Video & Transcript : 'taxpayers' :
Page 96 of 449
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Despite all the efforts to streamline operations, expand services, and pass a local levy for taxpayer
- So, during the intervening period, it's my understanding there's been a mix of taxpayers that have just
- gone ahead and paid the B&O tax, and then some other taxpayers have not paid the tax, just to see how
- I don't know the number of taxpayers exactly, though. Okay, thank you.
- mean the legislature is acquiescing to the court's interpretation of the statute, and in that case, taxpayers
Committee:
Senate Ways & Means
Keywords:
preK promise account, early childhood education, child care, preschool, pre-kindergarten, DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, state treasury, trust fund, investment earnings, gift grants donations, dedicated account, general fund, nonreverting balance, appropriation, treasurer, Washington early learning, school readiness, education assistance program, legislative audit
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Trade & Economic Development Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- well-intentioned laws are passed, immediately challenged, and enjoined before taking effect, wasting taxpayer
- I think it favors transparency, not only to our citizens and taxpayers, but to the fire districts that
- Matter of fact, they are the top form of community mitigation because our taxpayers pay into our levies
- millions of dollars' worth of equipment and training go towards helping the insurance rates. of our taxpayers
- Our job is to protect the taxpayers when it comes to these wildland fires.
Summary:
The Senate Business, Trade and Economic Development Committee first held a work session on protecting children online. Testimony focused on a proposed Kids Online Protection Act that would limit addictive algorithmic feeds for minors and restrict push notifications during school hours and at night. Supporters included a former tech executive, a Meta whistleblower, and a psychology researcher, who argued that social media design exploits adolescent development, harms well-being, and that the bill gives parents and children more control without banning access to content. Industry and trade group witnesses opposed the approach, arguing it would violate the First Amendment, create privacy risks through age verification, and could reduce useful personalization and safety tools; they said companies are already implementing teen protections and parental controls. The committee did not take a vote during the work session.
The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5928, sponsored by Senators Warnick and Short at the request of the Insurance Commissioner. The bill would require property insurers using wildfire risk scores or models to disclose more information to consumers, explain adverse factors, provide appeal and rescoring processes, and account for mitigation actions in rate filings and discounts. The Office of Insurance Commissioner, a Colville Tribal representative, fire district testimony, climate advocates, realtors, hospitality businesses, and insurance agents generally supported the bill as a transparency and consumer-protection measure, with some urging inclusion of commercial lines and stronger recognition of local fire mitigation. Several insurance trade groups opposed or were neutral, warning that the bill goes too far, could expose proprietary underwriting information, increase regulation and costs, and should be narrowed to align with other states’ approaches. No vote was taken, and the chair adjourned after the hearing.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill represents another pivotal moment in protecting Florida's taxpayers and continuing the stabilization
- much risk on the state's balance sheet that is backed solely on the credit and faith of all Florida taxpayers
- Simply put, this bill will relieve taxpayers from shouldering Citizens' risk exposure.
- we've had on the downward trajectory of the policy count and the liabilities ultimately that the taxpayers
- And I think it's good for Florida and good for the taxpayers of Florida. Thank you, Senator Boyd.
Committee:
Senate Banking and Insurance
Keywords:
public adjuster, contract cancellation, state of emergency, vulnerable adults, disciplinary actions, financial regulation, information security, financial exploitation, licensing, transportation, insurance, TNC, ride-sharing, automobile liability, bail bond, insurance regulation, foreign insurers, financial disclosure, premium reporting, residential property insurance
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HOU-LBT, HOU DEFER, HOU Public Hearings 02-06-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It also establishes a long-term residential lease tax credit for taxpayers who own and lease a dwelling
- It also establishes a long-term residential lease tax credit for taxpayers who own and lease a dwelling
- We'll also limit credit claims to one taxpayer per property in cases where multiple persons own a leased
- dwelling unit, and prohibit credit claims by taxpayers who lease the dwelling unit to an immediate family
- Multiple persons own a leased dwelling unit, and prohibit credit claims by taxpayers who lease the dwelling
Summary:
The Committee on Housing met on February 6, 2025, first in a joint session with the Committee on Labor and Technology. The joint committees heard SB 1235, which would create a Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation program for government employee housing, including a revolving fund and a leasehold rent-to-own program. Testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC, the Department of Budget and Finance, and UPW, with one testifier opposing the bill because it was limited to state workers and should be broader. The committees recommended passage with amendments, including technical changes, $450,000 for two positions, removal of an income restriction, and clarification that leasehold and day-one projects are eligible; both committees adopted the recommendation unanimously, and the joint meeting adjourned.
The Housing Committee then took up SB 67, SB 1133, and SB 1333. SB 67 would bar inclusionary zoning requirements on certain housing offered for sale or rent to qualifying residents, and it received support from HHFDC, the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and others; the committee recommended passage with technical amendments and adopted it. SB 1133 would allow counties to set rent increase limits tied to CPI and create a long-term residential lease tax credit; testimony included support from the Department of Taxation and opposition from Hawaii Realtors, NAIOP Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation, which warned about rent-control consequences. The committee recommended passage with amendments that made the credit nonrefundable, allowed limited carry-forward, restricted claims in certain family-lease situations, set filing deadlines, and applied the measure to disaster-affected counties; the recommendation was adopted.
SB 1333 would allow certain counties to use surcharge revenues for transportation and housing infrastructure and extend the surcharge period. DBEDT, OPSD, HCDA, county officials, and the Grassroot Institute supported the bill, while the Tax Foundation opposed it, arguing temporary taxes were becoming permanent. The committee recommended passage with technical amendments, and members noted concerns that prior surcharge revenues had not produced enough housing projects, which were to be reflected in the committee report. Finally, the committee deferred SB 834 indefinitely because it had already been deferred indefinitely by the Hawaiian Affairs Committee, and the Housing Committee adjourned after completing its agenda.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology.(6-28-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- So, if we're going to give one taxpayer dollar, how are we going to turn that into 10 dollars that now
- Can you share that with us a little bit more, how we can scale back what we're putting in in taxpayer
- So, let's not look at it as using taxpayer dollars in that regard.
- , how are we give one taxpayer dollar, how are we going<00:55:38.720><c> to</c><00:55:38.840><c> turn
- </c> let's not look at it as using taxpayer let's not look at it as using taxpayer dollars<00:57:39.000
Summary:
The committee met for an interim update from the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, with presentations from the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Arts Council. Secretary Lindy Casebier reported that Kentucky tourism has posted record growth for four straight years, with $14.6 billion in economic impact, 97,000 tourism-related jobs, and 81 million travelers spending more than $10.4 billion in 2025. He said the Historical Society and Arts Council help create visitor experiences that support those tourism gains.
The Kentucky Historical Society focused on America 250, the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Staff described a community-driven approach built around themes such as “Revolutionary Experiment,” “We the People,” “Power of Place,” “Crossroads in Kentucky,” and “Doing History,” organized under heritage tourism, education, signature events, and legacy projects. They said the effort has included Liberty Tree plantings in nearly every county, partnerships with local organizations and KET, grants to cabinet agencies and historic sites, and preservation projects in 19 counties. They highlighted Harrodsburg 250 as an early kickoff, along with grant-supported events, exhibits, and educational programs across the state.
The Historical Society also described public engagement events tied to the commemoration, including Two Lights for Tomorrow, a food drive in Franklin County, a July 8 historic reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old State Capitol, and planned participation at the Kentucky State Fair. They said the General Assembly’s support enabled a grant program that has funded 250 events and programs in 43 counties, totaling more than $720,000, and that the work is intended to build a lasting legacy beyond 2026.
The Kentucky Arts Council said it received America 250 grant funds to support artists, arts organizations, communities, and nonprofits for public art, artwork creation, and related programs. The council reported 55 funded projects and $466,000 awarded statewide, with examples including a Burkesville summer arts and history camp and a Fayette County community singing project. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Four - Wednesday, May 6
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So, you know, I think it's disingenuous that we keep asking our taxpayers for more money, more money,
- So, you know, I think it's disingenuous that we keep asking our taxpayers for more money, more money
- A small transfer of $10 million doesn't cut the cost when, honestly, taxpayers are on the hook in the
- So if the source is coming from income tax or property tax, that's all state taxpayers paying into the
- The lottery system is coming from private individuals, not everybody in the state who's a taxpayer, to
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by roll call, and a long series of special guest introductions recognizing family members, interns, public servants, nonprofit leaders, students, and a park ranger honored for life-saving actions. Committee reports and Senate messages followed, including Senate nonconcurrence on numerous amendments to Senate Bill 1421 and the appointment of a conference committee on another bill.
The main floor action centered on budget conference committee reports, especially House Bill 2002 on public education. Members debated whether the conference version fully funded the foundation formula, with supporters arguing it maintained record-level funding and opponents saying it left schools about $190 million short and relied on uncertain funding sources such as blind pension, lottery, and possible ARPA dollars. After a substitute motion to send the bill back to conference was defeated, the House adopted the conference report 83-68 and then third-read and passed House Bill 2002 by the same margin. The House then took up House Bill 2003 on higher education, where members discussed a move toward a future performance-based funding model while keeping current funding flat; the conference report passed 119-28 and the bill was third-read and passed 109-32.
The chamber next considered House Bill 2004, covering the Departments of Revenue and Transportation. Debate focused on transportation funding, rural roads, and a small local safety project in Lebanon that had already been addressed by MoDOT. The conference report was adopted 128-21 and the bill was third-read and passed 127-27. Finally, the House began debate on House Bill 2005 for the Office of Administration and IT-related functions, with the sponsor and supporters emphasizing IT accountability, the Movers project, and the transfer of some staff to DSS; the transcript ends during discussion of that bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/17/26
Housing and Homelessness Prevention
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, this building is advancing taxpayer dollars and tax credits to institutional investors.
- </c> This building is advancing taxpayer dollars and tax credits to institutional investors.
- And I think the more transparency we can provide a taxpayer and get the money out the door to actually
- And I think the more transparency we can provide a taxpayer and get the money out the door to actually
- and get the money out the door taxpayer and get the money out the door to<01:09:57.520><c> actually<
Committee:
Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 02/27/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- If we're going to, if people are going to take taxpayer dollars, I don't think that it is too much to
- If we're going to, if people are going to take taxpayer dollars, I don't think that it is too much to
- If people are going to take taxpayer dollars, I don't think that it is too much to ask that they report
- Tanking any taxpayer dollars means you have to report where those dollars are going.
- If we're going to, if people are going to take taxpayer dollars, I don't think that it is too much to
Committee:
Senate State and Local Government
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He's terminated taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants.
- President Trump is restoring peace through strength, rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer
- dollars, and securing tremendous savings for taxpayers, led by Speaker Mike Johnson.
- of taxpayer dollars and securing<02:14:58.079><c> tremendous</c><02:14:58.520><c> savings</c><02:14:
- Yet the cost to New York alone was $7 billion in cost on New York taxpayers.
Keywords:
HIV, AIDS, public health, World AIDS Day, bipartisan support, uterine fibroids, fibroids, leiomyoma, women's health, reproductive health, pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, miscarriage, hysterectomy, Black women, Hispanic women, health disparities, awareness month, screening
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- My biggest concern is that this bill either takes money away from local taxpayers that is reported as
- My biggest concern is that this bill either takes money away from local taxpayers that is reported as
- Taxpayer funds, basically why cities become cities and why land value capture encourages building up
- My biggest concern is that this bill either takes money away from local taxpayers that is reported as
- My biggest concern is that this bill either takes money away from local taxpayers that is reported as
Committee:
Senate Commerce
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses May 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Maybe instead of going to the taxpayer, maybe that can be passed on back to the issuer or to the bank
- I'm the Director of State Affairs for the Taxpayers Protection Alliance.
- We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan taxpayer consumer watchdog organization that seeks to hold elected officials
- So stepping back, while the current system is imperfect, millions of consumers and taxpayers would need
- Thank you so much for your testimony. and taxpayers would need these interchange fees that are currently
Summary:
The Special Legislative Commission on the Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Business held a public hearing focused on credit card interchange fees, cashless transactions, chargebacks, fraud, and possible reforms affecting small businesses in Massachusetts. Chair Paul Feeney opened the meeting, outlined the commission’s charge, and noted that the hearing would hear from small business owners, industry representatives, and others on the effects of payment trends and proposed policy changes. Representative Sean Garballey testified first, arguing that universal card acceptance and the current interchange system are important to Massachusetts tourism and should not be disrupted ahead of a busy summer season.
A large portion of the hearing featured independent restaurant owners and advocates, who said processing fees are especially burdensome because restaurants operate on very thin margins and are charged fees on sales tax and tips that are not retained as revenue. Testifiers including Jen Ziskin, Kristen Canty, Nancy Cushman, and Kerry Colzer described rising operating costs and gave examples of annual or monthly fee totals, urging relief from fees on tax and gratuity amounts. Ryan Lotz also asked for chargeback reforms, including refunding chargeback fees when merchants prevail, requiring consumers to contact businesses before disputing charges, proportional fees, and safeguards against repeat abuse. Several witnesses, including Dan Swanson, argued that states have authority to regulate aspects of the payment system and cited the Illinois litigation and federal court rulings as support for state action.
Opposing testimony came from credit unions, banks, payment industry representatives, and policy groups, who warned that changing interchange rules could create compliance burdens, reduce rewards, raise account fees, and shift costs elsewhere. Witnesses such as Alex Vereen, Brad Popolado, Keely McEwen, David Montero, Hunter Hamburlin, and Luke Bondar emphasized fraud prevention, network security, consumer protections, and the need for a stable, uniform payment system. Some suggested alternatives such as vendor compensation, surcharging, instant payments, or QR pay code standards, while others argued that sales tax and tip amounts cannot easily be separated within current card-network architecture. The chairs said the commission is still exploring options, discussed possible state-level solutions, and announced plans for one more public hearing before moving toward recommendations and a report. The commission then voted to adjourn.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee Apr 29th, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- So the public, as taxpayers, we can all see what our tax dollars are going to, why this organization
- We share the Senator's goal for public transparency and the use of taxpayer funds.
- We share the Senator's goal for public transparency and the use of taxpayer funds.
- The bottom line is this: SB 1363 protects transit investments, protects jobs, and protects taxpayer-funded
- Good morning. protects transit investments, protects jobs, and protects taxpayer-funded infrastructure
Committee:
Senate Local Government
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I also think it's a good step forward for the taxpayers, and it's about accountability and holding the
- <00:14:56.560><c> forward</c><00:14:56.920><c> for</c><00:14:57.040><c> the</c><00:14:57.160><c> taxpayers
- </c><00:14:58.360><c> and</c><00:14:58.520><c> it's</c> step forward for the taxpayers and it's step
- forward for the taxpayers and it's about<00:14:59.120><c> accountability</c><00:15:00.520><c> and</c>
- So, to me, that seems to potentially harm taxpayers based on a school district's actions that are hired
Committee:
Senate Education Finance
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- And I've requested multiple times, we need to evaluate and assess the cost of the taxpayer or the private
- And the jobs it's producing is jobs that it's producing in the public sector at taxpayers' expense.
- We need to have a little more attention to the cost of the industry and to the taxpayers.
- And that cost to cities is a tax on the constituents of those cities, to the taxpayers of those cities
- lowest best bid for efficiencies and possibly with more projects being done with the same amount of taxpayer
Committee:
Senate Energy
Summary:
The committee took up several measures dealing with environmental regulation, waste management, and energy. Early on, it passed sunset-extension bills for the Oklahoma Climatological Survey and several environmental advisory councils. It then heard extensive debate on HB 1907, the Battery Stewardship Act, which would create a battery recycling system for small and medium batteries through DEQ. Supporters argued it would reduce landfill and garbage-truck fires, protect the environment, and create recycling value, while opponents raised concerns about added regulation, costs shifted to producers and retailers, and the creation of a new state FTE. Despite those objections, the bill passed 8-3.
The committee also considered HB 3403, a pilot study on biosolids and sewage sludge applied to farmland. Members debated a committee substitute that shortened the study timeline from five years to three years and added a phased rollback of land application. Supporters said the study was needed because of unresolved questions about PFOS, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, and other contaminants, while critics argued the timelines conflicted and the bill could be hard to implement. The committee substitute was adopted, an amendment to delete key rollback provisions failed, and the bill ultimately passed 8-2 after testimony from Oklahoma City utilities officials and multiple rounds of questions about testing, health risks, and disposal practices.
The committee then passed HB 3175 to establish the Oklahoma Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, with members noting it would have minimal fiscal impact and could help Oklahoma build nuclear expertise and jobs. It also passed HB 3986, expanding a gross production tax exemption for wells completed with recycled water, and HB 3466, which removes the statutory requirement that the Corporation Commission maintain a petty cash fund. Finally, HB 3411, another biosolids-related bill to buy testing equipment and provide information to landowners, and HB 4246, a rural water transparency/lowest-bid bill, both passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The meeting ended with the chair thanking members and adjourning.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty One - Wednesday, March 25 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill helps our taxpayers get intact relief they already have.
- gentleman's bill that adds a line, or adds a note on the statement that they're sent out, that the taxpayer
- then it doesn't apply to them, they're kind of in a unique position compared to the rest of the taxpayers
- That's good for the taxpayer because we are costing the counties less money to implement these processes
- of that paragraph, it says that it will state on the tax bill that it is your responsibility as a taxpayer
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 40th day by roll call vote, 122-1. Members used points of personal privilege to recognize the departure of Scott Bell and to honor the life of Ernie Dempsey of St. Charles, and the chamber welcomed numerous special guests, including Child Advocacy Day participants, school groups, local civic leaders, and visitors from across the state.
The main floor business centered on House Bill 3239, which would make the Missouri Workforce Diploma Program permanent and move it into the MOCAP framework with a $4 million annual cap and pay-for-performance funding. Supporters said the program has helped about 1,200 adults earn diplomas, especially women and parents needing flexible online access, while opponents argued it would divert foundation formula money from K-12 students and duplicate existing adult education options. An amendment adding a college admissions and financial aid task force was offered but failed, 55-82; the previous question was then ordered, and HB 3239 was perfected and printed.
The House also perfected and printed House Bill 1786, which would prevent county assessors from reclassifying single-family homes used as short-term rentals from residential to commercial for tax purposes. Supporters framed it as a property-rights and tax-relief measure for homeowners and small LLCs, while opponents raised concerns about local control and the line between mom-and-pop rentals and larger business operations. House Bill 2944, dealing with the senior property tax freeze, was amended to clarify that the freeze applies across taxing districts and to simplify annual filing and notification requirements; a later amendment was ruled out of order, and the bill was perfected and printed as amended. The House then moved to announcements and recessed until 2 p.m.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 27 Mar 23rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- These are meds that are already being provided on the taxpayer dime.
- Russo institutions to lower borrowing costs, expand access to capital, and protect students and taxpayers
- Representative, we have another bill in front of us that is taking taxpayer dollars and sending it to
- If they're going to provide services, they should be the ones funding it, not taxpayers.
- Shouldn't they be doing that instead of looking to the taxpayers of Oklahoma to fund their services?
Bills:
HB2059 , HB3920 , HB2992 , HB3267 , HB4457 , HB3800 , HB3818 , HB4425 , HB4427 , HB4430 , HB4431 , HB4333 , HB4340 , HB4343 , HB4344 , HB4363 , HB4229 , HB4230 , HB4236 , HB4246 , HB1979 , HB3431 , HB3052 , HB3047 , HB3048 , HB4092 , HB4302 , HB3261 , HB3704 , HB3312 , HB3546 , HB3849 , HCR1021 , HB4105 , HB4159 , HB4304 , HB3835 , HB3619 , HB4490 , HB3710 , HB4201 , HB3907 , HB3748
Keywords:
health care, medication, inmates, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, reimbursement, county jails, medical expenses, sales tax exemption, nonprofit organizations, procurement, transplant research, Oklahoma Tax Code, HB2992, Data Center Customer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, Corporation Commission, Oklahoma utilities, ratepayer protection, data centers, artificial intelligence computing, AI data centers
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- received pushback, I assume, because the Catholic Church was going to receive a direct benefit from taxpayer
- through, for example, Measure that will benefit them directly through, for example, the expenditure of taxpayer
- money, why shouldn't the church have to live by the rules that every other taxpayer or organization
- received pushback, I assume, because the Catholic Church was going to receive a direct benefit from taxpayer
- money, why shouldn't the church have to live by the rules that every other taxpayer or organization
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriation and Revenue. (3-18-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- to cast a yes vote and want to take just a moment and acknowledge the talent and skills that the taxpayers
- That the taxpayers of the Commonwealth enjoy here that we so often take for granted.
- representatives that we as the elected representatives of<00:31:45.760><c> the</c><00:31:45.880><c> taxpayers
- ><c> can</c><00:31:46.640><c> make</c><00:31:46.800><c> the</c><00:31:46.880><c> best</c> of the taxpayers
- can make the best of the taxpayers can make the best decisions<00:31:47.520><c> possible.
Summary:
The Kentucky Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 503, the legislative branch budget, adopting a committee substitute and reporting it favorably. The chair said the Senate version fully funds defined calculations, provides 2% raises in each fiscal year for legislative employees, removes a paragraph on operating expense reductions, and includes $1 million in the first year for a judicial branch salary study. House Bill 504, the judicial branch budget, was then amended and reported favorably; changes included 2% annual raises for judicial employees, revised operating expense language, $1 million each year for county current services, retention of Boyle County fit-up language, reporting requirements for smaller capital projects, full funding for nine judges added in 2022, and removal of furlough prohibitions and certain budget implementation language. Both bills passed the committee unanimously with favorable expressions to the floor.
The committee then considered House Bill 500, the executive branch budget, adopting a committee substitute before hearing a lengthy summary of major spending and policy changes. The chair described statewide 2% annual employee raises, agency base reductions with many exemptions, increased school safety and 911 funding, veterans and military funding, local government and severance-related changes, attorney general and auditor funding, pension and retirement system support, education funding changes including SEEK, postsecondary and scholarship provisions, public safety and corrections funding, and multiple capital projects. The chair also highlighted Medicaid-related provisions, including added waiver slots, increased state-directed payments, a 2.5% reduction in managed care vendor payments for plan years 2027 and 2028 with savings redirected to fee-for-service rates, and additional funding for behavioral health and public health programs. The bill was reported favorably after members explained their votes, with several noting they had only recently received the full 228-page bill and wanted more time for detailed review.
Finally, the committee adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 900, an appropriation measure for government agencies, and reported it favorably. The chair said the bill remains a work in progress and that one-time funding requests from across the Commonwealth and across party lines would continue to be addressed as the process moves forward. All measures considered during the meeting passed the committee with unanimous or near-unanimous favorable votes, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Strong victim services ultimately save Missouri taxpayers' money.
- It comes not from taxpayers, but from fines, penalties, and deferred prosecution agreements collected
- prevention reduces our burden by simply 5%, that would represent $75 to $115 million in avoided taxpayer
- Pro Tech, providing districts with ready-to-use, continuously updated lessons at no extra cost to taxpayers
- complain about doing the job that we've asked to do, especially when we're doing it at the expense of taxpayers
Committee:
House Children and Families
Summary:
The Committee on Children and Families met with a quorum and first took up several bills in executive session. It voted House Bill 1792, the Murphy Media Literacy Program, and House Bill 1770, dealing with time limits on abuse cases, both do pass by unanimous roll call votes. The committee then considered House Bill 2426, Representative Keebley’s parental rights bill. An amendment was adopted to align the bill with a Senate floor substitute, clarify judicial review and compelling government interest standards, update parent/child definitions, add transparency provisions, and revise medical consent language. After extensive discussion about parental consent, minors’ access to STI and substance use treatment, foster parent authority, and potential impacts on abuse situations, the committee voted the House Committee Substitute do pass by a vote of 11 yes, 3 no, and 1 present.
The committee then heard House Bill 2418, which would create the Missouri Crime Victims Fund within the Department of Social Services as a framework for future appropriations if federal VOCA funding continues to decline. The sponsor and numerous witnesses from domestic violence shelters, child advocacy centers, CASA programs, and prosecutors described major reductions in VOCA support, staffing losses, service cuts, and the risk of leaving victims without shelter, advocacy, counseling, and court support. No one testified in opposition, and the hearing concluded without a vote.
Finally, Representative Schmidt presented House Bill 3077, which would require social media and internet safety curriculum for grades 6 through 12 and provide parent resources. Supporters said the bill would help students recognize grooming, sextortion, misinformation, and other online risks, while some committee members and witnesses raised concerns about adding burdens on schools and suggested the material should be embedded into existing instruction and possibly start earlier. The committee also heard House Bill 1819, “Conrad’s Law,” which would require safe-sleep training and rules for licensed child care facilities for children age one and older, set limits on weighted blankets, and require documented care plans and training for children with special needs. The sponsor and family members said the bill responds to a child’s death and is intended to improve child care safety without adding extra training hours. Both bills were heard in public testimony, and the committee adjourned after the House Bill 1819 hearing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Republican Members Introduce Tax Relief Bills - 03/02/26
Transcript Highlights:
- A few are smart, like better oversight to stop fraud and keep taxpayer money from being wasted, but others
- A few are smart, like better oversight to stop fraud and keep taxpayer money from being wasted, but others
- A few are smart, like better oversight to stop fraud and keep taxpayer money from being wasted, but others
- A few are smart, like better oversight to stop fraud and keep taxpayer money from being wasted, but others
- This government clearly cannot handle taxpayer dollars effectively and efficiently.
Summary:
Minnesota Senate Republicans held a press conference unveiling a package of affordability and tax-relief bills aimed at property taxes, taxes on tips and overtime, and vehicle registration costs. Leader Mark Johnson said the proposals were meant to counter rising costs for wages, homeownership, and driving, and argued that Democrats’ policies had made life more expensive. Several senators echoed that theme, saying Minnesotans need immediate relief and that the state has room to act because of a reported surplus.
Senator Michael Kunesh described a property-tax cap bill that would limit increases for cities and counties to inflation plus 50% of population growth, with higher increases requiring voter approval. He said constituents, including seniors, a disabled veteran, and young people, are seeing unsustainable property-tax hikes, and he argued that state and federal mandates have driven local costs. In response to a question about added county workload from federal SNAP and Medicaid changes, he said the solution is both to pause new mandates and to cap property-tax growth.
Senator Karin Housley outlined a proposal to end state taxes on tips and overtime, with deductions up to $25,000 for tips and $12,500 for overtime, phased out at $150,000 for individuals and $300,000 for families. She said the measure would help workers keep more of what they earn and would not cost small businesses directly. Senator John Jasinski proposed rolling back vehicle registration tab fees to pre-2023 levels, saying Minnesota’s fees are far higher than neighboring states and that the change would save drivers money over time. Senator Julia Coleman also supported the package, saying the bills would provide practical relief for families facing high housing, driving, and work-related costs. No votes were taken; the event ended with questions from reporters about fiscal impacts, offsets, and whether the proposals would worsen the state’s structural budget imbalance.