Gov.’s Response is Out of Touch with Working Families Suddenly Without Their Paychecks

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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Rent Due in Days: Time for Executive Order on Evictions, Rental Fees. and Foreclosures

FARGO, ND —  A coalition of nonprofits and advocates called on Gov. Burgum today to sign a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures that would allow people to keep stable housing as the COVID-19 pandemic continues disrupting our daily lives. The order would end 90 days after the emergency is declared over, allowing renters time to return to work before they’re at risk of eviction.

The federal moratorium only applies to subsidized housing, and while the State Supreme Court order halted many eviction proceedings, there are still gaps that leave people uncertain of whether they can remain in their homes. The order also does not stop interest, fees, and penalties from accruing. Some landlords are still moving forward with “soft evictions” that result in homelessness.

Last week, Rep. Mary Schneider sent a letter to the governor’s office respectfully urging him to sign an executive order temporarily halting evictions, foreclosures, utility shut-offs, and related late fees and interest.

Rep. Mary Schneider, D-Fargo said:

“The governor has said we’re all in this together, and that includes the thousands of North Dakotans who are out of work due to no fault of their own. Their jobs went away, at least for now, while we all try to slow the spread of COVID-19. They want to pay rent, and have paid their bills in the past, but now don’t have the income or resources to do so. Landlords can still issue three-day notices, that if allowed, may pressure tenants into homelessness. If interest, penalties, and rental fees keep accruing, others may find themselves in a hole they can’t climb out of.”

Rep. Gretchen Dobervich, D-Fargo, a public health worker, said:

“A temporary moratorium doesn’t mean people won’t pay their rent. For most, unemployment benefits won’t cover costs of living, so we’re asking for some basic protections to keep people from becoming homeless. The state Supreme Court order has gaps, and the federal moratorium only applies to subsidized housing. People must have some certainty during this time of crisis.”

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Take Action: Call the Gov. and Urge Relief for Renters 

FARGO, ND – Working families who are already living month-to-month are suddenly without a paycheck because of COVID-19 disruptions. Many landlords are sending out letters saying rent is due in a few days as if everything was normal. Advocates and organizers on the ground are fighting hard, and we need to stand up for our neighbors.

Yesterday, Rep. Mary Schneider sent a letter urging Gov. Burgum to issue an Executive Order to cease evictions and foreclosures, utility shut-offs, and related fees/penalties to give North Dakotans peace of mind during our public health crisis. Chairwoman Kylie Oversen and the Dem-NPL joined her in that call.

HOW CAN I HELP?

CALL THE GOVERNOR

Join the High Plains Fair Housing Center and North Dakota Coalition for Homeless People in calling the governor this weekend.

For more information, visit the event page, which provides a script and contact information, so you can help make sure every North Dakotan can be and feel safe in their own homes.

KEEP IN TOUCH

Follow us on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/demnpl/ or Twitter @nddemnpl to keep up to date and for more ways you can Take Action to support North Dakotans. Email us at [email protected] to help keep us informed about what’s happening in your community.

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Rep. Schneider and Dem-NPL Call for Executive Moratorium on Evictions and Rental Fees

FARGO, ND — For many North Dakotans, rent is due in only a few days even though many are suddenly without work or a paycheck because of COVID-19 disruptions. Some landlords have been proactive in providing relief and many utilities have promised not to shut off their services. Other landlords sent out letters directing renters that regardless of illness or lost employment, rent is still due on April 1. Some of these letters directed renters to choose between online-only payments or paying a new credit card charge while also saying they will delay maintenance services as a COVD-19 prevention measure.
Today, Rep. Mary Schneider, D-Fargo, sent a letter to the governor respectfully urging him to sign an executive order temporarily halting evictions, foreclosures, utility shut-offs, and related late fees and interest. The moratorium would create consistency for North Dakotans and correlate with directives from President Trump as well as bipartisan initiatives at the city, county, and state levels nationwide. 

This call follows leadership by advocates and organizers like High Plains Fair Housing Center who are working to protect the significant number of North Dakotans who are at risk. Over 44% of Cass County residents are renters (2017 American Community Survey – US Census). Statewide, in 2017, 37% of citizens rented, according to the American Community Survey (US Census).

Rep. Mary Schneider, whose constituents are particularly vulnerable during this crisis, said in her call to the governor:

“Through no fault of their own, people have lost their jobs, had their paychecks eliminated or reduced, and have limited or no resources to withstand the crisis. They are petrified about losing their housing and having to find alternative and affordable shelter during a pandemic—or possibly becoming homeless. They are additionally afraid of not being able to recover financially from extra costs, fees, deposits, and penalties from late payments and court actions, even after they are working again. When those folks asked me what I was going to do about their desperate circumstances, I said I would ask you to help.”

The Democratic NPL-Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen, whose law practice includes social security disability and employment law, said:

“The Governor constantly says that we need to focus on Facts over Fear. Right now, it is a fact that our neighbors are losing their jobs and won’t be able to pay their rent when April 1 rolls around. It is a fact that too many working families are worried about losing their shelter at a time when they need it most.”

“Many of my clients are constantly at risk of losing their homes under normal circumstances. Now, when facing a global public health crisis, the risk is even greater and more alarming. We urge the Governor to take immediate action to ensure all North Dakotans can at least rest assured that they won’t be evicted and left without their basic need of shelter.”

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Emergency Responders And All Front Line Workers Deserve Our Support During Pandemic

BISMARCK, ND — As COVID-19 cases continue to rise and working families keep essential aspects of the state and economy in motion, we share a responsibility to support the nurses, firefighters, grocery store clerks, and every other worker on the pandemic’s front lines. While many like nurses face a shortage of personal protective equipment and N95 masks, others worry about what happens if they catch the virus. 

Rep. Corey Mock, D-Grand Forks, has been working with the governor’s administration and the firefighters association to request an executive order for workers compensation coverage for medical personnel, police, fire, paramedics, volunteer emergency responders, and deployed national guard personnel for all COVID-19 related cases.

“While many of us are able to wait out the crisis, emergency responders are facing yet another daily risk. The least we can do is to make sure we take care of them if they get sick. Putting this important protection in place soon will mean not only earned and deserved compensation for emergency responders who contract COVID-19, but peace of mind that we have their backs.”

Equipment shortages

Many nurses are facing a shortage of personal protective equipment, including N95 masks. A coalition of North Dakota AFL-CIO, Minnesota Nurses Association, North Dakota Building Trades Unions, West Area Labor Council/Red River Valley, Northern Plains United Labor Council AFL-CIO, and the Red River Building Trades Council, are pulling together and asking for community support this weekend at equipment and donation drives in Fargo and Bismarck.

Rep. Ron Guggisberg, D-Fargo, and a fire captain, said supporting not only emergency workers, but all workers on the pandemics frontline is a shared responsibility.

“Anyone still going to work, especially those who are required to do so, deserve the proper safety equipment and protocols, so that they and their families can stay safe and healthy. We encourage all employers still in operation to make the appropriate equipment available, to use best safety practices, and to assure workers they will not be punished for disruptions related to COVID-19.”

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Sen. Cramer’s Language is Inexcusable

(BISMARCK, ND) – Sen. Kevin Cramer recently tweeted a derogatory word that has long been considered damaging to people with disabilities and to common decency.

The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen released the following statement condemning the language and Cramer’s attempt at an excuse:

“The use of this word is hurtful, completely disrespectful, and there is no way that it was a mistake. Either he used it intentionally or it is a word the senator uses often enough that his phone has it saved. It is entirely unacceptable for anyone, let alone an elected official, to use this word in any context.”

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Governor’s COVID-19 Childcare Plan Must Look Out For Childcare Workers

BISMARCK, ND — The Democratic-NPL Party Joint Caucuses encourage North Dakotans to participate in the governor’s call for input as the administration develops a plan to address childcare shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please reach out to the Department of Human Services with your concerns, questions, and personal experiences by phone at (701) 328-2310 or email [email protected]. 

Sen. Kathy Hogan, the Dem-NPL Joint Caucus Lead on Human Services said:

“Childcare providers are some of the lowest paid employees in North Dakota while providing a service that is now more critical than ever. They often don’t have health insurance and are feeling very vulnerable right now. We encourage the governor to make sure the economic and health needs of childcare workers and all working families are included in this plan.” 
 

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Sen. Hoeven Owes Answers to North Dakotans Over Stock Purchase and COVID-19 Briefing

BISMARCK, ND — Just days after he received a briefing on the COVID-19 virus and the U.S. response to what would become a pandemic, Sen. John Hoeven invested between $100,000 and $250,000 into health sciences stock, according to a news report by CNBC. The fund owns shares in pharmaceutical developers and medical device manufacturers, CNBC said. 

Several members of the U.S. Senate are under scrutiny related to the information they received about COVID-19 and subsequent investment decisions. The CNBC story leaves two questions unanswered that could indicate whether Hoeven acted improperly. 

Hoeven has not yet provided documentation for the following questions, according to CNBC: 

  • When did Hoeven’s financial advisor suggest he make the stock purchase?
  • When did he decide to purchase the stock?

Dem-NPL Communications Director Alex Rohr said:

“If there’s nothing to hide, Sen. Hoeven should have no problem producing proof for his assertion that he acted above board. North Dakotans deserve transparency from their elected officials, especially during times of crisis.”

Rohr continued:

“While it was becoming clear we were at risk of a global pandemic, Sen. Hoeven was apparently worried about his own financial well-being, rather than preparing for the lost jobs, school closures, and gaps in childcare his constituents are dealing with now.”

 

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Sanders Wins North Dakota In High Turnout Election

BISMARCK, ND — North Dakota’s final Democratic presidential primary results show that Sen. Bernie Sanders has won the state with 7,682 votes. Joe Biden received 5,742. Tulsi Gabbard received 89.

The turnout was incredibly high at 14,546 voters.

The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party Chair Kylie Oversen said:

“Congratulations to Sen. Sanders and his supporters for their victory and the hard work they did to win North Dakota. Thank you to all the volunteers who made it possible for so many people to make their voices heard. It’s exciting to see so many people engaged for such an important election. Let’s keep this momentum going through November!”

More to come on the proportion of delegates for each candidate as the information is available.

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North Dakota’s Big Tuesday Presidential Primary Is Tomorrow

BISMARCK, ND —  North Dakota Democratic Presidential voting will be held tomorrow Tuesday, March 10. The election will take place from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. CST/10 a.m.-6 p.m. MST at 14 locations statewide. 

Media Guidance for Firehouse Caucuses

  • For all Election Day media requests contact Alex Rohr at 434-473-1891 or [email protected]. Texts to that number are welcome.
  • Press may not talk to voters within 20 feet of a polling location.
  • Reporters may take video and photography inside any of the 14 polling locations as long as they do not impede any poll workers or voters.
  • No photographs of actual ballots may be taken.
  • Do not impede anyone’s path.
  • Official results may not be available until Wednesday. The priority is to make sure the count is correct and that every vote is counted.

Firehouse Caucus Locations

  • Fargo – Fargo–Moorhead AFL-CIO, 3002 1st Ave. N, Fargo, ND 58102
  • Grand Forks – IBEW, 1714 N Washington St, Grand Forks, ND 58203
  • Bismarck – AFL-CIO House of Labor, 1323 E Front Ave # 1, Bismarck, ND 58504
  • Minot – IBEW, 125 35th Ave NE, Minot, ND 58703
  • Williston – James Memorial Preservation, Classroom, 621 1st Ave W, Williston, ND 58801
  • Jamestown – Gladstone Hotel, Gladstone I Conference Room, 111 2nd St NE, Jamestown, ND 58401
  • Devils Lake – Holiday Inn Express, 875 Hwy 2 East, Devils Lake, ND 58301
  • Valley City – Straus Mall, Upper floor, 200 Central Ave N, Valley City, ND 58072
  • Dickinson – Dickinson Elks Lodge, 501 Elks Dr, Dickinson, ND 58601
  • Belcourt – Sky Dancer Casino & Resort, Event Center, 3965 Sky Dancer Way NE, Belcourt, ND 58316
  • Fort Yates – Standing Rock High School, Gymnasium, 9189 ND-24, Fort Yates, ND 58538
  • New Town – Northern Lights Center, 710 East Ave, New Town, ND 58763
  • Wahpeton – Wahpeton Community Center, 304 5th St S, Wahpeton, ND 58075
  • Fort Totten – Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Gymnasium, 214 1st Avenue, Fort Totten, ND 58335

Firehouse Caucus

  • March 10, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. CST, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. MST.
  • All voters qualified to cast a ballot in North Dakota may participate.
  • Voters who will be 18 and eligible to vote on November 3 may participate.
  • No multiple rounds of voting. Voters sign in, vote, and leave.
  • Voters may cast their ballot at the most convenient polling place.
  • No ID requirement.
  • Visit demnpl.com/primary for more information.

On the Ballot

  • Michael Bennet, Joe Biden, Michael R. Bloomberg, Pete Buttigieg, John Delaney, Tulsi Gabbard, Amy Klobuchar, Deval Patrick, Bernie Sanders, Tom Steyer, Elizabeth Warren, Andrew Yang

 

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One Week From Election Day

BISMARCK, ND — The North Dakota Democratic Presidential Primary will be held one week from today. Voting began with mail-in ballots starting Jan. 20. Returned ballots must be postmarked by March 5 in order to be counted.

In-person voting will be held Tuesday, March 10 at 14 locations statewide, and everyone eligible to vote in the Nov. 3 General Election may participate. The Minot caucus location has changed to the IBEW at 125 35th Ave. NE. Find a round-up of relevant information below.

Mail-in ballots 

  • Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by March 5 to be counted. All ballots postmarked by March 5 will be counted.
  • Anyone who has a mail-in ballot, but has not yet mailed it in, may surrender their mail-in ballot at their nearest polling location, in exchange for an in-person ballot.

New information 

  • The location for the Minot Caucus has been changed to a more accessible location just down the road at the IBEW, 125 35th Ave. NE.

Firehouse Caucus

  • March 10, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. CST, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. MST.
  • All voters qualified to cast a ballot in North Dakota may participate.
  • Voters who will be 18 and eligible to vote on November 3 may participate.
  • No multiple rounds of voting. Voters sign in, vote, and leave.
  • 14 locations: Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, Minot, Williston, Jamestown, Devils Lake, Valley City, Dickinson, Belcourt, Cannonball, New Town, Wahpeton, Fort Totten.
  • Voters are not assigned a polling location and may vote at the most convenient location.
  • No ID requirement.
  • Visit demnpl.com/primary for in-person voting locations and more information.

On the Ballot

  • Michael Bennet, Joe Biden, Michael R. Bloomberg, Pete Buttigieg, John Delaney, Tulsi Gabbard, Amy Klobuchar, Deval Patrick, Bernie Sanders, Tom Steyer, Elizabeth Warren, Andrew Yang

 

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Burgum Delay Tactics Put Public Schools At Risk

***Statement***
(BISMARCK, ND) –  The Democratic-NPL Party released the following statement in response to Gov. Burgum’s request to reconsider Land Commissioner Jodi Smith’s plan to collect unpaid natural gas royalties. The Land Board met Thursday.

Communications Director Alex Rohr said:
“The courts told the Land Commissioner she can collect unpaid bills. The Land Board approved a plan to do it, but after hearing from lobbyists, Gov. Burgum started the delay tactics. He’s putting tens of millions of dollars owed to public schools in jeopardy. North Dakotans deserve a governor who keeps his word and stands up for public schools.”
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