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Ohio commission details America250 plans, seeks continued legislative support and local participation
Summary
Executive director of the America250 Ohio Commission described program plans, grant awards and statewide events tied to the U.S. semiquincentennial and asked the House Government Oversight Committee to endorse the commission’s work.
Todd Kleismid, executive director of the America250 Ohio Commission, presented the commission’s work and funding needs during a second hearing on House Concurrent Resolution 6. He described grant awards, statewide programming and partnerships intended to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary and asked the House Government Oversight Committee to express support for the commission.
Kleismid said the commission, created under Ohio Revised Code section 149.309, received state operating budget support of $7,750,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2027 and has awarded local grants (noting $1,000,000 in FY 2024 and more than $275,000 in FY 2025) to support county activities. He said all 88 Ohio counties have passed resolutions to participate and local committees are forming.
The commission highlighted multiple initiatives: identifying and mapping burial locations of more than 7,000 Revolutionary War veterans in Ohio; a ceremonial white oak “Liberty Tree” planting in each county in partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and local arboretums; “Ohio Goes to the Movies,” a statewide, 250‑day film series in venues across the state; six driving trails showcasing Ohio contributions, with two already launched (air and space; creativity); and education efforts including a fourth‑grade museum pass and NextGen educational programs.
Representative Claggett asked about the size and planting location of the ceremony trees; Kleismid said communities choose the sites, the trees will be white oak specimens about 10 feet tall at planting, and the commission follows expert guidance for long‑term survival. Kleismid thanked Representative Adam Holmes, Representative Joe Miller and Governor DeWine for support and said the commission will wind down in June 2027 after the 2026 anniversary year.
The committee concluded the second hearing on HCR 6 after Kleismid’s testimony; members asked clarifying questions but no committee vote was taken at this session.
