ICYMI: The State Treasurer is Responsible for her Own Mistake

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 12th, 2019

 

***Release***

ICYMI: The State Treasurer is responsible for her own mistake

North Dakotas State Treasurer, Kelly Schmidt has yet to claim responsibility for public schools being shorted 120 million dollars in 10 years.

(BISMARCK, ND)- Larry Klundt has been a public school superintendent, executive director of the North Dakota School Administrators Association, a state legislator, and a lobbyist.  Not surprisingly, he is disturbed by Kelly Schmitt’s misallocation of millions of oil tax dollars for K-12 education. 

Klundt states, “Republicans always want to cry “taxes are too high” but I believe an unfortunate consequence of Schmidt’s errors has caused an increase in property taxes. Simple math on [Treasurer Schmitt’s] error shows schools were shortchanged by $12 million per year. This could have been used for higher wages, classroom supplies, academic services for students, the list goes on.”

Klundt acknowledges it will take a bi-partisan solution to make this right. Luckily we have terrific Democratic legislatures who are able and willing to rise above petty partisan politics and create a real solution to ensure something like this never happens again, and schools receive the funding they need.

Dem-NPL Statement on State Revenue Forecast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 11th, 2019

 

***Release***
Dem-NPL Statement on State Revenue Forecast
Democratic-NPL Party Chairman Warren Larson issued the following statement today after the release of the current revenue forecasts.
(BISMARCK, ND) – “The good news is, we have money, the bad news is that we still can’t seem to responsibly fund vital resources like nursing homes, education, and infrastructure. This is why we need a long-term stable means of income. If we have a sales tax, oil tax, and income tax, we can keep all three pretty low. However, we cannot sustain with just two, we must practice balance. It’s overdue that our state employees receive a raise, we pay teachers what they’re worth, and we have mental health resources available for the entire state, this revenue forecast says we can, so let’s get to work.”

ICYMI: “It’s not a small mistake”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 11th, 2019

 

***Release***
ICYMI: “It’s not a small mistake”
(BISMARCK, ND) – ND Dem-NPL Chair Warren Larson talks with Joel Heitkamp about the 120 million dollars of revenue that was not deposited into two constitutional funds that would benefit schools. There was also an additional 120 million dollars that did not reach the water resource fund.Over the ten-year period, the 120 million dollars that did not reach schools was one of the reasons that caused local property tax to skyrocket. “Kelly Schmidt, has never had a clean audit, she has the right letter behind her name, so I have no doubt she could get elected tomorrow,” Joel adds.

“This money could have made the difference for a child suffering from severe depression,” Larson states. Nothing can be done for the students that have already graduated. Both Parties have acknowledged they need to make this right.

Pre-Existing Lies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 7th, 2019

 

***Release***
The pre-existing lies of Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer

(BISMARCK, ND) – ‘We need to maintain coverage for those with pre-existing conditions is nothing more than political rhetoric for Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer. A talking point that they know constituents care very deeply about, they will say whatever to get elected. When it comes time to vote they are party loyal mindless robots. In a 52-47 vote, both Cramer and Hoeven voted for Chad Readler’s nomination to the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.Hoeven and Cramer choose to vote for a judge who says protecting pre-existing conditions are unconstitutional and supports the Texas lawsuit that will eliminate coverage for pre-existing conditions. Sadly, none of this is surprising considering they both voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act without a viable alternative.

“Once again Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven’s talk about protecting pre-existing conditions is just that…talk” said Scott McNeil, Executive Director of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party. “Their votes for Judge Readler proves that both Senators Cramer and Hoeven are indifferent to the concerns of thousands of North Dakotans with pre-existing conditions.”

When Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer are shaking hands and kissing babies and pretending to care about people with pre-existing medical conditions, just remember they have no intention to work across the aisle to find solutions. ‘We need to maintain coverage for those with pre-existing conditions,’ might be a nice 5-second sound bite, but it means nothing if you repeatedly vote the opposite.

Schmidt Shortchanges Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 6th, 2019

 

***Release***
Schmidt Shortchanges Schools

Land Commissioner Jodi Smith, believes that more than $120 million in state revenue from the oil-rich Fort Berthold reservation should have been deposited over the past decade in two constitutional funds that benefit schools. Instead, the money was spent elsewhere.

“It goes without saying 120 million is devastating to schools,” Says Retired School Superintendent, Warren Larson (Chair of the North Dakota Democratic- NPL) “We must do right by these schools, the teachers, and the students. Bailing Kelly Schmidt out who has spent a decade making mistakes resulting in our students being shortchanged, and causing increased property taxes is not the path we should take.” 

A major benefit of having an oil-rich state is the fact that schools should not lack any resources. If Kelly Schmidt was doing her job correctly for the past ten years, the story of public education in North Dakota could be very different. The burden of her mistakes falls on the public schools that face the issues of increasing class sizes, and shortened school weeks. Schmidt is to blame for a decade’s worth of shortchanging all North Dakota public schools, her absolute refusal to take any responsibility adds insult to injury.

Not surprising that State Republicans are playing the blame game, blaming “ambiguous language in state law.” They seek to bail out incompetent Kelly Schmidt and point the finger at everyone except her. The Republicans are showing sympathy towards Schmidt, instead of the thousands of students, who have spent the entirety of their education being shortchanged and cheated from valuable services.

ICYMI: Karla Rose Hanson on Legislative Review

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 4th, 2019

 

***Release***
ICYMI: Karla Rose Hanson on Legislative Review

(BISMARCK, ND) – Karla Rose Hanson (D-Fargo) Spoke with Dave Thompson on last weeks’ Legislative review. She outlined the four themes for the legislative session.
  • Making sure we create opportunities for everyone to achieve the American dream.
  • Ensuring North Dakota has stable public services that can be easily accessed.
  • Building strong communities and families, that have access to public safety and behavioral health services.
  • An economy that works for all, and expansion for workforce development.
Hanson also spoke about recent victories for the party that includes a study of the problems facing rural markets, a proposal to help with the shortage of statewide mental health services, and “ban the box” so people who have made mistakes in the past, can get further in the job interview process. She also made remarks on the proposal to eliminate the income tax calling it a “misguided idea” and stated “a vote to eliminate the income tax, is a vote to raise property tax. Finally, she praised “Operation Prairie Dog,” a proposal that would add additional “buckets” for city, county, township and airport infrastructure funds.

ICYMI: Erin Oban on “News & Views with Joel Heitkamp”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 28th, 2019

 

***Release***
ICYMI: Erin Oban on “News & Views with Joel Heitkamp”
(BISMARCK, ND) – Erin Oban from North Dakota’s 35th district speaks with Joel Heitkamp about crossover, the Republican bill to eliminate income tax, and other key issues for the current legislative session. She gives the current session a “B” on education bills, but is very concerned about the proposed income tax elimination. “To fund big government off the Legacy fund, that is an insane proposal to me, and the fact that is passed the house is very concerning.” Check out the entire interview here.https://kfgo.com/podcasts/news-views-with-joel-heitkamp/117905/sen-erin-oban-on-bill-to-eliminate-nd-income-tax-that-is-an-insane-proposal/

Armstrong Leaves Coal Miners in the Dark

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 28th, 2019

 

***Release***
Armstrong leaving coal miners in the dark

(Bismarck, ND)- Last month U.S. House Democrats Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia and Frederica Wilson of Florida introduced a bipartisan bill that would ensure retired miners do not lose their health care. HR 934 is similar to a bill Congress passed with bipartisan support in 2017 that preserved the health-insurance benefits of retirees and widows when Patriot Coal filed for bankruptcy.

With news that retired employees of Westmoreland’s lignite coal fighting for their pensions and health care benefits, you would think Congressman Kelly Armstrong would readily sign on to this bill.

Unfortunately, Congressman Kelly Armstrong is too busy voting to cut military projects in North Dakota to care. Despite bipartisan support in the House, Congressman Armstrong refuses to support HR 934.

“Retired coal miners are literally going broke trying to stay alive, and Congressman Armstrong’s indifference to their struggle proves that he is not a leader fit to represent the people of North Dakota” said Alison Jones, Communications Director for the North Dakota Democratic-NPL. “Armstrong’s unwillingness to support a bill that will help our state’s coal miners is insulting to all North Dakotans, especially those who quite literally worked their lives away in the coal mines.”

After 3 Days, Gov. Burgum Refuses to Condemn Trump ‘Trail of Tears’ Tweet

“After Three Days, Governor Burgum Refuses to Condemn Trump’s Trail of Tears Tweet”

After Senator Elizabeth Warren announced her campaign for President, President Donald Trump tweeted “See you on the campaign TRAIL, Liz” in a reference to the Trail of Tears. The Trail of Tears was a forced relocation program that moved thousands of Native Americans from their homes to territories in the Western United States, causing the deaths of approximately 4,000 people.
“The Trail of Tears is one this country’s greatest shames,” said Warren Larson, chairman of the Democratic-NPL Party. “For a President to joke about such an event is offensive, but what is even more outrageous is Governor Burgum’s refusal to stand up for North Dakota’s native population. It’s clear that party loyalty is more important to the Governor that our state’s native communities.”
“After historic native turnout in 2018, Governor Burgum has all of sudden started acting like he is  concerned about the issues impacting native communities. However, until he denounces this offensive tweet, his recent focus on native issues is just that…an act.”

Dem-NPL Statement on Rep. Rick Becker

Dem-NPL Statement on Representative Rick Becker:

 

Dem-NPL Chairman Warren Larson issued the following statement regarding Representative Rick Becker’s (R-Bismarck) offensive Facebook post.

 

“Representative Becker’s Facebook post is offensive to victims of sexual assault and violence and beneath the office he holds. His refusal to apologize and the fact that he is fundraising off this controversy shows his indifference to the pain sexual assault victims face everyday.”

 

It is outrageous that Governor Burgum, the ND GOP, and ND GOP leaders continue to remain silent on this issue and show they apparently support his repulsive post and will put the members of their party over the people of North Dakota.”

Press Release: North Dakota House Republicans Oppose Democrats and President Trump on Paid Family Leave

“North Dakota House Republicans Oppose Democrats and President Trump on Paid Family Leave”

Yesterday afternoon, Republicans in the North Dakota House nearly unanimously opposed HB 1509, sponsored by Rep. Karla Rose Hanson (D-Fargo). HB 1509 would establish a paid family leave program by requiring employers and employees where there are 50 or more individuals employed, to fund a paid family leave bank, where eligible employees who need to take time off to care for a family member like a newborn child or sick relative, would be eligible for 66% of their salary, up to $4,000 a month.

 

While North Dakota House Republicans were rejecting a paid family leave on Tuesday afternoon, on Tuesday evening, President Trump announced his proposal for a paid family leave program paid by employees and employers and managed at the state level.

 

“Paid family leave is a good common sense idea to help working families and I am glad that President Trump agrees. President Trump’s proposal is a good first step” said Warren Larson, Chair of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party. “It is unfortunate that House Republicans yesterday put partisanship over North Dakota working families. Now that President Trump has proposed paid family leave legislation, I predict that a lot of North Dakota Republicans in the Legislature will all of sudden find themselves supporting Rep. Hanson’s bill.”

North Dakota Republicans tell North Dakotans: “We’re smarter than you”

North Dakota Republicans tell North Dakotans: “We’re smarter than you.”
Yesterday the North Dakota legislators heard two very different pieces of legislation to implement
Measure 1, which was supported by 54% of North Dakota voters during the last election.
SB 2148 filed by Senator Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) would honor the will of the voters by clarifying
behavior by legislators and lobbyists and establish an ethics commission.

On the other hand, HB 1521 proposed by House Majority Leader Chet Pollert (R-Carrington) is
being supported by the lobbyists and special interests who want to undo last November’s election
and will weaken the intent of Measure 1. In addition. Pollert appointed Rep. Jim Kasper
(R-Fargo), known for taking advantage of lobbyist funded trips to Antigua as chair of the
Ethics committee which heard HB 1521.

“By supporting HB 1521 Republicans in the Legislature are saying that they think they are smarter
than North Dakota voters.” said Warren Larson, Chairman of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL
Party.

“Both Democrats and Republicans have a responsibility to take the results of Measure 1
seriously. Senator Mathern’s bill shows Dem-NPLers will follow the will of the voters, while by
filing HB 1521 and appointing another lobbyist sponsored traveler  ‘Antigua’ Jim Kasper as
Chair of the House Ethics Committee Chet Pollert and legislative Republicans show their
arrogance and their indifference towards the voters that put them in office in the first place.”