Clayton Steele — Clayton Steele is introduced as the gubernatorial appointee to the Board of Environmental Quality, and he then begins his testimony by identifying himself, stating that he lives in Lewiston, Idaho, and providing background on his work history and board service.
Clayton Steele — Said he has not run into a conflict of interest.
Mr. Steele — The committee introduces Mr. Steele, asks him to explain his background and confirm whether he is being reappointed to the board, and then follows up by asking about his experience on the board and what challenges he sees in that role.
Mark Harris — Senator Harris asks Mr. Steele to speak louder because the microphone is quiet.
Melissa Wintrow — Senator Wintrow asks what is rewarding about serving on the board and why he wants to do it.
Melissa Wintrow — Melissa Wintrow raised a series of related questions and concerns about the department’s funding practices, including where the $1 million used in the 3% holdback came from, how dedicated vaccine/prevention funds were being treated, and whether pass-through funding was being counted toward the holdback. She expressed concern about this approach and said legislators should dig further into the fund to better understand its use and legislative intent.
Camille Blaylock — Senator Camille Blaylock is called on and then immediately begins asking a question about the Perpetua situation and state regulation, following the witness’s comments on rural approvals and impacts.
Camille Blaylock — Senator Camille Blaylock asks about the Idaho Home Visiting Program, including budget language, funding, and whether the program is being moved to another department. The discussion continues as others respond directly to her question and reference it in follow-up remarks, keeping the focus on the same program and its administration.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — Senator Zuiderveld asks whether Mr. Steele has faced any conflict of interest due to his work at Clearwater Paper and board service.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — Glenneda Zuiderveld discusses the home visiting program, addressing Senator Blaylock while explaining the program’s background and legislative history, including how legislators intended the funding to function as pass-through money.
Julie VanOrden — Thanked Mr. Steele and said the committee usually votes on his reappointment at the next meeting, which will be tomorrow.
Julie VanOrden — Welcomed the presenters and asked them to introduce themselves for the record.
Julie VanOrden — Addressed as Madam Chair during the procedural pause and invitation to proceed.
Julie VanOrden — Addressed as Madam Chair.
Julie VanOrden — Addressed as Madam Chair.
Ms. Williamson — Welcomed to the committee; later identified as Alex Williamson.
Ms. Williamson — The discussion centers on Ms. Williamson’s explanation of the funding. She is first referenced as having explained the short timeline for the funds, then the senator asks her to clarify the operating expenditures and intended uses of the money. Ms. Williamson responds that she does not have the application in front of her but begins describing how the funding is intended to be used.
Ms. Poloni — Ms. Poloni is introduced to the committee, with her name pronunciation clarified, and she is identified as a colleague accompanying the presenter for a Department of Health and Welfare discussion.
Ms. Poloni — Ms. Poloni is introduced as the next presenter who will discuss agency budget assignments, and shortly afterward she is acknowledged by Senator Blaylock as the presenter.
Ms. Poloni — Referenced as a contact for questions about the individual divisions.
Alex Williamson — Identified herself as a budget and policy analyst with Legislative Services and said she would present on the Department of Health and Welfare with Ms. Poloni.
Alex Williamson — Introduced the remainder of the Department of Health and Welfare budget presentation.
Morgan Poloni — Introduced herself as a budget policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office.
Ms. Williams — Addressed by the senator in the question.
Brian Lenney — Brian Lenney was invited to ask a question and responded that he had many questions, but felt they would be more appropriately directed to the department rather than LSO.