40 Million Young People are (Unpaid) Caregivers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 25th, 2019

***Release***
40 Million Young People are (Unpaid) Caregivers

(BISMARCK, ND) –  The senior citizen population is set to double over the next generation. The issues of caregiving and paid family leave are only going to become more pervasive. Since taking time off work to care for family members typically isn’t feasible, many young people hold a full-time job, and take care of aging family members. The results are costly, and not just financially.

Data from AARP shows on average, young people dedicate around 21 hours each week to caregiving duties, and almost three-quarters of them do it while working a full-time job. However, young people tend to keep this under wraps, under 20% of them discuss caregiving duties with their coworkers. Fewer than half of them mention these duties to their supervisor, claiming their career prospects have been undesirably affected.

Shockingly, the average respondent reported spending $6,800 per year of their own income on caregiving expenses such as food, and home modifications. This profound financial impact just puts more pressure on these caregivers. Young people, sadly are not holding hope for the future. Additional studies show just 16% of younger adults are very confident that they’ll have the financial resources to deal with their own care needs as they age.

Given the intersection of employment and caregiving, employers must take action, which is what HB 1509
intended to do. With this legislation, both the employee and employer would have contributed to a paid family leave fund, that could be used so one would not have to work over 60 hours a week, balancing career and personal stress. Unfortunately, this bill failed in the House.

“Too many young people are facing severe economic hardships just to care for their family,” said Alison Jones, Communications Director of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party. “They are falling through the cracks of our insufficient policies. The legislature had a chance to fix this for North Dakotans, but they simply chose not to.”

-30-

ICYMI: Senator Erin Oban Talks Paid Family Leave with Joel Heitkamp

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 23rd, 2019

***Release***
 ICYMI: Senator Erin Oban Talks Paid Family Leave with Joel Heitkamp

(BISMARCK, ND) – There has been a lot of conversation regarding paid family leave, who gets it, who doesn’t, and why? Senator Erin Oban spoke with Joel Heitkamp of News and Views yesterday about the importance of this legislation.

Key Points

  • Senator Erin Oban was a co-sponsor of paid family leave legislation that would have given North Dakota an edge in an increasingly competitive job market. Given the makeup of the North Dakota House, Senator Oban was not surprised that the bill was voted down. She notes that one of the cosponsors, Emily O’Brien (R-Grand Forks) ended up voting against it. Two months later when O’Brien had her baby, she received a full paid leave.
  • After that defeat, Oban introduced a study just so they could have a longer conversation to try to iron out the concerns and questions over how to best implement the program. When the resolution came to the Senate floor there was no debate, and it was handily defeated. Oban notes that this would not have been a government program, but rather something that both the employer and employee would pay into.
  • Oban shared a personal experience, noting that several years ago, her father was diagnosed with terminal cancer and she also adopted a newborn. Both events were occasions she needed time off for, and she noted that thousands of North Dakotans have had similar experiences. She knows it would have been hypocritical to deny paid time off for these events to her constituents.
  • Recalling her 2017 canvassing efforts, Senator Oban shared that she talked to many young families who didn’t want to talk about national issues – they wanted to talk about issues that directly affected their families. The families shared their frustration that they felt as if they had to make a decision on whether or not to have kids based on if they would have to take time off work, and if they could afford to do that.

Listen to the entire interview here

 

-30-

ICYMI: Rep. Hanson and Senator Oban on Paid Family Leave

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 22nd, 2019

***Release***
ICYMI: Rep. Hanson and Senator Oban on Paid Family Leave

(BISMARCK, ND) – An editorial written by Representative Karla Rose Hanson (D-Fargo) and Senator Erin Oban (D-Bismarck) raises the question; why don’t all North Dakotans get the same paid leave that the legislators get?

Key Points:

  • Both Representative Hanson and Senator Oban have had personal life events that required time away from work, they are aware that all North Dakotans face this challenge and proposed legislation that would grant workers the same opportunities they were afforded as legislators. However, the bill they introduced failed in the House.
  • Nationally, less than 15% of private-sector worker have access to paid family leave for these urgent life events. Research surrounding paid leave programs finds this benefit would improve employee performance and reduce turnover rate.
  • North Dakota continues to face workforce shortages. Research shows paid leave programs improve retention and reduce re-training costs. This program would help attract workers, and young families, to fill our many open jobs.
  • Representative Hanson, Senator Oban and every member of the Dem-NPL is committed to “working toward and building support for pro-family policies like paid family leave and voting ‘yes’ for North Dakotans, not just ourselves.”
Read their insightful op-ed here
-30-

Possible Repeal of ACA has Unique Consequences for Women

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 19th, 2019

***Release***
Possible Repeal of ACA has Unique Consequences for Women

(BISMARCK, ND) – The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has ensured that millions of women can receive vital prenatal care, life-saving cancer screenings, and prescription medication. The Administration has taken various actions that put the well being of women on the line. Two such actions include executive actions that have increased the accessibility of “junk plans,” and the 2018 repeal of the individual mandate.

According to the Henry J Kaiser Family Foundation, More than 67 million females across the country have a pre-existing condition. Prior to the ACA, pregnancy, and cancer, were considered pre-existing conditions and reason to deny women coverage. If the ACA is overturned they are in danger of being charged more or being denied insurance altogether.

The Henry J Kaiser Family Foundation also states that Medicaid covered 17% of women under age 65 in 2017. Previously, to qualify for Medicaid, household income had to be very low and the beneficiary had to be either disabled, pregnant, mother to a minor, or over age 65. Women who did not fall under those categories would fail to qualify, no matter how low their income was. The ACA allowed states to remove these requirements.

In August 2018 the Administration finalized a rule for short-term limited-duration plans. Short-term plans are not required to cover services like maternity care, prescription medication, and mental health disorder services that all marketplace plans included. Repealing the individual mandate combined with permitting prolonged use of these junk plans translates to a lower percentage of healthy individuals purchasing marketplace plans. This will raise prices for women who purchase marketplace insurance because they need or want the benefits and protections that ACA plans provide.

Actions that our North Dakota delegation and Republicans in the state Legislature have taken restrict access to important services such as maternity care and birth control for women across the country. Women rely on comprehensive and cost-effective healthcare to keep themselves and their families healthy. If the court ultimately does strike down the entire ACA, the effects would be immediate and devastating for women. But that is not stopping the Administration from pushing forward with the lawsuit. Women would face higher health care costs, greater financial vulnerability, and the prospect of losing coverage altogether.

-30-

Democratic-NPL Chairwoman Statement 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 16th, 2019

***Release***
Democratic-NPL Chairwoman Statement 

(BISMARCK, ND) – Following Congressman Kelly Armstrong’s no vote on the Congressional resolution condemning President Trump’s racist tweet, Democratic-NPL Chairwoman Kylie Oversen issued the following statement: 

“The recent tweet from President Donald Trump does not represent what America stands for. We are a nation built on diversity and that ideal should be embraced. Three of the women the President referred to were born in America and the fourth is a U.S. citizen. Telling any American regardless of heritage, political views, or background ‘to go back to where they came from’ is an ugly statement and should not be tolerated by any political party. It is truly disappointing Congressman Kelly Armstrong could not put politics aside and stand up to the President’s abhorrent message.”

 

-30-

ICYMI: Rep. Karla Rose Hanson on Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 16th, 2019

***Release***
ICYMI: Rep. Karla Rose Hanson on Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness

(BISMARCK, ND) – Yesterday, Representative Karla Rose Hanson spoke to Tyler Axness on Afternoons Live, regarding a report by Bismarck Tribune reporter, Jack Dura, stating that the cost of North Dakota lawmakers absent days totaled over $56k for the 76-day session. That’s over $735 per day- courtesy of the taxpayer.

The hope is not to deny paid family leave for lawmakers – it is about providing this necessary benefit for all North Dakotans. The legislators who took time off had major health issues, family matters to tend to, or other important life events that required this time away from session. They should have the ability to take this time when they need it and not worry about losing pay or health insurance. Unfortunately, these same lawmakers denied North Dakota citizens the opportunity for the same type of flexibility. House Republicans voted down HB 1509 that would have created a paid family leave program in the state. They even refused to study the issue as SCR 4018 failed to be adopted.

During the interview, Representative Hanson offered a surprising statistic, “only 13% of employers offer some type of paid leave program for those major life events.” She calls the practice inconsistent, at best. Legislators are essentially saying, “it’s okay for me, but not for thee.”

Listen to the whole conversation here

 

 

-30-

Consequences of ACA Repeal for Indian Country

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 16th, 2019

***Release***
Consequences of ACA Repeal for Indian Country

(BISMARCK, ND) – Last Tuesday, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments regarding the lawsuit supported by Governor Doug Burgum and North Dakota Republicans challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. If North Dakota Republicans get their way and the ACA is repealed the consequences for Indian Country are unique.

In 1976, President Gerald Ford signed the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) into law. The provisions authorized the Indian Health Service to bill Medicare and Medicaid for services rendered to qualifying beneficiaries. The law had an expiration date. Congress did not renew the bill despite repeated attempts. The IHCIA was made permanent when President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law on March 23, 2010.

The ACA had substantial benefits for Indian Country. The law improved funding channels for Indian health facilities. It instated a requirement for Indian health organizations to be the payer of last resort for medical costs. The most significant benefit of the ACA was it granted the Indian Health Services (IHS) director more authority and allowed tribes to buy health benefits for IHS beneficiaries; and directed the IHS to establish comprehensive behavioral health, prevention, and treatment programs.

If the ACA lawsuit that North Dakota entered into is successful and the ACA is repealed, it will send the healthcare system in chaos. Would those who purchased insurance or signed up for the expanded Medicaid programs just lose what they have and receive nothing in return? What happens to the Indian Health Care Improvement Act? How will the Indian health system replace money from Medicaid and other sources opened up because of the ACA? Perhaps Doug Burgum has the answer. After all, why would he support a lawsuit that could quite literally have dire consequences for Indian Country?

-30-

Senator Cramer Hopes the Affordable Care Act Lawsuit Succeeds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 15th, 2019

***Release***
Senator Cramer Hopes the Affordable Care Act Lawsuit Succeeds

(BISMARCK, ND) – Yesterday, Senator Kevin Cramer was asked by Politico how he feels about the ACA lawsuit that was heard last week in New Orleans. “Do I hope the lawsuit succeeds? I do. What I wish is we had some idea where we are going if it does succeed, as it looks more and more like it might.” This insensitive comment shows he has no regard for the 316,000 North Dakotans living with pre-existing conditions, and cannot tell them what would happen to their care if the ACA is ruled unconstitutional.

The comment is made even more ironic since just four days prior Senator Cramer spoke at a luncheon for a group called “good days” a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness for chronic and preventable diseases. Their president Clorinda Walley states “None of us wants to get sick and no one should go without treatment that can prevent, delay or cure a life-altering disease.” This quote echos what most who support the ACA say. At this luncheon, Senator Cramer stated “Chronic Disease Day presents an opportunity for Congress to reflect on what we can do to improve health and wellness, and support those impacted by chronic diseases.” It almost sounds like he agrees those living with chronic disease need healthcare, imagine that.

“Senator Cramer’s comments prove he is out of touch with reality,” said Alison Jones, Communications Director for the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party. “North Dakotans expected better from Senator Cramer, they deserve better.”
-30-

What’s Their Plan?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 9th, 2019

***Release***
What’s their Plan? 
(BISMARCK, ND) – As oral arguments begin today in the lawsuit that would repeal the Affordable Care Act, North Dakota Republicans are once again trying to hide the fact that they want to repeal the law with no plan to replace popular provisions such as coverage for pre-existing conditions. With no alternative plan in place, this lawsuit is nothing short of a reckless move that wastes taxpayer money and could cost tens of millions of people their healthcare coverage.

However, in true North Dakota fashion, there was an out from this catastrophe. In April of this year, with bipartisan support, Rep. Rick Holman (D-Mayville) successfully included an amendment in the Insurance Commissioner’s budget that would ensure that North Dakotans with pre-existing conditions will be covered by their health insurance provider. 33 House Republicans voted no on the bill, with Rep. Dan Ruby (R-Minot) stating on the House floor they “didn’t like” the preexisting conditions’ language. 

North Dakota’s own Insurance Commissioner, Jon Godfread, used his political capital to overturn the amendment and replaced it with a “study.” This move should come as no surprise since Godfread supported North Dakota entering into the original lawsuit seeking to overturn the ACA. He even admitted to assisting the Attorney General’s office in the lawsuit.

North Dakota Republicans’ disdain for protecting people who need health insurance is nothing new. In 2016, Doug Burgum ran on opposing the ACA, featuring ads calling it “terrible for North Dakota”. Last year, Lt. Governor Brent Stanford attended a Republican Party press conference representing Governor Burgum that defended North Dakota’s involvement in the lawsuit. 

If this lawsuit is successful, protections for as many as 133 million Americans living with preexisting conditions will be gutted. Key support for rural hospitals will subside. Additionally, insurance companies will no longer be required to cover prescription drugs and maternity care and will be able to reinstate their lifetime caps on coverage.

“North Dakota Republicans like Doug Burgum and Jon Godfread have been attacking the ACA for years and have not come up with any viable alternative that will cut costs and protect pre-existing conditions,” said Alison Jones, Communications Director for the Democratic-NPL Party. “Worst yet, they don’t seem to realize how their decisions affect not only those in North Dakota but across the nation.”

-30-

Rep. Hanson Selected as ND Representative for National Legislative Leadership Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 8th, 2019

***Release***
Rep. Hanson Selected as ND Representative for National Legislative Leadership Program
(BISMARCK, ND) – Representative Karla Rose Hanson (D-Fargo) was one of 50 legislators from 48 states selected for the 2019 Emerging Legislative Leaders Program.

The national leadership program, which starts today in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a collaborative effort of the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business Administration.

“It is a great honor to be a part of this exemplary class of legislative leaders and to have an opportunity to learn at this distinguished institution,” Hanson said.

To compete for the program, a legislator must be nominated by one of the leaders of their legislative assembly. Hanson was nominated by Rep. Lawrence Klemin (R-Bismarck), who serves as the Speaker of the House, and Rep. Joshua Boschee (D-Fargo), who serves as House Minority Leader.

Hanson has represented District 44 (North Fargo) since 2016. She served on the Judiciary and Transportation Committees during the 2019 legislative session. Currently, she is serving as a member of Legislative Management Committee, as the Vice Chair of the Judiciary Interim Committee, as a member of the Higher Education Interim Committee, and as a member of the Commission on Juvenile Justice.

-30-

Let’s Keep Them Here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 3rd, 2019

***Release***
Let’s Keep Them Here 
(BISMARCK, ND) – Recent data suggests, North Dakota is one of the few states that is “growing younger.”  Since 2000, North Dakota has gone from the 50th oldest state to the fourth youngest. In order to keep this trend going, North Dakota needs to do a better job supporting higher education. However, during the past legislative session, Republican legislators refused to pass legislation that would improve the state’s college and university system.

Supporting students taking college-level classes by paying for them through their ND Scholarships are among this type of common-sense legislation Dem-NPL legislators sponsored this session. Twenty states currently offer a financial incentive to support AP course offerings. The North Dakota version, introduced by Representative Alisa Mitskog, would have required students to maintain a 2.75 GPA with the ultimate goal of reducing the amount of time and money they would have to spend at a university. This measure passed in the House but was killed by Senate Republicans.

To address the workforce shortage Representative Matt Eidson introduced HB 1389, which would have created an aeronautics student scholarship for veterans to support veterans studying aeronautics/UAS, and their families here in North Dakota. This measure failed in the House. 

These are just two examples of seemingly common-sense legislation that would have been beneficial to keeping young people here in North Dakota. Maybe Republicans, simply do not want to recruit and retain young people in North Dakota.

-30-

North Dakota Delegation’s History with LBGTQ+ Liberties (Hint: It’s not Good)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 27th, 2019

***Release***
North Dakota Delegation’s History with LBGTQ+ Liberties
(Hint: It’s not Good)
(BISMARCK, ND) – During Pride month, corporations have been reaching out to their LBGTQ+ consumers and showing their support. Many presidential candidates and other Democratic politicians have marched in Pride parades to stand in solidarity with the community. However, you won’t see any member of the North Dakota delegation in these parades or even voting to support members of the LBGTQ+ community.

Senator Cramer actively sought the support of an extremist anti-LBGTQ group known as the “Public Advocate of the United States”, that wrongly links homosexuality to pedophilia and defends harmful conversion therapy. He checked yes on all questions including, “Will you oppose all efforts to make public restrooms and changing-rooms unsafe through so-called ‘Transgender bathrooms’ legislation and regulations – which have the effect of encouraging and protecting pedophiles?”; as well as, “Will you oppose the Gay Bill of Special Rights, misnamed the “Equality Act?”

Senator John Hoeven is no stranger to condoning discrimination, himself, voting no on the employment non-discrimination act of 2013 and yes to a rejected amendment that would exempt religious-affiliated employers from the prohibitions on employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

This year alone, Congressman Kelly Armstrong voted no the Equality Act and a resolution expressing opposition to banning service in the Armed Forces by openly transgender individuals. In 2013 and 2015, he voted no on bills that would prohibit the government, a business, or an institution from discriminating against an individual based on sexual orientation. In 2017, Armstrong voted against an amendment to change marriage terminology from “husband and wife” to the gender-neutral language “two individuals.”

“The goal of any elected official should be to support legislation that makes all members of their communities feel safe and welcome,” said Alison Jones, Communications Director for the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party. “The entire North Dakota delegation has made it clear to our LBGTQ+ brothers and sisters that they are not free to be themselves or love who they love. In 2019, that is simply unacceptable.”

-30-