Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'rural counties'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Veteran Affairs Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Veteran Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Currently, state law requires county jails to verify

  • be checked, which leads some county jails not to check for
  • The bill requires county sheriffs to investigate and

  • identifying each veteran inmate to TVC and the Veterans County...
  • It allows veteran inmates in our county jails to have

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

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Public Education Feb 25th, 2025 at 10:00 am

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We are the largest educator of rural school children in the United States; the state of Texas is, and
  • there's about 800,000 of our kids that are in rural schools.
  • And it's not just urban, it's not just suburban; it's rural as well.
  • Well, in the state of Texas, to you, you know, urban, rural, would that be part...?
  • Self-sufficient wage is by county.
Summary: The House Committee on Public Education convened a comprehensive meeting focused on critical issues impacting education in Texas. Chairman Buckley emphasized the committee's commitment to providing the largest public education investment in the state’s history while addressing pressing concerns such as funding disparities, teacher retention, and legislative changes impacting the educational landscape. Notably, Commissioner Mike Morath presented an extensive report detailing the current state of public education, highlighting a pressing need for adequate funding aligned with student needs and the challenges posed by deficit budgets in various school districts stemming from overreliance on temporary federal funding sources.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article II Feb 25th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article II

Transcript Highlights:
  • he has in our county jail system.
  • I just had them send me this information from the Dallas County Jail.
  • Or is it pretty much equal between the rural and the cities?
  • in Brazoria County.
  • to address some of the needs that he has in our county jail system.
Summary: The meeting of the House Appropriations Subcommittee focused on the budget and operational needs of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), with a particular emphasis on addressing the significant issue of SNAP benefit theft. Key discussions included the challenges faced by the agency in combating fraud, the need for increased support for state peace officers, and the implications of rising health concerns such as congenital syphilis, which has seen an alarming increase in Texas. Representatives expressed their concerns about handling these issues effectively and discussed the importance of resource allocation to prevent further fraud and provide adequate care to Texans in need.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 24th, 2025 at 10:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • schools and non-rural schools.
  • So what you generally see in rural Texas is that teacher salaries are anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000
  • I think it is probably more rural and non-rural.
  • Rural districts don't have big central offices.

  • So I think it is probably true to say it is a little bit more rural than non-rural in terms of initial
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on reviewing updates and recommendations related to education funding and legislative measures for public schools. Significant discussions included the implications of the new educational budget proposal, as well as public testimonies advocating for increased funding to support school districts facing financial difficulties. Notably, there was a strong emphasis on adjusting the basic allotment to accommodate inflation and ensure that school funding is based on student enrollment rather than attendance, to better support districts struggling with deficits and operational challenges.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Jan 28th, 2025 at 10:01 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • 28th, 2025, as Demet County Day.
  • the rest of the Demet County delegation.
  • , 2025, as Demet County Day.
  • rest of the Demet County delegation joining us from the gallery.
  • Members, please join me in welcoming Dimmitt County in supporting this resolution.
Summary: The meeting addressed several critical resolutions, including H.R. 106, which recognized Demet County Day, and H.R. 119 for UT Health Houston Legislative Day. Each resolution prompted discussions highlighting the history and contributions of both Demet County and UT Health to their communities and the state. Representatives shared heartfelt remarks, expressing pride in the initiatives and the collaboration between local and state governance. These resolutions passed without any objections, showcasing a unified support for local communities and education efforts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Committee on Education K-16 Mar 25th, 2025 at 08:00 am

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Everyone across the state should have input whether you're urban, rural, or suburban.
  • be in opposition to these bills, because this discipline issue has gotten to the point whether it's rural
  • And that we're not just fashioning based on what's happening in urban and rural areas and some suburban
  • We have a diverse population of members, some teaching in urban areas, and some in rural areas.
  • ="769" data-time="4608"> of Grandview ISD, a district of almost 1,400 students located in Johnson County
Summary: The meeting was centered on reviewing several Senate bills focusing on school safety and discipline, primarily Senate Bills 870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, and 1924. Senator Perry emphasized the urgent need for reform in school discipline policies due to increasing incidents of violence and classroom disruptions. The committee acknowledged testimonies from various educators and public witnesses who supported the proposed bills, highlighting their significance in ensuring a safer learning environment. Key discussions revolved around the ability of teachers to maintain classroom discipline, the implications of disciplinary actions, and the support necessary for students with behavioral issues.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Mar 25th, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I want you to have input—everyone across the state to have input, whether you're urban, rural, or suburban
  • be in opposition to these bills because this discipline issue has gotten to the point, whether it's rural
  • And that we're not just fashioning solutions based on what's happening in urban and rural areas and some
  • We have a diverse population of members, some teaching in urban areas, and some in rural.
  • marker="922" data-time="5526">I had 12 kids in Wiley, and we had a behavior network, which Collin County
Summary: The meeting focused on several significant bills pertaining to school discipline and safety, highlighting the issues faced by teachers due to increased student misbehavior and a perceived lack of administrative support. Key discussions were held around Senate Bill 1924, which aims to restore authority to local police and school district officers to issue misdemeanor citations for school offenses. This bill was met with both support and opposition, illustrating the ongoing debate about how best to maintain safety in schools without causing unnecessary criminalization of students. Witnesses included educators and administrators who provided testimonies on the real-life impacts of classroom disruptions on learning environments. Recommendations for improvements to the bills included calls for flexibility in discipline measures and better support for teachers dealing with disruptive behavior.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Health and Human Services Apr 1st, 2025

Senate Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I practice in Houston, Texas, but I also see patients in Galveston County and in Brazoria County.
  • perspective, it's not just about the individual doctor but also about the hospitals, particularly rural
  • You're helping hospitals, and especially rural hospitals. Ms.
  • And I have to say, you know, I represent a part of Harris County

  • Bend County, and you know, it seems like these proliferate
Summary: The meeting centered on multiple significant legislative proposals aimed at healthcare reforms, notably focused on the operations of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their impact on local pharmacies. Senator Hughes led the discussion on SB1236, which aims to regulate PBMs to prevent anti-competitive practices that have led to the closure of numerous community pharmacies. Testimonies from various stakeholders, including pharmacists, highlighted the challenges posed by current PBM practices, such as aggressive audit tactics and contract terms that disadvantage small pharmacies. The bill was generally supported in the committee due to its potential to restore balance and fairness in pharmacy operations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Mar 3rd, 2025 at 11:03 am

House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • an attorney member of this committee, and also Representative Ray Lopez, both of them from Bexar County
  • Additionally, I serve House District 55, which is a portion of Bell County, not the portion that hosts
  • other county Veteran One Stop Shops across the state of Texas.
  • I also want to mention that with the Veteran County Service Officers, we help to crack down on...
  • Not every county has a County Veterans Service Officer, but over 220 do, and we work with our partners
Summary: The meeting of the Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee served as the inaugural session for the legislative year, focusing on various significant veteran issues and programs. Chairman Cortez led discussions around the upcoming legislative workload, with an estimated 75 bills anticipated for review. Members acknowledged the importance of addressing recruitment and retention challenges within the defense forces, with insights on necessary facility upgrades and the impacts on local communities. Collaborative efforts, such as home loan programs and the Veteran Entrepreneur Program, were highlighted to demonstrate the support provided to veterans in transitioning to civilian life. The committee emphasized the vital role of outreach initiatives to ensure veterans are aware of available services.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 28th, 2025 at 11:04 am

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • your Montgomery County.
  • Is it not true that you represent part of Brazos County?
  • Now, do you know who used to represent Madison County?
  • Would you say that Brazoria County is the best county

  • Rural and urban communities face the same.
Summary: The committee meeting covered a variety of bills focusing on issues ranging from housing development moratoriums to the regulation of Medicaid services. Notably, House Bill 2559, addressing building moratoriums imposed by municipalities, drew attention when Mr. Patterson presented it as crucial for aligning residential and commercial construction regulations. The bill passed to engrossment with a solid majority of 118 votes in favor. Additionally, House Bill 3126, which involves the election of certain school districts to participate in a uniform group coverage program, received significant support, affirming the commitment to enhance healthcare access for school employees. Equally critical was the discussion surrounding Senate Bill 963, aimed at improving Medicaid managed care organizations' ability to inform recipients about private health plans, reinforcing the legislature's focus on healthcare administration. This bill too was passed with a clear majority. The discussions showcased active participation from committee members, with multiple witnesses providing testimony on various bills, reflecting a collaborative approach to legislative advancements. The meeting concluded with plans for ongoing deliberations on the remaining agenda, emphasizing the importance of public feedback through testimonies.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • in Hidalgo County often have to travel to Brooks County, which is over an hour and a half away.
  • Yeah, it's a real problem in the rural counties.

  • and two from Harris County.
  • In many counties, 65 counties, have only one JP. We act.
  • I cover four counties in rural West Texas and am

Summary: The meeting was primarily focused on discussions surrounding several bills aimed at reforming aspects of criminal justice in Texas. Representative Little laid out HB413, detailing its provisions which aim to prevent pretrial detention from exceeding the maximum time a person could be sentenced if convicted. The bill generated significant discussion, emphasizing the importance of due process and the financial burden of detaining individuals unnecessarily. Public testimonies were presented, with varied opinions on the efficacy and implementation of this bill. Additionally, discussions on HB2507 and HB1418 highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve transparency and reliability in the judicial process, specifically addressing issues related to grand jury proceedings and in-custody informants, respectively. Witnesses from both supporting and opposing sides provided comprehensive insights, showcasing the depth of concern regarding wrongful convictions and the need for reform in testimony verification practices. The committee concluded the meeting with plans for a follow-up session to continue these crucial discussions and potentially advance the bills further.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 29th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • HB3475 authorizes a public law school in El Paso County.
  • Yours says the Rio Grande Valley; you know, another bill says El Paso County.
  • He's in Collin County, so I've spent the past four years doing everything I can.
  • I also look at my county, Calhoun County, the county that I live in.
  • The urban scholarship is given $5.4 million and the rural scholarship is given $8.3 million.
Summary: The committee meeting led by Chair Wilson focused on higher education legislation, notably addressing bills related to tuition fee exemptions, financial assistance for students, and combating fentanyl abuse on campuses. Significant discussions revolved around HB1527, which proposes fee exemptions for peace officers at public institutions, and HB3062, aimed at implementing educational initiatives to raise awareness of fentanyl dangers among students. Several representatives expressed support for these measures, citing the crucial need for educational programs to combat substance abuse and provide equitable access to education.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 (Part I) Apr 1st, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • While the statewide and Dallas County third-grade reading scores at the MEETS level of STAAR dropped
  • As the Managing Director of Early Learning, I have the opportunity to support our Dallas County districts
  • Tarleton's main campus, as you likely know, is located in Stephenville, a rural area of our state.
  • a K-12 district in rural Erath County with a total enrollment
  • ="1477" data-time="8856"> Encouraging them to fill needs in other places to meet those openings in rural
Summary: The meeting focused on key legislative measures aimed at enhancing school safety and student communication technology. Senator Nichols discussed SB1262, emphasizing its role as a follow-up cleanup bill on previous measures that improved public school safety through House Bill 3. The committee adopted a committee substitute which includes provisions for the Texas Education Agency to commission peace officers for school safety purposes, thereby enabling better collaboration with local law enforcement in case of emergencies. The discussions were enriched by testimony from resource witnesses, including security professionals from the Texas School Safety Center.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • The answer was six out of 19 camps in Kerr County.
  • A lot of work and time, because we live in a rural town.
  • It's 15 counties.
  • We had flash flood warnings for Burnet County and Travis County.
  • We're just across the lake in Llano County. And yes, they were, we heard those alerts.
Summary: The meeting focused on discussion around SB1, addressing safety reforms in youth camps in light of a tragic flooding incident that resulted in multiple fatalities. The committee heard testimony from various stakeholders, including family members of the victims, who shared heartfelt stories and the urgent need for reforms to ensure that such a tragedy would not happen again. The testimonies highlighted the importance of establishing better safety measures, including evacuation plans and compliance with new safety regulations. Senator Perry emphasized that the bill aims to create objective standards that protect children attending camps, prompting a strong emotional response from attendees as they reflected on the lives lost during the flash floods.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session Apr 2nd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • If you're here from Collin County, please stand. Let's all welcome our friends from Collin County.
  • that is my home county, Collin County.
  • It is a thriving county in the heart of North Texas, one of the largest and fastest growing counties
  • I represent another 14 counties, and you help in many of those counties by distributing food in those
  • That's Williamson County, which is a different LMHA than Travis County, for instance.
Bills: SJR12, SCR39, SB7, SB8, SB27, SB29, SB125, SB241, SB371, SB396, SB406, SB464, SB568, SB578, SB608, SB617, SB660, SB689, SB693, SB707, SB731, SB732, SB763, SB779, SB836, SB854, SB857, SB875, SB878, SB879, SB906, SB920, SB921, SB922, SB942, SB965, SB985, SB996, SB1029, SB1035, SB1036, SB1059, SB1084, SB1098, SB1101, SB1185, SB1188, SB1321, SB1332, SB1366, SB1388, SB1396, SB1453, SB1484, SB1494, SB1536, SB1563, SB1596, SB1610, SB1619, SB1737, SB1738, SB1741, SB1816, SB1822, SB1841, SB1939, SB2155, SB2188, SB2230, SJR36, SJR12, SJR81, SJR50, SCR22, SCR12, SCR39, SB765, SB62, SB666, SB888, SB687, SB847, SB1248, SB504, SB857, SB305, SB296, SB284, SB241, SB304, SB1023, SB204, SB609, SB670, SB850, SB854, SB413, SB1346, SB1033, SB1220, SB1073, SB810, SB1539, SB447, SB406, SB985, SB1119, SB1505, SB1215, SB1302, SB583, SB673, SB681, SB1172, SB608, SB955, SB957, SB1120, SB541, SB1737, SB266, SB1415, SB125, SB53, SB1352, SB785, SB1450, SB1502, SB1566, SB414, SB1062, SB578, SB711, SB746, SB942, SB1404, SB1448, SB1738, SB507, SB689, SB1026, SB1349, SB1355, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596, SB1403, SB763, SB667, SB1059, SB617, SB1567, SB310, SB311, SB505, SB1209, SB1210, SB1470, SB264, SB1029, SB1358, SB1364, SB1569, SB1376, SB1228, SB519, SB878, SB1350, SB462, SB827, SB1585, SB1396, SB920, SB1484, SB1273, SB1741, SB7, SB927, SB1227, SB1229, SB1353, SB1366, SB1464, SB1709, SB1729, SB1733, SB1744, SB1772, SB1816, SB1841, SB2188, SB1147, SB879, SB1008, SB1536, SB2016, SB1453, SB1173, SB1163, SB996, SB27, SB568, SB1370, SB1321, SB1101, SB906, SB860, SB1563, SB993, SB693, SB1610, SB1537, SB836, SB1332, SB1307, SB963, SB493, SB922, SB984, SB1084, SB619, SB1098, SB1122, SB455, SB522, SB1057, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1877, SB464, SB1277, SB32, SB732, SB660, SB731, SB921, SB268, SB1822, SB1188, SB1939, SB1589, SB397, SB1388, SB2230, SB1058, SB1036, SB1267, SB2112, SB1930, SB532, SB1035, SB2155, SB508, SB29, SB292, SB291, SB901, SB1333, SB1436, SB1494, SB964, SB779, SB1378, SB2312, SB1719, SB1386, SB287, SB2143, SB1245, SB261, SB1247, SB1948, SB2406, SB2407, SB1882, SB1197, SB1814, SB618, SB38, SB393, SB2065, SB1371, SB1394, SB1365, SB2243, SB2226, SB2039, SB1919, SB1895, SB1598, SB1493, SB1810, SB1791, SB1706, SB1644, SB1238, SB783, SB458, SB22, SB651, SB897, SB7, SB125, SB578, SB608, SB617, SB763, SB836, SB878, SB906, SB920, SB942, SB985, SB1084, SB1366, SB1388, SB1563, SB1737, SB1738, SB1816, SB1939, SB406, SB689, SR327, SR346, SR351, SR352
Summary: The meeting was marked by significant discussions around key legislative bills, primarily focusing on the implications of HB22, which was introduced by Senator Flinstone. The bill received both support and opposition from various committee members and witnesses. Notably, concerns raised involved the potential impacts of the legislation on local communities and resources. Members engaged in a spirited debate, with several stakeholders providing testimonials highlighting their perspectives on the bill's repercussions. Additionally, the committee took the opportunity to address other minor bills, although they did not receive as much attention.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • University in Canyon, which has more space and capacity than it has students right now, as do many of the rural
  • However, unlike the urban areas of the state, much of rural Texas, including the Panhandle, is experiencing
  • Until 2023, 95 of the state's 254 counties either saw no increase
  • I'm the vice chair of the Tarrant County GOP, and I actually
  • I'm the owner of Swift River Pecans in Caldwell County.
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

State Affairs Mar 19th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • My testimony is based on my years of experience working as a nurse in a large county health department
  • As the new Travis County GOP Chair, I want to thank you on behalf of the Republican Party and myself.
  • They have these encumbrances, and in rural communities, like, one of the things in our data is that this
  • is happening everywhere in Texas, rural and urban—a $60,000 UCC lien.
  • name is Eddie Morales, and I proudly represent the largest district, a geographic region, not by counties
Summary: The committee meeting covered a wide range of bills with robust discussions centering around House Bill 267, which aims to limit the exhibition of harmful content to minors. Representative Patterson emphasized the importance of narrowing the affirmative defenses allowed for educators regarding such material, advocating for the protection of children from exposure to objectionable content at schools. His testimony sparked considerations about existing legal loopholes and heightened concerns over child sexualization in educational settings. The bill was left pending for further discussion. Additionally, significant support was noted for House Bill 1640, which seeks to improve transparency in the rooftop solar industry by requiring the Public Utility Commission to guide consumers in understanding solar installations better.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Feb 5th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And that's why we're having scope conversations about folks that can fill that void in rural access care
  • presentation, and I know these are not included, but I saw the UTA West, which is in West Tarrant County
  • Tarrant County now has Texas A&M in downtown.
  • I just don't know how many universities Tarrant County needs. They also have TCU.
  • I just don't know how many universities Tarrant County needs. They also have TCU.
Bills: SB1
Summary: The meeting focused on the funding recommendations for public health-related institutions and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. During the session, significant discussions were held around the $4.2 billion in total funding recommended for the 2026-27 biennium, which reflects a notable decrease compared to the previous biennium. Key highlights included an increase in funding for various educational support programs like the Graduate Medical Education expansion, and the need for modern data systems in colleges to ensure educational programs meet workforce demands. Testimonies from representatives highlighted both concerns about budget cuts and optimism for enhanced funding initiatives.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • They live in Nacogdoches County, and his family is heavily involved in the poultry business.
  • data-time="486"> I live in the city of Westlake Hills, but I have Redtail Hawk Ranch in southern Bastrop County
  • I'm a resident and a director of Willow Point MUD, which is in the northern section of Fort Bend County
  • Our MUD is located on the west side of Harris County, Texas.
  • I'm also a resident of Fort Bend County and the Vice President of Fort Bend County MUD 35.
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

89th Legislative Session Mar 17th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • span>

    AB2401 by Munoz, relating to the jurisdiction of the county

  • and in courts of Hidalgo County.
  • span>

    HB2404 by King relates to the authority of certain counties

  • ="126">HB2406 by Reynolds pertains to the regulation of group home facilities, including optional county
  • Highway 287 in Willowbrook County.
Summary: The committee meeting extended over a range of proposed legislation, heavily focusing on various constitutional amendments and significant bills affecting education, public safety, and local governance. A notable discussion included H.J.R. 123, which proposed establishing an independent redistricting commission—a move that stirred considerable debate among members. Additionally, H.A.R. 124 aimed at creating a state school health and safety fund, receiving full support from the committee members present. Multiple public testimonies were provided, emphasizing the anticipated impact these resolutions would have on community welfare.

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