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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 8th, 2019

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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.

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Let’s Keep Them Here

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 3rd, 2019

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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.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 27th, 2019

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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.”

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It Creates an Open Door

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 20th, 2019

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It Creates an Open Door 
(BISMARCK, ND) – Childcare is expensive. Republicans, not only nationally but here in North Dakota feel the solution would be to return to the traditional role of mothers staying home with their children while men work outside the home. Meanwhile, back in the fiscal reality of 2019, many families simply cannot afford that luxury.

Senator Joan Heckaman introduced SB 2276 that would have dedicated 5% of the investments made on behalf of the Legacy Fund to the Bank of North Dakota for a revolving loan fund to address community needs. These funds could have been used to support many community services including childcare centers. For the biennium, it would have generated an estimated $200M. The bill passed comfortably in the Senate, but Republicans killed the bill in the House.

In 2016 the eligibility rate of the child care assistance program was reduced from 85 percent to 60 percent. This change removed 850 children from the program. This session, Representative Ruth Buffalo introduced HB 1540 that would have reinstated the eligibility to 85 percent of the state median income level. This would have provided much needed financial relief for working families across the state, but unfortunately, the bill was killed by Republicans in the house.

Dem-NPL legislators understand that helping parents who are trying to provide the best life possible for their children is not radical- it’s just the right thing to do. “It’s unappealing for some to live in a state that doesn’t support new parents, or enrich the lives of our youth,” said Alison Jones, Communications Director for the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party.  “It creates an open door that competent, talented people are more than happy to walk right through.”
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Support Life, Support Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 19th, 2019

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Support Life, Support Families

(BISMARCK, ND) – For families that are working hard to make ends meet, an unintended pregnancy can strain finances. This session, Democratic-NPL legislators took the initiative to prioritize the needs of working individuals and families. Unfortunately, they were unable to convince their Republican colleagues that being truly “pro-life” means supporting life after birth and helping families that are already struggling to keep afloat. Most parents are guaranteed time off from work after childbirth. The problem is making that work without a paycheck. The United States is the only developed country in the world with no federally mandated paid family leave.

A paid family leave bill was championed by Representative Karla Rose Hanson and Senator Erin Oban, which would have created a paid family leave program so that North Dakotans wouldn’t have to choose between caring for a loved one and their job. Most families simply can’t afford to take unpaid time off when a baby is born, and this legislation would have established a self-sufficient fund with contributions from both employers and employees.

The most ironic part about the House Republicans killing this legislation is that in February 2019, during his State of the Union speech, President Trump called for federal paid family leave. He claimed his plan would allow every new parent a “chance to bond with their newborn child.”

“If women know they’ll have the ability to care for their newborn, that would be a game changer,” said Alison Jones, Communications Director for the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party. “Protecting babies in the womb has become nothing more than a talking point for North Dakota Republican legislators who can’t seem to find it in their heart to support any bill that assists in childcare once a child is born.”

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Support Life, Support Mothers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 18th, 2019
Support Life, Support Mothers
(BISMARCK, ND) – One of the more popular aspects of the Affordable Care Act has been the ability for children to stay on their parent’s health insurance until age 26. According to the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, when young women had improved access to birth control, the abortion rate in this age group fell by about 10 percent.

Access to essential health care services is critical for the life of both the child and mother, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Dem-NPL legislator Alisa Mitskog understood this and sponsored HB 1515. Previously the law allowed for up to 152% of the poverty level; however, this legislation expands medical assistance coverage for pregnant women with income below 162% of the federal poverty level, which increases prenatal coverage that may reduce abortions while also helping to reduce complications that result in costly neonatal care.

HB 1515 passed with bipartisan support, but not without sharp opposition from some Republicans. On the Senate floor, Oley Larson (R-Minot) called it the “shack up bill.” Dave Clemens (R-Fargo) claimed the bill would “incentivize people to not seek work.”

“This should be seen as a truly pro-life bill, sending the message to vulnerable women that North Dakota wants to help them,” said Alison Jones, Communications Director for the North Dakota Democratic-NPL. “It’s backward to want women to bring life to the world, but refuse to help them while pregnant, or after the child is born.”

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He Could Have Changed His Mind

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 14th, 2019

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He Could Have Changed His Mind
(BISMARCK, ND) – Congressman Kelly Armstrong was on News and Views with Joel Heitkamp this week. They discussed among other things, Fisher Industries – a company in Dickinson, North Dakota that has been sought after to build portions the Administration’s border wall. However, Fisher Industries has been in hot water for pollution infractions, tax evasion, and a child pornography charge.

When asked if these charges tarnish the reputation of Fisher Industries, his response was surprising. “As someone who has dealt with them way before I had been involved in politics, we are proud to have them in Dickinson and they do a ton of great things in both their business and charitable life, it’s a great company.” Armstrong dodged the question regarding whether his loyalty was due to the political donations Fisher Industries has made. “They’re also great donors to the community because the day after we had a tornado, they rebuilt baseball fields. All I can say is that they are great corporate citizens in the city of Dickinson.”

“If pollution violations or tax evasion doesn’t turn you off from a company, then surely the child pornography charge should have done it,” said Alison Jones, Communication Director for the North Dakota Democratic-NPL. “Once these charges came to light, no one would have criticized anyone in the North Dakota delegation if they rescinded their recommendation to the Administration and refused further donations, but if these Republicans are anything, loyal to a fault is an understatement.”

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Farmers’ Growing Doubts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 10th, 2019

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Farmers’ Growing Doubts 

(BISMARCK, ND) – The intent of the recently introduced Market Facilitation Program (MFP) was to ease the financial burden of the trade war. However, it seems this program has many details to iron out. According to the USDA, the new bailout will feature three separate payments centered around what they call “county-level rates.” The problem: no one, including the USDA, can explain what a “county-level rate” actually is, forcing farmers across the country and here in North Dakota to make crucial decisions on less than ideal information.

According to ProAg, USDA officials claimed they do not want to influence planting decisions, but just announcing the MFP caught farmers at the wrong time. Most farmers have no idea what to do because it is unclear whether or not Prevent Plant (PP) acres will be eligible for MFP payments. If weather forces planting past the crop insurance prevent date and a farmer wanted to plant corn but could not, they may not receive the payment on PP corn acres. The USDA’s intent was to ensure acreage mixes are not altered by MFP payments, but the details are murky.

“While the aid package will assist farmers in the short term, the fact that they released a package that is so unclear, and leaves so many unanswered questions is unacceptable,” said Alison Jones, Communications Director for the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party. “Farmers have been assured multiple times that an agreement will be reached by key trading partners, but instead of that actually happening they get a bailout that creates more uncertainty than the weather.

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Farmers Growing Doubts

(BISMARCK, ND) – The intent of the recently introduced Market Facilitation Program (MFP) was to ease the financial burden of the trade war. However, it seems this program has many details to iron out. According to the USDA, the new bailout will feature three separate payments centered around what they call “county-level rates.” The problem: no one, including the USDA, can explain what a “county-level rate” actually is, forcing farmers across the country and here in North Dakota to make crucial decisions on less than ideal information.

According to ProAg USDA officials claimed they do not want to influence planting decisions, but just announcing the MFP caught farmers at the wrong time. Most farmers have no idea what to do because it is unclear whether or not Prevent Plant (PP) acres will be eligible for MFP payments. If weather forces planting past the crop insurance prevent date and a farmer wanted to plant corn but could not, they may not receive the payment on PP corn acres. The USDA’s intent was to ensure acreage mixes are not altered by MFP payments, but the details are murky.

“While the aid package will assist farmers in the short term, the fact that they released a package that is so unclear, and leaves so many unanswered questions is unacceptable,” said Alison Jones, Communications Director for the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party. “Farmers have been assured multiple times that an agreement will be reached by key trading partners, but instead of that actually happening they get a bailout that creates more uncertainty than the weather.”

ICYMI: Access to Childcare Means Access to the Workforce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 6th, 2019

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ICYMI: Access to Childcare Means Access to the Workforce
(BISMARCK, ND) – Yesterday, Representative Ruth Buffalo spoke with Jack Sunday. The two reviewed her legislative victories, including new legislation to protect indigenous and other vulnerable communities in North Dakota, and what the state needs to do to keep moving forward. One in every twenty North Dakotans have moved here within the last year, and passing legislation to retain workforce talent is something Representative Buffalo cares deeply about. One way to do this is to expand access to childcare.

During a special session in 2016, the Legislature passed a budget that made deep cuts to child care assistance. Senator Tim Mathern, (D-District 11) and state then-Representative Kathy Hogan, (D-District 21) tried unsuccessfully to make amendments on the bill. These amendments would have restored funding from the first allotment cuts then-Governor Dalrymple ordered earlier that year to the child care assistance program.

Representative Buffalo understood that “access to childcare means access to the workforce,” and sponsored HB 1540. This bill would have expanded access to childcare assistance for working families in North Dakota. Unfortunately, this bill failed in the House. In legislative sessions going forward, she hopes that both parties can work together to pass legislation that builds safer, stronger communities and bring forth an economy that works for all North Dakotans.

Listen to her entire interview with Jack Sunday here.

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It’s Urgent

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 6th, 2019

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It’s Urgent

(BISMARCK, ND) – If you live in a rural community, you know that the grocery store is more than just a food retailer. It is an economic driver, a meeting place, the heart of your community. Without the grocery store, accessing healthy food can turn into a road trip. For elderly folks and others who lack transportation, this is not viable. Their only option is to shop at convenience stores with higher prices and a limited selection or wait, sometimes weeks without a visit to the grocery store.

The food “deserts” in North Dakota led Senator Jim Dotzenrod (D-Wyndmere) to introduce a study of the transportation and distribution of food throughout the state. Legislators will look at this during the interim; but – unfortunately – since the House initially heard his resolution in March, five more of the remaining 104 rural grocery stores have closed or indicated their intention to close.

“Having a stable grocery store helps attract new residents to a town, especially if you have a large family to feed. However, these stores struggle with competition from chain stores as well as a shrinking customer base,” said Alison Jones, Communication Director for the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party. “Hopefully the study introduced by Senator Dotzenrod will provide valuable insight into how North Dakota can address this issue.”

A Growing Crisis; Addressed by the Democratic-NPL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 5th, 2019

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A Growing Crisis; Addressed by the Democratic-NPL

(BISMARCK, ND) – Turtle Mountain Chippewa Tribal Chairman Jamie Azure spoke with Joel Heitkamp last Friday on News and Views. He expressed his frustrations with the state and federal delegation doing nothing to address the ever-growing drug crisis on many reservations including Turtle Mountain. Chairman Azure states the tribe is at the point where banishment of non-tribal members, although a reluctant option, might be the only option. “I can ban non-members off the reservation, but I’m reluctant to do that because I feel like it pushes the issue onto the county or the state,” said Chairman Azure.

Although federal legislation was passed to confront the opioid epidemic, it did not result in much more money or resources going to the opioid crisis. Dem-NPL legislators noticed this deficiency and helped to steward bills related to mental health and substance in the State Senate and 10 similarly focused bills in the state House. HB 1103, which passed both chambers, supports opioid treatment programs. Medication units can now be established as part of, but geographically separate from, an opioid treatment program. This new law will allow increased access to treatment in rural and tribal areas.

The lack of these services was deemed the state’s most critical problem by the House Majority Leader during the 2017 session, but little funding or support was dedicated to alleviating it. This session, the unmet need was taken seriously by Dem-NPL legislators who fought for a much-needed infusion of funding and made necessary changes to state law to better serves those with behavioral health needs. With the leadership of the Dem-NPL caucuses, programs were funded for people of all ages, with services spanning prevention, treatment, peer support, and recovery.

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