Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'cost transparency'

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TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Mar 27th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, that is not a matter of cost. Can we build wider streets?
  • housing cost burdened across the state and in a lot of our cities.
  • There are four inputs that affect the cost of housing: the cost of land, the cost of materials, the cost
  • of labor, and the cost of money.
  • of land at zero cost to the state.
Summary: The meeting centered around discussions on land use and zoning regulations, prominently featuring HB24 and HB3172. Representative Orr emphasized the importance of reforming the existing zoning laws to empower property owners and streamlined processes for development. Testimonies from various stakeholders highlighted the impact of the current supermajority requirements which hinder necessary housing projects, creating frustration among local developers and advocates for affordable housing. Notable support was expressed for these bills, highlighting the necessity for cities to modernize their zoning systems to facilitate growth and adequate housing development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance Apr 2nd, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • an ambulance at the cost of $345,000.
  • For an EMT, it takes 6 to 8 months and costs anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 to train that EMT.
  • This is boots on the ground, not administrative costs.
  • So, a nine-year-old box on a new chassis was $230,000 when the original truck cost $160,000.
  • A bare-bones ambulance has a minimum cost of $300,000.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Finance included the introduction of SB1337 by Senator Krayton. This bill aims to provide a fair and accurate system for calculating tax obligations, mandating the comptroller to assess penalties only on the net tax due from a taxpayer rather than allowing overpayments to offset underpayments under limited circumstances. Senator Krayton elaborated on how the bill ensures that taxpayers who overpay can use that surplus to cover any underpaid taxes of the same type, ensuring fairness for both the state and taxpayers. Several discussions ensued regarding the administration of the bill, with contributions from various members including representatives from the Comptroller's Office.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) May 5th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , because we're going to pick up all the school costs.
  • Right now, we're anxious about the cost of living in Texas, from groceries to health care, and every
  • It discouraged business investment, increased compliance costs, and put tax burdens on businesses.
  • Compliance costs will be lower for these merchants, and it also lowers the enforcement costs.
  • But this bill gives you a direct way to help lower costs for consumers right here at home.
Summary: The committee meeting saw the discussion of several significant bills aimed at reducing the tax burden on small businesses and addressing public services in municipalities. Notably, Senate Bill 2907, introduced by Senator West, proposes to exempt perishable inventory and pharmaceutical goods from property taxes. This bill received robust support during public testimony, with various stakeholders emphasizing its potential to lower food prices and improve business conditions. Similarly, Senate Bill 1331 addressed the protective measures for smaller municipalities facing threats from petitions to remove municipal services, aiming to reduce the requisite population threshold for such actions. The lively discussions underscored the committee's commitment to supporting local communities and businesses in a challenging economic climate.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 8th, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , and that cost has been rising for 20 years.
  • And I certainly believe, even if there are costs that are...
  • That causes delays, and it also creates costs. Currently, there are...
  • So for me, it's about the families and the cost, as well as the time.
  • House Bill 2282 helps shift the cost of tax...
Summary: The committee meeting covered various issues, including bills aimed at mental health reforms and criminal justice. A significant discussion centered around HB2777, which proposes to exempt individuals with severe mental illness, particularly schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, from the death penalty. Testimonies from multiple stakeholders expressed support for the bill, emphasizing that individuals with severe mental illness may lack the capacity to understand the consequences of their actions, and executing them contradicts moral principles and contemporary neuroscience. The committee heard from advocates who argued for compassionate treatment in the justice system, while also maintaining accountability for offenders.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Agriculture & Livestock Mar 4th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House Agriculture & Livestock Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • But it's caused a shrimping industry, Gulf shrimping, to operate below cost.
  • They can't even produce at cost; they're selling below the cost of production when competing with our
  • So, at what cost?
  • How do we start, and how much is it going to cost?
  • I mean, it's going to cost a lot of money to get these systems recoverable.
Summary: The meeting covered various topics and was characterized by in-depth discussions among the members. There were significant dialogues about the implications of recent legislation and its impact on community services. The chair facilitated input from multiple members, allowing for both support and opposition to be voiced regarding key issues. Additionally, there were several public testimonies that added to the discourse, reflecting diverse perspectives on the matters at hand.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Apr 7th, 2025 at 10:00 am

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • aims to help offset rising brewing costs.
  • These rising costs are driving producers out of the industry.
  • Well, there are costs associated with donating this resource.
  • Everything has been adding up in our industry: the cost of grain, the cost of insurance, the cost of
  • And so those are those costs.
Summary: The Committee on Ways and Means convened to discuss several proposed bills, including HB4044, HB103, and HB3045, focusing on tax reform and support for local development initiatives. Representative Troxler introduced a committee substitute for HB103, which was subsequently adopted without objection, demonstrating consensus on its merits. HB3045 sought to incentivize spaceport operations with franchise tax breaks for contracts related to the Department of Defense, emphasizing Texas's commitment to lead in the aerospace industry. The meeting concluded with discussions around the importance of the Property Value Study (PBS) and its impact on equitable taxation, with members addressing concerns about the effective administration of property appraisals and future legislative actions.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance May 14th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And that the tax break is well worth it because of the cost of re-stimulation?
  • ...their costs from generated fees.
  • that would be vendor-related IT costs.
  • So this is going to cost, we think, $27 million in the first year.
  • It is a struggle just to meet the ever-increasing cost of daily life.
Summary: The meeting covered multiple bills, primarily focusing on House Bill 2802, which relates to the Austin Firefighter Retirement Fund Pension, and House Bill 1056 regarding the establishment of gold and silver as legal tender in Texas. Senator Schwartner introduced several committee substitutes aimed at improving provisions in these bills, with the committee discussing amendments and seeking public testimony on the implications of these changes. Notably, the discussion highlighted varying perspectives on the use of gold as a currency and its constitutional implications, eliciting significant public and legislative engagement.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 8th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I realize, and I'm asking this knowing that the cost to the state...
  • Most cost-efficient.
  • IT costs have gone up and have created rising pressures on institutions.
  • low, but our costs continue to go up and up and up.
  • Yet, rising costs often put pressure on us to prioritize.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on several significant bills including HB271, HB3326, HB4066, and HB2853. Notably, Representative Tenderholt raised concerns about the substantial increase in student fees proposed in HB2853, emphasizing that the increase could impact low-income students disproportionately. Discussions also revolved around the administrative corrections needed for HB271, where it was confirmed that the committee substitute was adopted before reporting favorably. The atmosphere of the meeting was engaged, with various representatives expressing their views and offering insights into the implications of the proposed legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Agriculture & Livestock Jul 21st, 2025 at 01:07 pm

House Agriculture & Livestock Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • The eradication efforts cost stakeholders tens of millions of dollars.
  • We understand the cost, I think, a little bit. Can you talk about the timeline?
  • of prevention up front is the most cost-effective choice.
  • The financial impact would be an increase in production costs of 25 to 30%, assuming sunk costs are fully
  • Let's remember, we have the cost of building the facility, but we also have the cost of...
Summary: The meeting of the committee focused on the urgent issue of the New World Screwworm and its implications for Texas agriculture. Members heard urgent testimonies emphasizing the need for funding and resources to combat the potential spread of this pest, which poses severe threats to livestock and wildlife. Many representatives voiced concerns about the inadequacy of current sterile fly production capacities and the potential economic impact on the state's ranchers and farmers, with estimates suggesting losses could reach billions. Discussions also included coordination efforts among state and federal agencies to prevent the introduction and spread of the pest, with a notable emphasis on the importance of public awareness and rapid response strategies.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Apr 17th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • marker="49" data-time="288"> The result is that there are few retailers in our rural areas due to the cost
  • Wage disparity, inflation, and the cost of living and

  • state health care costs.
  • These are both cost-saving but also care-appropriate pathways for some individuals.
  • It is a cost-saving strategy, not a cost-amplifying strategy, and here's why.
Summary: The meeting revolved around critical discussions regarding health-related bills, particularly focusing on women's health and food access issues highlighted in HB1786 and HB231. Representative Howard proposed HB1786 to reinstate the Women's Health Advisory Committee, emphasizing its necessity to address women's healthcare challenges in Texas due to the dissolution of the committee, which had previously facilitated valuable collaboration among healthcare providers. The discussions included testimonials from various stakeholders including health professionals and representatives from advocacy groups, all supporting the need for an advisory body that could effectively address women's health concerns. Additionally, there was strong support for HB231, which aims to study the impact of food deserts on vulnerable populations, as articulated by Representative Morales, making a case for equitable access to nutritious food across the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Ways & Means Mar 17th, 2025 at 01:00 pm

House Ways & Means Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This benefits consumers in the form of reduced costs for associated products.
  • There's zero cost to the state on your bill, correct?
  • So to me, the cost would also be affected.
  • But how much does it cost?

    I don't know.

  • A little bit about cost.
Summary: The meeting of the committee was dominated by discussions surrounding House Bill 134, which proposes a shift from origin-based sales tax sourcing to destination-based sourcing in Texas. This bill generated significant debate among committee members and witnesses, with several city representatives expressing strong opposition due to the potential financial impact on their municipalities. Concerns were raised that the bill could lead to the loss of millions in sales tax revenue, which is crucial for funding essential services like public safety, infrastructure, and local development initiatives. As the discussion progressed, the chairman emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of the bill's implications on all economic stakeholders, while supporters of the bill argued for its potential to streamline tax regulations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Natural Resources (Part I) Mar 12th, 2025

Senate Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • In 2024, the Railroad Commission plugged 1,012 wells at a cost

  • The committee substitute adds a bonding option for the cost of plugging each inactive well according
  • ...the market cost; it just pulls the rig off someone else
  • Doing things we've never done before, like looking at the bonding cost on each well.
  • What is it going to cost?

Summary: The meeting centered around the discussion of SB1150, which is designed to address the issue of inactive wells in Texas. Senator Middleton presented the bill, highlighting the concerns surrounding the current regulations that allow wells to remain inactive indefinitely, which poses various risks to health, safety, and the environment. The proposed legislation includes requirements for owners to plug or return inactive wells to production after certain timelines, with a compliance plan to be evaluated by the Railroad Commission. Several stakeholders participated in the discussion, expressing their support and emphasizing the importance of addressing the rising costs associated with orphaned wells and the financial burden on taxpayers. The bill is seen as a critical step toward sustainable oil and gas management in Texas.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • is a perfect storm going on right now with the tariffs, which I oppose, the proposed tariffs, input costs
  • As the tariffs take effect and the cost of groceries rise...
  • Many programs are challenged just like consumers with increased costs in all these areas.
  • lunches that you're in charge of, I'm sure you do have to think about cost a little bit.
  • How does the cost of milk formulate into that school lunch program as you think about the cost of the
Bills: SB222
Summary: This meeting of the committee focused primarily on the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, S222, which aims to permit schools to offer a fuller range of milk options, including whole, reduced, and low-fat varieties, that have garnered bipartisan support. Chairman Bozeman opened the session by highlighting concerns over children's nutrition and the obesity epidemic, emphasizing the significance of nutritious school meals in addressing these issues. Experts from various organizations were invited to discuss the implications of this bill as well as the current challenges facing school meal programs, including budget constraints and food supply issues. The meeting included passionate testimonies about the direct impacts of current dietary guidelines and federal funding reductions affecting schools' abilities to provide healthy meal options.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Land & Resource Management Apr 3rd, 2025 at 10:30 am

House Land & Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • But if we just sit here and add 60 days to the process, it's adding quite a bit of cost.
  • Delays in the approval process can stall growth, raise costs, and deter investment.
  • The cost of the land represents about 25% to 30% of the cost of housing.
  • of acquiring the home, it's the cost of maintaining ownership of the home.
  • About 42% of respondents in Texas suburbs say the cost of housing is a major issue.
Summary: The meeting featured public testimonies from various stakeholders, including mayors from small cities who described the difficulties of rapid development with limited staff and resources. They highlighted the importance of balancing property rights and groundwater management while planning for sustainable growth. The discussions were robust, addressing the challenges of infrastructure demands stemming from growth and the necessary partnerships between local governments and developers. Overall, the meeting showcased the committee's engagement with community concerns regarding local governance and sustainable development practices.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • For many years, the reimbursement methodology was insufficient to cover our costs.
  • Dollars per patient per day, which only covered it and allowed us to keep our doors open by shifting costs
  • Our rates to validate that our costs were covered.
  • Any adjustments made to the client costs and services will be based on our actual costs and comply with
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

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part III) Feb 26th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of operations grows, and insurance costs grow, liability, on and on.
  • And I have the cost to the state.

  • an annual cost to our teachers of just $2 a month.
  • Minimum dollar cost.

  • As a matter of fact, the rising costs that all Texans are facing in their day-to-day lives.
Summary: During this meeting, the Texas Senate discussed the pivotal CSSB26, aimed at addressing the rights and compensation of public school educators. The bill represents a significant shift in financial support for teachers, marking a historic commitment to permanently allocate resources for teacher salaries while removing existing constraints on district funding. Senator Creighton emphasized the need for comprehensive support not only for teachers but also for support staff such as librarians, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers. The meeting notably featured discussions on the implementation of the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) and the introduction of new protection measures aimed at enhancing the teaching environment and ensuring educator safety.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • but is notorious for intellectual property theft, making its research and development costs even faster
  • That ends up almost always with the best result, both from a capability and cost to the government.
  • I think at some point in time it becomes a cost-benefit analysis as we bring on additional fifth and
  • The consequences are enormous to the taxpayer, the cost.
  • ...and increased costs for the Navy.
Summary: The meeting primarily focused on military procurement and modernization, with significant discussions surrounding the Air Force's capabilities and strategic needs. Key topics included the urgent need for recapitalization of the Air Force's fighter squadrons, as well as the importance of integrating new technologies like autonomous systems to bolster military effectiveness. Several senators raised concerns about the current resources available to the Air National Guard and the potential loss of skilled service members if recapitalization plans are not swiftly developed. There were also discussions on the importance of maintaining air superiority in light of evolving threats, particularly from adversaries like China.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Agriculture & Livestock Apr 8th, 2025 at 02:00 pm

House Agriculture & Livestock Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • "2106">Its efficiency is crucial to the fresh produce industry where faster transportation reduces costs
  • These mandates often go beyond what is reasonable or necessary and place an additional cost and burden
  • ...that they're costing the citizens and landowners.
  • Yet it costs us money every time we go out there to mow easements and right-of-ways.
  • It would cost you way more to do that than it would just to go clean the mess up.
Bills: HB2013, HB4163, HB4810
Summary: The meeting of the Agriculture and Livestock Committee mainly centered around discussions regarding three bills: HB4810, HB2013, and HB4163. Notable emphasis was placed on HB4810, which seeks to renew the Trade Agriculture Inspection Grant Program due to its critical role in ensuring the efficient flow of agricultural goods between Texas and Mexico. Testimonies from various stakeholders highlighted the importance of cross-border trade and the economic impact of agricultural imports, which supports thousands of jobs and ensures a reliable food supply. The committee members engaged in thoughtful deliberations about the necessity of maintaining and expanding the program to accommodate rising trade volumes and local agricultural needs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Education K-16 Apr 22nd, 2025

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Coaches are incentivized, obviously, to win at all costs.
  • This has resulted in significant costs to taxpayers.
  • The cost to taxpayers is significant.
  • Especially on the cost side, is that a fair assessment?
  • You've heard about tuition costs, but non-tuition costs are just as big of a challenge for today's Texans
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Education Committee was marked by intense discussions surrounding several key pieces of legislation, particularly focusing on SB1798, which seeks to repeal the Texas DREAM Act. Advocates for the bill argued that it is important to restrict state financial aid to individuals unlawfully present in the United States, asserting that taxpayer resources should primarily benefit legal residents. Conversely, numerous witnesses testified against SB1798, emphasizing the economic contributions of Texas DREAMers and the long-standing positive impacts of the existing DREAM Act on Texas communities and workforce. The heated debate highlighted the stark divisions surrounding immigration policies and their implications on education and opportunity for young Texans who have grown up in the state. The meeting concluded with SB1798 left pending, awaiting further consideration, signifying ongoing concerns and unresolved sentiments among committee members.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Finance May 7th, 2025

Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • > A starting point in a conversation, but the practical application is looking at the water supply cost
  • The minimum cost to start a desalination project or the minimum cost to develop a small pipeline network
  • If we did a civil engineering cost analysis of a standard water project.
  • If we looked at it like a reservoir project, I'd like to see just an idea of what our cost breakdown
  • We've heard it referred to several times in the form of growing capital costs in the state water plan
Bills: HB3077, HJR2, HJR7
Summary: The meeting focused on HJR7, with substantial discussions surrounding Texas' dire water infrastructure needs and proposed funding allocations. The committee, led by Chairman Perry, emphasized the necessity for a dedicated funding source to address an estimated $154 billion required for both water supply projects and repairing aging infrastructure. Witnesses, including executives from various engineering and environmental organizations, testified about the critical state of Texas' water systems and the anticipated shortfall of 6.8 million acre-feet of water annually by 2070. Testimony highlighted the urgency of implementing strategies such as desalination and flood mitigation to secure Texas' future water resources.

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