney General’s office said policy clarification—not statutory change—was enough, and the $20,000 threshold was intended to distinguish low-dollar adhesive contracts from purchases where terms can be negotiated.
The committee also heard that OMB and the Center for Distance Education had resolved questions about alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures through existing policy, so no statutory changes were needed there. North Dakota University System representatives gave a brief update on ongoing collaboration with OMB on statutory efficiency ideas, including concessions and surplus property. Finally, the task force discussed a draft on requirements for new or expanded spending programs, which would require agencies to identify purpose, expected benefits, alternatives, success measures, and full implementation costs, and would require reporting on outcomes over time. Members debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how to use the new program evaluators, whether real-time dashboards should be used, and how to choose which programs to evaluate; staff from Legislative Council said they would work with OMB and the auditor’s office to revise the draft and process.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, so for example, the common goals of HCR 182 and HCR 83 is to focus financing on levy tariffs so the
- Um, so for example, the common goals of HCR 182 and HCR 83 is to focus financing on levy tariffs so the
- Um, so for example, the common goals of HCR 182 and HCR 83 is to focus financing on levy tariffs so the
- 03:45.519>
on 182 and HCR83 is to focus financing on 182 and HCR83 is to focus financing on levy - tariffs so the rich and the levy tariffs so the rich and the foreigners<00:03:48.000>
and <00:
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on three resolutions: HCR 61, HCR 182, and HCR 183. Testimony on all three was generally supportive, with support noted from the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, ACLU, Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Renewables Fuels Coalition, the University of Hawaii, and CARES. Angela Melody Young testified in strong support on behalf of CARES on multiple items, urging consideration of county processes, financing structures, and the need for procedures free from partisan influence. For HCR 183, the University of Hawaii said it stood on its written testimony and was available for questions.
The discussion focused less on opposition and more on suggested policy considerations. Testimony on HCR 61 raised questions about how physical notes or related procedures should be administered and whether the process should be housed in a nonpartisan office. On HCR 182 and HCR 183, testimony emphasized coordinating state and county financing and planning, including references to property tax classifications, general obligation bonds, and long-term statewide projects such as Aloha Stadium.
At the close of the hearing, the chair recommended taking all three resolutions together. The committee voted to pass HCR 61, HCR 182, and HCR 183 unamended, with all voting members present voting aye and two senators excused. The resolutions were adopted.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 27, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- With that done, there are no penalties that are levied.
- With that done, there are no penalties that are levied.
- With that done, there are no penalties that are levied.
- With that done, there are no penalties that are levied.
- With that done, there are no penalties that are levied.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Cmte on Rules - Subcommittee on the Federal Impact on Minnesotans and Economic Stability - 09/25/25
Transcript Highlights:
- We just did that a preliminary levy.
- context uh is equal to a 5% levy context uh is equal to a 5% levy increase<01:18:35.840>
all< - focused on SNAP, remember that the levy focused on SNAP, remember that the levy has<01:19:11.840
- Carver County is accounting for this increase with a levy increase that they're calling the mandate levy
- um the county is uh has set a max levy um the county is uh has set a max levy of<01:26:42.480>
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Sub. on Primary & Secondary Education & Workforce Development (2-10-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently all 171 districts in the Commonwealth have levied the initial building fund nickel that was
- But this past summer and fall, we were able to levy a building fund nickel.
- tax levies will be equalized. So, Dr. tax levies will be equalized. So, Dr.
- <00:47:57.440>
additional those districts had levied additional those districts had levied - a building fund we were able to levy a building fund nickel.<00:48:39.280>
Finally, nickel.
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development met for an information-gathering session and opened by clarifying that the subcommittee would not be voting on budget requests. Because there was no quorum at first, the committee did not take up approval amendments. The first presentation focused on a budget request to incentivize national certification for school social workers and school psychologists. Rep. Vanessa Gracal, along with Amy Oats and Leslie Gilpin, argued for a $500,000 annual appropriation to provide $2,000 salary supplements to nationally certified school social workers and school psychologists working primarily in their certification areas. They said the stipend would help recruit and retain professionals amid shortages, noted that current Kentucky certification numbers are low, and explained the rigorous certification and renewal requirements. In response to questions, they said there is currently no appropriation for this purpose in HB 500 and none they were aware of in HB 6 in 2024.
The next topic was school facility funding needs, led by Rep. Bob McCool, Johnson County Superintendent Tom Cochran, Commissioner of Education Robert Fletcher, and other district representatives. They described the “gap funding” issue for school construction projects that had already started before COVID-era inflation sharply increased costs. Johnson County and Harrison County were highlighted as examples of districts that had already committed local funds, passed nickel taxes, and begun construction but now need additional state support to finish projects. Speakers emphasized that many projects were audited and approved, that the state has already funded about half of the gap, and that roughly $130 million more is being sought in HB 500 to complete the remaining work. They stressed that unfinished projects would leave districts with half-built schools and that completing them would bring long-term savings and better facilities for students.
The committee then turned to testimony from KASA representatives on the impacts of HB 500 as introduced. The witnesses discussed the importance of school psychology and school social work certification, the benefits of advanced training for student services, and the need to recognize and support highly qualified staff. A member asked whether HB 500 or HB 6 included an appropriation for the certification stipend, and the witnesses answered no. The meeting also included a motion to approve the minutes from the prior meeting once a quorum was present, and the minutes were approved by voice vote.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- or operational expenses for the school districts are levied on the primary... ...levies or operational
- expenses for the school districts are levied on the primary.
- So levies for what we call liabilities in excess or adjacent ways levies, there is no payment made by
- They do have different levies and different numbers of property owners within them, so there will be
- As of now, the variance among the valuations—the current statute allows for a levy of up to $1.20 per
Keywords:
savings and loan, technical correction, Arizona Revised Statutes, financial institutions, prohibitions, GPLET, abatement, tax incentives, local government, property improvement, central business district, insurance, settlement demands, time limits, third-party claims, regulatory compliance, initiative, referendum, ballot measures, petition circulators
Summary:
The committee first approved the February 2, 2026 minutes and held Senate Bill 1090. It then heard Senate Bill 1503, which would require pension fiduciaries and proxy advisory firms to act solely in the economic interest of plan participants and beneficiaries, prohibit ESG- or ideology-based voting, require disclosures and economic analyses in certain cases, and authorize attorney general enforcement. The sponsor said the bill was meant to protect investors and align with federal action. Testimony was mixed: a policy witness supported the bill, while representatives of ASRS and PSPRS said they were neutral but raised concerns about added costs, operational burdens, reporting requirements, possible conflicts with existing fiduciary duties, and increased litigation risk. After debate, the committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1503 a do-pass recommendation.
The committee then considered Senate Bill 1293, which would prohibit GPLET school-district revenues from being abated during the eight-year abatement period. Supporters argued the bill would protect school funding and reduce state aid backfill costs, and a Goldwater Institute witness said it would also reduce gift-clause concerns by limiting subsidies that shift costs to other taxpayers. City and economic development representatives from Phoenix, Mesa, and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council opposed the bill, saying GPLET is an important redevelopment tool that helps finance projects in urban cores and that the change would reduce its effectiveness and slow revitalization. The committee adopted an amendment and then passed SB 1293 on a 4-3 vote.
Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 1414, which gives insurers 30 days to review and respond to third-party settlement demands in bodily injury claims. Insurance representatives supported the bill as a commercially reasonable timeframe, while the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association opposed it, arguing that 30 days would become a minimum and could delay settlements for injured claimants; members discussed a possible 15-day compromise. The committee passed SB 1414 by a 5-2 vote. It also passed Senate Bill 1633, which creates an income tax subtraction for capital gains from the sale of a primary residence after a five-year residency; opponents warned it would mainly benefit wealthy homeowners and cost the state tens of millions annually, while the sponsor said it could help housing turnover. Finally, the committee passed SB 1429, as amended, allowing Senate and House leaders to designate board members for the Arizona Commerce Authority, SB 1536, which lets municipalities consolidate multiple street-light improvement districts, and heard SB 1724, which clarifies when property splits or consolidations trigger a limited property value recalculation to prevent tax-base manipulation.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- going to cost before we offset the levy. going to cost before we offset the levy.
- Um I some districts have said, the levy.
- But the districts that levy authority."
- And if enough time passing levies now."
- <01:14:57.199>
to where um people will not pass levies to where um people will not pass levies
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- for the local school district levies for the local school district where<00:36:01.599>
those < - because all of to pass an operating levy because all of the<00:36:17.280>
costs <00:36:17.760> - So they pay the referendum levies in their own school districts where they can vote.
- Um so they pay the referendum um levies Um so they pay the referendum um levies in<00:39:28.320>
- Next bill on our agenda is Senate File 2944. levies by levies by $533,000<00:42:54.560>
and $533,000
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, so, uh, as a quick reminder, on Tuesday we went through how to read the state aid and levy tracking
- for that 20% on average that comes from the levies.
- for that 20% on average that comes from the levies.
- >
so average that comes from the levies so average that comes from the levies so we're<00:02:02.399 - state telling the district to Levy state telling the district to Levy others<00:20:50.200>
are
Summary:
The committee first approved the January 21st minutes by voice vote. Members then resumed a school finance overview focused on how Minnesota’s “base” budgeting system works and how future committee targets are set above or below that base by the Ways and Means chair, in consultation with fiscal staff. Staff emphasized that school funding decisions are tied to the state budget base and that changes made by the tax committee can affect school levies and school finance more broadly.
The presentation then turned to property tax fundamentals. Staff explained that roughly 65% of school district revenue comes from state aid and about 20% from property taxes, with property tax revenue applying to school districts rather than charter schools. They reviewed the two main school tax bases—referendum market value and adjusted net tax capacity—along with class rates, sales ratios, and equalization. They also described tax credits, especially the school building bond agricultural credit, which helps reduce the property tax burden on agricultural land in Greater Minnesota.
Members discussed student choice programs and how funding follows students. In response to questions from Representative Quam, staff explained postsecondary enrollment options (including direct enrollment and College in the Schools) and online learning, noting that funding generally follows the student to the serving institution or district. Staff also reviewed Minnesota’s pupil-counting system, including average daily membership and pupil weighting, and explained that students attending charter schools, other districts through open enrollment, or online programs are counted where they are served.
The presentation concluded with broader school finance context: funding sources, equity and adequacy goals, constitutional and statutory authority, and the state’s school data systems (EUP/FARS, MARS, and STARS). Staff also began reviewing long-term enrollment trends, noting the impact of the baby boom, later growth from the mid-1980s through about 2000, and projected modest declines in public school enrollment through 2029.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, Representative Kempinick, we literally just completed the Mill Levy Report, which it would
- Some of the reasons that we denied school districts gap funding is they still levied their 60 mills.
- There is a provision that says you have to have levied 60 mills in the past.
- If previously you were only levying 40, the state wasn't going to provide that gap funding.
- They put that dollar amount in their certificate of levy as dollars.
NH
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy and Natural Resources Apr 3rd, 2025 at 08:30 am
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Members of the committee, for the record, Levi Andres with GA Group on behalf of power companies of North
- So, Levi, it's better for the utility companies, but it's not better for the landowners, if indeed there
- Any other questions for Levi? Why is up at the podium? Any other? Right, right. Okay. Thank you.
- Thank you, Levi. Committee, do we have anything else to discuss? Representative Olson. Mr.
- Thank you, Levi. Thank you. Committee, do we have anything else to discuss? Representative Olson.
Summary:
The subcommittee met on Senate Bill 2339 and worked from engrossed version 02001, which members said reflected an agreement between insurance companies and utility companies. Representative Olson moved to recommend that version to the full committee, and Representative Johnson seconded. Representative Conmy raised concerns about keeping strict liability in the bill but removing a rebuttable presumption provision on page 3, arguing it favored utilities and shifted burdens unfairly to landowners. Levi Andres, speaking for North Dakota power companies, opposed removing the language and said the bill was a negotiated, incremental step that still leaves the plaintiff with the burden of proof in court.
The discussion also clarified that the bill’s language was intended to codify negligence standards and encourage wildfire mitigation plans, with the utility side noting the Public Service Commission was not yet ready for a mandatory review-and-approval process. A technical correction was noted on page 4, line 2, changing “shall” to “may,” and members confirmed that change was already reflected in the version before them. The committee did not pursue additional amendments, including a proposed Mincota-related change, and voted unanimously to recommend the bill as presented. The motion passed 4-0, and the subcommittee adjourned.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations - Education and Environment Division Apr 2nd, 2025 at 02:30 pm
Appropriations - Education and Environment Division
Transcript Highlights:
- And we also had language, if I might correct Levi, if you can help me where it is, to say if they've
- Levi brought to my attention the last, was it Section 10?
- There's no disagreement on it, but Senator Meyer said we'll have Levi draft the amendments.
- And then Friday, hopefully we'll get Park out, and hopefully, and again, if we can't get it done, Levi
- And again, if you can't get it done, Levi, just let us know. We'll wait until Monday.
Summary:
The committee first returned to the A&E/Water Resources budget and walked through the bill section by section, agreeing to keep some routine items and remove or defer others. Members accepted Section 4 with language to allow additional Resources Trust Fund revenues and requested federal funds, while Sections 5, 6, 7, 10, and 17 were taken out for now. They also discussed Section 12’s Bank of North Dakota line of credit for the water infrastructure revolving loan fund, Section 14’s federal funding for the biotreatment plant, Section 20’s study language on water governance and finance, Section 22’s line-item transfer limits, and Section 23’s carryover language. Several members raised concerns about the size and flexibility of available funds, the need for a project stabilization fund, and whether some projects—especially Southwest water—should be studied again. No final votes were taken, and the chair said the committee would return to the budget later after more numbers were known.
The committee then moved to the Historical Society budget, where members reviewed a series of one-time funding changes. The $500,000 NAGPRA grant was removed from the budget because it is tied to separate legislation. For the military gallery expansion, the committee reduced SIF funding by $5 million and split another $4.2 million request between SIF and donations. The Medora area planning amount was reduced, local grants were reworked with matching requirements and a cap on awards, Fargo’s request was reduced, the Medora transportation improvement grant was removed, and the America’s 250th celebration funding was increased to $1 million. Members also discussed adding language giving the North Dakota National Guard military gallery primacy on signage and allowing the Adjutant General to manage content.
The chair and members indicated the Historical Society budget amendments would be drafted and brought back, with the goal of finishing them by Friday if possible. The committee also noted upcoming hearings on related bills, including 1603, and said the budget work would likely go to conference committee because several funding and matching issues remained unresolved. No formal votes were taken in this portion either, and the meeting adjourned with plans to reconvene the next day.