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Senate panel hears sponsors and commission on America250 Ohio sesquicentennial plans
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Summary
Senate concurrent resolution 10 received sponsor testimony and proponent witnesses supporting Ohio’s America250 commission and its statewide programming for the U.S. semiquincentennial. Witnesses described grants, county engagement, tree plantings, film programming and educational initiatives; the committee took no formal action.
Senators Lane and Craig presented sponsor testimony to the Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee in favor of Senate Concurrent Resolution 10, which expresses state support for the America250 Ohio Commission’s work preparing Ohio participation in the United States’ 250th anniversary.
"It is my great honor to offer this resolution before the committee for all of us to have a small hand in celebrating this beautiful milestone for our state and nation," Senator Lane said in sponsor testimony. Senator Craig said the resolution "acknowledges and affirms Ohio dedication to commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States."
Todd Kliesmith, executive director of the America250 Ohio Commission, told the committee the commission was launched in 2022 and is working statewide to engage communities and organize events ahead of 2026. "We are just 204 days from 01/01/2026 and this landmark anniversary," Kliesmith said, and he described a portfolio of activities including county oak tree plantings, the "Ohio Goes to the Movies" film series, driving trails that highlight Ohio contributions, school and teacher programs, and grant programs supporting local projects.
Kliesmith said all 88 counties have passed resolutions expressing intent to participate and that the commission has awarded grants in support of local America250 projects, noting "$1,000,000 in grants in FY '24." He also referenced the commission’s statutory basis in the Ohio Revised Code when introducing the commission by its legal name.
Matt McLaren, director of travel and tourism for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, told the committee the chamber supports SCR 10 because the commission’s programming can foster economic and cultural engagement and increase visitation. A written-only proponent testimony from David Painter on behalf of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio was also noted for the record.
Witnesses described educational outreach for fourth-graders, a mural program in partnership with the Ohio Arts Council, veteran commemoration efforts, and month-by-month themes showcasing Ohio’s contributions to U.S. history and culture. Kliesmith said the commission plans to sunset in June 2027 after completing planned activities.
The committee posed a few informational questions; no committee vote or formal action on SCR 10 occurred at the hearing.
