Legislators Say Paid Family Leave is a Win-Win

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Workers, businesses, and families would benefit from an optional paid family leave program being considered by the North Dakota Legislature. The House Industry, Business, and Labor Committee held a hearing today on HB 1441, which sponsors say would be a win-win for both employees and employers in the state. The bipartisan bill is sponsored by Rep. Karla Rose Hanson (D-Fargo) and Sen. Erin Oban (D-Bismarck).

The Need

North Dakotans occasionally need to step away from their jobs for personal reasons – because of their own illness or to care for a new child or a loved one. Around 11,000 babies are born each year in our state. According to the AARP, more than 62,000 North Dakotans serve as caregivers for a loved one. But in North Dakota just 12% of companies offer maternity leave and 6% offer paternity leave. Many workers can’t even earn a single sick day.

“Many North Dakotans are faced with an impossible choice,” Hanson said. “Do they stay in their job or bond with their new baby? Do they choose their paycheck over being by their dad’s side during the last two months of his life?”

The Solution

HB 1441 creates a state-facilitated paid family leave program, which will be funded through private contributions from employees, employers, or a combination of both. The program would be optional for all employers and any North Dakota worker, including independent contractors or sole proprietors, giving equal opportunity for North Dakota’s growing “gig economy” workers to participate.

Participating employees would contribute six cents for every $10 in wages into the fund. A North Dakotan making $50,000 a year would contribute $300 per year. When an employee has an eligible event, they will draw from the paid leave fund instead of taking their salary or unpaid leave. They would receive 66 percent of their average weekly wage for up to 12 weeks in one calendar year with a cap of $1,000 per week.

Businesses Benefit

Research shows that paid family leave helps businesses with improved recruitment, retention, productivity and profitability. If a company loses an employee due to a temporary personal event, they will have to re-recruit and re-train a new employee during a time when businesses are competing for talent in a tight labor market. To encourage business participation, an employer that pays for any or all of an employee’s contributions would receive a tax credit equal to 20% of the contributions they made on behalf of that employee.

“At a time when we are looking for ways to remain competitive in recruiting and retaining a qualified workforce, a paid family leave program is a tool we can provide to businesses,” Sen. Oban said. “In North Dakota, we pride ourselves on being pro-life and pro-family. A paid family leave program would go a long way in showing it.”

If passed, the paid leave program would be rolled out in phases, with contributions beginning in 2022 and withdrawals beginning in 2023.

Supportive testimony included AARP, the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce and a letter signed by 51 health care providers.

The Williston Chamber of Commerce’s testimony: https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/67-2021/testimony/HIBL-1441-20210203-5054-F-RICHTER%20LORDEMANN_RACHEL.pdf

Dr. Dvorak testimony: https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/67-2021/testimony/HIBL-1441-20210203-5009-F-DVORAK_NATALIE_F.pdf

###

A Line in the Sand has been drawn on Healthcare

Bismarck, ND – The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has provided the people of North Dakota with quality health care for many years, including coverage for individuals with preexisting conditions, and medicaid expansion that have kept rural and critical access facilities afloat.

The future of the ACA continues to remain on shaky ground due to a Texas-based lawsuit that Attorney General Stenehjem signed on to and defends, and all top ranking NDGOP officials fully support.

Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) proposed SB 2222, which was struck down along party lines in the North Dakota Senate this past Friday, Jan. 29. This comes two years after NDGOP officials removed an amendment to protect individuals with preexisting conditions. Mathern’s legislation sought to ensure that important provisions in the ACA, like coverage for individuals with preexisting conditions, would continue in the state regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit.

 

Democratic-NPL Chair Kylie Oversen said:

“Without these critical provisions, the thread that tens of thousands of North Dakotans and our rural healthcare infrastructure are holding onto would be in dire jeopardy of snapping. Even as the COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of nearly 1,500 North Dakotans, and infected many more, the North Dakota Republicans continue to show that they have no appetite, or plan, to provide affordable and accessible coverage, if the ACA is struck down in court. Rather, they are more interested in embarrassing the state by wearing Crown Royal bags as face masks in the capitol, or supporting blatantly unconstitutional legislation that will cost you, the taxpayer, millions in court expenses.”

 

Oversen continued:

“Gov. Burgum, AG Stenehjem and the radical supermajority in the legislature have used their power to flush taxpayer money down the drain. They fight to take away your health care while pushing bogus anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, and advocating for steak dinners on your dime. It’s well past time that your elected officials do their job for once, and pledge to work towards helping the families and small businesses who have been decimated by this crisis instead of using your hard earned money for their own selfish benefit. It’s your tax money, are you getting what you paid for?”

Democratic-NPL Lawmakers Propose Salary Increases for State Employees

BISMARCK, N.D. – Democratic-NPL legislators unveiled their proposal to provide state employees with raises during the 2021-2023 biennium.

Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) unveiled the proposal, which provides a 3 percent increase each year of the biennium. “We’ve taken the governor’s proposal and improved upon it. We’ve kept the governor’s proposals on health insurance and retirement contributions intact. All we are asking is that we go a little further and do what is necessary to invest in our workforce.”

The plan also calls for a minimum increase of $120 per month for employees making less than $48,000 and a $300 per month cap on those making more than $120,000. By contrast, the governor’s proposal is limited to 2 percent each year, with no minimums or caps.

“We have the money,” Sen. Mathern said. “There’s no reason why we can’t pay our employees a reasonable wage.”

Of the proposal, Sen. Erin Oban (D-Bismarck), highlighted the important role of the state workforce in keeping things running smoothly. “This was especially true in 2020. When the pandemic hit our employees suddenly faced an unprecedented situation. From working long hours to develop our state’s COVID-19 response to providing essential services to the public from shuttered offices they kept the state running.”

Historically, state pay increases have not kept up with the private sector, leading many employees to leave the state for better opportunities. “This trend cannot continue,” Senator Oban continued.

Education services were hit equally hard. Colleges found their campuses empty and professors had to quickly shift to virtual classrooms. Of these challenges, Assistant Minority Leader Alisa Mitskog (D-Wahpeton) said, “During the pandemic, our education professionals’ workload increased significantly, they stepped up to the challenge and delivered. We need to listen to our higher education officials so North Dakota pay remains competitive.”

###

North Dakota Should Provide Coverage for Fallen Heroes’ Families

BISMARCK, ND — Tomorrow at 3:00 p.m., the House Political Subdivisions Committee will hear testimony on HB 1435, which would continue health insurance coverage for the surviving spouse and dependent children of any police officer, firefighter, or corrections officer killed in the line of duty. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks). The hearing will be livestreamed at http://bit.ly/67-PolSub-20210128pm.

“On May 27 last year, our state – and specifically my Grand Forks community – suffered an immense loss when Officer Cody Holte was killed in the line of duty,” Rep. Ista said. “Officer Holte represents the best our state has to offer, a true hero.”

If passed, HB 1435 would allow the surviving spouse and dependent children of a fallen hero to remain on the deceased’s health insurance.  It covers any families who lost loved ones in the line of duty since the start of 2010. North Dakota would join 17 other states that offer similar protections.

Rep. Ista continued, “HB 1435 represents our North Dakota values. Those who pursue careers in law enforcement and public safety should be honored as the heroes they are. Those who willingly put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe 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.”

###

Essential Workers Deserve Workers Compensation Benefits

(BISMARCK, ND) — Tomorrow at 9:00 a.m., the House Industry, Business, and Labor Committee will hear testimony on HB 1433, which would allow essential workers to make a claim for workers’ compensation benefits if they contracted COVID-19 at their places of work. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks).

If passed, HB 1433 would extend Workforce Safety Insurance (WSI) to qualifying essential workers. Essential workers include law enforcement, firefighters, health care workers, educators, and childcare workers. These individuals have been key to maintaining the availability of essential services during the pandemic.

“2020 was a year unlike any other,” Rep. Ista said. “Through it all, we relied on a small group of our fellow North Dakotans to keep us safe, to keep us healthy, to keep us fed, to keep the lights on, and to keep our state running.”

Normally, WSI coverage only applies to physical injuries, and does not extend to catching a contagious disease at work. It’s hard to determine where a person contracted the disease. However, because of the unique situation caused by the pandemic, the bill creates a rebuttable presumption that the applicant was infected on the job.

“These workers found themselves on the front lines of the war against COVID-19.  Many contracted the disease. Some fell seriously ill. A tragic number lost their lives,” Rep. Ista continued. “As state leaders, I believe we have an obligation to recognize those realities not only through our words of thanks and praise, but also through our actions.”

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, as of early December of 2020, at least 17 states have adopted some sort of COVID-related workers’ compensation protections.

###

Lawmakers Push to Cover Pre-existing Conditions and Essential Health Care Services

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) introduced a bipartisan bill that will add several healthcare protections in the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to the North Dakota Century Code. The Senate Committee on Industry, Business, and Labor held a hearing today on the bill this morning. The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Richard Marcellais (D-Belcourt), Rep Pamela Anderson (D- Fargo), Rep. George Keiser (R-Bismarck), and Rep. Austen Schauer (R-West Fargo).

“For years, some members of Congress have been advocating to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, but they haven’t come up with a solution,” Sen. Mathern said. “Rather than just continuing to talk about it, this bill will provide real solutions for North Dakotans.”

SB 2222 includes those parts of the ACA that have enjoyed the most bipartisan support. These provisions include a ban on pre-existing conditions, permitting children to stay on their parent’s insurance until age 26, and free preventative care. Only plans that currently cover these essential services would be subject to the new law.

More than 300,000 North Dakotans have pre-existing conditions.

The need for this bill was prompted by a lawsuit filed by the State of Texas challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. The U.S. Supreme Court held oral arguments last fall. If the Court rules in Texas’s favor, North Dakotans would lose all of the protections they currently enjoy under federal law. SB 2222 will assure North Dakotans that their health care benefits will remain intact.

“Our citizens need predictable health insurance coverage,” Sen. Mathern continued. “Our citizens are supportive of the benefits enumerated by this bill. This bill will ensure that North Dakotans that need health insurance can get health insurance, regardless of what happens at the federal level.”

###

The Dem-NPL Gives Back

BISMARCK, ND — The North Dakota Democratic-NPL, in coordination with the National Day of Service on January 18, hosted a Virtual Food Drive and thank-you note drive for frontline workers. With the help of dozens of volunteers across the state, the Dem-NPL raised $3,860 for the Great Plains Food Bank, which will provide more than 11,500 meals to North Dakotans who are experiencing hunger and food insecurity. The Dem-NPL will also be distributing more than 120 notes of gratitude to frontline workers across the state.

Dem-NPL Chair Kylie Oversen said:

“We are so appreciative of the many supporters and volunteers who stepped up to participate in our Day of Service projects! The Dem-NPL is always committed to helping people in need, whether through events like this, through policy, or through elections. We are especially grateful to the thousands of frontline workers in our state who risk their lives every day and want to be sure that they receive the gratitude and respect that they deserve.” 
 

 

###

Media Advisory: Democratic-NPL Day of Service and Inauguration Schedule

BISMARCK, ND — The North Dakota Democratic-NPL is partnering with the Presidential Inauguration Committee (PIC) to host service events on the National Day of Service. This day, celebrated on January 18, 2021, is a day to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to give back to our communities.

The Dem-NPL is hosting a statewide “Virtual Food Drive” to raise funds for the Great Plains Food Bank and is writing and distributing Notes of Gratitude to frontline workers across North Dakota.

From Democratic-NPL Chairwoman Kylie Oversen:

“We know that the past year has been difficult for many residents in our state and we wanted to find opportunities to lift that burden, even in a small way. The Dem-NPL invites North Dakotans of all political stripes to participate and give back to their communities.” 

North Dakotans who are interested in participating in the Day of Service can donate to the Virtual Food Drive at this link, or sign up to send or receive Notes of Gratitude by following this link.

Inauguration Schedule:

A full listing of events from January 18-20 can be found on the Presidential Inauguration Committee’s official website. Some of the featured events include:

  • Today at 7:00 PM CT: “United We Serve” A Celebration of the National MLK Day of Service
  • Tuesday, January 19 at 4:30 PM CT: Nationwide COVID-19 Memorial
  • Wednesday, January 20: Inauguration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Kamala D. Harris
    • Ceremonies will begin broadcasting at 9:00 AM CT. At 11:00 AM CT, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Kamala D. Harris will be sworn in as President and Vice President of the United States.

 

 

###

The US House Votes to Impeach Trump for a Historic Second Time

Bismarck – Today, the US House of Representatives voted on an article of impeachment that accuses President Trump of “incitement of insurrection.” Members of the voting body reconvened in the US Capitol just one week after the country and world witnessed an unprecedented insurrection on the building, and democracy as a whole. The vote was passed 232 to 197, with all 222 Democrats and 10 Republican Representatives supporting the impeachment.

Sen. McConnell appears unwilling to call the Senate back into session to take up the matter. President Trump becomes the first President in United States history to be impeached twice by the House of Representatives.

Democratic-NPL Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said:

“As the events of January 6th continue to come to the surface, it is clear that something well beyond a failure in leadership led to and exacerbated a violent attack on the center of our federal government and our democracy. As Rep. Cheney (R-Wyoming) put it ‘our nation is facing an unprecedented, since the civil war, constitutional crisis.’ Although North Dakota’s congressional delegation seems unphased by these monumental events and the President’s part in this, we, the citizens of North Dakota and of the United States, cannot stand idly by and let the pillars of our democracy fall.”

 

###

RAGA and Affiliate Continue to Demean the Rule of Law

Bismarck – The Rule of Law Defense Fund (RLDF), a 501(c)(4) arm of the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA), was a key coalition partner in organizing the “Stop the Steal’ rally on January 6. The rally, turned riot, left an indelible stain as one of the darkest days in the history of American democracy. The Democratic Attorneys General Association (DAGA) released a statement condemning the actions of RLDF and RAGA.

This finding comes a month after the Supreme Court rejected a Texas-based lawsuit that sought to overthrow free and fair elections; a lawsuit Attorney General Stenehjem signed on to, and the ND federal delegation and Gov. Burgum supported. Despite attempts by RAGA to distance itself from the riots, they have been clearly and consistently casting doubt on electoral integrity and on our democratic institutions for weeks.

The Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said:
“Attorney General Stenehjem continues to stain his title as the top attorney in North Dakota. Over the past month, it has become even more clear that we have an Attorney General who is fighting against free and fair elections, the rule of law, and democracy as a whole. Between joining an ill-fated and frivolous lawsuit, and now being a party to the supporters of last week’s heinous actions against our country, Stenehjem has not prioritized North Dakota’s interests. Even more distressing is his silence in the midst of the chaos he helped to forge. We call on him to renounce his ties with RAGA and the RLDF immediately and to stand up for North Dakota first.” 

 

###

Democratic-NPL Legislators unveil $2 billion bonding proposal

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Senator Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) and Democratic Leaders Senator Joan Heckaman (D-New Rockford) and Representative Josh Boschee (D-Fargo) have introduced legislation to create an infrastructure bonding program during the 2021-2023 biennium.

Senate Bill 2040 authorizes the Public Financing Agency to issue up to $2 billion in infrastructure bonds. The bonds have a term of 25 years and would be issued at market rates. Bonds would be repaid using Legacy Fund dollars or Bank of North Dakota proceeds transferred to the general fund at the end of each biennium. Approximately $209 million would be needed each biennium to service the debt on the bonds. The bill is also sponsored by Senator Erin Oban (D-Bismarck), Representative Gretchen Dobervich (D-Fargo), and Representative Alisa Mitskog (D-Wahpeton).

“Infrastructure needs in North Dakota are growing,” says lead sponsor Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo). “The Legislature took a first step in adopting the Prairie Dog bill last session, more needs to be done. Oil and gas revenues meant to support these projects have dropped considerably due to COVID-19, meaning no funds will be available during the current biennium.”

SB 2040 allocates proceeds from the bonds to four distinct project areas. First, it shores up the municipal infrastructure and county and township infrastructure funds created by the Prairie Dog bill by providing up to $230 million. This will ensure those buckets are filled even when oil and gas revenues are low.

“These communities can’t wait,” Mathern said. “We need to take advantage of low interest rates now and finance shovel-ready projects. These projects will only become more expensive if we delay.”

Second, it supports education infrastructure by providing $750 million to the School Construction Assistance Revolving Loan Fund. Under this program K-12 schools can borrow up to $10 million to meet construction needs in their districts. And, for the first time, it authorizes higher education institutions and career and technology centers to borrow up to $50 million. Loans can go toward remodeling or new construction.

“The growth in the number of school-age children statewide shows a continued need for expanding K-12 schools,” said Mathern.

Third, it addresses the need for affordable housing in North Dakota by providing $250 million to the housing incentive fund. This fund was created by the Legislature in 2011 to address workforce housing needs in Western North Dakota. Since then it has expanded to include affordable housing and programs to reduce homelessness. It can also provide rental assistance to individuals and families struggling to make ends meet due to the COVID-19 pandemic. SB 2040 will reduce the need for annual appropriations to the fund.

Finally, any excess revenues will go to a new grant program targeted at road and bridge construction in counties and townships. Up to $770 million would be provided for this program, which will fund projects in each county based on their respective needs.

“We aren’t reinventing the wheel with this bill,” said Sen. Mathern. “It is specifically designed to take advantage of existing programs and authorities. This bill will provide good paying jobs in communities across the state. It will ensure we invest Legacy Fund earnings in North Dakota where it belongs. And it will alleviate pressure on appropriators so we can invest in North Dakota for North Dakotans by funding childcare, public health, and education.”

###

NDGOP Conspiracy Theories Encouraged the Attempted Coup on the Capitol

BISMARCK, ND — Today, an angry mob is attempting a coup at the United States Capitol in an attack on the free and fair election won by President-elect Joe Biden. The attack corresponds with some Republican members of Congress attempting to undo the election during what is normally a procedural vote. While the North Dakota Republican delegation was not party to this attempt, they have repeated the same baseless conspiracy theories that were thrown out of court more than 60 times since the election for entirely lacking evidence. One case included support from Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. NDGOP elected officials held at least one rally in North Dakota with the same message heard in Washington today.

The Democratic-NPL Executive Director Michael Taylor said:

“Since after it became clear that President-elect Biden won the presidency, North Dakota Republicans have amplified debunked lies and conspiracy theories that threaten the very fabric of the Republic. The result is what we are seeing today in Washington, an angry mob invading the United States Capitol in an apparent coup attempt that put senators, including our delegation at risk. We truly hope Sen. Cramer, Sen. Hoeven, and Rep. Armstrong, their congressional colleagues, staffers, and the many employees who work there every day are safe. 

But every single Republican who shouted about widespread fraud for which they have absolutely no evidence stoked the fire that is now exploding. We urge them to return to the world of facts, and use this frightening occurrence to help President-elect Biden bring the country together, rather than to continue tearing us apart.”
 

###