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Welcome to the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Insider, a newsletter that features regular updates about upcoming Dem-NPL events, legislative happenings, and news that affects North Dakotans! If you would like to have something added to the newsletter, email us at [email protected]. Spread the word of our newsletter by sharing our sign-up link today: https://demnpl.com/join-our-newsletter/.
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On January 7th, the regular session of the 69th Legislative Assembly will gavel in. In North Dakota, legislative sessions only occur for up to 80 days every other year, so this is a critical time for folks across the state to engage with your government.
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The Democratic-NPL Caucus will be focused on the real issues impacting North Dakota families: lowering the cost of living, strengthening public education, reducing barriers to healthcare, growing our workforce, and reforming property taxes. To make sure we are truly representing our communities, we need to hear from you on these and other important topics.
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That’s why we encourage you to reach out directly to your lawmakers this session. In North Dakota, legislators don’t have personal offices or private staff, so when you message a legislator, you can expect a response directly from him or her. You can find your legislators’ names and contact information on the Legislative Assembly’s website, www.ndlegis.gov. There, you’ll also find livestreams and recordings of House and Senate floor sessions and committee hearings and important information on bills. In addition to staying in touch with your lawmakers and tracking the session online, you can actively participate in the legislative process by testifying on legislation, either in person, virtually, or in writing. We also personally invite you to join us as our guests on the House and Senate floor, where you can watch your state government in action.
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Representative democracy works best when every citizen participates. We want to and need to hear from you on the issues that matter most to your family. When everyone gets involved, we will be able to make our great state even better!
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-ND Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan and ND House Minority Leader Zac Ista
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Upcoming Events!
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Inauguration Night Solidarity Social
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Monday, January 20, 2025 – 5:00 PM
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3002 1st Avenue North, Fargo
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Everyone is welcome to join us! There will be food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options), games, merch, and karaoke! While we hoped for another Democratic administration, the country voted otherwise and our hard work continues. Join us as we rise up to hold our democracy!
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There is plenty of parking, come whenever works for your schedule. If Karaoke is your thing, that will start around 7. This is a family friendly event and everyone is invited!
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District 44 Public Forum
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Saturday, January 25, 2025 – 10:00 AM
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Northport Library Community Room
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2714 Broadway North, Fargo
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Sen. Josh Boschee and Reps. Karla Rose Hanson and Austin Foss will provide updates about the session and take questions.
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District 24 Reorganization
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Sunday, February 16, 2025 – 2:00 PM
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District 24 Headquarters
200 N. Central Ave. Valley City
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District Reorganization is a great time to get involved in your local Democratic-NPL Party!
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District 24 consists of all of Barnes and Ransom Counties.
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Help us spread our message—share these posts from the past week!
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ND State Senator Josh Boschee shares his goals ahead of 2025 legislative session
Joel Heitkamp is joined in the KFGO studio by North Dakota State Senator and Assistant Minority Leader, Josh Boschee. He talks with Joel about a variety of topics ahead of the 2025 session, including property taxes and legalized marijuana.
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Senator Kent Conrad remembers President Jimmy Carter
Joel Heitkamp is back in the KFGO studio, and is joined by former United States Senator from North Dakota, Kent Conrad. They talk about former President Jimmy Carter's legacy after his passing on Sunday.
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North Dakota responds to death of Jimmy Carter
Carter’s devotion to this nation continued long after his 4 years as president. Along with his wife Rosalynn, he built thousands of homes through Habitat for Humanity and advocated for human rights and peace around the world. His honesty, integrity, faith, and commitment to improving the lives of working Americans is a model for us all.
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New Minority Leader Zac Ista on North Dakota's Legislature: 'We're not the Hatfields and McCoys'
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In 2023, Ista pushed hard for legislation that provided free school lunches to some students, as well as a bill that prevents shaming students who receive free or reduced-cost meals. This coming session, he wants to see the free-meal program expanded to all students.
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“We made some progress last session,” he said, adding that North Dakota is in competition with border neighbors like Minnesota for workers. Minnesota, he noted, already offers free lunches for all students.
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How does lawmaking work in North Dakota?
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When committees hold public hearings while crafting a bill, officials encourage the public to testify, or provide opinions to committee members, on bills that matter to them.
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“The process is one that is not overly formal, where hopefully people feel comfortable coming in to testify,” Bjornson said.
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People who wish to testify but can’t attend in person can submit written testimony online.
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Don't miss these national stories!
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Jimmy Carter, Peacemaking President Amid Crises, Is Dead at 100
“To all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning — the good life — study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith and humility,” Mr. Biden, the first Democratic senator to endorse Mr. Carter’s long-shot 1976 bid for the presidency, said in a statement. “He showed that we are great nation because we are a good people.”
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Judge orders Trump to be sentenced in hush money case on Jan. 10, but says he won’t be incarcerated
“While this Court as a matter of law must not make any determination on sentencing prior to giving the parties and Defendants opportunity to be heard, it seems proper at this juncture to make known the Court’s inclination to not impose any sentence of incarceration, a sentence authorized by the conviction but one the People concede they no longer view as a practicable recommendation,” the judge wrote in his ruling.
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Hakeem Jeffries addresses the 119th Congress following speaker vote
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke on the floor of the House following a vote to reelect House Speaker Mike Johnson to lead the 119th Congress.
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The Republicans Barely Elect a Speaker
Mike Johnson won re-election as House speaker by the narrowest of margins this afternoon, and only after two Republican holdouts changed their votes at the last minute. Johnson won on the first ballot with exactly the 218 votes he needed to secure the required majority. The effort he expended to keep the speaker’s gavel portends a tough slog for Trump, who endorsed Johnson’s bid.
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Senate panel quietly seeking more info on Pete Hegseth ahead of confirmation hearings: Sources
Following reports of alleged impropriety by Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Defense, the top Republican and Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee have quietly made a request for additional information from the veterans organization Hegseth once ran, as well as the district attorney in Monterey County, California, according to communications reviewed by ABC News.
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House Ethics report finds evidence Matt Gaetz paid thousands for sex and drugs including paying a 17-year-old for sex in 2017
The House Ethics Committee found evidence that former Rep. Matt Gaetz paid tens of thousands of dollars to women for sex or drugs on at least 20 occasions, including paying a 17-year-old girl for sex in 2017, according to the panel’s report on the Florida Republican released Monday.
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The committee concluded in its bombshell document that Gaetz violated Florida state laws, including the state’s statutory rape law, as the GOP-led panel chose to take the rare step of releasing a report about a former member who resigned from Congress.
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The Century Club supports our year-round work to build party infrastructure supporting candidate recruitment, local district and regional leadership, issue-based education, and tools for Dem-NPL success.
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Help us elect great Democrats up and down the ballot!
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The North Dakota Democratic-NPL is launching a new grassroots program called “Neighbor to Neighbor” where volunteers will connect with voters in your community to elect Democrats up and down the ballot. As a volunteer, you will be responsible for connecting with voters in 25 homes in your neighborhood or friends and family to help elect Democrats up and down the ballot about 3-4 times this year.
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Grassroots organizers are the lifeblood of the Dem-NPL! Sign up to volunteer with the Dem-NPL!
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