Ben Adams — Addressed by the speaker in the committee discussion; likely Senator Ben Adams based on the member list.
Ben Adams — Senator Adams was asked whether he had any closing remarks and stated that he did not.
Chris Bruce — Representative Bruce moves to approve the minutes from May 26, 2026.
Chris Bruce — Referenced as having been on a subcommittee call earlier in the week regarding the event.
— Jan is referenced as part of the ongoing discussion, but the full identity is unclear from the transcript.
— Jan is addressed directly in the discussion about the Liberty Bell schedule and community interest.
— The committee is asking questions of the speakers; the transcript is unclear on 'Cruz' and likely refers to Ellsworth and another speaker.
— Jan is referenced as someone who may have more information about tribal participation.
— Jan will follow up after the meeting on the Liberty Bell truck issue.
— Jan's office is involved in building the interactive map.
— During the discussion of parade-day logistics, Treasurer Ellsworth was referenced, and Secretary McGrane asked whether the bell would be louder when it returns.
Joe Palmer — Joe Palmer was with the speaker at the Freedom Truck this morning.
Carly May — Carly May is introduced as the hired event planner assisting with the work, and she is further described as helping plan local events and managing the schedule and handoffs involved.
Carolyn Hawley — Tentatively identified as an MC to help with event flow and transitions.
Chad Marvin — Chad Marvin, along with Ellie May, was identified as having specifically requested additional funding, later clarified as an additional $2,000 to $3,000 in compensation for performing.
Ellie May — Ellie May, along with Chad Marvin, was identified as a performer who had specifically requested additional funding. The discussion clarified that they were seeking an additional $2,000 to $3,000 in compensation for performing.
Edward Hill — Said he did not want to approve an override until seeing actual dollars spent, though he suggested using rooms in the Capitol building to make people comfortable.
Edward Hill — Invited to comment on the funding issue.
Edward Hill — Asked for the override cost for the paramedics.
Edward Hill — Referenced in a follow-up question about the budget and whether receipts exist to support the expense.
Edward Hill — Said over $30,000 of the available amount came from fundraising her office did and expressed concern about giving a blank check.
C. Grow — Called on after the follow-up discussion about the funding request.
C. Grow — Asked for a breakdown of the $10,000 request and the $1,500 paramedic cost.
C. Grow — Addressed in the explanation of the funding request.
C. Grow — Asked how much funding remains available at the committee's disposal.
C. Grow — Called on again as the discussion moved toward a motion.
C. Grow — Asked whether the co-chair could make motions and then made a motion for an additional $10,000 appropriation.
James Ruchti — Said the request was being handled in a fiscally responsible manner and made the motion.
James Ruchti — Responded that the project was under budget compared to projected costs.
James Ruchti — Referenced as having recognized the dedicated nature of the funding.
James Ruchti — Sought to keep the discussion focused on the capital celebration.
James Ruchti — Withdrew the prior motion and indicated he would make a clarifying motion.
James Ruchti — Moved to appropriate $10,000 in spending authority for the America 250 capital celebration for specified costs.
James Ruchti — Had his motion repeated for clarity.
Jim Guthrie — Senator Guthrie is part of a continuous discussion in which he seconded a motion, was thanked after the motion carried, and was subsequently thanked for asking questions and seeking information about the program and the Great American State Fair.
Dori Healey — Treasurer Ellsworth and others discuss whether the project came in under budget, noting that costs did not fall below $131,000 and that prior expenses and unapproved work produced no clear benefit. Ellsworth raises concerns about repeated overruns, argues that some expenses have not yielded results, and points to additional costs—around $10,000 and later $20,000—as evidence of ongoing budget overruns and contract issues.
Doug Okuniewicz — Asked to compare the appropriation with the projected costs.
Doug Okuniewicz — Explained that the original request was $177,000 and that the committee ultimately funded $131,000.
Doug Okuniewicz — Was asked to respond to concerns about prior expenses and unapproved work.
Doug Okuniewicz — Defended the work done, said it was for the office, and said the focus was to ensure Idaho celebrates America 250.
Doug Okuniewicz — Emphasized that the funding is dedicated to the America 250 capital celebration and rejected the idea of a blank check.
Doug Okuniewicz — Said the office was working hard to make the event successful despite criticism.
Doug Okuniewicz — Was part of the dispute over whether the work had been pre-approved.
Doug Okuniewicz — Raised the issue of contingency planning for inclement weather and its impact on performers and events.
Doug Okuniewicz — Asked whether the event should be rescheduled or canceled if weather makes it unsafe.
Doug Okuniewicz — Sought committee input on how to handle a bad weather day.
Janet Gallimore — Identified herself as being with the State Historical Society and reported on the Our American Story booth.
Brandon Mitchell — Thanked for being able to join the event in Twin Falls.
Director Gallagher — Explained that the new bell clapper is sizable, will have a leather covering, and they will make sure the bell works.