Janie Ward-Engelking — Recognized as the senator making the motion to send Senate Bill 1244 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Explains that support units are funded less due to lower attendance and says the State Department of Education and K-12 have been cut.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Added that the $80 million is a dedicated fund from House Bill 1, not the general fund.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Voted aye.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Voted aye.
Kevin Cook — Introduces himself and presents RS 3318 for a print hearing.
Kevin Cook — Explains that, through JFAC, he is looking for budget cuts that do not harm people.
Kevin Cook — Says the proposal is not to eliminate House Bill 93 or parental choice, but to reduce its cost.
Kevin Cook — Explains the proposed holdback percentages and how they would apply to the tax credit.
Kevin Cook — Explains that the RS would reduce the tax credit by 4% in 2026 and 5% in 2027.
Kevin Cook — Responds to the objection and argues that K-12 was in fact reduced.
Kevin Cook — Details reductions to K-12-related funding and argues that K-12 was cut by $94 million.
Kevin Cook — Continues arguing that K-12 was cut and that the proposed reductions are modest compared with those cuts.
Kevin Cook — Addressed directly by Senator Nichols regarding the proposed cuts.
Kevin Cook — Responded that he understands the concern but believes some people may be hurt by cuts.
Kevin Cook — Argued that revenue shortfalls require broad cuts rather than targeting only one program.
Kevin Cook — Said the first year is the right time to reduce the program and use the money to address a revenue shortfall.
Kevin Cook — Reiterated support for across-the-board reductions rather than targeting one program.
Kevin Cook — Responded that most people receive more in tax credit than they pay in taxes.
Kevin Cook — Argued that the tax credit exceeds what many taxpayers pay and would affect the general fund.
Kevin Cook — Acknowledged the question and prepared to answer.
Kevin Cook — Explained that JFAC voted to remove $10 million from launch in 2026 and another $10 million in 2027.
Kevin Cook — Estimated launch at $80 million and House Bill 93 at $50 million, noting a $30 million difference.
Kevin Cook — Voted aye.
Tammy Nichols — Tammy Nichols says she will vote no and opposes cutting the new program during its first year of implementation. She raises procedural concerns about whether the proposal belongs in tax code or education code, questions how it should proceed, and notes that the program is new with the application window still open. Citing the number of families and students already applying, she argues the program should be kept whole for now and revisited in a year or two rather than reduced immediately.
Tammy Nichols — Voted aye.
Cindy Carlson — The transcript says 'Senator Carlson'; likely the intended speaker reference, but the context is uncertain.
Cindy Carlson — Referenced as also serving on JFAC and being part of the discussion.
Cindy Carlson — The transcript again appears to attribute the follow-up to Senator Carlson, though the exact speaker is unclear.
Cindy Carlson — Referenced as having made a prior point about the new program.
Cindy Carlson — Referenced as having made the point that this is the first year.
Cindy Carlson — Senator Cindy Carlson requested a roll call vote and was later recorded voting 'Nay.'
Christy Zito — Said the proposal is a tax credit and argued families are already being hit by inflation.
Christy Zito — Said cutting taxes for families is beneficial and stated she would vote no on the reduction.
Christy Zito — Addressed directly in response to her comments.
Christy Zito — Asked how much the launch program will be cut and distinguished it from a tax credit.
Christy Zito — Asked for the total launch funding in 2026 and 2027 to understand the percentage impact.
Christy Zito — Voted nay; transcript says 'May,' which appears to be a transcription error.
James Woodward — Senator James Woodward moved to send RS 33318 to print and then voted aye on the motion.