Transcript Highlights:

• Did you feel that the CTAS is helpful to those smaller communities to expedite their audits?
• You can also check your community, check your neighbors, and have a chance to see where you are in compliance
• And that continues on to page 13, Section 22, the prohibition on ex parte communications.
• provides that the prohibition does not apply to council members who are attorneys when they're communicating

Bills: HF627, HF474, HF361, HF1837

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Transcript Highlights:

• He asked whether SEAS is helpful to smaller communities to expedite their audits and related work. cbor
• c><00:19:26.919><c> check</c><00:19:27.919><c> um</c><00:19:28.159><c> your</c><00:19:28.360><c> community
• </c><00:19:29.080><c> you</c> you also can check um your community you you also can check um your community
• Section 22, the prohibition on ex parte communications—this language, as Chair Clardy mentioned, is modified
• this language um as parte Communications this language um as chair<01:09:51.000><c> cbor</c><01:09:51.640

Bills: HF627, HF474, HF361, HF1837

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Transcript Highlights:

• We have given much to our communities, and we still do.
• Again, this is vital for our project.
• I want to only say that these communities, and yes, my community, trans people specifically, but communities
• It is currently legal to discriminate against our communities.
• It is my community, but it is not only my community.

Bills: HF1837, HF361, HF2725, HF2566, HF2744, HF1685, HF501, HF1889, HF1389

Keywords: state policy, employment, health insurance, fossil designation, public funds, community resources, Capitol Mall, grantmaking, community vitality, livability, funding, healthy aging, aging policy, older adults, seniors, elderly, gerontology, long-term care, assisted living, nursing homes

Transcript Highlights:

• It is my community, but it is not only my community, and my community is being crushed right now by a
• It is my community, but it is not only my community, and my community is being crushed right now by a
• It is my community, but it is not only my community, and my community is being crushed right now by a
• It is my community, but it is not only my community, and my community is being crushed right now by a
• It is my community, but it is not only my community, and my community is being crushed right now by a

Bills: HF1837, HF361, HF2725, HF2566, HF2744, HF1685, HF501, HF1889, HF1389

Keywords: state policy, employment, health insurance, fossil designation, public funds, community resources, Capitol Mall, grantmaking, community vitality, livability, funding, healthy aging, aging policy, older adults, seniors, elderly, gerontology, long-term care, assisted living, nursing homes

Transcript Highlights:

• His commitment to bettering his community and to public service was truly admirable.
• Speaker, Members, Congressman, Mayor. community leaders, Honourable Sylvester Turner, who has many times
• His bipartisanship and his commitment to his district and his community. Thank you.
• We have a diverse group of 15 community leaders.
• Trustee Place 5, Raul Sivrian, Frost Bank, Katrina Spotsville, Carrollton Farming back ISD, community

Bills: HR34, HR36, HR38, HR39, HR41, HR42, HR43, HR67, HR68, HR73, HR77, HR81, HR104, HR166, HR201, HR202, HR223, HR226, HR233, HR234, HR246, HR264, HR266, HR268, HR271, HR280, HR282, HR286, HR291, HR292, HR296, HR298, HR319, HR326, HR329, HR348, HR354, HR373, HR376, HR381, HR385, HR386, HR387, HR391, HR394, HR395, HR396, HR399, HR400, HR402, HR403, HR404, HR408, HR409, HR410, HR413, HR414, HR417, HR418, HR419, HR422, HR424, HR429, HR435, HR439, HR440, HR22, HR88, HR94, HR136, HR194, HR231, HR302, HR397, HR416, HR420, HR421, HR423, HR430, HR431

Keywords: Ramadan, Islam, Muslim community, spiritual observance, cultural recognition, Eid al-Fitr, celebration, Texas legislation, Mother's Day, family, women, honor, Father's Day, gratefulness, recognition, Diwali, festival of lights, Hinduism, unity, Veterans Day

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:39.040><c> in</c> have Hawaii Community Foundation in have Hawaii Community Foundation in
• And you think about all the ways that folks come back to Hawaii and then serve in the community.
• This bill acknowledges an important reality: libraries are vital spaces in our communities that create
• </c> yourself and to love your community. yourself and to love your community.
• </c><00:39:41.200><c> from</c> libraries provide to our community from libraries provide to our community

Bills: HB2437, HB2461, HB2604, HB2605, HB1860, HB2001

Keywords: arts education, student engagement, cultural literacy, public schools, funding, public art, cultural preservation, community identity, art management, performing arts, ticket surcharge, arts funding, education, community support, therapeutic arts, neurodiverse, autism, attention-deficit disorder, underserved communities, mental health

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts heard several measures focused on arts funding, public art, performing arts, and libraries. HB 2437 would appropriate funds for the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ Artists in the Schools program; the Foundation testified in strong support, explaining that demand has increased and that additional funding would allow more schools to be served. HB 2461 would raise the ceiling for the works of art special fund and provide money for maintenance and a collections manager position; the Foundation supported it and described major conservation needs, including large-scale repairs to public artworks such as the Tadashi Sato work in Hilo and the King Kamehameha statue, as well as ongoing bronze maintenance and new commissions affected by rising materials costs. HB 2604 would create a performing arts ticket surcharge; the Attorney General and Department of Taxation raised drafting and administration concerns, while the State Foundation supported the concept. HB 2605 would create a position to coordinate specialized arts programs and therapeutic arts interventions for underserved neurodivergent populations, and the Foundation supported that measure as well. HB 1860 would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state symphony orchestra and require annual reports; the Attorney General suggested clarifying the public purpose, and the Symphony, youth symphony, and many community supporters testified in favor, emphasizing educational, cultural, and civic benefits. HB 20001 would designate the first Friday in February as Love My Library Day; the State Public Library System, Friends of the Library, and individual testifiers strongly supported it, describing libraries as essential community and educational resources. After hearing testimony, the committee took action on several bills. HB 2437 was recommended for passage with amendments in HD1, with the appropriation blanked out and the additional needed funding to be noted for Finance consideration; the vote was unanimous among members present. HB 2604 was also recommended for passage with HD1 and technical amendments, including deleting the term “Hawaii-based,” clarifying that student performances at public charter schools are exempt, aligning recordkeeping provisions with tax law, and setting an effective date of January 1, 2027. HB 2461 was deferred to decision-making on Friday, February 13. The transcript also indicates the committee moved through the remaining measures after testimony, but the excerpt ends before final votes are shown for HB 2605, HB 1860, and HB 20001.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know what a community looks like without arts and culture, and it's not a whole community.
• And I think these organizations vitally need these. They're critical parts of their communities.
• and community festivals as well.
• community.
• In the community, understand our community, and deserve an ecosystem that represents them, informs them

Bills: HF1679, HF1019, HF2321, HF1740, HF2278

Keywords: public television, funding, grants, arts and culture, Minnesota, Minnesota Public Radio, arts education, cultural heritage, community engagement, public radio, community radio, educational grants, community cable, public access, programming funding, civic engagement, ethnic media, public access television, Minnesota Humanities Center, funding appropriation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:26.520><c> through</c> Minnesota Minnesota communities through Minnesota Minnesota communities
• see it in their local communities.
• see it in their local communities.
• </c> either to a native tribe a community either to a native tribe a community itself<00:52:50.200><c
• ><c> um</c> community understand our community um community understand our community um and<01:31:01.960

Bills: HF1679, HF1019, HF2321, HF1740, HF2278

Keywords: public television, funding, grants, arts and culture, Minnesota, Minnesota Public Radio, arts education, cultural heritage, community engagement, public radio, community radio, educational grants, community cable, public access, programming funding, civic engagement, ethnic media, public access television, Minnesota Humanities Center, funding appropriation

Transcript Highlights:

• We're happy to support a March for Water Month and to serve as a platform for communities to raise awareness
• 00:05:12.280><c> platform</c><00:05:13.040><c> to</c><00:05:13.760><c> for</c><00:05:14.400><c> communities
• </c> serve as a platform to for communities serve as a platform to for communities to<00:05:15.120><c

Bills: SCR94, SCR22, SCR99, SCR165

Keywords: Waikiki, surfing, cultural heritage, environmental protection, tourism, climate change, Hawaii, community, conservation, Ahuʻena Heiau, Hawaii history, Kamehameha the Great, historic preservation, cultural significance, community stewardship, arts, culture, nonprofit, creative residency, community engagement

Summary: The Culture and the Arts Committee met on April 17 and heard several Senate concurrent resolutions. SCR 94 would endorse Waikiki as a world surfing reserve; testimony in support came from the University of Hawaiʻi and the Waikiki Beach Improvement District Association. SCR 22 recognized the fifth anniversary of the restoration of Iolani Palace and its spiritual, political, and cultural importance, with no testimony offered. SCR 99 SD1 proposed convening a working group to establish a state-recognized nonprofit to support arts and culture engagement; DBEDT’s Creative Industries director supported the measure, and additional support was noted from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, several individuals, and the Hawaii Film Festival and Hawaii International Film Festival. SCR 165 SD1 designated March as March for Water Month, with support from the Board of Water Supply and the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters. After a brief recess, the committee voted to pass all four measures as is. SCR 94 passed with the chair, vice chair, and members voting aye, with Representative Garrett excused. SCR 22 SD1, SCR 99 SD1, and SCR 165 SD1 were also adopted without reservations, with Representative Garrett excused on those votes as well. The committee then adjourned, with the chair noting it was likely the final hearing of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We appreciate the support of our law enforcement community. Let’s continue our proceedings.
• My communities, there are so many of you, and it's wonderful to see.
• We thank you for that, for keeping Texas safe and giving us all comfort in our community.
• Senator Perry: ...contributed to the vitality and prosperity of the Lone Star State.
• Heather has been a dedicated public servant in the engineering community for over 13 years.

Bills: SJR36, SB2, SR9, SR10, SR16

Keywords: American Public Works Association, public works, infrastructure, Texas, recognition day, local government, municipalities, APWA, Texas Chapter, community development, engineering, professional recognition, community impact, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Lubbock leadership, recognition, professional achievement, Alpha Kappa Alpha, sorority, social service

Transcript Highlights:

• We know we have an opportunity with our highway angels out there to really work with our communities
• And that is something that is a new focus for us as an industry in communicating from the work that we've
• And from the work that we've done with various coalitions out there to communicate this issue, to point
• So together, we must be able to fight this and bring education to everyone in our communities.
• And again, we see it so drastically in our communities.

Bills: SJR36, SB2, SR9, SR10, SR16

Keywords: American Public Works Association, public works, infrastructure, Texas, recognition day, local government, municipalities, APWA, Texas Chapter, community development, engineering, professional recognition, community impact, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Lubbock leadership, recognition, professional achievement, Alpha Kappa Alpha, sorority, social service

Transcript Highlights:

• It's vital to build trust by establishing partnerships across schools, nonprofits, and communities, and
• Community voice matters.
• to the community.
• and in their communities.
• community needs.

Bills: S3022, H5187

Keywords: ENOUGH Act, ENOUGH fund, anti-poverty, poverty reduction, community development, place-based grants, distressed neighborhoods, economic mobility, housing and livable communities, community schools, cradle-to-career, child poverty, intergenerational poverty, social services, workforce development, education equity, public health, behavioral health, mental health, affordable housing

Summary: The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business heard testimony on H. 5187 and S. 3022, the Enough Act, a bill creating the Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Government, and Households Fund to support place-based, community-led anti-poverty work. Chairs Andy Vargas and Senator Adam Gómez opened the hearing by noting it was their final hearing of the session and emphasizing the committee’s focus on community development, early childhood, education, housing, health, and workforce pathways. Much of the testimony described the bill as a shift away from siloed programs toward coordinated, cradle-to-career strategies centered on neighborhoods with concentrated poverty. Supporters included educators, school leaders, higher education officials, philanthropy representatives, health care leaders, and nonprofit advocates. Speakers such as Strategies for Children, Chelsea Public Schools Superintendent Almei Abeyta, Bunker Hill Community College President Pam Eddinger, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Representative Antonio Cabral, and AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang argued that poverty affects learning and health long before children enter school and that schools alone cannot close opportunity gaps. They said the bill would help create backbone organizations, align services, and allow local communities to direct resources where they are most needed. Several speakers cited the Harlem Children’s Zone and similar models in Maryland, Boston, New Bedford, Springfield, Lowell, and other communities as evidence that place-based partnerships can improve outcomes and attract additional public and private investment. A large panel from the Harlem Children’s Zone, including CEO Kwame Owusukesi and Jeffrey Canada, described the model as a proven way to eliminate “luck” from children’s life chances by providing coordinated supports from birth through college and career. They stressed sustainability through long-term public-private funding, accountability, and community ownership. Other testimony from the Boston Foundation, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Eastern Bank Foundation, New Commonwealth Fund, Opportunity Boston, Cambridge Health Alliance, Boston Children’s Hospital, Blue Meridian, and the Greater Boston Food Bank echoed the need for cross-sector collaboration and community-led infrastructure. Committee members asked about how the bill would interact with existing efforts like community schools, the Student Opportunity Act, and McKinney-Vento, and witnesses said the Enough Act would complement those programs by providing the organizing structure and flexible funding to connect them. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the community allows...
• Services to be brought to the community and to ensure that community members have access to events and
• Our community band is one of just over 30 community bands in the state.
• and the broader communities.
• and the broader communities.

Bills: HF2411, HF2471, HF1440, HF1393, HF1631, HF1259, HF280, HF1281, HF1459

Keywords: cultural heritage, funding, White Earth Nation, tribal community, construction, Delano, sesquicentennial, community events, fall of Saigon, Saigon anniversary, Vietnam War commemoration, Vietnamese Minnesotans, Cambodian Minnesotans, Lao Minnesotans, Southeast Asian refugees, Asian American heritage, cultural heritage fund, Minnesota Humanities Center, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, equity funding

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> did not make it to these communities. did not make it to these communities.
• </c> I have not received any communication. I have not received any communication.
• </c> community so that they each community community so that they each community knows<00:28:44.799><
• </c> clear for our Southeast Asian community? clear for our Southeast Asian community?
• Interest in these communities.

Bills: HF2411, HF2471, HF1440, HF1393, HF1631, HF1259, HF280, HF1281, HF1459

Keywords: cultural heritage, funding, White Earth Nation, tribal community, construction, Delano, sesquicentennial, community events, fall of Saigon, Saigon anniversary, Vietnam War commemoration, Vietnamese Minnesotans, Cambodian Minnesotans, Lao Minnesotans, Southeast Asian refugees, Asian American heritage, cultural heritage fund, Minnesota Humanities Center, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, equity funding

Transcript Highlights:

• She said she wanted to better understand the implications of what the bill would do for communities in
• She said she wants to better understand the impact of the bill on communities in Minnesota.
• during a difficult period, loss, or stressful times in their community.
• External community-based support often supplements pathways for healing.
• External community-based support often supplements pathways for healing.

Bills: HF1667, HF2526, HF68

Keywords: correctional fees, supervision fees, probation, Department of Corrections, criminal justice funding, electronic home monitoring, drug testing, restitution collection, community service work, postprison supervision, court-ordered services, fee sunset, fee phaseout, offender fees, community corrections, supervised individuals, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• attended high... school and found numerous opportunities to engage with and positively impact her community
• He continued his education at Walker College, now Bevill State Community College, before earning his
• We must allow Alabamians to once again feel safe in their homes and in... their communities.

Bills: SB 2, SJR 36, SB 2, SR 19, SR 27, SR 30, SR 32, SCR 11

Keywords: Houston East End, Chamber of Commerce, East End Day, economic development, community involvement, scholarships, business events, McAllen, celebration, community pride, cultural events, economic growth, McAllen Day, community recognition, South Texas, local pride, Wise County Day, Texas Senate, Wise County, state recognition

Transcript Highlights:

• This achievement reflects our commitment to providing a safe and welcoming community to grow.
• Wise County has played a vital role in shaping our state's story.
• And this is again home to the East End community. It was annexed by U.S. in 1926.
• They take care of their community, community of persistence and. survivorship in the oil and gas industry
• They're a great community, forward-thinking community, so welcome to those guys in embracing the history

Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SR19, SR27, SR30, SR32, SCR11

Keywords: Houston East End, Chamber of Commerce, East End Day, economic development, community involvement, scholarships, business events, McAllen, celebration, community pride, cultural events, economic growth, McAllen Day, community recognition, South Texas, local pride, Wise County Day, Texas Senate, Wise County, state recognition

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with the department of um community with the department of um community based<00:31:28.480><c> services
• </c> department for community based services. department for community based services.
• </c> community behavioral health clinics. community behavioral health clinics.
• </c> Association of 12 of the 14 community Association of 12 of the 14 community mental<00:57:18.160>
• Uh the certified community today.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:01 Department for Public Health Budget Request 00:01:46 Department for Community Based Services Budget Request 00:31:58 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) 00:57:13, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes, then heard a lengthy presentation from the Department for Public Health on Kentucky’s rural health transformation plan and related budget questions. Commissioner John Langfeld said the state received a $212.9 million federal award, one of the larger awards nationally, and outlined five focus areas: maternal and infant health, integrated EMS/trauma response, behavioral health and substance use disorder, oral health, and chronic disease prevention with an emphasis on obesity and diabetes. He stressed that the effort is intended to be integrated, data-driven, and sustainable, and that the federal funds cannot be used for new construction, clinician salaries, research and development, EHR replacement, or to pay for currently billable services. He also said the program carries accountability requirements and that funds can be clawed back if milestones are not met. Members pressed for clarification on duplication with other budget requests, sustainability after the five-year funding period, and how success would be measured. Langfeld said he was not aware of any duplicate funding with the department’s additional budget requests and said the rural health funds were separate from those requests. He also said the program will be tracked through specific metrics and timelines, using both execution measures and outcome measures such as readmissions, with more rapid-cycle feedback to allow course correction. Representative Fleming raised concerns about possible overlap with navigator funding and asked for more detail on the budget breakdown; Langfeld said a detailed line-item budget had been prepared but was still awaiting final CMS approval before release, and that he would explore sharing more information once restrictions were lifted. The committee then heard from the Kentucky State Public Health Laboratory about a request for a new central lab expansion. The presenter described the current 35-year-old facility as outdated and constrained by aging infrastructure, obsolete equipment, deferred maintenance, and inadequate space, and said the lab performs critical work with no in-state alternative for many services, including newborn screening, select-agent and biosafety level 3 testing, animal necropsy for rabies, genetic sequencing, environmental and food safety testing, and response to emerging infectious diseases. The project is already in design phase C, expected to finish in mid-April, with construction funding sought at roughly $276 million on top of about $35 million already approved for design. Members asked about long-term operating costs, backup arrangements, and whether the current facility would remain in use; the presenter said the current lab would continue to be used by the department while other divisions move into vacated space, and that the lab has mutual-aid agreements with the Southeast Consortium and universities for contingency support. Finally, the Department for Community Based Services began its budget presentation on SNAP and relative caregiver issues. Commissioner Lisa Dennis and budget director Misty Sammons identified the governor’s recommended budget items tied to new federal requirements under HR1, including changes affecting payment error rates. The discussion was just beginning when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's move on to Kahana and O'ahu Community Land Trust. Okay.
• </c> courts at Kamilo Ikeda Community Park. courts at Kamilo Ikeda Community Park. Okay. >> Stop.
• So, the social fabric of our community.
• </c><00:41:43.960><c> safely</c> ensure it serves our community safely ensure it serves our community
• </c> commitment to our community. Oh. commitment to our community. Oh.

Bills: SB2405, HCR19, HCR63, HCR85, HCR140, HCR166, HCR82, HCR98, HCR104, HCR106, HCR141, HCR165, HR20, HR57, HR77, HR132, HR156, HR74, HR90, HR96, HR98, HR133, HR155

Keywords: agricultural workforce, housing, Hawaii, working group, zoning, land use, financial incentives, tax credits, water conservation, infrastructure, public health, March4Water, water access, sustainable resources, Honopou Bridge, emergency access, wildfire risk, public safety, structural integrity, community outreach

Summary: The Water and Land Committee met on April 7 and heard testimony on several resolutions and one bill. SB 2405 SD1 HD2, relating to agricultural workforce housing, received support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, HFTC, and the Hawaii Farmers Union, and the committee later recommended passage as is; one member voted with reservations citing department cost and staffing concerns. The committee also heard HCR 19/HR 20 designating March as March for Water Month, HCR 63/HR 57 urging DLNR and DOT to clarify jurisdiction over Honouliuli Bridge, HCR 85/HR 77 on transferring parcels for the East Kapolei TOD project, HCR 140/HR 132 on vegetation management and fuel reduction in West Maui, HCR 166/HR 156 on identifying East Oahu lands for native Hawaiian tree planting, HCR 82/HR 74 on basic shelter standards for rapid deployment housing, HCR 98/HR 90 on a Honolulu housing pattern book, HCR 104/HR 96 on North Shore coastal trails, HCR 106/HR 98 on endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, HCR 141/HR 133 on Maui fire code enforcement, and HCR 165/HR 155 on permanent pickleball nets and lighting at Kamiloiki Community Park. Testimony was generally supportive on most measures, with several agencies and organizations submitting written comments or appearing in support. HCR 82/HR 74 drew the most discussion: the State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the intent but asked that accessibility be considered on the front end, while another testifier opposed the resolution, arguing it could turn temporary emergency shelters into permanent substandard housing and should be deferred. Committee members discussed temporary versus permanent housing standards and accessibility, and the chair later said the measure would be amended to require permanent units to meet appropriate code standards and to note accessibility concerns in the committee report. On HCR 140/HR 132, DLNR testified that firebreak maintenance on its Waianae lands would be costly, and members noted funding and staffing implications. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on the measures it voted on. SB 2405 was passed with a reservation from one member; HCR 19/HR 20, HCR 63/HR 57, HCR 85/HR 77, HCR 98/HR 90, HCR 104/HR 96, HCR 106/HR 98, HCR 141/HR 133, and HCR 165/HR 155 were passed unamended, while HCR 140/HR 132 was passed with reservations and HCR 166/HR 156 and HCR 82/HR 74 were passed with amendments. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• My community is in Yambito, New Mexico. It is near Old Chertrak Mine. Sorry.
• These sites have affected so many lives across rural and tribal communities throughout New Mexico: reproductive
• those families, those New Mexicans, the funding to begin cleaning up sites that have harmed our communities
• Task Force is critical for accountability, coordination, and justice for Indigenous families and communities
• it's not only a public safety issue; it directly impacts our Native children, their families, and community

Bills: SB201, SB226, SB242, SB249

Keywords: rural libraries, education, cultural funding, library services, community resources, contaminated sites, environmental cleanup, uranium mining, state funding, abandoned sites, tribal affairs, Indian Child Welfare Act, appropriation, children, youth, compliance, field liaison, Indigenous rights, missing persons, law enforcement