Video & Transcript Research : 'small communities'
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NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (02/17/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- I know there's been a lot of tension in the communities, especially in some of the communities that I
- I know there's been a lot of tension in the communities, especially in some of the communities that I
- I know there's been a lot of tension in the communities, especially in some of the communities that I
- . communities. communities.
- . community. community.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Community Affairs Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- , community development district establishments, school district. ...communications, community development
- And I don't want to disparage any communities, but it's close by.
- But the three most important things our research has found for affordability are small lot, small lot
- , small lot.
- We estimate from 2005 to 2018, over 28,000 small-lot single-family homes were built after they made small-lot
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and considered a series of bills, many focused on local government authority, land use, housing, and public notice requirements. Several measures were reported favorably, including SB 984 on firefighter cancer benefits and prevention, SB 1612 requiring local governments to accept electronic payments, SB 936 on temporary door locking devices, SB 962 on affordable housing protections for farms, SB 218 on land use regulations in hurricane-affected counties, SB 1020 on regulation of chickee huts, and SB 1434 on infill redevelopment of environmentally challenged properties. SB 1180 on community development district recall elections was amended to narrow and clarify the recall process and to add provisions on synthetic turf and compact urban mixed-use districts before being reported favorably. SB 380 on legal notices was also amended and reported favorably despite significant opposition from the Florida Press Association, Common Cause, and others who argued it would further fragment public notice access; supporters said it would modernize publication options and save money.
Testimony on the bills was mixed. Supporters of the housing and redevelopment measures argued they would increase attainable housing, streamline approvals, and make better use of underutilized or contaminated land, while local government groups and advocacy organizations warned about overdevelopment, reduced public input, infrastructure strain, and conflicts with comprehensive planning. On SB 1444, which combined preemptions related to religious gatherings, private clubs, and certain permitting requirements, supporters framed it as protecting religious freedom and limiting local micromanagement, while the League of Cities and the Florida Association of Counties opposed it as overly broad and unclear; the bill nevertheless passed favorably after debate. SB 218 was presented as restoring normal land-use authority in counties unaffected by hurricanes while preserving protections in damaged areas, and SB 984 was described as clarifying firefighter cancer benefits and health coverage rules; both passed without controversy.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 948, a strike-all on local government land development regulations and orders that would create a statewide framework for starter homes and lot-split rules within urban growth areas. Supporters said it would expand housing supply and reduce regulatory delays, while opponents said it would override local zoning, weaken infrastructure and environmental protections, and apply too broadly. The bill drew support from housing advocates and some local officials, but opposition from the Florida League of Cities, Florida Association of Counties, and others. The transcript ends with SB 948 still under consideration, with testimony continuing and no final vote shown in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 2/17/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We used two small pieces: one for ag communications.
- pieces one for teach egg small pieces one for teach egg Communications<00:09:33.920>
Carrie <00 - Carrie and I are not Communications Carrie and I are not Communications<00:09:35.480>
experts - He said that can be pretty small.
- the Agra funds especially for a small the Agra funds especially for a small Fair<01:30:31.719>
Keywords:
agriculture, agricultural education, leadership development, Minnesota Agricultural Education and Leadership Council, MAELC, chapter 41D, grant funding, general fund appropriation, commissioner of agriculture, farm education, youth agriculture programs, ag literacy, workforce development, extension education, research funding, extension services, technology transfer, grant programs, 1183, house
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- They’re usually small mom-and-pop water districts, which... Texas.
- They’re usually small mom-and-pop water districts, which makes it even more work.
- Sometimes the problem has been that a smaller utility for a small community does not ever come in to
- , and it's poor communication that unfortunately we tend to see.
- The community, the voters, they don't have a vote on you.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Nominations held its final nomination hearing of the session and considered three nominees: J.B. Goodwin for the Texas Real Estate Commission, Courtney Yaltman for the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and Thomas Gleason as PUC chairman. Goodwin described his long career in real estate and charitable work, and senators questioned him extensively about the Real Estate Commission’s self-directed, semi-independent status, housing affordability, institutional homebuyers, property insurance costs, disclosure issues, and the Burnett v. National Association of Realtors case. Yaltman and Gleason were questioned about PUC oversight of ERCOT, post-Winter Storm Uri reforms, utility resilience and vegetation management after Hurricane Beryl, water and telecommunications oversight, staffing and transparency, and rising infrastructure and utility costs.
Much of the discussion focused on housing and utility affordability, with several senators urging the nominees to keep consumer protection and public trust at the forefront. Goodwin said housing affordability and large-scale investment purchases were not within the Real Estate Commission’s direct purview, though he supported further study. Yaltman and Gleason said the PUC had increased oversight of ERCOT, improved communication and accountability with utilities, and was working on resiliency plans, rate-setting issues, and infrastructure planning while trying to avoid overburdening ratepayers.
The committee first voted to favorably report nominees left pending from the May 5 agenda by a 6-0 roll call vote. After public testimony was opened and closed, the committee then voted on the nominees heard that day and favorably recommended all three to the full Senate for confirmation by a 7-0 vote. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- in our community in our local<00:04:58.039>
communities <00:04:58.639>for <00:04:58.880 - communities so so the Navigator part of communities so so the Navigator part of what<00:12:16.600>
- it back into the use it for Community it back into the use it for Community benefit<00:13:59.320
- repay the loan and also for a small repay the loan and also for a small company<00:37:26.200>
- /c> of our community activists and Community of our community activists and Community stakeholders<00
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, beginning with HB 934 on broadband and digital equity. Testifiers from the Lieutenant Governor’s office, the Office of Enterprise and Technology Services, DCCA, the University system, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others generally supported the measure and emphasized the need to coordinate broadband efforts, fund operations, and expand access to high-speed internet, devices, and digital navigation services. The Chamber of Commerce and West Coast Comprehensive Health Center supported the bill but objected to HD1 language excluding broadband infrastructure for retail service, warning it could create unintended consequences and limit community-led or rural projects. The Lieutenant Governor explained the state expects roughly $400 million to $500 million in federal broadband funding, described the bill as consolidating efforts under a broadband office attached to the CIO, and said the office would focus on infrastructure, devices, and training. No vote was taken on HB 934 in the portion provided.
The committee then took up HB 97 on travel insurance. The Insurance Division said it had no major problem with the product but requested technical changes to align with licensing requirements and noted the bill largely codifies practices already used in the industry. Industry witnesses from Allianz and the U.S. Travel Insurance Association said the measure would create a consistent framework, add consumer protections, and align Hawaii with the NAIC model adopted in many other states. Members questioned whether there was a specific problem the bill was solving, and the division responded that it was mainly a framework and form-review measure rather than a response to a known enforcement issue. The bill was discussed but no final action was reported in the excerpt.
HB 448 on technology enablement drew broad support from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Food Industry Association, and other business representatives. Supporters said the measure would help businesses use technology such as digital platforms, e-commerce, robotics, and AR/VR to improve competitiveness, especially in tourism and other sectors. Committee members pressed for clearer scope, cost estimates, and assurances that local companies would be used; the agency said it would prioritize local-first contracting, use federal NIST-related support where possible, and estimated an initial request of about $200,000, though it could not give a firm total. Members expressed concern that the plan was still too undefined. The committee then began HB 455 on small business loans, where the Attorney General suggested explaining why a special fund is needed, and a witness from H Collaborative said the bill would help startup businesses that struggle most to access capital.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 19 February, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, I guess I'll wait on the community colleges till we get to the community colleges."
- university and in community colleges? university and in community colleges?
- I I guess I'll wait on the community I I guess I'll wait on the community colleges<00:33:20.240>
- small municipality grants?
- general support of our small cities. general support of our small cities.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, received an invocation from Reverend Kenny McGill, and approved dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber then spent a substantial amount of time introducing guests in the galleries, including local officials, electric cooperative and farm bureau representatives, a doctor of the day, and student groups, with repeated recognition of workers involved in storm recovery and other public service efforts. Senators also offered brief remarks of support for Senator Warren Barnett’s recovery.
The main business was the appropriations calendar. Senator Hopkins gave an overview of the budget process and projected FY 2027 general fund figures, noting that the Senate was still early in the process, had only considered Senate-originated bills, and was awaiting House bills such as education and Medicaid. He highlighted major budget pressures and items including university professor pay raises, agricultural unit increases, education enhancement funds, CAPEX projects, TRICARE funding, and a veterans home appropriation. He also noted that some bills were final passage while others contained reverse repealers and would go to conference.
The Senate then considered several appropriations bills. Senate Bill 3051, the Department of Finance and Administration budget and related agencies, was explained by Senator DeBar; it included reductions tied to vacancy projections, contractual and nonrecurring funding changes, and reappropriations for America 250, the Capital City Water Project, coronavirus fiscal recovery expenses, and Bureau of Buildings invoices. It was adopted and passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3052, the Governor’s Office and Mansion budget, was presented as final action without a reverse repealer, with funding reduced from last year due to the loss of federal GEAR and EANS funds; it also passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3053, IHL general support, included a $2,000 professor raise and a $20 million CAPEX item, with a total budget of about $1.673 billion; it passed. Senate Bill 3054, IHL subsidiary programs, was explained as having no dollars over LBR and a total of $87.8 million, with a reverse repealer; after a brief question about the university professor raises, it too was adopted and passed.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:17:48.480>
thank to help improve their communities thank to help improve their communities - buildings that are owned by small buildings that are owned by small businesses<00:28:35.720>
- our business owners our community our business owners our community members<00:28:57.880>
have - Have the small cities taken a position?
- Clayman: what is it for small business farms now? Mr.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 02/25/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- of the Minnesota Consortium of community of the Minnesota Consortium of community developers<00:
- <00:36:59.480>
and on on common interest communities and on on common interest communities - <00:42:34.559>
and <00:42:34.680>homeowners communities and homeowners communities and - small amounts forclosure for relatively small amounts and<01:03:31.400>
minor and minor and minor - group especially when people in small group especially when people in that<01:14:00.440>
small
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So this bill ensures fairness for small municipalities while preserving regional transit systems.
- Our community has experienced firsthand the consequences of being.
- We have built a system that re- invest in our communities.
- Small towns like ours should not be forced to subsidize. developments we did not benefit from.
- We do have that communication in writing so we will get that to you.
Keywords:
high-speed rail, Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, public-private partnership, comprehensive development agreement, CDA, Interstate 35, I-35 corridor, Dallas, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, intercity passenger rail, rail infrastructure, private entity, transportation infrastructure, rail corridor, passenger rail, infrastructure finance, vehicle registration
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 27th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII
Transcript Highlights:
- Because, I mean, a lot of the community, let alone my community, mine, but many communities across.
- It's designed to help small rural communities with low-cost water and wastewater projects. at the Texas
- So our board also targeted about $130 million for grants and loans. for small communities up to 10,000
- towards. water loss and water conservation for those medium-sized communities, but the small. where
- I actually have communities in in my district small communities under people that need updated water
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Jun 21st, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- We have helped build community rooted in education, transparency, and...
- It would eliminate these critical community investments.
- We proudly seek out, employ, and support our veteran community.
- We are deeply committed to our community.
- We are honored to be anchored in Georgetown, a small Massachusetts community that has embraced us.
Summary:
The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-10, House Bill 5002, titled “An Act to Restore a Sensible Marijuana Policy,” which would repeal Massachusetts’ adult-use cannabis legalization framework. Chairs Brendan Crighton and Kate Hogan outlined the Article 48 initiative process and explained that the committee is gathering testimony for a report to the legislature. The hearing was organized into expert, proponent, opponent, and public testimony, with written testimony accepted through March 27.
The first witness, Jessica Trow of MassBudget, testified in opposition to repeal and focused on cannabis-related revenue and social equity. She said legalization has generated nearly $2 billion statewide since adult-use sales began, with revenue flowing through the Marijuana Regulation Fund, the state sales tax, and local taxes and fees. She emphasized that funds support public health, the Cannabis Control Commission’s social equity work, the Cannabis Social Equity Fund, and municipal budgets, and argued that legalization has created pathways for communities harmed by prohibition. The petition’s spokesperson, Wendy Wakeman, argued in favor of repeal, saying legalization has worsened public health, safety, and quality of life, citing higher potency, addiction, youth use, impaired driving, workplace positives, and black-market concerns. Committee members questioned her about the data sources, the will of the voters, the role of paid signature gatherers, and the petition’s funding, including out-of-state and dark-money concerns.
Opponents of the initiative then testified that repeal would harm a regulated industry that has created jobs, tax revenue, and social equity opportunities. Caroline Pino of STEM, Kristen Rogers of Levia, Judith Ledbetter of Project De-Stigmatized Healthcare, and Armani White of Firehouse Dispensary/EON described their businesses, community investments, and personal reliance on cannabis, and warned that repeal would push consumers back to the illicit market and undermine equity programs. In public testimony, Lucas Thayer of the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition and Jeff Rawson, a chemist and consumer protection advocate, also opposed the measure, arguing that regulated cannabis is safer than unregulated products and that repeal would damage investments and public safety. The hearing ended after the public testimony, and the committee voted to close the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming
Transcript Highlights:
- So it's a very small percentage. Okay.
- I think our communities do too.
- We've certainly been listening to our rural communities across the state, but in particular rural communities
- of communities.
- it, we've learned the ways in which it's been scored have just not fit us, you know, fit the small community
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on natural and working lands, carbon sequestration, and related provisions in Governor Healey’s $3 billion Mass Ready Act. EEA officials described the bill’s investments in flooding, land protection, tree planting, wetlands restoration, biodiversity, dams, seawalls, and coastal resilience, along with permitting reforms intended to speed ecological restoration projects. They also outlined current programs on resilient lands, healthy soils, forest climate solutions, forest reserves, and urban tree planting, and said the administration expects natural and working lands to offset up to 7 million metric tons of residual emissions by 2050, while acknowledging that additional strategies will be needed to close the gap to the state’s 10-million-ton offset target.
Committee members pressed EEA on the cost of reaching the 30% conservation-by-2030 goal, the loss of a federal USDA grant of about $22 million, the adequacy of current sequestration estimates, and whether the state should consider regional approaches or statutory changes. EEA said current state conservation spending has been about $35 million to $40 million annually, that the Mass Ready Act is intended to help double the pace of conservation, and that federal funding remains uncertain. Senators also raised concerns about PILOT payments for state-owned land, the management of state forests, and the proposed Chapter 91 general license for restoration projects. EEA said the bill’s forest reserve language is meant to create a more durable designation process while still allowing limited active management.
Advocates from The Nature Conservancy and Mass Audubon supported stronger investment in land conservation and restoration, saying natural and working lands are a cost-effective climate strategy that also provides biodiversity, water quality, and public health benefits. They urged passage of legislation to increase funding, improve PILOT equity, and strengthen land-use planning and mitigation requirements. They also backed removing Chapter 91 licensing requirements for ecological restoration, arguing that the current process adds cost and delay. In a later panel, a forest scientist and an urban forestry advocate emphasized the carbon and cooling benefits of mature trees, called for greater protection of older forests, and supported bills to expand municipal reforestation and modernize public shade tree law. No votes were taken during the hearing.
TX
TX
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
Joint Hearing: Senate and House Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding Jul 23rd, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Especially in a community as small as this, you're not going to have enough expertise.
- And there's a lot of small communities and, of course, a lot of investors, individuals—investors, people
- Is LCRA in a position to help small communities that have...
- That expertise to be able to do that sort of thing, and realizing that these small communities...
- Community.
Keywords:
flooding, emergency response, communication systems, first responders, disaster management, Texas Water Development Board, regional planning, public safety
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- That affects a lot of people, just even in the building community.
- And continue to provide that type of water service for our community.
- Just one follow-up, and again, I'm not versed on this, but so if you're in a small community and they're
- And you've heard it today in funding eligibility at the community scale.
- Another challenge we face is communicating the value of water. to our communities.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr/Sub-Natural Resources REVISED Jan 8th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- into the small packing plants.
- It could be an opportunity for us to grow even more in the small mom-and-pop packers.
- We've also done quite a bit with our community assistance and engagement efforts.
- Then we have our community expansion of nutrition.
- So, the answer to your question would vary quite a bit from a small rural center that.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Aug 19th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I say little because we are small.
- Just a quick reminder in case you're curious, sort of how community solar benefits the community in a
- So because I'm a community organizer and community activist, I'm going to begin with Lucas.
- communities.
- And so far, we've supported more projects in underserved communities than in standard communities.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Sports are huge for young men in my community.
- That is our single greatest tool to protect the small businesses.
- CEO of One Community Films, in huge support. Thank you.
- CEO of One Community Films in huge support. Thank you.
- County and its surrounding communities to the world.
Summary:
The committee heard AB 749, which would create a blue ribbon commission to study equitable access to youth sports and recommend a statewide framework, including coaching standards, PE modernization, and funding models to reduce barriers for families. The author and supporters, including youth sports advocates, educators, coaches, and former athletes, argued that sports improve health, school engagement, and long-term opportunity, while noting racial and income disparities in participation. One member raised concerns that a new commission could add cost and regulatory burdens, but the bill was framed as a study measure rather than immediate regulation.
The committee also took up AB 549, aimed at coordinating state and local security planning for major upcoming sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, and Olympic and Paralympic Games. Supporters said the bill would improve interagency coordination, protect visitors and communities, and help prevent human trafficking and discrimination during mega-events. Members discussed the need to avoid over-policing and to center community values, but the bill advanced on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations.
AB 1291 addressed ticket purchasing for concerts, sports, and other live events by requiring electronic proof of purchase and allowing it to be used for entry if a ticket cannot be accessed through no fault of the buyer. Supporters said the measure would give consumers more certainty and help address problems in a monopolized ticketing market, while opponents from venues, sports teams, and entertainment groups warned it could undermine anti-scalping tools, create security problems, and burden venues with duplicate or fraudulent proofs of purchase. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended basis to Privacy and Consumer Protection, with the roll held open for absent members. The consent calendar item, AB 644, was also approved.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The school closures, and I know every community is different. I have an older community.
- up to 1,000, communities up to 10,000, and communities up to 150,000.
- up to 1,000, those small communities up to 10,000, those medium-sized. up to 150,000, those programs
- throughout the state whether whether they're large metropolitan areas or small rural communities.
- And so those communities...
Keywords:
infrastructure, water supply, flood mitigation, Texas Water Fund, community projects, funding allocations
Summary:
During this committee meeting, the focus was on discussing critical infrastructure funding, especially related to water supply and flood mitigation projects. Chairwoman Stepney and the Water Development Board presented extensive details regarding the Texas Water Fund, which included $1 billion appropriated to assist various financial programs and tackle pressing water and wastewater issues. Additionally, funding allocations aimed at compromising the state's flood risk and improving water conservation were hotly debated, emphasizing collaboration among committee members and the necessity of addressing community needs in such projects.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 16th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- The list goes on and on about all the things hospitals do for you in your community.
- I apologize that that is small.
- Hospitals are the largest employer most of the time in communities where they reside.
- Sorry, this is what happens when we communicate, right?
- So we see a lot of our small hospitals struggling, but somehow Children’s is not.
Summary:
The subcommittee met to review Department of Human Services hospital payments in Arkansas Medicaid, with DHS Secretary Janet Mann and Deputy Secretary Misty Eubanks presenting first, followed by Arkansas Hospital Association Executive Vice President Jody Ann Tritt and a brief comment from Arkansas Children’s. DHS outlined the main hospital payment streams: fee-for-service per diem payments, upper payment limit (UPL) supplemental payments, cost settlements, and smaller payments such as graduate medical education and disproportionate share hospital funds. Members asked for plain-language explanations of cost settlements, why per diem rates vary by hospital type, and why UPL applies to private hospitals. DHS said cost settlements and UPL are mechanisms to help offset Medicaid underpayment, with SFY 2025 hospital payments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars and no general revenue used for supplemental payments beyond the state share funded through hospital assessments and related financing structures.
Committee members focused heavily on whether Arkansas hospitals are adequately reimbursed and why rural hospitals struggle. Tritt explained that critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, PPS hospitals, and specialty hospitals operate under different federal and state rules, and said lower per diem rates for some facilities help with cash flow and later cost settlement adjustments. She said Arkansas hospitals are under financial strain, citing a negative patient services margin statewide and noting that Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial payers all contribute to the problem. She also said the association had just authorized a statewide survey of hospital finances and costs, which she expected would take about a year to complete.
A major theme was commercial insurance reimbursement. Tritt argued Arkansas hospitals are paid far less than hospitals in neighboring states even though premiums are similar, and said administrative burdens, prior authorizations, and denials add to the problem. She said hospitals receive about 52 to 53 cents on the dollar for Medicaid costs without UPL and about 78 cents with UPL, still below cost. Members also discussed Medicare wage index issues, Medicare Advantage, and whether hospitals could use technology or alternative arrangements to improve finances. No votes were taken on the hospital presentation.
At the end of the meeting, DHS provided a brief update on Living Choices and assisted living reimbursement. Officials said one assisted living facility, Pillars of the Community in Crossett, had announced closure, with nine waiver clients being transitioned to other settings. DHS said the current cost reporting period was underway and that a new rate study could be ready for review before the end of the fiscal year if reports were submitted on time. Members also asked about the broader waiver plan, and DHS said the next waiver iteration would likely be brought back to the committee in the summer.