Dem-NPL Policy Adopted by NDGOP & Gov Burgum

Bismarck, ND –  After years of Dem-NPL leaders, candidates, and volunteers championing policies that will improve the lives of North Dakotans, yet another policy was taken from the tenets of the Dem-NPL party. While the NDGOP is legislating in a fear-based, unconstitutional manner that does not represent North Dakotan needs, the Dem-NPL is working hard on ideas and policies that will improve our state.

Dem-NPL Chair Patrick Hart commented on the continued lack of leadership from the NDGOP

“This is yet another example of the NDGOP not having any real policy ideas that will improve our communities, our children’s futures, or put money in our pockets. While we’re glad to see the carbon neutrality initiative in a headline, if Dem-NPL was in charge, North Dakota would’ve gotten it done years ago. Funny how Governor Burgum likes to act as though he is cut from a different cloth of the NDGOP, when in reality his ‘innovation’ is nothing more than taking Dem-NPL policy and implementing it years too late.”

Chair Hart continues:

“We have been fortunate to have Dem-NPL leaders like Senator Heitkamp & Dr. Lenz as well as many others across the state be proactive on critical topics like this. Climate change, energy innovation, and soil health are integral to how we grow the economics of this state. As a Senator, Heidi Heitkamp made it known that North Dakota would be a leader on carbon neutrality and sequestration. During her run for Governor, Dr. Shelley Lenz made it equally clear that involving North Dakota workers, tribal nations and more would be critical to the development of our energy sectors, not by catering to big corporate giveaways, but by investment in new industries and the people of North Dakota. The Dem-NPL has long been a leader on this issue and we will continue to be, but it would be for the betterment of North Dakota if the NDGOP could stop blockading for decades the things we need to be a leader in this industry.”

Dem-NPL Policy Adopted by NDGOP & Gov Burgum

Bismarck, ND –  After years of Dem-NPL leaders, candidates, and volunteers championing policies that will improve the lives of North Dakotans, yet another policy was taken from the tenets of the Dem-NPL party. While the NDGOP is legislating in a fear-based, unconstitutional manner that does not represent North Dakotan needs, the Dem-NPL is working hard on ideas and policies that will improve our state.

Dem-NPL Chair Patrick Hart commented on the continued lack of leadership from the NDGOP

“This is yet another example of the NDGOP not having any real policy ideas that will improve our communities, our children’s futures, or put money in our pockets. While we’re glad to see the carbon neutrality initiative in a headline, if Dem-NPL was in charge, North Dakota would’ve gotten it done years ago. Funny how Governor Burgum likes to act as though he is cut from a different cloth of the NDGOP, when in reality his ‘innovation’ is nothing more than taking Dem-NPL policy and implementing it years too late.”

Chair Hart continues:

“We have been fortunate to have Dem-NPL leaders like Senator Heitkamp & Dr. Lenz as well as many others across the state be proactive on critical topics like this. Climate change, energy innovation, and soil health are integral to how we grow the economics of this state. As a Senator, Heidi Heitkamp made it known that North Dakota would be a leader on carbon neutrality and sequestration. During her run for Governor, Dr. Shelley Lenz made it equally clear that involving North Dakota workers, tribal nations and more would be critical to the development of our energy sectors, not by catering to big corporate giveaways, but by investment in new industries and the people of North Dakota. The Dem-NPL has long been a leader on this issue and we will continue to be, but it would be for the betterment of North Dakota if the NDGOP could stop blockading for decades the things we need to be a leader in this industry.”

NDGOP & Gov Burgum Gut Unemployment Benefits and Security for Workers of North Dakota

Bismarck, ND –  Yesterday, Gov. Doug Burgum announced the state will pull out of four federally provided programs that offer extra compensation and longer eligibility to unemployed North Dakotans. Burgum and the entire NDGOP coordinated to tell the working class of our state that they are livestock to be ushered back to historically underpaying, underprotected minimum wage jobs. The NDGOP continues to hinder North Dakota’s ability to recover from the pandemic, maintaining their commitment to vicious, violent animosity towards the men and women who build our state.

Dem-NPL Chair Patrick Hart commented on the NDGOP’s decision to gut benefits:

“As a small business owner the greatest thing I get to do for the community is to serve them and their needs. Hard work for a fair, livable wage is what built North Dakota and what continues to drive the innovation we see in our state. What is not a part of our North Dakota values is kicking people when they are down and treating them viciously, instead of with unmatched kindness. When the pandemic fractured our communities, killed our loved ones, and forced businesses to close, how did the NDGOP respond? They fought science with conspiracy theories, they voted to make the rich even richer, and they wasted our tax dollars on unconstitutional nonsense instead of helping out our neighbors. That is the issue we should be talking about.”

Chair Hart continues:

“We are asking Governor Burgum to sit down with business owners, workers, unemployment recipients and union reps, and have a dialogue about this issue. As Rep. Boschee and countless other North Dakotans have asked, where was the analysis done for this decision? Was it rooted in sound fiscal policy, or was it informed by the feedback loop of fringe right-wing media to legislators and back? What is the average wage for open jobs? What communities are these jobs even available in? What non-lobbyist groups gave input on this decision? These choices have a massive impact on the lives of real North Dakotans and we demand answers, and accountability, from the entire NDGOP.”

NDGOP & Gov Burgum Gut Unemployment Benefits and Security for Workers of North Dakota

Bismarck, ND –  Yesterday, Gov. Doug Burgum announced the state will pull out of four federally provided programs that offer extra compensation and longer eligibility to unemployed North Dakotans. Burgum and the entire NDGOP coordinated to tell the working class of our state that they are livestock to be ushered back to historically underpaying, underprotected minimum wage jobs. The NDGOP continues to hinder North Dakota’s ability to recover from the pandemic, maintaining their commitment to vicious, violent animosity towards the men and women who build our state.

Dem-NPL Chair Patrick Hart commented on the NDGOP’s decision to gut benefits:

“As a small business owner the greatest thing I get to do for the community is to serve them and their needs. Hard work for a fair, livable wage is what built North Dakota and what continues to drive the innovation we see in our state. What is not a part of our North Dakota values is kicking people when they are down and treating them viciously, instead of with unmatched kindness. When the pandemic fractured our communities, killed our loved ones, and forced businesses to close, how did the NDGOP respond? They fought science with conspiracy theories, they voted to make the rich even richer, and they wasted our tax dollars on unconstitutional nonsense instead of helping out our neighbors. That is the issue we should be talking about.”

Chair Hart continues:

“We are asking Governor Burgum to sit down with business owners, workers, unemployment recipients and union reps, and have a dialogue about this issue. As Rep. Boschee and countless other North Dakotans have asked, where was the analysis done for this decision? Was it rooted in sound fiscal policy, or was it informed by the feedback loop of fringe right-wing media to legislators and back? What is the average wage for open jobs? What communities are these jobs even available in? What non-lobbyist groups gave input on this decision? These choices have a massive impact on the lives of real North Dakotans and we demand answers, and accountability, from the entire NDGOP.”

Dem-NPL Elects New Chair, Patrick Hart, Announces New Party Leadership

Bismarck, ND –  Today, at the Democratic-NPL Statewide Reorganization Meeting, Dem-NPL Leaders from across the state elected Patrick Hart to serve as the new State Party Chair. Also elected were Vice Chair Kari Breker, DNC Committeeman Adam Goldwyn, Treasurer Tracey Wilkie, and Secretary Birgit Pruess.

Dem-NPL Chair Patrick Hart Commented On The Election:

“I am honored that my fellow Dem-NPL members across the state have chosen me to take on this important role and lead our party to create a new, expansive vision for North Dakota. Together, we’ll fight for the North Dakotans that build our state. From the teachers, well technicians, farmers, and more, I am excited to build this party around you and your families’ needs.

I look forward to the challenge of building on the foundation of the Dem-NPL that Chair Kylie Oversen built with the help of many others. The Dem-NPL has been a big part of my life for many years and I’m glad to be afforded the opportunity to help grow our base and lead our party into the future. I am humbled by the confidence given by my peers and will ensure that anyone who wants to be involved will be welcomed to the table. Myself and Kari Breker were elected because we have the right ideas and are committed to growing the party & winning elections and we look forward to hitting the ground running.”

Outgoing Chair Kylie Oversen Commented On Today’s Elections:

“Serving North Dakota and the Democratic-NPL has been one of my life’s greatest honors, but I am excited for the bold future that Patrick and the leadership team will create for North Dakota. With Patrick in charge, North Dakotans will have a champion for workers that will carry the fight in each & every election. My heartfelt thank you to all those who have supported me through this role over the years, and my best wishes to Patrick.”

About Patrick Hart: Patrick Hart is a small business owner and resides with his family in Bismarck. He previously served as the Dem-NPL Vice Chair.

Democratic-Nonpartisan League Leadership Summarizes the 67th Legislative Session

BISMARCK, N.D. – Advancements in health care, education, infrastructure, and equality issues were the highlights of the 2021 legislative session, according to Democratic-NPL lawmakers. However, these high points were marred by fights over controversial, unconstitutional, and unnecessary legislation.

“Despite the distractions of the extreme agenda of some Republicans, we advanced a broad array of policies that will improve the lives of working people and families in our state,” according to Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman (D-New Rockford)

Successes

Dem-NPL leaders, who have long led the conversation on bonding for long-term needs, advocated for a $2 billion bonding bill this session. The Legislature finally authorized up to $680 million in infrastructure bonds to finance local projects. It also passed legislation to provide long-term certainty in how the state spends its earnings from the Legacy Fund and a bill to invest more of the Legacy Fund’s principal in North Dakota infrastructure.

“We are encouraged that our Republican colleagues now see the need to utilize bonding to move forward these kinds of programs,” Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) “While not the more expansive, more responsive result we proposed, this legislation will allow important action on infrastructure needs in communities across the state, create good-paying jobs, help reduce the impact of property taxes, and freed up general fund dollars to fund other crucial priorities.”

“These bills support our economy and prioritize North Dakota’s infrastructure and the needs of our communities,” said Rep. Alisa Mitskog (D-Wahpeton). “When we invest in North Dakota first, we all win. I look forward to continuing to work with my GOP colleagues to advance natural gas infrastructure through the interim.”

The Dem-NPL Caucus also secured a major win for first responders in HB 1435 sponsored by Rep. Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks). It provides continuing health care coverage for the spouse and children of first responders killed in the line of duty.

“Those who pursue careers in law enforcement and public safety should be honored as the heroes they are,” Rep. Ista said. “They willingly put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe, and they deserve our gratitude and our support. And when someone pays the ultimate sacrifice in service to our state, we should support the family they leave behind.”

Distractions

This session saw mountains of distracting and regressive bills from the Republican party. They chose to waste limited legislative time, money, and energy on conspiracies over the 2020 election, picked politics over public health, and manufactured problems to target marginalized youth.

“Average North Dakotans don’t send us to the legislature to push extremism,” according to Sen. Erin Oban (D-Bismarck). “When you prioritize divisive ideologies and personal agendas over the everyday needs of North Dakotans, you put our people and our economy at risk. I was not elected to push an ideology. I was elected to work across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation to address real problems. The divisive headlines that have come out of this legislative session cloud our successes and tarnish the reputation of North Dakotans.

Missed Opportunities

This session shows that Republicans have a habit of opposing Democratic ideas unless they can take credit for them. This session, the Caucus worked hard to decrease prescription drug prices, pass paid family leave, and provide financial relief to small businesses, students, and essential workers. Each one was voted down.

“In North Dakota, we take care of one another,” said Rep. Josh Boschee. “No matter who needs help, at a moment’s notice, we will be there to change a tire, provide a meal, or shovel snow off the driveway or put sand into a bag. Unfortunately, Republican legislators are more interested in providing favors to big business and advancing culture wars instead of supporting the working people who were instrumental in how our communities and state responded to the pandemic.”

 

###

COVID-19 Announces New Running Mate: All of NDGOP

Bismarck, ND – Yesterday was a dark day in North Dakota’s storied history. The NDGOP, overtaken by rabid legislators fixated on stripping local control informed by lies from fringe right wing media, took the opportunity to overturn Governor Burgum’s veto in order to take power from our local communities to fight against COVID-19, and for potential new strains to spread faster and unchecked in the future.

Sen. Ray Holmberg (R-Grand Forks) is someone who literally caught COVID-19 last year, but still found an opportunity to ensure that public officials in his community are unable to protect their constituents against this virus, and careless legislators like him. The NDGOP, led by hysteria and hatred, had an opportunity to redeem themselves but instead pressed forward with a bill that will demonstrably make you, your family, and your neighbor’s lives less safe.

Democratic-NPL Executive Director Michael Taylor spoke against the veto override:

“North Dakotans are completely exhausted. We are exhausted by the constant struggle to have our state government do even the most basic things that will help our state prosper, our neighbors feel safe, and our local communities have jurisdiction over how they protect themselves. Maybe it’s ignorance or they’re just intentionally negligent to their responsibilities, but North Dakota at one point last year had the worst COVID-19 outbreak in the world. Not 10th, not 20th, the absolute worst and that was because of the NDGOP’s obsession with doing the wrong thing for our state. People lost their lives because of their continued inability to lead. From Senator Cramer’s arrogance to moral grandstanding from Rep. Skroch, the NDGOP is addicted to doing the opposite of good for us.”

Taylor continued:

“North Dakotans, let me make this clear to everyone – this is what happens when the NDGOP is in charge of our state legislature and your tax dollars. While Dem-NPL representatives introduced legislation like workers compensation for essential workers who caught COVID, the NDGOP decided that their time was better spent actively encouraging the virus to spread across the state. I believe North Dakota will be better tomorrow than it was yesterday, when these legislators are out of office and away from controlling our lives.”

Chair Oversen Releases Statement on the Verdict in Chauvin Trial

Bismarck, ND – Today, Democratic-NPL Chair Kylie Oversen released the following statement in regards to the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin and the murder of George Floyd:

“Along with many of you, I held my breath and watched the Judge announce the verdict yesterday. I and the entire Democratic-NPL were thankful to see George Floyd’s murderer being held accountable, even though we knew there was no outcome of the trial that would give George Floyd back to his family. Back to being able to create memories, to laugh with, to grow old alongside his loved ones. We hold his family in our thoughts and our hearts today in hopes that this moment in history will begin a new chapter in holding law enforcement accountable when they abuse the people, and communities, that they are supposed to protect.

“The entire world stood aghast as we watched a police officer kneel on George Floyd’s neck for over 9 minutes. While we hope the family finds peace for this moment, we must always remember those 9 minutes as we continue to fight back against mass incarceration, finding an end to rampant gun violence, and deconstructing the systemic issues that led to George Floyd, Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor and an endless list of others being murdered.

“We continue to grieve the loss of George Floyd, but we also move forward in our fight for justice. We demand that our elected officials work to pass laws which strengthen and uplift marginalized communities, reform our approach to policing, and bring forward justice and peace.”

NDGOP Endorses COVID-19 For Another Term!

Bismarck, ND – In an ongoing battle against science, evidence, and common sense, the NDGOP decided to pass HB 1323, limiting mask mandates and stripping local control of how best to deal with public health. The bill now sits on Governor Burgum’s desk, while Dem-NPL leaders as well as local officials, medical professionals, teachers, workers and those who wish to not catch COVID-19 are calling on him to reject the rabid members of his own party and veto the bill. Nothing short of a veto would be a ringing endorsement of comments from members like Rep. Hoverson (R-Minot), who shockingly compared North Dakota to a prison camp.

Democratic-NPL Executive Director Michael Taylor responded to the legislation:

“HB 1323 is yet another piece of hardware in the trophy case of the NDGOP’s legacy of destructive bills. Bills like these act only to continue the spread of a virus that our businesses, teachers, hospital staff, grocery workers, and more have suffered through long enough. Not only does this bill open the door for COVID-19 to maintain its grip on our state, but it would also blatantly strip local control from communities who know who to best serve their people.”

Taylor continued: 

“Governor Burgum has a choice with this legislation. Either he can relinquish his own executive authority and allow extremist legislators to stranglehold our state, or he can protect North Dakotans by vetoing this bill. There is no middle ground. The radical right is on a rampage in our state and without a veto, they will do everything in their power to strip all local control and let COVID-19 continue to harm our communities.”

Governor Burgum Must Veto Anti-Business, Anti-Trans HB 1298

Bismarck, ND – The NDGOP legislature yet again opted to act, not on behalf of the betterment of North Dakota businesses, athletes, and members of the trans community, but rather in the interest of hatred and of economic peril. Across the country, discriminatory bills like HB 1298 are working directly against the interests of local businesses and communities, trying to solve a problem that does not exist. When tourism officials have shown North Dakota lost $1.2 billion dollars last year during a pandemic, it appears that the NDGOP’s solution to severe revenue loss is to cost communities and businesses additional revenue loss.

Democratic-NPL Executive Director Michael Taylor responded to the legislation:

“We are calling for an immediate veto of this horrific bill from Governor Burgum. The Governor has an opportunity to show that, despite his party being run by the most rabid among them, there is still a line which he will not allow to be crossed. North Dakota communities have sacrificed so much during this pandemic, and now they’re going to be penalized by the NDGOP because they are fixated on legislating cold-blooded hatred. Hatred for the trans community and for our local communities, businesses, workers, and neighbors.” 

Taylor continued: 

“Those in the legislature are frothing at the mouth to demolish our chance at a full economic recovery. Whenever the opportunity to do the right thing comes up, the NDGOP and Governor Burgum routinely choose to shoot themselves in the foot. Governor Burgum, are you unable or unwilling to listen to the countless athletes, transgender community members, tourism leaders, economists, hotel staff, and others who are warning you? Are you willing to stake the entirety of your legacy on a bill rooted in bigotry to leave our communities worse off than before? Veto this bill.”

Dem-NPL Leaders say Infrastructure Legislation Good for North Dakota

Bismarck, ND – The Senate has approved legislation to respond to growing infrastructure needs in North Dakota. The final vote was 46-0 in favor. The concept was first proposed by Dem-NPL leaders last summer during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill (HB 1431) authorizes the use of $680 million in infrastructure bonds to finance local projects. This gives cities and local governments a way to spread out the costs of these projects over several years through a series of low-interest bonds. Bonding also frees up money for priority needs that cannot be bonded for, like education, human services, and other government functions as the state faces likely budget cuts. Bonds would be repaid over time using earnings from the Legacy Fund.

Democratic leaders called for a special session last summer to ensure 2020 CARES Act funding was allocated fairly across North Dakota and to consider passing bonding legislation to respond to the effects the pandemic was having on the economy. A bonding bill introduced by Dem-NPL leaders earlier this year was defeated by the Senate. That bill would have left the decision-making on the types of projects that would be financed to state and local governments. The GOP proposal, however, earmarks much of the funding to specific projects.

Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the original sponsor of the Dem-NPL bonding bill, expressed support for the new legislation. “We are encouraged that our Republican colleagues now see the need for these kinds of programs.”

Rep. Josh Boschee (D-Fargo) echoed that sentiment saying “These may not be popular ideas for some legislators, but we have to make decisions that improve the livelihoods of North Dakotans. Not just industries or major corporations, but families, education, and health and human services.”

Sen. Joan Heckman (D-New Rockford) continued, “We need to think differently about how we do government. These bills provide us the tools to use creative financing to fund priorities that maybe aren’t always popular, but would be good for making North Dakota a more competitive and more inviting place for people to live and work.”

 

###

Daniel Stone joins the Dem-NPL as Communications Director

Bismarck, ND – The Democratic-NPL Party is excited to announce Daniel Stone as our new Communications Director. Daniel has worked in Democratic politics since 2017, including managing the Senate campaign of Marquita Bradshaw. During his political experience, Daniel has worked in several statewide races in Tennessee, taking on roles in policy, communications, and campaign management.

He also fought and organized for labor rights of grocery workers during the pandemic. As ND continues to experience a workforce development crisis, Daniel comes in with a background and knowledge of the needs of hard working families, and the struggles they have faced during the pandemic.

Democratic-NPL Executive Director, Michael Taylor said:

“Daniel brings a wealth of campaign, organizing and communications experience to the Dem-NPL, and North Dakota as a whole. Much of his political work has been focused in rural counties and understanding what issues are most important for their future, and the future of their families and communities.”

Daniel Stone can be reached at [email protected].

###