Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'taxpayer money'

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TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • We also discovered through our research that Harris County, Texas is using taxpayer money to donate to
  • So we're going to put an end to taxpayer-funded bailouts for
  • We did not— not have the money that day to bury Arlene.
  • We didn't have the money, not even for a cremation.
  • This is 16 pages of money sent over to the Bail Project, totaling $960,000.
Summary: The meeting focused on public safety and criminal justice reforms, particularly addressing bail reform bills spearheaded by Senator Huffman and supported by the Lieutenant Governor. Testimonies from family members of crime victims highlighted the urgent need for reforms to prevent violent offenders from receiving bail, emphasizing personal stories of loss and the failures of the justice system. Participants expressed their commitment to passing the package of bills and mentioned having support from various stakeholders in the community, including public officials and advocates. A sense of urgency was palpable, with assertions that these issues are life and death, impacting countless families across Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Apr 21st, 2025 at 01:04 pm

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...time and money in court.
  • It saves us money. Our facilities...
  • That is not in front of you today, but we want to make that change to ensure that no taxpayer...
  • We are moving the subsection of the bill from B to A, which allows non-taxpayer funds to be used for
  • Ineffective, it's a waste of taxpayer money.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the discussion of various bills addressing public safety, administrative efficiency, and regulatory frameworks affecting counties in Texas. Notably, Representative Kerwin introduced HB3087 aimed at establishing child safety zones and was met with mixed reactions, including strong opposition from advocates who argued it would unfairly restrict residents' rights. Additionally, bills like HB3234 were discussed, which seeks to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for county construction projects, aiming to streamline processes and save costs for rapidly growing counties like Bexar and Travis. Public testimony played a crucial role in the debates, with numerous witnesses voicing their support or concerns over the proposed legislation, showcasing the vibrant community interest in these measures.
US

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine reforming SBIR-STTR for the 21st century. Mar 5th, 2025 at 01:30 pm

Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • agency studies, and GAO reports, it is clear that SBIR is in need of additional reforms to safeguard taxpayer
  • Not harder, saves money.
  • >

    And if I may, so you're saying essentially venture capital money

  • I can't raise money for it. These guys would never give me money.
  • and raise money in the venture capital market, we have no
Summary: The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Apr 10th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Generally speaking, at least the MUDs in our area, are they pretty transparent as your money is in this
  • district meeting in district when there are not even five people requesting it is a good use of taxpayer
  • And would it cost additional money to have all the meetings in your district potentially?
  • "2196"> involve convenience, adequateness of the space, and of course, cost to our residents and taxpayers
  • gives district board members the discretion to select a meeting facility that best serves their taxpayers
Bills: HB1835, HB2561, HB3630
Summary: The meeting convened with a quorum present and was primarily focused on multiple pieces of legislation related to municipal utility districts (MUDs). Among the bills discussed, HB2225 was moved forward favorably, extending public notice requirements for fee impositions. Representative Nozzolio and Vice-Chair Malani contributed significantly to the discussion, highlighting the implications of these changes. Another significant bill was HB2797, which prohibits municipalities from regulating the number of occupants in a dwelling unit based on various status categories. The committee adopted a substitute for this bill, which suggested that key modifications address community concerns around housing policies. Positive sentiments were expressed regarding the adaptability of this substitute which was widely discussed among the members.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Mar 31st, 2025 at 02:03 pm

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Where they were to receive some money, now they're not.
  • We believe voters should have the chance to determine whether taxpayer funds should be used for those
  • And I'm not casually calling it extra because I know it's hard-earned money.
  • Chairman stated, we'll save the state a lot of money as well.
  • So it's spending money, but it's also saving a lot of money as well.
Bills: SB1, HB500
Summary: The meeting focused on reviewing the committee substitutes for SB1 and HB500, which are pivotal for the upcoming budget session. A significant point of discussion was the historic funding initiated under SB1, which dedicates approximately $4.1 billion to raise wages for personal attendants, improving services for vulnerable populations in Texas. Additionally, $78 million was allocated for crime victim services and infrastructure support within various counties. Representative Orr presented a robust overview of budget highlights, which received considerable backing from committee members emphasizing the importance of support for public safety and education.
US

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine the censorship industrial complex. Mar 25th, 2025 at 01:00 pm

Senate Constitution Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:
  • All of this, all of it, is funded in no small part by taxpayer dollars.
  • and reliability ratings so that advertisers can make informed decisions about where to spend their money
  • In May 2023, I came before a House committee with a message: taxpayer dollars...
  • Nor should taxpayer dollars fund those who would silence others by destroying their businesses.
  • They want to take away people's money, their funding for their speech.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the implications of government involvement in censorship, particularly regarding social media platforms and compliance with misinformation standards. senators and witnesses discussed growing concerns over the influence of large tech companies, like Facebook and Google, in shaping public discourse and suppressing dissenting views. A significant part of the meeting included testimonies from various experts emphasizing the dangers of the 'censorship industrial complex'—a term used to describe the collaborative efforts between government entities and private organizations to control information flow. This collaboration is viewed as a violation of First Amendment rights, with calls for urgent legislative action to restore free speech protections.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Mar 18th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Money?
  • Rather than throwing away taxpayer money on unnecessary detention.
  • What this bill does is it just prohibits political subdivisions from using taxpayer funds, taxpayer money
  • And I'm not saying it's conclusive, but it's a real concern if taxpayer money.
  • In fact, our work actually saves taxpayer money that would otherwise be spent on pre-trial incarceration
Summary: The committee meeting centered around a range of bills, with significant focus on public safety and welfare issues. Discussions highlighted the implications of HB166, which aims to enhance protections for vulnerable populations against the dangers of fentanyl exposure. Witness testimonies were presented both in support and opposition to the legislation. Representative Capriglione underscored the urgency of addressing this growing concern, as fentanyl's potency poses a lethal risk, particularly to children, elderly individuals, and disabled individuals. The session included a robust debate on how best to enforce these legal protections while balancing concerns about enforcement complexities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Apr 14th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That may seem like a lot of money, but it's not.
  • If we're not spending money on sales tax, we can shift it over and purchase food across the state.
  • County taxpayers, but everybody that would come.
  • This legislation is a win for Garland, local economy, taxpayers, and the broader region.
  • We welcome them to come, enjoy, spend their money, and move on, and we look forward to...
Summary: The committee meeting involved a range of discussions focused on local economic development through various House Bills primarily related to hotel occupancy taxes. Noteworthy was the presentation of House Bill 2370, which aims to allow municipalities like Harlingen to use hotel occupancy tax revenue retroactively for convention center expenses, facilitating fiscal responsibility and community involvement via voter approval. Representative Lopez encouraged support for the bill, highlighting its potential benefits for the city's budget and operational flexibility. Testimonies from local leaders, including Harlingen's Mayor, reinforced the need for this legislative change to support vital city projects.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session May 1st, 2025 at 10:05 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It doesn't cost state money. This amendment does not cost money.
  • Money isn't like that. Excuse me, money is not like that.
  • This uses money from this body in the state, correct? Correct.
  • to it, we're then paying taxes back on that money, is that correct?
  • Hopper, you must report, "I spent money opposing him."
Bills: HB1520, HB1545, HJR110, HJR203, HB245, HB1465, HB1482, HB294, HB793, HB809, HB3928, HB334, HB2037, HB1973, HB285, HB4341, HB4264, HB1043, HB837, HB1234, HB1193, HB1194, HB1646, HB1729, HB2498, HB1314, HB2295, HB1353, HB1531, HB1988, HB5398, HB3960, HB3923, HB1407, HB1764, HB2221, HB2214, HB2517, HB2518, HB2213, HB5008, HB5092, HB3421, HB3663, HB3748, HB3800, HB3756, HB2613, HB3782, HB5246, HB4344, HB4044, HB4066, HB2702, HB2807, HB2869, HB2898, HB3181, HB3250, HB4153, HB2091, HB2115, HB2542, HB2768, HB3349, HB3352, HB4406, HB1593, HB1899, HB3133, HB4432, HB4960, HB3214, HB3915, HB3508, HB2145, SB304, SB608, SB2312, SB494, SB530, HB45, HB2520, HB35, HB47, HB318, HB349, HB554, HB1359, HB1373, HB2254, HB2259, HB2853, HB3073, HB3088, HB353, HB355, HB786, HB762, HB705, HB932, HB849, HB1119, HB3041, HB713, HB3104, HB3970, HB4042, HB4490, HB1731, HB2607, HB3689, HB1788, HB1612, HB138, HB15, HB1971, HB1338, HB2989, HB267, HB1201, HB2954, HB5265, HB1804, HB5061, HB1520, HB1545, HJR110, HJR203, HB1887, HB1914, HB2402, HB2306, HB1809, HB2350, HB3000, HB3237, HB3326, HB3211, HB1056, HB2081, HB2187, HB3092, HB3308, HB3526, HB3750, HB3527, HB4219, HB4230, HB4290, HB5238, HB4804, HB4749, HB245, HB1465, HB1482, HB294, HB793, HB809, HB3928, HB334, HB2037, HB1973, HB285, HB4341, HB4264, HB1043, HB837, HB1234, HB1193, HB1194, HB1646, HB1729, HB2498, HB1314, HB2295, HB1353, HB1531, HB1988, HB5398, HB3960, HB3923, HB1407, HB1764, HB2221, HB2214, HB2517, HB2518, HB2213, HB5008, HB5092, HB3421, HB3663, HB3748, HB3800, HB3756, HB2613, HB3782, HB5246, HB4344, HB4044, HB4066, HB2702, HB2807, HB2869, HB2898, HB3181, HB3250, HB4153, HB2091, HB2115, HB2542, HB2768, HB3349, HB3352, HB4406, HB1593, HB1899, HB3133, HB4432, HB4960, HB3214, HB3915, HB3508, HB2145, HCR6, HCR12, HCR34, HCR50, HCR55, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR74, HCR75, HCR78, HCR80, HCR93, HCR100, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, HCR90
Summary: The meeting involved extensive discussions centered around multiple resolutions and bills focused on state designations and welfare initiatives. Notably, there were debates regarding the designation of various capitals of Texas, including HCR 55, which established Poteet as the official strawberry capital, and HCR 58, which recognized Derby as the wedding capital. Both resolutions passed unanimously, reflecting strong support among committee members. The session featured significant consideration of bills aimed at enhancing public safety and welfare, such as HB 554, which addresses fireworks sales during Juneteenth, and HB 1359, which focuses on assistance for retail electric customers.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • under the Biden administration in terms of negotiating prescription drug prices with Medicare, the taxpayers
  • Unfortunately, despite all of the money that we...

  • Drug companies take the money, they say thank you very much, and they go out and charge the American
  • In virtually all cases, American taxpayers are paying far more than people in other countries for the
Summary: The meeting focused on vital health-related nominations, primarily emphasizing the roles of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya for NIH Director and Dr. Monty McCary for FDA Commissioner. During the discussion, various senators expressed their support and concerns regarding these nominations. Senator Sanders voiced opposition to both candidates, highlighting issues related to drug affordability and public trust in health agencies. He emphasized the need for leaders committed to transparency and addressing the epidemic of high prescription drug prices, advocating for action against pharmaceutical industry greed. Overall, the conversation underscored the critical crossroads in public health leadership amidst ongoing challenges such as trust restoration and healthcare accessibility.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Mar 6th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • However, that money includes within it the money that the state receives and then redistributes.
  • that is recapture money.
  • Well, aren't you seeking money?
  • Based on the money appropriated for TIA, more than 80% of teachers will not see this money.
  • But when we don't have the money, I mean, so we have extra money.
Bills: HB2
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on legislation related to educational funding and support for students with disabilities. Testimonies were heard regarding HB2, which aims to enhance special education funding and improve the overall educational environment for students. Advocates stressed the importance of investing in mental health services within schools, emphasizing that a holistic approach to student welfare is essential for fostering a safe learning environment. Concerns were raised about charter school funding and the lack of accountability in financial expenditures related to such institutions. Additional discussions highlighted the urgent need for updated policies that reflect current economic realities in education, especially regarding the basic allotment for school funding.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Economic Development Apr 7th, 2025

Senate Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Texas taxpayers.
  • If you were going to come here anyway, we'll give you money anyway. That is not the point.
  • It's handing somebody money.
  • ...taxpayer programs and incentives, okay?
  • That's how we maximize taxpayer investment and prepare students for high-demand careers.
Summary: The meeting included rigorous discussions on several bills related to energy policy and local government incentives. Notably, SB1754 was a central focus, where many members voiced concerns about its implications for renewable energy projects, suggesting it might hinder the growth of solar and wind energy in Texas. Testimonies from stakeholders, including local residents and industry experts, illuminated the tension between economic incentives for renewable energy and community concerns over land rights and environmental impact. Additionally, the introduction of Senate Bill 1534 concerning workforce development in nuclear and radiological safety drew attention as Texas grapples with a skilled labor shortage in these critical sectors.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Elections Apr 3rd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Elections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ' money.
  • Are you making money?" He said, no.
  • money.
  • Taxpayer money should never be used for these purposes.
  • ' money.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several key legislative bills relating to election integrity and voter registration. Notable discussions were held around HB817, HB1478, and HB1661, which addressed issues such as the termination of majority votes, compliance with voter registration laws, and penalties related to election supplies. Throughout the meeting, various representatives vocalized their opinions, alongside public testimonies that provided diverse perspectives on the bills being considered. The chair led the proceedings efficiently, allowing for a balance of viewpoints while ensuring that legislative business was conducted promptly. Overall, the atmosphere was characterized by active engagement from members of the committee, with many bills being reported favorably to the full House for consideration.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Apr 10th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...really have to spend money and create a new bureaucracy
  • another fiscal year to look at adding more money?
  • and taxpayer outcomes.
  • I see there's a time value of money there. It could push it into multiple years to get approved.
  • Taxpayer dollars fund our public institutions.
Summary: During this meeting of the Senate Committee on Education, members engaged in detailed discussions surrounding three bills, mainly focusing on enhancing the accreditation processes for higher educational institutions. Senator Haynes and Senator Middleton contributed significantly by reintroducing SB1322 and SB2355, which aim to tackle the monopolistic nature prevalent in the current accreditation system, particularly concerning the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The senators highlighted the need for a more competitive marketplace that can better serve the interests of students and educational institutions alike, as well as align educational outcomes with workforce demands in Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator West, you represent Dallas ISD, they can be a lot of money.
  • the bond money is awarded, is used specifically for those capital-type improvements and not for your
  • However, if we cannot use bond money to pay for these projects, we're left with the choice to either
  • So the money that would be appropriated that TEA would have and their official calculations for what
  • Because there are taxpayer-funded lobbyists that are fighting some of these bills, and not every one
Summary: The committee meeting addressed critical issues regarding educator misconduct and legislative measures to improve reporting standards. Significant discussions revolved around SB1224, which mandates that superintendents report allegations of sexual or abusive conduct directly to law enforcement rather than relying solely on internal investigations. This bill, presented by Senator Sparks, reflects an ongoing effort to close loopholes in the education system that enable misconduct to persist without proper accountability. Senators emphasized the alarming rise in educator misconduct cases and the need for more stringent reporting practices to protect children in schools.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 Feb 27th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • taxpayers in their district.
  • So we have to ask ourselves, when did we decide that taxpayer money should be spent on these initiatives
  • That was not the amount of money spent on literacy.
  • Yeah, we can't have a club without a teacher sponsor, and the club spends money from it.
  • It's just saying we're not gonna have these paid for with taxpayer...
Summary: The committee meeting focused on various bills primarily aimed at enhancing parental rights within the educational system. Notable discussions included Senate Bill 204, which mandates the creation of a user-friendly handbook for parents detailing their rights regarding their children's education, and Senate Bill 609, designed to hold school districts accountable to parents and ensure transparency in educational practices. A significant amount of public testimony was offered both for and against these measures, reflecting the contentious nature of the subject matter. Senators emphasized the importance of parental involvement and education reform, fostering a robust dialogue among committee members and constituents alike. The meeting concluded with a commitment to address all bills thoroughly and attentively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Just enough money to pay, but not enough money to fight.
  • We don't make the money to...
  • it's the time to give you your money.
  • So you can't borrow any money against it.
  • money.
Summary: The meeting held by the Committee on Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development involved a variety of discussions centered around multiple bills aimed at improving workforce development and addressing contemporary challenges in digital spaces, particularly concerning youth and technology. A notable point in the meeting was the presentation of HB 4196, which aims to modernize Texas's manufacturing sector through digital integration and automation, enhancing job creation and addressing barriers to innovation. Committee members engaged in extensive dialogue with witnesses advocating for and against various bills, with many emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with the protection of consumer rights, particularly in the realm of children's safety online. Committee Chairwoman Button guided the discussions and maintained an efficient pace to cover a considerable number of bills. Several bills passed with bipartisan support, showcasing a collective interest in fostering economic growth through strategic legislative measures. Public testimonies were incorporated into the proceedings, with representatives from various sectors, including education and technology, providing their insights, which enriched the discussions and highlighted community concerns.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You've got your money. Well, great, let's use that money.
  • Just enough money to pay, but not enough money to fight.
  • it's the time to give you your money.
  • So you can't borrow any money against it.
  • money.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a wide array of bills focusing primarily on workforce development, manufacturing improvements, and online safety for children. Notably, provisions were discussed under HB4196, aimed at modernizing the manufacturing sector through increased digital integration and automation strategies. Witnesses from various sectors, including manufacturing companies and educational representatives, offered their perspectives on the importance of creating a skilled workforce able to adapt to new technologies. Additional discussion highlighted the pressing need for legislation that protects minors in the digital landscape, with testimonies emphasizing the adverse effects of unfiltered online content on children’s mental health, as encapsulated in HB4901.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • HHSC would recoup money given to a facility that doesn't meet those requirements.
  • We should also know how taxpayer funds allocated for resident care are being used.
  • You have to borrow that money.
  • It's not nefarious; it's not hiding money. It's paying the rent.
  • We spend a tremendous amount of money in the nursing home, and more important than the money spent, you've
Summary: The meeting was organized to address several key bills affecting health care and public assistance programs. A significant portion of the time was dedicated to discussing HB4585, which seeks to streamline claims processing for Medicaid providers by instituting strict payment timelines and limiting the use of artificial intelligence in utilization reviews. Representative Spiller and various stakeholders provided testimonies highlighting the frustrations of rural health care providers regarding payment delays. Concerns were raised about preserving patient access to necessary services amid administrative burdens. Another important discussion revolved around HB2734, which aims to combat fraud in public assistance programs, a topic that sparked heated testimonies reflecting the complexities faced by low-income families in navigating application processes. Critics expressed worries that the bill could mistakenly criminalize innocent mistakes in applications.

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