Heather Scott — Asked a question about discrepancies in the consolidated fund analysis slide and budget book.
Beth Cunningham — Identified as the administrator present to answer questions.
Mr. Pree — Responded that the administrator could answer the question about fund utilization.
Administrator Cunningham — The chair invited Administrator Cunningham to come forward, identify herself, introduce staff, and provide opening remarks.
Beth — Began identifying herself, likely as Beth Cunningham, but the name is incomplete in this section.
Beth Kenningham — Identified herself as the administrator for the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and introduced Corey Brazina.
Beth Kenningham — Explained that the agency helps blind and visually impaired individuals gain employment and financial independence, and that Social Security reimbursements require appropriation authority.
Beth Kenningham — Thanked the committee and described the agency's mission and impact.
Beth Kenningham — Explained that the agency used vacant positions and salary savings in 2026 to absorb some of the holdback impact.
Beth Kenningham — Explained that the agency pays for surgeries only when individuals have no other insurance or way to pay and eligibility is need-based.
Beth Kenningham — Gave a typical example of a need-based cataract surgery case.
Corey Brazina — Introduced as the financial services manager assisting with technical financial questions.
Director Cunningham — The chair addressed the administrator as Director Cunningham while inviting questions.
Janet Gallimore — Janet Gallimore was invited to come forward and provide opening comments as the executive director.
Janet Gallimore — Janet Gallimore introduced herself as executive director of the Idaho State Historical Society and introduced accompanying staff and board members.
Janet Gallimore — Responded to questions and said she has been the director for almost 19 years.
Janet Gallimore — Thanked the committee and described the agency's consolidated structure and volunteer support.
Janet Gallimore — Was asked to explain the artifacts that would be brought in after adjournment.
Dr. Cheryl O'Brien — Introduced as board chairman for the Idaho State Historical Society.
Jessica Anderson — Introduced as president of the Foundation for Idaho History.
Dax Chisholm — Introduced as key staff.
Sondra Chad — Introduced as key staff; name may be uncertain in the transcript.
Amanda Harper — Thanked as an analyst who helped with the budget.
James Woodward — Referenced as the committee member asking about the director's tenure.
James Woodward — Asked about how the State Historical Preservation Office handles archaeological survey requirements for construction projects.
James Woodward — Identified as the senator asking about archaeological survey requirements.
James Woodward — Requested travel records for archaeological surveys required in Bonner County.
Ms. Gallimore — Addressed by the committee member in a question about archaeological survey requirements.
Director / State Historic Preservation Office staff — Explained that the office operates under the National Historic Preservation Act.
State Historic Preservation Office staff — The State Historic Preservation Office staff explained that the office operates under the National Historic Preservation Act and conducts archaeological review. They also described how staff consult with federal agencies, including on-site travel when needed, to ensure agencies consider ways to minimize or mitigate impacts to cultural resources.
Director / State Historic Preservation Office — Agreed to provide the requested records.
Bruce Skaug — Bruce Skaug thanked the director, reflected on his work with America 250, and encouraged legislators and the public to share historical information and reach out to the Historical Society. Another speaker then echoed his earlier comments, reinforcing the same message.
Director / Janet Gallimore — Director Janet Gallimore invited legislators to work with the Historical Society to record oral histories, then expanded on the importance of historical stewardship by noting that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us and that the decisions made today will shape the future.
Edward Hill — Thanked the director and referenced work on future projects and the Old Pen.
Denny Haney — Identified as the chair of the Workforce Development Council.
Melissa Wintrow — Asked for big-picture workforce development accomplishments and challenges.
Melissa Wintrow — Asked about the director's proudest accomplishments and challenges for workforce development and economic development.
Melissa Wintrow — Introduced the next question after the director's remarks.
Melissa Wintrow — Previously asked about workforce development and related accomplishments.
Melissa Wintrow — Senator Wintrow engaged Director Cunningham on the effects of budget reductions, expressing concern that rescissions, holdbacks, and cuts could disproportionately harm a small agency. She asked specifically how these reductions would affect the agency’s services and the lives of the people it serves.
Janie Ward-Engelking — Senator Janie Ward-Engelking expressed concern that a $10 million cash transfer out of Launch could affect student grants and then asked for clarification about that impact.
James Ruchti — Senator Ward-Engelking raises concern about the proposed $10 million revert affecting Launch funding and the startup costs previously provided by the Legislature. She then expresses fear about the impact on students and asks whether the wording can be changed to avoid that outcome. The discussion continues with clarification that the issue involves moving up the date of the transfer, tying the comments together as one continuous exchange about Launch funding language and timing.
Kevin Cook — Referenced as having noted that statute already provides for the money to transfer back.
Brandon Mitchell — Representative Mitchell asks about the Launch bill and how many grant repayments are currently owed, including how the state is collecting them. The director responds with repayment status information, and Mitchell follows up by requesting updated numbers on the issue.
Glenneda Zuiderveld — Senator Zederville/Zuiderveld continues questioning the Director about child care funding and related enforcement issues, asking for updated repayment/enforcement numbers and what happens once ARPA child care expansion funds are depleted.
Chris Bruce — Asked for the percentage of funding going to trainees versus existing employers/new workforce.
Chris Bruce — Asked for the percentage of funded trainees or existing employers who are new to the workforce versus unemployed.
Chris Bruce — Questioned why incumbent workforce training should be funded by taxpayers rather than handled by private-company HR departments.
Chris Bruce — The director responded to Representative Bruce's question about taxpayer-funded incumbent workforce training.
Chris Bruce — The speaker addressed Representative Price and then raised questions about Launch metrics and outcomes.