Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Class A utilities'
Page 17 of 62
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Health and Human Services (Part I) Mar 26th, 2025
Senate Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- reviews, a logic tree or a...
- reviews, a description of each training data set used by AI-based algorithms for utilization reviews
- Porter, both a medical director and a PhD, I'm a medical doctor. Welcome.
- She would be a class one university, have the data, the patient
- a listing of them, whether that's a shotgun, a rifle, a
Bills:
SB397, SB481, SB596, SB760, SB855, SB1195, SB1196, SB1233, SB1257, SB1318, SB1368, SB1388, SB1398, SB1524, SB1558, SB1589, SB1677, SB1792, SB2034
Keywords:
data privacy, consumer rights, technology, business regulation, cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, nursing facilities, assisted living, resident safety, power outage, voting by mail, assisted living, nursing facilities, legal guardian, electoral process, foster care, medical consent, out-of-network, healthcare access, Medicaid
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss various pieces of legislation, addressing critical issues affecting healthcare and social services in Texas. Notable discussions included Senate Bill 481, which mandates backup power provisions for nursing homes and assisted living facilities to ensure the safety of vulnerable residents during outages, and Senate Bill 596, aimed at improving reporting requirements related to child welfare, enhancing the oversight of removals and placements. The committee also reviewed several other bills aimed at supporting healthcare access and enhancing protections for children under various circumstances.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Public Education May 6th, 2025 at 10:05 am
House Public Education Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We also value our local banks, and we do utilize a local
- And when a system is run like a business, truth becomes a liability, not a priority.
- A student cannot be returned to the same classroom without a written return to class plan and the teacher's
- media, a lawyer, and a willingness to write a big...
- If any of y'all take a history class, the people who ban books are never the good guys.
Keywords:
student transfer, public servants, education code, peace officer, servicemember, judicial officer, school security, volunteer program, retired law enforcement, veterans, public safety, school safety, criminal background check, school libraries, library advisory councils, parental rights, library materials, educational content, challenging materials, sparsity adjustment
Summary:
The committee meeting convened to discuss various proposed legislation, most notably Senate Bill 13, which addresses the management of library materials in school districts and parental rights regarding access to library catalogs. Senator Paxton introduced the bill, emphasizing the need for transparency and appropriate content in school libraries to protect children from sexually explicit materials. Discussions included testimonies from community members and stakeholders, highlighting both support and opposition based on concerns over censorship and parental authority. The committee left the bill pending for further review and discussions.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 5th, 2025 at 10:30 am
House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- a bridge, or rebuilding a park, doing a water or wastewater treatment plant, the money is estimated
- A project could be rebuilding a school, rebuilding a fire station, improving drainage in an area, or
- a bridge, rebuilding a park, or doing a water or wastewater treatment plant, as you go and design it
- for a time.
- ...free couple of slots for hosting a class.
Keywords:
border security, SB4, illegal immigration, Operation Lone Star, Texas Department of Public Safety, Attorney General, testimony
Summary:
The meeting of the Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs Committee fostered extensive discussions primarily focused on the ongoing border security issues. Members of the committee, chaired by Rep. Huffman, emphasized the shifting strategies under the new federal administration and highlighted the successful implementation of SB4, which seeks to curb illegal entry into Texas. Notably, the Attorney General's Office reported a 54% decrease in illegal crossings over the past year, signaling a change in the migration trends impacting Texas, largely due to new state and federal cooperation efforts. Additionally, the committee discussed the development of Operation Lone Star, which is now a statewide initiative aimed at addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration and crime associated with it.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Aug 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a proud Texan, father, and community leader, currently serving on Harris County Municipal Utility
- I am also a Navy combat veteran and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, class of 2009.
- Vamos a luchar, vamos a luchar.
- If they did, they would make the lives of working-class Americans a little bit easier to live a decent
- I'm here as a lifelong Texan from a working-class background
Keywords:
redistricting, HB4, SB4, public testimony, Census 2020, flood relief, representation, special session
Summary:
The meeting of the Committee on Congressional Redistricting focused primarily on the discussion of HB4 and SB4, concerning the redistricting process based on the 2020 Census data. Chairman King opened the session, expressing gratitude to the committee members for their attendance and emphasizing the importance of completing redistricting within the special session's 30-day timeframe. Public testimony was a major component, with numerous individuals voicing their opinions both in favor and against the proposed redistricting maps, emphasizing issues of representation and concerns of racial injustices inherent in the process. The majority of witnesses highlighted the need for immediate attention to pressing issues such as flood relief instead of focusing solely on redistricting.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- education funding that met a year and a half ago, or two and a half years ago, I'm sorry.
- We worked for a year and a half to get those.
- That process is a big lift for a team.
My son is in a graduating class of like a hundred and
- And I was in a very small graduating class at Yates in 2006.
Keywords:
environmental initiatives, public safety, legislation, community resources, public testimony
Summary:
The meeting hosted various discussions surrounding legislative measures impacting community resources and public safety. Notable discussions included a focus on environmental initiatives, which spurred passionate debates among committee members regarding the potential economic and ecological impacts. Several members raised concerns about the implementation timeline for new policies, while proponents emphasized the need for swift action to address pressing environmental challenges. Public testimony was also a significant part of the meeting, with citizens voicing their opinions on recent bills.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Criminal Jurisprudence Mar 18th, 2025 at 10:30 am
House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee
Transcript Highlights:
But on a Class A misdemeanor, on a Class A, the most
- , which is currently a Class A misdemeanor, and you can hit a vehicle over and over again, and still
- So if you get a maximum of 180 days on a Class B misdemeanor, that's three months.
- Class A or Class B misdemeanors.
- As you've heard, 90% of those are Class A or B misdemeanors.
Keywords:
family violence, global positioning monitoring system, victim resources, electronic monitoring, protective orders, magistrate, criminal procedure, probable cause, written findings, law enforcement, child endangerment, controlled substances, penalty group, elderly protection, disabled individual rights, education, funding, school district, school choice, students
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
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 26th, 2025 at 09:02 am
House Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- I will solidify UT Austin as a world-class hub for AI innovation
- I think there will be a huge influx of care at the world-class level.
- and technical staff supporting a world-class visualization
- As we build a world-class university for our state, I'd like to note that UT Health San Antonio was just
- We have a world-class school for biomedical informatics.
Keywords:
fentanyl detection, health initiatives, opioid crisis, education expansion, technological advancements, public health, research funding
Summary:
The meeting focused on various initiatives related to health, education, and technological advancements. Notably, the Fentanyl Detection Initiative was presented, highlighting the urgency as five Texans die daily from fentanyl poisoning. Researchers at UT Dallas are developing portable detectors to accurately quantify fentanyl, facilitating faster medical responses by first responders. Additionally, funding requests for the Center for Advanced Pain Studies, aimed at developing effective pain therapies without addictive opioids, were discussed, which emphasize the need to address the opioid crisis. The conversation also covered funding allocations to support various health-related programs.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Oftentimes, even the purchase of a manufactured home requires a bank loan.
- manufactured home to be done at a title company instead of as a bill of sale at a manufactured home sales
- And this is in a hypothetical situation. I don't know if it's a.
- the country, this bill simply adds military status as a protected class under the state's existing anti-discrimination
- vehicle, in a cruiser.
Keywords:
military status, vehicle registration, veterans, Texas transportation, state records, military status, discrimination, employment rights, veterans, spouses of service members, labor code, veterans, housing assistance, manufactured homes, state funding, tax revenue, down payment assistance, veterans, mental health, grant program
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs focused on multiple bills aimed at improving services and protections for veterans in Texas. Discussion centered on Senate Bill 2926, which transfers the administration of veterans' mental health initiatives to the Texas Veterans Commission to enhance efficiency and service delivery. Public testimony was heard both for and against the bill, but ultimately it will be left pending. Other notable discussions included Senate Bill 2938, addressing the mental health challenges faced by justice-impacted veterans, aiming to better connect them with necessary resources. Additionally, Senate Bill 2543 and Senate Bill 2545 aimed to expand veteran cemetery locations and housing assistance for veterans, respectively, highlighting the increasing demand for support services in these areas.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- That is a program that we are looking to expand and try to make our footprint bigger, trying to utilize
- In a lot of funding streams that we utilize, we look at LMI and we look at.
- and could utilize a higher rollback rate.
We utilize a workforce of about 230 operators and
- So he was just a utility, saying, "I'm here to get it all to work," and he was making it work.
Keywords:
flooding, disaster relief, emergency response, Senate Select Committee, flood risk management, public testimony, flood planning, community input
Summary:
In this meeting of the Senate Select Committee on Disaster Relief and Flooding, the focus was on the recent severe flooding that caused significant casualties and property damage across Texas. The committee heard invited testimony from various state agencies and river authorities regarding their responses to the flooding emergency. It was noted that over 135 Texans lost their lives during this disaster, and numerous families were displaced, prompting a united effort from emergency responders and volunteers across the country to assist those affected. The committee emphasized the importance of constructive policy solutions rather than assigning blame, aiming to enhance future flood response and mitigation strategies.
Key discussions revolved around flood risk management, with presentations on the newly established processes following the passage of several bills related to flood infrastructure and planning. The committee emphasized a bottom-up approach to regional flood planning involving local community input, and they highlighted the need for additional resources to improve emergency response capabilities. Public testimony reinforced the necessity of developing improved communication systems and flood warning mechanisms to mitigate the risk of future flooding incidents.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- or expenditure if a former member utilizes their campaign account for political donations during the
- take a class, funny enough.
- I had to take a diversity class, in which the whole class was basically promoting communism, socialism
- $1,000 fine and taking a fair housing class.
- N.A.R. ethics class last fall, and I had a question, so I asked the instructor.
Keywords:
minors, sexually explicit materials, public libraries, age verification, civil penalties, library collection review, alcohol storage, airline permits, beverage regulations, airport, commercial flights, alcoholic beverages, local option election, zoning regulations, municipality control, land use, state law, social media, bot accounts, misinformation
Summary:
The meeting focused on several legislative measures concerning alcoholic beverages, ethics, and the protection of free speech. Notable discussions included the presentation of Senate Bill 2633, which aims to modernize the framework for alcohol sales in local communities and allow local option elections within designated zones. Additionally, Senate Bill 2713 garnered significant attention, addressing ideological discrimination in professional associations based on political beliefs, urging a need for greater protection of free speech in Texas. Public witnesses provided testimony, with a mix of support and concerns regarding various bills, indicating a vibrant discourse among committee members and the public.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband Mar 31st, 2025 at 10:03 am
House S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband
Transcript Highlights:
- space on a utility pole, typically owned by a co-op, to hang fiber optic lines.
- Imagine a utility pole as an apartment building for wires. Each company rents their own floor.
- at the LBJ School in a class, we were trying to design a
- So utilities that have topography that require a more expensive build or can carry less load because
- It's coming at a heavy price to us as an electric utility, and it's coming at a heavy price to our private
Keywords:
telecommunications, electric cooperative, rights-of-way, infrastructure, provider access, telecommunications, electric cooperative, right-of-way, pole attachment, regulatory access, broadband, pole attachment, electric cooperatives, legislation, HB3448, telecommunications, rural Texas, infrastructure investment, Chairman Darby
Summary:
The meeting of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Broadband centered around significant issues regarding broadband deployment in rural Texas. Notably, discussion focused on HB3448, which aims to address barriers related to pole attachment rates charged by electric cooperatives, which have historically operated under different regulatory standards compared to other utilities. Chairman Darby emphasized the need for consistency and transparency in pricing to accelerate broadband deployment, especially given the state’s substantial investments in infrastructure. Several stakeholders, including representatives from electric cooperatives and broadband providers, expressed varied opinions on the proposed bill, with some highlighting concerns about the existing disparities in pole attachment costs and others advocating for cooperative protections against undue financial burdens from legislative changes.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
S/C on State-Federal Relations May 1st, 2025 at 08:05 am
House S/C on State-Federal Relations
Transcript Highlights:
- There will be a time limit.
- to require a visa and a passport.
- It's either a birth certificate or a U.S. passport.
- sort of a burden.
- You pay a fee, get a visa for a certain period of time, and then you can board your plane.
Keywords:
border municipalities, agreements, funding eligibility, infrastructure, intergovernmental cooperation, REAL ID, travel document, border crossing, Texas, U.S. citizens, Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, defense innovation, national security, Texas, U.S. Army Futures Command, military technology, economic growth, HB3484, HCR112, border municipalities
Summary:
During the meeting, the committee addressed significant legislative topics, focusing on HB3484 and HCR112. HB3484 was presented by Chairman Van Dever, who detailed the challenges faced by border cities like Texarkana in accessing funding for facilities located across state lines. The discussion included testimonies from community members highlighting the necessity of operational agreements between neighboring municipalities to streamline resource management and funding eligibility. This bill aims to ensure that infrastructure projects serving both Texarkana, Texas and its Arkansas counterpart are recognized adequately for funding purposes. The testimony emphasized the benefits of cooperative projects such as wastewater treatment plants and how these arrangements have historically contributed to the well-being of residents in both regions. HCR112, presented by Representative Perez, urged Congress to accept state-issued Real ID cards for U.S. citizens reentering the country, streamlining identification processes at border crossings. The resolution sparked dialogue about the practical impacts of federal ID compliance on daily border interactions and the potential economic benefits for border communities.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Jul 23rd, 2025 at 09:07 am
House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So there's a really good resource and a reason for us to utilize it.
- Emergency management folks need to utilize these drones for rescue operations and a variety of other
- This is not a criticism; it makes sense to me in a lot of funding streams that we utilize, as we look
We utilize a workforce of about 230 operators and
- He had a connection to Gabe Morton with his cell phone. He was just a utility guy, right?
Keywords:
flood management, Senate Bill 8, flood infrastructure fund, emergency response, public safety, regional planning, Texas floods
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on flood management and response strategies following the recent devastating floods in Texas. Notably, discussions centered around the creation of a flood infrastructure fund and Senate Bill 8, which aims to improve regional flood planning processes. Several experts provided insights into the challenges faced during the floods, including communication barriers, emergency response efforts, and the need for better coordination among local and state agencies. Public sentiments were shared regarding the necessity for improved flood prevention measures, conservation plans, and the expansion of existing infrastructure to cope with future climatic challenges.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
Joint Hearing: Senate and House Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding Jul 23rd, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- those radios and that communication, is there a way that we can utilize the infrastructure we already
In a lot of funding streams that we utilize, we look
- We provide utility operations to customers in a 10-county
- We utilize a workforce of about 230 operators and staff.
- The game warden with a cell phone, whatever. So he was just... a utility guy, right?
Keywords:
flooding, emergency response, communication systems, first responders, disaster management, Texas Water Development Board, regional planning, public safety
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Health and Human Services (Part I) May 7th, 2025
Senate Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- a month.
- It's a moral issue for sure, but it is a state economic issue first from a state budget perspective.
- of a child.
- So I am here as a patient of this technology, as a recipient and a benefit.
- In that moment, it wasn't just a piece of mail; it was a reminder of a bond that I still grieve.
Bills:
HB18, HB37, HB116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744
Keywords:
rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, perinatal bereavement, healthcare, hospital training, bereavement support, maternal care, fetal demise, stillbirth, neonatal death, parent-child relationship, involuntary termination, family law, child welfare, child protection, military veterans, healthcare licensing
Summary:
The meeting of the committee included extensive discussions around several key bills focused on child welfare and health care initiatives. Notably, Senate Bill 577 addressed the management of Social Security benefits for foster children, with multiple testimonies highlighting the importance of ensuring these benefits directly support the children's needs rather than offsetting departmental costs. Senator West passionately argued for better stewardship of these funds, citing the high number of foster youth in financial hardship and emphasizing the bill's potential to improve outcomes for these vulnerable populations. Public testimonies both supported and raised concerns, particularly regarding the potential implications of the bill on children's welfare and parental rights.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Education K-16 (Part I) May 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- as a sex offender from serving as a member of the board.
- Just a quick question.
- a minute.
- A quorum is present. Thank you, members, we have a quorum.
- passed in a certain version or format, and that this is a change we...
Keywords:
foster youth, education, state college tuition, House Bill 1211, support, committee meeting
Summary:
During this committee meeting, a total of 16 bills were discussed, covering various topics mainly focused on education and support for vulnerable populations. Notably, House Bill 1211 was a significant highlight, aiming to remove the 25th birthday deadline for former foster youth to utilize state college tuition benefits. This bill garnered strong support from multiple members, including personal testimonies from individuals who benefited from such educational support. The conversation around HB1211 emphasized the challenges faced by former foster youth, including lack of awareness and support, which aligns with the bill's objective of extending opportunities regardless of age.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Business and Commerce (Part I) Feb 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- couple of weeks ago, and today, a project from a company called Engie did withdraw.
- May 1st to make a decision.
- I think that's from a precision standpoint. That's probably a more precise number.
- course a load shed is when ERCOT puts out the notice that utilities have to manage their loads to maintain
- I think really has a kind of a secondary benefit, which is introducing more of a flexibility concept.
Keywords:
Senate Business Commerce Committee, SB842, SB372, SB262, PUC updates, Texas Energy Fund, transmission capacity, Permian Basin, energy applications, 345 kV, 765 kV
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Business Commerce Committee addressed multiple bills, notably focusing on SB842, SB372, and SB262. Chairman Schwartner facilitated discussions around the Texas Energy Fund, with updates provided by PUC Chairman Thomas Gleeson. Gleeson outlined the current status of the energy applications, highlighting that out of 72 applications, 17 had progressed. The committee also raised concerns regarding the need for additional transmission capacity, particularly in the Permian Basin, and discussed the implications of transitioning from 345 kV to 765 kV lines. Overall, the session was marked by a sense of urgency to finalize decisions by the approaching deadlines set for May 1st.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Not a huge city, but a very well-established city with a great history in Hidalgo County.
- President and members, currently if there is a discrepancy between a tenant and an owner on a water or
- in a real way.
- municipal order filed by a transmission and distribution utility in a rate-making proceeding to business
- defendant who is a primary caretaker of a child to criminal justice.
Keywords:
SB703, SB21, Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, SB790, criminal implications, license reform, tenant disputes, financial strategy, Senator Zaffirini
Summary:
The meeting focused on several significant bills, including SB703, which addresses the criminal and licensing implications for various massage establishments and was aimed at aligning state laws with federal regulations by closing existing loopholes. Senator Zaffirini played a vital role in facilitating discussions on multiple bills, including SB21, which proposes the establishment of the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, emphasizing the need for Texas to explore forward-thinking financial strategies amidst federal monetary inflation concerns. Additionally, SB790, aimed at streamlining the resolution process for tenant-landlord disputes regarding water and wastewater billing, was also presented, drawing attention to due process concerns but ultimately supported for its efficiency improvements.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Health and Human Services May 13th, 2025
Senate Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- But that money, does it come from a trustee account, a GRP, or a dedicated account?
- The bill creates a Class A misdemeanor for individuals that
- It also adds the same Class A misdemeanor offense for operating an assisted living facility without a
- Is it supposed to be a hospital against a patient?
- a vote.
Bills:
HB35, HB138, HB754, HB1314, HB1612, HB2254, HB2510, HB2789, HB3560, HB3597, HB4224, HB4273, HB4643, HB4783
Keywords:
peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, healthcare, price estimates, billing requirements, consumer protection, nonemergency services, assisted living, healthcare, licensing, criminal offense
Summary:
The committee meeting centered on several significant bills regarding public health and safety, particularly focusing on healthcare access, transparency, and opioid crisis response. Notably, House Bill 4783 sparked considerable discussion as it aims to enhance the state's approach to prevent opioid overdoses by directing the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to prepare biannual reports on opiate antagonist programs. The testimony from public officials like Dallas City Council's Paula Blackman, who spoke passionately about the ongoing fentanyl epidemic, highlighted the urgent necessity of improved access to life-saving medications. In addition, House Bill 1314 drew attention for addressing hospital pricing transparency, attempting to ease financial burdens on patients by mandating accurate upfront estimates for healthcare costs.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Public Education Apr 22nd, 2025 at 08:04 am
House Public Education Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So I have to do a balance because that's why I brought it as a representative as a big discussion item
- , which is a Class C misdemeanor offense with a heightened penalty of Class B for repeat offenders who
- I am a lifelong Texan and a career educator.
- I'm a proud Afro-Tahana. I graduated in the top 3% of my class.
- It is a significant concern, whether you have a $2 million project or a $20 million project.
Bills:
HB178, HB1551, HB1939, HB2040, HB2354, HB2674, HB3029, HB3460, HB3631, HB3662, HB5201, HB5381
Keywords:
education funding, school district, attendance credit, financial incentive, public school finance, juvenile justice, education, instructional time, alternative education, Texas Legislature, waiver, charter schools, admission policies, enrollment, educational standards, employment policies, homeschooling, education policy, regulation, Texas Education Agency
Summary:
The committee meeting included discussions centered around educational bills, notably focusing on enhancing inclusivity and accountability within Texas public schools. One significant bill was House Bill 2354, aimed at aligning laws governing charter schools with those of traditional public schools, which received favorable testimonies emphasizing its importance for equal treatment of educational institutions. Representative Morales' House Bill 178 provided a platform for advocates to discuss the need for ethnic studies courses to be counted towards social studies credits, which was met with broad support, showcasing a commitment to diverse educational content. Additionally, House Bill 5201 stirred debate regarding construction oversight for school projects, highlighting the ongoing concerns over management failures in large-scale school construction and its implications for taxpayer funds.