Emergency Commission Plans Gift to Oil Industry While Pandemic Response Lags

BISMARCK, ND — The Emergency Commission is scheduled to meet Friday morning to begin allocating $221 million in returned CARES Act money intended as public health and economic relief from the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated by the lagging response by Republican leaders. The current CARES Act proposal by Gov. Burgum’s administration would allocate another $16 million to oil companies, which, according to news reports, already have their workforce at full strength. 

Burgum’s purported reasoning for spending $66 million in federal relief funds to cap abandoned oil wells was maintaining their workforce. Meanwhile, North Dakota’s hospital beds are at capacity, and the state is telling those who test positive for the virus to perform their own contact tracing. The North Dakota National Guard is being used to inform those who test positive because of a backlog.

Sen. Tim Mathern, Fargo, said: 

“Oil companies are already back to a full workforce, so giving them $16 million is just a handout and an incredible misuse of tax dollars that could help small businesses or independent contractors struggling to stay open or working families barely able to afford rent. The Emergency Commission’s plan is more of the same response that gave us the highest number of per capita COVID-19 cases in the world and has pushed our healthcare resources past their limit. If they’re using the National Guard to notify people they have COVID, it’s worse than we’re being told. More of the same isn’t getting it done, and it’s not serving the North Dakotans who need the most help.” 

Rep. Gretchen Dobervich, Fargo, said: 

“Our healthcare system is overburdened and as COVID-19 cases continue rising, we can expect it to get even worse. Now individuals who contract a debilitating disease are being told to do their own contact tracing. We have a chance to use this money to save lives, and that means investing in data-driven programs like an emergency sick leave fund that will keep workers employed and enable them to make safe and smart decisions to quarantine without financial risk to their families or their employers. We need to support public health because these essential workers deserve far more support than they’re getting as they work day in and day out to serve the public through this crisis. What we’ve been doing isn’t working.”

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Legacy Fund Poll Shows NDGOP Voted Against Vision Shared by North Dakotans, Dem-NPL Caucus Resumes Call for North Dakotans First Investment Plan

BISMARCK, ND — A recent survey conducted by WPA Intelligence backs up major reform proposals introduced by the Dem-NPL joint caucuses during the 2019 legislative session and in interim committees, in particular a revolving loan fund for community needs (SB 2276) as well as a Legacy Fund plan to Invest in North Dakotans First. The WPA Intelligence survey said 79% of North Dakotans want the Legacy Fund invested inside the state.

Republicans have had almost 10 years since the foundation of the Legacy Fund to make a plan to invest in North Dakota, but they’ve done little more than use interest to backfill the budget as an afterthought. The result is that the legislature has to respond to a second likely budget shortfall since 2016.

SB 2276 (2019)

  • Introduced by Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman in 2019, SB 2276 would have dedicated 5% of the investments made on behalf of the Legacy Fund to the Bank of North Dakota for a revolving loan fund – or $200 million over the biennium – for community needs ranging from child care services to natural gas infrastructure.
  • It would have shored up communities now having to raise taxes, invested in local economies, and created property tax relief.
  • The bill gained immediate traction with the private sector and passed the Senate.
  • NDGOP House Republicans killed it.

A Legacy Fund That Invests in North Dakotans First

  • The plan would return 20% of Legacy Fund earnings into the principle for investment while creating targeted spending on priorities that put North Dakotans First and help build an economy that works for all.
  • House MInority Leader Josh Boschee and Heckaman introduced it in the interim Legacy Fund committee early this year before the pandemic.
  • Proposed funds
    • Workforce Development and Lifelong Education Fund
    • Research and Innovation Fund
    • Regional Economic Development Infrastructure Fund
    • Student Lunch Support Fund
    • Highway Tax Distribution Fund
    • Human Services & Health Stabilization Fund
    • ND Arts & Culture Endowment Fund

Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman said: 

“If SB 2276 had passed, we would already be investing Legacy Fund earnings directly into North Dakota to help plug gaps in our economy by supporting child care centers, nursing homes, and bringing natural gas to communities that need it to grow. These investments would have helped ease the burden on working families and communities, especially in rural areas, hit by the economic downtown and lagging state funding. Let’s invest in North Dakotans first, so we can build a legacy that works for all of our state.”

House Minority Leader Josh Boschee said:

“North Dakotans are sending a strong message they’re unhappy with the way NDGOP has used Legacy Fund earnings to backfill the state budget rather than invest in North Dakota, leaving us reeling in another bust. We’ve been listening to North Dakotans, which is why we introduced a Legacy Fund plan that invests in our people, towns, and counties first. It would help working families stay employed, boosts natural business growth, and encourages a diversified economy that works for all North Dakotans while investing in the talent and resources that make us great.” 

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Paid Sick Leave Proven to Slow COVID-19, Emergency Commission Must Add Emergency Leave Fund

BISMARCK, ND —  A recent study by the journal Health Affairs showed that Emergency Sick Leave has helped limit the spread of COVID-19, a virus that is taking lives and harming livelihoods as North Dakota cases continue rising. The federal emergency paid leave program is set to expire Dec. 31 and has several gaps that limit access to it. With the Emergency Commission scheduled this week to reallocate unspent CARES Act dollars, Rep. Karla Rose Hanson (Fargo) and Sen. Erin Oban (Bismarck) renewed their call for an emergency paid leave fund that would support North Dakotans who need to stay home when they are sick or to quarantine without fear of losing their income. Paid leave is proven to help slow the spread of the virus while targeting economic assistance to those who most need it.

North Dakota is consistently at the top of daily per capita positive COVID-19 cases, deaths attributed to the virus are rising, and hospital emergency care and ICU beds are growing dangerously crowded. Against Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, Gov. Burgum recently loosened quarantine guidelines for quarantining when both contacts wore a mask, calling his new policy “an incentive.” Paid Leave would be a realistic incentive for workers to not only get tested and comply with all safety guidelines but for employers to support both their employees and public health.

Rep. Karla Rose Hanson said:

“When people go to work sick, outbreaks occur, which is why paid leave plays such an important role in this pandemic. It makes it feasible for working families, those struggling the most in the COVID-19 economy, to follow public health guidelines that keep our communities safe and businesses open. It prevents North Dakotans from having to choose between paying their rent and potentially spreading a virus that has taken the lives of far too many North Dakotans already. Public health and the economy go hand in hand, and an Emergency Paid Leave Fund is a data-backed solution that unites the two.”

Sen. Erin Oban said: 

“North Dakota is in the middle of a joint public health and economic crisis, and it’s clear that what we’ve been doing to date isn’t working. It’s time to reinvent how we respond to these crises and better target the use of these one-time federal resources. An Emergency Paid Leave Fund would fill existing gaps to support working people who make smart, selfless decisions to stay home when they test positive or are instructed to quarantine. It will save lives and livelihoods while supporting businesses, working families, and the economy. It’s time to stop blindly throwing money at the problem and strategically use tools like a paid leave fund that are proven to work.” 

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Revolving Door on Burgum’s Cabinet Spins Again Amid Crisis

BISMARCK, ND — The announcement that North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission Executive Director Scott Davis was put on administrative leave begs questions about what exactly is happening in Gov. Doug Burgum’s cabinet amid the COVID-19 crisis. The Davis report follows a pattern of departures this year that includes three chief public health officers resigning during the pandemic as well as exits by the leaders of the Department of Commerce and Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

A leadership vacuum in public health and economic departments is especially alarming during the twin public health and economic crises of COVID-19. The vacant Indian Affairs position is worrisome as the pandemic has affected Native Americans disproportionately. With close quarters, correctional facilities, like nursing homes, have also faced frequent outbreaks nationally. NDDOCR recently reported an uptick in cases.

The Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said: 

“It is certainly important to investigate any allegations of misconduct by any public official. But, with yet another cabinet member stepping away from their post, North Dakotans and public workers deserve to know what’s going on with their state leadership team. Every time the cabinet door spins around, it becomes clearer and clearer that Gov. Burgum’s leadership approach and unwillingness to take any decisive action is not working. His so-called “light touch of government” is hurting both lives and livelihoods. We need to elect leaders like Dr. Shelley Lenz, who will govern with transparency and collaboration, so we can get out of this pandemic and move on to an economic recovery that works for all North Dakotans.”
 

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Nomination Threatens Preexisting Conditions, Rural Hospitals During Pandemic

BISMARCK, ND —  The Senate Judiciary Committee heard opening statements today regarding President Trump’s nominee for the Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett. Barrett has criticized the reasoning upholding the Affordable Care Act. If nominated, she would hear a case seeking to eliminate the ACA. Oral arguments are currently set for November 10.

The lawsuit is supported by the North Dakota Republicans who have made no plan to prepare for the fall-out, which would include tens of thousands of North Dakotans losing coverage for preexisting conditions during the pandemic. Those who have contracted COVID-19 will now be considered to have a preexisting condition. Eliminating the ACA would also mean North Dakota loses funding for Medicaid expansion, which has been crucial in keeping rural hospitals open. North Dakota is facing a hospital capacity crisis right now in part because of COVID-19.

The Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said: 

“Confirming this nominee puts access to affordable healthcare at serious risk in North Dakota. While the NDGOP has fought against the ACA, they’ve made no effort whatsoever to prepare for the repercussions, even as a pandemic ravages our state. Judge Barrett’s confirmation would be a dangerous setback for North Dakotans with preexisting conditions who could lose coverage entirely while the COVID-19 virus leaves untold lingering effects on new North Dakotans every day. Rural hospitals, which rely on the ACA for funding, would be doomed, meaning life or death for North Dakotans who already have long drives for emergency care as the state faces a serious capacity crisis.”

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Dem-NPL Candidates Call for Investments in Behavioral Healthcare Amid Pandemic

BISMARCK, ND — Today, a group of Dem-NPL legislative candidates called for strong investments in behavioral health services and a holistic approach to treatment and recovery that includes Prevention and Early Intervention, Real Time Services, and Supporting Recovery in every part of North Dakota. An investment in behavioral health improves the quality of life of North Dakotans, and also grows the workforce and the economy. The virtual press conference recording can be found on the Dem-NPL Facebook page. 

A study from Kaiser Family Foundation showed that in 2019, more than one in ten adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. Now, it’s more than one in three. Further, 13% of adults have reported a new or increased substance use as a way to manage COVID-19-related stress while 11% reported thoughts of suicide. In recent years, North Dakota’s suicide rate has risen faster than almost any other state in the nation.

District 24 Sen. Larry Robinson, discussed how investing in behavioral health would benefit the public and private sector workforces, and the need for support in rural areas. Robinson said: 

“When it knocks at your door, it’s a rude awakening, and you quickly find yourself searching for help, and advice, and direction, and support,” Robinson said. “The revolving door aspect of treatment, addiction, and so on has not worked, and we know that, and we’ve learned from that over the last number of years. This is not going to be an easy lift. We know that, but I think there’s increasing awareness across the state, private and public partnerships, private and public sectors, that this is an issue that must be addressed. The greater cost would be in not making those investments.”

Tracey Wilkie, a District 16 House candidate, who has worked for 25 years on the front lines of behavioral healthcare, said:

“As someone who has worked directly with people going through serious challenges my whole life, I can tell you behavioral health needs a holistic approach and that Prevention and Early Intervention is key to saving lives and livelihoods. These resources include supporting early screening, referral services, expanding local behavioral workforces, and strengthening economic support for families, all even more important as risks rise during the pandemic.” 

Jackie Hoffarth, a District 18 House candidate, and a licensed social worker, discussed the need for real-time services, culturally responsive care, and diversifying the behavioral health workforce. Hoffarth said:

“We need to base funding off what people need and change the way we think about behavioral health, which means person-centered care that helps people set and meet goals they can accomplish today. It’s helping people meet their basic needs, treating them with dignity and trust over the choice in their own lives, and reducing stigma often associated within systems whose approach is often punitive rather than empowering. This is the path to a healthier North Dakota, not only at the individual level, but economically as healthy North Dakotans become productive employees who stay in the workforce and become part of our innovative fabric.”

Will Thompson, District 22 House candidate, discussed his personal experience with behavioral health, the need to eliminate stigma, and what that means in terms of setting priorities. Thompson said:

“I believe that mental health issues and substance abuse are going to be some of the greatest challenges my generation is going to face. So we don’t have time to wait. The legislature instituted an addiction treatment voucher that enabled people who couldn’t afford treatment to get care in their communities, rather than one of the few state facilities. It was a start, but the money ran out this year and right before the most critical time of the year – when the winter makes us feel trapped and the holidays bring challenging times for many people. The program froze during a crisis. We can’t let that happen again.”

 

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Former Commerce Head Calls Failed Audit “Netflix-Grade Content,” Blasts State Auditor

BISMARCK, ND — In a meeting with the Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee Thursday, former Commerce Commissioner Michelle Kommer blasted auditor Josh Gallion for abusing his office and wasting “likely hundreds of thousands of dollars” in order to “make a stage for himself.” Kommer spoke at about 11:58 on the recording.

After the process, “he refused to meet with me,” Kommer said, adding that Gallion did not attend the exit meeting, a standard for professional conduct in auditing. Kommer said North Dakota statutes were “mocked” throughout the process. The auditor has a “character problem” and his work product is a “disappointment to the profession,” she said. The attack on her department stressed her staff and resulted in one member who is a combat veteran, having a relapse of post-traumatic stress disorder, she said. The auditor’s office should be one that “creates value instead of terror,” she said.

Patrick Hart, Dem-NPL candidate for auditor, said

“The auditor’s job is to ensure proper processes and procedures are followed to prevent, waste, fraud, and abuse of our tax dollars. My opponent abused his power to go around the law, avoided performing his duty, and sought to manipulate state law in some kind of political game to make headlines for himself. He hurt state employees and wasted tax dollars. The auditor should create value and engage with public employees, so our tax dollars are spent wisely. That is exactly why I am running.”

About Patrick Hart

Patrick Hart grew up on a farm in Pembina, North Dakota, where he learned his work ethic and commitment to integrity. He is a former auditor for the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the North Dakota Public Service Commission. He is also a small business owner, serving as managing partner in a successful contracting business in Bismarck.

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Virtual Press Conference Thursday: Behavioral Health, COVID-19, and the Legislature

BISMARCK, ND — Dem-NPL Legislative Candidates will hold a virtual press conference on Thursday, October 8 at 1:30 p.m. CT to discuss Behavioral Health in North Dakota, actions the legislature needs to take in the coming legislative session, and how COVID-19 has exacerbated one of the state’s greatest challenges.

Speakers

  • Sen. Larry Robinson, who represents District 24.
  • Tracey Wilkie, District 16 House candidate, who has worked for 25 years on the front lines of behavioral healthcare.
  • Jackie Hoffarth, District 18 House candidate, who is a social worker.
  • Will Thompson, District 22 House candidate, who has featured behavioral health in his campaign.

To attend virtually

Members of the press who want to attend should RSVP to Alex Rohr at [email protected] to receive the Zoom link. Press are invited to ask questions after prepared remarks by each candidate. The event will also be broadcast on Facebook live for the public.

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Dem-NPL Caucus Welcomes Godfread’s Interest in Legacy Fund Investment; Caucus Calls for Bipartisan Support for Community Investment in Upcoming Session

BISMARCK, ND —  In the 2019 legislative session, Sen. Joan Heckaman introduced SB 2276, a bill that would have dedicated 5% of the investments made on behalf of the Legacy Fund to the Bank of North Dakota for a revolving loan fund to address community needs. On Monday, Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread re-introduced the same concept to the State Investment Board.

If Heckaman’s bill had been approved, funds already invested in other state and national infrastructure portfolios could have been used to support North Dakota’s childcare centers, nursing homes, bringing natural gas to a community, and more. For the 2019-21 biennium, it would have generated an estimated $200 million for the revolving loan fund, and shored up communities that are having to now raise taxes. The bill passed in the Senate but was defeated in the NDGOP-controlled House by one vote. 

Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman said: 

“I am certainly pleased to see Commissioner Godfread’s proposal to the State Investment Board to prioritize more Legacy Fund investment in North Dakota-based projects to benefit our communities and help diversify our state’s economy. Last session, SB 2276 gained quick support from the private sector and passed the Senate. Unfortunately, the House bill missed by a single vote. The proposal would be one step to building a balanced economy that works for all North Dakotans, and I’m encouraged to see bipartisan support growing for the idea.”

House Minority Leader Josh Boschee said: 

“Democratic-NPL legislators have been supportive of investing a greater share of the Legacy Fund principal into projects that move North Dakota forward, while also providing a strong, sustainable return on the investment. This would provide opportunities to invest in our state’s roads, bridges and water projects while keeping property taxes and special assessments low for property owners. And even more excitingly, provide additional state support to the development of well-vetted, private infrastructure that benefits economic diversification throughout North Dakota.”

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Dem-NPLers Call for Protections of Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions; NDGOP Attack on Access to Affordable Healthcare Continues   

BISMARCK, ND — Dem-NPL Legislative Candidates today called for protections for coverage of pre-existing conditions no matter what happens in Washington, D.C. and in the November election. Currently, under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies cannot charge higher rates or deny coverage because of a pre-existing health condition. COVID-19 is having long term consequences that will be considered pre-existing conditions. More than 20,000 people in North Dakota have tested positive for the virus. 

While NDGOP leaders support the lawsuit to repeal the ACA, also part of the NDGOP platform, they have not introduced a solution to deal with the repercussions when tens of thousands of North Dakotans lose coverage, protections for pre-existing conditions are eliminated, and rural hospitals lose much-needed funding from Medicaid expansion. In the 2019 legislative session, the Dem-NPL introduced the Holman Amendment to protect coverage of pre-existing conditions regardless of the outcome. North Dakota Republicans stopped this bill from passing.

The press conference was broadcast on Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dem-NPL Facebook page.

Terri Hedman, candidate for District 46 Senate, and a registered nurse, said:

“The bill would prevent any gaps in coverage that could threaten life or livelihood while also protecting the ability for people with pre-existing conditions to get coverage in the future. It’s a simple bill and a plan that will keep healthcare secure for tens of thousands of North Dakotans, which is especially important as we continue through the public health crisis.”

Krisanna Holkup Peterson is the District 32 House candidate, a paraprofessional for students with disabilities, and mother of a son with significant health needs. Holkup Peterson said, 

“Mothers, fathers, grandparents, and other caregivers regularly have to work this hard and harder to access healthcare, and before the Affordable Care Act, it was even more expensive for people with pre-existing conditions because their care is often more specialized, harder to access, and more expensive. Protecting coverage for pre-existing conditions is an important step that should have already been taken.”

Jodi Meisch, House District 22 candidate, and an advocate for people who are deaf and hard of hearing, said, 

“Providing assurance of coverage, regardless of medical history, is more than good policy for one of the most highly regarded states in our first world country. It is a human rights commitment that has provided positive outcomes for many years, and it would be a disservice to the American guarantee of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness to eliminate it without a replacement plan. North Dakota’s entire population, especially those already excluded behind barriers to equality and accessibility, deserve to live without fear of exclusion, yet again, from accessible and affordable health care coverage.”

Alan Peterson is running for House District 26 against two of the Republicans who voted against protecting coverage for pre-existing conditions. Peterson, who talked about the challenges to access for affordable healthcare faced by rural North Dakotans, said,

“For farmers, who are independent business people, insurance is already expensive. One farmer from District 26 shared he pays $25,000 a year for health insurance. He’s not alone. But 33 Republicans voted against making insurance companies keep premiums affordable by not allowing extra charges for pre-existing conditions. My opponents in District 26 were two of the 33. The Affordable Care Act is at risk. We know that. Good leaders hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. This small assurance should have already been in place.” 

Republicans voted against this bill

D4: Rep. Clayton Fegley, Rep. Terry Jones
D6: Rep. Craig Johnson
D8: Rep. Jeff Delzer 
D16: Rep.  Ben Koppelman, Rep. Andrew Marschall 
D18: Rep. Steve Vetter 
D20: Rep. Aaron McWilliams
D26: Rep. Sebastian Ertlet, Rep. Kathy Skroch 
D28: Rep. Jeff Magrum 
D32: Rep. Lisa Meier
D34: Rep. Todd Porter, Rep. Nathan Toman 
D36: Rep. Mike Schatz, Rep. Luke Simons
D38: Rep. Larry Bellow, Rep. Dan Ruby
D40: Rep. Matthew Ruby
D46: Rep. Jim Kasper 

 

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Third North Dakota Public Health Official Resigns as State Hospitals Near Capacity

BISMARCK, ND —  For the third time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, North Dakota’s top public health officer resigned. Dr. Paul Mariani resigned Friday, the day after Gov. Doug Burgum rescinded a public health order that required close contacts of those who tested positive for COVID-19 to quarantine. The order, in place for a single day, put North Dakota in line with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Burgum rescinded the order after pressure from North Dakota Republican leadership.

Dem-NPL gubernatorial candidate Dr. Shelley Lenz, a veterinarian, recently introduced a collaborative COVID-19 Crisis Management plan based on best public health practices. It emphasizes non-political decision-making.

Burgum’s move follows a pattern of inconsistent leadership and a public message that does not match facts that come to light.

The Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said: 

“As many North Dakotans have died from COVID-19 this month as in the first four months of the pandemic, and our hospitals are feeling it. Gov. Burgum has routinely ignored criticism and public health experts while trying to paint a rosy picture during his re-election campaign. He must give North Dakotans the unvarnished truth we’re demanding and that we need to make safe decisions to protect our families and communities. His governing is becoming more opaque and erratic at a time when North Dakotans need transparency and focus.”
 

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Virtual Press Conference Tuesday: Access to Affordable Healthcare in the Shadow of the Anti-ACA Lawsuit 

BISMARCK, ND — On Tuesday, Dem-NPL Legislative Candidates will introduce a commitment to access to affordable health care in the face of repercussions that will result if the Affordable Care Act is overturned by the Supreme Court. The virtual press conference will be held at Noon (CT) on Tuesday, September 29. Please RSVP to Alex Rohr at [email protected] to receive the passcode. 

The North Dakota Republican Party supports a lawsuit to eliminate the ACA, which is scheduled for another hearing before the Supreme Court in November. If they are successful in removing the ACA, tens of thousands of North Dakotans will lose healthcare coverage. The anti-ACA agenda is also in the NDGOP platform.

Speakers

  • Terri Hedman, District 46 Senate candidate, and a registered nurse. (Fargo)
  • Krisanna Holkup Peterson, District 32 House candidate, paraprofessional for students with disabilities, and mother of a son with significant health needs. (Bismarck)
  • Jodi Meisch, House District 22 candidate, and an advocate for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. (Cass County)
  • Alan Peterson, House candidate District 26, who will discuss challenges accessing affordable healthcare in rural areas. (Forman)

To Attend, please RSVP to Alex Rohr at [email protected] to receive the passcode.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/96676570924?pwd=VXV1Q2hkK1FoRmdKMDdoUkdOYTU1QT09

Dial in

+1 312 626 6799 US

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