Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Small Business Saturday'

Page 31 of 58
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Transportation Funding Mar 31st, 2025 at 10:03 am

House S/C on Transportation Funding

Transcript Highlights:
  • With you all today to take care of important business.
  • Today, as we continue the business of the House Permanent Standing Subcommittee on Organized Transportation
  • By removing system financing, you're going to cost our citizens and our businesses time and money.
  • I live in a small county that has less than 1,000 residents and lots of oil and gas traffic.
  • Is there any further business before the subcommittee to address?
Summary: The recent committee meeting focused heavily on transportation infrastructure, with significant discussions surrounding multiple bills aimed at addressing funding and operational strategies. Notably, HB263 aimed to update grant distribution from the Transportation Infrastructure Fund to better reflect the needs of rural and energy-producing counties, thereby ensuring equitable support for necessary infrastructure improvements. Public testimonies in favor of the bill highlighted its importance to local communities impacted by oil and gas activities on their roads. Additionally, HJR58 was discussed, proposing to permit the Texas Department of Transportation to allocate funds toward transit-oriented projects, marking a shift toward multi-modal transportation strategies to reduce congestion and foster economic development. However, opposition arose regarding the potential misuse of gasoline taxes for non-road purposes.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Before we get to committee business, I do want to address

  • Before we get to committee business, I do want to address

  • Small businesses are worried if their permits will get processed.
  • impact American families and businesses far away from D.C
  • You can get both sides: labor and business, environmentalists, and you can really make big strides.
Summary: The committee meeting was dominated by discussions on a variety of legislative bills including major topics such as nuclear energy advancement, the effects of regulatory hurdles on energy production, and proposals to improve national park staffing and maintenance. Members expressed concerns over the federal government's handling of uranium imports and the necessity for maintaining a robust domestic nuclear supply chain. Efforts to streamline permitting processes to facilitate more efficient energy project development were also a focal point, alongside public testimony from stakeholders in the energy and environmental sectors. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure development to meet rising energy demands while addressing climate change impacts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • You know, they don't have big businesses and lots of folks
  • continue our committee business and welcome.
  • The chair now takes up Senate Bill 2138 by Senator Creighton as pending business.
  • Senate Bill 14 by Senator Creighton is ending business.
  • I do have a small disagreement. I do think that the actual...
Summary: The committee meeting addressed critical issues regarding educator misconduct and legislative measures to improve reporting standards. Significant discussions revolved around SB1224, which mandates that superintendents report allegations of sexual or abusive conduct directly to law enforcement rather than relying solely on internal investigations. This bill, presented by Senator Sparks, reflects an ongoing effort to close loopholes in the education system that enable misconduct to persist without proper accountability. Senators emphasized the alarming rise in educator misconduct cases and the need for more stringent reporting practices to protect children in schools.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 23rd, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Every increased dollar in premium makes it more difficult for us to continue our businesses.
  • Small business owners in the weeks that we hold our events
  • And the small town of Mejia sees a 30% to 50% business increase
  • So I appreciate your business.
  • Depending on the size of the county, some counties that fund is very, very small.
Summary: During this meeting of the legislative committee, significant discussions took place regarding various bills, including those focused on judge and courthouse security, construction defect lawsuits, and carbon capture legislation. A notable highlight was the presentation of HB4502, where representatives expressed urgency to address concerns surrounding harassment of judges and court staff, citing incidents that had raised alarms about their safety. The proposed changes aim to enhance the judicial security framework and rectify loopholes that currently hinder effective legal recourse for court personnel. Several witnesses provided testimony both in support and in opposition to the discussed bills, emphasizing the diverse perspectives and concerns surrounding each piece of legislation. Another key discussion involved HB2790, which aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework for carbon capture and storage, addressing the balance between promoting technological advancement and protecting property rights. Stakeholders, including landowners and industry representatives, presented contrasting views on the implications of the bill, highlighting the ongoing debate about environmental responsibilities versus economic development needs. The meeting concluded with several bills left pending, showcasing the committee's commitment to thorough deliberation and stakeholder engagement in legislative processes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm a small business owner, and I own Angel's at Home and of Course Canada Tech.
  • I've been in business for.
Summary: The meeting of the committee included extensive discussions regarding the sustainability of health facilities serving vulnerable populations, particularly focusing on reimbursement rates for services provided. The testimony highlighted the challenges faced by providers due to past inadequacies in Medicaid reimbursement methodologies, which have resulted in financial strains on their operations. Members of the committee engaged with the testimonies, seeking clarification on the implications of proposed adjustments to reimbursement rates and the potential impacts on service quality for the most fragile Texans.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • I move suspension of the regular order of business.
  • If a single individual business has to be closed, that's not a class of businesses that can close...
  • businesses, not a wholesale closure of a class of businesses across the county.
  • I hope many of you have already started small businesses

  • businesses are the backbone of our community.
Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial pieces of legislation, notably Senate Joint Resolution 40, which proposed a constitutional amendment to clarify the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the Supreme Court during emergencies. Senator Birdwell presented the resolution, emphasizing the need for legislative involvement during prolonged crises. It garnered broad support, passing with 29 votes in favor and only 1 against. Following this, Senate Bill 871, considered the enabling legislation, was also moved for discussion, with the aim of reinforcing the legislature's authority during emergencies while establishing clear guidelines for the governor's powers.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Mar 6th, 2025 at 08:03 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We hope to conclude our business by then.
  • Again, it depends on where you are and how busy...
  • is the city, how busy is the jurisdiction, but it can take
  • So many people in our business started as a...
  • Is there any further business to come before the committee?
Summary: The Committee on Land and Resource Management convened to address pressing issues surrounding housing affordability in Texas. Central to the discussions was the testimony of various stakeholders, including housing developers, local officials, and advocates who highlighted an acute shortage of over 300,000 homes due to rapid population growth. The committee explored legislative measures aimed at reducing regulatory burdens that contribute significantly to housing costs, particularly related to the development and construction processes. A theme of collaboration with local governments and state agencies was a pivotal point, emphasizing the need for an organized approach to address housing supply while balancing local infrastructural concerns.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Economic DevelopmentAudio only. Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The chair lays out as a matter of pending business, Senate

  • That is a matter of pending business.

  • The chair lays it out as a matter of pending business.
  • Now the chair lays out as a matter of pending business, Senate Bill 2448.
  • Members, any other business?

Summary: This meeting of the Senate committee focused on the review and approval of multiple bills, primarily Senate Bill 1143, Senate Bill 1534, and Senate Bill 2448, among others. Senator Sparks led the discussions, presenting committee substitutes to streamline various legislative proposals. The committee adopted several substitutes unanimously, which indicates a strong consensus among committee members regarding the amendments made to the original bills. All bills were favorably reported to the full Senate with recommendations for approval and certification, reflecting a productive session.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Transportation Mar 6th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Transportation Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And I mean, maybe they're small projects.
  • business to be able to handle a program such as this?
  • I mean, this is so expensive and it's burdensome on small businesses.
  • You've been in the trucking business. It's great.

  • You've been in the trucking business. It's great. It's the lifeblood of our industry.
Summary: The meeting conducted by the Transportation Committee focused on several key bills addressing transportation infrastructure and policy reforms. Notable discussions included a heated debate over HB1234, where members expressed concerns regarding funding allocations and the environmental impact of proposed projects. Several witnesses were called to provide testimony, balancing arguments both for and against the bill, showcasing the ongoing tensions between development and environmental sustainability. Additionally, SB5678 received broad support with discussions highlighting its potential to enhance public transit efficiency across the state.
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:
  • It's still relatively small, with over 7,000 applications
  • We're able to talk about business, about public health...
  • You know, at UT Permian Basin, we are a relatively small
  • by local and regional businesses.
  • Business and Entrepreneurship.
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:
  • So we need to be there when they are small, getting them on ...
  • I'm a business person, so I get that, and I actually used to own part of a food company that had its
  • The chair lays out as a matter of pending business the committee substitute for Senate Bill 314.
  • I do think the small steps will lead to bigger steps

  • And for coming back this afternoon, is there any other business to come before the committee?
Summary: The committee convened to discuss SB25, receiving public testimonies from various stakeholders. Significant discussions centered around the implications of the bill, with multiple witnesses voicing their support and concerns. The atmosphere was engaging, with committee members actively questioning the witnesses to clarify their positions and gain deeper insights into the potential impact of the legislation. Chairman's leadership facilitated a structured dialogue that allowed for both support and opposition viewpoints to be expressed.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance (Part II) Jan 28th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • And also, the business community, legitimate business

  • get into business quickly.
  • out of business.
  • **Vice Chair**: ...take these businesses out of business
  • Businesses have innovation programs where they try new things, different approaches at doing business
Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around discussions on the budgets for the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Significant recommendations included a proposed budget of $3.7 billion for the Department of Public Safety, which reflects a decrease of $199.6 million from the previous cycle. Key topics included customer service enhancements and the increase of staff to improve operations and reduce wait times. Additionally, the Juvenile Justice Department's funding was discussed, including adjustments related to staff salary increases and facility needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Property Tax Appraisals Mar 6th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals

Transcript Highlights:
  • Business owners are required to...
  • I know of one small rural appraisal district...
  • We heard business owners...
  • There are a small number of districts that are invalid, and a small number that are failing the maps.
  • There’s a small number that are failing the maps.
Summary: The meeting covered a range of legislative topics, including key discussions about various bills and public concerns surrounding new policies. Committee members engaged in a robust debate regarding the economic impact of proposed legislation, with several representatives sharing differing viewpoints. The discussion highlighted the importance of public input in shaping effective laws.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Workforce Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House S/C on Workforce

Transcript Highlights:
  • 3186"> The Skills Development Fund is the state's premier job training program designed to help businesses
  • A career of service to our communities seems like a small
  • This amount is small compared to the $11.4 billion...
  • 4410"> ...our state loses annually due to inadequate childcare, with decreases in productivity and business
Summary: The meeting of the committee involved critical discussions surrounding several pieces of legislation aimed at supporting first responders, enhancing worker rights, and improving child care access. Notably, House Bill 4144 was presented, which aims to provide supplemental income benefits to firefighters and police officers diagnosed with critical illnesses post-retirement. Testimony from a representative of the Texas State Association of Firefighters emphasized the importance of extending benefits to those affected by job-related diseases, particularly cancers prevalent among firefighters. The bill stirred affirmative discussions, with a consensus on its necessity in providing comprehensive support to first responders.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our goal is to complete our committee business before

  • Building a space station is no small endeavor.
  • We want you to work for us in business anyway.
  • It is funded through a new quantum university and business innovation.
  • They are probably a few kilowatts—very, very small power consumption.
Summary: The meeting of the committee addressed several bills focusing on transparency and innovation in Texas governance. A significant portion of the discussions revolved around House Bill 4990, which seeks to establish an open records hotline to better facilitate public access to government information. Witnesses, including local journalists, strongly supported the bill, citing its importance for accountability in government operations. Other bills, such as HB 4751, focusing on technological advancements, were also highlighted as critical to maintaining Texas's competitive edge in the quantum technology industry. Each bill was left pending for further consideration, indicating ongoing negotiations and a collaborative effort among committee members to refine the proposed legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations Mar 31st, 2025 at 02:03 pm

House Appropriations Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • multinational firms while shifting the property tax burden to small
  • Texas businesses and entrepreneurs.
  • Members, we must return to the principles of small government that made Texas great, not abandon them
  • As a small nonprofit organization, Texas CASA does

  • No other business, and if there's no objection, the committee stands adjourned.
Bills: SB1, HB500
Summary: The meeting focused on reviewing the committee substitutes for SB1 and HB500, which are pivotal for the upcoming budget session. A significant point of discussion was the historic funding initiated under SB1, which dedicates approximately $4.1 billion to raise wages for personal attendants, improving services for vulnerable populations in Texas. Additionally, $78 million was allocated for crime victim services and infrastructure support within various counties. Representative Orr presented a robust overview of budget highlights, which received considerable backing from committee members emphasizing the importance of support for public safety and education.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

State Affairs Apr 25th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • small government's hypocrisy.
  • Large or small, is that correct?
  • From a very small number of Texans.
  • a small, radical, right-wing sect.
  • Trans people are too busy trying to survive in hostile territory to bother anyone.
Summary: The committee meeting featured intense discussions surrounding HB5510 and HB229, both of which generated significant public testimony. Various witnesses expressed strong opposition to HB5510, particularly highlighting concerns over its potential to threaten equitable access to healthcare and its implications for women's rights. Testimonies revealed the emotional weight behind these bills, with speakers advocating for compassion towards vulnerable populations rather than punitive measures. The atmosphere was emotionally charged, as proponents and opponents alike provided firsthand accounts and perspectives that underscored the complexities surrounding these legislative issues. In contrast to the discussions on HB5510, commentary on HB229 mainly revolved around defining gender and safeguarding women's spaces. Many witnesses emphasized the bill's potential discriminatory effects on transgender and non-binary individuals, arguing that the legislation could fracture community relations rather than promote safety and dignity for all. Ultimately, despite the passion displayed in rebuttals from both sides, the meeting concluded with some bills left pending, leaving room for further consideration and debate in the future.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice May 22nd, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • it on behalf of us as citizens, and it allows prosecutors a tool to go out and seek justice in that small
  • It is a very small rural county, and I've dealt with

  • If those questions and those discussions came out, it's a small rural county.
  • I made it very clear to my investigators that it could go differently because it is a small community
  • That concludes our business, and it's Senator King. We can get admin to come and fix that for us.
Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by extensive discussions on various bills, focusing primarily on enhancing legal measures and protections in criminal cases. Notable among the discussions was HB3073, known as the Summer Willis Act, which aims to provide a clearer statutory definition of consent regarding sexual violence. The bill received overwhelming support as it seeks to close existing gaps in Texas law to better protect survivors. Additionally, HB1871, which increases penalties for attempted capital murder of a peace officer, was presented by Senator Schwartner, emphasizing the need for stronger deterrents against attacks on law enforcement officials. The committee moved several bills to the full Senate with favorable recommendations, showcasing a unified effort towards legislative progress in public safety and survivor protections.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

State Affairs (Part II) Aug 4th, 2025

Senate State Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • As a matter of pending business, the Chair lays out Senate

  • Let's think for a moment about a small agency that's run by a constable.
  • So I represent small agencies and large agencies.

  • It is restricted amongst a small group of individuals in
  • It can fit small agencies.
Bills: SB7, SB14
Summary: The meeting centered on a heated discussion regarding SB14, which proposed changes to how police misconduct records are managed and accessed. Numerous witnesses, including representatives from civil rights organizations and concerned citizens, expressed strong opposition to the bill, arguing that it would significantly reduce transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. Testimonies highlighted historical failures in police accountability and emphasized the importance of public access to misconduct records to restore community trust. The committee received both emotional appeals and expert opinions, painting a vivid picture of the potential negative impacts of the proposed legislation on police-community relations.
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.
  • In my small county, as I stated before, we struggle to find local resources and programs daily.
  • can just shift some stuff around, but a small change for you may be catastrophic.
  • So, my cousin, who was small in stature, literally made a decision before he went in on the first day
  • Thank you for coming after a busy docket, Judge.

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.

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