Senate committee advances Alan Schneider reappointment; hears Mark Watkins before tomorrowvote

The Idaho Senate Health and Welfare Committee voted to send the gubernatorial reappointment of Alan Schneider to the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired to the Senate floor with a recommendation that he be confirmed.

The committee then heard from Mark Watkins, who testified virtually about his experience as a candidate for reappointment to the same commission; the committee chair said Watkinswill be voted on at the committeemeeting tomorrow.

The Schneider reappointment was moved by Senator Wintrow and seconded by Senator Blaylock. The committee chair called for discussion, and, seeing none, asked for the voice vote; an affirmative response was recorded and the reappointment was sent to the floor with the recommendation that the Senate confirm him.

Mark Watkins identified himself for the record as a Rexburg resident and a professor in the music department at Brigham Young UniversityIdaho. Watkins told the committee he has served on the commission for three years and described personal experience with state services after losing his remaining vision: "When I went blind, it was harder. So I contacted the state department of vocational rehabilitation, and they convinced me to go to the assessment and training center in Boise." He said he attended the Boise program for 12 weeks during the first year of the COVID pandemic and that the training was "invaluable." Watkins said that experience later led to his service on the commission.

Watkins described the perspective he brings to the commission as experience both with low vision and with total blindness, and noted he currently works full time as a university professor. He listed committee work experience at multiple universities and said he has attended all board meetings for the past three years. Senator Bjerke asked for more detail about the opportunities Watkins wished he had earlier in life; Watkins cited improved low-vision aids, better access to clinicians and services, and school-based supports such as braille and mobility training that he said were not available to him growing up.

The committee chair closed the hearing with procedural instructions: the committee will vote on Watkinsreappointment at its next meeting.

Votes at a glance: Alan Schneider reappointment Moved: Senator Wintrow; Second: Senator Blaylock; Outcome: sent to the Senate floor with recommendation to confirm (voice vote).