Haley Kay Domgaard — Legislative staff member assigned to America 250; introduced the financial documents for the update.
Jim Guthrie — The discussion centers on how to structure the contract with appropriate limits and accountability. Senator Guthrie is referenced as having recommended a cap on the hourly contract, and later directly raises concerns that the arrangement needs sideboards, a clearer scope of work, and stronger accountability. In response, Secretary Ellsworth suggests language that would allow projects to be competitively bid, and the exchange continues around whether converting the relationship to an hourly contract helps narrow the scope and better define the work.
Jim Guthrie — Identified as the senator who seconded the motion.
Jim Guthrie — Senator Guthrie is involved in the committee discussion from the motion and scheduling of meeting dates through his response that he has no problem with the proposed day and wants to add a comment later. He then remarks that any early tension should be viewed as passion and offers praise for the effort behind the 250th celebration and the committee’s work, including its youth-focused approach.
Jane — The speaker describes working with Jane to prepare a bill for a requested product, saying they asked Jane for the product and that Jane revised the bill to include both the product and the time spent.
Jane — Thanked for her work and service.
Ms. Pradaki — Referenced as the coordinator who would help manage the work after decisions are made by the committee.
Chris Bruce — Asked whether a motion was needed to clarify the contract terms.
Jane Pradaki — Named in the motion to retain her on an as-needed hourly basis for legacy projects.
Jaron Crane — Referenced as part of a prior conversation with the chair about the issue.
Soñia Galaviz — Was referenced as having discussed the need for a contract and sideboards the previous week.
Soñia Galaviz — Commented on the motion and referenced Treasurer Ellsworth's remarks about the committee's purpose.
Soñia Galaviz — So Galaviz asked why the spending authority needed to be approved again, repeating the same brief question for clarification.
Soñia Galaviz — Raises a question and thanks the presenters, expressing enthusiasm for the program.
Soñia Galaviz — Expresses enthusiasm for the presentations and says she teaches separation of powers to her fifth graders.
Soñia Galaviz — The chair responds to Representative Galaviz's question and suggests contacting the subcommittee.
Soñia Galaviz — Referenced as having suggested the committee meet sooner in February to solidify plans for the celebration.
Bruce Skaug — Representative Bruce is identified as the motion maker while another member consults him to clarify the intent of the motion.
Bruce Skaug — Representative Bruce first asked unanimous consent to withdraw his previous motion, then restated the motion to retain Jane Perlacki. The motion was later carried by voice vote, after which Bruce offered a brief personal statement thanking Jane and clarifying that his remarks were not intended as criticism, emphasizing that her work was appreciated.
Dave Lent — Senator Guthrie is referenced repeatedly in a continuous discussion about how to structure the contract and maintain accountability while keeping the work moving forward and ensuring support is available.
Van Burtenshaw — The discussion focused on Treasurer Ellsworth and the treasurer’s office as the administrative channel for funding, clarifying that the office was the repository rather than the personal contract holder. It then moved to whether sideboards could be prepared and whether a contract could be created in the office, with Ellsworth indicating that such a contract could be drafted there if the arrangement were structured appropriately. The final mention continued this theme by considering whether Secretary or Treasurer Ellsworth could be authorized to make the contract.
Ms. Perlacki — Named as the person who would be paid when bills come in; likely the contractor or coordinator being discussed.
Ms. Perdaki — Referenced as the person for whom the committee is requesting work/services.
Jane Perlacki — The committee discusses and restates a motion to retain Jane Perlacki on an as-needed basis at the agency hourly rate of $125, not to exceed $8,600 per month.
Haley — Mentioned as someone who might be able to bring the committee together for decisions on projects or bids.
Matt Riber — Matt Riber, Deputy Secretary of State, was introduced to provide an update and then described efforts to take the Foundations of Freedom materials around the state in partnership with the historical society, institutions, and other local organizations to reach communities across the state.
Andrew Finstowan — Andrew Finstowan is mentioned as accompanying Matt Riber on the Foundations of Freedom Tour, being credited for his good work in partnership with the Institute, and being identified as a partner in the tour effort.
Matthew Riber — Introduced himself as Deputy Secretary of State and began an update on two projects related to the 250th celebration.
Mr. Riber — Mr. Riber confirmed Treasurer Ellsworth's understanding, invited any further questions, and then concluded his remarks by thanking the committee for the report and for the opportunity to work with them.
Secretary McGrane — Secretary McGrane outlined a comprehensive plan for a Capitol celebration tied to the Foundations of Freedom Tour and Celebration Fund grants. He described the idea of turning the parade and surrounding Capitol grounds into an all-day event, with attendees funneled toward Andrus Park and the Capitol to view floats, enjoy festivities, food trucks, vendors, and staged programming. The proposal included a small stage on the Capitol steps for speakers and performances, a second stage or concert area in the park, and a partnership with Treefort to bring in professional performers. He also discussed using the rotunda for a Declaration of Independence display and as the final stop for the Foundations and Freedom Tour, framing the whole effort as a culminating celebration. He closed by noting that the concept had advanced through collaboration with Todd, Treefort, Mike from Treefort, Representative Galaviz, and others, and began introducing the cost breakdown.
Todd Christensen — Mentioned as helping coordinate parade participants.
Todd — Noted as present and able to answer questions about the parade proposal.
Edward Hill — Referenced in discussion of how the costs should be accounted for.
Edward Hill — Addressed as the next speaker after the update on costs and insurance.
Edward Hill — Spoke in support of the culminating event and broader statewide participation.
Edward Hill — Addressed by Treasurer Ellsworth as 'SOS' and included in the discussion.
Edward Hill — Thanked for the update and referenced in the discussion of the traveling float and future planning.
Edward Hill — Addressed as the next speaker after discussion of making the proposal an action item.
Edward Hill — Gave a quick update on the Liberty Bell and related timing.
Edward Hill — Lawmakers in both chambers will see the song unveiled on Thursday.
Edward Hill — All legislators were asked to co-sponsor the service challenge and serve as honorary co-chairs.
Andrew Finstewan — Introduced himself as representing the Institute for Advancing American Values and began his update on America 250.
Andrew Finstewan — Praised for work supporting the university-related America 250 efforts; name appears with transcription error as 'Mr. Finnswre.'
Billy Graham — Referenced as the subject of a paper and as author of 'American Pilgrim.'
Thomas Paine — Referenced as the author of a long pamphlet being used in the initiative.
— Treasurer Ellsworth asked for clarification on whether there was a $20,000 appropriation for school implementation and discussed how the $650,000 development amount was being allocated among institutions, including four-year and two-year schools. The discussion then moved to a related program/website issue, noting a similar volunteerism program Ellsworth had mentioned earlier and confirming that Idaho activity would be automatically recorded on the website.
Ms. Gallimore — Ms. Gallimore was introduced to provide the America 250 State Agency Task Force update and then gave a brief report on imminent America 250 activities, including upcoming exhibits and the opening of United We Celebrate. She described a tentative May 1–2 event commemorating Initial Point in Meridian and encouraged participation in the oral history partnership by submitting stories through the website. The exchange concluded with thanks and an invitation for questions.
Hannah-Lory Hine — Introduced for the America 250 National Update.
Hannah Laurie Hine — Hannah Laurie Hine, the state historian with the Idaho State Historical Society, provided a national update on America 250-related initiatives. She introduced Freedom 250 and other White House Task Force efforts, then described America Gives as a volunteerism opportunity and noted how Idaho service hours can be submitted. She also briefly restated her name and affiliation while continuing the same presentation.
Mike Moyle — Chairman Mitchell is thanked at the end of the exchange, with both mentions serving as brief acknowledgments in the closing remarks.