NDGOP Follows Dem-NPL Lead in Calling for Rep. Simons’ Resignation

BISMARCK, ND — As details continue to emerge following the release of shocking sexual harassment claims against Rep. Luke Simons (R-Dickinson), NDGOP leaders are scrambling today to cut ties with the embattled second-term Republican legislator.

House Majority Leader Chet Pollert (R-Carrington), and Assistant House Majority Leader Scott Louser (R-Minot) each called for Rep. Simons to resign this morning in a statement to the Bismarck Tribune, one day after Democratic-NPL leaders pressed for his removal.

Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman, Kylie Oversen, said:

“While I am pleased to see Rep. Pollert and Rep. Louser join the Dem-NPL in calling for the immediate resignation of Rep. Simons, their words ring hollow in light of their direct knowledge of these incidents for nearly four years now. Each time they were informed of Rep. Simon’s exceedingly inappropriate actions, Rep. Pollert and Rep. Louser downplayed the severity, brushed off the behavior, and gave Luke Simons free reign to exercise his deviant harassment.”

Oversen continued:

“Had they stood up and taken decisive action earlier, we would be applauding their leadership. However, because they failed continually in their duty to hold Rep. Simons accountable, we are left to wonder how many people would have been spared this unconscionable pattern of exploitation and mistreatment, or perhaps how many more would have been at-risk had the public been left unaware.”

 

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North Dakota Democratic-NPL Supports the Biden-Harris Administration’s American Rescue Plan

BISMARCK, ND — As our state approaches one year since the first positive COVID-19 case was reported, the Democratic-NPL is calling on Congressman Armstrong, Senator Hoeven, and Senator Cramer to pledge their support for the American Rescue Plan, which will provide essential economic relief to North Dakotans, including:

  • $1,400 direct relief checks on top of $600 checks previously approved for a total of $2,000 in direct aid
  • Additional support for small businesses – which the NDGOP refused to provide
  • Enhanced unemployment benefits
  • Extended federal eviction moratorium and aid to low and moderate income households out of work – something the Dem-NPL called on the Governor to implement last year
  • Funding for vaccines, testing, and schools, which will speed up our recovery from the public health crisis and allow us to build back our economy better

 

An overwhelming majority of Americans, across party lines, approve of President Biden’s coronavirus response according to a recent Gallup poll. Providing aid to families, businesses, and communities is critical, as many North Dakotans continue to feel the harsh impacts from the Pandemic.

 

Democratic-NPL Executive Director, Michael Taylor said:

“The American Rescue Plan is a non-partisan issue that will provide Americans and North Dakotans with necessary relief in the short-term, while also ensuring long-term public health improvements and economic growth. When we see families struggling to make ends meet, and businesses struggling to keep workers employed, we don’t ask what their party affiliation is. We set politics aside, because when times are tough, we all must come together to create positive solutions. We call on our federal delegation to set aside petty partisan differences and support the people of our state.”

 

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Dem-NPL Lawmakers Fighting for ND Families

By Sen. Joan Heckaman & Rep. Josh Boschee 

BISMARCK — Nearly halfway through the 67th legislative session, Democratic-NPL lawmakers continue to fight for policies that support North Dakotans and their families. We have had many successes and a few missed opportunities so far this session, and we remain committed to strengthening communities and families, ensuring strong public services and building a vibrant and diverse economy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on our economy, with many losing their jobs and some businesses closing their doors. Stores and restaurants found new ways to serve North Dakotans. Teachers, parents and students adapted to distance and hybrid learning. Health care workers are helping keep us healthy and safe. 

To support front-line workers, Dem-NPL lawmakers proposed legislation to provide grants to these employees through future federal stimulus dollars, but the majority rejected the bill. We believe front-line workers who have worked through the pandemic deserve to be covered by workers comp if they contract COVID-19. As the majority party pushes to provide immunity to businesses, we work to protect the workers who are central to those businesses staying open.

Because good public services depend on public employees, Dem-NPL lawmakers are fighting for a strong compensation plan for state employees and we are working to increase funding for long-term care and K-12 schools. 

The Dem-NPL caucus is fighting to improve health care for North Dakotans, including more transparency for prescription drug prices. We support providing continued health care coverage for the families of law enforcement killed in the line of duty. We believe mental injuries must be treated the same as physical injuries on workers’ compensation claims. 

The Dem-NPL caucus works to make North Dakota a welcoming place for everyone. We sponsored bills to track bias-motivated crimes to make our state a safer place and to create a paid family leave program so families can take care of family while still collecting a paycheck. However, many members of the super-majority did not support those ideas. Additionally, Republicans advanced a discriminatory bill that targets young transgender athletes and would have a crippling economic impact for communities that host youth athletic events.

Dem-NPL lawmakers are fighting against knee-jerk reactions to the 2020 election that would make it harder for North Dakotans to vote. We defeated bills that would have eliminated absentee voting for the vast majority of North Dakotans and a bill that would make it harder to even request an absentee ballot. We support legislation to make it easier for college students living in the state to vote.

Finally, we are advocating to accelerate funding for infrastructure. Our state’s needs are growing and becoming more expensive the longer we wait to fund them. Oil and gas revenues meant to support these projects have dropped considerably, limiting available funds. Our bonding proposal would have supported critical infrastructure for cities and counties, including affordable housing, school construction, water projects, roads and bridges. It’s also important to invest Legacy Fund earnings in North Dakota. 

The pandemic has had a positive side effect of making this session one of the most transparent and accessible in history. Anyone with a computer and internet access can submit testimony on bills and testify virtually without having to travel all the way to Bismarck. The public can watch in real time and hold legislators accountable as we work on their behalf.

With all issues, Dem-NPL lawmakers will seek bipartisan agreement when we can and stand against misguided policies when we must. Above all, we remain committed to fighting for all North Dakotans to ensure your values are protected and to provide a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.

 

Sen. Heckaman, D-New Rockford, is the minority leader of the North Dakota Senate. Rep. Boschee, D-Fargo, is minority leader of the North Dakota House.

 

Documents Show NDGOP Leadership Complicit in Luke Simons Sexual Harassment Coverup

BISMARCK, ND — A recently released file shows a shocking history and vile pattern of systematic abuse and sexual harassment towards female Legislative Council staff and interns by Rep. Luke Simons (R-Dickinson). The file was only released after reports about Simon’s vulgar and aggressive behavior towards female legislators and staff surfaced during the 2021 legislative session. 

Though Simon’s inappropriate behavior and clear acts of sexual harassment in the workplace has occurred for several years, NDGOP leadership, specifically Assistant Majority Leader Scott Louser (R-Minot), has excused the grotesque behavior saying Simons is “weird”, “harmless”, “naïve”, and “just from the ranch”.

Instead of protecting the women Simons has victimized, and putting a stop to this years ago, Majority Leader Chet Pollert (R-Carrington) and Louser opted to do nothing and protect the abuser, evident by Louser inquiring “whether she [staff member] would have done anything to give Rep. Simons the impression she would be interested in his advances.” 
 

Democratic-NPL Chair, Kylie Oversen said:

“The response to Luke Simons’ behavior is reprehensible. There are tones of victim blaming and making excuses for Simons as if he is a teenage boy who “doesn’t know better.” The file and more recent reports make clear: 1) Luke Simons is a predatory abuser who has committed multiple acts of sexual harassment and increasingly unsettling behaviors towards female colleagues; 2) NDGOP leadership knew everything about his actions but did nothing or blamed the women involved; and 3) Simons has made it clear that he is without the capacity for remorse, that he is unfit for public office, and that he should resign his seat immediately.”

Oversen Continued:

“The North Dakota Democratic-NPL stands in full support of the women who have experienced sexual harassment, and we commend their bravery in coming forward and reporting these horrific incidents. We are left to wonder how many incidents have gone unreported. Unfortunately, Simons’ unhinged behavior continues without remorse, as he berates Legislative Council staff and calls for their resignation through a string of Facebook live videos.”

 

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Unethical Lawmakers Tell Voters: “Just Try To Stop Us!”

Bismarck, ND – Yesterday, the North Dakota House ignored the will of the people by shooting down HB 1024, which sought to provide Constitutionally mandated funding for the State Ethics Commission created by the voters of North Dakota in the 2018 general election. Following the vote, HB 1024 was rereferred to the House Appropriations Committee for further deliberation. 

In a fashion that has quickly become the theme of this legislative session – hypocrisy, recklessness, and extremism – NDGOP legislators sought to disregard the Constitution in a shameless effort to subvert the will of the people. Citing “issues” with the director of the commission being a retired pensioner, lawmakers conveniently glossed over the fact that the same could be said of many of their own membership. Ignorance being bliss, one may be inclined to forgive this double standard had NDGOP legislators, including Rep. Jim Kasper who chaired the House Ethics Committee during the 2019 legislative session, made it clear that their opposition was based on one thing: an unshakable fear that the people who elected them would also hold them to a higher standard. This higher standard, in part, includes bringing solutions and necessary services for their communities instead of being bought and paid for with lavish steak and lobster dinners courtesy of lobbyists and out-of-state corporate executives. 

 

Democratic-NPL Chair, Kylie Oversen said:

 

“The Ethics Commission was passed by the will of the people – Republicans, Dem-NPLers, and Independents alike. From the moment the legislative session was gaveled in, the unhinged supermajority, led by the most unhinged of them all, Rep. Jim Kasper, has made every attempt under the sun to strip the Ethics Commission, and yourselves, of the inherent right to hold legislators and state officials accountable. If the Republican legislators are legitimately concerned about costs, ask them to withdraw all of the unconstitutional bills that accomplish nothing more than wasting taxpayer dollars on expensive lawsuits.”

 

 

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Double Take: NDGOP Legislators Vote Against Health Care Coverage for a Second Time

Bismarck, ND – Today, HB 1203 was voted down by 72 House Republicans. This comes less than three weeks after 39 Senate Republicans voted down SB 2222. Both bills sought to ensure necessary health care coverage would continue, such as coverage for those with preexisting conditions, if a lawsuit, which AG Stenehjem recklessly signed the state onto and the NDGOP fully supports, is successful in repealing the ACA and stripping tens of thousands of North Dakotans of their health care coverage.

Though both bills showed initial attempts at bipartisan action, little to no outreach was done by NDGOP legislators to pass this legislation and ensure that life savings provisions in the ACA would continue in the state, regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit.


Democratic-NPL Chair, Kylie Oversen said:

“The ACA has brought us coverage for preexisting conditions, allowed children to stay on their parents’ health insurance until age 26, Medicaid Expansion, and so many other life changing, and rural hospital saving, provisions. These bills sought only to ensure that the state would pick up these provisions, if the lawsuit is successful. The hypocrisy lies in the fact that coverage for an eight year old with diabetes is too radical for NDGOP legislators to support, yet bringing nunchucks and throwing stars into a sporting event is something they’re happy to propose.”

 

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While Stenehjem Tries to Close Door on Health Care Access, President Biden Opens Special ACA Enrollment Window

Bismarck, ND – As part of President Biden’s pledge to “Build Back Better”, the White House announced today the immediate opening of a Special Health Insurance Enrollment period through Healthcare.gov. In a statement from the Oval Office, President Biden affirmed his commitment “to ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care – especially in the midst of a pandemic.” Every American who needs health insurance coverage can sign up online from now through May 15th. We ask you to please share this information with as many people as possible so those who need health insurance coverage can get it now. 

As our heroic frontline workers continue to combat the COVID-19 Pandemic, President Biden has held firm in the fight for an “American Rescue Plan” to be quickly enacted by Congress, which will include making health insurance coverage less costly, and more accessible for millions of Americans while ensuring the swift and effective distribution of vaccines to any individual who wants one, so we can safely embark on the road to economic recovery together faster.

Unfortunately, we do not have that same commitment to public health from our elected officials in North Dakota. Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, our Congressional delegation, and the NDGOP supermajority continue to siphon taxpayer dollars to defend a reckless lawsuit that would strip tens of thousands of North Dakotans of their health care coverage. Most recently, Republicans in the state legislature voted against legislation sponsored by Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) that would have strengthened protections for North Dakotans with preexisting conditions, while addressing the out of control hospital costs that plague our state. 

 

Democratic-NPL Chair Kylie Oversen said:

“After four years of relentless, underhanded attempts by Republican lawmakers to repeal the ACA by any means necessary, we finally have a President who is willing to do everything within his power to make health care affordable and accessible for the American people. We applaud President Biden and his administration for their tireless efforts to push public health and COVID-19 relief as top priorities during a time of tremendous personal sacrifice that you and your families have endured.”

Oversen Continued:

“It takes a particularly vicious kind of indifference towards the people who elected you for a group of politicians to dedicate so much time and energy trying to take essential health care access away from everybody in the state – from the mailman to your own mother, particularly when it’s needed the most. It’s even more dishonorable to empty out the taxpayer’s pockets in order to do it, at the same time they’re receiving state health benefits on your dime. I honestly don’t believe that the NDGOP will be completely satisfied until they’ve tapped all the wells, and left everyone here high and dry.”

 

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NDGOP Lawmakers Declare Transgender Children Aren’t People

Bismarck, ND – Today, HB 1298, a grotesquely discriminatory anti-Transgender bill that prohibits children from participating in school sports based on gender identity, was shamefully passed in the North Dakota House by a vote of 65 to 26. It now goes to the North Dakota Senate, where the conscience and soul of our state will be defined.

This repugnant piece of legislation – which specifically and purposely harms Transgender youth – goes beyond the pale by also forbidding any public entity to host an athletic group that welcomes transgender students to participate. This means any North Dakota high school tournament that includes out-of-state teams who don’t engage in transphobic bigotry would automatically be forfeit. To Rep. Ben Koppleman (R-Fargo) and the bill’s supporters, singling out vulnerable children to take away their identity, rights, and dignity is well worth the overwhelming taxpayer cost of lawsuits, lost revenue, and widespread condemnation across the country from businesses and decent people alike.

This is far from the first instance of their hate: Last year, the NDGOP called our LGBTQ friends and family unhealthy, dangerous, manipulative to children, and ‘voyeurs who wish to prey on members of the opposite sex.’ – demonstrable, and completely incredulous considering that they endorsed a Peeping Tom for Secretary of State in 2018.

Democratic-NPL Chairwoman, Kylie Oversen did not hold back in her response:

“Rep. Ben Koppelman and the 64 other members of the NDGOP continue to show that their despicable priorities are solely focused on hate over health care, discrimination over decency, and bigotry over business relief. Embarrassing headlines and backwards views have replaced the public service and common decency that used to define us. North Dakotans did not elect these people to dehumanize children and young adults. Today, they have shamed us in the eyes of the world.”

Oversen continued:

“To the individuals of the transgender community, young and old: You are loved. Your life has value. You have a purpose. You are supported; and the Democratic-NPL will continue to proudly fight alongside you, because Trans Rights are Human Rights.”

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people in the United States. Transgender and non-binary youth are ten times more likely to attempt suicide than cisgender youth, and 52% of transgender and non-binary youth have seriously considered suicide. If you or a loved one in the trans community are in need of support, please dial (877) 565-8860.

With Oscar Season Approaching, Kevin Cramer Performs Award-Worthy Fake Outrage

BISMARCK, ND — Sen. Kevin Cramer released an official statement responding to the impeachment proceedings of former President, Donald Trump. The statement, which included words generally associated with Cramer’s treatment of constituents and fair and free elections – “mockery” and “disgusting” – comes shortly after Cramer supported several events, rallies, and fake news on the election results that led to the events on Jan. 6.

Following Cramer’s press release, the Senate voted to uphold the constitutionality of the impeachment proceedings. The vote passed 56-44, with all 50 Democratic Senators and six Republican Senators voting in favor.

In reference to Sen. Cramer’s statement, Democratic-NPL Executive Director, Michael Taylor said:

“What’s truly disgusting is a former Congressman and current Senator who perpetrated the behavior that incited the events on January 6th. It’s disgusting that he actively spoke against free and fair elections, consistently lied to North Dakotans, and held and participated in rallies that led up to the Capitol Insurrection. He has neither the position nor the merit to make statements like that, especially when the irony is completely lost on him.”

Taylor continued:

“The American people deserve justice, plain and simple. If inciting an insurrection on the United States Capitol that led to violence and death, the flying of confederate flags, and the call for the hanging of our Vice President is not enough to carry out an impeachment, I ask Sen. Cramer what is? I know it seems like an impossible ask, but for once, Sen. Cramer, I ask you to stand up for the democracy and our Constitution that you allegedly support, and to reserve words like ‘disgusting’ for your Twitter page and your political career that has given you personal wealth, but North Dakotans nothing.”

Democratic-NPL Senators Endorse Mac Schneider for U.S. Attorney

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – The Senate Dem-NPL Caucus is asking U.S. President Joe Biden to appoint Mac Schneider as U.S. Attorney for North Dakota. Schneider, a Fargo native, served in the North Dakota Senate from 2009 to 2016.

“Mac was a tremendous asset to our Caucus and our State,” said Sen. Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo). “His leadership skills and consistent work ethic would make him an ideal U.S. Attorney.” Sen. Hogan serves as Caucus Chair.

U.S. attorneys are appointed by the President for a four-year term, subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

Attachment: Letter to President Biden

Appropriations Committee Approves Pay Increase for State Employees (Dem-NPL proposal defeated on a party-line vote)

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – The Senate Appropriations Committee voted today to provide state employees with a 2 percent raise each year during the 2021-2023 biennium.

Before the vote, Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) proposed a Democratic-NPL plan to provide employees with 3 percent raises each year. The key difference between the two plans was how to address the growing shortfall in the state employee retirement fund. Both plans would provide a 2 percent net increase because the Dem-NPL plan also required a 1 percent contribution to the state retirement fund. The committee declined to support that proposal.

Historically, state pay increases have not kept up with the private sector, leading many employees to leave the state for better opportunities.

“I am encouraged that the committee agreed a 2 percent increase is the right thing to do for our employees,” said Mathern. “But I’m disappointed that we aren’t doing anything to fix the problems with the retirement fund.”

The state retirement fund is facing a nearly $3 billion shortfall and needs a major cash infusion to ensure the fund remains solvent. “We made a promise to our employees, and we must make sure this benefit remains intact,” Mathern said. “We can’t afford to keep kicking the retirement can down the road.”

The approved plan also establishes a floor and ceiling for the pay raises. This provides fairness for lower-income employees and saves money by limiting raises for those with higher incomes. The approved bill set the minimum increase at $80 per month for employees making less than $48,000, instead of $120 per month in the Democratic plan. It retains the $300 per month cap on those making more than $120,000.

 

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NDGOP’s Legislative Priorities: Thoughts and Prayers, but No Protections for Essential Workers

Bismarck, ND – Yesterday, as the Republican supermajority in the Senate voted in favor of an unconstitutional bill that would allow public schools to push theocracy on students without a parent’s permission, the Republican supermajority in the House was busy deciding that essential workers – which make up 57% of North Dakota’s workforce – were not worthy of Workforce Safety and Insurance benefits if they contracted Coronavirus on the job.

Sen. Janne Myrdal (R-Edinburg), finding nothing better to do as the Coronavirus continues to threaten public health, job security, and small businesses across the state, sponsored a so-called “Ten Commandments bill” that would permit public schools to post the Ten Commandments. The bill, which would directly violate a U.S. Supreme Court ruling also drew criticism from Republican Senators who painted a clear picture of future lawsuits, regardless of any immunity language. The bill passed the ND State Senate by a vote of 34-13.

Meanwhile, a bill introduced by Rep. Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) that would have allowed essential workers to claim WSI benefits if they were infected with the Coronavirus while on the job was overwhelmingly opposed by Republican legislators, failing to pass the ND State House by a vote of 16-77.

Representative Ista, whose passionate advocacy on behalf of our frontline workers has become a top priority for the Dem-NPL this legislative session, did not mince words:

“Our essential workers have stepped up in unprecedented times, risking their lives everyday so that all of us can live ours with some sense of normalcy and continuity. The absolute least that the state can do is step up for these unsung heroes by making sure they are protected in the event that they are forced to miss work or become hospitalized due to COVID-19.”

Democratic-NPL Executive Director, Michael Taylor, addressed both bills, saying:

“There is a tragic irony here that Republican Legislators wish to use their power to push their beliefs, but refuse to use that same power to practice what they preach. Like many North Dakotans, my faith was instilled in me by my parents and local church. My religious beliefs are deeply personal to me. And, like many North Dakotans, I believe that instead of wasting taxpayer money on doomed lawsuits that only serve to give our state negative publicity, a child’s parents should be able to decide what religious beliefs and moral foundations they wish to pass along to their children, not the government.”

Taylor Continued:

“Sen. Myrdal wants to take away your religious freedom, while trivializing a sacred religious text as merely a historical document to be taped up on a classroom whiteboard. If the NDGOP truly wants to express their faith, they can start by giving back to the heroes on the frontlines who serve us every single day; allowing them access to basic WSI benefits, so that we may all get through this pandemic together faster and safer.”

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