(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.”

***Media Advisory***

​NPL Celebrates 100 Years

(BISMARCK, ND) North Dakotans will gather on a bus tour to celebrate the legacy of the Nonpartisan League (NPL). The NPL began in 1915, led by A. C. Townley, uniting those across the political spectrum on a platform that called for state control of farm-related industries and services, with a hope to eradicate out-of-state and corporate control and exploitation of farmers and local communities.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of legislative action that created the Bank of North Dakota and what is now known as Workforce Safety and Insurance. This was followed by the 1922 opening of the North Dakota Mill and Elevator. These agencies exhibit the lasting impact of the Nonpartisan League in North Dakota.

WHO:  The Democratic-Nonpartisan League

WHAT: 100 Year Celebration

WHEN: Monday, July 29th – Tuesday, July 30th

Events Open to Press:

Monday, July 29

• 9:15 a.m. Tour at Bank of North Dakota, 1200 Memorial Highway, Bismarck, ND
• 1:15 p.m. Tour at Workforce Safety & Insurance, 1600 E Century Ave # 1, Bismarck, NDTuesday, July 30

• 9:00 a.m. Tour at North Dakota Mill & Elevator, 1823 Mill Rd, Grand Forks, ND 58203
• 12:00 p.m. Lunch at Elroy Lindaas’ farm – speakers to include Sarah Vogel, and more – 735 153rd Ave. NE, Mayville, ND

(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

(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.

(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

(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.”
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