The Democratic-NPL Party Statement on the Senate’s Failure to Hold a Fair Trial

February 5, 2020

***Statement***

(BISMARCK, ND) – The Democratic-NPL Party made the following statement about the Senate’s failure to hold a fair impeachment trial.

“The United States only works when the branches of government act as proper checks and balances against each other. The Senate has entirely failed its duty to check the president. Senator John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer voted no today without hearing witness testimony. They abandoned their oaths of impartiality and failed North Dakota.”

ND Democratic-NPL Party Statement on the Iowa Caucuses

February 4, 2020

(BISMARCK, ND) – With the results of the Iowa Caucuses still in flux, the Democratic-NPL Party wants to provide additional information on the voting process here in North Dakota.

The Democratic-NPL Party will hold a Firehouse Caucus March 10 as part of the Democratic presidential primary. Everyone qualified to vote in North Dakota may cast their ballot at the 14 locations statewide. Unlike the Iowa caucuses, which consisted of multiple rounds of voting, the North Dakota Firehouse Caucus on March 10 will require each person to vote only once, much like a general election.

Voters enter the polling location most convenient to them, cast their ballot, and leave. Polls will be open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Central / 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Mountain time. Third party vendor GES will tabulate the results. The process will not use any apps or devices like those used in Iowa.

Voters may also cast their ballots early by requesting a mail-in ballot through Feb. 25. To request a ballot, email [email protected], call 1-877-455-9367 (between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.), or visit demnpl.com/primary. Returned ballots must be postmarked by March 5.

Alex Rohr Democratic-NPL Communications Director said: 

“The North Dakota process is fundamentally different than Iowa’s caucuses. Where Iowans had to stay in a single location for hours at a time, North Dakotan primary voters can show up to their nearest polling location, vote, and leave. The process is designed to be as accessible as possible, to as many people as possible, while making sure every vote counts. Unlike Gov. Burgum, who campaigned in Iowa yesterday, we’re focused on North Dakota.”

Polling locations 
Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, Minot, Williston, Jamestown, Devils Lake, Valley City, Dickinson, Belcourt, Cannonball, New Town, Wahpeton, St. Michael.

For more information, including addresses for polling places visit https://demnpl.com/primary/.

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Dem-NPL Leadership Praises CapX2050 Transmission Vision Study

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 19, 2019

 Dem-NPL Leadership Praises CapX2050 Transmission Vision Study

Today, the CapX2020 – a joint initiative of 10 transmission-owning utilities in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin – issued a statement announcing the CapX2050 Transmission Vision Study. This vision, centered around identifying ways to “maintain a safe, reliable and cost-effective electric grid as the system adds more carbon-free energy” was met with high praise from Dem-NPL House Minority Leader Josh Boschee, as well as Dem-NPL Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman, who offered the following statements of support:

House Minority Leader Josh Boschee (D-Fargo): “Once again, our state’s energy transmission providers and utilities are providing leadership in addressing the evolving and diverse needs of consumers. The CapX2050 Transmission Vision Study will provide utilities, regulators, policy makers and most importantly, consumers, with the information needed to provide a safe, reliable and affordable energy grid as we continue to see an increase of carbon-free energy sources. The Democratic-NPL House Caucus looks forward to continuing to partner with our state’s utilities and transmission providers as they plan for the future.”

Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman (D-New Rockford): “The CapX2050 Transmission Vision Study plan released today comes as welcome news.  The CapX2020 Utilities, made up of investor-owned and not-for-profit cooperatives and municipal utilities, are bringing this study forward to provide consumers in North Dakota with reliable, cost-effective transmission systems that focus on new ways to generate energy. The development of this plan will bring reliable, low-cost energy to consumers as the Upper Midwest transitions to a carbon-free generation, distribution, and storage system. Consumers will benefit from the results of this study as entities collaborate for the betterment of North Dakota residents.”

The Full CapX2020 Press Release can be read here

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ICYMI: Letter to the Editor in The Washington Post: “Kevin Cramer Needs to Pay Attention to the Law”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 14th, 2019

***Release***
ICYMI: Letter to the Editor in The Washington Post:
“Kevin Cramer Needs to Pay Attention to the Law”

(BISMARCK, ND) – North Dakota rarely gets major attention in the national spotlight. Unfortunately, our latest coverage has been rather embarrassing. Senator Kevin Cramer held up the confirmation of a White House budget official and criticized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, slamming them as “arrogant” for not disclosing the information contained in bids for the construction of the border wall. Cramer was upset that they did not choose his preferred firm, a construction firm in Dickinson (whose owners substantially contributed to his Senate campaign).

Cramer wrote the following email to the Corps, copying several members of the White House Office of Management and Budget:
This is a woefully inadequate response and not what I was promised by the White House as a condition for releasing my hold on the confirmation of the nominee for the Federal Procurement Officer. The fact that you all claim secrecy without citing statute makes me very suspicious. I have decided to stay in DC another day and would like to see General Semonite in my office tomorrow.

After the Washington Post broke the original story, Senator Cramer went on to slam them, tweeting, “I should be surprised, but am not, that WaPo would attack me for seeking transparency from an agency issuing billions worth of federal contracts rather than being suspicious of the mole inside the agency using them to detract attention from said agency’s procurement processes.”

In response to this unfriendly spotlight on Senator Cramer, Warren Rose of Alexandria, VA, writes that Senator Cramer’s “colleagues should apprise him” of several pieces of legislation that are intended to protect government contracts from any political influence.

You can read Mr. Rose’s letter here.

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ICYMI: Rep. Karla Rose Hanson on the “Red Flag” Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 8th, 2019

***Release***
 ICYMI: Rep. Karla Rose Hanson on the “Red Flag” Bill

(BISMARCK, ND) – During the legislative session this year, Representative Karla Rose Hanson brought forth bipartisan legislation that would have established public safety protection orders, commonly referred to as “red flag” legislation or “extreme risk protection orders.” HB 1537 would have created a legal process for law enforcement and family members to ask the court to temporarily remove a firearm from someone who is considered a danger to themselves or others. This bill had 8 Republican co-sponsors including Rich Wardner, the Senate Majority leader. Representative Karla Rose Hanson spoke with Joel Heitkamp on News and Views on Tuesday regarding this missed opportunity.

”The bill creates a process in which we can intervene before warning signs become tragedy, and it gives law enforcement or family members a way to use the court system to temporarily remove someone’s weapons if there are signs or risks that the person may harm themselves or others,” says Representative Hanson. “The Trump administration has actually advocated for red flag bills, which we brought forward as testimony during the session.” She also notes that conservative states such as Indiana, (where Vice President, Mike Pence was once Governor) have passed red flag legislation.

The bill had a strong coalition of supporters including law enforcement, suicide prevention advocates, and education leaders. It was endorsed by the North Dakota Police Chiefs Association, the North Dakota Association of School Resource Officers, the North Dakota School Board Association, North Dakota United, and many other groups and individuals. Unfortunately, misinformation was spread by Republican legislators, and the bill was easily defeated.

National support for this type of legislation is growing. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) are working on a plan would create a federal grant program to encourage states to adopt “red flag” laws. Both parties expressed hope that something can be done, and the President has signaled support for the plan.

Representative Hanson says ultimately that common-sense gun legislation will happen if legislators are willing to put politics aside and work on solutions.

Click here to listen to the interview.

 

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Secondhand Smoke is Harmful…but Don’t Tell That to 57 Republican Legislators

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 7th, 2019

***Release***
 Second-Hand Smoke is Harmful…but Don’t Tell That to 57 Republican Legislators
(BISMARCK, ND) – Keeping children healthy and out of harm’s way is the goal for many policymakers. That’s why representatives Pamela Anderson, Gretchen Dobervich, LaurieBeth Hager, Mary Schneider, and Senator Kathy Hogan introduced a bill seeking to ban smoking in a motor vehicle when children under age nine are present. The proposed legislation was a sensible way to keep children from the harms of second-hand smoke. However, 57 Republican legislators disagreed, and the bill was defeated.

This bill had failed in previous sessions as well, with arguments from the other side centered around “personal choice.” Representative Dan Ruby (R-Minot) stated, “There’s a real personal property issue here” and used the slippery slope fallacy asking, “will the home will be next?” Representative Robin Weisz (R-Hurdsfield)  asked: “How far are you willing to go?” As if protecting children from a cancer-causing agent is too radical.

The dangers children face if they are in the car with an adult who to chooses to smoke are real and devastating. The Center for Disease Control lists the dangers of second-hand smoke:
  • Infants who are exposed to secondhand smoke after birth are also at greater risk for SIDS.
  • Chemicals in secondhand smoke appear to affect the brain in ways that interfere with its regulation of infants’ breathing.
  • Children whose parents smoke get sick more often. Their lungs grow less than children who do not breathe secondhand smoke, and they get more bronchitis and pneumonia.
  • Secondhand smoke can trigger an asthma attack in a child. Children with asthma who are around secondhand smoke have more severe and frequent asthma attacks. A severe asthma attack can put a child’s life in danger.

“Asking adults to refrain from smoking in a vehicle with children under age nine is not a property rights or personal choice issue, it’s a public safety issue,” said Alison Jones, Communications Director of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party. “No one is asking adults to never smoke again, this legislation would simply prevent adults from exposing young children to toxic cigarette smoke. It’s not radical, it’s not overreach, it’s just logical.”

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World Breastfeeding Week, As Long As It’s “Modest and Discreet”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 5th, 2019

***Release***
 World Breastfeeding Week, As Long As It’s “Modest and Discreet”

(BISMARCK, ND) – The research behind breastfeeding is clear and conclusive. The Cleveland Clinic states breastfeeding benefits the baby by providing essential nutrients to aid in brain development. It also protects against allergies, ear infections, gastroenteritis, and more. Benefits to the mother include faster healing after delivery, lowering the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, plus saving thousands of dollars!

House Bill 1330 was introduced by a nearly all-female contingency, including Dem-NPL Representatives Gretchen Dobervich, who was the lead sponsor, Mary Schneider, Pamela Anderson, Ruth Buffalo, LaurieBeth Hager, Karla Rose Hanson, and Alisa Mitskog. The goal of the bill was to remove language from the current law that states women can breastfeed anywhere as long as it’s in a “modest and discreet manner.” The bill also aimed to provide a penalty to any place of business that infringes upon this right.

Discriminatory behavior towards nursing mothers is, unfortunately, still a reality today. In January 2018 a nursing mother was asked to cover up at the soft opening of Chick-Fil-A in Fargo. The mother explained her child refused to be covered while feeding, and other patrons could practice the fine art of looking away. The owner then told the mother if she chose not to cover, she would have to ask her to leave.

Senator Erin Oban recently spoke with Sonji Milburn of KX news,  “…underneath the indecent exposure part of century code. As somebody said in the debate on this bill, It is currently legal to walk around topless but not legal if somebody determines that you are not being discreet enough when you are breastfeeding. Whether we like it or not, as somebody who is sitting next to someone breastfeeding then you can avert your eyes.”

“It’s unacceptable that a breastfeeding mother has to worry about doing so in a ‘modest and discreet manner,’ or face ridicule,” said Alison Jones, Communications Director of the North Dakota Dem-NPL Party. “It’s unfortunate that Republican legislators were unwilling to work with Democrats and compromise on certain parts of the bill. North Dakota isn’t sending the message to young people that we are a ‘family-friendly state’ when legislation supporting something as common and natural as breastfeeding can’t get passed.”

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Burgum Boasts Below Average Economy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 31st, 2019

***Release***
 Burgum Boasts Below Average Economy 

(BISMARCK, ND) – When Doug Burgum campaigned for the governor’s job, he said he’d use his business savvy to help our state weather economic downturns. However, several national rankings on the states’ economic climate indicate that Governor Doug Burgum’s job performance related to business has been below average at best.

US News recently ranked North Dakota 35th for our economy. CNBC felt similarly, ranking North Dakota’s economy 31st.

The US News report measured states’ economic stability and potential. The ranking looked at growth, employment and business environment. On the latter measure, North Dakota ranked 41st.

CNBC report released July 10th, 2019 looked at a number of factors including economic growth, job creation, the state’s fiscal health and overall budget picture, health care obligations, and the number of major corporations headquartered in each state.

“Burgum brags about being the best leader for a changing economy, touting his hazy Main Street Initiative, but the reality is he hasn’t moved the needle on North Dakota’s business climate,” said Alison Jones, Communications Director for the North Dakota Democratic-NPL. “In fact, since he took office, North Dakota has dropped 19 spots in Forbes’ ranking of best states. Our neighboring states fare better than we do in most respects around the economy. The Governor’s so-called business savvy has led to a below average economic performance. North Dakotans deserve better.”

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Best of the Best: Local Politicians in 2019 by the Bismarck Tribune

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 13th, 2019

***Release***
 Best of the Best 

(BISMARCK, ND) – Congratulations to North Dakota State Senator Erin Oban for being recognized, alongside our very own former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp, as the “Best of the Best” Local Politicians in 2019. These rankings were voted on by the Bismarck Tribune’s readers. 

We are proud of the incredible work Senator Oban does to represent her constituents in District 35 and across the state of North Dakota — and applaud her on this well-deserved recognition. 

 

 

 

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Burgum Boasts Below Average Economy

(BISMARCK, ND) – When Doug Burgum campaigned for the governor’s job, he said he’d use his business savvy to help our state weather economic downturns. However, several national rankings on the states’ economic climate indicate that Governor Doug Burgum’s job performance related to business has been below average at best.

US News recently ranked North Dakota 35th for our economy. CNBC felt similarly, ranking North Dakota’s economy 31st.

The US News report measured states’ economic stability and potential. The ranking looked at growth, employment and business environment. On the latter measure, North Dakota ranked 41st.

CNBC report released July 10th, 2019 looked at a number of factors including economic growth, job creation, the state’s fiscal health and overall budget picture, health care obligations, and the number of major corporations headquartered in each state.

“Burgum brags about being the best leader for a changing economy, touting his hazy Main Street Initiative, but the reality is he hasn’t moved the needle on North Dakota’s business climate,” said Alison Jones, Communications Director for the North Dakota Democratic-NPL. “In fact, since he took office, North Dakota has dropped 19 spots in Forbes’ ranking of best states. Our neighboring states fare better than we do in most respects around the economy. The Governor’s so-called business savvy has led to a below average economic performance. North Dakotans deserve better.”

Dem-NPL Chairwoman Kylie Oversen’s Statement on Senator Cramer’s Remarks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 30th, 2019

***Release***
 Dem-NPL Chairwoman Kylie Oversen’s Statement on Senator Cramer’s Remarks

(BISMARCK, ND) –  Following an interview with NBC News, in which Senator Kevin Cramer said that he could be a victim of racism because he is from North Dakota, Dem-NPL Chairwoman Kylie Oversen issued the following statement: 

“Once again Senator Cramer has embarrassed North Dakotans with another outrageous remark that has no basis in reality. To say he “could be a victim of racism” makes absolutely no sense and makes a mockery of the racism Americans of color have faced and continue to face. Senator Cramer owes an apology to the thousands of North Dakotans of color – who have experienced actual racism and discrimination in their lives – for belittling their experiences. In addition, Governor Burgum and Republicans throughout the state need to immediately condemn this insensitive remark if they are serious about making North Dakota a welcoming place for everyone.”

 

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Burgum Fails to Make the Grade in Tech

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 29th, 2019

***Release***
 Burgum Fails to Make the Grade in Tech

(BISMARCK, ND) – Recently, CNBC released its annual state by state study, determining America’s Top States for Business. There was a glaring “F” in a subject that Governor Doug Burgum should be reasonably proficient at: technology and innovation.

Four years ago, Doug Burgum ran for Governor on his over 30 years of experience in the consumer technology industry. However, CNBC ranks North Dakota 42nd in the nation for technology and innovation. The number of patents issued, as well as health, science, and agriculture research grants were all taken into account. Given how large our agriculture sector is, the number of grants was considerably low. For comparison, neighboring Minnesota was ranked 7th.

In the private sector, about 20% of the budget is dedicated to research and development. However, state government, Burgum says, “is essentially running at zero.” He believes investing in infrastructure and technology that supports emerging tech such as artificial intelligence. In addition to “Ted Talks” he did a lot of “Tech Talks” in 2016 he told Vox “…and most government agencies are lagging behind private industry in technology adoption. There are big opportunities to re-invent government service delivery at all levels.”

Doug Burgum has had ample time to accomplish this, our regional neighbors are crushing us in the rankings. States that are truly competitive encourage new ideas, reward innovation, and, above all have the infrastructure to support them. It’s too bad CNBC didn’t base their rankings on governors who only talk about technology and innovation, we would have easily received an A+.

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