The Appropriations - Education and Environment Division reviewed the State Fair budget and three funding requests during a committee meeting. Senator Thomas reported the fair’s premium request of $642,833 — the same amount allocated in the last biennium — which is intended for 4‑H and FFA static and livestock premiums.

Senator Thomas said fair officials also requested two one‑time appropriations: $1,000,000 for security and safety upgrades and up to $1,000,000 to construct a shower, restroom and wash facility on the east side of the fairgrounds. The security request would fund prioritized items such as upgraded security cameras and supporting hardware, an integrated emergency paging system for the fairgrounds, higher‑visibility lighting, perimeter barriers (portable and concrete), and two‑way radios. Fair staff indicated the top security priorities are cameras/hardware and an integrated paging system.

The east‑side restroom/shower facility would serve RV and camper areas that have expanded in recent years. An engineering estimate provided to the committee gave a construction range of about $900,000 to $1,100,000; the committee heard a $1,000,000 request to cover the likely cost. Senator Thomas said fair officials would still pursue assessments by the state Homeland Security Division and could seek outside contributions if full state funding is not provided.

Committee members discussed the requests but did not vote. Senator Thomas recommended funding the premium allocation and the two one‑time asks as presented; the committee agreed to “digest this for a day or so” and return to the items in a subsequent meeting.