Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'small communities'

Page 13 of 53
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Apr 9th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We represent everything from Fortune 500 companies to small
  • This means that small firms, many of which don't owe

  • If you look at the North Texas region, Tarrant Community College (TCC) has a robust general aviation
  • There are other community colleges across the North

  • They partner with Collin College, another one of those regional community colleges.
Summary: The meeting focused on several key pieces of legislation, including Senate Bills 2018, 2206, and 1901. SB2018 aims to establish a tax credit for businesses contributing to non-profits that promote family stability, while SB2206 proposes a transition in Texas' R&D tax structure to support innovation and small businesses. Each bill drew significant attention and public testimony, highlighting their potential economic impacts and the importance of supporting local communities. Notably, public testimony revealed strong support and concerns regarding SB2206, particularly in relation to new job creation and economic growth versus the need for fiscal responsibility.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 29th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm a community organizer with La Unión del Pueblo Entero.
  • impacted my community.
  • This is not only detrimental to our community.
  • small businesses have today, both small and large, is a workforce—an educated workforce.
  • We don't have many individuals in our community that are part of the undocumented community.
Summary: The meeting revolved around discussions on House Bill 232, which seeks to amend the Texas Dream Act regarding in-state tuition for undocumented students. Key testimonies were presented, with numerous advocates opposing the bill, arguing it would harm talented Texas youths by denying them affordable education opportunities. Speakers included community leaders and affected students who shared personal stories illustrating the bill's potential drawbacks, emphasizing the negative economic impact that could result from limiting access to education for Dreamers and the associated societal benefits. The committee also explored House Bill 5154, which updates the Joint Admission Medical Program to improve access for economically disadvantaged students, receiving positive feedback and support from committee members.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Community eligibility has played a key role in this achievement.
  • The Community Eligibility Provision leverages SNAP, as you know.
  • It takes an economic snapshot of the community, called an ISP, using SNAP and Medicaid data.
  • Investing in small agriculture is essential for national security.
  • A resilient nation requires strong small farms, and these programs build that resilience.
Bills: SB222
Summary: This meeting of the committee focused primarily on the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, S222, which aims to permit schools to offer a fuller range of milk options, including whole, reduced, and low-fat varieties, that have garnered bipartisan support. Chairman Bozeman opened the session by highlighting concerns over children's nutrition and the obesity epidemic, emphasizing the significance of nutritious school meals in addressing these issues. Experts from various organizations were invited to discuss the implications of this bill as well as the current challenges facing school meal programs, including budget constraints and food supply issues. The meeting included passionate testimonies about the direct impacts of current dietary guidelines and federal funding reductions affecting schools' abilities to provide healthy meal options.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

State Affairs Aug 15th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Stop attacking the community. Stop attacking the trans community.
  • How can you live with yourself doing this to the community?
  • The vibrancy of our community, the joy, has turned to uncertainty.
  • The increase in fees is anti-small business.
  • Law enforcement needs transparency because that's what the people and the community want.
Bills: SB6, SB7, SB8, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB15
Summary: This meeting of the committee addressed several significant bills, with strong expressions of support and opposition from various stakeholders. Notably, SB8, a controversial bill concerning gender identity and access to bathrooms, drew extensive public testimony. Many speakers voiced concerns about the implications of such legislation, emphasizing the potential harm to transgender individuals and the necessity for an atmosphere of safety and inclusivity. In contrast, other members supported the bill, arguing for the protection of women's spaces. The committee also discussed SB15 regarding police records, which sparked debates on transparency and accountability in law enforcement. The meeting concluded with the committee members voting favorably on several bills, despite ongoing public dissent and calls for more urgent discussion on flooding relief efforts and community safety.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Nominations May 5th, 2025

Senate Nominations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • also worked with with staff to identify impediments to small
  • How do you suggest creating better communication between
  • People in the community are calling concerned about the air quality.
  • There's a lot of things that I've worked on with the electric generating units, impediments to small
  • As a result, there is a small amount of funds that

Summary: The meeting focused on discussions regarding the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's (TCEQ) oversight and regulations concerning Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs). Several members expressed concerns about the rapid growth facilitated by the creation of MUDs, with particular emphasis on the legislative authority over such entities. Senator Birdwell highlighted the importance of legislative control over MUD creation, discussing the second and third-order impacts on local communities and infrastructure. The discussion was characterized by a view that the current approval processes may lack necessary scrutiny, leading to community concerns about environmental impacts and infrastructure strain as new developments arise. Public testimony revealed a sense of urgency among constituents regarding environmental regulations and the role TCEQ plays in managing the challenges of population growth. Members of the committee raised issues around the clarity of TCEQ's powers and responsibilities, advocating for more transparency and proactive community engagement from the agency. As the meeting concluded, the need for improved communication and the importance of ensuring compliance with state law were emphasized, with a promise from TCEQ representatives to address these concerns moving forward.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 22nd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So there was a small tuition set-aside program before...
  • So the Pell Grant program, being the largest of the federal programs, the SEOG is a small...
  • That model was not supportive of small farms; it favored big farms. Get big or get out.
  • The small producer initiative already works closely with small, beginning, and underserved farmers.
  • As Representative Davis mentioned, if students only knew, if communities only knew of the options and
Summary: In this meeting of the Committee on Higher Education, various bills were laid out and discussed, with particular emphasis on education and research funding, alongside measures to support Texas's agricultural sector. Notable discussions included House Bill 5339, which aims to establish a program for regenerative agriculture, facilitating long-term research on agricultural practices and aiming to improve soil health and food quality. The committee members engaged in discussions about the implications of such research on local farming communities, stressing the importance of evidence-based practices in addressing modern agricultural challenges. The meeting also included concerns related to the nursing shortage, with House Bill 3032 presented as a measure to identify more clinical training sites for nursing students. Additionally, members touched on issues such as retaining Texas students in state universities, given the rising trends of students leaving for opportunities in other states.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 24th, 2025 at 10:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:
  • Obviously, we have many other ports, mid, small, medium, and large.
  • We have a very small residual amount of our unemployment insurance.
  • It's available to all Texas communities.
  • All of these examples are ways that I know in our community...
  • It hurts small businesses, and we appreciate your attention to that issue.
Summary: The meeting of the Texas Lottery Commission centered around vital discussions regarding the regulatory framework and operational issues related to the lottery and charitable bingo systems in Texas. The committee reviewed financial appropriations, focusing on the need for infrastructure improvements to the Charitable Bingo Operations Division and highlighted the ongoing work with the Sunset Advisory Commission to enhance operational efficiency and compliance. Significant attention was given to the unregulated activities of lottery ticket couriers, which have raised concerns about integrity and fairness in lottery games, prompting the commission to consider appropriate measures to stop such activities.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We'll clean up the small oversight and we'll bring parity among the three bridges.
  • The community has done a lot by naming a park after him.
  • Which is usually owned by the non-profit community.
  • But in my community, my port, Corpus Christi, is a key driver in the Coastal Bend area.
  • Because we got a series of small ports around the bay, you know I'm curious.
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on several bills aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of Texas transportation and port authorities. Key discussions included the implications of SB2080, which seeks to streamline operations for navigation districts by raising procurement authority, exempting security discussions from recording requirements, and aligning Texas ports with national standards to foster economic growth. Senator Alvarado advocated fervently for the bill, emphasizing its positive impact on competitiveness with ports in states like Virginia and New Jersey. Public testimony reflected mixed responses, with strong support from industry representatives but opposition from some municipal authorities concerned about the potential overreach of port authorities into local development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government Apr 14th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • intended for the use only by residents of that community.
  • I've developed over 25,000 acres of small farm ranches.
  • That's how they get to be dedicated to the community.
  • Baptist Retirement Communities is part of Buckner Retirement Services.
  • Or a more effective strategy for communicating your goals?
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Local Government covered various pressing bills focused primarily on property tax issues. Notable discussions included the examination of Senate Bill 1052, which addresses appraisal challenges faced by Gulf Coast counties and aims to ensure tax calculations reflect realistic revenue expectations. Witnesses from local governments expressed the necessity of this bill, highlighting the severe financial implications of tax disputes on public services and education. Additionally, the committee reviewed Senate Bill 325, which reinforces the requirement for water availability to be confirmed prior to land development, as previous loopholes allowed developers to bypass this essential regulation. Public testimonies echoed concerns around the implications of unchecked property development and emphasized the need for proper resource allocation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) May 15th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's how we connect and it's how we communicate.
  • and live peacefully in diverse communities.
  • The heart of the trans and intersex communities.
  • Not trans women and not the transgender community.
  • community or even the trans community.
Summary: During the meeting of the committee on state affairs, multiple bills were discussed, with a significant focus on HB186, which aims to implement age verification for social media usage among minors. Public testimony highlighted concerns regarding potential invasions of privacy, the overreach of governmental authority, and the impact on children's mental health. Advocates for the bill argued that it protects children from harmful online content, while opponents expressed worries about its broader implications on free speech and social connectivity for young people. The meeting attracted a diverse audience, including experts, advocates, and concerned citizens, each contributing passionately to the dialogue surrounding these important legislative issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 24th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And so, I just wanted to be clear with this committee that communities like mine, smaller communities
  • Thanks for what you do for our community.
  • We hear from the community what the needs are.
  • This is not a small amount of money. We're talking about... oh, no, sir.
  • I'm a Dallas business executive and community volunteer.
Summary: The meeting was centered around the discussions of several bills, primarily focusing on HB3187, which proposes to reduce DART's funding by 25%. This bill drew significant opposition from various members and public witnesses who argued it would severely impact public transportation services in North Texas, especially with the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026. Many speakers highlighted the economic consequences, job losses, and diminished accessibility for residents that would result from passing this legislation. Members of the committee engaged in heated debates, with some representatives advocating for the preservation of DART's funding and others supporting the proposed cuts based on financial grievances from certain cities. The meeting ended with a resolve to consider future negotiations among local municipalities instead of pursuing state intervention on the funding issue.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Culture, Recreation & Tourism Mar 6th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • impacting neighborhoods and communities of all sizes.
  • rural communities.
  • in 2007, and there are currently 194 certified communities.
  • Forty communities completed the three-step process in year one, and we have around 80 additional communities
  • , the agricultural community, and these private land stewards.
Summary: During this committee meeting, members discussed several bills, including HB2, HB22, and HB4, focusing on various state issues. Key discussions revolved around the impact of legislation on local communities, with members expressing differing viewpoints on the measures proposed. Witnesses were invited to provide testimonies, highlighting both support and concerns regarding the bills, particularly in terms of economic implications and social justice reform. Overall, the meeting reflected a robust engagement from the members and public, showcasing the complexities of the legislative process.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Juvenile Justice Mar 26th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House S/C on Juvenile Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • Fannin County is a small rural county in North Texas that sits next to the DFW Metroplex.
  • can just shift some stuff around, but a small change for you may be catastrophic.
  • At that time, we had declining numbers with fewer than 200 homeless youth in our community.
  • I get the privilege of using our resources in the community as an ecosystem, as a community-based organization
  • ...of our community as a whole.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding HB2234, which aims to raise the age of criminal responsibility in Texas. There was a strong consensus among witnesses advocating for the change, citing the psychological and social implications of prosecuting 17-year-olds as adults. Several testimonies highlighted the damages inflicted by adult incarceration on youth, recommending a shift towards juvenile systems that provide rehabilitative support tailored for younger individuals. Chairman Dutton acknowledged the historical significance of this session's discussion, emphasizing the need for legislative change to align Texas with national trends and prioritize youth rehabilitation over punishment. The committee remains engaged in discussions on how to effectively implement this legislation, considering fiscal impacts and community needs. The meeting concluded with the bill left pending due to ongoing concerns regarding the financial implications for counties and the judicial system. A diverse panel of advocates, including youth service organizations and legal professionals, reinforced the argument that raising the age is not merely a matter of policy but an essential aspect of ensuring fair treatment and rehabilitation for young individuals in the justice system.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources Mar 19th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's not small. Unfortunately, as Mr.
  • Absolutely, if you're in a small little community and

  • extend that benefit and allow small rural communities that
  • You know, I go to East Texas, I grew up along the border, and when you have small, underserved communities
  • and rural communities.
Summary: The committee meeting addressed critical water infrastructure issues, focusing primarily on H.J.R. 7 and HB 1400. Members emphasized the urgent need for dedicated funding to tackle Texas's impending water crisis, as population growth and drought significantly strain current water resources. Notable discussions included testimonies from representatives of the Environmental Defense Fund and the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts, who expressed strong support for these bills, underlining their importance in improving groundwater management and funding scientific approaches to water conservation. The committee highlighted the necessity of equipping groundwater conservation districts with resources to ensure robust groundwater science and research.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Human Services Apr 1st, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Some of our profound community.
  • Our senior retirement community, a retirement community
  • Our members are those small, oftentimes residential, fully licensed assisted living communities that
  • communities face.
  • These are small businesses.
Summary: The committee meeting encompassed a comprehensive discussion regarding various legislative matters, including the critical examination of HB741, HB341, HB582, and HB471. Representative Gervin Hawkins presented HB741, aimed at enhancing financial support for relative caregivers, ensuring an alignment in assistance with licensed foster parents to foster kinship placements. This initiative was met with supportive testimonies from several stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of keeping children connected with their families for stability. Furthermore, representatives voiced differing views on the proposed regulations in HB341 and HB582, leading to a vibrant debate where several public members provided insight into practical implications and potential consequences of the bills.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • communities.
  • We just want transparency and respect for the community. We literally...
  • I want us to stand with our communities and ensure...
  • I mean, we're not talking small vehicles.
  • We are talking 18-wheelers carrying freight cargo driving next to our communities.
Summary: The committee meeting featured significant discussion around various bills impacting transportation, housing, and public safety. Notably, House Bill 4348 garnered substantial opposition due to concerns that it could hinder local governments' ability to address safety improvements on their streets, potentially impacting affordable housing initiatives. Representatives from community organizations expressed that the bill would punish cities attempting to enhance road safety, while proponents argued it encourages effective use of transportation facilities. House Bill 4402 regarding autonomous vehicle regulation also sparked a heated debate about safety concerns related to driverless trucks operating without human oversight, with passionate testimonies both for and against the bill.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs (Part II) Mar 31st, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, if you want to hurt the Walmartization of small lawyers and small firm lawyers, this bill is going
  • It was this family's entire community.
  • I have a small practice.
  • These are people in our communities.
  • We focus on providing care, and you know, we're small, and we are very highly accountable to our communities
Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 16th, 2025

Senate Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The community has done a lot, naming a park after him.
  • Which is usually owned by the non-profit community.
  • We have a 10% match from the local community as required.
  • Just a quick small question.
  • Because we have a series of small ports around the bay, you know, I'm curious.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on legislative discussions surrounding multiple Senate bills, with a significant emphasis on Senate Bill 2080, which aims to modernize outdated regulations affecting navigation districts and port authorities in Texas. Senator Alvarado led the discussion on this bill, highlighting its potential to streamline operations and enhance flexibility in Texas ports, aligning them with national best practices. Several members of the committee expressed support for this legislation, citing its economic implications for Texas, particularly in relation to job creation and infrastructure improvement. However, concerns were raised by representatives from the city of Corpus Christi regarding provisions within the bill that might expand the port's authority, potentially impacting local governance and tax revenue.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance May 14th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is very important in the veterans community that we acknowledge that the...
  • This is very important to us and to the community.
  • the community that they live in.
  • The bill is a small way to express our gratitude to the public servants who keep our communities safe
  • I also own a small business—a veteran small business owner.
Summary: The meeting covered multiple bills, primarily focusing on House Bill 2802, which relates to the Austin Firefighter Retirement Fund Pension, and House Bill 1056 regarding the establishment of gold and silver as legal tender in Texas. Senator Schwartner introduced several committee substitutes aimed at improving provisions in these bills, with the committee discussing amendments and seeking public testimony on the implications of these changes. Notably, the discussion highlighted varying perspectives on the use of gold as a currency and its constitutional implications, eliciting significant public and legislative engagement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Nominations Mar 10th, 2025

Senate Nominations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I grew up in a small town of Mineral Wells, about an hour west of Fort Worth.
  • communications, investor relations, government relations, community affairs, employee communications
  • I believe that it will only cause a lot of harm to the trans community.
  • It does not affect the rights of communities.
  • I've got some small communities in my district.
Summary: The meeting revolved around various critical discussions, primarily focusing on school safety and the challenges surrounding border security. Key testimonies highlighted the significant strides made in reducing illegal crossings but emphasized the need for continued vigilance against crime and drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl. Members expressed gratitude towards the Texas Senate's supportive role in funding for safety measures and strengthening resources to keep the state safe. Conversations also centered around the implementation of new safety protocols in schools, including the establishment of the Office of School Safety and Security, and how schools are addressing vulnerabilities identified from assessments. Furthermore, the importance of mental health resources was underscored as a complement to physical security improvements within educational institutions.

Research Filters

States
Terms / Sessions
Date Range
Chamber Records
Meetings / Events / Calendars