The One Big Beautiful Bill Has Passed: A Disaster for Tribal Nations and Rural America

Mandaree, ND — The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill into law marks a turning point for our communities, and not for the better. With the Senate and House both approving this sweeping legislation on razor-thin margins, and Vice President Vance breaking the tie, Congress has now cemented into law a bill that prioritizes billionaires over the people who make this country work.

“This bill is a betrayal of our values,” said North Dakota State Representative Lisa Finley-DeVille. “It gives away trillions in tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy while gutting the basic lifelines that keep our elders, caregivers, and working families afloat—especially in tribal and rural communities.”

This law will have major consequences for our rural communities by making massive cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. Based on independent projections, including from the Congressional Budget Office and nonpartisan health policy experts, estimate that 7.8 million people could lose Medicaid under this law’s eligibility restrictions and punitive work requirements.

As a result, up to 10.9 million Americans could become uninsured by 2034, increasing avoidable deaths due to delayed or inaccessible care. Research shows that for every 830 people who lose coverage, one preventable death occurs, translating into more than 51,000 preventable deaths annually.

In North Dakota, rural hospitals that rely on Medicaid funding will face cuts, resulting in higher premiums, more medical debt, and reduced access to care.

The law imposes strict work requirements and complex eligibility redeterminations that ignore the economic realities of reservation life, where high unemployment and caregiving responsibilities are common. Native elders, people with disabilities, and single parents will face new barriers to keeping or accessing healthcare and food assistance. Meanwhile, the bill includes no new investments in Indian Health Service, tribal housing, or infrastructure, ignoring calls from tribal leaders.

“It’s a continuous story of federal neglect,” said Finley-DeVille. “We’re being forced closer to the edge of a fiscal cliff and there’s no lifeline in sight.”

Claiming to reduce spending, the bill adds $2.4 to $2.8 trillion to the national debt by 2034, according to estimates modeled on its tax and spending provisions.

It delivers an estimated $1.3 trillion in tax cuts to the wealthiest 1%, by slashing top income, estate, and capital gains taxes, benefiting corporations and billionaires, not working families. At the same time, it eliminates many clean energy tax credits passed in the Inflation Reduction Act, threatening tribal and rural renewable energy projects and raising household utility costs.

Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, along with Representative Julie Fedorchak, voted in favor of this law, endorsing deep cuts to healthcare, food assistance, and energy programs that sustain our state.

“They chose party loyalty and donor priorities over the health and dignity of North Dakotans; I don’t understand the payoff.” Finley-DeVille said. “Their votes tell us exactly where they stand, and it’s not with us.”

I know firsthand how crucial these programs are because they helped me when I was raising my five children on Ft. Berthold Reservation. Even though my husband and I were both working, we barely made ends meet. Programs like Medicaid and SNAP made it possible for us to get through some of the hardest times, and they gave me and my children the support we needed to pursue our college educations. Cutting them now means pulling the rug out from under families who are doing everything right but still struggling to get by.

“Our people have endured centuries of broken promises and political indifference,” Finley-DeVille said. “But we are still here, still fighting. We will speak out, and demand a future where our people are seen, heard, and cared for not sacrificed for political gain.”

Fedorchack, Cramer, and Hoeven sacrifice North Dakotans to pay for tax handout to the mega-wealthy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 3, 2025

FARGO – Today, the House passed the Senate version of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

The North Dakota Legislative Council estimates that the House Republican version of the bill would result in North Dakota losing $1.42 billion in Medicaid funding over the next 10 years, and around 19,000 North Dakotans losing their health care coverage. The Senate Republican version has even steeper cuts to Medicaid.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL chair Adam Goldwyn said, “This is a scheme to steal from working North Dakotans, struggling families, and even from nursing homes to pay for a massive tax giveaway to the megawealthy like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. Fedorchak, Cramer, and Hoeven just voted to rip health care away from thousands of North Dakotans, take food from hungry children, and kill jobs across the country. This bill is as cruel as it is unpopular—even Republican voters do not like this bill. Our Republican lawmakers may have abandoned North Dakota, but we will continue to fight this and the many other cuts our state has been forced to suffer under Trump.”

We’re not alone in our concern for North Dakota:

Republican North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread sent a letter on behalf of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to Congressional Leadership saying, “Policy changes embedded in the House-passed reconciliation legislation would have a significant
and ongoing negative impact on the health insurance markets we regulate and the health care
system as a whole. These changes will lead to fewer individuals covered and disruptions to markets as soon as 2026.” He later noted on KFGOthat their concerns “weren’t really well received.”

Brad Gibbens, a board member of the North Dakota Rural Health Association, said that cuts to the Affordable Healthcare Act and SNAP are a “real step backwards” and “there’s going to be a profound effect in rural areas.”

Across the state, North Dakotans sent letters to the editor about this terrible bill:

Barry Batcheller of Fargo wrote, “As of June 13, there are more than 185 judicial rulings against the blizzard of executive orders penned by this president. In numerous instances, the administration shows no intent to comply with these rulings. Our Republican Congress is asleep at the wheel and has ceded extraordinary overreach permission to this president while they nap. The citizens of North Dakota should not be OK with this.”

Per Ostmo of Grand Forks wrote, “A 15% loss in Medicaid revenue is equivalent to more than 21,000 full-time hospital employees across the country. In rural America, the loss of a single primary care provider can result in hospital closure, because that hospital may no longer meet minimum staffing requirements to remain operational. Make no mistake, cuts to Medicaid will result in loss of service, increase preventable deaths, and destroy rural economies.”

Dexter Perkins of Grand Forks, “North Dakota Rep. Julie Fedorchak is either ignorant or lying to North Dakotans. In her recent op-ed, she says that government spending has been out of control and needs fixing. But she supports the One Big Budget Bill that, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), will make things much worse. We here in North Dakota know that you should not spend money you do not have. But, if the bill passes, the CBO says it will be the largest deficit spending bill since World War II and will add trillions of dollars to the federal debt.”

Aunnah Shaw of Minot wrote, “I urge lawmakers to increase — not reduce — SNAP funding. Policy must reflect real-life complexity, not dehumanized or incomplete data. Cuts harm children, destabilize families, and punish those working to rise. We need data with context, funding with integrity, and leadership that applies social empathy and fully considers lived realities before making political decisions that directly affect whether families, children, and taxpaying citizens can eat, stabilize, or survive.”

Dr. Steven L. Johnson of Valley City wrote, “The bill’s name may be “beautiful,” but there is nothing beautiful about shifting the cost of essential services onto families and communities who can least afford it.”

Landis Larson the former president of North Dakota AFL-CIO wrote, “Cuts to Medicaid and other health care programs will strip health care away from 13.7 million workers. Not only that, but we will lose nearly half a million health care jobs across the country, mostly in rural areas, next year. This will be devastating to our rural communities as health care facilities dry up from lack of funding and providers. When people don’t have health insurance, we all pay for it anyway in higher health care costs for those with insurance.”

The Interfaith Alliance of North Dakota wrote, “‘The Big Beautiful Bill,’ however, is cruel and immoral. It would have us turn our back on the teachings that guide us. We hope our elected officials can build a budget that reflects our values of decency and compassion — a budget that is indeed a moral document for all of us.

Mark Watne of North Dakota Farmers Union wrote, “This approach of reconciliation rather than the regular order of drafting a farm bill, where the merits and challenges of programs are debated, misses the point of a government of and for the people. It risks everything we have built as a nation – from leading the world in food production to the U.S. becoming a residual supplier of food for the world. It takes the U.S. further down the path of becoming a food importer rather than having a surplus in agricultural trade. This is a poor choice when it comes to logical food policy for our nation, for farmers and consumers.”

Hoeven, Cramer, Fedorchak, and other Congressional Republicans are putting North Dakotans’ health care, food assistance, and jobs on the chopping block:

  • At least 1 in 4 nursing homes will have to close their doors, and over half of nursing homes will be forced to cut staff
  • Unions are warning this is the “biggest job-killing bill in the history of the country.”
  • If this bill is signed into law, it will threaten 1.75 million construction jobs and 2 million energy jobs
  • This bill cuts $1.3 trillion in food assistance and health coverage while giving the wealthy that exact amount in tax breaks
  • 45,000 North Dakotans on the ACA marketplace will face higher premiums
    Around 27,000 in rural areas
  • 48,700 North Dakotans are at risk of losing food assistance, forcing working families and children to go hungry
  • This will increase North Dakotans energy bills by hundreds of dollars
  • It will add $3.25 trillion to the national debt, while revenues fall by $4.47 trillion

Cramer, Hoeven vote for big, ugly bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 1, 2025

FARGO – Today by a 50-50 margin, Republican Senators passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Vice-President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote. All Democratic Senators voted no, as did Thom Tillis (R-NC), Rand Paul (R-KY), and Susan Collins (R-ME).

The North Dakota Legislative Council estimates that the House Republican version of the bill would result in North Dakota losing $1.42 billion in Medicaid funding over the next 10 years, and around 19,000 North Dakotans losing their health care coverage. The Senate Republican version has even steeper cuts to Medicaid.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “72% of Medicaid adults are working in North Dakota, this will force them to jump through ridiculous red tape to keep their healthcare. This budget gives every billionaire who attended Jeff Bezos’ $50 million dollar Venice wedding this weekend a handout that is paid for on the backs of hard-working North Dakotans. Hoeven and Cramer, and Fedorchak all resolved to vote for this budget before they even read the bill, and because of them, North Dakotans will suffer.”

Hoeven, Cramer, Fedorchak, and other Congressional Republicans are putting North Dakotans’ health care, food assistance, and jobs on the chopping block:

Big, ‘beautiful’ bill is a bad deal for North Dakota

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 30, 2025

FARGO – The U.S. Senate is currently debating amendments to the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act”, which if enacted, will be the largest cut to Medicaid in history. The North Dakota Legislative Council estimates that the state will lose $1.42 billion in Medicaid funding over the next 10 years.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL chair Adam Goldwyn said, “Hoeven, Cramer, and Fedorchak could stock up on all the lipstick in the world, and there still wouldn’t be enough to make this pig of a bill look beautiful. They can obfuscate, they can equivocate, and they can lie, but we know the truth. Nearly two-thirds of Americans know this bill is bad. North Dakota is still reeling from Trump-Vance storm of cuts to mental health care and FEMA grants, and we’re bracing for more. Every billionaire who attended Jeff Bezos’ $50 million dollar Venice wedding this weekend is set to get an extended tax handout paid for on the backs of working North Dakotans. Why on God’s green Earth would they vote to cut $1.42 billion in Medicaid for North Dakotans? When the Great Plains Food Bank is pleading with them to stop the cuts to SNAP, why are our lawmakers ignoring them?”

North Dakota House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) said, “Where’s Senator Hoeven? Where’s Senator Cramer? Where’s Congresswoman Fedorchak? Stand up for North Dakota. Our state will lose nearly $1.5 billion in Medicaid funding in the next decade if this bill passes, and some 19,000 North Dakotans will lose their health care coverage. That’s more people than live in Jamestown dropped from their health insurance thanks to our Republican senators and congresswoman. North Dakota taxpayers will be left holding the bag when our elected officials rubber stamp this disastrous bill.”

Don’t just take it from us:

Budget and Fiscal Policy Organizations
North Dakota Legislative Council reported, “An analysis of the Congressional Budget Office estimates by the Kaiser Family Foundation indicated North Dakota’s share of this reduction would be approximately $1.42 billion, or 12 percent of projected federal Medicaid spending in the state, compared to baseline projections. The provisions currently in the bill are estimated to reduce Medicaid enrollment in North Dakota by 18 percent by 2034, compared to baseline levels. Approximately 45 percent of the funding reduction would be attributable to a mandatory work requirement of 80 hours per month for able-bodied adults aged 19-64 without dependents, beginning December 31, 2026, for Medicaid expansion enrollees.”

Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget wrote,“The Senate bill would borrow almost $1 trillion more than the House bill. It would also fail to comply with the House reconciliation instructions requiring $2 trillion of gross spending cuts or offsetting tax cuts changes, falling nearly $500 billion short. Even these numbers understate the potential costs of the bill, since the legislation relies on a number of arbitrary expirations. Borrowing could rise by another $1 trillion – to $5 trillion or more – if temporary provisions were made permanent. The Senate should reject this bill and work toward a fiscally responsible alternative that reduces rather than explodes our high and rising debt.”

Taxpayers for Common Sense President Stephen Ellis wrote, “With this year’s deficit expected to approach $2 trillion and the national debt already at $36.2 trillion—up more than $30 trillion since 2000—we simply cannot afford to pile on trillions more. We urge you to reject this legislation and pursue a fiscally responsible approach to the expiration of tax provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.”

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities President Sharon Parrott said, “Proponents of this destructive agenda have tried every trick in the book to claim falsely that the deep and harmful cuts to food assistance and health coverage would somehow not hurt people. They’ve done all they can to portray the people it would hurt as anything but who they are — people in communities throughout the country who need help to afford the basics, most of whom work or are children, seniors, or people with disabilities. Despite obfuscation, the truth is clear — this bill will hurt people in every state if enacted.”

Advocacy Groups
AARP said, “More than 9 million Medicaid enrollees ages 50 to 64 would likely be subject to the work requirements, an analysis by the AARP Public Policy Institute (PPI) estimates, and could be at risk of losing their health insurance. And it’s not because enrollees can’t meet the standards — 92 percent of enrollees to whom the House’s requirements would apply are either already working or would likely qualify for an exemption, the health policy nonprofit KFF found — but because proving compliance could be too complex. As the coauthors of the AARP PPI analysis put it, ‘Work requirements will tangle older adults in red tape.’”

The American Association of People with Disabilities wrote, “the proposal’s requirement that Medicaid recipients re-certify their eligibility every six months is a particularly burdensome barrier to care. Many people with disabilities lack consistent access to the identification and medical documents needed to meet such requirements. Additionally, many Medicaid recipients do not have a computer, smartphone, broadband internet, or reliable transportation to assist with navigating complex administrative systems. These requirements will lead to widespread disenrollment from Medicaid, not because people are no longer eligible, but because the system makes it too hard to stay enrolled.”

The Arc CEO Katy Neas said, “For millions of people with disabilities, Medicaid and SNAP aren’t just safety nets—they’re survival. New administrative barriers aren’t about stopping waste, fraud, and abuse. They are about denying access to essential health care to as many people as possible. Families will skip check-ups, critical surgeries, and medications. Parents will go hungry so their kids don’t have to. People will be forced to choose between paying rent or seeing a doctor. This is the brutal reality for the millions who will lose health coverage and food assistance under this plan.”

Health Care Associations
National Rural Health Association said, “The unprecedented cuts in Medicaid coverage and financing in Congress’ reconciliation proposals, will have a major impact on rural communities—on the people covered by Medicaid, the rural health providers who serve them and the rural communities that will see more health facilities close, with associated impacts on access to care and local economies.”

Children’s Hospital Association President and CEO Matthew Cook said, “Cutting programs that support the health of our next generations does not reduce spending. It borrows from tomorrow and ensures that today’s kids will need more care down the road. That’s an expensive bet, and it only kicks the costs to the next generation.”

The National Association of Community Health Centers said, “Even a small shift in patients from Medicaid to uninsured status could force clinics to reduce services or close locations, jeopardizing access to cost-effective primary care and medical services in communities. Rural communities would lose critical access points for primary care, dental services, and behavioral health. When CHCs close, communities lose not just healthcare but also jobs and economic stability. Terminating Medicaid coverage for gig workers, freelancers, caregivers, and those who have been laid off will not only compromise their health but also make it harder for them to work.”

American Medical Association President Bobby Mukkamala wrote, “By changing Medicaid and CHIP eligibility criteria, reducing their funding, and eliminating the Medicare payment provision included in the House-passed reconciliation bill, this legislation risks making matters worse for an exceptional number of people including seniors, pregnant women and persons with disabilities. Limiting access to a physician does not make patients healthier; in fact, it increases the risk of turning acute, treatable issues into costly chronic conditions. As work continues on this bill, we urge senators to listen to patients and physicians before making changes that reduce access to care.”

American Hospital Association President and CEO Rick Pollack said, “This legislation will put at risk the 72 million Americans who rely on Medicaid for their health care and jeopardize the hospitals that serve them. It will adversely impact critical care for children, pregnant women, the elderly, disabled and millions of working Americans. The sheer magnitude of these cuts, the largest ever proposed by Congress, will dramatically increase the number of uninsured and undermine the ability of hospitals across America to provide critical services to everyone. We are disappointed that the Senate bill goes in the wrong direction and is substantially worse than its House counterpart.”

America’s Essential Hospitals President and CEO Bruce Siegel said, “This bill would destabilize hospitals across the nation, jeopardizing the health of millions of Americans. We urge the Senate to strengthen and support our hospitals, not destroy them.”

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network said, “Research consistently shows that access to health insurance coverage through Medicaid increases cancer screenings rates, early-stage cancer diagnoses, and improves access to timely cancer treatment and survival rates. Further, access to health insurance coverage is one of the most significant determining factors in an individual’s chance to survive cancer. Medicaid protects individuals and families from medical debt, helps keep rural hospital doors open, creates jobs in our communities, and helps our nation become healthier and more prosperous. The result of these proposed Medicaid cuts will be devastating – lives will be lost, and state economies will suffer greatly. ACS CAN urges members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee to vote against these shortsighted, life-threatening cuts to Medicaid, regardless of the form they are presented in. There is simply too much to lose for the millions that rely on Medicaid to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.”

The Association of American Medical Colleges said, “The proposed policies do not exist in silos. Many patients beyond Medicaid enrollees would be affected by these actions. Patients would experience the consequences of intensifying the physician shortage by limiting access to student loans, not just medical students. These policies would put undue pressure on the ability of our nation’s academic health systems, teaching hospitals, and medical schools to perform their core missions: providing patient care, educating and training the next generation of physicians and other health professionals, conducting life-saving medical research, and strengthening their communities. Additionally, these policies would undermine institutions’ ability to continue driving local economic growth and employing millions of people nationwide. Those enrolled in Medicaid and many more would feel those effects.”

Food Security Organizations
Melissa Sobolik, CEO of the Great Plains Food Bank said, “The state of North Dakota for instance could have to pay an additional 11 million dollars a year or more just to cover 10 percent of the SNAP costs in our state.”

Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot said, “Based on preliminary estimates, the proposed cuts would reduce critical SNAP support by up to 6 billion to as much as 9 billion meals each year. By comparison, the entire Feeding America network of over 200 food banks and 60,000 faith-based and charitable partners provided 6 billion meals last year. Additionally, Medicaid cuts could leave 8 million people without health care, potentially resulting in 800,000 more people without adequate resources to access enough nutritious food.”

Farming Organizations pushing for a bipartisan, comprehensive Farm Bill

Mark Watne President of North Dakota Farmers Union wrote, “The demise of the Farm Bill began when we chose to extend it, not only once but twice. As a result, we are seeing a bill drafted through a reconciliation process that only allows changes pertinent to a partisan push. Cutting SNAP and small enhancements to the farm safety net while leaving most other programs in limbo will widen the rural-urban divide and make the bill less bipartisan. This approach of reconciliation rather than the regular order of drafting a Farm Bill, where the merits and challenges of programs are debated, misses the point of a government of and for the people. It risks everything we have built as a nation — from leading the world in food production to the U.S. becoming a residual supplier of food for the world. It takes the U.S. further down the path of becoming a food importer rather than having a surplus in agricultural trade. This is a poor choice when it comes to logical food policy for our nation, for farmers and consumers.”

National Farmers Union said, “But this is not the best way to produce a meaningful farm bill. Our members know that the process matters. Pitting farm and nutrition priorities against one another creates unnecessary division and weakens the broader effort. A strong farm bill—however it comes together—must reflect the full scope of challenges facing agriculture and rural communities, and it must work for everyone it touches: farmers, ranchers, and families across the country.”

National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. said, “NCGA’s farmer leaders have long stood on the policy position that farm bills should be comprehensive and bipartisan, and that they should include farm programs and nutrition programs. Given that budget reconciliation provides only a partial pathway for select components of the farm bill, we would like return to a bipartisan, comprehensive approach to future farm bill debates.”

Trade Unions
North American Building Trades Union President Sean McGarvey said, “If enacted, this stands to be the biggest job-killing bill in the history of this country. Simply put, it is the equivalent of terminating more than 1,000 Keystone XL pipeline projects. In some cases, it worsens the already harmful trajectory of the House-passed language, threatening an estimated 1.75 million construction jobs and over 3 billion work hours, which translates to $148 billion in lost annual wages and benefits. These are staggering and unfathomable job loss numbers, and the bill throws yet another lifeline and competitive advantage to China in the race for global energy dominance.”

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers President Kenneth W. Cooper said, “This budget reconciliation bill is a direct attack on working families, shoveling tax breaks to the rich while turning its back on the people who power this country.”

AFL-CIO Government Affairs Director Jody Calemine wrote, “Beyond working moms and dads losing their jobs, it should be noted that the SNAP and Medicaid cuts hit working class children hard. Half of all children with working parents who never got a college degree are served by these programs. The bill’s purported ‘work requirements’ are in essence ‘paperwork requirements,’ needlessly complicating the process so that eligible people have a harder time obtaining benefits and simply give up. In other words, savings comes from using red tape to frustrate working people’s attempts to access the programs.

Faith Leaders
The Interfaith Alliance of North Dakota wrote, “Teachings across our faiths encourage us to help the least among us, care for those who are sick, shelter the homeless, welcome the stranger, and feed those who are hungry. Ideally, our federal budget reflects these priorities and our country’s shared moral values. That’s how programs like Medicaid and CHIP started – we sought to help those who needed a little help through our government. The “big, beautiful bill,” however, is cruel and immoral. It would have us turn our back on the teachings that guide us. We hope our elected officials can build a budget that reflects our values of decency and compassion – a budget that is indeed a moral document for all of us.”

Through the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio wrote, “As Pope Leo XIV recently stated, it is the responsibility of politicians to promote and protect the common good, including by working to overcome great wealth inequality. This bill does not answer this call. It takes from the poor to give to the wealthy. It provides tax breaks for some while undermining the social safety net for others through major cuts to nutrition assistance and Medicaid. It fails to protect families and children by promoting an enforcement-only approach to immigration and eroding access to legal protections.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America said, “Proposed adjustments to SNAP and hunger programs could cause many low-income households to lose essential food assistance without improving their employment prospects. We are concerned by proposals to limit the Thrifty Food Plan, and to force states to shoulder benefit costs, which would hinder the future financial prospects of many families. Local food pantries and meal programs—many operated by Lutheran congregations—have indicated they are already stretched beyond capacity without any changes. Rather than reducing food assistance, we should be strengthening these vital programs.”

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) said, “The bill passed by the House does not promote fiscal responsibility. Instead, it sacrifices the well-being of our neighbors on the altar of political expediency and economic inequity. Its economic impacts — delayed until after next year’s midterm elections — will reverberate for years, especially among those who rely on these essential services. As Presbyterians, our social witness policy affirms that balancing the federal budget on the backs of the poor while preserving tax advantages for the wealthy is morally indefensible. Access to food, health care, and shelter is not a privilege for the few, but a fundamental human right.”

Republicans
Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) said, “I did my homework on behalf of North Carolinians, and I cannot support this bill in its current form. It would result in tens of billions of dollars in lost funding for North Carolina, including our hospitals and rural communities. This will force the state to make painful decisions like eliminating Medicaid coverage for hundreds of thousands in the expansion population, and even reducing critical services for those in the traditional Medicaid population.”

Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) said, “You cannot take away health care from working people. And unless this is changed going forward, that is what will happen in coming years.” <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/12/opinion/josh-hawley-dont-cut-medicaid.html"Earlier, Hawley also said the bill is “both morally wrong and politically suicidal.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]

Ethics Commission approves use of campaign funds for childcare and security costs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 30, 2025

Bismarck – On Wednesday, the North Dakota Ethics Commission unanimously approved by Advisory Opinion Request that campaign funds may be used for caregiving and for security costs by candidates when campaigning and elected officials when performing their official duties. Assistant Senate Minority Josh Boschee (D-Fargo) made the Advisory Opinion Request in January 2025, and agreed to extensions for the opinion to be provided beyond their required timeline to accommodate their workload during the legislative session. North Dakota is the 40th state to allow campaign funds to be used for childcare costs.

Boschee said, “Too often, people with children at home think that they can’t run for office, but they’re exactly the kind of folks we need in those decision-making roles. Who understands kitchen table issues better than working moms and dads? This opinion will make it easier for folks in caregiver roles—especially North Dakota moms—to run for office.”

Boschee continued, “Personal safety has increasingly become a barrier that people cite for not wanting to run for office. While we must continue to be available to our constituents, it’s clear we need to look at ensuring lawmakers’ safety. I think this opinion will help bring peace of mind to folks who want to run.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]

Senators Hogan and Braunberger named to NCSL Youth Homelessness Fellows Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 25, 2025

FARGO — After a highly competitive selection process, Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo) and Senate Minority Caucus Leader Ryan Braunberger (D-Fargo) have been named to the National Conference of State Legislatures 2025 cohort of the Youth Homelessness Fellows. This prestigious program brings together a bipartisan cohort of state legislators and legislative staff committed to addressing and preventing youth and young adult homelessness.

Each cohort participates in two multi-day, in-person meetings designed to deepen their understanding of youth homelessness and explore evidence-based state policy solutions focused on elimination and prevention. The small group structure encourages meaningful discussions with experts and peers, beginning with the cohort’s first meeting in Minneapolis and continuing throughout the year with exclusive programming and resources provided by NCSL.

This year, Hogan and Braunburger join a cohort of 22 legislators and two legislative staff from 17 states. Since its launch in 2022, the program has welcomed more than 40 alumni who are now part of a growing network of policymakers leading the discussion to address youth homelessness in their states.

Senate Minority Leader Hogan (D-Fargo) remarked, “This fellowship taught us how strong public and private partnerships strengthen supports for young people experiencing the many complex challenges of being without shelter during late adolescence.”

Senator Braunberger (D-Fargo) said, “This fellowship is a great opportunity to learn from fellow lawmakers and organizations that successfully lift up youth voices to create policies that will work towards ending youth homelessness.”

NCSL, the leading bipartisan organization representing the nation’s 7,386 legislators and more than 30,000 legislative staff, provides a wide range of policy resources on youth and young adult homelessness. As part of the Fellows program, participants also receive individualized support to help advance their action plans.

With the support of the Raikes Foundation and The Annie E. Casey Foundation, NCSL’s Youth Homelessness Fellows Program is offered at no cost to participants.

To learn more about the program and to view the full list of the 2025 cohort members, visit

https://www.ncsl.org/human-services/youth-homelessness-fellows-program

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]

Dem-NPL Leaders Honor Bruce Hagen’s Legacy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 22, 2025

BISMARCK – Former North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Bruce Hagen died Thursday at 94. Hagen served on the PSC for 39 years.

Former U.S. Senator Kent Conrad said, “Bruce Hagen was my friend, my ally, and my political partner. We campaigned together all across North Dakota many times. We did it so often we could tell each other’s stories. Bruce loved political life and holding elective office, and he was good at it. Bruce held elected office longer than anyone in North Dakota history, and served as a Public Service Commissioner longer than anyone in U.S. history. He was committed to public service, and service is what it was all about to Bruce. He deeply believed in democracy, and that making it work is everyone’s responsibility. And he understood to make it work, the public had to see and feel that elected officials were working in the public interest. That meant really understanding what the public needed and wanted. That meant making tough decisions to get the job done. That meant taking on powerful special interests when they reached too far. Bruce Hagen will always be remembered as a good and thoughtful man who dedicated his life to making all of our lives better.”

Former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp said, “Bruce was a steadfast presence in North Dakota, known for his integrity, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his community. His legacy is reflected in the positive change he inspired during his service to our state. I’ll always remember Bruce for his warm and generous spirit.”

Former U.S. Representative Earl Pomeroy remarked, “Bruce was very smart and demonstrated really sound judgment. He was a balanced individual and approached the job of PSC commissioner in the same way. He was an excellent representative for decades for the consumer. Hagen always made sure the interests of all North Dakotans were protected.”

Democratic-NPL Regional Representative and former Dem-NPL candidate Trygve Hammer remarked, “I’m deeply saddened to hear of Bruce Hagen’s passing. I first met Bruce while campaigning for the PSC in 2022. He was generous with his time, and it was clear from his years on the Public Service Commission that he always put the people of North Dakota first, without fanfare or expectation of receiving anything in return. He truly looked out for the community, and his work consistently embodied the highest traditions of public service. His dedication brought great credit not only to himself but also to his family, community, party, and state. Throughout the state, I have met many young North Dakotans who would love to serve in the same spirit as Bruce Hagen, and that gives me great hope for our future.”

State Senator Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) said, “Bruce, was rooted on the land of his birth, in spirit and physical reality. He brought the DEM and the NPL together!”

North Dakota DNC Committeeman Jamie Selzler said, “Bruce Hagen is a legendary figure in North Dakota history, and truly the epitome of what it means to be a public servant. For decades, he prioritized the needs of our state and people before his own, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Personally, I’ll remember him as one of the greatest cheerleaders in the Dem-NPL. If there was an event being held, he was there. If someone needed advice, he was there. And when our Party needed someone to step up and lead, he was always there.”

Former Democratic-NPL Party Chair Bob Valeu remarked, “As the longest-serving Public Service Commissioner, Bruce was keenly aware of the issues our landowners faced. He was the kind of independent decision-maker who you were always comfortable with in that position of power because you knew he was looking out for the interests of the state. Bruce was my good friend for nearly 60 years, and I will miss him dearly.”

Former Democratic-NPL Party Chair Kylie Oversen said, “Bruce was an incredible public servant, with a prolific record of hard work and dedication to the people of North Dakota. Much will be written about his time in public office, however, his service didn’t end there. Into his final years, he continued to advocate for changes and policies that would better serve our communities and residents. More than that, he was a strong supporter of up and coming candidates and leaders in the Dem-NPL. He generously offered advice and support to young people getting involved. I was fortunate to be a beneficiary of Bruce’s wisdom and friendship. He will be missed by so many in the Dem-NPL and beyond.”

Gary Holm, who worked in the Link administration wrote, “I’d known Bruce since the mid 60s. We campaigned together in ’94 when we were both running for state office. Bruce was humble and steadfastly dedicated to public service and the Dem-NPL. He will be most remembered for his long-time service to ND. He was also very thoughtful and a wonderful human being who actively promoted peace in the world.

Former State Senator Tom Seymour remarked, “Bruce Hagen had amazing longevity as a North Dakota PSC Commissioner and will go down in North Dakota History as a leading Dem-NPL public servant for all the people of North Dakota.”

Dem-NPL statement on Hortman assassination and Hoffman attempted assassination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 15, 2025

FARGO – Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed early this morning; State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot.

Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “We stand with the Hortman family as they grieve and with Sen. Hoffman and his wife as they heal. Generations of Americans have fought and died for our democracy, and the Hortmans now join such great Americans as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, Jr. as those who have given their lives for our country. Americans have never cowered in the face of domestic terrorism, and we won’t do so now. Melissa Hortman gave her life for our country, and we will carry on the struggle for a more perfect union with her in our hearts.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]

After baselessly accusing 6 ND counties of violating immigration law, Noem should apologize

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 2, 2025

FARGO – Last week, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem published a list of “Sanctuary Jurisdictions,” which she claimed were not following federal immigration law. The list included North Dakota’s Billings, Golden Valley, Grant, Morton, Ramsey, Sioux, and Slope Counties. This list has since been deleted.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “This isn’t the first time North Dakotans have been sent on a rollercoaster ride with no follow-up from this chaotic, cruel, and corrupt Trump administration. North Dakota law enforcement was put in a position where they had to defend themselves from baseless accusations, only for these allegations to surreptitiously disappear from the website. If Kristi Noem actually has evidence that places like Beach or Medora are violating immigration law, she owes it to the public to show us. If not, she should apologize to the sheriffs of these counties and explain how she compiled this list.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]

Burdick Job Corps the next thing on Trump’s chopping block

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 1, 2025

MINOT – The Trump Administration has announced he is “pausing” all contractor-operated Job Corps by June 30, 2025.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “For decades, the Burdick Job Corps has provided life-changing programs to train young people to advance in their careers. It’s unconscionable to close this vital service when we are in the middle of a workforce shortage. Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnson started Job Corps, and North Dakota Democratic-NPL legislators have fought hard to address our current workforce crisis. A month ago, Trump was forcing layoffs at the Minot-based North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities. When are Fedorchak, Hoeven, and Cramer going to stand up for us and tell Trump and Musk to keep their hands off North Dakota?”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]

Committee takes up multiple Democratic-NPL proposed studies to inform future lawmaking

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 28, 2025

FARGO – The 69th Legislative Assembly voted to consider many studies between now and the next legislative session. Today, Legislative Management met to choose which of those studies to adopt. Multiple studies that were sponsored by Democratic-NPL lawmakers were selected.

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Josh Boschee said, “One of our biggest priorities right now is addressing homelessness and affordable housing for all North Dakotans. We adopted a comprehensive study of homelessness in North Dakota so that we know where we, as a state, can step in to ensure every North Dakotan has a safe place to lay their head at night. We’ll also explore ways we can improve access to dental care for our most vulnerable populations, examine using grants to get more funding to law enforcement and emergency services, and review our laws that protect children from abuse and neglect.”

Democratic-NPL sponsored studies that were required by the Legislative Assembly to be taken up by Legislative Management:
-Sen. Josh Boschee’s (D-Fargo) proposal to study the funding needs of fixed route city transportation networks
-Rep. Alisa Mitskog’s (D–Wahpeton) proposal to study establishing a wastewater project fund to provide grants for upgrading, constructing, or replacing wastewater infrastructure

Democratic-NPL sponsored studies that were voluntarily taken up by Legislative Management:
-Rep. Mary Schneider’s (D-Fargo) proposal to study the unmet dental and oral health care needs of low-income children, Native American children, and individuals with disabilities
-Rep. Mary Schneider’s proposal to study state laws relating to criminal conduct against children, child sexual abuse, child physical abuse, child neglect, and human trafficking of children.
-Rep. Jayme Davis’ (D-Rolette) proposal to study the taxation of land owned by enrolled tribal members who reside within the boundaries of any tribal reservation in ND
-Sen. Josh Boschee’s proposal to study grant funding for law enforcement, fire departments, and other emergency services.
-Sen. Kathy Hogan’s (D-Fargo) proposal to study the feasibility of developing geothermal energy in North Dakota
-Sen. Tim Mathern’s (D-Fargo) proposal to study the construction of a legislative office building
-Rep. Mary Schneider’s proposal to study special education teacher shortages and Sen. Josh Boschee’s proposal to study reading and math proficiency among disabled students were both rolled into HB 1547, which establishes a committee to study special education funding

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]

North Dakota Democrats Launch Fast, Transparent Fundraising with GoodChange

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 27, 2025

FARGO – Today, the North Dakota Democratic NPL announced a new partnership with GoodChange, a fast-growing fundraising platform built by former grassroots fundraisers. The partnership will streamline fundraising across North Dakota with modern tools designed for speed, transparency, and donor engagement.

Through the partnership, North Dakota Democratic NPL delivers a fresh approach to fundraising that will also benefit their candidates and committees. Built for fundraising campaigns large and small, GoodChange’s platform equips fundraisers with same-day launch capabilities, donor fee cover options, spare change roundups, and built-in compliance and reporting tools.

“The North Dakota Democratic NPL stands for fairness, equity, and integrity; we will continue to fight for policies that build North Dakota’s future, like universal school lunches, affordable healthcare, and meaningful property tax relief. We’re heading into a new cycle, and that’s a great time to look at new ways to engage our donors, to deepen relationships with them, and to optimize our fundraising efforts to fuel the work. GoodChange is a fantastic tool that helps us do exactly that—and we’ve already increased our bottom line with them,” said North Dakota Democratic-NPL Executive Director Cheryl Biller.

GoodChange Cofounder Emily Wineland said, “North Dakota Democrats are fortunate to have trailblazing leaders at the helm, looking for the best ways to meet donors where they are. For a state party to thrive, providing flexible tools that can effectively serve a diverse audience is crucial. We are inspired by the North Dakota Democratic-NPL’s forward-thinking approach, and know they will go far because of it.”

This partnership reflects a broader shift in the democratic tech space, as campaigns adopt more agile and more affordable tools to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Any District Committee, County Committees, or candidates who want to explore using GoodChange are encouraged to sign up for a demo here.

More about GoodChange:

GoodChange is the intersection of responsive financial technology and relational fundraising. Combining the latest fintech and financial management innovations with proven fundraising strategies, GoodChange provides the power to reach, convert, and engage new and existing donors with ease.

CONTACT:
Cheryl Biller
Executive Director
[email protected]

Laura Dronen
Communications Director
[email protected]