Video & Transcript : 'spent grain' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses
Transcript Highlights:
- We've also been very fortunate in that all of those funds are now obligated and are being spent, or have
- already been spent, so fortunately the impact in the federal landscape right now is fairly minimal in
- We've also been very fortunate in that all of those funds are now obligated and are being spent, or have
- already been spent, so fortunately the impact in the federal landscape right now is fairly minimal in
- Some of the issues that we are focusing on this year, we've spent a lot of time over the past couple
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held an informational hearing focused on the conditions facing small and micro businesses in Massachusetts and the state programs intended to support them. Chairs Andy Vargas and Adam Gomez opened by emphasizing equitable economic development, the importance of CDFIs, and the need to help underserved entrepreneurs, especially women, minorities, veterans, immigrants, and other groups facing barriers. Committee members noted the hearing would not take up bills, and testimony was limited to 10 minutes per organization.
State and quasi-public agency witnesses described current programs and funding. Dico Gibral of the Executive Office of Economic Development highlighted the Business Front Door, multilingual access, small business office hours in Gateway Cities, and funding in the Mass Leads Act, including support for CDFIs, small business technology, and capital grants. Tom Hooper of Commonwealth Corporation described workforce training programs such as the Workforce Training Fund, Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, and Career Technical Initiative, saying they help small businesses train workers, fill labor shortages, and support returning citizens and people with disabilities. Committee members asked about federal funding uncertainty, workforce migration, training schedules, and program uptake.
Business and advocacy groups focused on cost pressures and regulatory burdens. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association urged continuation of outdoor dining and takeout alcohol sales, and pressed for relief from high credit card swipe fees, support for surcharging, and streamlining municipal licensing. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts cited survey results showing inflation, utility costs, payroll taxes, health insurance, and interchange fees as major concerns, and said many members might sell or close within five years; it also backed ending the state prohibition on surcharging and creating an Office of Main Streets Massachusetts. MACDC, BECKMA, and the Coalition for an Equitable Economy emphasized the need for more technical assistance, CDFI and small business funding, and protections against rising costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and immigration enforcement impacts on immigrant-heavy business districts. No votes were taken.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Don Antonowich, Department of Pesticide Regulation, where we spent seven years and millions of dollars
- We spent seven years and millions of dollars to go paperless, and we're there.
- Every additional dollar spent... Good afternoon, Madam Chair and members.
- Every additional dollar spent on the SIBTF is a dollar that can't be spent on students.
- AB 1838 would help ensure taxpayer dollars are well spent, promote fair labor practices, and increase
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on AB 1729, which would update California state telework policy. The author and many unionized state workers argued that telework has improved productivity, reduced emissions and commuting costs, saved the state money on office space, and should be governed by written, evidence-based departmental policies rather than blanket return-to-office mandates. Supporters emphasized flexibility, morale, and the need for transparency through a public dashboard. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill was later moved on a 2-1 vote, with the item placed on call.
Members also heard AB 805, which would create a Career Apprenticeship Bridge Program to connect high school career technical education with registered apprenticeships. The author and supporters said the bill implements recommendations from the California Youth Apprenticeship Model report and would expand earn-and-learn pathways, especially for youth facing barriers. The bill passed the committee 3-0 and was placed on call.
Two workers’ compensation and labor-relations bills drew sharp opposition. AB 1576 would reform the Subsequent Injury Benefit Trust Fund; supporters said it would reduce litigation and employer assessments, while opponents argued it did not go far enough and preferred the administration’s trailer bill. AB 1582 would make it an unfair labor practice for UC or other higher education employers to disregard arbitration decisions on contracting out; supporters said it would protect arbitration outcomes for service workers, while UC argued it would interfere with bargaining agreements and threaten patient and student services. Both bills were moved on 2-1 votes and placed on call.
After quorum was established, the committee also advanced AB 1630, allowing union representatives to invite bargaining-unit members to observe meet-and-confer sessions remotely; AB 2650, a CalSavers cleanup bill to improve retirement savings access and administration; AB 2054, expanding paid family leave eligibility for relatives of military service members on domestic duty; AB 2157, making permanent the Displaced Oil and Gas Workers Fund pilot program; and AB 1838, requiring bidders on local public works projects to disclose recent wage-and-hour violations. AB 1630 and AB 2157 were both placed on call after divided votes, while AB 2650 and AB 2054 passed 2-1 and 3-0 respectively, and AB 1838 was placed on call after a 1-1 vote. The transcript ends as the committee begins AB 2682, which would conform the appeal process for transportation network company driver unionization law.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Election Protection / Shutting Down Scam PACs / A New Senator Shares His Priorities Apr 17th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so, um, when we think about that, you know, there is a lot of money being spent in our elections.
- And so, um, prior to that decision, uh, in 2008, there was about $144 million in outside money spent
- /c><00:08:45.400><c> of</c><00:08:45.480><c> money</c><00:08:45.680><c> being</c><00:08:45.920><c> spent
- </c><00:08:46.160><c> in</c> there is a lot of money being spent in there is a lot of money being spent
- </c> spent in our elections nationally. spent in our elections nationally.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Audit Committee Mar 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, to testify: Mike German, who spent 16 years as an FBI agent, including undercover assignments
- This audit is about transparency in ensuring that taxpayer funds are being spent in compliance with our
- or projected to be spent $8.7 million on litigation costs. ...either spent or projected to be spent
- I understand that we had indicated that $8.7 million has been spent by the Board of Education.
- If the auditor finds that the money was spent appropriately, so be it.
Summary:
The committee met as a subcommittee for much of the hearing because it initially lacked a quorum, then later established one and began taking votes. The state auditor gave a status update on ongoing audits, including several JALAC-requested audits in progress, other statutory audits, staffing growth in his office, and the number of new JALAC audits his office could start in the coming months. The committee also heard that one audit request on Prop. 28 was held, and another PUC-related request was moved off consent and heard on the regular calendar.
Members then heard and discussed several audit requests. Senator Cervantes presented a request to audit California fusion centers, with witnesses from the FBI and ACLU supporting the need for transparency and oversight; opponents argued the request was politically motivated and could interfere with counterterrorism work. Senator Allen presented a request on CPUC enforcement of Rule 21 interconnection timelines for solar and storage projects, supported by industry and school representatives who described long delays and financial harm, while CPUC staff said the issue was being addressed through workshops and a formal proceeding. Senator Perez presented a request to audit Caltrans’ administration of the former SR 710 extension properties and affordable sales program, citing tenant complaints about maintenance, pricing, and transparency; Caltrans said it was working to complete sales and improve administration. Senator Umberg presented a request to audit the Orange County Board of Education over transparency, contracting, litigation spending, charter oversight, and whistleblower issues, while board representatives said there was no factual basis for an audit and that existing legal remedies had not been invoked.
After quorum was established, the committee approved the consent-calendar DMV license revocation audit and then approved the PUC utility timeliness audit and the Caltrans SR 710 audit. The fusion center audit was left on call after a split vote, and the Orange County Board of Education audit continued with testimony from the board’s representatives after the committee had already moved on to other business.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Insurance Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- a lot of time trying to have spent a lot of time trying to figure<00:24:03.919><c> out</c><00:24:04.240
- I spent 13 of those years working for the Alabama Department of Public Health, and I served there as
- </c><00:28:21.360><c> Uh,</c><00:28:21.679><c> I</c><00:28:21.919><c> spent</c><00:28:22.240><c> 13</
- Uh, I spent 13 of for over 30 years.
- Uh, I spent 13 of those<00:28:22.880><c> years</c><00:28:23.120><c> working</c><00:28:23.360><c> for<
Keywords:
HB424, Montgomery County, sheriff, county sheriff, salary increase, expense allowance, local act, county general fund, retirement contributions, public official compensation, law enforcement pay, elected official salary, Montgomery County legislation, sheriff compensation, term-based salary, immigration, law enforcement, fingerprints, DNA collection, illegal aliens
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We're taking about $45 million of that back that hasn't been spent yet.
- The next part is taking out $3 million from the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship that wasn't spent yet this
- in last year about 300 million dollars we're taking about 45 million to that back that hasn't been spent
- both fiscal year 26 and 27 from the Launch program, and that was because that money was not being spent
- That was because that money was not being spent on those grants, and so there was some extra cash left
Summary:
The House opened with roll call, prayer, and approval of the journal, then received a notice appointing Kirk Larson as a substitute representative for District 33. The chamber also handled several Senate messages and committee reports, including printing or engrossing a number of bills, and advanced multiple measures through the calendar. Among the bills introduced were appropriations bills for the judicial and legislative branches (HB 847 and HB 848), an education bill revising career ladder and endorsement provisions (HB 849), and Senate bills on occupational licensure, veterans’ benefits consumer protections, specie/tender contracts, state investment in gold and silver, and household egg production.
The House passed Senate Bill 1332, a fiscal year-end cash transfer bill that reallocated about $100 million back to the general fund by pulling unspent money from several programs, including transportation strategic initiatives, the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, the Permanent Building Fund, water pollution control grants, and the In-Demand Careers Fund. Members also passed House Bill 545, which would allow military chaplains to qualify for counseling licensure and bill insurance; the bill drew substantial debate over whether chaplain training is equivalent to the education and supervised experience required for independent mental health practice, but supporters argued the military experience is valuable and the bill would help address counselor shortages. The House also passed HB 702 on securities ownership and Idaho law, HB 638 to restore Idaho’s presidential primary in March, HB 765 and HB 766 on fire district boundary changes and impact-fee collection, HB 767 on using impact fees for replacement of certain fire vehicles, HB 797 on fire district sub-district representation, and HB 672 to keep logos and slogans out of the executive budget document.
Later, the House passed HB 785, which adds school disciplinary procedures for vulgar or inappropriate online posts about educators, HB 760 on property tax exemption for workforce and affordable housing, and HB 789, ratifying the Coeur d’Alene Tribe Water Rights Settlement of 2026. The chamber also adopted House Concurrent Resolution 27 honoring Idaho civilians who served and died on Wake Island during World War II, and House Resolution 25 approving reviewed administrative rules. A motion to suspend rules allowed immediate consideration of HB 833, a bill requiring daily recess in elementary schools and unstructured activity for middle school students; debate focused on whether the bill would improperly limit classroom discipline, and the transcript ends during closing remarks on that measure.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We're taking about $45 million of that back that hasn't been spent yet.
- The next part is taking out $3 million from the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship that wasn't spent yet this
- in last year about 300 million dollars we're taking about 45 million to that back that hasn't been spent
- both fiscal year 26 and 27 from the launch program, and that was because that money was not being spent
- That was because that money was not being spent on those grants, and so there was some extra cash left
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We spent $1.3 billion... We don't have that.
- We spent $1.3 billion... It's more than the 20% raises over the last four years that we've done.
- We spent $1.3 billion in pay raises over the last five years.
- Then that totals $1.6 billion that we spent on our employees. Times are changing.
- They haven't spent it. Their pipeline is there. They don't have the capacity.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 152, which would create a low-income telecommunications assistance program and continue support for rural broadband operations and maintenance through the State Rural Universal Service Fund. Senator Padilla and Office of Broadband Access and Expansion Director Jeff Lopez said the bill responds to the loss of federal affordability support and would help low-income households pay for broadband, while also preserving funding for rural carriers and maintenance. Supporters included the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Exchange Carrier Group, tribal telecom representatives, and several rural providers, who said affordability is the main barrier to service and that the bill would help families, students, and rural communities. A few witnesses opposed parts of the bill, arguing that the ARS funding should be redirected entirely to broadband affordability and that legacy POTS-line support should sunset. Committee members asked about ETC requirements, satellite and wireless options, rural density, and the sunset provision; the sponsor said the sunset on ARS would be removed and that stakeholder discussions would continue in the interim. The committee voted due pass on the Senate Finance Committee substitute for SB 152.
The committee then took up Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 132, which would add software planning and replacement to the state’s equipment replacement fund. The sponsor and expert said state agencies now rely heavily on software for core services and that planning for software alongside hardware would improve efficiency, security, and long-term sustainability. There was no opposition, and the committee voted due pass on the substitute.
The meeting then shifted to a lengthy discussion of Senate changes to House Bill 2, the budget bill. Senate Finance staff described roughly 300 changes, including additional funding for fire response, early childhood, housing, health care, quantum initiatives, public safety, courts, transportation, education, and several social service programs. Members questioned cuts or reallocations affecting state employee pay, public school capital outlay, the state fair redevelopment, CARA, personal care services, the Office of Child Advocate, and other items. The presenters repeatedly defended the Senate’s use of funds as a way to preserve reserves while prioritizing health care, housing, education, and other recurring needs, and said reserves would remain above the target level even with the changes discussed.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Financial Services Committee Jan 28th, 2026
Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, people have spent a lot of money on and lost a lot of money on and got involved with, and there's
- uh<00:11:20.480><c> uh</c><00:11:20.720><c> people</c><00:11:20.880><c> have</c><00:11:21.200><c> spent
- </c><00:11:21.519><c> lot</c><00:11:21.600><c> of</c><00:11:21.680><c> money</c> uh uh people have spent
- a lot of money uh uh people have spent a lot of money on<00:11:22.000><c> and</c><00:11:22.240><c> lost
- As you come back to committee for so long, you spent a lot of time in for a long time.
Committee:
House Financial Services
Keywords:
income tax credit, tax incentive, recruitment, remote work, remote worker, recruited worker, rural counties, small counties, county population tiers, opportunity zone, teacher recruitment, nurse recruitment, law enforcement recruitment, workforce development, economic development, relocation incentive, Alabama Department of Revenue, nonrefundable tax credit, tax carryforward, state income tax
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 5th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to $3,700 in vouchers using Proposition 98 public education dollars, where these vouchers are being spent
- supporting this discussion to ensure that our K-12 public education tax dollars are being properly spent
- Us to ensure that every public dollar spent is for the purpose of serving every student in the needs
- It's about making sure that public money is being spent well and being used to educate.
- But when you've spent decades watching kids fall through the cracks of a broken reading system, this
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- She's a grassroots community activist and has spent the last two decades working with many local nonprofit
- </c><00:26:49.919><c> the</c> community activist and has spent the community activist and has spent the
- Lauren Collier has been a special education teacher for the past 12 years, with seven of those years spent
- /c><00:31:55.200><c> of</c><00:31:55.360><c> those</c><00:31:55.600><c> years</c><00:31:55.840><c> spent
- </c><00:31:56.080><c> at</c> with seven of those years spent at with seven of those years spent at Kaneoh
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine housing roadblocks, focusing on paving a new way to address affordability. Mar 12th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm an economist who has spent much of the last quarter century studying what has gone wrong with America
- And you know, in in greater Boston, which you know as well as I do, I have spent a lot of time studying
- And I said, guys, we just spent 45 minutes talking about what we can do for more affordable housing and
- And when I think about this subject, I think about my parents, my mother who spent her 50 years as a
- It's no longer the expectation for my own daughter, who's 19. spent the last several years I was county
Keywords:
affordable housing, government investment, barriers, legislative solutions, public testimony
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on addressing the significant issue of affordable housing in America. Members expressed concern over the persistent barriers faced in the housing sector, despite substantial government investment aimed at alleviating these issues. It was highlighted that government interference plays a critical role in complicating the housing landscape, and discussions revolved around potential legislative approaches to mitigate these challenges. Several witnesses provided testimony, contributing to a thorough exploration of the topic.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And I want to ensure that public money is never being spent to work against law enforcement.
- And I want to ensure that public money is never being spent to work against law enforcement.
- And I want to ensure that public money is never being spent to work against law enforcement.
- And I want to ensure that public money is never being spent to work against law enforcement.
- spent spent to<00:57:55.200><c> work</c><00:57:55.680><c> against</c><00:57:56.319><c> law</c><00:57
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And if you have additional questions about what was spent specifically for those years, we can provide
- And if you have additional questions about what was spent specifically for those years, we can provide
- Commissioner: If you look at what has been in the account and what has been spent in the last, let's
- Commissioner: If you look at what has been in the account and what has been spent in the last, let's
- Commissioner: If you look at what has been in the account and what has been spent in the last, let's
Committee:
Senate Capital Investment
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House panel hears proposal to fund state-run psychiatric treatment facility 4/21/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- What it showed was that our property tax payers in Minnesota, our county spent almost $80 million sending
- property tax payers in Minnesota um our property tax payers in Minnesota um our county<00:05:15.080><c> spent
- almost</c><00:05:15.720><c> $80</c><00:05:16.000><c> million</c><00:05:16.720><c> sending</c> county spent
- almost $80 million sending county spent almost $80 million sending kids<00:05:17.400><c> out</c><00:
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding Revised Apr 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Through our progress assessment, we identified those projects with less than 50% of their funds spent
- We're happy to report all of our projects are on track and will have all of their funds spent by the
- The projects are on track and will have all of their funds spent by the deadline.
- We will be recommending funds budgeted to be spent in quarter four be reallocated to projects with gaps
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding met for what leaders described as likely its final meeting, with a quorum present from both chambers. Chairs reviewed the ARPA/SLFRF process, noting the large volume of requests received, the need to meet Treasury’s December 31, 2026 paperwork deadline, and the committee’s role in reallocating excess or at-risk funds to projects that can be completed in time. Working groups reported on progress across education/economic development, transportation/rural development, government transformation, and health and human services, with most projects on track but some funds needing to be reclassified or redirected.
The committee approved a series of motions, generally by unanimous or near-unanimous votes, to reclassify excess funds and appropriate interest earnings to existing obligated projects. Actions included reallocations from the Department of Commerce and the Office of Emergency Management, and interest-fund appropriations for wastewater and water infrastructure, Boys & Girls Clubs, the YWCA, the Office of Juvenile Affairs, and the Department of Human Services. Members also authorized the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the Healthcare Workforce Training Commission to reallocate remaining funds to existing projects.
In the health and human services portion, the committee approved funding for the Oklahoma Healthcare Workforce Training Commission, the OSU Medical Authority’s Human Performance Project and Pharmaceutical Expansion Program, the University Hospitals Trust Authority’s Child Behavioral Health Project, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Griffin Memorial bed replacement, and the State Department of Health for the Rural Hospital Rebuild Program. Members asked questions about whether funds were going to new or existing projects and about broadband progress, and staff explained that the reallocations were intended to fill gaps in already obligated projects. The meeting ended with closing remarks thanking members and staff for their work and noting the measures would continue through the appropriations process before final action by the full chambers.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- This is as a person who spent 10 years on a county hospital authority, if That's where this line of questions
- The rate preservation fund is being half of that is being spent this year for the new request for the
- In my opinion, every dollar we're spending on tax incentives and tax credits are justifiably spent.
- I spent 10 years on my county's hospital authority, helping manage a rural hospital.
Committee:
Senate Rules
Keywords:
Medicaid, low-income adults, healthcare, eligibility restrictions, constitutional amendment, Medicaid expansion, SoonerCare, health coverage, federal matching funds, FMAP, Article XXV-A, state question, special election, Title 63, public assistance, healthcare funding, federal-state match, Medicaid eligibility, Oklahoma Constitution, ad valorem
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, the way that money gets spent, it gets sent to the Department of Commerce.
- Currently, the way that money gets spent, it gets sent to the Department of Commerce.
- Currently, the way that money gets spent, it gets sent to the Department of Commerce.
- Currently, the way that money gets spent, it gets sent to the Department of Commerce.
Committee:
House Ways and Means
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- When we purchased it, we spent lots of time with developers. For some time.
- When we purchased it, we spent lots of time with developers and interested parties trying to pencil out
- In particular, the federal funding, the ARPA funding, has to be spent.
- We in the historic tax credit community had spent multiple years working with DNR and DED to craft the
Committee:
House Commerce
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Feb 4th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education
Transcript Highlights:
- is only one counselor for every 250 students in public school, and the majority of their time was spent
- that the Florenzios and the Ikeshes don't get five minutes, much less the 15 hours someone probably spent
- that the Florentzios and the Ikeshes don't get five minutes, much less the 15 hours someone probably spent
- on my, don't get five minutes, much less the 15 hours for someone probably spent on my on my placement
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met and first temporarily postponed SB 920, the mathematics education bill. The committee then took up SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation, with Senator Rodriguez explaining that the bill would give districts more flexibility in educator pay by restoring meaningful cost-of-living adjustments for teachers with direct student contact, allowing districts to recognize relevant advanced degrees, and removing rigid performance-pay caps. Several senators spoke in support, emphasizing teacher retention, compensation, and the need to invest more in education. The bill was reported favorably by a unanimous roll call vote.
The committee next heard SB 1036 on school counselors, presented by Senator Calatayud, which aims to address counselor shortages by removing certification barriers tied to classroom teacher requirements and expanding the pool of eligible applicants. Testimony and discussion focused heavily on the shortage of counselors, high student-to-counselor ratios, and the impact on academic guidance and student mental health. Students and a veteran teacher described limited access to counselors, overburdened staff, and the need for more support personnel; Senator Osgood also noted the role of BRACE advisors and broader student support needs. The bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 1036 by unanimous vote.
During the counselor bill discussion, senators also reflected on access and equity in college and career advising, with comments about the need for more efficient use of counselor time and better outreach from Florida colleges. The meeting ended after members recorded their votes on the two bills and, with no objection, adjourned.