Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, for allowing me to speak to you guys today about House File 4161 about local government aid for
• </c><00:10:20.280><c> government</c> House File 4161 about local government House File 4161 about local
• HF 4161 addresses a structural issue in how local government aid is applied to newly incorporated cities
• </c><00:55:22.600><c> governments</c><00:55:23.120><c> and</c> businesses, local governments and businesses
• aid yesterday local homelessness aid yesterday and and and you<01:11:23.640><c> know</c><01:11:23.800

Bills: HF495, HF4321, HF3902, HF4161, HF3755

Keywords: day care, tax subtraction, child care costs, licensed child care, dependent care assistance, HF4321, dependent care assistance programs, gross income exclusion, federal conformity, Internal Revenue Code, individual income tax, Minnesota tax law, tax conformity, child care assistance, employer-provided dependent care, taxable income, state income tax, retroactive tax change, family care benefits, housing tax credit

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't cut local government aid. We don't cut county program aid. We don't do any of that stuff.
• We don't<00:04:44.560><c> cut</c><00:04:44.800><c> local</c><00:04:45.040><c> government</c><00:04:45.360
• ><c> aid.
• </c><00:04:45.600><c> We</c><00:04:45.759><c> don't</c> don't cut local government aid.
• We don't don't cut local government aid.

Bills: HF2437

Keywords: tax credits, tax increments, housing development, local government, economic aid, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Aid</c> schools student support Aid that Aid schools student support Aid that Aid stream<00:21:30.360
• The aid is simply based on the number of non-public schools that request the aid.
• The aid is simply based on the number of non-public schools that request the aid.
• The aid is simply based on the number of non-public schools that request the aid.
• The aid is simply based on the number of non-public schools that request the aid.

Bills: HF984, HF921, HF922

Keywords: education funding, nonpublic schools, counseling services, guidance services, transportation for students, HF921, tax increment financing, TIF, excess tax increment, school district aid, levy adjustment, property tax levy, education finance, Minnesota education aid, decertification, local government finance, school funding formula, state aid reduction, referendum equalization aid, debt service equalization

Transcript Highlights:

• I would urge that these students and the testifiers all bring their passion to the local school boards
• So that's, I think, you can make a case for local control, and we can't do more.
• So that's, I think, you can make a case for local control, and we can't do more.
• So that's, I think, you can make a case for local control, and we can't do more.
• I'm the Director of Government Relations with the Minnesota Department of Education.

Bills: HF29, HF921, HF922, HF1048, HF1049

Keywords: railroad, infrastructure, transportation funding, environmental remediation, capital investment, HF921, tax increment financing, TIF, excess tax increment, school district aid, levy adjustment, property tax levy, education finance, Minnesota education aid, decertification, local government finance, school funding formula, state aid reduction, referendum equalization aid, debt service equalization

Transcript Highlights:

• It will allow for local governing bodies to coordinate resources during any occasion that poses a threat
• It simply aligns the bill allowing for mutual aid agreements. Are there any questions?

Bills: SB68, SB68

Keywords: emergency management, mutual aid, disaster response, local government, political subdivision, public safety, public health, emergency services, first responders, intergovernmental agreements, reciprocal aid, emergency preparedness, local emergency management organization, governing body, liability immunity, Alabama Code 31-9-9, Alabama Code 31-9-11, tribal agreements, federally recognized Indian tribes, state emergency management plan

Transcript Highlights:

• What this does is modernize counties' authority to coordinate emergency aid resources.
• It allows local governing bodies to coordinate resources during any occasion that is not adequately managed
• It moves it from a director to a governing body, you know, to...
• The body is, you know, to... doing this to that government body, which I think is important.
• they can work on governing bills.

Bills: HB68, HB140, HB168

Keywords: foreign investment, agriculture, property rights, critical infrastructure, sanctions, HB140, private sewer systems, wastewater utilities, Public Service Commission, PSC jurisdiction, utility regulation, rate setting, rate consolidation, affiliated systems, common ownership, private utilities, sewer rates, wastewater management, Alabama utilities, Jefferson County Board of Health

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> aid</c> With local homeless prevention aid With local homeless prevention aid funds,<00:07:42.240
• ><c> about</c> our local government partners talk about our local government partners talk about you<
• aid with all of the other local government aids that exist.
• Local Homeless Prevention Aid Aid Aid have<00:29:04.960><c> no</c><00:29:05.159><c> cost.
• local homeless prevention aid portion of local homeless prevention aid is<00:31:57.840><c> used.

Bills: HF4561, HF4343

Keywords: homeless prevention aid, homelessness, housing stability, rental assistance, family homelessness, unaccompanied youth, housing navigation, legal representation, family outreach, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aid, general fund appropriation, unspent funds, aid redistribution, sunset repeal, Minnesota property tax aid, services for persons experiencing homelessness, sales tax, use tax

Transcript Highlights:

• And welcome to the public hearing of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.
• I just do want to mention that this bill received unanimous local approval from the town of Marion at

Bills: H5332, H5333, H5358, H5364, H5365, H5379, H5387, H5388, H5416, S3055

Keywords: mayor vacancy, Holyoke, city council, election procedures, municipal governance, residency requirement, elected officials, local government, citizenship, charter amendment, municipal lien, local charges, property tax, nonpayment, Newton, residency requirements, municipal regulation, elected office, Falmouth, Licensing Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> practices utility providers and local practices utility providers and local municipalities<00:05
• In addition, nothing in our industry goes into the ground without local government permits.
• In addition, nothing in our industry goes into the ground without local government permits.
• </c><00:19:26.679><c> Minnesota</c> approach in using local Minnesota approach in using local Minnesota
• </c> energy utilities state and local energy utilities state and local officials<00:46:12.440><c> uh<

Bills: HF47, HF335

Keywords: telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF335, Greater Minnesota, economic development, public infrastructure, grant program, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, business development, infrastructure grants, local government aid, general fund appropriation, rural development, site development, utilities, roads

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposed establishment of a one-time emergency rental assistance aid for counties and tribal governments
• </c> prevention aid since 2023. prevention aid since 2023.
• and government door for mutual aid and government partners<01:19:31.040><c> to</c><01:19:31.199><c>
• </c> unfortunately there is no trust in local unfortunately there is no trust in local government<01:
• </c> government in these government agencies government in these government agencies that<01:30:25.440

Bills: HF3403, HF3410, HF3424

Keywords: HF3403, emergency rental assistance, rental aid, homelessness prevention, housing crisis, imminent risk of homelessness, eviction prevention, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aids, general fund appropriation, Minnesota revenue commissioner, poverty level, low-income housing, housing stability, family homeless prevention and assistance, emergency housing assistance, eviction, rent, redemption

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:24.240><c> Economic</c> and uh the situation Local Economic and uh the situation Local Economic
• You know, I think, as Lee Gomez said before she left, this is really about government-to-government relations
• <c> with</c> government to government relations with government to government relations with our<00:16
• Jeff Davidman, Vice President of State and Local Government, Delta Airlines.
• </c><01:14:08.520><c> at</c> is refined and used locally at is refined and used locally at Minneapolis

Bills: HF1126, HF967, HF1066, HF1669, HF926

Keywords: property tax, Indian Tribe, tax exemption, Minnesota, public charity, property tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, unorganized territory, federally recognized, soil conservation, water conservation, local government aid, environmental funding, Minnesota legislation, tax credits, sustainable aviation fuel, environmental policy, corporate franchise, Minnesota taxation, tobacco

Transcript Highlights:

• The state financial aid account is used to ensure that all programs designated for financial aid are
• systems that benefit students and financial aid offices.
• systems that benefit students and financial aid offices.
• And by going to college... hardly knew that AIDS like FAFSA even existed.
• And if you fill out the FAFSA, you might get financial aid.

Bills: SB6090, SB5931, SB5963, SB5978, SB6082

Keywords: heritage orchard, agriculture, program, state funding, local agriculture, workforce education, accountability, oversight, administrative changes, investment, SB 5963, passport to careers, Washington College Grant, financial aid, higher education, student aid, need-based aid, college affordability, postsecondary education, workforce development

Summary: The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee first opened a hearing on SB 6090, which would direct Washington State University to establish a Heritage Orchard Program to register, preserve, and propagate heritage orchards and rare or lost apple varieties. Sponsor Sen. Braun said the bill would honor Washington’s apple-growing history and support research at WSU at low cost, though staff noted a fiscal note was not available. The hearing was then closed. The committee then held a work session on student complaints in higher education. Faculty, union, and research witnesses argued that student complaint systems are sometimes misused against faculty, especially faculty of color, women, and contingent faculty, causing stress, attrition, costs, and harm to academic freedom. They urged safeguards such as an initial review for bad-faith or biased complaints, routine data collection, and a faculty bill of rights. Members asked about data tracking and FERPA/Title IX issues, and witnesses said complaint data is inconsistently collected across institutions. The committee next heard SB 5931, a technical cleanup bill for the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board. The bill would extend co-chair terms to two years, move the annual report date to December 31, and remove an unfunded dashboard requirement. WASAC, labor, and Microsoft testified in support, saying the changes would improve board effectiveness and preserve institutional knowledge. The committee then heard SB 5963, which would automatically treat Passport to Careers students as income-eligible for the Washington College Grant beginning in 2026–27 and make related funding changes. Supporters said it would streamline aid for former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth, many of whom already receive the maximum grant, while members asked about outreach and how the Passport funds are used. The committee also heard SB 5978, which would codify the Washington Guaranteed Admissions Program and require student notifications about guaranteed admissions, financial aid, dual credit, and related opportunities. Supporters, including students, colleges, and advocacy groups, said the bill would reduce anxiety, improve transparency, and help more students see college as an option; several members discussed keeping the proposal cost-neutral. Finally, the committee heard SB 6082, which would require JLARC to audit fraud in state financial aid programs, including fictitious students and AI-enabled schemes. The sponsor said the bill responds to emerging fraud risks, while community and technical college witnesses said colleges already have fraud controls in place, warned the audit would be an unfunded and delayed response, and asked for more resources to address the problem. The committee adjourned after closing the hearing on SB 6082.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 6294 relates to local government tax resources and fund flexibility. four relates to local
• This is a good optional tool for local governments.
• There is also federal impact aid available, and under federal impact aid, the federal government provides
• There is also federal impact aid available, and under federal impact aid, the federal government provides
• The fiscal note is not available for OSPI, local school districts, or local government.

Bills: SB6294, SB6211, SB5650, SB6033, SB6297, SB6343, SB6067, SB6082, SB6323, SB6324, SB5862, SB5923, SB6151

Keywords: local government finance, Washington state, RCW, real estate excise tax, REET, sales and use tax, property tax levy, county tax, city tax, affordable housing, housing services, behavioral health, mental health, developmental disabilities, children and families services, youth services, utility tax, low-income utility assistance, veterans assistance, homelessness

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee held a public hearing on several bills, beginning with Substitute Senate Bill 6026, which would require cities and counties over 30,000 population to allow residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones, with limits on requiring mixed-use or ground-floor retail and some height flexibility where such requirements are imposed. Committee staff described the bill as governor-request legislation with a fiscal note for Department of Commerce implementation and local zoning updates. Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck testified in strong support, calling it a major housing bill that would add needed capacity without burdening housing with retail requirements. The committee then suspended the hearing and moved to other bills on the agenda. Senate Bill 6294 drew extensive testimony. Staff said it would expand local fiscal tools in eight parts, including broader uses for certain REET revenues, a new option for cities to impose the affordable housing REET with voter approval, a county utility tax, a new local sales tax for children and family services, expanded uses for existing housing sales tax revenues, possible standalone county veterans and behavioral health levies, longer voter-authorized levy lid lifts, and expanded uses for rental car tax revenue. Supporters from cities, counties, housing, and public health groups said the bill would provide needed flexibility for housing, child care, public health clinics, and county budgets. Opponents, including wireless, water and sewer, auto dealer, realtor, and energy industry representatives, objected to the county utility tax, the new sales tax, or the REET provisions, citing regressivity, higher costs, and housing affordability concerns. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5400 on local news sustainability, which would create a Department of Commerce grant program funded by a surcharge on covered tech platforms, with revenue also supporting the Murrow Journalism Fellowship at Washington State University. News organizations, civic groups, and journalism advocates testified that local news is in decline and that the bill would help preserve reporting jobs and community accountability, while technology industry representatives warned of legal risks and argued the bill unfairly targets online platforms. Other bills heard included SB 6211, which would let voluntarily planning GMA jurisdictions impose REET-2 without voter approval; SB 5650, which would authorize local cannabis excise taxes, drawing support from local governments and opposition from cannabis businesses that said the industry is already overtaxed; SB 6033, which would waive penalties and interest for certain taxpayers who failed to collect new retail sales tax on services, supported by small business advocates; SB 6297, which would exempt temporary staffing services for nonprofit behavioral health entities from sales tax, supported by behavioral health providers; and SB 6343, which would extend and expand tax relief for property damaged by natural disasters, with support from local officials in flood-affected communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Still, student financial aid packages, which Joel is going to talk about in a few minutes, will leave
• Still, student financial aid packages, which Joel is going to talk about in a few minutes, will leave
• This funding is fully distinct from other state financial aid programs.
• On the right-hand side of the table, you can see how their financial aid packages usually compare to
• and apply for financial aid without having to complete a secondary application for Passport.

Bills: SB5826, SB5828, SB5909, SB5931, SB5954, SB5963, SB6082, SB6090

Keywords: medication abortion, public education, access, healthcare rights, postsecondary institutions, college grant, scholarships, higher education, private institutions, Washington State, undergraduate programs, enrollment, program review, public institutions, workforce education, accountability, oversight, administrative changes, investment, veterans

Summary: The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee first received a work session presentation from the Washington Student Achievement Council on the Passport to Careers Program. Staff explained that Passport serves youth who experienced foster care at age 13 or later or unaccompanied homelessness, with about 2,000 students expected to be served in 2025-26. The program provides scholarships of up to $2,000, plus flexible campus support funding and training through a partnership with the College Success Foundation. Testimony emphasized that students often face basic-needs insecurity, work long hours, and still have significant unmet financial need even after Pell, Washington College Grant, and Passport aid. Officials said the program has grown 131% since 2019, but appropriations have not kept pace, forcing reductions in award levels from $5,000 in 2023-24 to $2,000 in 2025-26. They also noted strong outcomes, including a reported 31% eight-year graduation/credential rate and 84% of surveyed students saying Passport made them more likely to enroll or stay enrolled. Senators asked about comparisons to overall student graduation rates, the share of participants who are parents, where students attend, and how campus support staff are funded and deployed. The committee then moved into executive session on several bills. Staff summarized measures on medication abortion access at public postsecondary institutions, changes to Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship awards for private nonprofit four-year institutions, low-enrollment program review at state universities, technical changes to the Workforce Board, veteran dependent tuition waivers, Passport to Careers funding and eligibility, a JLARC audit of state financial aid fraud, and creation of the Heritage Orchard Program at WSU. During action, the committee adopted a proposed substitute for SB 5931 and voted do pass on SB 5826, SB 5828, SB 5909, SB 5931 as amended, SB 5954, SB 5963, SB 6082, and SB 6090, sending each to the Ways and Means Committee. One senator stated opposition to SB 5826, citing cost and administrative burden concerns, but the bill still passed the committee. The session then adjourned.

Bills: HB342, HB342, HB168, HB220, SB187, SB270, SB265, SB220, SB242, SB277

Keywords: religious instruction, elective credit, released time, public education, school policy, tax credit, scholarship, education funding, financial aid, federal participation, HB168, Alabama, emergency management, local emergency management organization, mutual aid, mutual aid agreement, disaster response, public safety, public health, state emergency management plan

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and members, article two is the property taxes and local government aids article.
• Sections 22, 23, and 27 all relate to local homeless prevention aid.
• Madam Chair and members, article two is the property taxes and local government aids article.
• Sections 22, 23, and 27 all relate to local homeless prevention aid.
• Article two is the property taxes and local government aids article.

Bills: HF2274, HF1932

Keywords: taxation, income tax, property tax, corporate tax, homestead credit, local government aid, tax credits, economic development, taxpayer assistance, tax credit outreach, tax preparation, free tax help, IRS, Department of Revenue, general fund appropriation, earned income tax credit, child tax credit, volunteer income tax assistance, VITA, low-income taxpayers

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> teaching of pupils, activities of aids teaching of pupils, activities of aids or<00:14:35.040><c
• Still, for most districts, the local optional revenue is primarily local levy.
• , the local optional revenue is primarily<00:33:18.320><c> local</c><00:33:18.559><c> levy.
• And like you said, the aid and levy mix is way off now, where it's mostly levy and a lot less aid.
• , not receiving school safety aid, and an inability to level levy funds from a local tax base.

Bills: HF3790, HF3654, HF3371, HF3470, HF1099

Keywords: education finance, lease levy authority, graduation ceremonies, school districts, Minnesota Statutes, local revenue, funding increase, education, state appropriation, local control, HF3371, local optional revenue, school finance, general education aid, school district funding, referendum revenue, referendum market value, equalization aid, state aid, property tax levy

Transcript Highlights:

• Reckless and wasteful spending of our federal government, particularly when it comes to foreign aid.
• That's waste in government.
• It just isn't part of government. It should never be part of government.
• Only the federal government.
• And the government agencies coordinating aid effort should be eager to share the details about how their

Keywords: fiscal responsibility, government waste, foreign aid, funding resolution, legislative oversight

Summary: The committee meeting addressed government spending and foreign aid, with a particular emphasis on perceived wasteful expenditures. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a funding resolution for the committee, which received unanimous support from the members present. The chair noted a quorum at the beginning of the meeting, signaling that the committee was ready to conduct its business. Discussions highlighted ongoing debates concerning fiscal responsibility and the necessity of legislative oversight, notably regarding foreign aid allocations and their implications for domestic fiscal health.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> residents, and revitalize the local residents, and revitalize the local economy.<00:30:33.200><c
• Thank you. the local 49ers and other critical the local 49ers and other critical unions<00:37:36.480>
• </c><01:21:36.480><c> We</c> uh sourced locally I should say. We uh sourced locally I should say.
• This is not just a local facility.
• This is not just a local facility.

Bills: HF2178, HF942, HF2470, HF1043, HF1287, HF1229, HF1230, HF424, HF571, HF404, HF910, HF1055, HF318, HF319, HF401, HF609, HF306, HF1599, HF1881

Keywords: HF2178, Cohasset, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, public infrastructure, water tower, water infrastructure, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, street reconstruction, municipal infrastructure, Public Facilities Authority, bond proceeds fund, Minnesota bonding, local government aid, utility infrastructure, public works, infrastructure, stormwater

Transcript Highlights:

• government aid.
• </c><00:02:27.000><c> And</c><00:02:27.120><c> so,</c> for the local government aid.
• And so, for the local government aid.
• As I'm sure you know, the local government aid funding is critical for small towns like ours.
• </c><00:09:05.000><c> aid</c><00:09:05.160><c> funding</c> know, the local government aid funding know

Bills: HF1016, HF2800, HF156, HF3051, HF526, HF2658, HF2062, HF2801

Keywords: local government aid, Baldwin, taxation, base year formula, municipal funding, population aid, aid penalty forgiveness, Minnesota, city funding, appropriations, HF156, lawful gambling, veterans organizations, licensed veterans organization, Minnesota gambling law, gross profits, lawful purpose, real property repair, facility maintenance, capital assets