Video & Transcript Research : 'Potsdam Conference'

Page 90 of 327
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • [Music] I hereby call the conference committee on House File 2431 to order.
  • Uh, members of the conference committee, members of the public, we are back at it with a second offer
  • As our common theme on this conference committee, we're here because we really believe in transparency
  • Bruce, welcome to the Higher Education Conference Committee.
  • Higher Education Conference Committee.
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Taxes Committee 4/29/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • I know we're laying this over, but we'll be taking this into conference, um, where we have a whole other
  • I know we're laying this over, but we'll be taking this into conference, um, where we have a whole other
  • I know we're laying this over, but we'll be taking this into conference, um, where we have a whole other
  • I know we're laying this over, but we'll be taking this into conference, um, where we have a whole other
  • I know we're laying this over, but we'll be taking this into conference, um, where we have a whole other
Bills: HF1049
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Minnesota House passes SF2298, the housing finance bill 4/29/25

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • is I went to a bipartisan<00:12:47.519> housing<00:12:48.240> uh<00:12:48.480> conference
  • <00:12:49.360> uh<00:12:49.440> with bipartisan housing uh conference uh with bipartisan
  • housing uh conference uh with Senate<00:12:50.160> and<00:12:50.720> House<00:12:51.040
  • He says in a press conference when we started this that housing is a North Star issue and everyone deserves
  • <00:20:26.600> this<00:20:27.600> that conference when we started this that conference
Keywords: 1183, house
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Taxes - 01/23/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • It was part of the 2022 tax conference committee report, and it was also heard in our committee, uh,
  • It was part of the 2022 tax conference committee report, and it was also heard in our committee, uh,
  • It passed through this committee and survived the conference process, but it didn't pull through in the
  • process but it survived the conference process but it didn't<00:31:53.480> pull<00:31:53.679>
  • I do hope that we can get this as part of our conference committee report this year. Thank you.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
Summary: The committee first approved the prior day’s minutes, then heard Senate File 255, which would exempt American Legion and VFW buildings from property tax. The bill’s author and the American Legion Department of Minnesota testified that many posts are struggling financially, that the tax burden can threaten building ownership, and that the posts provide important community services such as charitable gambling support, youth sports, food insecurity assistance, suicide prevention training, and meeting space for veterans and local residents. Several members voiced support, and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion. The committee then took up Senate File 30, a proposal to allow Minnesota estate tax portability for married couples, so a deceased spouse’s unused $3 million exclusion could transfer to the surviving spouse, similar to federal law. The author said Minnesota is an outlier compared with other estate-tax states and that the bill would simplify planning and reduce tax burdens, especially for family farms and other illiquid assets. A CPA and a Minnesota Farm Bureau representative testified that the order of death should not determine tax liability and that portability would help keep family farms intact. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion. Next, the committee adopted an A1 amendment to Senate File 211 and heard the bill, which would create a Minnesota subtraction for Foreign Service pension income, treating it more like military pension income. The author said the change would cover a small number of retirees and would have a minimal fiscal impact, while the testifier described Foreign Service work and said the benefit would recognize their service. The bill, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 132, which would revise property tax language related to electric power systems by replacing references to attachments and impertinences with broader system-based language. The author said the bill would clarify tax treatment for power co-ops, restore the original intent of the law, and provide stability for Greater Minnesota, with an estimated property tax shift of a little over $700,000. Testimony was beginning when the transcript ended, and no vote on the bill was recorded in the excerpt.
MI

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session 26-07-02

Michigan Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Referred to the Conference Committee. The President recognizes Majority Floor Leader Singh.
  • define the powers and duties of the county boards and commissioners of the several counties and to confer
  • Madam Chair, that completes the specified items. several counties and to confer upon them certain local
Keywords: 983, senate, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Select Committee on Pension Policy Jun 16th, 2026 at 12:40 pm

Select Committee on Pension Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Peter just said, I think it'd be best for us to confer as organizations on this.
  • Chair, I think the groups will confer and get back to you.
  • Chair, I think the groups will confer and get back to you by the next meeting, if that seems appropriate
Keywords: 904, all
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Select Committee on Pension Policy Jun 16th, 2026

Select Committee on Pension Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • I think it'd be best for us to confer as organizations on this.
  • Chair, I think the groups will confer and get back to you.
  • Chair, I think the groups will confer and get back to you by the next meeting, if that seems appropriate
Summary: The executive committee approved the May minutes by roll call vote, then received an actuarial update from Sarah Baker of the State Actuary’s Office. Baker explained the office’s annual work, including the DRS pension actuarial evaluation, support for state financial reporting, cash flow analysis, a six-year pension contribution outlook, interim support for GIT and WAL CARES, and an upcoming actuarial evaluation of the volunteer firefighters pension plan. She also responded to questions about bills allowing members to transfer into PERS, noting that such transfers have historically increased PERS costs and that any added cost would be borne by PERS members and employers depending on bill structure and affected demographics. Kate Adams of the Attorney General’s office reported no new developments in the cases the committee is monitoring. She said the Dawson case is still in its early stages, with a judge assigned and a discovery plan due at the end of July. The committee asked for continued updates on that litigation. The committee then discussed interim work planning, focusing first on animal control officers’ eligibility for PERS and asking staff to continue researching definitions, comparable treatment in nearby states, and the cost and service-credit implications for affected employees. Members also discussed Plan 3 issues, including comparisons of Plan 2 and Plan 3 membership and data, and possible future briefing topics. The largest discussion centered on Plan 1 COLAs: members and retiree representatives debated whether to pursue a permanent COLA or an ad hoc COLA, and whether budget language should require future budget writers to consider a COLA. Retiree groups said they preferred a permanent COLA but were open to further discussion; staff was asked to continue work on possible language and policy options. The committee reviewed correspondence on four topics: Plan 1 COLA requests, a request to study LEOFF 2-style medical reimbursements for Washington State Patrol survivors, and a request to allow certain members to change survivor option elections after the federal Social Security Fairness Act. The committee agreed to bring the State Patrol medical reimbursement issue and the Social Security Fairness Act issue back for July, with staff to gather more information and provide an informational briefing. The July agenda was approved and includes the OSA annual update, the LEOFF 2 Board annual update, a PERS/TRS Plan 1 ad hoc COLA item, and the two survivor-related topics.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/16/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security

Military Affairs and Border Security

Transcript Highlights:
  • Going to conferences, as most of you know, you know, to...
  • Going to conferences, as most of you know, to put items on their resume, conferences cost $1,000 per
Summary: The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee approved the February 16, 2026 minutes and then heard several bills. HB 2416 would appropriate $20 million for DPS border support, including equipment, officer positions, and grants to local governments for border-related prosecutions and detention costs. Supporters, including the Arizona Sheriffs Association, said the funds are fully used each year and are largely spent on drug interdiction; opponents argued the bill’s immigration-related language could expand enforcement and that the money should instead go to health care, education, food assistance, or prevention programs. After debate, the committee passed HB 2416 on a 4-3 vote. The committee then considered HB 2806, which would require county recorders, ADOT, and AHCCCS to use the federal SAVE system and report citizenship-verification results to JLBC and the Auditor General. The sponsor was absent, and an ACLU representative testified in opposition, arguing SAVE is not appropriate for voter eligibility checks, could disenfranchise eligible citizens, and would likely cause litigation and administrative confusion. Members raised concerns about necessity, due process, and whether the state already verifies citizenship adequately, but the bill still received a do-pass recommendation on a 4-3 vote. HB 2663, a technical cleanup bill updating military leave language for state and local employees who are National Guard or Reserve members, drew no opposition and passed unanimously. HB 2759 would appropriate $500,000 to the Department of Veterans Services for grants tied to veterans programs at Yavapai County institutions; testimony described it as helping veterans with housing gaps, emergencies, and professional development while they wait for GI Bill payments. Several members questioned why it was limited to Yavapai County and whether private institutions should be included, with some viewing it as a pilot program and others wanting statewide expansion. It passed 4-3, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • In November, I had the privilege of attending a press conference with Governor DeSantis at a wonderful
  • In November, I had the privilege of attending a press conference with governor, to build on that momentum
  • In November, I had the privilege of attending a press conference with Governor DeSantis at a wonderful
Summary: The committee convened with a quorum, welcomed new member Senator Ralph Massullo, and first took up confirmation of five appointees to water management district and basin board positions. Senator McLean moved favorable confirmation of Ted Everett, Jerome Pate, Michael Romano, Paul Bissfam, John Hall, and Virginia Johns, and the motion passed by roll call. The main agenda item was the Governor’s Florida First budget presentation for the environmental agencies. Kim Kramer and DEP Secretary Alexis Lambert outlined proposed environmental funding of about $5.8 billion, including more than $1.4 billion for water resources, $810 million for Everglades restoration, $408 million for water quality, $202 million for Resilient Florida, $75 million for beach renourishment, $150 million for Florida Forever, $70 million for state park infrastructure, and $221 million for hazardous waste cleanup. They also highlighted proposed funding for FWC operations, manatee care, python removal, oyster reef restoration, forestry and wildfire equipment, and citrus research and disease response. Members asked about Florida Forever funding, state park wastewater and septic needs, a cut to the Florida Wildlife Research Institute, and how beach renourishment is handled after storms. The committee then heard the general government budget presentation. Agencies highlighted included DBPR, Gaming Control, the Lottery, DMS, PERC, DFS, OIR, and Revenue. DBPR discussed funding for license processing, an animal abuse hotline, vehicle replacement, and IT recruitment; Gaming Control requested new law enforcement squads and a licensing/enforcement IT system; the Lottery emphasized marketing, retail engagement, IT, and retention funding; DMS proposed building, fleet, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and local government grant investments; PERC described workload growth after SB 256 and requested staffing, operations, and pay increases; OIR sought more staff for consumer protection and market oversight plus building renovations; DFS highlighted My Safe Florida Home funding, fire marshal and first responder support, financial investigations, and gold and silver legal tender implementation; and Revenue requested operational, IT, and fiscally constrained county funding. Members questioned DBPR about unfunded HOA fraud and condo transparency items, DMS about cybersecurity grants, and DFS about My Safe Florida Home funding levels, abandoned grants, and reduced program uptake. No further action was taken, and the committee adjourned without additional votes.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • When she was at the Western Governors Conference in Santa Fe on Monday and Tuesday, did she say anything
  • Chairman, Representative Garrett, I don't think anyone from LESC attended the conference where the Education
  • and I didn't hear anything uh related to K-12 that she specifically spoke on at the conference.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Balancing the Budget – Majority Leader Erin Murphy Jun 16th, 2025

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • You know, since I've started serving in the legislature to now, the work of conference committees, the
  • Uh, in my early years, uh, I think the first conference committee I served on was the Freedom to Breathe
  • The working groups are informal, but they replicate a conference committee, not so much done in public
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part I) May 15th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • in a clinical setting, which is essential for patient safety, and request the appointment of a conference
  • Amendments to Senate Bill 2308 and request the appointment of a conference committee.
  • The following conferees: Conference Committee on Senate Bill 2308. Chair, Senator Parker.
Bills: HB11, HB12, HB21, HB26, HB30, HB33, HB37, HB45, HB210, HB303, HB630, HB879, HB1041, HB1188, HB1261, HB1318, HB1465, HB1535, HB1593, HB1778, HB2559, HB2596, HB2692, HB2703, HB2712, HB2742, HB2809, HB2890, HB3012, HB3526, HB5061, HB5092, HB5238, HCR92, SB203, SB317, SB393, SB397, SB644, SB731, SB801, SB867, SB913, SB1071, SB1073, SB1086, SB1087, SB1250, SB1310, SB1359, SB1444, SB1483, SB1705, SB1782, SB1861, SB1897, SB1944, SB2023, SB2043, SB2082, SB2133, SB2215, SB2309, SB2497, SB2532, SB2549, SB2566, SB2617, SB2639, SB2696, SB2717, SB2747, SB2751, SB2790, SB2797, SB2799, SB2841, SB2850, SB2857, SB2891, SB2919, SB2928, SB2994, SB3051, SJR34, SB529, SB541, SB693, SB963, SB1968, SB2308, SB2544, SB1173, SB1646, SB1734, SB1833, SB1, SB17, SB260, SB509, SB1506, SB1637, HB1393, HB2559, HB26, HB3012, HB1593, HB2607, HB3526, HB3810, HB388, HB879, HB12, HB2703, HB30, HB2712, HB2692, HB1633, HB1318, HB685, HB630, HB4753, HB2742, HB303, HB198, HB1535, HB762, HB148, HB1520, HB5061, HB2286, HB1606, HB1041, HB132, HB11, HB45, HB48, HB1261, HB1465, HB1778, HB2596, HB5238, HB33, HB1188, HB210, HB1022, HB1458, HB5560, HB1240, HB1950, HB2027, HB2768, HB2788, HB2791, HB3146, HB3698, HB3699, HB1893, HB3700, HB4850, HB4187, HB1397, HB4885, HB4804, HB3751, HB3611, HB2775, HB2061, HB2003, HB1729, HB1242, HB791, HB2029, HB647, HB2522, HB4738, HB3033, HB3594, HB3474, HB2563, HB2802, HCR90, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB128, SB2043, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB511, SB2309, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB2891, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB2994, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1861, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2799, SB2688, SB2522, SB2639, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2617, SB2928, SB2566, SB1897, SB1749, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1782, SB1705, SB2696, SB1944, SB2215, SB1232, SB2850, SB2969, SB2497, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB781, HB34, HB128, HB130, HB581, HB668, HB677, HB766, HB2259, HB2960, HB2358, HB2894, HB4384, HB2663, HB748, HB793, HB1193, HB1734, HB2340, HB2350, HB3104, HB5180, HB4739, HB1584, HB4344, HB4238, HB4219, HB3806, HB3805, HB3804, HB3803, HB3229, HB3228, HB1922, HB1522, HB431, HB3597, HB1612, HB4224, HB754, HB1314, HB2254, HB2789, HB3560, HB4643, HB1237, HCR98, SB3070, SB835, SB524, SB2233, SB2683
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Education Jan 27th, 2025

House Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • that the New Mexico School Board Association Holds every year at the New Mexico Board Institute Conference
  • It is a breakfast from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., and it's our pre-conference breakfast.
  • We have a conference for two days, and we'd like to honor you.
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York State Senate Session - 06/02/2026

New York Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our Republican Conference has had an anti-Semitism working Group that's proposed a number of pieces of
  • Investigation, and Government Operations Committee in Room 124. >> The Majority will then have conference
  • Madam President, the Republican Conference will meet at 5:45 in 315 of the Capitol Building. >> The Senate
  • Investigation, and Government Operations Committee in Room 124. >> The Majority will then have conference
  • CONFERENCE WILL MEET AT 5:45 IN 315 OF CAPITOL BUILDING.
Keywords: 993, senate, all
Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, and then processed a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate or Assembly versions for third reading. The chamber also adopted the resolution calendar with exceptions and took up several resolutions and ceremonial recognitions, including a resolution mourning Hudson Talbott, a Dairy Month resolution highlighting New York’s dairy industry, and introductions honoring Niskayuna academic teams, Gabriella Scheer for receiving the Liberty Medal, the Hartstein family’s civic engagement, and Diana Cochran’s advocacy for safe firearm storage. The Senate then moved through the calendar and passed many bills on topics including insurance, public health, education, labor, social services, banking, local government, veterans, public service, consumer protection, criminal procedure, cannabis, parks, taxation, election law, and highway matters. Several members explained votes on notable measures: support for acupuncture insurance coverage, consumer protections for doorbell-camera data sharing, expanded protections in debt collection cases, trauma-informed procedures for sexual assault survivors, a Legionnaires’ disease awareness program, changes to mandatory minimum sentencing, and universal safe storage of firearms. A number of home rule and local authorization bills were also approved, including parkland alienation measures and local tax exemption authorizations. Most measures passed with broad bipartisan support, though some drew recorded opposition. Notable roll calls included the consumer debt uniformity bill, the mandatory minimum sentencing bill, the safe storage/firearms bill, and the public housing and public health measures, each with more divided votes. The chamber also accepted a lengthy Rules Committee report sending many additional bills directly to third reading, and then began the supplemental calendar, passing at least the first items before the transcript ended.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 05/11/26

Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:
  • 500 additional administrative actions and then every 6 months, you know, potentially 500 status conferences
  • all for sensible due process, but having additional administrative actions, essentially status conferences
  • <00:14:31.920> And<00:14:32.520> we're uh status conferences.
  • And we're uh status conferences.
  • every 6 months on conferences every 6 months on investigations<00:14:50.839> with<00:14:50.960
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Finance - 04/28/26

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:25:21.440> do<00:25:21.600> a<00:25:21.840> press<00:25:22.080> conference
  • social media or do a press conference social media or do a press conference but<00:25:23.600>
  • And the day after the shooting, I was at a news conference in Minneapolis City Hall, and one woman standing
  • <01:09:56.080> there's<01:09:56.320> a<01:09:56.480> news<01:09:56.800> conference
  • <01:09:57.199> in at the there's a news conference in at the there's a news conference in
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Day 41 (3-6-26)

Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The, uh, my Democratic caucus will meet in the conference room across the hallway upon the first recess
  • The, uh, my Democratic caucus will meet in the conference room across the hallway upon the first recess
  • The, uh, my Democratic caucus will meet in the conference room across the hallway upon the first recess
  • The, uh, my Democratic caucus will meet in the conference room across the hallway upon the first recess
  • room to my the president's conference room to my right,<00:08:32.159> Mr.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received a message from the House announcing passage of House Bills 364, 534, 600, and 662 and requesting concurrence. The chamber then took up second-reading reports, placing several bills on the Rules Committee calendar, and briefly recessed for caucus meetings before returning to floor business. The first major floor action was Senate Bill 11, a residential safe room rebate program aimed at rural tornado preparedness. Supporters described it as a way to use FEMA or private funds to help homeowners build personal storm shelters that could also serve neighbors; one senator opposed it over a fiscal note and concerns about unintended consequences in rural areas. The Senate adopted a committee substitute and passed SB 11 by a vote of 33–3. The Senate then considered Senate Bill 8 on public utilities and PSC intervention procedures. A committee substitute and floor amendment were adopted to clarify intervention standards, limit delay tactics, allow written comments from non-intervenors, and revise transmission-line approval thresholds; supporters said the changes would improve PSC efficiency and protect ratepayers, while some senators objected to a provision moving records from the Energy and Environment Cabinet to the state auditor as politically motivated. SB 8 passed 30–5. Senate Bill 94, dealing with dealer compensation for warranty and recall work, was also amended and passed unanimously after supporters said it reflected agreement between auto dealers and manufacturers. Finally, Senate Bill 197 on economic development incentives was amended to create county tiers, expand incentives for distressed areas, allow cross-border projects near state lines, and correct clerical errors; it passed 36–0.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/25

Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • And members, Representative Anderson and I and Commissioner Peterson were just up at a press conference
  • <00:41:27.359> where<00:41:27.599> we just up at a press conference where we just up
  • at a press conference where we talked<00:41:28.160> about<00:41:28.319> a<00:41:28.560
  • Chair Hansen and I were at the press conference today and the media was there.
  • Sher Hansen and I were at the<00:59:59.760> press<01:00:00.000> conference<01:00:00.400
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/11/25

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • I had the honor of sitting on the conference committee with the Senate both times, 2023 and 2024, and
  • if folks haven't seen Chair Mhler's comments when we had to take this out of conference committee to
  • <00:34:40.079> sitting<00:34:40.399> on<00:34:40.560> the<00:34:40.720> conference
  • honor of sitting on the conference honor of sitting on the conference committee<00:34:41.879>
  • <00:34:52.079> committee to take this out of conference committee to take this out of conference
Bills: HF1917, HF1083, HF367
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HHS Informational Briefing 01-10-2025

Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We continue to inform the public about disabilities, and one of our main conferences that we conduct
  • is our annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability Diversity, which is in April this year
  • disabilities and one of our<00:18:52.240> uh<00:18:52.360> main<00:18:52.919> conference
  • that we conduct our uh main conference that we conduct is<00:18:54.919> that<00:18:55.080>
  • Conference on disability diversity<00:18:59.600> which<00:18:59.760> is<00:18:59.880><
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the Developmental Disabilities Council and related agencies. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities outlined its 2025 legislative priorities, including a pilot project for guardian ad litem and capacity evaluations in guardianship/conservatorship cases, a supported decision-making bill, a health disparities study for people with disabilities, an ABLE savings outreach/staffing measure, a Medicaid buy-in proposal, an adult changing tables equity bill, and a resolution on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Council representatives emphasized that supported decision-making would complement tools like powers of attorney and medical releases, and that the health disparities study would help identify unmet needs by ZIP code and improve state data on the intellectual and developmental disability population. The Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii described its role as the research and training arm within the DD system, working with the DD Council and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center. It reported activities such as interdisciplinary training, community education, technical assistance, research collaborations, the Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity, publications, telehealth, ECHO Autism, and counseling for Maui fire survivors. The center said it leveraged about $16 million in outside funding last year and highlighted goals focused on workforce development, community capacity, research with direct participation from people with disabilities, and accessible dissemination of information. The Hawaii Disability Rights Center, the state’s protection and advocacy agency, supported the Council’s priorities, especially supported decision-making, which it said could help some people avoid guardianship while preserving liberty and reducing state resource use. The center also raised concerns about the DD system budget and urged legislators to review whether the Developmental Disabilities Division is requesting enough funding, noting possible backsliding in services and eligibility. The Developmental Disabilities Division of the Department of Health then outlined its statewide waiver program serving just over 3,500 people, its service array, and its budget request for increased waiver funding, a federal initiatives coordinator, and IT upgrades to comply with the new HCBS access rule; no votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.