Video & Transcript Research : 'reading intervention'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 4/1/25
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:09:35.920>
at investment for interventions at investment for interventions at different - decreases you can also see interventions decreases you can also see here<00:10:07.720>
something< - He said his family does not choose to have their child in child care in part because, as he was reading
- <01:04:15.680>
was child care in part because as I was child care in part because as I was reading - from an article in the St Cloud reading from an article in the St Cloud Times<01:04:18.559>
um
Keywords:
child care, grants, appropriation, workforce development, families, YWCA Minneapolis, job training, child development, economic assistance, WomenVenture, economic development, entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs, business training, financial support, youth programs, funding, employment, Minnesota, American Indian
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Clerk, will read the amendment. Amendment one.
- Senate Bill 1489 is before you on third reading and final passage. Will there be debate?
- Because if you read the fiscal note, we are still trying to get with.
- Senate Bill 1849 is Before you on third reading and final passage. Will there be debate?
- I'm sorry, the clerk will read the amendment. Mr.
Bills:
HB1427, SB1403, SB1448, SB1489, SB1546, SB1557, SB1614, SB1377, SB1990, SB1439, SB1630, SB1632, SB1696, SB1796, SB1824, SB1362, SB1849, SB2066, SB2071, SB2104, SB933, SB1633, SB1224, SB1246, SB1280, SB1303, SB1346
Keywords:
tax credit, clean-burning fuel, hydrogen fuel cells, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, environmental impact, vehicle modification, renewable energy, job incentives, tax rebates, Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, employment growth, wage requirements, Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, deceptive practices, exemptions, statutory exemptions, Corporation Commission
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance (01/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- She also encouraged all committee members to read some of the online testimony that has been submitted
- of the committee to read some of the<01:12:18.199>
online <01:12:18.760>testimony <01:12 - We believe at Waypoint that early intervention through programs like ours are essential for reducing
- through programs like ours intervention through programs like ours are<02:12:56.440>
essential <02:34:44.720>for this is funding a whole intervention for this is funding a whole intervention
Summary:
The Finance Committee held a hearing on several bills and announced at the outset that no votes would be taken because the measures would go to divisions later. The first major bill, HB 197, would require the state to pay 7.5% of political subdivision employer pension contributions for teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Representative Mike Edgar, the prime sponsor, argued the state had repeatedly reduced and then eliminated its promised share of retirement costs, shifting the burden to municipalities and property taxpayers. He said the bill would partially restore that commitment and provide relief to local governments, businesses, and taxpayers.
Several witnesses testified in support of HB 197, including Representative John Cluder, Bradford selectman Marlene Fryer, the New Hampshire Municipal Association’s Margaret Burns, and Epping representative Mark Fone. Supporters said the bill would help with property tax pressure, school budgets, and municipal hiring, and they emphasized that much of the retirement cost reflects unfunded liability decisions made at the state level rather than by local governments. Committee members questioned whether the bill would change local incentives to control costs and how it would affect hiring and compensation. Burns said the state contribution would function as property tax relief because it offsets existing municipal expenses, and she noted the state is already on a long-term schedule to pay down the retirement system’s unfunded liability.
After closing the hearing on HB 197, the committee opened a hearing on HB 97, introduced by Representative Tom Buco. He said the bill would continue funding for delayed and deferred wastewater projects and help municipalities finance expensive wastewater infrastructure, which he tied to housing development and local debt planning. No action or votes were taken on either bill during the hearing.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Ways and Means May 30th, 2025 at 08:00 am
Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- I will read Senator Dondero-Loop's remarks. Okay.
- Okay, so now I'll read my part. For the record, my name is Christine Hull.
- Okay, so now I'll read my part. For the record, my name is Christine Hull.
- They’re going to need some type of surgical intervention that can’t be provided.
- Now, you can't say I didn't read the bill?
Bills:
AB568, SB90, SB133, SB147, SB229, SB233, SB240, SB245, SB280, SB378, SB393, SB417, SB434, SB494, SB495
Keywords:
higher education, Nevada System of Higher Education, operational expenses, instructional expenses, public funding, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel, civics education, Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, funding, youth programs, civic involvement, Southern Nevada, Clark County, Las Vegas Valley, regional planning, economic resiliency
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Criminal Justice Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- 1500 IN RESIDENTIAL COMMITMENT MEANING THE VAST MAJORITY OF KIDS WE SUPPORT THROUGH SERVICES AND INTERVENTIONS
- AND SOMETIMES A KID WHO CANNOT READ ON GRADE LEVEL OR DO MATH ON GRADE LEVEL WILL NOT AND SOMETIMES A
- KID WHO CANNOT READ ON GRADE LEVEL OR DO MATH ON GRADE LEVEL WILL NOT WANT TO RAISE THEIR HAND AND DO
- AN OUT LOUD READING BECAUSE THEY'RE AFRAID OF JUDGMENT.
- THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS WAS BASED ON A PRETEST AND POSTTEST AND LOOKING AT ONLY ACADEMIC GAINS IN READING
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- you And you're reading off a written testimony, you can provide that to us, and I promise you we read
- We will read it. You don't necessarily have to read it to us, so that is always available.
- read them to us.
- Let me read my—what I have. I don't know if you remember. Let me read my thing, what I have here.
- We will definitely read your testimony, so don't feel like you need to read your testimony.
Summary:
The committee opened a hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure and reviewed a broad agenda including credit card fees, event ticketing, music therapy licensure, senior psychologist licensure, CPA pathways, school mental health licensure, and a bill regulating alternative healing therapies. The chairs explained hearing logistics, including three-minute testimony limits and submission of written testimony, and noted that more than 70 people had signed up to testify. Legislators and advocates were heard out of order throughout the day.
A major portion of the hearing focused on credit card surcharge and interchange legislation. Restaurant owners, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, NFIB, and other small-business witnesses supported bills allowing merchants to add convenience fees and, in one proposal, preventing card companies from charging fees on tax and tip portions of transactions. They argued that swipe fees are a major and growing cost, especially for restaurants, and that Massachusetts is one of only two states that bars surcharges. Opponents from the Cooperative Credit Union Association, the Electronic Payment Coalition, and the Electronic Transactions Association warned that the proposals would create compliance burdens, fragment the payment system, raise legal preemption issues, and disrupt a system they described as efficient and secure.
The committee also heard competing testimony on ticket transferability and ticket resale. Supporters, including the National Consumers League and Sports Fans Coalition, said bills on ticket transferability would protect consumers who cannot attend events and would increase competition and savings in the secondary market. Opponents, including United Musicians and Allied Workers and theater owners, argued that mandatory transferability would weaken artists’ and venues’ ability to prevent scalping and predatory resale, and that some ticket sellers should be exempt from the broader ticketing regulations. Separate testimony supported music therapy licensure, senior psychologist licensure, and new CPA education pathways, with witnesses saying these measures would expand access to care and strengthen the workforce while maintaining professional standards. The hearing also drew extensive opposition to S.261 on alternative healing therapies, with practitioners and clients arguing it would overregulate spiritual and holistic practices and was not an effective response to human trafficking concerns.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 03/04/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:26:34.440>
It practice to crisis intervention. It practice to crisis intervention. - I'm reading through the bill and at the very end in the last paragraph, we have on lines 2.22 and 2.23
- I'm<01:13:32.040>
not <01:13:32.200>going <01:13:32.320>to <01:13:32.400>read - ><01:13:32.560>
through <01:13:32.760>you, <01:13:32.880>but I'm not going to read - through you, but I'm not going to read through you, but it<01:13:33.400>
there's <01:13:33.600
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection.(6-17-26)
Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- And you see that the majority of Eastern Kentucky doesn't have very many veterans, if I read this correctly
- veterans, if I read this correctly. veterans, if I read this correctly.
- and some medical management with them and some<01:15:49.680>
behavioral <01:15:50.200>interventions - <01:15:51.440>
But, <01:15:51.600>you some behavioral interventions. - But, you some behavioral interventions.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you to Representative Franson for this bill, and I implore you all to read the letter she wrote
- DHS investigations of alleged kickbacks in the early intensive developmental and behavioral intervention
- <01:03:28.040>
behavioral developmental and behavioral developmental and behavioral intervention - program where the OLA said intervention program where the OLA said the<01:03:31.400>
department - Sitting on the OLA or Legislative Audit Commission, I immediately read the report and I have to read
Keywords:
Medical Assistance, Medicaid, prepayment review, claims review, fee-for-service, provider integrity, high-risk provider, high-risk service, fraud prevention, program integrity, Department of Human Services, CMS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, health care billing, medical claims, provider enrollment, Indian Health Service, Minnesota Statutes chapter 256B, human services, medical assistance
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So those early interventions are key.
- Well, and I think if you haven't read the book, I don't know, better.
- being words, because they can't read, will it talk back to them?
- Let me read it to you. Could I make an addendum to Representative Pearson? Let me read it to you.
- Intervention for facilities who are struggling to meet those.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection - 03/06/25
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- of the drug formulary committee for the state, and in there the reason he says that is, I'm just reading
- Over several months, her wound healed completely, avoiding hospitalization, surgical interventions, and
- Over several months, her wound healed completely, avoiding hospitalization, surgical interventions, and
- :29.400>
that <01:30:29.840>the <01:30:30.159>the <01:30:30.320>mental read - the language is that the the mental read the language is that the the mental health<01:30:31.080>
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I was reading through some of your research, and you've done a lot of work on parasites, on cattle tick
- It is imperative that all therapeutic interventions follow FDA guidelines and that they undergo proper
- I would strongly encourage you to read that response plan, especially as you go back in your districts
- I would strongly encourage you to read that response plan, especially as you go back in your districts
- Our response was extremely detailed, and I would expect you to read it.
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on preparedness for the New World screwworm threat and brought together the House Committees on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism and Agriculture and Livestock. USDA officials, Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, and Texas Animal Health Commission leadership described the pest as a serious risk to livestock, wildlife, rural economies, and beef prices, and emphasized coordination among federal, state, industry, and Mexican partners. Witnesses repeatedly stressed that Texas is currently seeing no confirmed U.S. detections, but that recent confirmed cases in northern Mexico, including Nuevo León, remain a concern because of their proximity to the border.
USDA testimony outlined current surveillance and response efforts, including more than 120 screw worm-specific traps along the Texas border and neighboring states, thousands of additional dual-purpose traps, wildlife inspections, weekly coordination with Mexico’s Senasica, and a new USDA New World Screwworm Directorate. Officials said the existing Panama sterile fly facility is maxed out at about 100 million flies per week, while a dispersal facility in Tampico is helping move flies farther north in Mexico. They also described plans for a retrofitted sterile fly facility in Metapa, Mexico, expected to come online in 2026, and a new domestic production facility at Moore Air Base, with phase one targeted for late 2026 or early 2027 and phase two adding substantially more capacity later.
Members pressed USDA on timelines, production capacity, the reliability of Mexican reporting, the risk from wildlife, and whether modular or mobile facilities could be deployed faster. USDA said it is also exploring innovative technologies, including a genetically engineered sterile male fly, but that such tools still require EPA review and field validation. Commissioner Miller highlighted Texas biosecurity efforts, five permanent inspection stations, cooperation with FDA and EPA on treatments such as Exzolt, and other pest issues affecting Texas agriculture. He also noted research into fly bait and private-sector efforts to speed sterile fly production.
Texas Animal Health Commission officials described extensive state preparedness work, including weekly coordination calls, field response trainings, outreach to producers and veterinarians, and a Texas Screwworm Response Team. They said Texas has trained more than 100 inspectors and other personnel, with additional trainings planned, and that the state is expanding its cattle fever tick rider program. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing; the main action was the exchange of testimony and questions about readiness, surveillance, and facility timelines.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:22:16.800>
that um stipulation where that read that um stipulation where that read that - Just want to read a couple of moment.
- after reading it I thought it was uh after reading it I thought it was uh from<04:33:44.000>
Chicken - , but it's in we don't expect you to read, but it's in the<05:11:10.080>
statute. - More books to read. Yeah. Yeah. You leave him with the clerk. Yeah, that's fine. Good afternoon.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Sen. Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would codify the department’s interpretation that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary coverage for a newborn, unless the mother has no insurance or coverage under an employer-sponsored plan. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure is a clarification of existing practice and intended to protect vulnerable newborns; a question from Rep. Miles clarified that if a young woman is on her parents’ policy, the newborn would generally be covered under that family coverage. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Sen. Kevin Avard, which would require insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, Medicare Advantage plans. Commissioner Benton Court said the bill arose from disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers, brokers, and the department were confused by carriers changing or ending offerings; he said the department wanted a simple notification requirement so it could better advise consumers. Members discussed network adequacy, county-based service areas, and the fact that the bill would make notice a condition of licensure, with possible fines or license action for noncompliance. Witness Paula Rogers of AHIP said her group supported the bill if amended, and the department indicated it would support a change from a 120-day notice period to 90 days to align with state rules; the committee planned to work on an amendment in subcommittee.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Rep. Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion of pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole argued the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell drugs at a loss, describing PBMs as middlemen and saying the measure is a compromise that protects local pharmacies. Members questioned whether consumers would pay more and whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts; Cole responded that the bill would let pharmacies refuse unprofitable fills while consumers could still obtain the drug through mail order or other channels. He also said the issue has changed over time because the practice now affects a much larger share of generics and is concentrated among a few PBMs. The hearing remained open as questions continued, with no vote taken in the excerpt.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 4/7/26
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- on the OLA report on the alleged kickbacks in the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention
- is the OLA report on the alleged kickbacks in the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention
- the final thing I just as I'm reading the final thing I just as I'm reading through<01:22:17.560
- You actually have to read the finding and the recommendations and the response, and there is quite a
- <01:25:52.440>
an is the first time I have ever read an is the first time I have ever read
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Mar 19, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This is This basically I won't<00:10:56.360>
read <00:10:56.480>the <00:10:56.560>whole - <00:10:58.000>
This <00:10:58.160>is won't read the whole uh summary. - This is won't read the whole uh summary.
- serious forms of government intervention serious forms of government intervention and<00:33:46.440
- The same reasons I gave on third reading.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills. On SB 2530, relating to campaign contributions, the State Procurement Office suggested clarifying that contractor disclosure information be submitted within 30 days of a fully executed contract, while the Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill but asked that the restriction on contributions by officers be expanded beyond compensated officers. Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action supported the measure and urged keeping the Senate language, arguing it better addresses contractor influence, while no other testifiers appeared.
On SB 2970, relating to standards of conduct, the State Ethics Commission supported the bill and proposed amendments to consolidate the new language into existing Chapter 84 contract provisions and use “department head” instead of “director.” The State Procurement Office supported the measure but recommended closing a perceived loophole by limiting the covered contracts to those under $10,000. No opposition testimony was offered.
The committee then heard SB 2919, which would fund one full-time Deputy Public Defender position focused on immigration-related advice under Padilla v. Kentucky. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrants’ Rights, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, explaining that the position would help public defenders advise clients about immigration consequences of criminal cases, not provide immigration representation. Members asked several questions about the scope of the position and whether it could assist with citizenship; testimony clarified that it would not handle civil immigration matters. The bill was also described as creating a statewide consistent resource for the public defender system.
Finally, on SB 2446, relating to the judiciary, the Intermediate Court of Appeals supported adding a seventh associate judge position but noted the court has only recently been fully staffed at six judges and has improved output through internal changes. The chair emphasized that the bill authorizes the position without funding and encouraged the judiciary to return later if appropriations are needed. The committee also began hearing SB 2730, a criminal justice reform bill on warrantless arrests and citations. OHA supported reducing unnecessary arrests but objected to making citations visible on criminal records; the Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing law enforcement flexibility, identification concerns, and possible litigation costs; and the Judiciary requested a later implementation date and suggested changes to citation-resolution language. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 2730 was still underway.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/17/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- But you read the rest of the bill, Mr.
- I'm here today speaking for Ursula Conway, and I will read her notice.
- That's all I can do is read only.
- I'm reading and thinking at the same time here.
- But there's something in here I read about... okay, here we go.
Bills:
HB2056, HB2057, HB2224, HB2257, HB2265, HB2311, HB2352, HB2367, HB2369, HB2446, HB2532, HB2592, HB2752, HB2809, HB2957
Keywords:
brackish water, groundwater, desalination, water resources, feasibility study, environmental impact, special plates, centennial, Arizona Department of Transportation, vehicle registration, commercial discounts, Arizona Centennial, produce incentive, agriculture, economic support, funding, Arizona, boating, watercraft licensing, law enforcement
Summary:
The committee approved the March 10, 2026 minutes and then considered several bills. HB 2056, appropriating $100,000 for an Arizona Department of Water Resources feasibility study on brackish groundwater desalination, passed 6-3 despite concerns that it could encourage more groundwater pumping and worsen subsidence or impacts to tribal lands. HB 2057, which lowers the Arizona Centennial Special Plate renewal fee from $25 to $20, also received a do-pass recommendation, 7-2, with some members objecting to the special plate’s focus and the reduced fee.
HB 2224, appropriating $1 million annually to DES for the produce incentive program, drew strong support from nonprofit and food-access advocates who said the Double Up Food Bucks program helps families, farmers, and local markets; it passed 9-0. HB 2257, changing the allocation of watercraft registration revenues among the Watercraft Licensing Fund, Lake Improvement Fund, and boating safety/law enforcement funds, passed 6-3 after criticism that the bill was heard without a sponsor present and concern about shifting money away from Game and Fish. HB 2265, barring courts from charging defendants for public defender or court-appointed counsel costs and related criminal-case fees, passed 7-1 amid debate over constitutionality, cost shifting to counties, and whether the bill should be amended to offset lost revenue.
The committee then took up HB 2311, which imposes disclosure, content, parental-control, and self-harm response requirements on publicly available conversational AI services for minors. The sponsor and supporters framed it as child protection, while opponents warned about privacy, surveillance, and overbroad definitions; an Epstein amendment expanding the bill to broader conversational technology was rejected, and the bill passed 7-2. HB 2752, moving authority over international trade offices from the Arizona Commerce Authority to legislative appropriations and reporting, passed 6-3 after a proposed data-and-research amendment was also rejected. Finally, HB 2957, requiring ADOT to continue offering non-REAL ID licenses and limiting biometric collection and data sharing, prompted extensive testimony for and against; supporters emphasized privacy and choice, while opponents warned it could conflict with federal CDL and REAL ID requirements. The transcript cuts off during the discussion of HB 2957, before a final vote is shown.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
FIN Info Briefing - Fri Jan 10, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- national benchmark has shown steady growth over the last two decades in key areas like fourth grade reading
- This growth demonstrates that targeted interventions and investments can yield meaningful results.
- This slide shows how our fourth graders have improved over the last 20 years in reading on the NAEP in
- Our reading scores have surpassed the national average and now rank in the top 10 states.
- <05:07:23.240>
dbet importance of early intervention dbet importance of early intervention
Summary:
The Committee on Finance received an informational briefing from the Department of Education on its budget request for the upcoming fiscal year. The Superintendent and staff described the department’s mission, enrollment and staffing scale, recent gains in NAEP reading and math, persistent attendance problems since the pandemic, and the need for resources to support student recovery, middle school math, and other strategic priorities. The department said its proposal is intended to be aligned with its 2023–2029 strategic plan, fiscally balanced, and reliable for schools, while also addressing inflation, workforce needs, and uncertainty in federal funding.
Assistant Superintendent and CFO Brian Hallet reviewed federal grants, non-general funds, and the budget development process. He said federal funds make up about 11% of the department’s FY25 appropriation and warned that House budget proposals could threaten predictable funding for core programs. He also explained that the department began its biennial budget work in April 2024 and used an internal review group to identify possible reallocations. The department characterized its request as a “flat” budget proposal overall, with a large share devoted to continued funding for existing recurring needs, and noted challenges including a projected state funding decline, inflation, lingering pandemic impacts, recruitment and retention, and uncertainty about future federal support.
A major topic was the department’s capital improvement program. DOE officials argued for a risk-based, proactive approach using lump-sum “buckets” to manage facilities and deferred maintenance across more than 21.5 million square feet at 268 sites. They said this would allow more efficient prioritization of projects and better coordination with complex area superintendents, principals, and legislators. Members asked about how legislative priorities would fit into the bucket system, county-versus-state property jurisdiction issues affecting school facilities, enrollment decline and staffing ratios, and how the department plans to adjust facilities and human resources to shifting enrollment patterns. DOE said it is studying enrollment trends, will brief the Board of Education next month, and is willing to provide further briefings to legislators. No votes or formal actions were taken during the informational briefing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 1 May 18th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Chief Clerk will report the House files and give them their first reading.
- Introduction of first reading of House files 33, 37 through 33, 46.
- The clerk will give the bill its third reading as amended by conference: Third Reading House Bill 2446
- I'll have a few more comments on third reading, but look forward...
- Reading Senate File Number 2298 as amended by conference. Third reading is amended by conference.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, health care access, and supportive services are often
- Can our kids read and write?
Summary:
The Senate Revenue and Tax Committee met to consider Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Senator Jonathan Dismang, which continues the state’s long-running effort to reduce Arkansas income tax rates. Dismang said the bill would lower the personal income tax rate retroactive to January 1, 2026 and delay the corporate income tax change until the following January, bringing the rate down from 7% to 3.7%. He also said the bill would use existing surplus funds and estimated that a person making $65,000 would see their effective tax burden reduced by about 45% compared with earlier rates.
The committee heard several witnesses in opposition, including a United Methodist pastor/social worker, a parent describing her son’s disability and need for supported living services, representatives from Arkansas Appleseed and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, and a Marshallese community advocate. They argued that Arkansas should preserve revenue for public schools, health care, food assistance, housing, rural hospitals, early childhood education, and disability services, and said the tax cuts would disproportionately benefit higher-income taxpayers while providing little relief to working families. Several speakers cited low state spending relative to national averages and warned that further cuts would worsen existing service gaps.
In closing, Dismang and other supporters said the state can be both compassionate and competitive, that no essential services would be cut by the bill, and that Arkansas has continued to grow revenue despite prior tax reductions. Members emphasized balancing service funding with economic competitiveness and noted the legislature’s focus on lower-income tax brackets in earlier reforms. The committee then voted to do pass SB1, and the bill was approved.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (01/30/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, and then I'll let Nathan read it because I can't read over his... ...example.
- Yeah, and then I'll let Nathan read it because I can't read over his... Sure.
- Yeah, and then I'll let Nathan read it because I can't read over his... Sure.
- Yeah, and then I'll let Nathan read it because I can't read over his... Sure.
- Um, the... ...I'll let Nathan read it because I can't read over his... Sure.
Summary:
House Finance Division III held an informational hearing with the Department of Health and Human Services focused on child and family services, children’s behavioral health, DCF, juvenile justice, and adult mental health. Before the presentation, members discussed scheduling a future site visit to Waypoint, including possible dates, mileage reimbursement logistics, and whether to reschedule the department’s developmental disabilities and healthy aging presentation because the associate commissioner was out sick. The department then outlined that it would concentrate on children’s behavioral health, DCF residential care and the Sununu Youth Services Center/YDC new build, and adult mental health, while noting the broader DHHS structure and the value of keeping related services under one leadership.
The department emphasized an integrated “system of care” approach and said it was trying to shift resources toward earlier, lower-intensity interventions rather than relying mainly on high-cost residential and acute services. It cited youth risk data showing roughly four in ten New Hampshire high school students feeling sad or hopeless and about one in five considering suicide in the past year, and said these trends worsened during the pandemic, peaking in 2021 and easing somewhat by 2023. Members asked how New Hampshire compared with neighboring states and about pre-COVID trends; the department said it would follow up with more exact data. The presentation also described a long-term policy effort beginning with federal funding in 2012, the state’s 10-year mental health plan, and later legislation aimed at strengthening children’s behavioral health and transforming juvenile justice so that youth with behavioral health needs are not routed into punitive systems first.
Members raised questions about out-of-state residential placement oversight and the statutory basis for inspections and follow-up. The department said the General Court had funded more “boots on the ground” oversight, in coordination with the Office of the Child Advocate, and agreed to provide a longer follow-up presentation on that topic after the governor’s budget is released. The department also described evidence-based prevention efforts, including home visiting programs such as Healthy Families America and a DCF-connected home visiting cohort for families already touching the child welfare system, as examples of trying to keep children out of deeper system involvement.