Burgum And NDGOP Play Politics With National Guard

Bismarck, ND –  Instead of ensuring that North Dakota businesses, workers and communities fully recover from a once-in-a-generation pandemic, Governor Burgum and the NDGOP are playing politics with the National Guard. This decision to send our service men and women to the border continues a disturbing trend, started by Attorney General Stenehjem, of assisting Texas officials with their misguided, unplanned, and politically driven agenda that in no way, shape, or form helps North Dakotans.

Our servicemen and women dedicate their careers to protecting North Dakota and the United States of America. They did not make that commitment to be used as a pawn in a rich, elitist Governor’s political playbook, who only cares about raising his national profile.

Chairman Hart commented on this decision, saying:

“We can discuss the merits of this decision by the Governor till the sun comes up. But what I’m concerned about is how quickly he made this decision knowing that at the end of the month, thousands of North Dakotan families will be lying awake wondering where the mortgage will come from, how they will afford childcare, or how they will be able to pay off that credit card. The Governor has an obligation to ensure that our communities are able to get back on their feet, but he continues to choose politics over people.”

Chairman Hart continued:

“Make no mistake, the people at our southern border come, not to burden America, but to flee unimaginable violence, poverty, and insecurity in hopes of becoming a part of the greatest country to ever exist. “

Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan Demands NDGOP Support

Bismarck, ND –  The $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework is a critical step in implementing President Biden’s Build Back Better vision. This is a framework that all North Dakotans can champion, and we should be seeing support from the NDGOP officials including Senators Hoeven & Cramer in Congress and across the state. The Dem-NPL has fought for decades to improve the conditions of our infrastructure which will lead to better roads and bridges for our truck drivers, better internet for working families in rural communities, and invest in the economy of tomorrow for North Dakotan workers. This is objectively a good investment for North Dakota and our NDGOP officials need to get onboard or step aside so real leadership can get to work.

Chairman Hart commented on the framework

“After a year of uncertainty in this pandemic, we welcome President Biden’s plan with open arms as he and Democrats in Congress seek to improve our daily lives here in North Dakota. This framework, as we did decades ago to bring electricity to rural communities across America, will bring reliable high-speed internet to every corner of the country and North Dakota. We cannot afford to continue as normal, President Biden is bringing forward robust legislation that myself as a small business owner, and my community will benefit from. We have a chance with this framework to win the 21st century and beat out our competitors in China and elsewhere. We need more of this leadership in Washington, not less.”

Chairman Hart continued

“What we are seeing from our current leadership in North Dakota is complete opposition to everything being proposed in Congress. Whether we like it or not, the future is coming and America needs investments like these to win the next century. When Democrats put forward the American Rescue Plan that provides checks and support for our communities through the pandemic, John Hoeven was against it. When President Biden started working on this framework to boost infrastructure all across North Dakota, Kevin Cramer couldn’t be found to offer his ideas. Just more of the same, ‘No because no because no because no.’ Dem-NPL leaders and voters across this state think creating a generation of good-paying union jobs and building organic economic growth that positions the United States to win the 21st century is a good thing, I guess my NDGOP friends don’t agree.”

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Despite Efforts From NDGOP, Affordable Care Act Upheld By Supreme Court

Bismarck, ND –  Yesterday the Supreme Court ended years of efforts to destroy North Dakotans, and Americans overall, healthcare as we know it. Despite efforts from NDGOP leaders including Senator John Hoeven and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, the Supreme Court saw beyond their dedication to ripping away healthcare from those who need it most and secured the Affordable Care Act for the future.

Chairman Hart commented on the ruling

“What yesterday’s ruling showed is that despite the unwavering commitment from the NDGOP to taking away your healthcare, your neighbor’s healthcare, and weakening our communities through worse coverage at higher costs, they have failed. What the Affordable Care Act does is give our neighbors access to quality healthcare that won’t cost them an arm and a leg. North Dakotans look out and care for one another and we are grateful to the Supreme Court for protecting the ACA.”

Former Congressman Earl Pomero released a statement yesterday after the 7-2 ruling

“Today the Supreme Court once again rejected an effort to take health insurance coverage away from thousands of Dakotans and tens of millions of Americans. This defeat of the challenge to the Affordable Care Act means the protections so many now have against crushing health costs are secure. The Court overwhelmingly rejected the lawsuit by 20 states to strike down this law.” 

Pomeroy continued

“I strongly disagree with Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem putting North Dakota in on this effort which the Supreme Court rejected. He may have lost another lawsuit, but the people of North Dakota  won a great victory. Their Affordable Care Act coverage will not be taken away.” 

Dem-NPL Leaders Ask: Is There Corruption At The Capitol?

Bismarck, ND –  Democratic-NPL Chairman Hart released the following statement on potential ‘pay to play’ of North Dakota’s nearly $20 billion investment portfolio:

“The NDGOP-controlled State Investment board, chaired by Lt. Governor Brent Sanford, must answer and address many troubling allegations surrounding potential corruption and waste, fraud, and abuse within the halls of the Capitol, including:

  • Why has the board not conducted a competitive bid process like many other states to ensure our money is not being squandered to outside interests?
  • How much has the state spent on direct payments, and fees, to Callan and money managers? And where does our investment portfolio rank nationally?
  • Why are we making large investments into China and Russia to prop up their economy, while they continue to hack and steal our information?
  • What have Sanford and State Auditor Josh Gallion done to ensure transparency and that records and taxpayer dollars are properly audited and accounted for?
  • Why has the board continuously refused to invest in the state of ND?
  • Has the NDGOP-controlled board ceded and lost all control over investment decision making to a California-based firm?

Hart continued

“During my campaign for State Auditor in 2020, I ran on a simple message of accountability to North Dakotans by ending waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars in state government. Until these, and other, questions are answered by Sanford and the State Investment Board, the people of North Dakota will be wondering if the Burgum-Sanford administration has chosen the good ol’ boys club, outside interests, and spending $150,000 for luxurious tax payer funded renovations to the Governor’s mansion over the hardworking men and women of this state. Our actions speak to our principles, and we have serious concerns about what that means for the NDGOP.”
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Dem-NPL Staff Unionize, Join IAMAW Local 2525

Bismarck, ND –  The Dem-NPL is rooted in the pride that is belonging to a union. That is why today, the Dem-NPL is proud to announce that staff has secured a contract with IAMAW Local 2525. Dem-NPL leaders fight for the working men and women of our communities each and every day, and now, the Dem-NPL has made it clear that we are the party of the people who build North Dakota. With this historic agreement, the Dem-NPL has joined 14 other Democratic state parties in unionizing – and has become the first to do so under the IAMAW.

Dem-NPL staff commented on this historic contract

“The staff of Dem-NPL are thrilled to have reached this agreement with management and IAMAW Local 2525. Our candidates and elected officials have championed the rights of workers in North Dakota since the inception of our party, and today we turned those principles into action. Those who came before us were instrumental in protecting the shared interests of farmers, ranchers, and skilled workers here at home against outside interests. Together, we will write a new chapter in the legacy of labor in North Dakota.”

Dem-NPL Executive Director Michael Taylor commented on the agreement

“The Dem-NPL’s roots and origins are in labor organizing. We are proud to honor, and return to, those roots with this agreement. Unions, and fighting for honest pay for a job well done, are what made North Dakota the premiere place to live in the country. That is why we voluntarily recognized this contract, because we know Dem-NPL staff capture the same hard working spirit as our farmers, grocers and nurses. We also want to thank the IAMAW for dedicating their time to work with us through this process. Myself, Chairman Hart, and all of our dedicated Dem-NPL staff are proud to stand with our union friends and family.”

IAMAW Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway welcomed the Dem-NPL

“I could not be more proud for our new members at the North Dakota Dem-NPL. These men and women are the backbone of the fight for a more just and equitable North Dakota. It only makes sense that they’d join the Fighting Machinists Union, where our motto is ‘justice on the job and service to the community.’ I’d like to especially thank District 5 Directing Business Representative Jeremy Pearson and Grand Lodge Representative Shannon Stucker for all the work they’ve done organizing this group and securing a first contract. Let’s continue the fight for a better life for workers in North Dakota and everywhere.”

IAMAW District 5 Directing Business Representative Jeremy Pearson

“District 5 is thrilled to welcome the staff of the North Dakota Dem-NPL to our great union. We are a powerful voice for workers in North Dakota, across the Midwest and in North America. Our members work in a diverse array of industries, always fighting for a better life for working people. We will bring the same respect and dignity on the job to our proud new members at the Dem-NPL.”

Dem-NPL Supports Measure For Jan 6th Commission, Calls on NDGOP to Join

Bismarck, ND –  The attacks on our Capitol on January 6th were unlike anything we’ve seen in the modern age. Droves of insurrectionists, hellbent on tearing at the fabric of our Democracy, had North Dakotans asking where civility, and respect for our nation’s ideals, had gone. That is why with the full force of the Dem-NPL we support the measure to investigate this and establish a commission in Congress. We are calling on the NDGOP to support this measure, not rooted in politics, but in a shared patriotism and love for country.

Dem-NPL Executive Director Michael Taylor commented on the attacks and commission

“Every North Dakotan watched with a heavy heart as police officers were beaten with flag poles, windows smashed, and the lining of our Democracy ripped out on that day. What this moment cannot be, above all else, is partisan. We demand accountability from those who participated in these events, and call upon NDGOP leaders to demand the creation of a commission on what went wrong that day.”

Director Taylor continues

“If the supermajority leadership in our state, our NDGOP Governor, an NDGOP member in the House, and two NDGOP US Senators, are unable to condemn even this, an act of aggression against the United States, then we have moved beyond patriotism and into a new, hyper-fringe world that the majority of North Dakotans do not want to live in. Each of us were taught right from wrong by our parents & grandparents, and what happened on January 6th was not only wrong, but the antithesis of what it means to be American. It needs to be investigated, and we need to be adults and call for that inquiry as one, united voice.”

Chair Patrick Hart noted the extremity of the January 6th attacks

“I can only imagine what would have happened if a single Senator or Representative had been injured or worse murdered by the insurgents that day. This isn’t about contesting election results or engaging in a constitutionally-based patriotic assembly, this was something else and is far beyond the values we hold in North Dakota. We must get to the bottom of this.”

 

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.”

 

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