Video & Transcript Research : 'rafting'
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AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Mar 18th, 2026
Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh I know on the definition of vessels it also covers rafts too in any type of kayaks and I'm up at Smith
- Well, I'm I'm I'm my understanding on that is because that's the current definition of a vessel in rafting
- definition of a that's the current definition of a vessel<00:07:23.199>
in <00:07:23.520>rafting - >
mean <00:07:25.520>I <00:07:25.919>you <00:07:26.080>know vessel in rafting - So, I mean I you know vessel in rafting.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Mar 3rd, 2026
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- how long you may be able to anchor in a particular area and what an emergency situation is and what rafting
- 50.560>
what what an emergency situation is and what what an emergency situation is and what rafting - rafting is and things of that nature. rafting is and things of that nature.
Keywords:
vaccination, parental consent, minors, medical consent, guardian approval, income tax, research expenditures, economic development, tax deductions, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Alabama tax law, sheriff, credit card, debit card, financial procedures, Jackson County, purchasing authority, HB17, Alabama Squat Truck Law, squat truck
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- The RAFT bills that are under consideration here today were filed by Rep.
- On the RAFT bill, you heard from Kelly Turley the vital role that it plays.
- We have over 600 applications every week seeking RAFT. Seeking RAFT.
- RAFT is an absolutely critical lifeline in an untenable system.
- RAFT helped cover part of that, but it wasn't enough.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of housing and homelessness bills. Chairs Rich Haggerty and Julian Cyr opened by noting the committee’s focus on EOHLC programs such as RAFT, MRVP, and HomeBASE, and several members and advocates emphasized the urgency of the state’s homelessness crisis, including rising family homelessness and the need for earlier intervention, more stable subsidies, and stronger long-term housing tools.
A major theme was homelessness prevention and rehousing. Multiple witnesses supported bills to codify and strengthen RAFT and HomeBASE, arguing that assistance should be available earlier in a crisis rather than only after a notice to quit or imminent loss of housing. Testimony from legal services, homelessness coalitions, social workers, municipal housing staff, and tenant advocates said the programs help families avoid eviction and shelter, but need more flexibility, higher benefit caps, and permanent statutory protection. Several speakers also urged support for codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), describing it as a critical long-term subsidy for low-income households and older adults, and warning that codification would protect the program from future budget or policy changes.
The committee also heard testimony on housing stability for older adults, affordable homes for people with disabilities, supportive housing, housing cooperatives, home sharing, local preference, and reentry housing for returning citizens. Advocates for older adults described a Somerville bridge subsidy pilot that helped stabilize seniors while they waited for permanent housing, and urged statewide expansion. Supporters of supportive housing called for an interagency board to streamline funding and development, while cooperative housing proponents backed creation of a Massachusetts Center for Housing Cooperatives and a dedicated funding reserve. A bill to secure housing for returning citizens drew support from reentry providers and Senator Adam Gomez, who said stable housing is essential to successful reintegration. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses generally asked the committee to report the bills favorably, and some members asked follow-up questions on data and program details.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- Twelve years ago, in fiscal year 2013, Metro provided RAFT assistance to 900 families.
- Who receives RAFT?
- He applied for RAFT, was approved.
- He applied for RAFT, was approved, and with $4,000 was able to pay his rental arrears.
- We also see it's really hard to access RAFT if you already live in subsidized housing.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing opened its second hearing of the session with remarks from Chairs Haggerty and Cyr emphasizing that the hearing was a broad look at Massachusetts’ housing crisis rather than a single bill. They highlighted topics including zoning, permitting, rental assistance, public housing, homelessness prevention, and housing production. The first witness, Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus, reviewed implementation of the Affordable Homes Act and the state’s new housing plan, citing a 1.6% vacancy rate, a projected need for 222,000 new homes over 10 years, and ongoing efforts such as ADUs by right, fair housing enforcement, eviction record sealing, seasonal communities planning, and new funding for affordable housing, public housing, and the Momentum Fund. He also discussed infrastructure support for municipalities, technical assistance for ADUs, and concerns about possible federal funding cuts.
Committee members questioned the secretary about ADU financing and technical assistance, the likely unit yield from the Affordable Homes Act, infrastructure barriers in suburban and rural communities, public housing waitlist management, supportive housing, and federal budget risks. MassNAHRO then testified that public housing authorities are facing rising operating and capital costs, a statewide waitlist nearing 300,000, and uncertainty over federal Section 8 and HUD funding. Witnesses described recent state support for operating subsidies, capital improvements, vacancy turnover teams, and resident service coordinators, while warning that proposed federal cuts could sharply affect voucher issuance and agency operations.
CDAC’s executive director Roger Herzog described the agency’s role as a quasi-public source of early-stage financing and technical assistance for nonprofit housing developers, noting its loan capital, supportive housing bond programs, home modification loans, and preservation work under Chapter 40T. He said CDAC has helped produce or preserve more than 55,000 units and stressed the importance of patient capital and preservation tools. CHAPA CEO Rachel Heller urged the committee to focus on production, preservation, planning, and political will, supporting goals for affordability, supportive housing, and homeownership, and endorsing policy changes such as YIGBY, clearer site plan review rules, stronger fair housing funding, and more support for vouchers and public housing. MassHousing then outlined its financing role, including mortgage lending, down payment assistance, the Community Climate Bank, and the Momentum Fund, while noting that permitting delays, capital gaps, and possible federal changes could affect production. Members also asked about transparency, prevailing wage compliance, and a recent internal restructuring related to diversity and business engagement.
NH
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Among other things, the bill provides that those operators are not liable for injury or death of rafting
- Among other things, the bill provides that those operators are not liable for injury or death of rafting
- participants to release those operators from liability for injuries arising from the inherent risks of river rafting
Summary:
The Rules Committee considered a series of bills, with the Rules attorney flagging constitutional or preemption concerns on several measures. HB 2060 would prohibit public educational institutions and universities from encouraging or facilitating abortions; the attorney noted Prop. 139’s new abortion-rights language could create a state constitutional issue, but the committee still recommended the bill 5-3. HB 2085 would ban gender transition procedures and also restrict referrals; the attorney said the procedure ban is supported by recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent, but the referral restriction raises possible First Amendment issues in light of a Ninth Circuit case, and the bill was recommended 5-3. HB 2133 would impose age and consent verification requirements on commercial entities publishing sexual material online; the attorney warned it may be preempted by federal Section 230 law, but the committee recommended it 5-3. HB 2086, which would bar governmental entities from requiring masks or vaccinations, was flagged for Supremacy Clause and intergovernmental immunity concerns because it included the federal government, but was recommended 5-3 after the sponsor indicated an amendment was coming. HB 2279, dealing with liability limits for Grand Canyon river outfitters, raised anti-abrogation concerns because it would eliminate ordinary negligence claims; the sponsor said he would offer a floor amendment, and the bill was recommended 5-3. HB 2364 would add criminal penalties for mailing or delivering abortion-inducing drugs; the attorney said it likely conflicts with the new abortion-rights protections in Prop. 139, though the legal landscape is unsettled, and the committee recommended it 5-3.
The committee then took a mass motion covering many additional bills, resolutions, and memorials. The Rules attorney said the listed measures were generally constitutional and in proper form, with one update on HCR 2003, which would place a measure before voters affecting school sports participation and facilities use based on biological sex. The attorney said the issue is actively being litigated nationally and that a pending U.S. Supreme Court decision in similar Idaho and West Virginia cases could affect the measure’s legal status. The mass motion was approved unanimously, 8-0.
Throughout the meeting, members from the majority voted aye and minority members generally voted nay on the individual abortion-, gender-, and speech-related bills, often citing constitutional objections tied to Prop. 139, the First Amendment, or federal preemption. The meeting adjourned after the unanimous approval of the mass motion.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- Specifically, in some cases with pending RAFT applications, the court must continue or stay the action
- Specifically, in some cases with pending raft applications, the court must continue or stay the action
- Center for Franklin County, offering housing search, first-time homebuyer education, home base, and RAFT
- Our ability to continue these programs effectively, yes, HCEC, but also RAFT, as the judge mentioned
- We also need to keep making investments in programs like Raft and HomeBASE.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing held its second introductory hearing to frame the session’s housing agenda. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty described the hearing as a chance to hear a wide range of perspectives on Massachusetts’ housing crisis, including underbuilding, zoning and permitting barriers, rising costs, and the need for both state and local action. The committee heard from court, municipal, advocacy, and regional housing leaders, with recurring themes of increasing supply, preserving existing housing, preventing displacement, and expanding resources for renters and homeowners.
Chief Justice Diana Horan of the Housing Court said the court is handling more than 40,000 new filings annually with only 15 judges, and estimated the court would need about 21 judges to meet demand. She described complications from RAFT-related stays, mental health and guardianship issues, aging housing stock, and the new eviction sealing law, which she said was being implemented smoothly but may require additional resources if filings continue to rise. The Massachusetts Municipal Association and MAPC emphasized that municipalities need flexibility, funding, and better tools such as MassWorks, Housing Works, H-DIP, 40R reforms, inclusionary zoning changes, and a local option transfer fee; they also said local control concerns and long permitting timelines remain major barriers. MAPC and others stressed that supply growth alone will not solve the crisis and urged continued support for subsidized housing, access to counsel, and modular/off-site construction.
Advocates and housing providers focused on displacement, preservation, and tenant protections. Homes for All Massachusetts and Mass Law Reform Institute called for rent stabilization, stronger tenant protections, foreclosure prevention, elimination of junk fees, continued funding for RAFT and HomeBASE, and expanded access to counsel. Mass Union of Public Housing Tenants said the state needs far more extremely low-income housing, more operating subsidy, and major investment to repair public housing, while also supporting tenant technical assistance during redevelopment. Franklin County’s housing authority warned that rural communities are being left out of many state programs and asked for a rural LIHTC set-aside, a permanent rural credit boost, and a review of housing choice programs. A Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation researcher presented findings that communities that add housing generally see stronger municipal finances, and that housing growth can improve property tax and state aid outcomes.
Seasonal community representatives from Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket described extreme affordability pressures and the need for tailored tools. Nantucket’s housing trust chair said the island has made progress through local funding, inclusionary zoning, and deed-restricted units, but still needs a real estate transfer fee and faster ways to preserve year-round housing. Across the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly returned to the need for a mix of production, preservation, tenant protections, and local flexibility, rather than relying on any single policy solution.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So Grand Canyon is considered the gold standard, really, of the whitewater rafting industry in the country
- an outdoor recreation act, those kinds of things that govern all activities, not just whitewater rafting
- We are the oldest whitewater rafting company in the United States.
- A Grand Canyon rafting trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- I love the Grand Canyon, and I think that people who raft it see it from a very, very different point
Keywords:
digital goods, advertising, ownership, license, consumer protection, refund policies, streaming services, minors, content creators, online platforms, compensation, trust accounts, child protection, video content, privacy, employment, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, landlord tenant laws, tenant rights
Summary:
The committee heard and acted on several bills. HB 2192, a child influencer bill, would require compensation for minors featured in monetized content to be placed in trust, allow takedown requests for content as minors become adults, and create remedies for sexualized depictions of minors. The sponsor and Google described it as a modern Coogan-trust style protection; some members raised concerns about the age-13 and age-18 provisions, but the bill received a do pass recommendation on a 9-0 vote with two present.
HB 2501, an agency bill, conformed Arizona’s definition of appraisal management company to federal law and passed unanimously. HB 2693, which revises bona fide association rules to allow statewide chambers or business leagues to operate self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangements, drew support from the Chamber and small-business advocates but opposition from a coalition citing possible federal preemption; it passed as amended on an 8-1 vote. HB 2010, the digital goods disclosure bill, required clearer notice that online “purchases” may be licenses, prorated refunds if access changes, and removed some penalty language in amendment; supporters said it would reduce consumer confusion, while retailers argued federal law already covers the issue. It passed as amended 11-0.
The committee also approved HB 2279, which limits liability for Grand Canyon river outfitters for inherent risks of rafting while preserving claims for gross negligence or intentional acts, despite constitutional objections from opponents; it passed 7-4. HB 2690, which tightens unemployment insurance eligibility by adding work-search and fraud cross-check requirements, was opposed by advocates who said it would add red tape and burden eligible claimants, but it passed 7-4. HB 2310, clarifying that qualified marketplace contractor agreements may be terminated unilaterally by the contractor, passed 10-0. HB 2555, requiring retail businesses to accept cash for purchases of $100 or less and banning cash fees, passed as amended 9-1 after debate over consumer access and business flexibility.
Finally, HB 2199, which expands required education for RV park managers and shifts some enforcement duties to the Department of Housing, passed as amended 7-0 with three present. The committee then considered HB 2459, which would let mobile home park landlords recover actual utility charges and add an administrative fee for submetering; supporters said it would address overcharges and improve transparency, while opponents warned it could increase costs and confusion. The transcript cuts off before the final action on HB 2459.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Elder Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I think some of you may know about the RAFT program.
- As you fund the RAFT program, rental arrears are absolutely critical, but what we have found is that
- the rental arrears that you can get in RAFT are limited to arrears, which works if you have a one-time
- So very supportive of any expansions of RAFT, obviously HomeBASE, there's other tools that you all have
- funded for so long, and I know there's going to be a hearing tomorrow on RAFT and HomeBASE, and just
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several aging-related bills, with most speakers focusing on housing stability, home-based services, and care transitions. Representative Badger and a commissioner testified in support of H4039, which would create a universal breakfast and lunch program at senior centers funded through a new Senior Breakfast and Lunch Fund, arguing it would reduce food insecurity and social isolation among older adults. Representative Lipper-Garabedian and multiple providers then supported H780/S495, the hospital-to-home partnership program, describing how embedded aging-services liaisons help older patients transition safely from hospitals to home, reduce readmissions, and avoid nursing facility placement; witnesses from Mystic Valley Elder Services and Mass Aging Access cited pilot results, including hundreds of patients served and examples of substantial cost savings and successful discharge planning.
The committee also took testimony on S478, which would require continuing care retirement communities to disclose entrance-fee refund policies more clearly at enrollment. Senator Lovely and LeadingAge Massachusetts said the bill would improve transparency for residents and families, while a consumer witness said her family experienced delays and confusion in getting a refund after her mother left a CCRC. Members noted the issue is also being examined by a special commission on CCRCs.
A large portion of the hearing focused on S475, a statewide bridge subsidy program for older adults facing housing instability. Advocates from the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Western Massachusetts, Somerville, Northampton, East Hampton, Old Colony Elder Services, and Somerville’s Office of Housing Stability described rising senior homelessness, long waitlists for subsidized housing, and cases where short-term rental assistance kept older adults housed while they waited for permanent housing. Somerville witnesses said the pilot program helped nine households remain housed and that some participants have since moved into permanent housing. Members asked about wait times, program design, and how to prioritize applicants; witnesses emphasized flexibility, emergency risk, and the need for a statewide expansion. The hearing also included testimony on S465, an ALS bill that would expand home care access regardless of age and bar the use of quality-adjusted life-year metrics in coverage decisions, with the sponsor and ALS Association arguing the measure would reduce discriminatory treatment and better center patient care. No votes were taken during the hearing.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Mon Apr 21, 2025, 11:30AM HST - Day 54
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The stadium's finances are shaky and gambling is being used as a financial life raft.
- The stadium's finances are shaky and gambling is being used as a financial life raft.
- The stadium's finances are shaky and gambling is being used as a financial life raft.
- <00:39:35.040>
Madam <00:39:35.359>Speaker, financial life raft. - Madam Speaker, financial life raft.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- When you go rafting, they have a raft guide and you get in their raft and you go down the river, and
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a hybrid hearing on 17 late-file and miscellaneous bills, with testimony focused on several local tax and fee proposals. The first major item was H. 4687 for Watertown, which would permanently continue a special property tax classification allowing the city to maintain a 50% residential minimum factor and a 175% commercial shift. Watertown officials and local legislators said the measure is needed to prevent an estimated 18% residential tax increase when the current temporary authority expires, arguing that the city’s commercial growth and 1988 tax rules have created an unintended burden on homeowners, especially seniors. Committee members asked about the regional business impact, whether major taxpayers might leave, and why a permanent change was sought instead of another short extension; Watertown officials said the policy had not deterred commercial growth and that the city’s fiscal planning and stabilization funds were being used for schools, infrastructure, and bond rating support.
The committee also heard H. 4435 from Charlemont, which would authorize a local tax on commercial recreation services. Town officials described Charlemont as a small rural community with a large visitor burden from skiing, rafting, and other recreation, saying police, fire, and EMS costs rise sharply during peak seasons and that the tax would help shift some of those costs to visitors rather than local residents. A committee member questioned the legal structure of taxing recreation services versus goods, but the town said the proposal was modeled on the meals and rooms tax and had local business support.
Finally, testimony was taken on H. 4722, promoting fair tax treatment for zero-emission vehicles, especially electric school buses and Class 3-8 trucks. Supporters, including EV advocates, a school transportation company, and Rep. Gentile, said the bill would cap sales and excise taxes on EV vehicles at the level of comparable diesel vehicles to remove an unintended tax penalty, keep revenue neutral, and support the state’s climate goals while helping school districts and private bus operators manage higher upfront costs. Rep. Gentile also spoke in support of H. 4755, which would amend Sudbury’s means-tested senior property tax exemption so the town would not need new special legislation if the program is renewed again in the future. No votes were taken, and the hearing concluded after public testimony and committee questions.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PBS Info Briefing - Mon Feb 3, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- programs under that: victim notification with Savin, and the restitution and victim services, the RAFTS
- So just so you know, we relocated the Savin and the RAFTS staff to be in the same building as the Crime
- project so just so you know we the rafts project so just so you know we combined<00:23:08.200>
we - 10.000>
the combined we relocated the Savin and the combined we relocated the Savin and the raft - 11.840>
the <00:23:12.000>same <00:23:12.320>building <00:23:13.000>as raft
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Tribal Relations, June 15, 2026 - PM
Select Committee on Tribal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- provide assistance in the form of equipment because we have electrofishing boats and electrofishing rafts
- So our sampling often will use, like, two electrofishing rafts, and it takes sometimes a chase raft.
- provide assistance in the form of equipment because we have electrofishing boats and electrofishing rafts
- So our sampling often will use, like, two electrofishing rafts, and it takes sometimes a chase raft.
- So our sampling often will use, like, two electrofishing rafts, and it takes sometimes a chase raft.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 056 Mar 11th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And for the next 12 days, we hiked, we river rafted, we did rock climbing, we walked over a Burma bridge
- And for the next 12 days, we hiked, we river rafted, we did rock climbing, we walked over a Burma bridge
- And for the next 12 days, we hiked, we river rafted, we did rock climbing, we walked over a Burma bridge
- for the next 12 days, we hiked, we And for the next 12 days, we hiked, we river<01:45:57.520>
rafted - , we did rock climbing, we river rafted, we did rock climbing, we walked<01:46:00.159>
over <01
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the March 9, 2026 journal, and received committee reports on several appointments and bills. The education committee recommended confirmation of appointments to the Charter School Institute Board and the Colorado Mesa University Board of Trustees. The judiciary committee reported several measures, including Senate Bills 75, 132, 104, and 112 and House Bills 1017 and 1103, with recommendations ranging from amendment to favorable referral to the committee of the whole, and some placement on the consent calendar. The chamber also received multiple House messages transmitting House Joint Resolution 1020 and a number of House bills, many of which were passed on third reading and sent to the Revisor of Statutes.
The Senate then moved out of order to consider Senate Joint Memorial 002 honoring former Senator Lewis H. Ent. The memorial recounted his service as a Marine in the Korean War, his work as a farmer and county commissioner, and his long legislative career in the House and Senate, with emphasis on agriculture, water policy, natural resources, veterans affairs, and local government. Several members and former members spoke in support, describing him as a mentor, a relentless advocate for the San Luis Valley and its water issues, and a respected colleague. Representative Martinez and Senators Hillman and Jones offered personal recollections of working with him and his influence on their service.
The Senate suspended Rule 31A to allow remarks from House members and former senators, then adopted SJM 002 by a unanimous 35-0 vote. The memorial directs copies to members of Ent’s family, and Minority Leader Simpson requested that the current roll call be added as co-sponsors, with no objection noted.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (01/14/2026)
Resources, Recreation and Development
Transcript Highlights:
- was um was registered or know if a raft was um was registered or not?
- Uh, when I was a youngster, it was a raft.
- Uh when I was a youngster, it was<05:24:59.520>
a <05:24:59.680>raft. - Uh it was an 8 by8 plywood was a raft.
- Uh it was an 8 by8 plywood raft<05:25:02.958>
with <05:25:03.360>probably raft with probably
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Feb 28, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 24
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 962<00:50:30.200>
HB <00:50:31.119>431 <00:50:32.119>house <00:50:32.480>raft - vote no page 15 SC 962 HB 431 house raft vote no page 15 SC 962 HB 431 house raft 2<00:50:33.839
Summary:
The House convened with 47 members present, read the journal, and received Senate communications, including notice that House Bill 1440, HD1 had passed third reading in the Senate and that several Senate bills were transmitted and passed first reading by title. Members also made introductions recognizing guests for Working Families Day 2025, including advocates and organizers, and welcomed visitors from Khu Valley, as well as family members and community advocates in the gallery.
The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the order of the day and adoption of numerous standing committee reports and accompanying bills, many of which were passed by voice vote or consent calendar. Several members registered reservations or opposition on specific measures, with comments focused on fertility coverage and the prepaid health care system, low-income tax policy, youth safe spaces and runaway youth, prenatal care for non-citizens, and fireworks regulation. In a few cases, members requested that their remarks be entered into the journal, and one member clarified a vote change on SCR 972 after the vote had been read.
The House also took third-reading votes on additional bills listed on later pages, with the majority and minority caucuses announcing their votes and a few named no votes on particular measures. No resolutions were introduced for action. During announcements, members wished Representative Amato and staff members happy birthday. The House then voted to keep the journal open until midnight for further committee reports and transmitted bills, and finally recessed until 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 4th.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Ways and Means Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- And briefly on RAFT, we ask you to increase funding for RAFT, the homelessness prevention program, and
- support the Mass Coalition for the Homeless request to invest and expand in upstream resources like RAFT
- , rental voucher programs, and HomeBASE, as well as safety net programs... ...like RAFT, rental voucher
- improving housing search services, as well as investing in and expanding eligibility for HomeBASE, RAFT
- I just was going to go before Kelly and set some context for the specific line items regarding EA, RAFT
Summary:
The Joint Ways and Means Committee held its final public hearing on the FY26 state budget, with chairs and members emphasizing that public testimony would help shape the budget and asking speakers to keep remarks brief. Committee leaders introduced members, explained the hearing process, and repeatedly thanked residents, students, and advocates for participating. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Testimony focused heavily on education funding and the Chapter 70 formula. Students from Amherst, Northampton, Gateway Regional, Chester Elementary, and other districts described budget-driven cuts to electives, special education supports, paraprofessionals, counselors, transportation, and building maintenance. They urged higher Chapter 70 aid, increased minimum aid, rural school aid, and a reopening or restructuring of the funding formula, arguing that current formulas leave many districts unable to meet student needs and force local layoffs and overrides.
Other speakers urged funding or protection for a range of programs and facilities, including the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute for homicide survivor services, the Museum of African American History, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and CART/interpreter services, the Access to Counsel housing legal aid program, the Department of Mental Health and Pocasset Mental Health Center, and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. One speaker opposed offshore wind-related spending and urged a reset of the state’s energy approach, while another advocated ending the aircraft sales tax exemption. Committee members responded sympathetically to many speakers, asked a few follow-up questions, and several expressed support for maintaining or expanding the programs discussed.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It's August 28th; school's starting, figuratively, tomorrow, and we get a raft of notifications each
- We do not uniquely have a raft of prospective workers just waiting to be hired.
- <00:39:48.839>
of get a a raft of get a a raft of notifications<00:39:50.839>each < - do<00:41:05.359>
not <00:41:05.640>have <00:41:05.800>a <00:41:06.040>raft - year not uniquely we do not have a raft year not uniquely we do not have a raft of<00:41:06.760>
Summary:
The Education Policy Committee approved the minutes from January 21, 2025, and then heard testimony from several school superintendents about the financial and operational impact of recent education-related mandates. Chair Bennett framed the hearing as an opportunity to hear from districts about the effects of more than 65 new mandates and restrictions adopted in recent years. The first witnesses were Corey McIntyre of Anoka-Hennepin, Michael Thomas of Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, and David Law of Minnetonka Public Schools.
The superintendents said districts are facing rising costs, flat or declining enrollment, the end of federal pandemic aid, and mandates they described as unfunded or underfunded. McIntyre cited major budget cuts in Anoka-Hennepin, including reductions in central office staff, and said the district faces continuing shortfalls tied to special education, multilingual learner costs, unemployment claims, paid leave, transportation, literacy materials, and the K-3 discipline statute. Thomas said Prior Lake-Savage is balancing growing student needs against limited revenue, and argued that mandates such as REACT and other requirements should be delayed or better funded so districts can implement them with fidelity. Law said the concerns are statewide, not just metro-based, and criticized the accumulation of expectations around food service, mental health, sick and safe time, unemployment, and family leave without corresponding resources.
Several witnesses emphasized that school budgets are heavily committed to staff costs and that new obligations create administrative burdens as well as direct expenses. They urged lawmakers to reduce, delay, or better fund mandates, adjust timelines, and provide more flexibility in local revenue tools and equalization aid. No votes were taken on legislation during this portion of the meeting beyond approval of the prior day’s minutes.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (03/10/2025)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- This is one in a raft of bad bills that, if passed, will undermine prudent management of local affairs
- direction this is one body purpose and direction this is one in<00:57:51.640>
a <00:57:51.799>raft - of bad bills that if passed in a raft of bad bills that if passed will<00:57:53.839>
undermine - This is yet another in a raft of bad bills that have passed, undermine the prudent management of local
- of bad this is yet another in a raft of bad bills<01:58:25.840>
that <01:58:26.000>have
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I think if these children had rafts or, you know, the instructors and they had life jackets, we probably
- If the advisory committee would recommend including lifejackets, rafts, and that recommendation would
- test for campers, and if they Past the swim test, and they're swimming in a controlled area, not on a raft
- We're talking about requiring the camps to have life jackets and rafts in the cabins.
Keywords:
youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting, child neglect, mandatory reporting, background check, criminal history check, sex offender registry, CPR training, first aid, public health, child protection, camp operator, camp counselor, Health and Safety Code