Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'state average unemployment rate'
Page 17 of 60
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
S/C on Transportation Funding Mar 10th, 2025 at 10:03 am
House S/C on Transportation Funding
Transcript Highlights:
- That we have as a state.
- but we don't receive a greater rate of funding.
- And there's also state law that governs that as well.
- tools the state legislature has provided.
- Our average is about 86% to 87% state and federal funding, and 13% local.
Keywords:
transportation funding, Proposition 1, Proposition 7, TXDOT, Cameron County, transportation infrastructure, public testimony, funding shortfall, state transportation
Summary:
The meeting of the Standing Subcommittee on Transportation addressed crucial issues relating to state transportation funding, focusing primarily on Propositions 1 and 7. The discussions, led by Chairman Canales, highlighted the significant contribution these propositions make to Texas's transportation budget and the impending challenges tied to a projected funding shortfall of $15 billion. Mark Williams, Executive Director of TxDOT, along with Stephen Stewart, CFO, emphasized the importance of sustained funding to support Texas’s growing infrastructure needs amidst rising costs and diminishing revenue sources, notably due to changes in vehicle fuel efficiency and increased reliance on electric vehicles. Notable public testimony from Pete Sepulveda from the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority provided insights into local funding mechanisms and their role in enhancing the regional transportation networks.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session Mar 3rd, 2025 at 02:03 pm
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- HB10 by Kerrig-Leone, related to reforming the procedure by which state
- It is referred to the Committee on State Affairs.
- It is referred to the Committee on State Affairs.
- agencies in the executive branch of state government be approved by certain elected state officials,
- Congress to call a national convention, referred to the Committee on State Affairs.
Keywords:
constitutional amendments, property tax, ad valorem taxation, environmental rights, public testimony, Texas Legislature, Committee on State Affairs
Summary:
The committee meeting included extensive discussions on numerous proposed constitutional amendments, focusing particularly on issues related to property taxation and environmental rights. Various members, including Representative Metcalfe and Representative Goodwin, brought forward bills addressing the appraised value of residential and commercial properties for ad valorem tax purposes, as well as amendments guaranteeing citizens the right to a clean environment. The conversation was vibrant, with a mix of supportive and opposing views presented by committee members and public witnesses who joined the discussions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
I say state your name, I do solemnly swear that I will
- faithfully execute the duties of the office of the Senate of the State of Texas, and will to the best
- Of the office, your office, of the Senate of the State of Texas
- the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States
- and of this state, so help me God.
Keywords:
SCR7, State Preservation Board, Plague of Honor, Children of the Confederacy, historical justice, legislative updates, committee assignments
Summary:
The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion surrounding SCR7, which was introduced to direct the State Preservation Board to initiate steps for replacing the Children of the Confederacy Plague with a Plague of Honor recognizing victims of the State's convict leasing system. The resolution sparked notable conversations among members regarding its historical implications and the importance of addressing past injustices. Senators expressed their support for the resolution, recognizing the need for collective acknowledgment of the state's history.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- As was stated, the vast majority...
- We do so because DIR provides network monitoring for the state network, right, for state agencies.
- network and the state data center over here.
- Now it'd be a state... It's a state cemetery that will be our job.
- In the state of Tamaulipas, that averages about $1 billion
Bills:
SB1
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, GLO, GCPD, Alamo preservation, budget recommendations, disaster recovery, environmental protection, cybersecurity
Summary:
The meeting centered around significant budget recommendations for the General Land Office (GLO) and the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD). The GLO presented a request for $2.7 billion in funding for the 26-27 biennium, highlighting a 57% reduction from the previous biennium. Critical discussions included necessary funding for the Alamo preservation, with a request for $150 million to address inflation-induced cost increases in renovation measures. The GLO emphasized the importance of these funds to protect the Alamo as a cultural landmark and to manage unexpected surprises in construction, such as the need for a new roof and structural reinforcements. Several members expressed their support for this initiative, citing the importance of preserving Texas history.
Further discussions addressed the funding for the GCPD and other critical projects aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and ensuring environmental protection. The proposals included funds for coastal erosion response efforts and cybersecurity enhancements. A notable consensus emerged around the need for efficient use of taxpayer funds for ongoing environmental initiatives and disaster recovery efforts. With significant public interest and testimony on these issues, overall, the meeting captured a comprehensive perspective on the state’s budgetary priorities, emphasizing a collaborative effort among legislators to protect both cultural and environmental resources.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
Where those interest rates for the state biennium
- Interest rates for the state biennium must be estimated.
- This is what we're able to do to conduct state-to-state comparison.
- What we do is leverage economies of scale as a state to try to drive down that rate and reduce the cost
- to state employees.
Bills:
SB1
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, budget recommendations, Texas Facilities Commission, border security, cybersecurity, Governor Abbott, operational efficiency
Summary:
The meeting focused on several critical budget recommendations for various state agencies, including the Texas Facilities Commission, which proposed significant funding changes. Chair George Purcell highlighted a reduction in appropriations, along with the introduction of new funds aimed at refurbishing the Rudder Building and supporting facilities operations. Discussions also touched on border security, where it was reported that Governor Abbott formally requested congressional support to reclaim $11 billion in funding for Texas operations. The ongoing dialogue regarding the maintenance and responsibilities relating to border wall constructions was emphasized, noting the complexity and the need for clear allocation of responsibilities as discussions with federal authorities develop.
Throughout the meeting, there were notable conversations about operational efficiencies, particularly in the context of expanding cyber threats and the need for improved cybersecurity measures at state agencies. Members engaged in deliberating the future hiring of staff and resources necessary for maintaining effective service delivery amidst increasing demand. The discussions concluded with a commitment to keeping an open line with constituents regarding the implications of these funding decisions and the overall strategic direction of the agencies involved.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We love this state.
- Trone is reporting to the state in accordance with the state program.
- We have a 62% turnover rate.
- The state needs to invest an additional $21 million in general revenue to raise the reimbursement rate
- Shame on us as a state for not...
Bills:
SB1
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, health services, maternal health, recovery housing, behavioral health, intellectual disabilities, funding requests
Summary:
The meeting focused on public testimony regarding key health and human services issues affecting various groups in Texas. Notable discussions included funding requests for recovery housing, maternal health programs, and behavioral health services. Testimonies addressed the urgent need for additional resources to improve recovery housing availability, with advocates pushing for an increase in the number of accredited recovery homes and mentioning that Texas currently ranks low in recovery housing access. Similar testimonies highlighted the rising maternal mortality rates, particularly among minority populations, and the necessity for robust funding for maternal health initiatives. The session also saw voices advocating for better support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emphasizing the critical need for transformed waiver services and improved provider accountability.
TX
Bills:
SB1
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, budget, funding recommendations, Veterans Commission, emergency communications, Hazelwood Database, transparency, agency operations
Summary:
The meeting focused on budgetary discussions for various state agencies, with significant emphasis on funding recommendations for the Commission on State Emergency Communications and the Veterans Commission. Presentations by agency representatives highlighted both funding cuts and requests for strategic increases to better serve specific community needs, particularly in veterans' affairs. The agency leaders expressed gratitude towards the committee for their past support while outlining future needs that included additional staff and funding for technology upgrades. Notably, discussions included the management of the Hazelwood Database project aimed at improving services for veterans and the need for transparency in the appropriation of funds.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Culture, Recreation & Tourism May 15th, 2025 at 09:05 am
House Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Independence, it continues to draw millions of visitors and serves as a place of solemn remembrance and state
- data-time="90"> Senate Bill 3059 establishes the Alamo Commission as a distinct governing body within the state
- >
This structure reflects the leadership model used by the State
- marker="25" data-time="144">There are observations, obviously the Alamo belongs to everybody in the state
Bills:
SB3059
Keywords:
Alamo, historic preservation, cultural heritage, restoration, Texas history, state parks, commemoration, Alamo Commission, SB3059, preservation, public funds, committee meeting, testimony
Summary:
The meeting of the committee began with Chairman Metcalfe introducing the members present, which included Vice Chair Flores and Representatives Cole, Ayala, Kerwin, and others. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing SB3059, which focuses on the establishment of the Alamo Commission tasked with the preservation and protection of the Alamo. Members engaged in passionate discussions regarding the responsibility of maintaining such an iconic landmark, with acknowledgment of the need for transparency in the management of public funds allocated for this purpose. Ultimately, the bill was reported favorably to the full house without amendments after thorough deliberation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Constitution states that it is up to the states how to select the electors for the presidency.
- I am a state Republican.
- agreements with 50 states.
- Sneed has said, 13 states...
- The average voter is not.
Bills:
SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37
Keywords:
voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, voter access
Summary:
The meeting focused on significant discussions regarding several bills, particularly SB396 and SB827. Public testimonies were heard against SB396, expressing concerns over government overreach regarding voter registrations. Various witnesses highlighted potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters and the inefficiencies of the proposed residency confirmations. SB827 was another bill of interest, with discussions centered around the methods of election monitoring and concerns regarding the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of hand-counted audits.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Apr 22nd, 2025 at 11:04 am
House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Just like the other commemorative plates that the state issues.
Please state your name, sir, the organization you represent
Keywords:
specialty license plates, military honor, Texas Homeland Defense Service Medal, Texas Superior Service Medal, Texas Outstanding Service Medal, Texas Medal of Merit, specialty license plates, military honors, Texas Homeland Defense Service Medal, Texas Superior Service Medal, Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, Texas Medal of Merit, specialty license plates, military honors, veterans, Texas Homeland Defense Medal, Texas Superior Service Medal, Texas Medal of Merit, military, specialty license plates
Summary:
The meeting featured a range of discussions primarily centered around HB3815, which was examined in detail. Key concerns were raised regarding the implications of the bill on local communities, with representatives deliberating its potential impacts on public services and funding allocations. The committee was notably attentive to testimony provided by various organizations, each presenting contrasting viewpoints on the bill. As debate progressed, members expressed their positions, with some in support of the bill citing its benefits for infrastructure improvements, while others raised objections regarding cost implications and the adequacy of provisions within the legislation. The meeting concluded with a call for further review of the bill before any final decisions could be made.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am
House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I have a state contribution rate of 8.25% that is shared between the state and the school districts.
- Right now, the rate structure in the state is broken out in three parts.
- A lot of those states have higher interest rates than what Texas currently has.
- We self-cap at 36 percent, but our average interest rate across the country is 27 percent.
- Are those out-of-state interest rates?
Bills:
HB886, HB1514, HB2434, HB2688, HB2802, HB3161, HB3221, HB4029, HB4339, HB4774, HB4802, HB4853, HB5627, SB1737, HB4591
Keywords:
retirement, supplemental payment, benefits, Employees Retirement System, eligible annuitants, legislation, annuity, retirement, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age, DROP program, actuarial studies, pension benefits
Summary:
During the meeting, the committee discussed several important bills focused on state employee pensions, the education sector, and consumer credit resources. One of the main topics was HB886, which proposes a 13th check for state retirees to help alleviate financial challenges faced by those who have not seen any pension adjustments for over a decade. The bill received support from various stakeholders who emphasized its necessity given the rising costs of living and inflation. Additionally, HB3221 was examined, addressing unequal pension contributions between traditional school districts and charter schools, which has placed undue financial burdens on charter schools since 2019. The bill aims to unify the contribution rates to ensure fairness and retain essential funding for education.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Health and Human Services (Part II) May 7th, 2025
Senate Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Who will benefit if the technology is banned in this state?
- in this state.
- I'm just saying, nobody in the state of Texas can... No one can...
- If the state had any evidence that parents actually...
- State your name, who you're with, and your position on the bill.
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 committee meeting primarily focused on various significant bills impacting health, family welfare, and vaccinations. Discussion around SB1887 generated notable interest, as it proposed a ten-year prohibition on administering mRNA vaccines, allowing exceptions for cancer treatment and genetic disorders. Senator Sparks, the bill's author, highlighted safety concerns regarding the mRNA technology, stating that further evaluations were necessary. Public testimonies included both support and opposition, with advocates arguing for informed consent and safety, while others expressed concern about restricting scientific advancements in healthcare. Additionally, the conversation addressed HB2216, which aimed at reforming parental rights in child welfare cases, ensuring that parental drug use alone would not warrant automatic termination of rights unless there was a direct, substantial risk to the child. Public testimony for this bill emphasized the need for additional resources to effectively implement its provisions.
The committee also discussed HB2809 regarding tracking suicide attempts by children and SB1590 which proposed adopting an electronic process for paternity verification in adoption cases. Overall, the meeting was marked by lively discussions and significant public involvement, indicating the community's vested interest in the legislative outcomes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas reimburses community-based DSPs at an average rate of just $10.60 an hour, far below market rates
- and other states that have a higher reimbursement rate.
- We are miles away from a state-supported living center and cannot compete. That $17 rate has...
- Texas falls significantly below the average Medicare daily rate of $867 per day.
- per day, well below other states and more than $350 less than a Medicare day rate.
Bills:
SB1
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, mental health funding, children's services, family preservation, food insecurity, community support, testimonies, legislative action
Summary:
The meeting focused on several critical issues, primarily surrounding funding for mental health services in Texas. Various stakeholders, including representatives from mental health organizations and community service providers, provided testimonies advocating for increased investments in mental health resources, particularly for children's mental health initiatives and support systems. One prominent discussion was around the need for family preservation funding to maintain support for families in crisis. The evidence presented highlighted an alarming rise in food insecurity, which underscored the necessity of legislative action to protect vulnerable populations.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- to meet the A-BEST target of 32%, to continue the movement toward state and national averages.
- However, the market salaries for veterinarians have increased at a much higher rate than the state increases
- exceeds the state and national average.
- Our persistence rate is a full 5% above the state average for comprehensive regional universities, or
- rate.
Bills:
SB1
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, TDEM, disaster response, Keeping Texas Prepared, funding requests, emergency management, federal aid, public safety
Summary:
The meeting of the committee was marked by an in-depth discussion on various funding requests and program expansions across agencies. Notably, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) presented its plans to enhance disaster readiness and response capability, emphasizing an increase in funding to support initiatives under the Keeping Texas Prepared program. The discussion also involved the significance of leveraging federal funds for disaster recovery and the importance of precise tracking of these funds. Key stakeholders, including representatives from various state agencies, were called upon to detail their funding requirements and the anticipated impact of their requests on public safety and community resilience.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- the state.
- a 95% pass rate on state licensure exams.
- Second, as the Chancellor mentioned, the state of Texas has invested in higher education at a rate unlike
- Our former foster care students have a graduation rate of well over 50 percent, while the national average
- and state average is 3%.
Bills:
SB1
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, higher education funding, STEM programs, opioid crisis, budget requests, workforce development, community colleges, infrastructure
Summary:
The meeting of the committee was primarily focused on budget requests and legislative priorities from various educational institutions. Each institution expressed the need for increased funding to support academic programs, STEM education, and critical health initiatives. For instance, representatives from UT Dallas highlighted the importance of their Fentanyl Protection Initiative and advances in pain therapy, reaffirming their commitment to combat the opioid crisis in Texas. Other notable discussions included the need for updates to campus infrastructure and the request for new programs aimed at enhancing workforce development across various fields, particularly healthcare and technology. Topics such as the restoration of Institutional Enhancement Funds and the increase of appropriations for research initiatives were also extensively discussed. The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among universities to strengthen Texas's overall higher education landscape.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
Do we have an idea of what the average bed rate is
- **Senator Perry**: What the average bed rate is that we pay
- Recommendations project the average daily census at state hospitals to total 2,388 patients in fiscal
- Of what the average bed rate is that we pay.
- a slower rate of increase when compared to the nationwide average.
Bills:
SB1
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, child welfare, kinship care, community-based care, foster care, Senator Alvarado, Senator Hinojosa, legislative budget
Summary:
The meeting focused on various topics related to child welfare, particularly emphasizing the importance of kinship placements in the foster care system. Senators Alvarado and Hinojosa engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the benefits of kinship care, highlighting better outcomes for children and the financial implications for the state. They emphasized a need for continued investments in kinship care as a strategy to improve child welfare outcomes, encouraging the legislature to consider this approach moving forward. Additionally, the committee reviewed community-based care programs, which aim to keep children in their communities to promote stability and familial connections.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Under state law, the maintenance tax rates are set each year to cover the agency's appropriations.
- average.
- Currently, our judges are $24,184 below the state average.
- Over the past three years, we have averaged a 15% turnover rate with our judges.
- We tend to have a very high percentage of our employees who are lower than the average for other state
Bills:
SB1
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, budget recommendations, Department of Licensing and Regulation, Texas Funeral Service Commission, anti-trafficking, whole body donation program
Summary:
The meeting covered significant budget recommendations for the Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and the Texas Funeral Service Commission, focusing on their proposed changes and the implications of the funding adjustments. Blake Paul from TDLR presented a comprehensive overview including a $23.1 million net decrease in their budget and a significant push for anti-trafficking efforts, which received positive feedback. Additionally, discussions on the whole body donation program highlighted increased funding to facilitate its transition following the recent legislative changes. The committee members engaged actively, debating the sufficiency of the proposed budgets and their impact on ongoing initiatives.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
It will reduce what we believe the average ISD tax rates
- ISD average rate already of the compression.
- average.
- is higher than the state average of $330 a month, this adds up to be real money again.
- This type of stuff is felt, especially when you have an average home that is higher than the state average
Keywords:
property tax, homestead exemption, school funding, state aid, constitutional amendment, property tax relief, homestead exemption, SB4, SJR2, public testimony, local government spending, Texas economy
Summary:
The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding property tax relief, particularly through Senate Bill 4 (SB4) and Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR2). Chairman Bettencourt and other committee members expressed strong support for increasing the homestead exemption to $140,000, emphasizing the necessity of this adjustment in light of a multi-billion dollar revenue surplus. Public testimonies revealed a mix of support and opposition, highlighting the complexities of local government spending and its impact on tax relief effectiveness. Witnesses articulated concerns about rising property taxes and urged the committee to consider systemic reforms to enhance the efficacy of tax relief initiatives.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
S/C on International Relations Apr 28th, 2025 at 10:04 am
House S/C on International Relations
Transcript Highlights:
The bill transfers FM1021 onto the state highway system
- House Bill 1026 is a step in the right direction to combat these criminal organizations and promote state
The mandate has been at the federal and state level that
- ="73" data-time="432"> Now that the bad guys will be able to go either north or south, we can have state
- In trade capacity, benefiting both the United States and Texas
Keywords:
transportation, Farm-to-Market Road, highway designation, Texas Transportation Commission, state highway system, infrastructure, border security, Panama Canal, economic development, public testimony, HB1026, SCR37
Summary:
The meeting centered on the discussion of two key pieces of legislation: HB1026 and SCR37. HB1026, presented by Vice Chair Morales, aims to address infrastructure issues by paving a critical 40-mile stretch of road between Eagle Pass and Laredo, which has been a longstanding concern for local communities and law enforcement. The bill received strong support from stakeholders citing the need for improved transportation routes and enhanced border security capabilities. Following the discussion on HB1026, SCR37 was introduced by Chairman Lujan, emphasizing the significance of the Panama Canal to Texas economic development and trade. The meeting saw ample opportunity for public testimony, with members expressing support for the proposed bills and asking insightful questions regarding their implications.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- to obtain data from DPS regarding cross-state moves.
- As you mentioned, this is a rare system among the states; most states have one single high court.
- The only other state with a similar setup is Oklahoma.
- State your name and position.
- And from the very beginning, our state has recognized that.
Bills:
SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37
Keywords:
voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, voter access
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Committee on State Affairs was marked by significant discussions surrounding several bills, primarily focusing on jurisdictional changes within the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals. One of the key bills discussed was SB1210, which aims to clarify the roles and jurisdictions of these two courts, ensuring that when constitutional interpretations are at issue, the Supreme Court serves as the final authority. Testimony was provided by various stakeholders including judges and legal experts, who articulated both support for and concerns about the potential implications of these changes. The conversation highlighted the historical context of the dual court system in Texas, outlining its benefits and drawbacks, particularly in ensuring consistency in the application of constitutional law.