Video & Transcript Research : 'poetry'
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 35 Apr 6th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We are reading Resolution 1037 by Westammmy of the House, a resolution relating to National Poetry Month
- HR1037 is our annual resolution recognizing April as National Poetry Month.
- By day, she works as a writer and a strategist, and by night, she returns to poetry and personal reflection
Bills:
HR1037, HR1043, SB1491, SB1451, SB1286, SB1581, SB1521, SB201, SB1290, SB169, SB1377, SB1991, SB1346, SB1509, SB1928, SB2028, SB2071, SB2110, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134, SB722, SB3
Keywords:
National Poetry Month, poetry, education, cultural celebration, arts and humanities, child abuse, prevention, community support, family safety, child welfare, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, elections, voter registration, election integrity, Secretary of State, cancellation of registration, gender neutrality
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- and teaches classes on poetry and poetic study.
- > also co-founded the poetry-based also co-founded the poetry-based nonprofit<00:04:47.919>
Ruth classes on poetry and poetic study. classes on poetry and poetic study. - She once said, "I think what I love most about poetry..."
- She once said, "I think what I love most about poetry..."
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional by Vermont poet laureate Bianca Stone, followed by remarks recognizing her work and the presence of students from her Dartmouth poetry class, as well as a separate recognition of community-based domestic and sexual violence advocates in the House gallery. Members also noted Creative Arts Day in Vermont and announced a reception, and later corrected a location for the Sportsmen’s Caucus meeting. No bill introductions were made.
The main legislative item was H.527, extending the sunset of 30 V.S.A. section 248A, the telecommunications siting process that allows certain cell tower projects to be reviewed by the Public Utility Commission instead of Act 250. The committee report said testimony showed broad agreement that the process needs improvements in notice, transparency, fairness, and local participation, while preserving a statewide framework for telecommunications infrastructure. The bill would extend the sunset from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2030, and direct the PUC to hold public workshops, consult with stakeholders, and report recommendations by December 15, 2027. The House adopted the committee amendment and ordered third reading; the committee vote was reported as 5-3-1.
The House also took up JRS 37, a joint resolution supporting gender equality in Nordic combined Olympic competition and urging the International Olympic Committee to require both men’s and women’s divisions for new Olympic sports. The committee heard from the lieutenant governor, the Senate sponsor, and the Vermont Ski Areas Association president, and recommended adoption in concurrence by a vote of 10-1. After an interrogation clarified that the resolution calls for separate men’s and women’s divisions rather than combined teams, the House ordered third reading. The body then adjourned until Friday, February 13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- and celebrating the power of poetry in Minnesota.
- and celebrating the power of poetry in Minnesota.
- and celebrating the power of poetry in Minnesota.
- <01:16:05.400>
and <01:16:05.600>poetry <01:16:06.000>of showcasing their poetry - and poetry of showcasing their poetry and poetry of other<01:16:06.400>
youth <01:16:06.719>
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/14/2026 - 31st Annual Indian Nations & Tribes Legislative Day
Transcript Highlights:
- Laura Tohi of the Navajo Nation to share a poetry reading with us. Thank you. Thank you.
- I had limited access to books, and I didn't know what poetry was.
- So I could identify with rural communities who have limited poetry and library resources.
- Poetry is alive. It celebrates the literary arts, written and oral arts that thrive in Arizona.
- I look forward to sharing and supporting poetry in rural communities that inspire the power of poetry
Summary:
The Arizona House and Senate held the joint protocol session for the 31st Annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day, opening with a tribal blessing, presentation of the colors, the national anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. House Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen welcomed tribal leaders, elders, and guests, emphasizing the importance of government-to-government collaboration, tribal sovereignty, and the role of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes in issues such as water, energy, infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.
The tribal address was delivered by Fort Mojave Chairman Timothy Williams, who focused heavily on Colorado River water rights, drought, climate change, and the need to include tribes in any future river management framework as current guidelines expire. He also discussed tribal economic development, education, public safety, border security, and the importance of protecting culture, language, land, and water. Thana Autumn Nation Chairman Verlin Jose similarly stressed unity, tribal sovereignty, border issues, water stewardship, and the economic impact of tribal gaming, arguing that tribes should be full partners in state and federal policy discussions and opposing a fixed border wall.
Dr. Laura Tohi of the Navajo Nation gave a poetry reading and spoke about her background, the importance of language and oral tradition, and her role as Arizona State Poet Laureate. Her poems centered on food, water, weaving, and homeland. The session concluded with closing remarks from legislative leaders thanking participants for their perspectives and contributions, and the joint protocol session was dissolved. No votes or formal legislative actions were taken.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It's about uplifting youth voices and celebrating the connection between poetry and civic engagement.
- Through her amazing poetry, the inauguration showcased the power of youth voices to move citizens in
- and the poetry of other youth.
- So, my father is a Local poet David Murrah, who's been involved with the poetry scene for a long time
- , is how I came to know the power of poetry.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- On behalf of the town of poetry and on behalf of yourself and that you are against the bill.
- So I am about three and a half hours north of here in a small town of Poetry.
- I had never even heard of a city of Poetry. But that does bring an example.
- And often, I don't know about Poetry, but a lot of times... Or just be Poetry.
- Or Poetry, okay, I'm sorry.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 1904, which would classify intentionally released helium balloons as litter and create criminal penalties for balloon releases. The author and supportive witnesses argued that balloon releases harm wildlife, livestock, waterways, and infrastructure, and that the bill would close a loophole in current litter law. Several members questioned whether criminal penalties were appropriate, and the author said he was willing to work toward civil penalties and fines instead. No vote was taken, and HB 1904 was left pending.
The committee then took up several pending bills and reported them favorably to the full House, including HB 3249, HB 3866, HB 4112, HB 1768, HB 1499, HB 573, and HB 464. These measures dealt with topics such as TCEQ contested-case procedures, outdoor storage containers, high-level radioactive waste, concrete plant permitting and grants, unannounced concrete batch plant inspections, and a scrap tire grant program. Most were adopted with substitutes and passed on recorded votes, generally with unanimous or near-unanimous support.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 3997, which would create expedited permitting timelines for LNG facilities and related wastewater permits. Industry witnesses said the bill would provide certainty for multibillion-dollar projects without eliminating public participation, while environmental groups opposed parts of the bill that they said could limit contested-case participation and be unrealistic for SOAH timelines. TCEQ staff described the current wastewater permitting process and said some of the bill’s timing provisions could be workable, especially with an expedited fee. The bill was left pending after the author said he would continue working on committee substitute language.
The committee also heard HB 1237 on extending the renewal window for expired TCEQ occupational water licenses, and HB 4519, a TERP consolidation bill that would combine several clean transportation grant programs into fewer programs. HB 1237 was left pending without testimony, while HB 4519 drew broad support from environmental and industry witnesses who favored simplifying the program, though some asked for stronger emphasis on particulate matter and hydrogen funding. The committee withdrew the substitute on HB 4519 and left it pending. Finally, HB 5033, which would eliminate the motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program if federal authority changes, drew opposition from environmental and inspection-industry witnesses who warned it would weaken air-quality protections and could remove an important enforcement tool. The author said the bill was intended as a trigger mechanism and would be refined, and HB 5033 was left pending. The committee also heard HB 1227 on municipal solid-waste franchise fees and private-provider access; the author said he would bring a substitute after hearing concerns from cities, and the bill was left pending.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 30 (2-19-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- By 14, she was publishing poetry.
- in London, becoming the first African-American and the first enslaved person to publish a book of poetry
- By 14, she was publishing<00:46:16.960>
poetry. - By 20, she had publishing poetry.
- book of poetry in the Western world. book of poetry in the Western world.
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Senate Message 05:49
Calendar/2nd Readings 06:27
Report of Committees 08:12
Orders of the Day/HB 485 09:40
HB 43 23:13
HB 139 25:09
HB 414 31:49
HB 297 36:16
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 41:08
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 51:25
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 53:41
ConC/Rules Report 56:40
Floor Amendments 57:54
Adjournment 58:17, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with an invocation, quorum call, and routine motions to excuse absent members, suspend rules for co-sponsorship and vote modifications, and approve the journal. The Senate clerk then announced Senate Bills 47, 85, and 159 had passed the Senate and requested House concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports on a number of bills, including measures on on-farm animal health, type 1 diabetes, employment, addictive online platforms, real property appraisers, educators, crimes and punishments, artificial intelligence, stalking, insurance, school food/funds, protective orders, public adjusters, and insurance regulation. Several committees reported bills favorably, including HB 534 on elections, HB 510 on organ donation safety, HB 220 on pension spiking, HB 467 on real property, HB 516 on retirement benefits for probationary employment, HB 589 on retired emergency personnel, and HB 168 on boating under the influence, which was sent to the Rules Committee after its second reading.
The House then passed HB 485, a major mental health/civil commitment bill, after adopting House Committee Substitute 1 and two floor amendments. Supporters said the bill modernizes Kentucky’s 202A and 202C mental health commitment processes by adding intermediate treatment options, guardrails for outpatient/community-based care, clearer definitions, longer review intervals in some cases, and data/reporting requirements; they emphasized collaboration with mental health advocates, courts, and stakeholders. The bill passed unanimously, 95-0. HB 43, allowing a 180-day grace period for deputy coroners to complete required training, also passed unanimously, 96-0. HB 139, an elections “continuous improvement” bill, passed 92-1 after adoption of a committee substitute and a floor amendment that bars disclosure/reporting of votes cast for candidates who withdraw, die, or are disqualified and requires notices at precincts; the sponsor described the bill as the product of ongoing consultation with election officials and clerks. HB 414, on booking procedures in local jails, passed 73-18 after supporters explained it would allow DNA collection upon felony arrest, with destruction provisions if the person is not convicted or the charge is reduced or dismissed. HB 297, concerning Kentucky State Fair Board peace officers, passed unanimously, 96-0, to explicitly make those officers eligible for law enforcement fund benefits and related certification/training provisions.
After the bills were completed, the House moved into motions, petitions, communications, and announcements. House Resolution 69 was brought from committee to the floor, and members were invited to a Kentucky State Police breakfast and a Louisville night event at the Foundry. The chamber also adopted Citation 32 honoring Dr. Hannah Huffman, who was recognized for her optometry career and leadership in the Kentucky Optometric Association, and Citation 31 honoring Valerie Greenhill, the new president of the Southern Regional Education Board. The House then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 16th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Music brings the best in us, it brings the best out of us, and it reminds us what it means in poetry,
- what we do. ...us, and it reminds us what it means in poetry and the poetry and what we do here on this
- brings the best in us, it brings the best out of us, and it reminds us what it means in poetics, the poetry
- , what we do. us and it reminds us what it means in poetics and the poetry and what we do here on this
Summary:
The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with a prayer, a Father’s Day reflection, and a moment of silence for the victims of the Minnesota lawmaker shooting. Members then moved through guest introductions recognizing student legislative programs, Black conservation leaders, interns, and first responders, including an off-duty firefighter who saved a driver’s life. The chamber also heard multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, most notably for former Senator and Los Angeles Councilman Nate Holden, whose civil rights and housing discrimination work was highlighted, along with tributes to Stephen Golden Kranz, Emily Carpenter, and Doug Kranwinkel.
On the Daily File, the Assembly adopted ACR 90, Assembly Member Gibson’s resolution recognizing Juneteenth. The measure drew strong support from multiple caucuses, including the Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ, Women’s, and AAPI caucuses, with members emphasizing Juneteenth’s historical significance, the legacy of slavery, and the continuing need to combat racism and inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added.
The Assembly also adopted ACR 92, Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez’s resolution declaring June 2025 as Electronic Dance Music Month in California. Supporters described EDM as a cultural and economic force rooted in diverse communities and praised its values of inclusion and unity; the resolution received 65 co-authors and passed by voice vote. Finally, HR 45, Assembly Member Castillo’s resolution for Animal Rights Awareness Week, was adopted by voice vote after 55 co-authors were added, with the author and a guest from Sierra Pacific Fur Babies speaking about animal rescue and welfare work. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until June 19.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- On behalf of the town of Poetry, and on behalf of yourself, and that you are against the bill.
- And so I am about three and a half hours north of here in a small town of poetry.
- to you as well, and I will say I doubt that the bill author was trying to target the the town of poetry
- It'll just be poetry. Or poetry. Okay, I'm sorry.
Keywords:
solid waste management, exclusive contracts, public agency, contract amendment, notification requirements, Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, TERP, air quality, emissions reduction, clean fleet, alternative fuel, natural gas vehicles, hydrogen fuel, hydrogen infrastructure, diesel replacement, fleet grants, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, clean school buses
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We show you registered as Tara Cinkovich, uh, on behalf of the Town of Poetry and on behalf of yourself
- Um, so I am about 3.5 hours north of here in a small town of Poetry. We're about 2000 inhabitants.
- And I, I will say I, I doubt that the bill author was trying to target the, the, the town of poetry at
- of people that have no choice and often I don't know about in poultry, but a lot of times just be poetry
- or poetry, OK, I'm sorry.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- and children at Governor's Institute for the Arts, inspiring many young people in the practice of poetry
- in the Arts, inspiring many young people in the practice<00:14:00.880>
of <00:14:01.120>poetry - <00:14:02.079>
He <00:14:02.320>continues <00:14:02.800>to practice of poetry - He continues to practice of poetry.
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional reading, then proceeded to first readings and committee referrals for six bills: H.841 on miscellaneous animal welfare procedures, H.842 creating a commission on public school employee health benefits, H.843 on monitoring municipal wastewater discharges, H.844 on sales tax and a surcharge related to short-term rental and second-home properties, H.845 on an income tax deduction for snow tires, and H.846 on artificial intelligence and elections. H.611, a bill with an appropriation affecting the Department of Vermont Health Access, was also referred to Appropriations under House Rule 35A. The chamber also read HCR 175, a concurrent resolution honoring the life of J. Stannard Baker of Shelburne, highlighting his role in Baker v. State, his work in mental health and the Episcopal Church, and his death in June 2025.
During announcements, members welcomed guests including Baker’s husband and sister, representatives of the Vermont Access Network, a devotional speaker, Human Rights Commission participants, and students from rural community schools visiting for Rural Schools Day. The House also heard remarks about the Human Rights Commission’s upcoming press conference and a caucus meeting on state permit reform. Later, the member from Georgia gave a lengthy historical reflection on Henry Knox and the Fort Ticonderoga cannon expedition, followed by a correction from the member from Stow noting that teams of oxen pulled most of the cannon.
On the floor, the House considered H.648, the Department of Financial Regulation’s annual housekeeping bill on banking, insurance, and securities. Representative Olsen offered an amendment clarifying section 48 on federally exempt securities and state notice filings; the amendment was adopted by voice vote, and the bill then passed. The House then took up H.790, the fiscal year 2026 budget adjustment bill. Representative Shai offered an amendment reallocating $45,000 in HIV/AIDS funding among Vermont CARES, the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont, and the HIV/HCV Resource Center; that amendment was also adopted. The bill passed on a roll call vote, 133-0, and the House suspended rules to message its action to the Senate forthwith. The session ended with a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., which was put to the body.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine S.124, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for disciplinary procedures for supervisors and managers at the Department of Veterans Affairs and to modify the procedures of personnel actions against employees of the Dep Mar 11th, 2025 at 09:30 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Britton, I see that you write poetry.
- I don't know if I've ever had that in somebody's kind of brief bio that they write poetry.
- So anyway, my mother is from South Carolina and she wrote poetry, so I feel a little connection there
- Senator Cassidy mentioned poetry, so I asked ChatGBT to write us a poem about the firings at the VA.
Keywords:
Department of Veterans Affairs, disciplinary procedures, accountability, personnel actions, whistleblower protection, cancer, military, aircrew, veterans, health study, toxins, morbidity, mortality, service members, mental health, community care, accessibility, treatment programs, substance abuse, appointments
Summary:
During the meeting, various members engaged in extensive discussions surrounding 15 proposed bills related to veterans' affairs. Notably, concerns regarding recent VA workforce changes sparked debates, particularly about potential cuts and their implications for veterans' care and benefits. Chairman Moran emphasized the need for thoughtful reforms and coordination with stakeholders, urging responsible measures to prevent negatively impacting service delivery. The meeting highlighted a significant bipartisan effort to enhance veterans' access to essential health services, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by the VA workforce. Senator Blumenthal's assertions about the urgent plight of veterans due to cuts in personnel drew strong reactions, showcasing the deep concern among committee members regarding the current state of veteran services.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/04/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- many artists will teach at a college or teach in a school, but what they really want to do is write poetry
- many artists will teach at a college or teach in a school, but what they really want to do is write poetry
- many artists will teach at a college or teach in a school, but what they really want to do is write poetry
- many artists will teach at a college or teach in a school, but what they really want to do is write poetry
- well<00:48:40.920>
or <00:48:41.079>they <00:48:41.200>want do is write poetry
VA
Virginia 2026 1st Special Session
Virginia Commission for the Arts Board Meeting Jun 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Also, $25,000 is allotted to Poetry Out Loud in the Wayne Theater, conducting that in Virginia. operating
- Allotted to Poetry Out Loud in the Wayne Theater, conducting that in Virginia, and $30,000 to folk and
- And that continued the NEA good news: Poetry Out Loud, Amelia Rilack, a senior at Grace Christian School
- Jada Dawn, a junior at University High School in Carmel, Indiana, was named National Champion of Poetry
Summary:
The Virginia Commission for the Arts meeting opened with attendance, a welcome from Secretary of Education Dr. Jeffrey Smith, and approval of Commissioner Allison’s remote participation. Smith praised the commission’s role in supporting arts education and community life, and commissioners thanked him for the administration’s support. The commission then approved the March 2026 minutes, with Allison and Vanessa Thaxton Ward recused because they were absent from that meeting.
Commission updates highlighted staff changes, including the arrival of communications and office specialist Tess Lidar, and several developments affecting arts organizations in Richmond, including the closure of Art 180 and the pause in operations at Swift Creek Mill Theater. Staff also reported strong communications growth, the upcoming return of Artworks in 2027, and progress on accessibility initiatives, including expanded grant application questions, an Open Door Arts cohort, site visits to area agencies on aging, and a forthcoming creative aging/futures grant opportunity. A separate report on the Small Town and Rural Arts pilot in Region 8 described in-person convenings, a digital toolkit, and lessons learned about place-based work, funding language, and the value of regional partners.
The commission then approved FY27 grant recommendations across multiple programs: General Operating Support short form and long form panels, Operating Support for Small Arts Organizations, Creative Communities Partnership Grants, and Community Impact Grants. Commissioners who observed panels reported that the review process was organized, thoughtful, and increasingly focused on sustainability, accessibility, community engagement, and clear financial and strategic planning. Several recusals were noted, including Commissioner Armstrong on Opera on the James, Commissioner Grebeck on Prince Edward County, and others tied to specific organizations. The commission also approved the FY27 allocation budget, which uses state funds, NEA support, carryforward funds, one-time appropriations, and interest from the Arts Fund to increase grant support and launch new programs such as lifelong learning, accessibility microgrants, artist catalyst, and capacity-building grants.
In additional actions, commissioners approved updates to the FY27 capacity building and lifelong learning grant guidelines, revised the teaching artist roster background check policy, and voted to repeal the existing VCA policy manual so staff can draft a new one aligned with agency and board responsibilities. Staff explained that the repeal would not leave the agency without coverage because state HR, procurement, and statutory grant-making requirements remain in place. The meeting then turned to a broader bylaws review led by the Attorney General’s office, prompted by the need to address a secretary vacancy and other governance gaps.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Across Persian culture, the arrival of spring has always been tied to poetry.
- It reminds us of the beauty of our heritage, the poetry, the food, the gathering of generations around
- and freedom may return just as surely as spring returns to earth. spring has always been tied to poetry
- . spring has always been tied to poetry.
- ,<00:02:53.240>
the <00:02:53.400>food, of our heritage, the poetry, the food, of our
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional reflection on Nowruz, the Persian New Year, emphasizing renewal, spring, and the challenges facing Iranian families amid conflict. The speaker connected the holiday’s themes of hope and responsibility to Vermont and democracy, then the chamber moved to routine business, including first readings and referrals of five House bills: H.945 on hemp products, H.946 on utility advertising and costs in rental agreements, H.947 on a residential universal design building code, H.948 on membership of the Retired Employees Committee on Insurance, and H.949 on homestead and non-homestead property tax yields and technical education finance changes. Three Senate bills were also read and referred: S.189 on hospital service reductions, S.203 on penalties for repeat DUI offenses, and S.313 on transforming Vermont’s career technical education system.
The House also recognized several guests and announcements, including family members of members, airport employees, a UVM student intern, and visitors from Brazil. A House concurrent resolution, HCR 168, was read and congratulated Girl Scout Troop 60336 of Milton on earning the Bronze Award for a community garden project that improved accessibility through rain barrels and raised beds. The resolution highlighted the troop’s leadership and the role of its co-leaders, and the chamber applauded the guests in attendance.
The main floor action centered on House Bill 642, relating to youthful offender proceedings, where Representative Booton of Barre City offered an amendment to stop the scheduled expansion of Raise the Age to 20-year-olds. Supporters argued the change would preserve current treatment of 18-year-olds while preventing an automatic expansion they said could strain the system and raise public safety concerns; opponents, including the Judiciary Committee, urged waiting for required Department for Children and Families reports due in 2026 before making changes. After debate, a roll call vote was taken on the amendment, with members calling the roll as the vote proceeded.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- speeches he gave, a eulogy for Robert Frost, in which he said, among other things, power corrupts, poetry
- PD Theater to develop a program for students in underserved communities to create plays and write poetry
- have an African-American-themed fiddlers festival and a Lucy Terry Prince-themed prize at the annual poetry
- Some articles... ...at the annual poetry contest.
Summary:
The hearing focused on the impact of recent federal policy and budget actions on Massachusetts libraries, humanities organizations, arts institutions, and tourism. Testimony from library leaders described the loss or jeopardy of Institute of Museum and Library Services funding, including statewide databases, local grants, staff positions, E-rate/hotspot support, and digital equity programs. Witnesses said the cuts have already forced reductions in services, canceled grants and workshops, and in some cases left schools, students, job seekers, and low-income patrons without access to key resources. Members of the committee asked for lists of affected communities and databases, and several witnesses said they would provide additional written detail.
Arts and humanities witnesses said federal terminations from the NEA, NEH, and IMLS have hit organizations across the Commonwealth, including Mass Cultural Council, Mass Humanities, Mass MoCA, and local museums and historical societies. They described canceled or rescinded grants, layoffs, reduced programming, and a chilling effect on future applications and on artistic and scholarly work, especially where federal awards had already been matched with local or private funds. Several speakers also raised concerns about executive-branch DEI conditions attached to funding and about book challenges and book banning, saying these trends threaten intellectual freedom and public access to culture and history. Committee members emphasized the economic importance of the sector and the need to publicize the impacts.
Tourism officials from Meet Boston and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism testified that federal cuts and broader geopolitical and tariff issues are hurting international visitation, especially from Canada and Western Europe, and could affect major upcoming events such as the 2026 World Cup and Sail Boston. They said reduced funding for Brand USA and Discover New England will weaken long-term marketing efforts and international partnerships, with downstream effects on hotel tax revenue, jobs, and workforce recruitment. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members mainly asking questions and requesting follow-up written testimony and data.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/18/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- :12.800>
for events uh for poets all throughout for events uh for poets all throughout for poetry - 03:15.199>
one <02:03:15.360>of <02:03:15.560>them <02:03:15.840>will poetry - month in April one of them will poetry month in April one of them will be<02:03:16.280>
where - The last thing that I would tell you: the Latino poetry places that we call home, again, partnership
- places that we call the Latino poetry places that we call home<02:08:55.440>
again <02:08:55.920
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 8, 2025 - 08:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- READING PROSE AND POETRY VERSUS INFORMATIONAL TEXT WE PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION AND PROVIDE ITEM LEVEL
- ARE NOT PERFORMING WELL AND THEN WHEN THEY ANALYZE THAT IF AC OPERATIONS ARE FRACTIONS OR READING POETRY
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Roberts for a dramatic greeting and discussion of the beloved Vermont poetry that became David Budbill's
- poetry that became David Budbill's poetry that became David Budbill's Judevine.<00:44:09.200>
That's
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional and a series of lighthearted remarks, then welcomed Representative Kumulia Case Long of Milton, who had taken the oath of office earlier that morning. The chair announced Long’s seating in seat 114 and appointment to the Committee on Education. The chamber also received and first-read several bills: H. 953 on the Panton town charter amendment, H. 954 on the Stowe town charter amendment, S. 64 on optometrists’ scope of practice, and S. 278 on cannabis. The House also noted favorable committee reports on H. 952 (capital construction/bonding budget adjustment) and S. 218 (reducing chloride contamination in state waters), with referrals made under House Rule 35A.
The House adopted JRS. 47, a joint resolution setting weekend adjournment for April 3, 2026, and then read two concurrent resolutions that had already been adopted on the consent calendar: HCR 217 congratulating McNeel and Rei of Rutland on 70 years in business, and HCR 230 recognizing April 2026 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month and honoring Prevent Child Abuse Vermont for its 50th anniversary. Members offered remarks celebrating McNeel and Rei’s history and the work of Prevent Child Abuse Vermont, including testimony about the organization’s prevention and family-support efforts.
The House then took up H. 657, relating to services for unaccompanied homeless youth without parental consent. A Judiciary amendment, supported by Human Services on a 9-2 straw poll, revised immunity language so providers may rely in good faith on certification forms and clarified shelter-provider exceptions in existing law. The amendment was adopted, and the bill passed third reading. The House also passed H. 941, on municipal regulation of agriculture. Finally, the House considered S. 210 on access to autopsy reports; Human Services recommended an amendment shifting decision-making authority to the court, adding a factor on interference with criminal investigations, and allowing refiling if circumstances materially change. The committee reported the bill favorably 10-1, the House agreed to propose the amendment to the Senate, and third reading was ordered.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 2/25/26
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- In fact, somebody used the phrase complex mosaic, which I thought was pretty beautiful poetry.
- In fact, somebody used the phrase complex mosaic, which I thought was pretty beautiful poetry.
- In fact, somebody used the phrase complex mosaic, which I thought was pretty beautiful poetry.
- In fact, somebody used the phrase complex mosaic, which I thought was pretty beautiful poetry.
- In fact, somebody used the phrase complex mosaic, which I thought was pretty beautiful poetry.
Bills:
HF3351
Keywords:
firearms, guns, gun control, gun safety, local control, home rule, preemption, municipal regulation, county regulation, city ordinances, zoning, firearm dealers, gun dealers, ammunition, carry permits, permit to carry, pistols, Saturday night special, metal-penetrating bullets, public safety