Documents Show NDGOP Leadership Complicit in Luke Simons Sexual Harassment Coverup

BISMARCK, ND — A recently released file shows a shocking history and vile pattern of systematic abuse and sexual harassment towards female Legislative Council staff and interns by Rep. Luke Simons (R-Dickinson). The file was only released after reports about Simon’s vulgar and aggressive behavior towards female legislators and staff surfaced during the 2021 legislative session. 

Though Simon’s inappropriate behavior and clear acts of sexual harassment in the workplace has occurred for several years, NDGOP leadership, specifically Assistant Majority Leader Scott Louser (R-Minot), has excused the grotesque behavior saying Simons is “weird”, “harmless”, “naïve”, and “just from the ranch”.

Instead of protecting the women Simons has victimized, and putting a stop to this years ago, Majority Leader Chet Pollert (R-Carrington) and Louser opted to do nothing and protect the abuser, evident by Louser inquiring “whether she [staff member] would have done anything to give Rep. Simons the impression she would be interested in his advances.” 
 

Democratic-NPL Chair, Kylie Oversen said:

“The response to Luke Simons’ behavior is reprehensible. There are tones of victim blaming and making excuses for Simons as if he is a teenage boy who “doesn’t know better.” The file and more recent reports make clear: 1) Luke Simons is a predatory abuser who has committed multiple acts of sexual harassment and increasingly unsettling behaviors towards female colleagues; 2) NDGOP leadership knew everything about his actions but did nothing or blamed the women involved; and 3) Simons has made it clear that he is without the capacity for remorse, that he is unfit for public office, and that he should resign his seat immediately.”

Oversen Continued:

“The North Dakota Democratic-NPL stands in full support of the women who have experienced sexual harassment, and we commend their bravery in coming forward and reporting these horrific incidents. We are left to wonder how many incidents have gone unreported. Unfortunately, Simons’ unhinged behavior continues without remorse, as he berates Legislative Council staff and calls for their resignation through a string of Facebook live videos.”

 

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Unethical Lawmakers Tell Voters: “Just Try To Stop Us!”

Bismarck, ND – Yesterday, the North Dakota House ignored the will of the people by shooting down HB 1024, which sought to provide Constitutionally mandated funding for the State Ethics Commission created by the voters of North Dakota in the 2018 general election. Following the vote, HB 1024 was rereferred to the House Appropriations Committee for further deliberation. 

In a fashion that has quickly become the theme of this legislative session – hypocrisy, recklessness, and extremism – NDGOP legislators sought to disregard the Constitution in a shameless effort to subvert the will of the people. Citing “issues” with the director of the commission being a retired pensioner, lawmakers conveniently glossed over the fact that the same could be said of many of their own membership. Ignorance being bliss, one may be inclined to forgive this double standard had NDGOP legislators, including Rep. Jim Kasper who chaired the House Ethics Committee during the 2019 legislative session, made it clear that their opposition was based on one thing: an unshakable fear that the people who elected them would also hold them to a higher standard. This higher standard, in part, includes bringing solutions and necessary services for their communities instead of being bought and paid for with lavish steak and lobster dinners courtesy of lobbyists and out-of-state corporate executives. 

 

Democratic-NPL Chair, Kylie Oversen said:

 

“The Ethics Commission was passed by the will of the people – Republicans, Dem-NPLers, and Independents alike. From the moment the legislative session was gaveled in, the unhinged supermajority, led by the most unhinged of them all, Rep. Jim Kasper, has made every attempt under the sun to strip the Ethics Commission, and yourselves, of the inherent right to hold legislators and state officials accountable. If the Republican legislators are legitimately concerned about costs, ask them to withdraw all of the unconstitutional bills that accomplish nothing more than wasting taxpayer dollars on expensive lawsuits.”

 

 

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Double Take: NDGOP Legislators Vote Against Health Care Coverage for a Second Time

Bismarck, ND – Today, HB 1203 was voted down by 72 House Republicans. This comes less than three weeks after 39 Senate Republicans voted down SB 2222. Both bills sought to ensure necessary health care coverage would continue, such as coverage for those with preexisting conditions, if a lawsuit, which AG Stenehjem recklessly signed the state onto and the NDGOP fully supports, is successful in repealing the ACA and stripping tens of thousands of North Dakotans of their health care coverage.

Though both bills showed initial attempts at bipartisan action, little to no outreach was done by NDGOP legislators to pass this legislation and ensure that life savings provisions in the ACA would continue in the state, regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit.


Democratic-NPL Chair, Kylie Oversen said:

“The ACA has brought us coverage for preexisting conditions, allowed children to stay on their parents’ health insurance until age 26, Medicaid Expansion, and so many other life changing, and rural hospital saving, provisions. These bills sought only to ensure that the state would pick up these provisions, if the lawsuit is successful. The hypocrisy lies in the fact that coverage for an eight year old with diabetes is too radical for NDGOP legislators to support, yet bringing nunchucks and throwing stars into a sporting event is something they’re happy to propose.”

 

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While Stenehjem Tries to Close Door on Health Care Access, President Biden Opens Special ACA Enrollment Window

Bismarck, ND – As part of President Biden’s pledge to “Build Back Better”, the White House announced today the immediate opening of a Special Health Insurance Enrollment period through Healthcare.gov. In a statement from the Oval Office, President Biden affirmed his commitment “to ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care – especially in the midst of a pandemic.” Every American who needs health insurance coverage can sign up online from now through May 15th. We ask you to please share this information with as many people as possible so those who need health insurance coverage can get it now. 

As our heroic frontline workers continue to combat the COVID-19 Pandemic, President Biden has held firm in the fight for an “American Rescue Plan” to be quickly enacted by Congress, which will include making health insurance coverage less costly, and more accessible for millions of Americans while ensuring the swift and effective distribution of vaccines to any individual who wants one, so we can safely embark on the road to economic recovery together faster.

Unfortunately, we do not have that same commitment to public health from our elected officials in North Dakota. Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, our Congressional delegation, and the NDGOP supermajority continue to siphon taxpayer dollars to defend a reckless lawsuit that would strip tens of thousands of North Dakotans of their health care coverage. Most recently, Republicans in the state legislature voted against legislation sponsored by Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) that would have strengthened protections for North Dakotans with preexisting conditions, while addressing the out of control hospital costs that plague our state. 

 

Democratic-NPL Chair Kylie Oversen said:

“After four years of relentless, underhanded attempts by Republican lawmakers to repeal the ACA by any means necessary, we finally have a President who is willing to do everything within his power to make health care affordable and accessible for the American people. We applaud President Biden and his administration for their tireless efforts to push public health and COVID-19 relief as top priorities during a time of tremendous personal sacrifice that you and your families have endured.”

Oversen Continued:

“It takes a particularly vicious kind of indifference towards the people who elected you for a group of politicians to dedicate so much time and energy trying to take essential health care access away from everybody in the state – from the mailman to your own mother, particularly when it’s needed the most. It’s even more dishonorable to empty out the taxpayer’s pockets in order to do it, at the same time they’re receiving state health benefits on your dime. I honestly don’t believe that the NDGOP will be completely satisfied until they’ve tapped all the wells, and left everyone here high and dry.”

 

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NDGOP Lawmakers Declare Transgender Children Aren’t People

Bismarck, ND – Today, HB 1298, a grotesquely discriminatory anti-Transgender bill that prohibits children from participating in school sports based on gender identity, was shamefully passed in the North Dakota House by a vote of 65 to 26. It now goes to the North Dakota Senate, where the conscience and soul of our state will be defined.

This repugnant piece of legislation – which specifically and purposely harms Transgender youth – goes beyond the pale by also forbidding any public entity to host an athletic group that welcomes transgender students to participate. This means any North Dakota high school tournament that includes out-of-state teams who don’t engage in transphobic bigotry would automatically be forfeit. To Rep. Ben Koppleman (R-Fargo) and the bill’s supporters, singling out vulnerable children to take away their identity, rights, and dignity is well worth the overwhelming taxpayer cost of lawsuits, lost revenue, and widespread condemnation across the country from businesses and decent people alike.

This is far from the first instance of their hate: Last year, the NDGOP called our LGBTQ friends and family unhealthy, dangerous, manipulative to children, and ‘voyeurs who wish to prey on members of the opposite sex.’ – demonstrable, and completely incredulous considering that they endorsed a Peeping Tom for Secretary of State in 2018.

Democratic-NPL Chairwoman, Kylie Oversen did not hold back in her response:

“Rep. Ben Koppelman and the 64 other members of the NDGOP continue to show that their despicable priorities are solely focused on hate over health care, discrimination over decency, and bigotry over business relief. Embarrassing headlines and backwards views have replaced the public service and common decency that used to define us. North Dakotans did not elect these people to dehumanize children and young adults. Today, they have shamed us in the eyes of the world.”

Oversen continued:

“To the individuals of the transgender community, young and old: You are loved. Your life has value. You have a purpose. You are supported; and the Democratic-NPL will continue to proudly fight alongside you, because Trans Rights are Human Rights.”

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people in the United States. Transgender and non-binary youth are ten times more likely to attempt suicide than cisgender youth, and 52% of transgender and non-binary youth have seriously considered suicide. If you or a loved one in the trans community are in need of support, please dial (877) 565-8860.

With Oscar Season Approaching, Kevin Cramer Performs Award-Worthy Fake Outrage

BISMARCK, ND — Sen. Kevin Cramer released an official statement responding to the impeachment proceedings of former President, Donald Trump. The statement, which included words generally associated with Cramer’s treatment of constituents and fair and free elections – “mockery” and “disgusting” – comes shortly after Cramer supported several events, rallies, and fake news on the election results that led to the events on Jan. 6.

Following Cramer’s press release, the Senate voted to uphold the constitutionality of the impeachment proceedings. The vote passed 56-44, with all 50 Democratic Senators and six Republican Senators voting in favor.

In reference to Sen. Cramer’s statement, Democratic-NPL Executive Director, Michael Taylor said:

“What’s truly disgusting is a former Congressman and current Senator who perpetrated the behavior that incited the events on January 6th. It’s disgusting that he actively spoke against free and fair elections, consistently lied to North Dakotans, and held and participated in rallies that led up to the Capitol Insurrection. He has neither the position nor the merit to make statements like that, especially when the irony is completely lost on him.”

Taylor continued:

“The American people deserve justice, plain and simple. If inciting an insurrection on the United States Capitol that led to violence and death, the flying of confederate flags, and the call for the hanging of our Vice President is not enough to carry out an impeachment, I ask Sen. Cramer what is? I know it seems like an impossible ask, but for once, Sen. Cramer, I ask you to stand up for the democracy and our Constitution that you allegedly support, and to reserve words like ‘disgusting’ for your Twitter page and your political career that has given you personal wealth, but North Dakotans nothing.”

Democratic-NPL Senators Endorse Mac Schneider for U.S. Attorney

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – The Senate Dem-NPL Caucus is asking U.S. President Joe Biden to appoint Mac Schneider as U.S. Attorney for North Dakota. Schneider, a Fargo native, served in the North Dakota Senate from 2009 to 2016.

“Mac was a tremendous asset to our Caucus and our State,” said Sen. Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo). “His leadership skills and consistent work ethic would make him an ideal U.S. Attorney.” Sen. Hogan serves as Caucus Chair.

U.S. attorneys are appointed by the President for a four-year term, subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

Attachment: Letter to President Biden

Appropriations Committee Approves Pay Increase for State Employees (Dem-NPL proposal defeated on a party-line vote)

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – The Senate Appropriations Committee voted today to provide state employees with a 2 percent raise each year during the 2021-2023 biennium.

Before the vote, Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) proposed a Democratic-NPL plan to provide employees with 3 percent raises each year. The key difference between the two plans was how to address the growing shortfall in the state employee retirement fund. Both plans would provide a 2 percent net increase because the Dem-NPL plan also required a 1 percent contribution to the state retirement fund. The committee declined to support that proposal.

Historically, state pay increases have not kept up with the private sector, leading many employees to leave the state for better opportunities.

“I am encouraged that the committee agreed a 2 percent increase is the right thing to do for our employees,” said Mathern. “But I’m disappointed that we aren’t doing anything to fix the problems with the retirement fund.”

The state retirement fund is facing a nearly $3 billion shortfall and needs a major cash infusion to ensure the fund remains solvent. “We made a promise to our employees, and we must make sure this benefit remains intact,” Mathern said. “We can’t afford to keep kicking the retirement can down the road.”

The approved plan also establishes a floor and ceiling for the pay raises. This provides fairness for lower-income employees and saves money by limiting raises for those with higher incomes. The approved bill set the minimum increase at $80 per month for employees making less than $48,000, instead of $120 per month in the Democratic plan. It retains the $300 per month cap on those making more than $120,000.

 

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NDGOP’s Legislative Priorities: Thoughts and Prayers, but No Protections for Essential Workers

Bismarck, ND – Yesterday, as the Republican supermajority in the Senate voted in favor of an unconstitutional bill that would allow public schools to push theocracy on students without a parent’s permission, the Republican supermajority in the House was busy deciding that essential workers – which make up 57% of North Dakota’s workforce – were not worthy of Workforce Safety and Insurance benefits if they contracted Coronavirus on the job.

Sen. Janne Myrdal (R-Edinburg), finding nothing better to do as the Coronavirus continues to threaten public health, job security, and small businesses across the state, sponsored a so-called “Ten Commandments bill” that would permit public schools to post the Ten Commandments. The bill, which would directly violate a U.S. Supreme Court ruling also drew criticism from Republican Senators who painted a clear picture of future lawsuits, regardless of any immunity language. The bill passed the ND State Senate by a vote of 34-13.

Meanwhile, a bill introduced by Rep. Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) that would have allowed essential workers to claim WSI benefits if they were infected with the Coronavirus while on the job was overwhelmingly opposed by Republican legislators, failing to pass the ND State House by a vote of 16-77.

Representative Ista, whose passionate advocacy on behalf of our frontline workers has become a top priority for the Dem-NPL this legislative session, did not mince words:

“Our essential workers have stepped up in unprecedented times, risking their lives everyday so that all of us can live ours with some sense of normalcy and continuity. The absolute least that the state can do is step up for these unsung heroes by making sure they are protected in the event that they are forced to miss work or become hospitalized due to COVID-19.”

Democratic-NPL Executive Director, Michael Taylor, addressed both bills, saying:

“There is a tragic irony here that Republican Legislators wish to use their power to push their beliefs, but refuse to use that same power to practice what they preach. Like many North Dakotans, my faith was instilled in me by my parents and local church. My religious beliefs are deeply personal to me. And, like many North Dakotans, I believe that instead of wasting taxpayer money on doomed lawsuits that only serve to give our state negative publicity, a child’s parents should be able to decide what religious beliefs and moral foundations they wish to pass along to their children, not the government.”

Taylor Continued:

“Sen. Myrdal wants to take away your religious freedom, while trivializing a sacred religious text as merely a historical document to be taped up on a classroom whiteboard. If the NDGOP truly wants to express their faith, they can start by giving back to the heroes on the frontlines who serve us every single day; allowing them access to basic WSI benefits, so that we may all get through this pandemic together faster and safer.”

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Legislators Say Paid Family Leave is a Win-Win

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Workers, businesses, and families would benefit from an optional paid family leave program being considered by the North Dakota Legislature. The House Industry, Business, and Labor Committee held a hearing today on HB 1441, which sponsors say would be a win-win for both employees and employers in the state. The bipartisan bill is sponsored by Rep. Karla Rose Hanson (D-Fargo) and Sen. Erin Oban (D-Bismarck).

The Need

North Dakotans occasionally need to step away from their jobs for personal reasons – because of their own illness or to care for a new child or a loved one. Around 11,000 babies are born each year in our state. According to the AARP, more than 62,000 North Dakotans serve as caregivers for a loved one. But in North Dakota just 12% of companies offer maternity leave and 6% offer paternity leave. Many workers can’t even earn a single sick day.

“Many North Dakotans are faced with an impossible choice,” Hanson said. “Do they stay in their job or bond with their new baby? Do they choose their paycheck over being by their dad’s side during the last two months of his life?”

The Solution

HB 1441 creates a state-facilitated paid family leave program, which will be funded through private contributions from employees, employers, or a combination of both. The program would be optional for all employers and any North Dakota worker, including independent contractors or sole proprietors, giving equal opportunity for North Dakota’s growing “gig economy” workers to participate.

Participating employees would contribute six cents for every $10 in wages into the fund. A North Dakotan making $50,000 a year would contribute $300 per year. When an employee has an eligible event, they will draw from the paid leave fund instead of taking their salary or unpaid leave. They would receive 66 percent of their average weekly wage for up to 12 weeks in one calendar year with a cap of $1,000 per week.

Businesses Benefit

Research shows that paid family leave helps businesses with improved recruitment, retention, productivity and profitability. If a company loses an employee due to a temporary personal event, they will have to re-recruit and re-train a new employee during a time when businesses are competing for talent in a tight labor market. To encourage business participation, an employer that pays for any or all of an employee’s contributions would receive a tax credit equal to 20% of the contributions they made on behalf of that employee.

“At a time when we are looking for ways to remain competitive in recruiting and retaining a qualified workforce, a paid family leave program is a tool we can provide to businesses,” Sen. Oban said. “In North Dakota, we pride ourselves on being pro-life and pro-family. A paid family leave program would go a long way in showing it.”

If passed, the paid leave program would be rolled out in phases, with contributions beginning in 2022 and withdrawals beginning in 2023.

Supportive testimony included AARP, the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce and a letter signed by 51 health care providers.

The Williston Chamber of Commerce’s testimony: https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/67-2021/testimony/HIBL-1441-20210203-5054-F-RICHTER%20LORDEMANN_RACHEL.pdf

Dr. Dvorak testimony: https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/67-2021/testimony/HIBL-1441-20210203-5009-F-DVORAK_NATALIE_F.pdf

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A Line in the Sand has been drawn on Healthcare

Bismarck, ND – The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has provided the people of North Dakota with quality health care for many years, including coverage for individuals with preexisting conditions, and medicaid expansion that have kept rural and critical access facilities afloat.

The future of the ACA continues to remain on shaky ground due to a Texas-based lawsuit that Attorney General Stenehjem signed on to and defends, and all top ranking NDGOP officials fully support.

Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) proposed SB 2222, which was struck down along party lines in the North Dakota Senate this past Friday, Jan. 29. This comes two years after NDGOP officials removed an amendment to protect individuals with preexisting conditions. Mathern’s legislation sought to ensure that important provisions in the ACA, like coverage for individuals with preexisting conditions, would continue in the state regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit.

 

Democratic-NPL Chair Kylie Oversen said:

“Without these critical provisions, the thread that tens of thousands of North Dakotans and our rural healthcare infrastructure are holding onto would be in dire jeopardy of snapping. Even as the COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of nearly 1,500 North Dakotans, and infected many more, the North Dakota Republicans continue to show that they have no appetite, or plan, to provide affordable and accessible coverage, if the ACA is struck down in court. Rather, they are more interested in embarrassing the state by wearing Crown Royal bags as face masks in the capitol, or supporting blatantly unconstitutional legislation that will cost you, the taxpayer, millions in court expenses.”

 

Oversen continued:

“Gov. Burgum, AG Stenehjem and the radical supermajority in the legislature have used their power to flush taxpayer money down the drain. They fight to take away your health care while pushing bogus anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, and advocating for steak dinners on your dime. It’s well past time that your elected officials do their job for once, and pledge to work towards helping the families and small businesses who have been decimated by this crisis instead of using your hard earned money for their own selfish benefit. It’s your tax money, are you getting what you paid for?”

Democratic-NPL Lawmakers Propose Salary Increases for State Employees

BISMARCK, N.D. – Democratic-NPL legislators unveiled their proposal to provide state employees with raises during the 2021-2023 biennium.

Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) unveiled the proposal, which provides a 3 percent increase each year of the biennium. “We’ve taken the governor’s proposal and improved upon it. We’ve kept the governor’s proposals on health insurance and retirement contributions intact. All we are asking is that we go a little further and do what is necessary to invest in our workforce.”

The plan also calls for a minimum increase of $120 per month for employees making less than $48,000 and a $300 per month cap on those making more than $120,000. By contrast, the governor’s proposal is limited to 2 percent each year, with no minimums or caps.

“We have the money,” Sen. Mathern said. “There’s no reason why we can’t pay our employees a reasonable wage.”

Of the proposal, Sen. Erin Oban (D-Bismarck), highlighted the important role of the state workforce in keeping things running smoothly. “This was especially true in 2020. When the pandemic hit our employees suddenly faced an unprecedented situation. From working long hours to develop our state’s COVID-19 response to providing essential services to the public from shuttered offices they kept the state running.”

Historically, state pay increases have not kept up with the private sector, leading many employees to leave the state for better opportunities. “This trend cannot continue,” Senator Oban continued.

Education services were hit equally hard. Colleges found their campuses empty and professors had to quickly shift to virtual classrooms. Of these challenges, Assistant Minority Leader Alisa Mitskog (D-Wahpeton) said, “During the pandemic, our education professionals’ workload increased significantly, they stepped up to the challenge and delivered. We need to listen to our higher education officials so North Dakota pay remains competitive.”

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