Brandon Shippy — Asked Cruz about prior legislation enabling the state, after praising his background.
Brandon Shippy — Asked what criteria would be used to evaluate whether precious metals would be wise or appropriate for public funds.
Brandon Shippy — Was thanked for the question.
Brandon Shippy — Asked Mr. Cruz for his perspective on the federal debt.
Brandon Shippy — Assigned Department of Administration.
Ben Adams — Introduced himself as the senator for District 12 in Nampa.
Ben Adams — Ben Adams opened his remarks to Christian and then asked him to name one nice thing about San Diego, mentioning that his son was born there and contrasting it with Idaho.
Ben Adams — Assigned Idaho Lottery.
Treg Bernt — Introduced himself as from Pocatello and said he represents District 21 in Meridian.
Treg Bernt — Identified as the vice chair of the committee.
Treg Bernt — Thanked for the introduction of the new secretary.
Treg Bernt — Mentioned as having given Chase the highest recommendations.
Treg Bernt — Said to have given Chase the highest recommendations.
Treg Bernt — Referenced as the Vice Chair who would take over to talk about rules.
Jim Guthrie — Introduced himself as serving District 28 and noted that Senator Bernt is his vice chair.
Jim Guthrie — Jim Guthrie thanked the pages for their service, then continued the exchange by reflecting on his earlier response to the page's question and acknowledging Megan Ronk's career and willingness to serve in various capacities. The overall moment is a brief, appreciative discussion recognizing service and dedication.
Ben Toews — Introduced himself as District 4 and described it as the Coeur d'Alene area.
Ben Toews — Assigned Public Safety Commission.
Mark Harris — Introduced himself as representing District 35 along the Wyoming border and listed counties in his district.
Mark Harris — Called on to ask a question.
Mark Harris — Asked Chase Van Epps what he wants to pursue in college.
Mark Harris — Was thanked and jokingly described as a comedian.
Mark Harris — Mark Harris praised the quality of gubernatorial appointees and singled out Ms. Ronk for her service and dedication, including her work with the Idle Meth Project. The exchange then continued with others thanking him for his kind remarks about Ronk.
Mark Harris — His earlier comments about the talent pool were echoed by the chair.
Mark Harris — Assigned Idaho State Police.
Chase Van Epps — Chase Van Epps is introduced as the first page to speak and then introduces himself as a West Jefferson High School student in Mud Lake, Idaho. He expresses excitement about being there, mentions interest in communications, journalism, or political science, answers a hypothetical about spending a week by saying he would go to the beach and attend a concert, and asks Senator Ruchti about serving as a minority in a supermajority committee. He is later referenced as having received strong recommendations from Senator Bernt's area.
Christian Fusco — Christian Fusco is introduced as the next page/witness and then introduces himself, saying he is originally from San Diego and moved to Eagle, Idaho four years ago. He explains that he is considering law school or studying biology to become an orthodontist, and that the page program may help him decide between political science and biology. He also mentions enjoying the views, beach, surfing, and growth opportunities in San Diego, and closes by asking the chair what part of the job makes the hard work worthwhile.
Megan Ronk — Megan Ronk introduced herself and outlined her background in Mountain Home, education at the College of Idaho, and extensive public service in state government, including work for Governors Kempthorne and Otter and her current role at Idaho Power. She noted that she is a mother of two and has served on the Human Rights Commission since 2008. Ronk explained why the commission matters to her, emphasizing that she has not personally experienced discrimination and that the commission provides an important forum for complaints, fact-finding, and fair decision-making. In response to committee questions, she described the commission’s process for investigating complaints, interviewing both complainants and respondents, assessing whether claims meet the legal threshold, and often using training or education even when cause is not found. She also stated that complaints outside the commission’s statutory authority are dismissed. The exchange concluded with thanks from the committee and notice that her reappointment would be voted on at the next meeting.
Abby — Staff member asked to be notified if a senator wants to carry the confirmation on the floor.
Salvador Cruz — Salvador Cruz was introduced as the gubernatorial nominee under consideration and then gave his opening testimony. He identified himself as the nominee to the Treasurer’s Investment Advisory Committee and described his current position as Financial Institutions Bureau Chief and interim director of the Idaho Department of Finance, noting the department’s broad scope. He then provided background on his upbringing in Rock Springs, Wyoming, his education in South Dakota, and his early work in retail banking before moving to the U.S. Treasury’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. He discussed his experience during the financial crisis and his roles as a capital markets specialist and subject matter expert in areas such as commercial real estate, agricultural lending, and funds management. He concluded by saying this background likely led to his nomination, thanked the governor for the appointment, and indicated he was ready to answer questions.
Mr. Cruz — Mr. Cruz responds to questions about how to judge whether precious metals or other assets are appropriate for public funds, explaining that the Treasurer’s Investment Advisory Board is bound by the prudent investor rule and must ensure investments are prudent and meet state requirements. He says that if the legislature and governor authorize gold or precious metals, the board would consider them, but he would prefer assets that generate returns and avoid taking unnecessary risk with Idaho citizens’ idle funds. He then broadens the discussion to warn about the unsustainable growth of the national debt, its impact on purchasing power and the ability to buy goods and services at reasonable prices, and notes that while the U.S. dollar remains the world’s reserve currency, that status is changing. The exchange concludes with praise for his qualifications and willingness to serve.
Lori Hartog — Lori Hartog is introduced as the chair hands over the gavel, then she opens with an apology for being late and says it is her second year on State Affairs. She expresses appreciation for serving on the committee, says the group has the knowledge, diversity, and experience to handle the difficult issues ahead, makes a brief personal aside about having another new driver later in the year, and later notes that she gave Senator Den Hartog the temporary rules.
Ms. Ronk — Referenced as someone whose family-centered remarks were similar to Senator Den Hartog's.
James Ruchti — Assigned Secretary of State.
Brandon Shippy — Introduced himself as representing District 9 and described the district geography.
Brandon Shippy — Referenced as representing the long Oregon border.
Brandon Shippy — Thanked Chase for serving and asked what he would do with one week to do anything he wanted.
Brandon Shippy — Senator Brandon Shippy questioned Megan Ronk about how the commission balances enforcement with due process, whether it has ever declined to act when a matter fell outside its statutory authority, and how such decisions are made. The discussion then continued into whether complaint types have changed over time or increased in volume, building on the same broader inquiry into the commission’s practices and trends.
James Ruchti — Introduced himself as being from Pocatello, District 29, and said 'go Bengals.'
James Ruchti — James Ruchti is asked about serving as a minority member in a supermajority committee and responds that it is exciting to speak his mind as a minority party member and that he can be more unfiltered in that role.