Democratic-NPL Lawmakers and Candidates Express Dismay, Frustration with SCOTUS Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta Decision

Bismarck, ND – In Wednesday’s 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court added to their controversial rulings. The decision expanded the authority of state governments on reservation land. Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta erodes tribal sovereignty, and cases like it may continue to do so in the future under this Supreme Court. Justice Neil Gorsuch, who sided with the Court’s liberal justices said, “Truly, a more ahistorical and mistaken statement of Indian law would be hard to fathom.”

Rep. Ruth Buffalo remarked, “The recent SCOTUS ruling in OK vs. Castro-Huerta, is shocking. Tribal nations continue to be undermined and treated with a lack of dignity and respect. The SCOTUS needs to stop legislating from the bench. Every level of government needs to uphold the treaties as well as recognize and honor Tribal sovereignty.”

State House Candidate Lisa Finley-DeVille said “The Supreme Court’s decision undermines Tribal Nation’s sovereignty by expanding State’s authority to have control of what happens on our lands. My ancestors fought and died to exercise sovereignty in our tribal territories, a history that predates colonial rule. The decision will further exacerbate the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People across Turtle Island.”

“The newly antidemocratic majority of the supreme court is in a hurry to preserve what ails us, in this case, disregarding tribal sovereignty.The court lacks the objectivity to recognize its hubris and will as racist and unjust. The court was honor bound to interpreting the constitution and our laws but is now bound to *far right-wing* activist,” said U.S. Senate Candidate Katrina Christiansen

Attorney General Candidate Tim Lamb asserted, “I support Justice Neil Gorsuch’s reasoning in maintaining the long-standing tradition of respecting tribal territorial sovereignty in criminal matters. The decision further erodes the trust and confidence of precedence under the U.S. Supreme Court, since this decision reverses an earlier decision when there were four liberal-minded justices on the court whom he joined to establish a majority.”

Sen. Tim Mathern, “It appears the voters have been misled again, this Supreme Court has become an activist court! The five Indigenous Nations in North Dakota may suffer the consequence.”

Democratic-NPL Legislative Leaders React To AG Office Budget Overrun

Bismarck, ND – Attorney General Drew Wrigley informed the ND Legislative Budget Section that the Attorney General’s office had accrued significant cost overruns due to a building it leases to house BCI, the Lottery, and the State Fire Marshal.

There was a total of $1.8 million in overrun costs. $1.4 million of the unanticipated costs had to be scrapped together from the existing AG office budget. Another $400,000 is expected to be paid in the coming year. The Budget Section voted, today, to investigate building leases under the Attorney General’s Office.

Wrigley stated that in January 2021, Attorney General Stenehjem and Deputy Attorney General Seibel were aware of these overrun costs, however, budget staff within the AG Office was not made aware until June 2021.

House Minority Leader Josh Boschee stated, “It completely dumbfounds me that the highest ranking attorney and his deputy blatantly ignored state procurement and contracting procedures to secure a lease that now leaves North Dakotans overpaying for leased office space. As part of committee investigation or performance audit, we need to understand their motivations to fleece the public like this. Transparency, proper disclosure and checks and balances are integral at all levels of government to maintain the public’s trust. This is why I have been supportive of greater disclosure laws required of lawmakers who rent space to or provide services to state government, to keep sweetheart deals from occurring. I am thankful for the dedicated public employees who brought these inappropriate actions to the light.”

Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman remarked, “The state has well documented procurement and contracting procedures in place for North Dakotans to have trust that their tax dollars are handled appropriately. Learning about this situation raises many concerns about what other misuse of power occurred in the Attorney General’s Office. As a member of the Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee, I am committed to finding out how this could occur, and ensure that there is stronger oversight of existing leases, contracts and procurement processes to ensure any actual or perceived conflict of interest is addressed.”

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North Dakota Legislators and Legislative Candidates React to Supreme Court Decision overturning Roe vs. Wade

Bismarck, ND – Democratic-NPL Legislators and Legislative Candidates reacted to the Supreme Court’s decision to Overturn Roe vs. Wade.

Rep. Karla Rose Hanson of Fargo said, “By rolling back abortion rights at the federal level, the court is giving state legislatures the power to determine a pregnant person’s rights. Many states, including North Dakota, will immediately curtail these rights. Such extreme abortion restrictions are yet another example of Republican overreach. People should be able to make deeply personal decisions about when and whether to have a family without interference from lawmakers.”

Megan Edwardson, a ND House candidate in Fargo, said, “A woman’s right to choose has been legal precedent since 1973 and overturning its decision is detrimental to women’s healthcare. A woman’s decision on abortion should always be between her and her doctor, and I will fight for policies that support a woman’s right to choose, always.”

“I know what it’s like not to have a choice. Not to have a choice when you are victimized; as a child, a young girl, a young woman and as an adult. I am the survivor of incest and rape. I know what it’s like to fight against my assailants and be left defeated, broken, ashamed and powerless. I know the shock and pain of losing an unexpected child to miscarriage, to endure a procedure for the preservation of my life, and I know the isolation it all leaves behind. The very idea that Roe may be struck down weakens my knees. All the trigger-laws that will fall in line with such an act pulls me into moments of silent prayer for women and girls.” expressed ND House Candidate Lillian Jones of Fargo.

“Women should make their own decisions about what healthcare is best for them. That’s their right. But today’s Supreme Court decision lets politicians in Bismarck and Washington interfere with these private healthcare decisions. I believe that’s wrong, and I will stand against efforts to further erode our fundamental rights here in North Dakota.” Representative Zac Ista of Grand Forks stated.

“I remember when abortion was illegal. It still happened. Passing a law does end abortion. It just makes wealthier women travel out of states or to another country for safe, private health care while poor women resort to unsafe procedures because it is illegal.” remarked Senator Tracy Potter of Bismarck.

In 2014, North Dakota rejected a measure that would have completely banned abortions with over 64% of the vote. The North Dakota Democratic-NPL stands with a woman’s intrinsic right to make their own, personal health care decisions without the interference of the government. We will continue to fight for that right, and to push for investments in health care, child care, and food security that truly protect life.

 

DNC Funds New North Dakota Democratic-NPL Organizing Director

Bismarck, ND – Today, the North Dakota Democratic-NPL is announcing that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has granted the state party’s request to fund a new organizing director to focus on early and robust voter engagement.

The organizing director will be tasked with getting an early lead on volunteer recruitment, directing community outreach projects, and laying the strategic and operational groundwork for the 2022 coordinated campaign. Since North Dakota has no party registration, the organizing director will also lead a comprehensive statewide program that will fortify relationships with unions and other allied organizations.

“The DNC is excited to make these historic investments in the North Dakota DNPL to further expand organizing and voter education efforts on the ground to help create a deep bench of voters and activists,” said DNC Chair Jaime Harrison. “From the halls of Congress to the statehouse in Bismarck, the DNC is committed to supporting the critical infrastructure that will help North Dakota Democrats win up and down the ballot this year and beyond.”

“Hiring an organizing director is vital to our campaign plan, and we’re glad that the national party sees the importance of engaging with voters in red states. Our organizing team will connect with voters and volunteers; they will also help our candidates get out to knock on doors and talk to North Dakotans,” said Democratic-NPL Party Chair Patrick Hart. “In 2020, our direct voter contact program was severely upended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, however, we will be able to get our volunteers and staff out on the doors much earlier, joining many candidates who have already begun knocking doors in their districts.”

“Building our data and securing a full-time organizing director is critical to our success, and these investments will help ensure that our party can run a strong and robust coordinated campaign in 2022. I am deeply grateful to Chair Harrison for his continued dedication towards lifting up red state parties, like the Dem-NPL. We will be looking to start accepting applications for this position in June, with a focus on individuals who’ve had experience organizing in North Dakota, and are well-versed in the political landscape here,” said Executive Director Tyler Hogan.

This grant is part of the DNC’s Red State Fund, which was established last year under the leadership of DNC Chair Jaime Harrison to put Republicans on defense and build tailored programs in traditionally Republican states.

Democratic-NPL Chair’s statement on Burgum’s enormous political contributions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 18, 2022

Bismarck, ND – Democratic-NPL Chair Patrick Hart had put out this statement after recent reporting showed massive contributions by Gov. Burgum to the Dakota Leadership PAC.

“I wish this report were shocking, but it’s not. We’ve known for a while now that Doug Burgum wants to buy his own government. The governor likes to pretend that he’s some average North Dakotan, wearing his undirtied Carhartt for every ad he runs, but regular North Dakotans can’t donate millions of dollars to their own Political Action Committee.

As governor, he’s spent over $100,000 on donations to in-state Republicans, he’s also influenced the affairs of other states, donating thousands to GOP candidates and right-wing PACs across the country. While this pales in comparison the the amount he’s donated to the Dakota Leadership PAC and his own campaign in that time, this is still not something regular North Dakotans can do.

Another Donor to the Dakota Leadership PAC that stands out is Jim Roers who donated $20,000 after his successful re-election campaign in 2020. The Dakota Leadership PAC invested a lot of money into his race, so it’s not surprising that he would return the favor.

The rich make themselves richer and more powerful, while regular North Dakotans suffer and lose more and more influence. We need to send a message in November that North Dakota is not for sale. I hope that when North Dakotans see ads from the Dakota Leadership PAC they know it’s Doug Burgum trying to buy more politicians for himself.”

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Democratic-NPL Statement on the Senate Confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 8, 2022

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

Democratic-NPL Statement on the Senate Confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson

Bismarck, ND – Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has a proven track record of attracting bipartisan support in the Senate. She has now been confirmed four times on a bipartisan vote.

U.S. Senate Candidate Katrina Christiansen said, “Justice Jackson’s confirmation to the Supreme Court is a joyous event. She is intelligent, exceedingly qualified and deserving of the role. The nation gained more than a judge today, we gained unequivocal momentum in the struggle for equality. It is disappointing but not surprising Senator Hoeven and Cramer voted against the confirmation. History had eyes on this vote.”

State Senator Kathy Hogan of Fargo said, “After following the U.S. Senate hearings, I am so excited she was confirmed! Not only is she extremely qualified professionally, but her personal listening skills and her ability to manage conflict in a deeply respectful way will be an asset to the Supreme Court.”

Former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp said, “Bravo to everyone who made this historic nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court happen. President Biden who picked the most qualified candidate and yet again demonstrated that he follows through on his promises to deliver for the American people. All of the Senate Democrats who ensured her confirmation got across the finish line and that the diversity of America is reflected at the Supreme Court. And above all the impressive Ketanji Brown Jackson who not only showcased intelligence and legal acumen during the confirmation process, but also grace under pressure. She is an inspiration to many, especially the women and girls across this country who saw that the glass-ceiling can be broken at the highest level of our nation’s institutions.”

The U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Jackson 3 times prior to today. In 2009, President Obama nominated Jackson to be Vice Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission. She was later confirmed by unanimous consent in February 2010. In September 2012, President Obama nominated Jackson for a vacancy in the U.S. District Court for D.C. She was confirmed by voice vote in March of 2013. In April 2021, President Biden nominated Judge Jackson to the seat vacated by Attorney General Merrick Garland in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, often regarded as a training ground for the highest court in the land. She was confirmed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, with a 53-44 vote in the Senate, gaining the support of Senators Susan Collins, Lindsey Graham, and Lisa Murkowski.

Democratic-NPL Executive Director Tyler Hogan affirmed, “Judge Jackson is the daughter of public school teachers, has served as an accomplished lawyer and public defender, a distinguished federal judge, and now, will be a historic member of the Supreme Court. It’s shameful that Senators Hoeven and Cramer would vote against confirming such a highly qualified, historic nominee. Even Kevin Cramer, himself, said, ‘She’s more than intellectually academically and experientially qualified.’ The Supreme Court is supposed to be above political party squabbling, and our Senators chose to give in the wishes of Mitch McConnell rather than doing the actual vetting process a Senator ought to.”

“In addition to this being a historic moment, confirming the first African American woman to the Supreme Court, we also need to celebrate confirming an extremely competent, well-trained, qualified person. Our last few Supreme Court Justices have been confirmed in the circus so many of us think of as Washington. Judge Jackson has shown she is cool under pressure and more than ready to do the job.” said Democratic-NPL Party Chair Patrick Hart.

Some have tried to mischaracterize Judge Jackson’s sentencing record, but the facts are clear: she sentenced more than 100 defendants proportionally to the crime they committed and in line with other judges. That’s why she has the clear support of the law enforcement community, from the Fraternal Order of Police to the International Association of Chiefs of Police to many prominent law enforcement leaders and former US Attorneys from around the country.

Judge Jackson also has support from conservative and Republican legal and judicial voices, including retired Judges Thomas Griffith, Michael Luttig, David Levi (who endorsed Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh), conservative attorney William Burck, and 24 prominent Republican lawyers and other public servants, including former Homeland Security Secretary for President Bush, Michael Chertoff, and a broad range of legal experts – including 500 law professors, 100 general counsels, and attorneys-general of both parties from 40 states and territories.

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President Biden Signs Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Into Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 15, 2021

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

President Biden Signs Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Into Law

*Former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp attends signing ceremony, Dem-NPL Leaders celebrate historic investment in North Dakota*

Bismarck, ND – President Biden signed his historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal into law, making good on a key campaign promise and delivering a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation’s crumbling infrastructure.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a once-in-a-generation investment that will create millions of jobs, while modernizing our infrastructure, improving and strengthening supply chains, and boosting US competitiveness for years to come.

Former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, who attended the signing ceremony, said, “This bill is a historic investment into rural America and an investment in the folks who live and work there.”

House Minority Leader Rep. Josh Boschee emphasized, “This major bipartisan funding package will be integral in helping address North Dakota’s aging infrastructure, specifically the many bridges that are in need of repair or replacement. I am excited to see the additional investments in broadband and electric vehicle charging infrastructure that will make sure rural North Dakota benefits just as much as our larger cities.”

“With the passage and signing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, North Dakota is poised to address our increasing infrastructure and broadband needs.  This money will provide good paying jobs for hundreds of hard working North Dakotans and much needed financial recovery for their families,” said Senator JoNell Bakke.

“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is good news for North Dakota. We need and want the same infrastructure as any other state but do not have as many people per square mile to pay for it. This puts us on the path of being a player in the future economy.” said Senator Tim Mathern.

Representative Zac Ista commended the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, “By signing this historic law, President Biden makes one thing clear: Democrats deliver.  For four years, President Trump and congressional Republicans failed to pass legislation to make critical investments in our nation’s crumbling infrastructure.  It took President Biden and congressional Democrats just 10 months to change that.  That’s exactly the kind of leadership North Dakotans expect in Washington–and it’s exactly the kind of leadership the North Dakota Democratic-NPL can deliver for our state, too.”

“Like Flint, Michigan, several areas in North Dakota still use lead pipes in part of their towns. While additives improve safety, water with elevated lead levels is still a real concern in North Dakota. This infrastructure bill provides the necessary funding to replace them. Likewise, money allocated to our state will go towards fixing and replacing many bridges in North Dakota that have gone neglected for far too long. Going forward, however, it is imperative that we ensure that our state does not have to further rely on federal spending to provide necessary investments in our infrastructure,” said Rep. Marvin Nelson.

“While some Republican Lawmakers in the state argued last week that we don’t need federal funding at all, we know that these essential investments are not only going to be life changing for North Dakotans, but also well past due,” said Dem-NPL Chair, Patrick Hart.

North Dakota Unions have also praised the passage of the bill. While both Senator Hoeven, and Senator Cramer ultimately supported the bill when it passed the Senate in August, Rep. Kelly Armstrong voted against the bill.

Here’s how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will affect North Dakotans:

  • Repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on resilience, climate change mitigation, equity, and safety for all users. Over five years, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal will provide $1.7 billion  to improve highways and $225 million for bridge replacement and repairs. In North Dakota, there are 444 bridges and over 830 miles of highway in poor condition
  • Make large investments into public transportation and build a network of EV chargers to facilitate long-distance travel. The U.S. market share of plug-in electric vehicle (EV) sales is only one-third the size of the Chinese EV market. North Dakota will receive 109 million for public transportation and $26 million to support a bigger, stronger EV charging network.
  • Help connect every American to reliable high-speed internet. 15% of North Dakota households do not have an internet subscription, and 3% of North Dakotans live in areas where, under the FCC’s benchmark, there is no broadband infrastructure. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, North Dakota will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 19,800 North Dakotans who currently lack it. And, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 159,000 or 21% of people in North Dakota will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.
  • Prepare more of our infrastructure for the impacts of climate change, cyber attacks, and extreme weather events. From 2010 to 2020, North Dakota has experienced 7 extreme weather events, costing the state up to $5 billion in damages. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, North Dakota will expect to receive $21 million over five years to protect against wildfires and $11 million to protect against cyberattacks. North Dakotans will also benefit from the bill’s historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization which will reduce energy costs for families.
  • Deliver clean drinking water to every American and eliminate the nation’s lead service lines and pipes. Currently, up to 10 million American households and 400,000 schools and child care centers lack safe drinking water. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, based on the traditional state revolving fund formula, North Dakota will expect to receive $355 million over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is a right in all communities. 
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Tribal Subdistricts Dominate Day 2 of Special Legislative Session

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 9, 2021

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

Tribal Subdistricts Dominate Day 2 of Special Legislative Session

Bismarck, ND –  After extensive debate, the North Dakota Legislature has moved one step closer to implementing subdistricts for the legislative boundaries that encompass MHA Nation and the Turtle Mountain Reservation—a move supported by many Tribal Leaders, as well as voter advocacy groups.

Representative Terry Jones (R-New Town) made a failed attempt to remove subdistricts from HB 1504. After admitting he didn’t know much about the ‘ins and outs’ of redistricting, he tone deafly claimed there “is no racial animus anywhere in North Dakota.”

“Rep. Terry Jones continues to display an almost impressive lack of understanding when it comes to the Constitution,” said Laura Dronen, Dem-NPL Communications Director. “It’s shocking that, in 2021, any legislator could display so much disregard to the needs of our Indigenous communities. The Redistricting Committee, itself, was very clear from the outset that there is a need, in accordance with the Voting Rights Act, for subdistricts for MHA and Turtle Mountain.”

“The passage of HB 1504 through the House today means we move closer to a truly representative body in the ND state legislature, giving stronger voice to a constituency that has long been underrepresented, in spite of being this land’s longest residents. Diverse perspectives, histories, and understandings in a body like the state legislature are absolutely necessary to ensure our state is moving forward,” said Rep. Ruth Buffalo, after the Joint Redistricting bill was approved in the House by a vote of 73-18. The bill now heads to the North Dakota State Senate for approval.

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North Dakota Democratic-NPL Statement on the Passing of Former Secretary of State Jim Kusler

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 9, 2021

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Statement on the Passing of Former Secretary of State Jim Kusler

Current and Former Lawmakers, including Sen. Kent Conrad, express their sentiments following the death of Secretary of State Jim Kusler

**Obituary and Photo can be found here**

Bismarck, ND – We are devastated to learn of the death of former Secretary of State Jim Kusler.

“Secretary Kusler was as true a champion, and as dedicated a public servant as our state has ever had. As the only Dem-NPLer to serve as Secretary of State to-date, Jim always put the needs of North Dakotans first and foremost during his time in office, with passion, energy, and a knack for working across the aisle. The Dem-NPL mourns the loss of our dear friend, and we extend our deepest condolences to the Kusler family,” remarked Executive Director Tyler Hogan.

Former U.S. Senator Kent Conrad expressed, “Jim Kusler was a dear friend and a dedicated public servant. He loved North Dakota’s people and our history. May he Rest In Peace.”

“Jim was always there to answer the call to public service,” said North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Pat Hart. “He left a profound and positive impact in every role he held – from his time working for Governor Art Link, to serving as a special assistant to then-Tax Commissioner Kent Conrad, all the way through his tenure in the North Dakota State Senate and, later, making history as the first and (so far) only Democratic-NPL Secretary of State.”

“Jim was very meticulous in his work. As Secretary of State he did an amazing job of modernizing the office after decades under penny pincher Ben Meier. He was the only Dem-NPLer ever elected to the office. He was crushed when he was defeated for re-election, because he loved working for the people. He was highly intelligent and just a truly wonderful person. A dedicated Dem- NPLer, he was very perceptive and was forward thinking,” said Gary Holm, who worked with Kusler in the Link Administration.

“Jim was a very conscientious legislator and Secretary of State. He worked hard to bring the Secretary of State’s office into the 21st century,” added Former State Sen. Aaron Krauter.

Sen. Tim Mathern noted, “I was privileged to serve with Mr. Kusler in the ND Senate. He was meticulous and passionate about his service to the institution and the citizens. He always went beyond the call of duty.”

A Visitation Service will be held on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Beulah Congregational Church; a Funeral Service will occur Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 2:00 PM also at Beulah Congregational Church.

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Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Delivers Major Win for North Dakota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 6, 2021

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
[email protected]

Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Delivers Major Win for North Dakota

Bismarck, ND –  After months of intense negotiations, Americans are finally getting the Infrastructure Week they were promised. Friday evening, Congress passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Deal—a once-in-a-generation investment that will create millions of jobs, while modernizing our infrastructure, improving and strengthening supply chains, and boost US competitiveness for years to come.

In 2019, The American Society of Civil Engineers gave North Dakota a C grade on its infrastructure report card, highlighting the dire need for improvements to our roads, waterways, and towns. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act addresses those needs – providing the essential funding necessary to make a positive, lasting impact on our state, our workers, and our families

Representative Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) praised the bill’s passage saying, “Thanks to the tireless leadership of President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress, this major commitment to improving our nation’s infrastructure is now set to become law. This will be a huge win for North Dakota, and the rest of the country. Former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood (himself a former Republican Congressman) told the National Conference of State Legislatures that this bill will help ease the supply chain issues we’ve been experiencing.”

The long-awaited breakthrough in Congress comes just as the North Dakota Legislature will be allocating over one billion dollars invested in North Dakota through the American Rescue Plan Act, signed by President Biden earlier in the year. “This historic achievement will finally bring essential funding for North Dakota’s infrastructure, but let’s do more. Let’s take advantage of this accomplishment in the North Dakota tradition by being bold and innovative with how we reinvest American Rescue Plan money during next week’s Special Session,” said Senator Tim Mathern (D-Fargo). Sen. Mathern’s bill to invest in infrastructure, paid family leave, and quality, accessible childcare will be considered by the North Dakota Senate Delayed Bills Committee during next week’s Special Session.

While both Senator Hoeven, and Senator Cramer ultimately supported the bill when it passed the Senate in August, Rep. Kelly Armstrong voted against it on Friday night.

Here’s how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will affect North Dakotans:

  • Repair and rebuild our roads and bridges with a focus on resilience, climate change mitigation, equity, and safety for all users.
    In North Dakota, there are 444 bridges and over 830 miles of highway in poor condition.
  • Help connect every American to reliable high-speed internet. 15% of North Dakota households do not have an internet subscription, and 3% of North Dakotans live in areas where, under the FCC’s benchmark, there is no broadband infrastructure. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, North Dakota will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 19,800 North Dakotans who currently lack it. And, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 159,000 or 21% of people in North Dakota will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.
  • Prepare more of our infrastructure for the impacts of climate change, cyber attacks, and extreme weather events. From 2010 to 2020, North Dakota has experienced 7 extreme weather events, costing the state up to $5 billion in damages. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, North Dakota will expect to receive $21 million over five years to protect against wildfires and $11 million to protect against cyberattacks. North Dakotans will also benefit from the bill’s historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization which will reduce energy costs for families.
  • Deliver clean drinking water to every American and eliminate the nation’s lead service lines and pipes. Currently, up to 10 million American households and 400,000 schools and child care centers lack safe drinking water. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, based on the traditional state revolving fund formula, North Dakota will expect to receive $355 million over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is a right in all communities.

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Washington Republicans Push to Intentionally Crash US Economy as Default Looms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2021

Contact
Michael Taylor
[email protected]
701-255-0460

Washington Republicans Push to Intentionally Crash US Economy as Default Looms
*ND Delegation Remains Spineless as Hoeven, Cramer, and Armstrong Back Shutdown*

Bismarck, ND – Last week, Senate Republicans voted to block an emergency bill passed by the House to fund the Government through December. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve has issued grave warnings that a failure to meet debt obligations could trigger a catastrophic economic collapse as soon as mid-October. If a deal is not reached by Thursday, the Federal Government will enter a shutdown, leaving millions of workers without pay.

Despite this, Republicans in Washington have continued to dig in their heels by refusing to work with the Biden Administration to avert an economic crisis. This shameful display has completed the GOP’s transformation as the Party of “Death, Disease, and Destruction.”

“The full faith and credit of the United States has been solidified by a 245 year history of honoring our promise to pay our debts,” said Michael Taylor, Executive Director of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL. “The very integrity of our nation is being held hostage by the recklessness of Senator Hoeven, Senator Cramer, Representative Armstrong, and their cohorts in Washington. Because they cannot be bothered to do the right thing, they’re intentionally putting North Dakotans and our Country on the brink of recession.”

Dem-NPL Chair, Patrick Hart, also did not mince words, adding: “This is an unprecedented level of heartless cruelty. Growing up, I saw firsthand how these shutdowns affected not only my parents, but the entire community. This will have a devastating ripple effect on many government functions that provide essential services. We’re still fighting a pandemic that continues to take lives, and put people out of work. We have roads to fix. Businesses have employees to pay. People have families to feed. How could anyone look at the real issues facing us, then decide to make things even worse for the people who elected them? Instead of working to solve these problems, our national GOP delegation has opted to play politics with peoples’ livelihoods.”

Chairman Hart continued:

“We’ve seen their policies cause market crashes before, but never once have they actively chosen to do it on purpose – until now. Anybody who would throw us over the fiscal cliff, while collecting a paycheck off of your hard-earned money, has absolutely no business serving in elected office. My message to our delegation is: Simply voting ‘no’ isn’t going to cut it. You were sent to Washington to find solutions that will help North Dakotans. Do your job.”

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ND Dem-NPL Leaders Announce Investment Priorities for Special Session

For Immediate Release

Sept. 21, 2021

 

Fargo —Childcare, family leave and hard and soft infrastructure are the investment priorities of North Dakota Democratic-NPL for the $1 billion in federal aid the state has received.

Dem-NPL legislative legislators announced their suggestions today at news conferences in Fargo and Bismarck, outlining three areas of urgent needs that could be addressed by the funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

A special session of the ND Legislative Assembly has been tentatively called for the week of Nov. 8, 2021. The legislature will finalize new legislative district maps as well as decide how to spend the $1,007,000,000 that North Dakota has received but not yet spent. 

 

Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) and Rep. Alisa Mitskog (D-Wahpeton) – who serve on the legislature’s Appropriations Committees – noted three reasons for holding a special session now.

  1. The ARPA funding was provided to North Dakota by the federal government by congressional action in March 2021. Each day it is not spent, its value decreases due to opportunity costs and inflation. Further, the delay in allocating the funds sends the message to Congress and the President that North Dakota does not need the money with eventual additional resources going to other states. With the extraordinary costs of the pandemic and weather catastrophes across the country, claw backs may also be considered by the federal government if the money is not allocated soon.
  2. As other states allocate their ARPA funds, workers and companies will leave North Dakota to take advantage of the jobs created by the investments other states are making.
  3. The time to jump start North Dakota’s economy is now. This federal investment is an opportunity to act big and move our economy to the next higher level for the workforce and families of the future. 

 

Mathern and Mitskog outlined where the Dem-NPL believes the money should be invested. First, infrastructure projects, both traditional and non-traditional, would have long-term benefits.

  • Hard infrastructure like fiber optics, natural gas collection and distribution, water projects, roads, bridges and a green energy corridor (compressed natural gas and electric fueling every 50-100 miles). The Industrial Commission would have RFP authority and would take recommendations from the Water Commission, Department of Transportation and Department of Commerce.  $400,000,000.  
  • Soft infrastructure – specifically long-term investments in North Dakota’s services. This includes incentives for hospitals to fund behavioral health units, supportive services for persons to stay safe but out of institutions, food, housing services, Medicaid eligibility expansion and correction services for women. $100,000,000.  
  • Public Health Pandemic Response Education Stipends for persons who commit to working for state and local public health districts for at least five years. $7,000,000.

 

Second, childcare investments are needed to support families and build the workforce.

  • Improve quality. Development and implementation of childcare funding formula includes providers having appropriate professional degrees and salaries for quality care. A per-child payment formula would provide $1,400 per child per year for children presently in licensed care facilities for three years. $ 200,000,000.
  • Improve access. Capital investment of childcare infrastructure at public schools where the school district builds childcare buildings and maintains them for at least 50 years wherein there is a 50/50 state/local match. (This raises $300 million.) Districts can operate or permit private entities to operate the childcare operations. Another option is grants to private facilities in places where parents are employed or live that are not convenient to existing school locations, $150/$50 million. $200,000,000.  

 

Third, North Dakota needs a paid family leave program to support businesses and families, so workers don’t have to choose between staying in their job or caring for themselves or loved ones. 

  • Startup costs in a fund operated by Workforce Safety and Insurance. This supports families and businesses impacted by the present pandemic and helps prepare North Dakota’s economy for the demands of the future economy. $100,000,000.
  • Ongoing program operations. Families and businesses each contribute 3% of salary for three years before use of the self-funded program is permitted. The fund is the base of operations for the early years and builds with ongoing contributions. The program is voluntary for each employer.

 

For More Information Contact:

Senator Tim Mathern

701 893 5016

[email protected]

 

Click here for a Legislative Council memo of the plan with additional detail is attached.