Clayton Steele — Clayton Steele’s appointment to the Board of Environmental Quality is introduced, and he then identifies himself, says he lives in Lewiston, and describes his background in air quality, rulemaking, and environmental regulation. He explains that his experience gives him insight into how DEQ permitting works both internally and from the regulated side, which he says allows him to bring a balanced perspective to the board. He also discusses a major board challenge involving a perpetual contested-case issue, notes his pride in helping move grant and loan money through rural approvals to communities, and says the board unanimously adopted the hearing officer’s recommendation in that matter.
Mr. Steele / Clayton Steele — The chair introduces Mr. Steele, thanks him for appearing, and asks about his background and whether this is a reappointment. The discussion then continues with questions about challenges on the board, including a brief note that his microphone is quiet, and concludes with a broader question about what he finds rewarding about serving on the board and the board’s purpose.
Mark Harris — Senator Harris is identified as having a question for Mr. Steele.
Christy Zito — A question is attributed to Senator Winterowd; likely a transcription error for a member name.
Christy Zito — Senator Blaylock is addressed and then asks follow-up questions about the Idaho Home Visiting Programs, specifically whether funding was removed or redirected to another department.
Camille Blaylock — Senator Blaylock is introduced as the next questioner and then asks Clayton Steele about the Perpetua situation and how state regulation applies.
Mr. Steele — Mr. Steele stated that he has not encountered any conflict of interest while serving on the board and working for Clearwater Paper. The committee then thanked him for appearing and noted that his reappointment would be voted on at the next meeting.
Ms. Williamson — Welcomed to committee as part of the budget presentation.
Ms. Williamson — Poloni indicates she will pass the presentation back to Williamson after questions.
Ms. Williamson — The discussion centers on Ms. Williamson’s explanation of the funding. The speaker notes that the funds have a short time limit and may revert if not used, then directs a question to Ms. Williamson for examples of allowable operating expenditures. Ms. Williamson responds that she does not have the state’s application in front of her but is addressing the intended uses of the funding.
Ms. Poloni — Ms. Poloni is introduced during the budget presentation and welcomed to committee as Williamson’s colleague participating in the presentation.
Ms. Poloni — Ms. Poloni explained that the Idaho Home Visiting Program was converted to a one-time appropriation and consists of two funding components: a $1 million general fund transfer and a federal grant. She further clarified that the $1 million is part of the general fund and included in the overall program funding.
Ms. Poloni — The speaker references Ms. Poloni as a contact for questions about the divisions.
Alex Williamson — Identified himself as a budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services and introduced the presentation.
Alex Williamson — Referenced as the other analyst who will present and who is being asked to speak up.
Alex Williamson — Introduces the remainder of the Department of Health and Welfare budget presentation.
Morgan Poloni — Introduced herself as a budget policy analyst with Legislative Services Office.
Melissa Wintrow — Senator Wintrow is recognized by the chair and asks a follow-up question about the $1 million used as part of the 3% holdback. Senator Blaylock responds with discussion of the Home Visiting Program, expressing concern about how the program funds are being treated and suggesting legislators need to dig further into the fund to better understand it.
Morgan — Addressed directly by the speaker, who says the concern is not directed at Morgan personally.
Ms. Williams — The senator addresses Ms. Williams while asking for clarification.