Video & Transcript Research : 'lien priority'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House workforce panel considers HF661 2/25/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ethnically diverse backgrounds, and 60% go into that long-term care industry I just mentioned, which is a priority
- southeastern communities also have a lot of new Americans from different communities, and so it is a priority
- > so<00:14:47.079>
it <00:14:47.199>is <00:14:47.320>a <00:14:47.519>priority - <00:14:48.040>
I communities and so it is a priority I communities and so it is a priority
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cmte on Rules - Subcommittee on the Federal Impact on Minnesotans and Economic Stability - 01/15/26
Transcript Highlights:
- get feedback on Minnesota's priorities. get feedback on Minnesota's priorities.
- of external partners which we priorities of external partners which we knew<00:22:37.679>
and - Workforce was another crucial priority Workforce was another crucial priority for<00:23:03.440><
- <00:31:08.559>
So <00:31:08.880>a priorities mostly around workforce. - So a priorities mostly around workforce.
Summary:
The Select Subcommittee first took up adoption of three previously prepared nonpartisan committee summary reports dated October 15, November 13, and November 21. Senator Rasmusson objected to the lack of advance notice about the day’s testifiers and criticized the practice of having nonpartisan staff summarize what he described as a partisan agenda. The chair responded that the committee’s purpose is to gather information, not hear bills, and that the summaries were intended as neutral resources for the Senate. Senator Coopek moved adoption, the motion was opposed by Rasmusson and another member, and the motion passed.
The committee then turned to the day’s hearing on federal impacts on Minnesota, with the chair focusing on federal funding threats and the effect of congressional budget actions on health care, especially in greater Minnesota. The first presentation came from the Minnesota Department of Health on the state’s rural health transformation work. Assistant Commissioner Carol Broom introduced the team and described the rural hospital transformation program as a major opportunity to invest in rural health, while acknowledging longstanding challenges such as demographics, transportation barriers, and the financing of care. Nitha Moibi outlined the state’s rural health chart book and data showing an aging population, workforce shortages, and many health professional shortage areas, and described proposed strategies including workforce pipelines, bridge payments for low-volume birth hospitals, telehealth access points, mental health urgent care, and chronic disease prevention.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Anna Ashby of the Minnesota Management and Budget office explained the state’s application to CMS for the Rural Health Transformation Program, which was created in federal law and awarded Minnesota just over $193 million for federal fiscal year 2026. She said the application was shaped by public comments, stakeholder meetings, and legislative outreach, and included initiatives on preventive care, workforce, care access, behavioral health, and provider financial stability. She also reviewed implementation constraints, including a January 30 revised budget deadline, limits on administrative spending, restrictions on using funds to offset Medicaid losses, and the need to show measurable progress to remain eligible for future funding. The presentation noted that most year-one funding would go to rural hospitals, with additional support for federally qualified health centers, community mental health centers, tribal partners, and technical assistance.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 037 Feb 20th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- How are we going to arbitrate among different priorities?
- So again, back to one of my comments: crisis of priorities.
- So again, back to one of my comments: crisis of priorities.
- crisis of priorities. crisis of priorities.
- They come and ask crisis of priorities.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the February 18, 2026 journal, and received several committee and House messages. Judiciary reported juvenile parole board appointments to the consent calendar for confirmation, and Transportation and Energy reported Senate Bills 28 and 25 along with other measures. The House transmitted multiple bills to the Reviser of Statutes, and the Senate later agreed to take up a large group of House bills on special order and consent calendar.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to personal-privilege remarks recognizing visiting groups, including the Mad Moms and Mad Dads advocating for people with serious mental illness, and the Colorado Gifted and Talented Association. Members spoke about stigma and the need for mental health legislation, and about supporting gifted students and their families. These remarks were welcomed by the chair and other senators.
The Senate then considered a package of supplemental appropriation bills, including House Bills 1150 through 1179, covering agency budgets, school finance adjustments, education fund uses, and capital construction transfers. The committee of the whole adopted the package on second reading, and the full Senate later adopted the committee report by a vote of 33 ayes, with one excused and one vacant seat. The bills were ordered placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage.
House Bill 1151, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Corrections, drew extended debate. Supporters argued the bill was needed to cover existing obligations, avoid more costly jail backlogs, and prevent unsafe conditions, while critics said the department’s population management failures and broader sentencing policies were driving unnecessary costs and called for accountability and structural reform before more funding. Despite the debate, the bill was included in the adopted second-reading package.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I can ask a follow-up, I mean, it seems like I'm wondering if we can take your response that the priority
- Obviously, getting off of those imports has to be a huge part of that priority.
- But there is a lot of conflict in those two priorities.
- <01:35:29.520>
and In your mind, is the priority and In your mind, is the priority and preference - Well, reliability as I two priorities.
Summary:
The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered a long list of Governor’s messages for appointments to state boards and commissions, including the Board of Dentistry, Barbering and Cosmetology, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, Real Estate Commission, Board of Naturopathic Medicine, State Boxing Commission, Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects, Hawaii Medical Board, Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Pharmacy, and the Public Utilities Commission. Most nominees and supporting agencies testified in support, and many nominees simply stood on their written testimony. Several nominees also answered questions about their experience and the issues facing their boards, including dental insurance and Medicaid concerns, condo and real estate disputes, pharmacy regulation and telepharmacy, boxing and MMA rule updates, and medical board service in rural areas.
The committee discussed some contested or notable nominations in more detail. Richard Emery’s nomination to the Real Estate Commission drew opposition testimony tied to a condo management dispute, and he responded by emphasizing the need for factual evidence, mediation and complaint data, and better consumer education. Trinette Kahui and Andrea Ushijima were also nominated to the Real Estate Commission, with broad support. For the Boxing Commission, Robin Jumawan described ongoing statutory updates, MMA-related work, and delegation of amateur boxing rules. For the Hawaii Medical Board, Elizabeth Ignacio was strongly endorsed by state and industry witnesses as highly qualified and familiar with rural health issues, while Rebecca Sawai also received support from the board and Kaiser Permanente.
In the decision-making portion, the committee moved to advise and consent to nearly all nominees on the agenda. Senator McKelvey stated reservations about Richard Emery due to opposition and possible conflicts, and also about nominees who were not present at the hearing, specifically Corrine Muldrow Soto and Stacie Kealoha Inouye; Senator Lamasao also noted reservations on those absent nominees. The chair disclosed personal acquaintance with Dr. Sawai and Andrea Ushijima. The committee then voted to adopt the recommendations, with the noted reservations and one no vote on GM 697 reflected in the record, and later reconvened to take up Governor’s Message 514/515 for John Etemura as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, where additional support testimony was heard from the Governor’s office, DCCA, and former consumer advocacy staff.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (11-10-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- A small slide that pops out at the end of someone's property near their barn would be a lower priority
- A small slide that pops out at the end of someone's property near their barn would be a lower priority
- A small slide that pops out at the end of someone's property near their barn would be a lower priority
- That would be a very high priority.
- So we wanted to be strategic priority.
Summary:
The committee first approved the October 13 minutes and then moved through a large agenda of contracts and agreements, including a deferred list from the September 2025 agenda. Members questioned several agencies about the purpose, cost, and duration of the items before them, with repeated motions to consider the contracts reviewed without objection passing by roll call.
The Office of Energy Policy and Energy and Environment Cabinet presented a solar-and-battery program. Members asked about panel and battery lifespan, warranty coverage, who would pay for replacement or disposal, and whether the program made sense in Kentucky. The agency said panels and batteries generally last 25 to 30 years, warranties would cover replacement during the warranty period, EPA guidance would govern disposal, and federal funds would cover program expenses. Officials estimated the program could reduce participating homeowners’ utility bills by about 70%, with a minimum required savings of 20%.
The Department for Community Based Services explained a new vendor contract for SSI initial and redetermination work for children in out-of-home care, saying the work is federally required, the department lacks in-house capacity, and the contract replaced a prior vendor after an RFP protest and rebid. The Department of Highways described umbrella traffic engineering contracts for smaller highway safety projects, noting they are used for spot improvements and are nearing full utilization. The Kentucky Historical Society said its contract funded a temporary exhibit tied to 250th anniversary programming, and the Board of Medical Licensure discussed an amended audit contract, explaining that annual audits were adopted after an auditor’s recommendation and that the board is funded by state allocation plus fees and fines. The Department for Natural Resources/Abandoned Mine Lands gave the most extensive presentation, describing a $5 million engineering services contract as part of a much larger workload increase driven by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, with projects prioritized by citizen complaints and safety impacts; the agency said the contract supports design and oversight for community-scale mine reclamation projects that exceed in-house capacity.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (03/04/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- We only had three, and the priority three was funded.
- We only had three, and the priority three was funded.
- So we thought it appropriate that that priority be removed at this time.
- So we thought it appropriate that that priority be removed at this time.
- So we thought it appropriate that that priority be removed at this time.
Summary:
The Department of Administrative Services presented its capital budget process and priorities, explaining that it maintains and operates 96 state buildings and uses annual facility walkthroughs, condition assessments, and rough cost estimates to rank projects for the governor’s capital budget. Officials described how requests are triaged, how the governor’s office and Public Works refine estimates, and how the resulting capital budget book serves as legislative intent for approved projects. They also noted that this year the governor’s office asked for estimates on all selected projects, which increased workload but reduced detail.
The department highlighted several requested projects, including $1.5 million for the ERP system sustainability fund, which officials said is critical because the state is upgrading its core financial, HR, and budget system to the cloud. Other priorities included courthouse HVAC and boiler work, brick repointing at the State House annex/main building, window replacement at the Spalding building, and elevator replacement on the hospital campus. Officials also said the governor’s proposed capital budget included fewer DAS projects than in past years and asked the committee to consider funding closer to historic levels.
The committee then reviewed lapse and reallocation items. DAS said most older projects are still in design, bid, or construction because projects now take four to six years rather than two to three, in part due to ARPA-related workload and post-COVID construction backlogs. Members discussed lapsing $81,000 from the completed Spalding roof project and redirecting small remaining balances from several 2019 projects toward the Hillsboro County South cell block project through the Capital Project Overview Committee. Officials also confirmed ARPA-funded projects are expected to be completed before the December 2026 deadline and explained that the ERP system is the main state IT exception outside DOIT’s usual centralized control, though it still requires DOIT consultation and approval.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 055 Mar 9th, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- are because we have billions of dollars that's going to not priorities. bloated bloated now<01:34:19.520
- <01:34:47.280>
are what our actual priorities are what our actual priorities are because<01 - <01:34:52.639>
And <01:34:52.800>if If this is a priority, then we need to find that - only see student achievement grow in this state when we put students at the very center and the priority
- priority of every decision we make. priority of every decision we make.
Summary:
The House convened with a color guard presentation by Colorado Military Academy cadets and the pledge led by Olivia and Owen Curry. After roll call established a quorum, members approved the journal of Friday, March 6, 2026, as corrected. Several committees then announced upcoming hearings, including Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources; State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs; and Finance.
The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1020, designating March 8, 2026, as International Women’s Day in Colorado. The resolution praised women’s contributions across history and society, highlighted Colorado’s early adoption of women’s suffrage, and recognized trailblazing women in the General Assembly. Sponsors and supporters spoke at length about women’s leadership, economic and civic contributions, and the need to continue advancing equality. The resolution also drew recognition of women and advocacy organizations present in the chamber.
Representative Bradley and other Republican members criticized the resolution as partisan and said Republican women were not included in drafting or sponsoring it. They argued the measure should have been more inclusive and should have better reflected women’s roles in the home and the broader bipartisan history of women’s history observances. Bradley announced she would vote no. In response, Representative Ricks said an amendment would be accepted from the minority caucus to address concerns about traditional roles of women, and he moved Amendment L002 for consideration.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- But I guess for some reason it wasn't a priority. It will be this time around for us.
- We were doing the best that we could, but our priorities said...
- We could visit about the priority set.
- I mean, that would be the priority for me. Help us with expectations.
- These priorities, further straining schools already facing significant challenges.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Members from both parties emphasized education as a major issue, while several Republicans framed the committee’s work around school choice and parent empowerment. Senator West and other Democrats stressed protecting public schools, listening to Texans, and considering the effects of vouchers or education savings accounts on school districts and communities.
Chairman Creighton laid out Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, describing it as a universal education savings account program modeled on similar programs in other states. He said the bill would provide about $200 million for a universal eligibility pool and additional funding for students with disabilities and lower-income families, with priority weighting for former public school students. He also highlighted anti-fraud measures, vendor pre-approval, criminal background checks, cybersecurity protections, annual testing requirements for participating students, and the use of the Comptroller rather than TEA to administer the program. Creighton repeatedly said the bill is not a voucher and argued it would not take money from public schools, which he said would receive separate historic funding increases.
Members questioned Creighton about the 500% of federal poverty line definition, the adequacy of the $10,000 ESA amount, whether the program would favor students already in private school, how microschools and homeschool pods would fit, and whether the bill protects religious liberty and private-school autonomy. Democrats raised concerns about disability protections, 504 students, foster children, public-school funding, open records, and the historical context of vouchers. Republicans generally supported the bill as a way to expand options for parents and students, while also asking about administration, fraud prevention, and data security. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, with EdChoice President Robert Inlow presenting in support of SB 2 and citing the growth and reported success of school choice programs nationwide.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight Committee (01/24/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:16:55.880>
representative <00:16:56.800>Woods <00:16:57.800>thank priorities - As a result of having the finalized SHIP, the department has then identified priorities underneath it
- A lot of those presentations focused on those five priority areas that we are now focused on for the
- So we have two priorities from the list that I just said that are clearly articulated in our roadmap:
- A lot of those presentations focused on those five priority areas that we are now focused on for the
Summary:
The committee first handled organizational business, electing Representative Mark Pearson as chair for the coming term, appointing Representative Lucy Weber as clerk, and approving the November 22 minutes with abstentions from members who were absent. Members also noted excused absences for Senator Avard and Representative Jessica Lontine. After the vote, the committee moved to the DHHS commissioners’ update.
DHHS associate commissioners Patricia Tilly and Chris Santinello described a process-improvement effort to improve transitions for youth moving from DCF care into adult developmental services and Medicaid. They said the old process was fragmented, dependent on personal relationships, and not sustainable, so staff from DCF, the Bureau of Family Assistance, Developmental Services, and public health used a Kaizen/Lean event to map the workflow, identify bottlenecks, clarify roles, and create a more consistent playbook. Members asked about IT support and whether the process would create new bureaucracy; DHHS said current systems are antiquated, especially DCF’s CWIS, but the goal is to streamline coordination, not add bureaucracy, and future systems like Granite Families may help with reminders and age-based ticklers. Several members praised the work, including a CASA volunteer who said the added attention has improved services for vulnerable youth.
The committee then received the annual healthcare-associated infections update from Ctin Hansen of the Division of Public Health Services. Hansen reported that New Hampshire’s HAI program, created by statute, tracks infections in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, dialysis centers, and long-term care facilities. For 2023, hospitals reported fewer infections than predicted nationally, with 135 infections statewide and 174 C. diff infections also below national rates; hospital influenza vaccination was 89.9%. Ambulatory surgery centers reported low infection counts and an 80.1% staff flu vaccination rate; dialysis centers reported fewer infections overall than the prior year but higher local access-site infections, with staff vaccination at 52.6%; and long-term care facilities reported a 50.1% flu vaccination rate, up from 37.8%. Hansen also said the program conducted over 100 investigations, handled 84 antibiotic-resistant organism reports, completed 20 infection-prevention assessments, and operated on a budget of about $348,000 plus grant funding, including an Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity Grant that was later reduced.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 3rd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I truly thank the author for her priorities and for what she looks at.
- That is what the need for housing is, is a top priority, that is why I so.
- AB 495 is a legislative women's caucus priority, a progressive caucus priority, and is supported by immigrant
- AB 788 is a Women's Caucus Priority Bill and AB 788.
- Black Caucus priority.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- The revitalization of downtown and neighborhood commercial corridors is a statewide priority, and AB
- I really do think that, you know, this has been a priority of the women's caucus, something that we've
- And I don't know, this is not the priority, you know, priority.
- I don't know, this is not the priority or prerogative of this committee to be concerned more with the
- And I don't know, this is not the priority, you know, priority.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:25:33.039>
high shutting down game rooms is a high shutting down game rooms is a high priority - and I think we we'll keep doing priority and I think we we'll keep doing that<00:25:35.200>
and - because Mike Lambert was very aggressive when he was the major in narcotics vice and made this a priority
- 41.280>
a the major in narco vice and made this a the major in narco vice and made this a priority- and when he moved on to DLE HPD priority and when he moved on to DLE HPD has<00:34:45.040>
not
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 21st, 2026
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- So it says the agency shall have priority enrollment of the zero to three population, the lowest income
- So these are just a few examples of our 27 priorities.
- It is still a priority for the legislature. Excellent, thank you very much, Kelly.
- Chair, the LFC language talked about priority.
- And I don't think that's the top priority with you.
Bills:
SB2
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee Aug 28th, 2025
Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- So you'll see I'm talking a little bit about the priorities that we're aware of in Indian Country—how
- Some of the priorities in Indian Country, and of course every nation, pueblo, and tribe is going to be
- What's the priorities?
- It's not going to be a priority to backfill other things that aren't life-critical to me, right?
- Very good and very concise as to what the Navajo Nation's priorities are for the state of New Mexico.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Business and Professions Committee and Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee May 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, as I said, we’ve been... ...incredibly thoughtful about the sort of competing priorities that
- And so, as I said, we've been incredibly thoughtful about the sort of competing priorities that this
- Cabinet-level leadership will be able to effectively align priorities and will be able to better coordinate
- Cabinet-level leadership will be able to effectively align priorities and will be able to better coordinate
- One of the things that we find is that misalignment on priorities among state agencies and departments
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on the Governor’s 2025 reorganization plan to split the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into two new agencies: a Business and Consumer Services Agency and a California Housing and Homelessness Agency. Administration officials said the change would give each side more focused leadership, improve consumer protection and regulatory oversight, and better align housing and homelessness policy with the state’s broader housing goals. Leaders from the Department of Consumer Affairs, Cannabis Control, Alcoholic Beverage Control, and Financial Protection and Innovation all voiced support for the business-side reorganization, while housing officials emphasized that the new housing agency would help streamline funding, compliance, and coordination across programs.
Members raised concerns about timing, budget impacts, office space, and whether the split would actually reduce bureaucracy. The administration said the plan would be included in the May Revision, was intended to be cost-neutral, and would not require fee increases for licensees or additional office space. On the housing side, officials said the new Housing Development and Finance Committee would work toward a single application and more coordinated award process for affordable housing funding, while preserving CalHFA’s statutory and financial independence. They also said the reorganization would improve compliance monitoring, data collection, and coordination with local governments, including Los Angeles homelessness programs.
Public testimony was largely supportive. Industry groups representing beverage distributors, craft brewers, wine, mortgage lenders, and housing organizations backed the business-side split, and housing advocates such as Housing California, the California Housing Partnership, and the California Housing Consortium supported the housing agency concept and the proposed one-stop-shop approach. Several witnesses urged that tax credits, bonds, and other funding sources be better coordinated, and some said the plan should be paired with additional state investment and implementation resources. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The Master Plan identifies six major priorities: One, create a robust statewide coordination to better
- These are the priorities the plan sets forth to strengthen the California economy and to equip all students
- And so we recommend that the legislature weigh this proposal against their other priorities.
- I believe, aligned with the Chair, that our number one priority is to try to stave off the 8% proposed
- It's a tight budget year, and we need to make sure that this is a priority.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- They are the boots on the ground and can make those decisions between what is the highest priority to
- keep on campus versus something that is of lesser priority.
- Priority.
- But as far as identifying from a legislative perspective and our priorities, I think it is around access
- Together, we conducted a workforce and academic needs assessment. to identify the priority occupations
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine perspectives from the field, focusing on farmer and rancher views on the agricultural economy. Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:30 am
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Echeverria is a leader of New Mexico's farming community and works tirelessly to represent the priorities
- On Farm Bill priorities, specialty crops represent nearly half the total U.S.
- highlight some key areas that are either currently supported in the Farm Bill or need to become a priority
- So, while there is a significant amount of work ahead, I am thankful that this remains a top priority
- One top priority of mine in this new administration and the immediate future is I want to talk to talk
Keywords:
agriculture, avian flu, bipartisan farm bill, economic challenges, poultry, dairy, specialty crops
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on crucial discussions surrounding the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, particularly concerning avian flu and its impact on poultry and dairy producers. Members provided insights into the economic struggles within the industry, emphasizing the need for a new bipartisan farm bill that addresses the diverse needs of specialty crop and livestock producers. Witnesses from various agricultural sectors spoke about their experiences, illustrating the high costs, regulatory burdens, and emerging diseases that threaten their operations. The meeting underscored a commitment to exploring solutions that will help maintain market stability and ensure food security.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HRE, HRE DEFER Public Hearing 02-04--2025 Feb 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So what's the priority of the University when it comes to do we increase our class size for physicians
- And if you don't have doctors to see your patients, then to me that seems to be a priority over some
- <00:19:50.159>
of effectively so what's the priority of effectively so what's the priority - seems<00:20:27.480>
to <00:20:27.640>be <00:20:27.760>a <00:20:27.919>priority - know to me that seems to be a priority know to me that seems to be a priority over<00:20:28.720>
Summary:
The Committee on Higher Education heard Senate Bill 101, which would require University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine graduates who paid in-state tuition to serve as physicians in Hawaiʻi for at least two years after residency or fellowship, beginning with the class of 2029. The Deputy Attorney General said the bill addressed a matter of statewide concern. JABSOM Dean Sam Shoemaker testified in opposition, arguing the school already uses scholarships, loan repayment, and other incentives, and that the strongest predictor of where physicians practice is where they complete residency; he said the school is working to expand residency slots, neighbor-island training, and class size. Supporters argued the state faces a severe physician shortage and should do more to ensure publicly subsidized students remain in Hawaiʻi. The committee ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including a statewide concern statement, and deferred the measure to July 31, 2025; the vote was adopted.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 19, which creates funds to establish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program on Maui. University of Hawaiʻi and nursing workforce representatives testified in support, saying there is ample capacity on Maui and strong demand for higher nursing education. Members discussed the broader nursing pathway, including existing associate and bachelor’s programs at UH campuses and the need to improve access for Maui and nearby communities. The measure was moved to decision-making and adopted with amendments and a deferred date.
Senate Bill 637, appropriating funds for various University of Hawaiʻi nursing programs, also received support from UH nursing leaders, who said the funding would support the final phase of the West Oʻahu-Manoa collaboration and an online RN-to-BS program. The Hawaiʻi State Center for Nursing said its research showed capacity and demand for these programs. The committee recommended amendments to blank out appropriation amounts for the committee report and deferred the measure, then adopted it. The committee also adopted Senate Bill 741, which establishes an external audit committee within the UH Board of Regents, and deferred or amended several other measures, including a wastewater technology pilot program, a coconut rhinoceros beetle response program, and a climate-resilient development appropriation.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., of California, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. Jan 30th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- This will be a priority in this committee, and I look forward to collaborating with you if you are confirmed
- I look forward to hearing more about his policy priorities and his plans to advance President Trump's
- Trump has told me it's his priority to bring essential medicine manufacturing back to this country.
- him, so it's a priority for me as well.
- It's always been a priority for me. I spent 20% of my career working on Native issues.