Tonight: Covid-19 Relief Small Business Town Hall, RSVP For Dial-in Information 

BISMARCK, ND — Small businesses and their employees are among the hardest hit by the economic fall-out from the covid-19 pandemic. The Dem-NPL is hosting a Small Business Virtual Town Hall tonight, Tuesday, April 21 at 6 p.m. (Central) to discuss the challenges they face as well as actions we can take at the state level.

The event will include legislative/candidate and business owner panels, an open question and comment period, and press availability.

Dem-NPL Legislative Panel

  • House Minority Leader Josh Boschee has represented District 44 in north Fargo since 2012. He is a realtor and serves on the House Budget Section and Legacy Fund Earnings committees. He is a liaison between caucus members, constituents, the governor’s administration, and Republican leadership.
  • Rep. Pam Anderson has represented District 41, in south Fargo, since 2014. She is a retired banker and serves on the House Industry, Business & Labor Committee. She has participated over the past several weeks on statewide and national calls for businesses and financial institutions.
  • Kyle Thorson is running for the state senate in District 18, downtown and north Grand Forks. He owns Archives Coffee House on the UND campus and has been organizing small businesses over the past few weeks to collaboratively advocate to policy makers.

Small Business Owner Panel

  • Sandi Luck is the owner of Bully Brew Coffee with locations in Fargo and Grand Forks.
  • Mary Richter owns the Rockford Cafe in New Rockford and is proprietor along with her daughter Tiffany Schaefer.
  • Chris Tello owns Terra Nomad, a cafe, concept store, and caterer in downtown Bismarck.

Press are Invited to Attend

The public and press are invited to attend. Please email [email protected] to RSVP, request log-in information, send questions in advance, or request a 1 on 1 interview with any panelists. Reporters are asked to hold their questions to the Q&A at the end.

 

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Dem-NPL Disavows Libertarian Seeking Party Nomination and Who Protested Closure Orders

BISMARCK, ND — The Democratic-NPL Party condemns the actions of Roland Riemers, who is seeking the party nomination for Congress. It was reported that Riemers attended a rally calling on Gov. Burgum to rescind executive orders related to business closures and physical distancing to prevent the spread of covid-19. The rally ignored guidelines from medical professionals aimed at keeping North Dakotans healthy and safe.

Zach Raknerud earned the Dem-NPL endorsement by a vote of convention goers on March 21.

Dem-NPL Executive Director Michael Taylor said:

“Riemers words and actions are irresponsible and not representative of Dem-NPL values. We disavow his conduct and his campaign entirely.”

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Time to Listen to Public Health Experts and Support Small Business Owners, Workers, and Families

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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Business Closures Extended, Now is Not the Time to Back Off Physical Distancing

BISMARCK, ND — A group of North Dakota Republican legislators called for Gov. Burgum to rescind or let lapse executive orders requiring business closures that were intended to prevent the spread of covid-19. On Wednesday, Burgum extended the orders. Meanwhile, one of the largest covid-19 clusters in the country is active in nearby South Dakota.

House Minority Leader Josh Boschee said:

“One of the largest covid-19 clusters in the country is breaking out one state away. It’s not the time to back off physical distancing. We will continue working with the governor to support the small businesses forced to close, like restaurants and coffee shops, as well as their employees and every worker in North Dakota making a sacrifice to save lives. Small businesses are the heartbeat of rural communities and we are making sure the state government supports them through the crisis and recovery, so that they can reopen and thrive when it is safe to do so.”

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Withholding WHO Funding During a Pandemic Fails Every Test of Common Sense

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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Sen. Cramer Tells North Dakotans to “Bite the Bullet” on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid Amid Pandemic’s Economic Fall-Out

 BISMARCK, ND — In an interview with CNBC, Sen. Kevin Cramer suggested North Dakotans should “bite the bullet” with cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. These programs literally hold up many communities, especially in rural America, even when the nation is not in the middle of a pandemic that will have economic repercussions that last for years.

Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said:

“Social Security keeps people in their homes. Medicare ensures seniors can go to the doctor, and Medicaid is almost single handedly keeping rural hospitals open. If Kevin Cramer has his way, his constituents will feel the impact more than most. Kevin Cramer has once again shown that he has no idea what real people are facing — his government paycheck and taxpayer funded healthcare is secure no matter what.”

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CARES Act Funds Approved By Budget Section

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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Diverse Slate of Democratic-NPLers Engaged in Legislative Districts Statewide

BISMARCK, ND — The Democratic-NPL House and Senate Caucuses are excited to announce an energized and engaged slate of candidates running for office across North Dakota. The roster is one of the most diverse tickets in North Dakota history in regards to race, gender, sexual orientation, and geography. 

The Democratic-NPL will field 55 legislative candidates, or 80% of the races on the November ballot. The percentage is on par with the 2018 ticket that defeated three incumbents, including the former House Majority Leader, and also swept a Grand Forks legislative district, while holding their own incumbent seats. Monday was the deadline to file for the June primary. The general election is November 3.

House Minority Leader Josh Boschee said:

“We’ve spent the last few weeks fielding calls from motivated candidates who are focused on finding solutions first and foremost for the issues facing their communities everyday, but also the new challenges of campaigning while keeping responsible physical distance. It’s encouraging to see so many candidates energized about prioritizing a North Dakota that works for all.”

Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman said:

“Whether it’s East or West, urban or rural, experienced representatives and newcomers are stepping up because their communities don’t feel listened to. This year’s Dem-NPL candidates bring a wide range of public service for local organizations and in elected office as well as a diversity of life experience that truly represents all of North Dakota.”

 

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Dem-NPL Fields Full Statewide Slate Committed to a North Dakota that Works For All

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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Words Aren’t Enough for Those Facing Eviction and Late Penalties

BISMARCK, ND — The governor addressed evictions today, a concern for many North Dakotans. He has said evictions is the number one issue he’s heard about from constituents regarding COVID-19. He again chose not to issue a moratorium on evictions, foreclosures, and rental fees, despite calls from distressed renters, grassroots organizers, nonprofit advocates, and the Dem-NPL. 

Without a moratorium on evictions, rental fees, and foreclosures, landlords can issue three-day notices that convince some tenants to leave their homes without anywhere to go when we’re all being encouraged to stay inside. Rental fees and penalties will begin to accrue for people who have no options, putting them at risk of debt, through not fault of their own, long after the disaster is over. Policy considerations should also 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:

“After weeks of calls by distressed renters making eviction the number one issue he’s heard about, it’s great to hear the governor finally addressing them directly and encouraging landlords to give flexibility. While he says the economic programs are soon to come, people are already facing potential eviction, and rental fees can still pile up. The analysis we heard today, though, shows a lack of understanding of what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck, and we encourage the governor to take concrete action. Words aren’t enough.”

 

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CALL TO ACTION: Help Our Small Business Owners Learn About Relief Options

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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Gov. Burgum Misses Chance to Speak Up for Renters While Extending Business Closure Orders

BISMARCK, ND — On the day rent is due for thousands of North Dakotans suddenly without a paycheck, Gov. Burgum extended mandatory business closure orders through April 20. Burgum has declined to issue a moratorium on evictions, rental fees, and foreclosures, which would protect the workers who can’t make a paycheck as we all work together to flatten the COVID-19 curve.

Without the moratorium, 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. Along with a moratorium, 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:

“With Gov. Burgum’s responsible decision to extend the timeline for mandatory business closures, comes the reality that for at least another few weeks thousands of North Dakotans won’t be getting a paycheck. For those who suddenly can’t make rent, evictions can begin, and late fees will start accumulating. The governor missed another opportunity to send them a signal of support.”

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