Video & Transcript Research : 'MSU Mankato'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/13/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- My bill is looking to impact Minnesota State University of Mankato.
- My bill is looking to impact Minnesota State University of Mankato.
- State system of colleges and universities, I am here today on behalf of Minnesota State University Mankato
- for your support of a bill that will allow our institution to apply for a license with the city of Mankato
- But it is the Mankato area, right? Representative Kia, thank you, Mr. Chair.
Bills:
HF1262, HF1741, HF472, HF1668, HF2055, HF1786, HF1876, HF1089, HF1121, HF509, HF1545, HF2027, HF642
Keywords:
food truck, liquor license, temporary license, community events, catering, municipal regulations, food hall, St. Louis Park, on-sale, intoxicating beverages, food vendors, common seating area, HF472, Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato, MSU Mankato, Taylor Center, special liquor license, on-sale wine license, malt liquor license
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (2-19-26)
Keywords:
0:00:02 Call to Order and Roll Call
0:00:30 Approval of Minutes
0:00:49 Information Items
0:01:54 Louisville Arena Authority
0:24:50 Project Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions - MSU
0:26:35 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin. Cabinet
0:37:52 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin. Cabinet
0:40:13 Rpt from OFM – KIA
0:56:00 Rpt from OFM – EDF Grants
0:58:45 Rpt from OFM – OFM
1:01:46 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first handled routine business, including a roll call, approval of the prior meeting minutes, and a set of informational reports. Those reports covered University of Louisville research equipment purchases, a Kent County school district debt issue for elementary school renovations, the University of Kentucky’s planned use of construction management risk for a new engineering building, APA certification reports for underwriter and bond counsel selection committees, and a KCNA status report on infrastructure upgrades and purchases.
The main presentation was an informational update from the Louisville Arena Authority. Board representatives said the arena was created to drive economic development and reported about $1.4 billion in economic impact from 2010 to 2013. They explained the authority’s financial structure, including arena operating revenues, TIF revenues, debt service, and a long-term capital plan for major repairs and replacements. Members questioned the low net revenue figures, the long timeline before TIF revenues are projected to exceed debt service, the size of capital expenditure spikes, and the University of Louisville revenue-sharing arrangement. The authority said the $2.42 million annual UL payment is fixed under a 2017 refinancing agreement, while other amounts vary with ticket sales and related revenues. They also said the COVID-era state and Metro funds, combined with authority cash, were used to prepay debt and reduce interest, lowering the debt service schedule.
The committee then considered and approved a new capital project for a new HVAC system for the student wellness center pool area. The project, presented by university staff, was approved by the board and required committee action. The committee took a roll call vote, and the project passed unanimously.
Finally, Janice Thomas of the state budget office presented two tourism, arts, and heritage cabinet grid resilience projects at Kincaid Lake State Resort Park and Kentucky Down Village State Resort Park. Each project costs $7,834,600 and is funded mostly by a federal grid resilience grant, with the remainder from state utility infrastructure replacement funds and energy policy funds. Staff explained that the projects will move park electrical service ownership and maintenance to regional utilities, allowing the state to exit the infrastructure-management role while continuing to pay utility bills through normal metering. The committee approved the action item by voice vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House sends governor higher education finance bill, SF1 6/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If Pell Grants are slashed like they are in the bill that the very people who represent MSU Mankato,
- If Pell Grants are slashed like they are in the bill that the very people who represent MSU Mankato,
- If Pell Grants are slashed like they are in the bill that the very people who represent MSU Mankato,
- If Pell Grants are slashed like they are in the bill that the very people who represent MSU Mankato,
- If Pell Grants are slashed like they are in the bill that the very people who represent MSU Mankato,
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Commerce Committee Meeting - 2025-03-27
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- There's also the Mankato request.
Keywords:
financial institutions, insurance regulation, insurance holding company, group capital calculation, liquidity stress test, NAIC, National Association of Insurance Commissioners, insurer solvency, affiliate transactions, groupwide supervision, internationally active insurance group, lead state commissioner, policyholder protection, hazardous financial condition, deposit or bond, contract for deed, conventional loan, cooperative apartment loan, mortgage interest rate cap, average prime offer rate
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Education finance panel OKs bill to fund registered apprenticeships program for teachers 3/13/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We fund the wages for the apprentices, and right now we are using a partial grant through MSU, I think
- the apprentices and the staff at MSU the apprentices and the staff at MSU Mano<00:34:09.520>
- So, um, in our case, Minnesota State Mankato worked with PBY to make sure that their program could be
- So, um, in our case, Minnesota State Mankato worked with PBY to make sure that their program could be
- So, um, in our case, Minnesota State Mankato worked with PBY to make sure that their program could be
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 3/27/25
Commerce Finance and Policy
Keywords:
financial institutions, insurance regulation, insurance holding company, group capital calculation, liquidity stress test, NAIC, National Association of Insurance Commissioners, insurer solvency, affiliate transactions, groupwide supervision, internationally active insurance group, lead state commissioner, policyholder protection, hazardous financial condition, deposit or bond, contract for deed, conventional loan, cooperative apartment loan, mortgage interest rate cap, average prime offer rate
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informational interview with Rep. Keith Allen (R-Kenyon) Nov 20th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It said that you met with the MSU Mankato president to discuss civil discourse and freedom of expression
- you<00:01:57.759>
met <00:01:58.000>with <00:01:58.159>the <00:01:58.320>MSU - <00:01:58.799>
Mano <00:01:59.360>president that you met with the MSU Mano president - that you met with the MSU Mano president >> to<00:02:00.399>
discuss <00:02:00.719>civil
Summary:
The interview focused on the representative’s first session in a tied House, which he described as record-setting and a lesson in working across the aisle. He said bipartisan support became essential, and he highlighted working with Representative Liz Rehm on a couple of bills and spending the off-season building more bipartisan legislation aimed at issues affecting rural and greater Minnesota.
He also discussed a meeting with MSU Mankato’s president about civil discourse and freedom of expression on campus. His concern was protecting students who might push back against divisive comments from professors and ensuring they would not face repercussions or grade-related consequences for speaking up.
A major portion of the conversation covered agriculture and trade, especially tariffs and their effects on farmers. He said farmers are again facing difficult conditions, though not as severe as the 1980s farm crisis, and noted that recent U.S.-China soybean purchasing agreements helped raise soybean and corn prices. He also said greater Minnesota is facing serious nursing home closures and shortages, which are forcing seniors farther from their communities.
Looking ahead to 2026, he said he is working on several bills: a stop-arm bill to clarify penalties related to school bus violations, a robocall bill requiring callers to identify themselves with a number, and a mass casualty firewall act aimed at allowing charges when someone has assembled materials and plans for a mass casualty event. He said the mass casualty proposal is the one he is most proud of and that discussions with both DFL and Republican leaders have been positive.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So this collaboration could not have been done without the connection with Mankato. all day today um
- c> connection<00:05:29.919>
with <00:05:30.120>Mano Without the connection with Mankato - We fund the wages for the apprentices, and right now we are using a partial grant through MSU, I think
- the apprentices and the staff at MSU the apprentices and the staff at MSU Mano<01:03:15.760>
- So, um, in our case, um, Minnesota State Mankato worked with PBY to make sure that their program could
Keywords:
education, special education, apprenticeship, funding, grants, intermediate school districts, teacher apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, teacher licensure, teacher shortage, workforce development, education finance, K-12 education, higher education, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, Tier 3 license, teacher preparation, mentor teacher, school district
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Mankato, MSU Moorhead, Southwest Minnesota State University, and Winona State University to better understand
- For example, MSU Mankato's food pantry director, Megan Hootmaker, said in fall 2024 they were already
- Metro University Central Lakes College Metro State<00:13:33.560>
University <00:13:34.360>MSU - <00:13:34.760>
Mano <00:13:35.519>MSU <00:13:35.920>Morehead State University - MSU Mano MSU Morehead State University MSU Mano MSU Morehead Southwest<00:13:37.160>
Minnesota
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- residency programs, including the 42 medical residency residents in family medicine residents in Mankato
- Whether that's in their student governments at Mankato, I want to shout in particular MSU Mankato student
- Whether that's in their student governments at Mankato, I want to shout in particular MSU Mankato student
- Whether that's in their student governments at Mankato, I want to shout in particular MSU Mankato student
- Whether that's in their student governments at Mankato, I want to shout in particular MSU Mankato student
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 4/14/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We have uh Jim Dimmick from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Uh, Mr.
- I'm a professor of communication and media at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where I teach courses
- My understanding is that Mankato discounts their rate by 50% for these types of events.
- Um, you have, uh, right down the road from Mankato State or Minnesota State, you have the Blue Earth
- Um, you have, uh, right down the road from Mankato State or Minnesota State, you have the Blue Earth
Keywords:
higher education, public university, college campus, postsecondary institution, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, University of Minnesota, town hall, town hall meeting, elected official, legislator, public forum, constituent meeting, campus access, free meeting space, parking fees, civic engagement, public outreach, chapter 135A, HF4368, Minnesota State
Summary:
The committee approved the April 9 minutes and then took up House File 4479, which would require public postsecondary institutions to make space available for town halls and similar official events by elected officials, with limits intended to keep the events on the official side and not campaign-related. Representative Frederick said the bill is meant to prevent universities from creating barriers such as fees or parking charges and to ensure a neutral, accessible venue for community conversations. The bill was laid over for possible later action.
The committee heard supportive testimony from Jim Dimmick of Minnesota State University, Mankato, who argued that town halls should be public, open, moderated, and dialogic rather than speeches, and said universities should be centers for public discourse. He also said charging fees can undermine neutrality and that using partisan student groups to sponsor events can create the appearance of bias. Minnesota State official Mr. Omen said campuses often host these events, fees are set locally to cover costs, and student government sponsorship can sometimes avoid charges; he also noted the fee at Mankato is discounted and depends on room size.
Several members raised concerns about the bill. Representative Scott, Chair Robbins, Representative Schwarz, Representative Allen, and others argued that campuses should not be required by statute to give legislators special treatment, that fees and parking costs cover real expenses, and that universities should remain focused on education rather than political events. Questions also focused on who would decide what room size is reasonable, how disputes would be handled, and who would pay for security if protests or safety issues arose. Representative Frederick responded that room selection would be a good-faith partnership with the university, that the bill does not require a town hall or guarantee a specific room, and that security funding is not spelled out in the bill.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The Mankato Regional Airport.
- So, Mankato State, is that the name of the university? Minnesota State University. Mankato.
- Mankato's<00:14:40.839>
Mankato. - I'm like and I'm Mankato's Mankato.
- than the Mankato project. than the Mankato project. Chair<00:29:00.960>
Lee.
Bills:
HF4156, HF3835, HF3995, HF4383, HF4091, HF4084, HF4311, HF198, HF4486, HF4302, HF4309, HF4032, HF3855, HF3673, HF4265, HF4012, HF4339, HF4298, HF3852
Keywords:
infrastructure, wastewater, stormwater, Buhl, state bonds, appropriations, economic development, water infrastructure, grants, capital investment, funding, state regulation, Frazee, North River Drive, infrastructure improvements, HF4383, Minnesota capital investment, bonding bill, Department of Natural Resources, DNR
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I am a senior at Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minnesota, currently majoring in biology on a pre-med
- Hello, my name is Emily Hodge, and I'm a community leadership fellow and an undergrad at MSU Mankato
- Again, my name is Emily Hodge, and I am an undergrad at Minnesota State Mankato studying social work.
- :44.799>
created <00:53:45.160>an <00:53:45.319>urban As someone who went to Mankato
Summary:
The committee heard informational testimony from student and advocacy groups focused on higher education affordability and support programs. Representatives of the Minnesota Association of Private College Students urged full funding for the Minnesota State Grant, describing it as essential for low- and moderate-income students and noting prior successes such as increased support for hunger-free campuses. Two student witnesses, including one first-generation college student and one refugee student, said the grant made college possible for them and warned that underfunding or cuts would limit students’ ability to choose the right school, especially at private colleges not covered by North Star Promise.
Members asked questions about the students’ schools, majors, and why they chose their institutions. The witnesses emphasized scholarship opportunities, campus community, faith-based support, and the importance of financial aid in making college accessible. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the hearing.
The committee then heard from Vivian Dudley of Foster Advocates, who testified in support of the Foster Independence Grant. She described how the grant allowed her to begin college, stabilize housing and basic needs, and continue toward a social work degree, while warning that aging out of eligibility leaves foster youth facing renewed financial barriers. Members responded with supportive comments and asked about her educational path and work with youth; she said she wants to use her education to help others and to educate campuses on better supporting foster students.
Finally, Shay Hornik of the University of Minnesota student government testified in support of North Star Promise, arguing that the program reduces financial burdens and signals that higher education should be accessible regardless of family income. Hornik cited student financial stress, rising living costs, and public opinion favoring greater investment in higher education, and urged expansion of North Star Promise to help middle-class families. No committee action was taken in the transcript.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Chronic Wasting Disease TF Jan 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So environmental sampling, we started this through a project with MSU in North Mississippi.
- Actually, I had a discussion with MSU and the—so Dr. Steve Demarison, Dr.
- He is actually not—'donates' is not the right term—allowing MSU to use it as a research project.
- Our Blackland Prairie near Starkville, near MSU, was a really big producer.
- And MSU showed a high-grading effect on that.
Summary:
The meeting began with roll call, adoption of the agenda, and approval of the prior minutes. The main presentation was from Julie Grenwald of Louisiana Hunters for the Hungry, who described the nonprofit’s protein donation programs, including freezer clean-out days, deer and fish processing partnerships, and a paused feral hog donation program that had collected about 3,500 hogs and 137,000 pounds of pork before funding ran short. She said the group has donated roughly 300,000 pounds of protein over two years, works with food banks and local agencies, and is protected under Louisiana’s Good Samaritan Law. Members asked about processor locations, exotic species, signage, sponsorships, and whether the program could expand to other invasive species or mobile drop-off options; Grenwald said expansion is possible if processors and funding are available.
The task force then received a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries update from Jonathan Bordelon on chronic wasting disease testing. He reported more than 2,800 samples collected and over 2,300 results returned, with nine positives total: eight in Tensas Parish and one confirmed in Concordia Parish on Richard K. Yancey WMA, which triggered preparation of an emergency declaration and future rulemaking to adjust the control area. He said harvest and sampling remain near record levels, most samples are voluntary, and the agency continues to monitor symptomatic deer reports and public submissions.
The final major presentation was from William McKinley of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, who gave a detailed overview of Mississippi’s CWD response. He said Mississippi has 529 detections across 18 counties, with prevalence rising from about one in 500 samples to about one in 80 statewide, and much higher in some counties. He described Mississippi’s surveillance system, targeted tags within three miles of positives, environmental sampling, feeder bans in CWD zones, and research showing contamination at feeders and in scrapes. He also discussed possible multiple strains, including one linked to the Wisconsin whitetail strain and another around Vicksburg/Issaquena, and said the disease appears to be expanding about 3.5 miles per year. Members asked about high-fence enclosures, live deer movement restrictions, baiting and feeding rules, hunter participation, and whether Louisiana should develop similar environmental testing capacity; no votes were taken on these issues, but members discussed possible future legislative or budget action.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Higher Education Institutions Committee Apr 9th, 2026 at 08:30 am
Higher Education Institutions Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Or new to Minot or new to the MSU campus, there might be some new information here for you.
- And so, anyway, MSU was the recipient there.
- We've got a great partnership with the MSU Development Foundation.
- What can MSU do about that to help try and change some of that thought process?
- So Brian, he's the chair of our MSU Department of Science.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Higher Education Institutions Committee Apr 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- others of you, if you're new to some of the higher ed kinds of dialogue or new to Minot or new to the MSU
- So anyway, MSU was the recipient there.
- We’ve got a great partnership with the MSU Development Foundation.
- What can MSU do about that to help try and change some of that thought process?
- Brian is the chair of our MSU Department of Science.
Summary:
The Higher Education Institutions Committee met on the Minot State University campus for presentations on campus operations, enrollment, and new academic initiatives. President Shirley reviewed recent audits, noting mostly clean results with only minor technical findings, and highlighted MSU’s broad academic offerings, specialized accreditations, athletics, and partnerships with Minot Air Force Base and the MSU Development Foundation. Members asked about declining interest in teacher education, tuition waivers for athletes, dual credit incentives, and how MSU decides when to launch new programs and avoid duplication within the university system.
Shirley also discussed several workforce-focused initiatives supported by the Legislature’s Workforce Education Innovation Funds, including the purchase of the Trinity Health Center West building for a downtown health sciences hub, a new daycare/preschool partnership near campus, the Aspire program to recruit rural students into teaching, and a paraprofessional-to-special-education degree pathway. Enrollment data showed overall headcount was flat at just under 2,750, but full-time equivalent enrollment rose slightly and new student numbers increased, including the largest freshman class in 15 years. The committee also discussed Minot State’s in-state tuition rate for all students, its dual credit “Emerging Scholars” scholarship, and concerns about the share of high school graduates who do not immediately pursue postsecondary education.
Faculty then presented two new programs funded in part by WEAF: an Innovation Engineering degree and a master’s program in counseling with an integrated addiction studies focus. The engineering program was described as industry-driven, designed with broad early coursework, hands-on learning, and local employer input to prepare students for western North Dakota workforce needs; officials said it had already drawn more applicants than expected and would use renovated library space and donated or grant-funded equipment. The counseling program will be mostly face-to-face with hybrid options, aims to address shortages in mental health and substance use providers, and is structured to help students meet licensure requirements. Committee members asked about startup costs, licensure supervision hours, and whether the programs would be on campus rather than online, and presenters said both programs had recently received required approvals and were moving forward.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 25 March, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Be it further resolved that this resolution be presented to Josh and MSU basketball coach Chris Jans,
- forwarded to MSU athletic director Zack Selman, and made available to the Capital Press Corp.
- <00:21:26.400>
basketball presented to Josh and MSU basketball presented to Josh and MSU basketball - <00:21:27.679>
Jans, <00:21:28.480>forwarded <00:21:28.880>to <00:21:29.039>MSU - coach Chris Jans, forwarded to MSU coach Chris Jans, forwarded to MSU athletic<00:21:30.320>
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with an invocation by Reverend Bruce Wells and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved dispensing with the reading of the journal and committee reports. The chamber also recognized a joint resolution honoring the University of Southern Mississippi Army ROTC program on its 75th anniversary, and welcomed several guests and groups in the galleries throughout the morning.
A series of special recognitions followed. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 53 honoring Katie Blunt on her retirement as director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History; Blunt spoke about the success of the Two Mississippi Museums, fundraising for exhibits and public programming, and her long service to the state. The Senate also recognized the Winston Academy Patriots football team for winning the 2025 MHSAA Class 2A Division 2 state championship, the Mississippi State University All-SEC basketball guard Josh Hubard for his athletic and community service achievements, and the Columbus High School Falcons for winning the 2026 MHSAA Class 5A boys basketball state championship. A South Panola High School Air Force JROTC drone team was also honored for its third consecutive grand championship, with its instructor describing the program’s statewide and national success and its role in preparing students for careers and research opportunities.
On the legislative calendar, the Senate tabled a motion to reconsider Senate Bill 2588, the Safeguard Honesty, Integrity, and Elections for Lasting Democracy Shield Act. It then adopted the conference report on Senate Bill 2654, creating the State Security Operations Center within the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services, after members noted the changes were largely clerical and did not alter the bill’s substance. The Senate also confirmed several nominations by use of the morning roll call, including reappointments to the Mississippi Board of Animal Health, appointments to the State Board of Veterinary Medicine, and an appointment to the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund board.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session: 2025 First Special Session - part 3 Jun 9th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- If Pell Grants are slashed like they are in the bill that the very people who represent MSU Mankato,
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/25
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We are working with a graduate program at MSU Mankato that does professional surveying to survey our
- are working with um a graduate<00:58:14.000>
program <00:58:14.240>at <00:58:14.480>MSU - ><00:58:14.880>
Mano <00:58:15.440>that <00:58:15.599>does graduate program at MSU - Mano that does graduate program at MSU Mano that does professional<00:58:16.319>
surveying <00
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We have another MSU for 50 beds.
- Dallas State Hospital which I think we required 40 percent forensic beds and that those are the non-MSU
- is a forensic beds, and those are the non-MSU, is the proper term for it, but that the hospitals are
- beds, and the great deal that we got down there for $12 million, 40 MSU beds.
- And the great deal that we got down there for $12 million, 40 MSU beds. Incredible.
Keywords:
SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction
Summary:
The committee first took up several pending bills and reported them favorably: SB 968, SB 636 as substituted, SB 1137, and SB 1138 as substituted. Each was advanced by roll call vote, and the committee also recommended the approved bills for the local and uncontested calendar. The chair then moved to the posted agenda and heard SB 719, a mental health bed-capacity study bill by Senator Eckhart, with a committee substitute that refined the data collection to distinguish state and non-state beds, child and adult beds, include two point-in-time counts, and capture jail diversion data.
Testimony on SB 719 was largely supportive from Integral Care, NAMI Texas, and the Children’s Hospital Association of Texas, all of whom said Texas needs better data on inpatient psychiatric capacity, workforce needs, and future demand. Several witnesses described long waits for beds, especially for forensic restoration, and argued the study would help target future investments. Senator Perry and others noted the state has already made major investments in new beds and urged the bill to account for beds already coming online; the committee ultimately withdrew the substitute and left SB 719 pending after public testimony closed.
The committee then heard SB 1864, which would allow small egg producers to sell ungraded eggs more broadly, including to restaurants and retailers, with the substitute increasing the weekly sales threshold and addressing sanitation and labeling. Supporters said grading is about size, not safety, and that the bill would help small farms reach new markets; opponents from the Texas Poultry Federation argued grading and candling help identify cracks and defects that can affect safety and quality. The committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending. It also heard SB 1467, requiring DSHS to share death record information with hospitals for record accuracy and quality review, and SB 912, which would modernize continuing education tracking for health licensing agencies; both bills drew supportive testimony and were left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2023, which would create an HHSC grant program to help counties pay for indigent burial costs, with county representatives testifying in support.