Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'entrepreneur programs'

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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:
  • So the Army has a program.
  • This is a two-part program.
  • We have a Veteran Entrepreneur Program, which was started under Governor Abbott's leadership.
  • The Veteran Entrepreneur Program served over 14,000 veterans in this way.
  • So this program was created.
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

Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article III

Transcript Highlights:
  • and to increase the capacity of the Bachelor of Nursing program.
  • We have been able to expand our allied health programs, including our nursing and new EMT programs.
  • Our credit program, as you can see from the document, is up over 50%, and our non-credit workforce program
  • These hands-on programs help.
  • vocational programs.
Summary: The meeting primarily revolved around discussions on higher education funding, workforce development, and new program initiatives addressing critical shortages in Texas. Various university representatives presented requests for funds to support expansion in nursing, engineering, and technical programs aimed at meeting the demands of a changing job market. A strong emphasis was placed on the importance of combatting healthcare and workforce shortages, particularly in nursing and STEM fields, with calls for increased funding for institutional enhancements and support for significant projects like new education centers and degree programs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Apr 7th, 2025 at 11:00 am

House S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Those would fit in the program.
  • The program, unlike programs operated by the Department of
  • produce to evaluate the program by two years.
  • reports on the program.
  • Forum National Veterans Outreach Program with the understanding of starting a mental health program.
Summary: The meeting convened to discuss a range of bills pertinent to veterans' issues, including housing, mental health, and memorial designations. Representative Lopez took a leading role in presenting several bills, most notably HB2210, which aims to formally recognize the United States Space Force within Texas laws. Concerns were expressed over ensuring that Space Force veterans receive the same benefits as those from other military branches. Various resource witnesses contributed their expertise to underline the necessity of these initiatives. The public also had opportunities to provide testimony regarding the impact of these measures on veterans' welfare. Discussions frequently centered on challenges such as homelessness among veterans, with several bills introduced to address these issues directly. The committee expressed a strong intention to advocate for veterans' needs through legislation, with notable support for bills that addressed housing affordability and mental health services. HB2061, which honors a fallen service member, was also discussed, reinforcing the community's commitment to recognizing the sacrifices made by those who served. The meeting concluded with motions to schedule multiple bills for further consideration with unanimous support.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Corrections Apr 16th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Corrections Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We do that, again, so that we can offer programming

  • literature as education programs.
  • In terms of ROI, you get $1.61 back for every taxpayer dollar invested in a college-level program.
  • Programs in prison.
  • college-level programs.
Summary: The committee meeting was focused primarily on voting and discussions surrounding a range of house bills, particularly those related to criminal justice reform and the structure of educational programs within correctional facilities. Significant bills discussed included HB1828 on legislative leave for correctional officers and HB5261, which aims to transfer the administration of post-secondary education for inmates from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to the Windham School District. The committee members expressed varying levels of support for the bills and highlighted the need for improvements in the correctional system, particularly in education and health standards for inmates. Additionally, public testimony underscored the urgency of air conditioning in prison facilities, citing recent court findings regarding extreme temperatures as a violation of inmates' rights.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are there other federal programs that are attached to this at all?
  • So there was a small tuition set-aside program before...
  • That program does still exist.
  • So the Pell Grant program, being the largest of the federal programs, the SEOG is a small...
  • programs.
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

Higher Education Apr 15th, 2025 at 10:04 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • I later discovered the PASS program at Texas A&M, a post-secondary program specifically designed for
  • on the EmPOWER program.
  • More programs are needed.
  • or undergraduate programs?
  • , engineering programs that we...
Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on several bills related to education and public safety. Notable discussions included HB1105, which seeks to provide EMS employees with tuition exemptions similar to those received by firefighters and police officers, thus addressing educational parity among first responders. Representative Ward-Johnson presented the bill and highlighted the growing responsibilities of paramedics in the changing landscape of emergency services. Witnesses from the Austin EMS Association spoke in support, emphasizing the importance of quality education for EMS workers in enhancing public safety and service delivery. The committee also discussed HB1705 and HB2290, which aim to improve educational accreditation and health benefits for students, respectively, indicating a broad focus on enhancing the educational framework within the state.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Apr 15th, 2025 at 08:04 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • ...for all programs.
  • It would be interactive, allowing nursing programs to see what openings exist.
  • graduate nursing education programs.
  • There are only two of our programs in the bill: air conditioning and electricians.
  • 26,205 students in the program.
Summary: During this committee meeting, a range of bills focused on enhancing Texas's healthcare and educational workforce were discussed. Notable discussions included HB1787, which aims to improve cancer prevention through education and vaccination, with concerns raised about its implications on personal choice regarding vaccines. HB5180 addressed diploma designation issues amid institutional mergers, and students provided testimony on the emotional significance of diplomas bearing their attending institution's name. Meanwhile, the committee aggressively pursued initiatives under HB5333 to boost local STEM education and production of doctoral graduates within the state, promoting collaboration between institutions and industries to foster talent development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Business and Commerce Apr 15th, 2025

Senate Business & Commerce Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • > It instructs the PUC to consider a wide range of penalty and incentive structures to ensure the program
  • with the state, require robust compliance programs, clear
  • Retail electric providers offer demand response programs that actively reduce consumption.
  • Texas has long established utility efficiency programs, as noted earlier.
  • level to the portfolio level, as Cyrus mentioned earlier, which allows for program adjustments.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee featured extensive discussions centered around numerous bills, with a particular focus on Senate Bill 1705 concerning virtual currency kiosks. During this discussion, members expressed concerns regarding the potential for fraud and the need for regulation surrounding cryptocurrency exchanges. Testimonies from law enforcement emphasized the increase in fraud cases associated with these kiosks, leading to a consensus on the need for consumer protection measures. The committee favorably reported several other bills with unanimous votes, showcasing a collaborative effort amongst senators to address various legislative concerns effectively.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) Apr 7th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • , El Paso's $900,000 program, and Harris County's $20.5 million program.
  • Because when these programs...
  • and not the elevator program.
  • and now a New York program.
  • This program is oversupplied.
Summary: The meeting covered several significant bills, primarily focusing on enhancing transparency and accountability within local government and homeowners' associations. Notably, Senator Hinojosa introduced SB1935, aimed to reform the operations of Property Owners Association Boards, addressing concerns over insufficient representation and transparency for homeowners. The bill drew a mix of support and opposition, with testimonies highlighting the need for greater homeowner engagement in decisions affecting their communities. Additionally, SB2046 was discussed, which would enhance penalties for public officials engaging in bid rigging, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of competitive bidding processes to curb misconduct within government contracts.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Local Government (Part II) Apr 7th, 2025

Senate Local Government Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • We believe that protecting birds, wildlife, and their habitat enriches our communities through programs
  • Frustrated landowners tell me there are no programs to fund
Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government convened to discuss significant bills, primarily focusing on SB844, which seeks to reform zoning petition processes to enhance property rights and facilitate housing development. Senator Hughes, the bill's author, advocated that current laws overly empower a minority of landowners to block necessary housing advancements, asserting that such regulations hurt overall housing affordability. Concerns were raised about balancing individual property rights against community needs, with testimonies from builders and housing advocates supporting the bill's aims to streamline zoning decisions and reduce impediments to development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on County & Regional Government Mar 24th, 2025 at 10:03 am

House S/C on County & Regional Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • office report on the disbursement and compliance of grants received under the Senate Bill 22 grant program
  • But we also know comprehensive parental leave programs can also...
  • So during my first legislative session, I expanded the program to state employees.
  • My question to you is why do we not just encourage county commissioners to implement this program on
  • We seek to continue improvements in our security program to create...
Summary: During this meeting, significant discussions revolved around essential bills, including HB1646, HB605, HB2379, and HB2115. HB1646, aimed at amending the Health and Safety Code, was presented as a means to enhance the operational efficiency of emergency service districts by raising the expenditure threshold for board approval from $2,000 to $50,000. Testimonies from emergency service officials were notably in favor of the bill, highlighting the improved response times and operational flexibility it would provide. On the other hand, HB605 sought to grant the Harris County Hospital District the authority to employ and commission its peace officers, tackling the increasing concerns of workplace violence in healthcare settings, which was addressed with urgency as it aimed at improving safety for both staff and patients. The bill was left pending to allow further considerations.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Criminal Justice (Part I) Apr 8th, 2025

Senate Criminal Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • prioritize inmates waiting for parole-voted programs.
  • And so that is what we're speaking to in this area: rehabilitation programming, meaning the programs
  • programming, and some of the programming is contingent upon the parole vote.
  • Program waiting for a spot to open up in that program, but
  • And again, this is folks waiting for programming.
Summary: The meeting of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice covered several significant legislative proposals aimed at improving the efficiency and safety of the Texas criminal justice system. Lead discussions focused on SB2405, which received attention for its comprehensive approach towards modernizing the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and addressing recommendations made by the Sunset Advisory Commission. The bill includes provisions for enhanced staff planning and updated rehabilitation programs that are expected to yield substantial cost savings while promoting public safety. Senators engaged actively, expressing their support and raising questions about the implications of the proposed changes, especially concerning parole processes and facility management.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • These programs build not just entry but retention.
  • These programs provide districts and their partner Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) the opportunity
  • Own program.
  • , a program that not only...
  • This program isn't just about filling vacancies.
Summary: The committee meeting primarily addressed several education-related bills, notably focusing on strengthening teacher certification pathways and accountability measures within the Texas school system. Notable discussions revolved around Senate Bills 2252 and 2253, which aim to enhance early education and teacher preparation programs. Participants included various committee members who debated the merits of each bill and carefully considered public testimony that presented both support and concerns regarding the implications of the proposed legislation.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

Senate Education K-16 Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Here in Texas, in terms of a pilot program?
  • I would like to mention the Talking Book Program.
  • These programs make teaching a viable aspiration.
  • These programs provide districts and their partner Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) the opportunity
  • That is why I am here today to speak in support of the Grow Your Own program, a program that not only
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

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs May 6th, 2025 at 08:05 am

House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It used to be a single program.
  • Nine percent programs.
  • In fact, they don't even have to notify us about the Section 42 4% program.
  • And the 4% program... Is the county notified about that, is that correct? They are.
  • I think, though, that is kind of how this program should work. Right?
Summary: The meeting of the committee featured several active discussions regarding various bills, with notable emphasis on matters of affordable housing and local governance. House Bill 3753 was a focal point, aimed at addressing the allocation of low-income housing credits, which raised concerns among members over its implications for local communities. Representative Cunningham provided compelling arguments for the bill, emphasizing its potential benefits for teachers and residents struggling with housing issues, triggering a dialogue on transparency and accountability in housing decisions. Additionally, the committee reviewed House Bill 293, which proposed uniformity in transparency requirements across different housing tax credit programs, underscoring the complexity of legislative processes in housing development.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

S/C on Juvenile Justice Mar 4th, 2025 at 11:00 am

House S/C on Juvenile Justice

Summary: The meeting of the Subcommittee on Juvenile Justice opened with introductory remarks and set out to discuss the responsibilities and upcoming discussions on juvenile justice matters. Members expressed a commitment to addressing the serious issues faced by the juvenile population and the need for rehabilitative approaches within the system. Members recognized that the committee's work could significantly impact the lives of young individuals who enter the juvenile system, emphasizing the importance of effective programs and policies that will contribute to their rehabilitation and reduce recidivism rates. Representative Jones and other members shared insights from their experiences, reinforcing the notion that the state's juvenile system is evolving for the better and aims to align with practices from across the country that have shown positive outcomes.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

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

House Public Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • TEA oversees the early childhood education programs, TWC oversees the Child Care Service Programs, and
  • , whether it be a community-based childcare program or a public pre-K program, their world really opens
  • So with our program...
  • I am familiar with the adult charter program that you all run, and it's a great program.
  • the scholarship program.
Summary: The committee meeting featured a comprehensive discussion primarily focused on HB1188, which seeks to establish an early connection for families of children diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities to local IDD authorities. Multiple testimonies highlighted the urgent need for such a system, emphasizing how it could transform the experience of families by providing critical information and resources at the moment of diagnosis rather than at a later age. Representative Emanuel passionately presented the bill, underlining its potential to make a significant positive impact in the lives of families across Texas. Additionally, there were discussions regarding other bills related to education and child services, including HB123 and HB2310, with emphasis on the importance of early intervention and support for young children with disabilities.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • ...on bills affecting VA's programs and veterans benefits
  • ...external provider scheduling program bill but has concerns
  • language that would clearly exempt an individual deemed incompetent for purposes of the VA fiduciary program
  • We do have a comprehensive outreach program that does include
  • I've had people come to me and say, "Coach, we have a program right now that could save the VA $20 to
Summary: During the meeting, various members engaged in extensive discussions surrounding 15 proposed bills related to veterans' affairs. Notably, concerns regarding recent VA workforce changes sparked debates, particularly about potential cuts and their implications for veterans' care and benefits. Chairman Moran emphasized the need for thoughtful reforms and coordination with stakeholders, urging responsible measures to prevent negatively impacting service delivery. The meeting highlighted a significant bipartisan effort to enhance veterans' access to essential health services, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by the VA workforce. Senator Blumenthal's assertions about the urgent plight of veterans due to cuts in personnel drew strong reactions, showcasing the deep concern among committee members regarding the current state of veteran services.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Article II Feb 26th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Appropriations - S/C on Article II

Transcript Highlights:
  • There is a novel rotation program in the South Texas area.
  • Well, it's a novel program. I look forward to working with you on it. Sounds like a great idea.
  • They are great programs, and they do incredible work, but their reach is limited by funding.
  • So any cuts would only impact those programs.

  • It is imperative that programs are funded to reach

Summary: The meeting of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Article 2 featured public testimony focused on the budget and specific funding needs within various state agencies. A significant amount of discussion centered around tobacco control efforts, where multiple witnesses emphasized the need for increased funding to combat tobacco and vaping among youth. Zoe Pippin, a high school student, shared personal experiences of how vaping has impacted her peers, advocating for more educational and prevention resources to address the addiction issues in her small community. This sentiment resonated with many committee members, prompting them to consider expanding support for tobacco prevention programs.
TX

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Higher Education Mar 4th, 2025 at 08:00 am

House Higher Education Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • credential programs.
  • You mentioned scholarship programs.
  • first focus program.
  • top programs in the country.
  • program that will expand at our Physician Assistant program.
Summary: The meeting focused primarily on the transformative impact of House Bill 8, which restructured community college funding to emphasize outcomes that align with workforce needs. Dr. Brenda Kays highlighted the importance of community colleges in building Texas's economy, discussing successful partnerships that have emerged from the new framework provided by the bill. Testimonies from various representatives underscored the effectiveness of dual credit initiatives and workforce training, pointing out that increased enrollment and program development directly address regional skill gaps in high-demand fields such as healthcare and technical trades. The discussions revealed a commitment to ensuring that community colleges adapt to changing economic landscapes by equipping students with the skills necessary for sustainable employment.

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