BISMARCK, ND — A group met at the capitol Monday to complain about executive orders mandating physical distancing measures enacted to slow the spread of the covid-19 pandemic. Their public gathering comes less than a week after a group of Republican legislators used their bully pulpit to try to push the governor toward rescinding these orders. Covid-19 cases are rising in North Dakota, and we learned Monday that three more people have died from the virus.

Dem-NPL Communications Director Alex Rohr said:

“It’s time to listen to public health and medical experts who say we need greater testing capacity and consistent leadership from Washington. While we work together to flatten the curve, our congressional representatives and governor’s office must be more supportive of small business owners, workers, and families who are shouldering way too much of the pandemic’s economic burden. So far, too many people are left waiting, confused, and without assistance.”

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BISMARCK, ND — On Tuesday, President Trump said he would unilaterally withhold funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), despite the fact that Congress is responsible for passing the federal budget. On the same day, Sen. Kevin Cramer signed on to a partisan letter criticizing the WHO.

Both actions ignore the administration’s slow and chaotic response to the COVID-19 pandemic that only came months after it became clear the virus was an international threat. These actions are compounded by the administration’s earlier decisions to gut investments in domestic and global public health.

The president eliminated an early warning program and cut a key Center for Disease Control position in China that could have given the U.S. valuable lead time to react as COVID-19 broke loose. He then ignored the pandemic response plans in place since the Bush administration. The president had months to act. He waited until halfway through March. 

Dem-NPL Chair Kylie Oversen said:

“There may be legitimate questions for the WHO, but unilaterally gutting the budget of a worldwide public health institution in the middle of a public health crisis fails every test of common sense. More than 25,000 Americans are dead and millions are out of work. Rather than address this crisis, the president and Kevin Cramer are playing a game of ‘you started it.’

People across the globe are working together, sharing information, and trading resources to stop this pandemic and save lives. Kevin Cramer, Kelly Armstrong, John Hoeven, and the president of the United States should be similarly and singularly focused.”

 

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BISMARCK, ND — The North Dakota Budget Section approved CARES funding Act today, enabling the administration to allocate more than $133 million, including support for medical assistance, childcare, education, and public transportation for rural areas.

House Minority Leader Josh Boschee said:

“The CARES Act was an important step in providing relief to North Dakotans, but there are gaps we’re going to need to figure out how to fill at the state level. We will continue to partner with constituents and the governor’s administration, and we encourage North Dakotans to keep speaking up for their needs.”

Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman said:

“These funds are essential to the operation of services to North Dakota citizens as their lives change during this pandemic. North Dakotans are strong people but nevertheless, when a tragedy strikes, the state government needs to do all it can to provide a safe environment for everyone. We need to be aware of changing circumstances and care for our friends and neighbors within the guidelines currently available.”

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BISMARCK, ND —  The Democratic-NPL Party is excited to field a full slate of candidates for all partisan statewide offices. The filing deadline passed Monday to file for the June primary.

The Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said:

“Whether they’re running for statewide or legislative office, the level of commitment and heart I’m seeing from Dem-NPLers this year is impressive. We’ve been working for months to put together a well-rounded team of candidates who bring expertise and perspective to the offices they’re seeking. It’s inspiring to see so many people motivated to make a difference, especially during times of crisis.”
 

Democratic-NPL Statewide Candidates 

Dr. Shelley Lenz for Governor and Ben Vig for Lieutenant Governor

Zach Raknerud for U.S. House

Patrick Hart for State Auditor 

Mark Haugen for State Treasurer

Travisia Martin for State Insurance Commissioner

Casey Buchmann for Public Service Commissioner 

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With the sudden economic halt as we work together to flatten the COVID-19 curve, many of our community small businesses had to shutter. But with the passage of the CARES Act, and provisions fought for by House and Senate Democrats, relief is available through small business loans for employers, some of which may be forgivable for those who keep their employees on payroll.

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR RELIEF?

Small Businesses, Sole Proprietors, Independent Contractors, Gig Economy Workers, the Self-employed, and, 501(c)(3) Nonprofits affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

HOW CAN I HELP?

• Contact those who may be eligible and encourage them to call their lender
• Don’t be an expert unless you are one. Send those interested to their lender
• Share on social media

Sample social media post

Attention: Small Business Owners, Sole Proprietors, Independent Contractors, Gig Economy Workers, the Self-employed, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits: You may be eligible for a loan through the CARES Act to keep your business afloat as we work together to flatten the COVID-19 curve. Contact your lender to request access to funds that may help protect your business and employees.

Helpful Resources

Emergency Small Business Administration Loan
https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/

Paycheck Protection Program
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp

SBA Offices
https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/map/filter/789c2b2e492c49b5f273b1b2323736b5000024a10439

SBA Women’s Business Center
https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/find/?type=Women%27s%20Business%20Center&pageNumber=1

 

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BISMARCK, ND — Today the governor declined to issue a moratorium on evictions, foreclosures, and rental fees, despite calls from grassroots organizers, nonprofit advocates, and the Dem-NPL. His decision does not end the effort to aid those who are most affected by the pandemic’s economic disruptions.

Without a moratorium on evictions, rental fees, and foreclosures, some landlords will begin issuing three-day notices that convince some tenants to leave their homes without anywhere to go. Rental fees and penalties will begin to accrue for people who have no options, putting them at risk of debt long after the disaster is over.

There is still time for the governor to listen on the moratorium, but other policy considerations should include rent assistance for tenants who are suddenly unemployed and bridge loans or grants for landlords who offer flexibility to struggling tenants.

The Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said:

“The governor just said he expects working families to absorb the entire cost of the economic fall-out. Rent is due in two days and people aren’t getting paid. It’s not their fault, and they can be kicked out of their homes with only three days notice. At best, late fees will pile up that could set them back for years. The governor, who is a landlord himself, just told North Dakotans he has no understanding of the challenges they’re facing.”

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