After dozens of votes to repeal ACA and over four years in Congress under Kevin Cramer’s leadership, GOP still has no healthcare plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 24, 2017

(BISMARCK, ND) – After the House leadership’s decision to pull Rep. Kevin Cramer’s plan to take away coverage from 24 million Americans, the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party released the following statement:

“Kevin Cramer has voted dozens of times to repeal the ACA over his four years in Congress. He sat on the committee that drafted a bill that would have negatively impacted tens of thousands of North Dakotans, and he still doesn’t have a workable solution for healthcare. If Cramer’s healthcare bill was enacted, it would result in nearly 34,000 North Dakotans losing their coverage. Further, it would result in higher premiums and less security for the 25,000 people age 50 to 64 who purchase insurance on the marketplace.

“In an attempt to placate the most extreme elements of the House GOP, the original bill was made even worse and Republicans moved to eliminate Essential Health Benefits from Americans’ coverage. If enacted, insurance companies would have no longer been required to cover the following services:

– Outpatient care
– Emergency services
– Hospitalization
– Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care
– Mental health and substance use disorder
– Prescription drugs
– Rehabilitative and habilitative services
– Laboratory services
– Preventive care
– Pediatric services, including oral and vision care for children

“After those requirements were stripped and other changes were made to the bill, the CBO found that the bill became far more expensive while also taking away health insurance from 24 million Americans. Despite Kevin Cramer’s best efforts, this inadequate bill did not have the votes to pass.

“Rep. Cramer should work across the aisle, on behalf of all North Dakotans, to find real, workable solutions to the challenges facing our healthcare system. Doing so will help improve affordability and coverage for his constituents and all Americans.”

# # #

Amid unstable oil prices, reduced budget forecast, Dem-NPL lawmakers urge volatility study of state budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, March 14

Amid unstable oil prices & reduced budget forecast, Democratic-NPL lawmakers urge volatility study of state budget


(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Amid increasingly volatile oil prices and a reduced budget forecast released late last week, Democratic-NPL lawmakers introduced a resolution calling for the North Dakota Legislative Management to study the volatility of state revenue sources and develop proposals that help ensure the stability of the overall state budget.

“Let’s be clear, our state is facing a budget crisis,” said Representative Ron Guggisberg (D-Fargo), the primary sponsor of the resolution. “Each time a new revenue forecast is released, we’re told our state will have to swallow even more severe cuts than we previously thought. These cuts aren’t abstract; they’re tangible and they’re jeopardizing our ability to fund higher education, provide behavioral health and addiction services, and keep our promises on tax relief for working families.”  

On Thursday, state budget officials released a revised revenue forecast, projecting $46 million less in the current 2015-17 biennium, and $103 million less in the coming 2017-19 biennium, than previously expected. Since the beginning of the legislative session, lawmakers have confronted a $1.4 billion revenue shortfall, and now must contend with an additional $150 million in reduced revenue in the current and next biennium. 

“North Dakota’s budget crisis isn’t due to circumstances alone,” said Senator Erin Oban (D-Bismarck), a cosponsor of the resolution. “It’s a self-inflicted crisis that lawmakers brought on our citizens as they slashed revenues, increased spending and tied their own hands when it comes to accessing funds that could prevent some of the painful cuts we’re facing. Yes, we are an energy and agriculture-based economy, but lower commodity and oil prices are simply adding to a problem the legislature created over the course of the past decade.”

Last week, when the revised budget forecast was released, lawmakers received small but encouraging signs of an uptick in North Dakota’s oil production, although oil prices remained low. Yesterday, however, the global market for crude was experiencing a sharp increase in volatility, with CNBC writing: “After months of relative price stability, with WTI oil prices pinned between $50 and $55 per barrel, the floodgates of selling opened wide […] Prices for WTI will likely fall steadily back to the November lows near $42 per barrel over the next few weeks. The real test comes after that. Could we retrace the entirety of the gains off the February 2016 low at $26.05? It is quite possible.”

Last week’s revised revenue forecast was based on an assumed oil price of around $54 per barrel (WTI), or $47 per barrel after the North Dakota discount, with production estimated between 925,000-950,000 barrels per day.

“As lawmakers, our ability to curb the pain of these cuts, and ultimately balance the budget in a way that is sustainable for the future, depends on an accurate assessment of current and future revenues,” added Guggisberg. “That’s the aim of this resolution, and I hope the majority in the House will join us in taking steps to address some of the volatility in our revenue projections.”

Democratic-NPL lawmakers previously introduced similar legislation in the Senate during the 64th legislative session. That bill was opposed by the majority and failed in the Senate on an unrecorded vote.


# # #

Rep. Guggisberg’s bill to extend Good Samaritan protections to those who own defibrillators passes Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, March 9


Rep. Guggisberg’s bill to extend Good Samaritan protections to individuals and business owners who own defibrillators passes Senate

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Today, the Senate unanimously passed HB 1314, a measure introduced by Rep. Ron Guggisberg (D-NPL, Fargo), to remove restrictions that discourage individuals and business owners from purchasing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and making them available in places of business.

“We should always have liability for gross negligence, but when it comes to life-saving technology like defibrillators, we should carefully examine liability restrictions that might discourage the use of these devices in emergency situations,” said Guggisberg, who also serves as a firefighter in Fargo. “Good Samaritan protections are already in place for individuals who respond to emergencies in responsible ways, and we should extend these protections to business owners and individuals who purchase defibrillators for their businesses or organizations.”     

North Dakota’s Good Samaritan law currently protects individuals who step up in cases of emergency, for example, by providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to someone suffering from a heart attack, responding to someone who has fallen and suffered injury, or providing care to someone at the scene of an auto accident. However, current law does not extend similar Good Samaritan protections to individuals and business owners who purchase AEDs for their places of business, organizations or other locations. HB 1314 corrects this problem, thereby making it more likely that an AED will be available during unexpected life-and-death emergencies.       

According to the American Red Cross, sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the United States with over 350,000 people suffering sudden cardiac arrest each year. Cardiac arrest can occur without warning at any moment, to anyone regardless of age. In these instances, according to the Red Cross, the only effective means for restoring a regular heart rhythm is an AED.

“Good Samaritans are protected when they help their neighbors,” added Guggisberg. “This bill helps those in the community who are willing to step up in another way. Organizations and businesses that purchase and allow for public use of defibrillators will now also be protected.”

HB 1314 previously passed the House on a unanimous, bipartisan vote of 89 “yeas” and 0 “nays.” It passed the Senate this afternoon with all 47 members voting in favor.

# # #   

Cramer Complicit in Hiding Secret Health Care Repeal Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2017

 

Cramer Complicit in Hiding Secret Health Care Repeal Bill
Cramer working with leadership to hide the bill from North Dakotans and other members of Congress

(BISMARCK, ND) – House Republicans announced last week that they drafted language of a bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act. They announced further that they would keep it a secret and only release details to Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which includes Congressman Cramer. The public, as well as Republican Senator Rand Paul and Democratic lawmakers, have been kept in the dark as to the bill’s contents, and members on the committee, including Cramer, have been complicit in hiding it from others.

Cramer held two weeks ago a secret meeting in Bismarck with another congressman from the Energy and Commerce Committee—who Cramer referred to as “one of the prime architects of the repeal and replace legislation”—where they discussed aspects of the health reform repeal law. Reporters were only allowed into the meeting for 15 minutes of what was reported as a meeting that lasted two hours.

“Kevin Cramer is complicit in hiding from the public the House’s health care repeal bill—a bill which every member of his committee is able to view,” said Robert Haider, North Dakota Democratic-NPL Executive Director. “Why is he so afraid to talk about the bill at an event in North Dakota with, as he said, ‘one of the prime architects’ of the bill? North Dakotans have expressed their frustration and fears to Congressman Cramer about how the repeal of the healthcare law would impact them and, rather than hide the repeal bill’s contents in secrecy, he should be open with us. What is so dangerous about this secret legislation that makes Congressman Cramer so afraid to share it with the public and lawmakers from both parties? He owes it to the people of North Dakota to come clean about what’s in the bill rather than shrouding the process in secrecy.”

 

# # #

Dem-NPL legislators outline key areas of concern with Measure 5 implementation bill

Areas of concern represent significant departures from original intent and spirit

A document detailing the nine key areas of concern identified by Dem-NPL legislators can be viewed by clicking this link.

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Democratic-NPL legislators today released a detailed list of their concerns regarding SB 2344, the medical marijuana implementation bill. These concerns refer to specific provisions in SB 2344 that differ significantly from the original intent and spirit of Measure 5.

“North Dakotan voters knew what they were doing when they overwhelmingly approved Measure 5 at the ballot box,” said Senate Dem-NPL Leader Joan Heckaman (D-23). “While the wording of the measure was imperfect, the intent was clear. As elected leaders, we have an obligation to preserve that intent and spirit as we move forward with implementing medical marijuana across the state.”

“The reality is that there are people in our state who are suffering from serious medical conditions that adversely impact their daily lives,” said Rep. Pamela Anderson (D-41). “For thousands of North Dakotans, medical marijuana means long sought-after relief from pain and suffering, and it means a chance at a better quality of life. That’s why we have to get it right when it comes to implementing Measure 5. We cannot use the implementation process as an excuse to water down Measure 5 or compromise the measure’s original purpose.”

Measure 5 – also known as the Compassionate Care Act – was approved in the November election by nearly 65 percent of the vote. Out of North Dakota’s 47 legislative districts, not a single district voted against Measure 5. The measure legalized medical marijuana throughout the state, opening the door to long-sought relief for patients with serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions like epilepsy, cancer and PTSD.

Unfortunately, implementing all of Measure 5’s provisions verbatim proved problematic for state regulators. Some of the measure’s provisions were ambiguous; others were unenforceable. For example, the measure did not include decriminalization language, which means patients could still be prosecuted for using marijuana for medical purposes. That’s why Republican and Democratic-NPL legislators worked together to pass SB 2154 to delay implementation of Measure 5 until no later than July 31, 2017.

Now, the state legislature must consider SB 2344, which lays out the specifics of how Measure 5’s provisions will be implemented. Like the delay bill, the implementation bill requires a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers to pass. But there are several areas of serious concern that have been raised by Democratic-NPL legislators regarding the implementation requirements set forth in SB 2344. These areas of concern are outlined at this link.

“The need to delay implementation was evident to members of both parties,” said House Dem-NPL Leader Corey Mock (D-18). “That’s why 140 out of 141 lawmakers voted for it. However, as we’re moving forward with implementing Measure 5’s various provisions, our first priority must be to ensure that medical marijuana is safe for everyone, effective for those who need it, and accessible to all North Dakotans for whom it could mean a better quality of life.”  

“It simply was not possible to implement Measure 5 word-for-word, which is why we supported the delay bill,” said Rep. Kathy Hogan (D-21). “But many of us are especially concerned that delaying implementation will now be used to undo what the people voted for. That’s why we went through SB 2344 line-by-line and examined each provision that differs significantly from Measure 5. The people deserve to know each way in which this bill differs significantly from what they voted for, and my sense is that our caucus would certainly not support this bill in its current form.”

# # #

Rep. Boschee requests bipartisan amendments for non-discrimination bill

HB 1386 provides basic protections for LGBT North Dakotans

Rep Boschee: “Since Day One, we’ve been ready and willing to work in a bipartisan fashion to pass this bill” 

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – On the House floor today, State Rep. Josh Boschee (D-44), the primary sponsor of HB 1386, requested his bill be returned to committee to provide additional opportunities to work with Republican lawmakers on amendments that would strengthen bipartisan support for the bill and, ultimately, allow it to pass the House.      Boschee

HB 1386 would provide basic anti-discrimination protections for LGBT North Dakotans in the areas of housing, employment and public services.

Boschee’s request to return the bill to committee was voted down 32-59. Twenty Republicans joined Democratic-NPL lawmakers voting in favor.

Representative Boschee then attempted to amend HB 1386 on the House floor to limit the scope of the bill’s provisions to apply only to government employment and government-provided services – not services provided by the private sector – in another attempt to address concerns raised by Republicans. The amendment, which required unanimous consent to be considered under House rule 333, was also rejected by a voice vote.

“Since Day One, we’ve been ready and willing to work in a bipartisan fashion to pass this bill,” said Boschee. “We cannot let perfect be the enemy of the good when it comes to providing basic protections that are so important to so many of our citizens. Passing a bill that provides these protections – even if it doesn’t include every single provision we want – is better than not passing any bill at all.”

“We remain committed to working with our colleagues across the aisle to build enough support to finally pass this commonsense, and vitally important, legislation,” added Boschee.

This is the fourth time anti-discrimination legislation has been introduced to the North Dakota Legislature. Nearly identical bills were introduced, and voted down, during the 2009, 2013 and 2015 legislative sessions. Throughout the committee hearing for HB 1386, Rep. Boschee worked with Republicans to offer amendments that addressed their concerns in order to strengthen bipartisan support for the legislation.

The Forum editorial board, the Bismarck Tribune editorial board and Republican Governor Doug Burgum have all expressed their support for anti-discrimination legislation.  

When identical legislation was considered during the 2015 legislative session, the Forum wrote: “It’s time for North Dakota to join some 40 other states that have stopped discriminating in jobs and housing based on sexual orientation and gender identity.” The following month, Burgum told the High Plains Reader: “Every policy the legislature is considering should be viewed through a lens of supporting workforce development in the state […] Any laws we have that discriminate against or limit the rights of any citizens based on gender orientation create a barrier for recruiting and retaining talent in our state.”

Earlier this week, the Bismarck Tribune wrote: “Businesses and civil servants shouldn’t be allowed to refuse services to people because of their race, age, gender or sexual preferences […] Passing HB1386 would be a positive step for North Dakota and the nation. It would signal the state believes everyone is equal under the law.”

“Elected leaders talk all the time about building a stronger and more vibrant economy, and investing in our communities,” said Boschee. “Yes, this bill is about providing basic protections for all North Dakotans, but it’s also about making our communities more open for investments, innovation and entrepreneurs. Simply put, making our communities more welcoming is good for business – and this should be a goal we can all get behind, regardless of party affiliation.”        

Following Rep. Boschee’s request to return his bill to committee, and his request to amend the bill on the floor, HB 1386 was voted down, 22-69, with 10 Republicans joining all Democratic-NPL lawmakers voting in favor.

# # #

First responders, Dem-NPL legislators highlight importance of collective bargaining rights for law enforcement, firefighters

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Democratic-NPL legislators were joined by firefighters from across the state at a press conference Monday to highlight the importance of HB 1401, legislation that would establish collective bargaining rights for North Dakota’s law enforcement officers and paid, full-time firefighters.

“I think people have a high degree of respect for police and firefighters, and genuinely appreciate their sacrifices,” said Rep. Mary Schneider (D-21), the primary sponsor of HB 1401. “I think many people would appreciate the opportunity to help our first responders improve their working conditions by allowing them to negotiate the terms of their employment.”

“When you look at the core values of a firefighter, you find that we have a lot of ownership in our communities,” said Bill Bush, president of Fargo Firefighters Local 642. “We’re committed, we’re dedicated, we protect and serve without prejudice, and we make a positive impact in peoples’ lives. This legislation is about firefighters and law enforcement officers, from Williston to Fargo, having the opportunity to negotiate based on their immediate needs and priorities.”

Currently, North Dakota is one of only a handful of states that does not allow public safety employees, including law enforcement officers and full-time firefighters, to negotiate a contract. HB 1401 would bring North Dakota in line with nearly all other U.S. states that afford these rights to public-sector first responders.

Approximately 20 firefighters from Bismarck, Mandan, Minot and Fargo joined Reps. Schneider and Ron Guggisberg (D-11) to speak about the importance of HB 1401. Several first responders were joined at the press conference by their children and families.

“For me, this bill is about elected officials matching their words with actions when it comes to standing up for first responders,” said Guggisberg, who is also a Fire Capitan in Fargo. “Elected officials often pay lip service to first responders, but when the cameras go away, they’re on their own. This bill would allow public safety employees to take the politics out of their work and have a say in the conditions of their employment.”

Grant Benjamin, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, provided a letter of support for HB 1401, which read in part:

“We are only asking for the opportunity to have a say in open conversations with our agencies to discuss working conditions. This bill is much needed. To pass this bill would allow law enforcement officers to represent our members in matters of employer and employee relations. Currently, we have officers and deputies who are willingly placed in a position of danger by the commissioners they work for. Deputies and sheriffs have requested additional funding for resources only to be denied. Our members are working close to 900 square miles per deputy. This places the deputies and communities they protect in danger. This bill would allow us to work with our commissioners to request and come to reasonable terms to add more resources to keep our communities safe.”

Dem-NPL legislative leaders issue statement on Gov. Burgum’s decision to include continued funding for Medicaid expansion

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Senate Democratic-NPL Leader Joan Heckaman (D-23) and House Dem-NPL Leader Corey Mock (D-18) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Burgum’s decision to include continued funding for Medicaid expansion in his executive budget proposal:

“As we review and evaluate the details of Gov. Burgum’s executive budget proposal released last night, we are encouraged by the governor’s decision to include continued funding for Medicaid expansion, which is absolutely critical to ensure access to affordable health care for tens of thousands of North Dakotans,” said Heckaman. “Eliminating this funding – as some have proposed – would mean doing away with health coverage for more than 18,000 North Dakotans, an outcome that would be detrimental for so many of our fellow community members, neighbors and loved ones.”  

“Failing to continue funding for Medicaid expansion would mean taking away health coverage from thousands of North Dakotans in rural communities across our state,” said Mock. “It would compromise much-needed funding for rural hospitals and health clinics, and it would make it more difficult for rural North Dakotans to access the services they need when dealing with serious, and sometimes life-threatening ailments like cancer and opioid abuse.”

“Of course, we have many concerns about the details included in the governor’s budget, especially when it comes to cuts to education, a nursing home tax that shifts costs onto senior citizens, and the lack of an inflationary adjustment for Medicaid providers,” added Heckaman. “Nonetheless, we are encouraged by the governor’s inclusion of continued funding for Medicaid expansion, and we remain committed to working with Gov. Burgum and our colleagues in the legislature to make sure we get it right when it comes to solving North Dakota’s budget crisis.” 

Dem-NPL elects new leaders for state House and Senate minority caucuses

The North Dakota Democratic-NPL has elected new leadership for the state House and Senate minority caucuses for the 65th Legislative Assembly. State Rep. Corey Mock (D-18) has been elected House Minority leader and State Sen. Joan Heckaman (D-23) has been elected Senate Minority leader. Other caucus leadership positions include:

  • House Assistant Minority Leader: Rep. Kathy Hogan (D-21)
  • House Democratic-NPL Caucus Chair: Rep. Joshua Boschee (D-44)
  • Senate Assistant Minority Leader: Sen. John Grabinger (D-12)
  • Senate Democratic-NPL Caucus Chair: Sen. Carolyn Nelson (D-21)

“State Rep. Corey Mock and State Senator Joan Heckaman are accomplished leaders with outstanding records fighting on behalf of working families in North Dakota,” said Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen. “We have full confidence that Corey and Joan will bring their proven leadership skills to help advance the Democratic-NPL’s priorities – including building a more vibrant economy and strengthening education for our children – during the upcoming 2017 legislative session.”

President Obama endorses Josh Boschee for District 44 House

(BISMARCK, ND) – President Barack Obama has endorsed Josh Boschee for North Dakota House in District 44. Boschee is among a select group of state legislative candidates from around the country to receive the President’s endorsement.

“This election isn’t just about defeating extreme Republican candidates. It’s also about electing strong Democrats, like Josh Boschee,” says President Obama in a radio endorsement recorded for Boschee. “I know Josh Boschee will fight to defend the progress we’ve made over the past eight years.”

“We’re thrilled that Josh has received President Obama’s endorsement,” said Dem-NPL Executive Director Robert Haider. “It’s a recognition of how important the District 44 legislative race is to building on the progress we’ve made in recent years, both here in the North Fargo community and across the country. We’re extremely proud of the hard work Josh has been doing canvassing his community, speaking with voters, and putting forth a positive message about how to make our community and state even stronger.”

Boschee is running alongside fellow Dem-NPL House candidate Karla Rose Hanson and state Senate candidate Merrill Piepkorn in District 44. The D44 legislative race has caught national attention due to the community’s shifting demographics and the important local issues being highlighted by Boschee, Hanson and Piepkorn, including K-12 education, community safety, behavioral health services and property tax relief. Last month, Hanson also received the national spotlight when the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee designated her as an “essential race candidate.”

In rare move, Minot Daily News endorses Democratic House candidate A.J. Schultz

(BISMARCK, ND) – In a rare move, the Minot Daily News on Friday endorsed Dem-NPL House candidate A.J. Schultz, saying Schultz has “a wealth of personal and professional experience to bring to public service and has ably presented himself as post-partisan.”

Endorsing a Democrat is a bold move for the Minot Daily News, which tends to have a staunchly conservative editorial perspective. Going back at least a generation, it is highly unusual for the paper to endorse a Democratic candidate. aj-endorsement

“As a veteran, a gun owner, and a small business owner, this election is about more than partisanship to me,” said Schultz. “Since Day One, I’ve done my best to focus on the local issues that are important to our community. How do we deal with Minot’s drug problem? How do we ensure better flood protection for our families? How do we get our state budget in order to protect funding for human services and K-12 education? I’m humbled to receive the Minot Daily News endorsement, and I think it’s an acknowledgement of the important issues we’ve been raising in our campaign.”

“We’re extremely proud of the work A.J.’s been doing canvassing neighborhoods, speaking with voters, and putting forth a message focused on the issues affecting the Minot community,” said Dem-NPL Executive Director and Burlington native Robert Haider. “It’s because of hard-working, dedicated candidates like A.J. that the Dem-NPL is so confident in our ability to offer voters a substantive, forward-looking agenda in North Dakota.”

Schultz is running to represent District 40 along with fellow House candidate Heidi Rintoul and state Senate candidate Phil Franklin.

National spotlight on Fargo legislative race

DLCC names Karla Rose Hanson (D44) an ‘Essential Race’ candidate

(BISMARCK, ND) – The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, a national organization working to elect Democrats to state legislatures, announced that Karla Rose Hanson (District 44) has been designated an “Essential Race” candidate for the 2016 election cycle.

“It’s no secret that Democrats run uphill races in North Dakota, which is why we’re especially proud of this recognition for Karla’s innovative, grassroots campaign,” said Dem-NPL Executive Director Robert Haider. “For almost a year, Karla has been working every day to earn the support of her neighbors. We know Karla will be a powerful voice for working families, safe communities and strong education when she’s elected to the North Dakota House.”

The DLCC’s list of Essential Races highlights 45 of the most crucial legislative races and candidates across the country. The 45 Essential Races are selected from a total of nearly 6,000 legislative races across the country. Hanson’s candidacy was chosen by the DLCC to be spotlighted in recognition of the strong data-driven, locally focused campaign she is running along with her running mates, state senate candidate Merrill Piepkorn and incumbent House member Joshua Boschee.

“This cycle’s slate of Democratic state legislative prospects across the country is unprecedented in its strength and represents the diverse communities of the rising American majority,” said DLCC Executive Director Jessica Post. “Democrats are primed to make substantial gains in statehouses across the country in November, and the candidates running in our Essential Races are key to these victories.”

“It’s humbling to receive national attention for our campaign here in Fargo, as well as to see the incredible enthusiasm from North Dakotans for this race,” said Hanson. “My neighbors are excited about the opportunity to have more legislators who care about connecting with voters, listening to their concerns and advocating for the priorities that will make our community even stronger.”

-30-