ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights

In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins breaks down the first major committee and floor deadlines of the 2026 legislative season. With early cutoffs now hitting in Florida, Virginia, Wisconsin and Mississippi, Ashley walks listeners through which key education bills are still advancing — and which proposals may be losing momentum.

This quick update highlights the policies that cleared critical early hurdles, the measures still in play and the dynamics shaping each state’s next phase of legislative action. Listeners get a clear and timely snapshot of what’s alive, what’s at risk and what to watch as these states move deeper into their sessions.

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In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins explores Florida’s evolving approach to strengthening pathways that connect students from high school to postsecondary education, careers and long-term economic opportunity. Ashley is joined by Nathan Hoffman, Senior Legislative Director at ExcelinEd in Action and Director at the Foundation for Florida’s Future, to discuss the policy priorities shaping Florida’s higher education and workforce agenda this legislative session.

As lawmakers consider a broad slate of proposals, Florida is placing increased emphasis on return-on-investment accountability, workforce alignment and transparency across education systems. The conversation highlights how policymakers are working to ensure college programs and credentials are connected to real labor market demand and that students and families have access to clearer information about outcomes, costs and career opportunities.

As Florida’s legislative session enters its final stretch, this episode offers insight into how policymakers are working to build stronger connections between education and the workforce—and what other states can learn from Florida’s efforts to improve postsecondary outcomes for students and families.

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In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins breaks down the fast-paced end of New Mexico's short legislative session, highlighting the key education bills that crossed the finish line — and the proposals that fell short. Ashley then shifts to a status check on several other states, where major education policies are still moving as each state approaches critical procedural deadlines.

With a focus on policy outcomes, emerging trends and what to watch next, this episode gives listeners a clear, timely snapshot of where important K–12 legislation stands across several high-activity states.

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In this episode of Statehouse Spotlights, host Ashley Mullins takes a closer look at New Mexico’s renewed effort to strengthen early math instruction and improve student outcomes across the state. Ashley is joined by Senator William Soules, Chair of the New Mexico Senate Education Committee, to discuss the state’s comprehensive early numeracy initiative and why early math has become a legislative priority.

Building on last year’s Senate Bill 235, New Mexico’s approach includes universal K–3 math screening, Individual Mathematics Improvement Plans for students who need additional support, stronger preparation for numeracy instruction and meaningful parent notification and engagement. The conversation explores how early identification and targeted intervention can help prevent students from falling behind before middle school, and how accountability measures will ensure the initiative delivers measurable results.

As math proficiency remains a challenge nationwide, New Mexico’s strategy offers lessons for other states looking to strengthen early numeracy systems while empowering educators and families. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how thoughtful policy design, strong implementation and sustained leadership can help ensure more students build the foundational math skills they need to thrive.

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In this episode of Statehouse Spotlight, host Ashley Mullins breaks down the fast-moving start to the 2026 state legislative sessions, where education policy is already front and center. As lawmakers introduce their early priorities, states are seeing quick action on proposals related to distraction-free learning policies, K-12 literacy, math and more.

Ashley highlights which bills are gaining early traction, where sessions are already approaching adjournment and the common themes emerging across multiple states. She also previews what listeners can expect in the weeks ahead, including deeper conversations with policymakers advancing major reforms. This brief update provides listeners with key insights into the policies shaping the year ahead and a preview of K-12 policy for what’s to come in this dynamic new season of Statehouse Spotlights.

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