Senate committee hears gubernatorial appointment; nominee outlines child-welfare focus and internal reforms

Alex Adams, the governor's nominee for director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, appeared before the Senate Health and Welfare Committee to introduce himself, describe reforms he has begun since taking the post seven months ago and answer senators' questions. The committee did not vote on the appointment during the session and the chair said a vote was likely to occur the following day.

Adams told the committee his leadership priorities center on simplifying the agency’s scope and concentrating resources on child welfare. "Quality over quantity," he said, adding a second, repeated focus: "child welfare, child welfare, child welfare." He described steps already under way to reduce regulatory and statutory clutter, strengthen financial oversight and create an internal integrity office.

The nominee said the Department of Health and Welfare employs roughly 3,000 people, operates about 74 buildings in 37 locations and administers a wide range of services from Medicaid…