Video & Transcript Research : 'rate increase'
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AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Here's what we can commit to to increase our nursing graduates or increase our teacher graduates or..
- <00:43:24.319>
our our nursing graduates or increase our our nursing graduates or increase our - <00:43:26.720>
We teacher graduates or te increase. We teacher graduates or te increase. - retention rate something, right? Yeah. retention rate something, right? Yeah.
- an increase of 5.75%.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/04/25
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:03:48.839>
housing reduce costs such as increased housing reduce costs such as increased - You know, in Thief Falls we have a current vacancy rate of 0.3%.
- and interest rates are uh inflation and interest rates are creating<01:06:29.079>
a <01:06:29.240 - home ownership projects and increase home ownership projects and increase home<01:19:47.280>
- <01:22:23.679>
of <01:22:24.320>uh rates of two to six times the rate of uh rates of
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Private Equity Presentation 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- resident outcomes, including increased resident outcomes, including increased mortality,<00:11:52.240
- >
and mortality, higher rates of pain and mortality, higher rates of pain and pressure<00:11:54.079 - <00:12:12.560>
These increased risk for residents. These increased risk for residents. - Workforce reductions contribute to higher deficiency rates and lower CMS star quality ratings, consistent
- >
ratings, <00:13:28.320>consistent <00:13:28.880>with star quality ratings, consistent
Summary:
The committee took up two bills concerning health entity ownership and heard invited testimony before acting on them. Dr. Yasha Singh of Brown University testified about private equity in healthcare, describing how PE firms use debt-financed acquisitions, short investment horizons, and roll-up strategies that can avoid disclosure requirements. He said the lack of transparency makes it difficult to track ownership and outcomes, and cited research linking PE ownership to higher costs in outpatient care, more ancillary service use, workforce turnover, and worse outcomes in hospitals and nursing homes. He also noted Minnesota-specific concerns, including PE involvement in opioid treatment programs, and said the policy challenge is balancing needed capital investment with protections for patients and workers.
Sam Brooks of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care testified in strong support of the legislation, focusing on nursing homes. He argued that private equity ownership is associated with worse resident outcomes, including higher mortality, more pressure ulcers, more hospitalizations, and more deficiencies, and said leverage buyouts divert money from staffing and care into debt service, management fees, and lease-back arrangements. Brooks said staffing levels and quality ratings decline under PE ownership and pointed to recent bankruptcies as examples of instability. He said the bills would add safeguards such as transparency, attorney general approval of acquisitions, and requirements that a large share of public funds go to direct resident care.
The testimony framed the bills as responses to concerns about private equity ownership in healthcare and long-term care, especially the effects on quality, staffing, and financial stability. No vote or final committee action was described in the excerpt.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
Transcript Highlights:
- That increases it, especially right now.
- Certainly there have been some infusions and some supplemental increases in the interim.
- But does this increase bring us to a point?
- We have seen our prices increase by as much as 20% on some projects, so it's definitely gone up.
- And so the amount is relatively small, and rating agencies will take that into consideration.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Bonding, State Assets, and Capital Expenditures held its first public hearing on House Bill 4257, a transportation bonding bill. The administration testified in support, describing the bill as a $1.185 billion authorization: $300 million for Chapter 90 municipal road funding and $885 million for statewide transportation capital programs. Officials said the bill would increase municipal aid by 50%, with $200 million distributed under the traditional Chapter 90 formula and $100 million based solely on road mileage to better help rural communities. They also highlighted $500 million for bridge and pavement lifecycle asset management, $200 million for culverts and small bridges, and $185 million for congestion, safety, ADA, sidewalk, and multimodal improvements. Committee members asked about how municipalities would apply, how the road-mile formula would affect rural towns, and how the bill would interact with federal funding uncertainty and debt financing. Administration witnesses explained that projects would be administered through MassDOT district offices and Grant Central, that the bill would not backfill rescinded federal funds, and that the proposal would likely use special obligation bonds backed by Fair Share revenues to reduce pressure on the Commonwealth’s general obligation debt limit.
Members also pressed the administration on the shift from general obligation to special obligation financing and on whether the Chapter 90 increase keeps pace with inflation. Administration officials said the special obligation structure would be credit-rated separately and was intended to expand available capital without affecting the GO bond cap, while acknowledging that the Commonwealth’s debt portfolio would grow. They said the Chapter 90 increase would roughly restore purchasing power lost since 2012, though construction inflation has outpaced general inflation. Several members and witnesses emphasized the importance of the road-mile formula for rural communities and the need for technical assistance for small towns.
The Massachusetts Municipal Association testified in strong support of the bill, calling Chapter 90 and the new infrastructure authorizations critical for cities and towns facing federal uncertainty and rising costs. The Massachusetts Aggregate and Asphalt Pavement Association also supported the bill, citing the importance of the funding for road and bridge work, the construction season, and the industry’s economic impact. A committee member asked about asphalt price inflation, and the witness said liquid asphalt costs rose sharply after COVID, including increases of around 20% in some years. At the end of the hearing, the chair said members would receive a poll by email to move the bill out quickly, and the committee then voted to adjourn.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So if we increase the cost of pipeline and move water, that increases the cost to the end consumer at
- If this bill passes, that means water and wastewater rates will increase in College Station.
- And then, obviously, the rates have increased significantly over time.
- Seven increases.
- So, for example, 2022, it has a rate, then they increase it to 2023 and so on for five years.
Keywords:
impact fee, moratorium, local government, Texas legislation, infrastructure funding, municipal utility district, eminent domain, bonds, assessments, infrastructure, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Harris County, Municipal Utility District, territory exclusion, debt service taxes, property taxation, condemnation, property acquisition, real property, appraisal reports
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- in the rate-making process.
- and interest rates.
- This increases our risk from a credit perspective.
- HB 2868 does exactly what the rating agencies are looking for.
- Additionally, other states do not have various rate adjustments.
Bills:
HB551, HB 1281, HB1378, HB1617, HB2868, HB2881, HB3374, HB4439, HB4726, HB4732, HB4878, HB4914, HB4921, HB4958, HB5200, HB5318, HB5360, HB5402, HB5568, HB5573, HB5623, HJR218
Keywords:
political contributions, address privacy, Texas Ethics Commission, election transparency, campaign finance, international organizations, World Health Organization, jurisdiction, state law, enforcement, United Nations, World Economic Forum, attorney general, Texas attorney general, state sovereignty, legal enforcement, Texas Attorney General, electric energy storage, municipal regulation, county regulation
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/24/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- electricity rates. electricity rates.
- So, this month Liberty Utilities proposed a mid-period default rate increase, adding about a cent to
- The utilities' role is to get that rate and that rate effectively reflects what the market rate is in
- The utilities' role is to get that rate, and that rate effectively reflects what the market rate is in
- But part of that, and with the reason for the mid-term rate increase request, is that there is a real
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs May 11th, 2026
Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Even modest financial obligations can result in higher rates, deferred maintenance, or increased reliance
- rate covers the operation.
- evaporation rates.
- in utility rates, or both.
- Earlier, it was recommended that water rates be increased to offset the cost for infrastructure, but
Summary:
During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects.
Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars.
The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color Apr 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And when we passed legislation to increase their hourly rate 700% for the first time in 30 years, Assemblyman
- Five times the rate of everybody else.
- There's no success rates.
- nearly an 80% college-going rate.
- They have higher retention rates, higher graduation rates. They're faster to graduate.
Summary:
The Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color held its second hearing, focused on cradle-to-college-and-career pipelines and education. Members opened with remarks emphasizing bipartisan support, the need to address opportunity gaps, and the committee’s prior hearing in Los Angeles, which helped generate legislation. The chair framed the day around school safety and discipline, community schools, and college/career pathways, and noted that public comment would be included at the end.
In the first panel, witnesses described persistent disparities in school discipline and policing, even as suspension rates have declined statewide. Dr. David Turner cited reductions in suspensions tied to reforms such as bans on willful defiance suspensions, but warned that Black and Native boys remain disproportionately suspended and that “ghost suspensions” and police referrals still push students out of class. Other advocates called for stronger accountability, more restorative and culturally rooted practices, and greater investment in community-based supports. Members asked about the role of state and local policy, rural versus urban differences, and how to measure which interventions work best.
The second panel centered on community schools. Advocates from Californians for Justice, Reclaim Our Schools LA, MILE, and the Sierra Health Foundation argued for the governor’s proposed $1 billion ongoing investment in the California Community Schools Partnership Act. They said community schools improve attendance, reduce suspensions, strengthen belonging, and create shared decision-making with families and students. Panelists described the role of community school coordinators, the importance of authentic partnerships, and the need to track informal discipline practices. Committee members pressed for a plain explanation of community schools and heard that the model is intended to be a high-return equity strategy that can save the state money over time.
The final panel addressed college and career pathways. Speakers from the California Faculty Association, UC Student Association, Brotherhood Crusade, A Men, and Improve Your Tomorrow highlighted barriers facing Black, Latino, Native, and other boys and men of color in higher education, including financial aid gaps, weak transfer pathways, underinvestment in student support, and low campus belonging. They urged continued funding for community schools, expanded dual enrollment and ELOP access, and support for mentorship and culturally responsive programs. Public commenters echoed support for community schools and youth investment, including calls to redirect prison spending toward education and prevention. The chair closed by thanking the panelists, reflecting on his own school struggles and the role of mentorship, and adjourned the committee.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- So, in rate uh base rate reduction.
- . rating. rating.
- I mean, even if we increased or gave additional support, is the burnout rate going to mean anything if
- What we've been seeing from our airline partners is that block hour rates are increasing, pilot costs
- >
costs hour rates are increasing, pilot costs hour rates are increasing, pilot costs haven't<
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- work with the Department to increase work with the Department to increase this<00:14:38.560>
- In 2021, the ratio of the old rates versus the new rates were altered, resulting in increased rates.
- In 2021, the ratio of the old rates versus the new rates were altered, resulting in increased rates.
- In 2021, the ratio of the old rates versus the new rates were altered, resulting in increased rates.
- In 2021, the ratio of the old rates versus the new rates were altered, resulting in increased rates.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- tool to control unfair tax increases tool to control unfair tax increases without<00:43:16.840><
- We are all familiar with for rates.
- those into a lower rate than they're those into a lower rate than they're currently<01:25:01.280>
- So when the aid was um tax rate issue.
- jurisdictions where property tax rates jurisdictions where property tax rates were<01:35:48.600>
Keywords:
property tax, tax refund, taxpayer relief, Minnesota taxation, one-time payment, taxation, property valuation, Tax Court, evidentiary standards, Minnesota Statutes, disparity reduction, aid payments, local government, funding, Fillmore County, education funding, managed forest land, classification, forest management plan, agricultural land
Summary:
The committee first approved the April 9 minutes, then took up House File 2988, which would extend for eight more years a sales tax exemption tied to Minnesota State High School League tournament ticket revenue that is funneled into the league’s foundation and returned to schools as grants. Chair Youakim and Executive Director Eric Martins said the program sends more than $1.1 million annually back to schools for activity fee reductions, scholarships, coaching and training, AEDs, late buses, and other school needs, with over 98% of funds going directly to schools. Representative Huot and others spoke in support, while Representative Robinson questioned the structure and suggested the state could instead simply reduce ticket prices and not tax the tickets. The committee laid HF 2988 over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill.
The committee then heard House File 4906, as amended, which would create a one-time property tax refund in calendar year 2026 for owners of residential homesteads and the homestead portion of agricultural property, funded by a $4 billion appropriation in fiscal year 2027. The bill includes a clawback for delinquent taxpayers and offsets to ensure no one receives more in property tax refunds than they paid. A House Research staffer said the Department of Revenue viewed the refund as potentially taxable, while House Research said it likely should be treated as a recovery of prior taxes, and the two would follow up. The bill was introduced with testimony from Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota and Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project, both of whom opposed it, arguing it would create a large budget hole, force future cuts, and disproportionately benefit homeowners while excluding renters and lower-income Minnesotans.
Several members also raised concerns. Representative Hewitt said the state should prioritize public safety, rural EMS, and safety-net hospitals rather than a large rebate, and Representative Youakim argued the money would be better spent on longer-term property tax relief and education funding. Representative Hollins said the proposal would worsen racial and wealth inequities because homeownership is lower among communities of color and renters would get nothing. In response, the author and supporters said the bill is meant to put money back into people’s budgets and that individuals should be able to decide how to use their own money. The discussion continued with questions about the bill’s size and fiscal impact, but no final action on HF 4906 was taken in the portion provided.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- These plans are outside the normal rate-making process.
- Seventh, to get at the non-energy drivers of utility rates, because there are reasons why utility rates
- So, so 50, 60 billion dollars in rate increases have crossed your desk over the last many years.
- So they are outside the normal rate-making process.
- So when you hear where our rates are, that's not what your bill is, right?
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and considered four bills, all of which were reported favorably. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives was presented as a negotiated “glitch bill” to narrow statutory language so co-ops can choose generation and power purchases based on cost and reliability without exposure to lawsuits aimed at banning fuel sources; it was supported by the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association and passed without debate. SB 364 on public accountancy was described as a modernization and licensure-efficiency bill to increase the supply of CPAs; an amendment correcting a drafting error and restoring automatic mobility language was adopted without objection, and the bill as amended was reported favorably. A public comment on the bill was briefly redirected after it appeared to address a different subject.
The committee then took up SB 200 on utilities, which addresses solar decommissioning and storm protection plans. Chair Bradley said the bill would authorize counties to require decommissioning plans for utility-scale solar facilities at the end of their useful life, direct DEP to develop best management practices, and require the Public Service Commission to consider whether storm protection plan costs are reasonable relative to expected customer benefits. County and consumer groups spoke in support, and the Small County Coalition said the bill was a needed step that did not restrict solar development; the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee considered SB 126 on the Florida Public Service Commission, which was presented as a reform and “glitch” bill and amended to add CPA and financial analyst expertise, require stronger PSC order explanations, tighten intervention requirements, cap returns on equity at the national average for comparable utilities, set periodic ROE review schedules, and require affordability to be considered in rate-related proceedings. The PSC staff deputy executive director answered extensive questions about storm hardening, cost recovery, risk, and affordability. Several members and public speakers supported the bill’s goals but raised concerns about the affordability standard, the ROE cap, and comparisons to other states; others said the bill would improve transparency and accountability. The amendment was adopted, and CS for SB 126 was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Budget Section Human Resources Division Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The payment error rate is not a measure of fraud.
- So we do now know that our 2025 payment error rate is... ...today, that rate has been final.
- Or what are they doing to limit that error rate?
- Or what are they doing to limit that error rate?
- And so when we look at the error rate, a lot of people perceive error rate as fraud and whatnot.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on major health-related projects and programs. CHI St. Alexius representatives reported progress on behavioral health buildouts in Bismarck, Williston, and Grand Forks, including demolition and construction milestones, staffing plans, and timelines. The Bismarck project remains on track for completion in June 2027 with about $346,500 spent to date. Williston reported construction underway, a $750,000 unbudgeted air handler replacement, active recruitment for psychiatrists and other staff, and a projected substantial completion in early 2027. Grand Forks reported about 30% completion, weather-tight status expected in August, and continued staffing ramp-up as the facility expands from its current 24-bed operation.
The Department of Health and Human Services then reviewed a set of technical line-item transfers, emphasizing that they were administrative corrections with no net change in funding. The department also walked through the Salaries and Wages Block Grant and FTE counts, noting overall staffing remained within appropriated limits and that behavioral health staffing had increased. Members asked about vacancies, consultant use, and the mix of in-state versus out-of-state expertise for the Rural Health Transformation Program. HHS said it had posted 12 funding opportunities, received 422 applications, obligated $8.4 million so far, hired 26 people, and was preparing additional grant rounds and a CMS budget submission. The department said the program is structured around workforce, prevention/healthy living, care closer to home, and technology/data, with ongoing stakeholder engagement and community forums.
The committee also heard on the certified community behavioral health clinic implementation plan, SNAP payment error rates, and the state laboratory project. HHS said CCBHC certification is being implemented in four regions—Williston, Minot/North Central, Fargo/Southeast, and Dickinson/Badlands—with care coordination expanding and baseline data still being collected. On SNAP, the department reported a 2025 payment error rate of 9.89%, acknowledged cost impacts under HR1, and said it is using training, system changes, and pre-authorization quality checks to reduce errors toward a 6% target over the next 6 to 12 months. Finally, Public Health reported the state laboratory reached substantial completion on June 12, with total costs at $69.95 million of the $70 million budget, though a service elevator issue will require a new lift to be added using contingency funds.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (3-10-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:10:02.400>
in concern the maximum hourly rates in concern the maximum hourly rates in - <00:16:09.680>
450 <00:16:10.320>and rate generally somewhere between 450 and rate - That's almost a 50% increase.
- I'm looking I'm looking at the increase I'm looking I'm looking at the increase and<00:32:05.240
- <00:34:51.919>
for FMAP, a higher reimbursement rate for FMAP, a higher reimbursement rate
Summary:
The committee first approved a motion and then deferred a large batch of 246 contracts totaling about $187.8 million until the April 2026 meeting. It then moved through the agenda and reviewed several pulled items, beginning with four Attorney General contingent-fee contracts. Committee members questioned why the contracts were new, what the $20 million maximums meant, and how the fees would work; the AG’s office explained they were new awards from a September RFP, that the $20 million was an outside estimate tied to a full recovery, and that one contract would require a $380 million recovery to pay out the maximum. The committee voted to consider those contracts reviewed without objection.
The Department of Highways then explained an “alternative delivery support” contract, describing it as a procurement method different from the usual design-bid-build model and noting it can help with innovation, speed, timeliness, or cost reduction. After that explanation, the committee again voted to consider the contract reviewed without objection. The Kentucky Horse Park/Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation presented eight legal services contracts; members focused on differing hourly rates and retroactive approval. The corporation said it had selected four firms through an RFP to maintain flexibility and avoid conflicts, would use in-house counsel first, and did not expect to use the maximum rates. Senator Thomas argued the committee’s statutory hourly rate cap is outdated and should be revisited. The committee then approved the contracts.
One Transportation Office of the Secretary contract was deferred to the April meeting, consistent with the agency’s prior request. The committee then reviewed Cabinet for Health and Family Services items from the Department of Community Based Services: three contract amendments and one memorandum of agreement. Members asked about funding sources, service outcomes, and whether the programs reduce future need; the agency said one amendment was a $55,000 increase offset by reductions elsewhere, that the total contract amount with the agency did not change, and that follow-up data show over 90% of children remain in the home after services. The committee approved those items.
Finally, the committee reviewed a LIHEAP contract amendment from the Division of Family Support, which the agency said used federal funds, not state general funds, to add newly appropriated federal money for low-income home energy assistance and crisis heating support. Members asked about future funding and were told that continuation depends on Congress. The committee approved that item. It then began reviewing Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities memoranda of agreement tied to Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center staffing; members asked for a count of personnel, and the agency said it would provide that information, after which the discussion continued.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Page 280, utility rate increases.
- Page 280 utility rate increases. These are increases Page 280, utility rate increases.
- This request is based on recent rate increases by the PSC.
- I know in your remarks just now you mentioned the recent rate increases approved by the PSC.
- That's the postage rate increase in DI, which the governor did not recommend.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 15th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- or increase their rate of pay and continue to take those steps off public assistance and toward independence
- It's a payment error rate.
- It's a payment error rate, not a case error rate. All right. Thank you. Thank you.
- It's a payment error rate.
- It's a payment error rate, not case error rate. All right. Thank you. Thank you.
MI
Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session
Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection 26-06-23
Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- It just increases the cap that a community can utilize those zones. Gotcha. Thank you. Yeah.
- Just to give an example, the homestead rate right now is 64 mills, and the non-homestead rate is about
- There are going to be 400 units of both market rate and affordable housing.
- That's a price that's increased 20% more than the average rate charged during the previous 30 days by
- Other states range from that 10% to 24% increase, and we're at that 20% mark.
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection met with a quorum, adopted the June 17 minutes, and took testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 1053, sponsored by Chair Kavanaugh, would raise the acreage cap for neighborhood enterprise zones from 15% to 20% for certain zones. Supporters from Invest Detroit and the City of Detroit said the change would help make housing and redevelopment projects viable, especially in high-tax areas like Detroit, and the bill was reported to the floor on a 6-2 vote.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 988, sponsored by Senator Santana, which would extend from 30 to 35 days the deadline to appeal a denied poverty exemption to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. The sponsor and Detroit’s property assessment director described it as a technical alignment with the Tax Tribunal Act and a correction to conflicting timelines; the bill drew support from the Michigan Poverty Law Program, the Michigan Chamber, and the Tax Tribunal, and was reported unanimously. The committee then adopted S-1 substitutes for Senate Bills 1041, 1042, and 1043, the price-gouging package sponsored by Senators Moss, Chang, and Kavanaugh.
Sponsors of the price-gouging bills said the package would strengthen Michigan’s emergency price-gouging protections by defining excessive increases during declared emergencies, covering lodging, essential goods and services, and energy products, and giving the Attorney General clearer enforcement tools. Supporters included the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Attorney General’s office, while the Michigan Chamber, Mackinac Center, and NFIB opposed the package. Despite the opposition, all three bills were reported to the floor on 5-3 votes. The meeting adjourned after all reported bills were approved.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota Management and Budget forecast projects surplus for the state, but uncertainty remains Mar 7th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- drives an increase in forecast revenues.
- Minnesota's unemployment rate has continued to increase over the past year.
- That's @MNSenateMedia. an increase in forecast revenues. an increase in forecast revenues.
- unemployment rate has Minnesota's unemployment rate has continued<00:02:44.720>
to <00:02:44.840 - to increase over the past continued to increase over the past year.<00:02:46.880>
Minnesotans
Summary:
Minnesota Management and Budget’s February forecast reported that the state’s projected deficit has turned into a surplus, with an estimated $3.7 billion balance for fiscal years 2026-27 and a projected $377 million positive balance for FY28-29. Officials said the improved outlook is driven by a slightly stronger national economy and higher forecast revenues, but they cautioned that the state remains in a strong yet not secure position.
A major concern discussed was federal funding uncertainty. CMS has indicated it may withhold $515 million per quarter in Medicaid Assistance reimbursement, and separately notified the state it would defer $260 million in Medicaid reimbursements pending further information. Those potential losses are not included in the forecast, but lawmakers were told federal funds account for about one-third of state agency spending and that budget flexibility may be needed if cuts occur.
Speakers also noted that Minnesota still faces a structural budget imbalance despite progress made last session. Current biennium spending is projected to be $68 million lower than earlier estimates, but planning estimates are up $152 million since the last forecast. Several lawmakers emphasized affordability concerns for residents, citing rising delinquency rates, increasing unemployment, flat wages, and the need to focus on tax conformity, vehicle tab fees, and property taxes. Members from both parties said they want to continue working together on budget solutions and spending restraint.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill includes an increase in expenditure authority of **$2.8 billion** general fund. ...program
- at a faster rate than we anticipated.
- And that means that insurance rates are going to go up for everybody paying for insurance.
- The caseload increase is not associated with just individuals who are undocumented.
- That goes up as the household size increases.