Committee takes up multiple Democratic-NPL proposed studies to inform future lawmaking

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 28, 2025

FARGO – The 69th Legislative Assembly voted to consider many studies between now and the next legislative session. Today, Legislative Management met to choose which of those studies to adopt. Multiple studies that were sponsored by Democratic-NPL lawmakers were selected.

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Josh Boschee said, “One of our biggest priorities right now is addressing homelessness and affordable housing for all North Dakotans. We adopted a comprehensive study of homelessness in North Dakota so that we know where we, as a state, can step in to ensure every North Dakotan has a safe place to lay their head at night. We’ll also explore ways we can improve access to dental care for our most vulnerable populations, examine using grants to get more funding to law enforcement and emergency services, and review our laws that protect children from abuse and neglect.”

Democratic-NPL sponsored studies that were required by the Legislative Assembly to be taken up by Legislative Management:
-Sen. Josh Boschee’s (D-Fargo) proposal to study the funding needs of fixed route city transportation networks
-Rep. Alisa Mitskog’s (D–Wahpeton) proposal to study establishing a wastewater project fund to provide grants for upgrading, constructing, or replacing wastewater infrastructure

Democratic-NPL sponsored studies that were voluntarily taken up by Legislative Management:
-Rep. Mary Schneider’s (D-Fargo) proposal to study the unmet dental and oral health care needs of low-income children, Native American children, and individuals with disabilities
-Rep. Mary Schneider’s proposal to study state laws relating to criminal conduct against children, child sexual abuse, child physical abuse, child neglect, and human trafficking of children.
-Rep. Jayme Davis’ (D-Rolette) proposal to study the taxation of land owned by enrolled tribal members who reside within the boundaries of any tribal reservation in ND
-Sen. Josh Boschee’s proposal to study grant funding for law enforcement, fire departments, and other emergency services.
-Sen. Kathy Hogan’s (D-Fargo) proposal to study the feasibility of developing geothermal energy in North Dakota
-Sen. Tim Mathern’s (D-Fargo) proposal to study the construction of a legislative office building
-Rep. Mary Schneider’s proposal to study special education teacher shortages and Sen. Josh Boschee’s proposal to study reading and math proficiency among disabled students were both rolled into HB 1547, which establishes a committee to study special education funding

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

North Dakota Democrats Launch Fast, Transparent Fundraising with GoodChange

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 27, 2025

FARGO – Today, the North Dakota Democratic NPL announced a new partnership with GoodChange, a fast-growing fundraising platform built by former grassroots fundraisers. The partnership will streamline fundraising across North Dakota with modern tools designed for speed, transparency, and donor engagement.

Through the partnership, North Dakota Democratic NPL delivers a fresh approach to fundraising that will also benefit their candidates and committees. Built for fundraising campaigns large and small, GoodChange’s platform equips fundraisers with same-day launch capabilities, donor fee cover options, spare change roundups, and built-in compliance and reporting tools.

“The North Dakota Democratic NPL stands for fairness, equity, and integrity; we will continue to fight for policies that build North Dakota’s future, like universal school lunches, affordable healthcare, and meaningful property tax relief. We’re heading into a new cycle, and that’s a great time to look at new ways to engage our donors, to deepen relationships with them, and to optimize our fundraising efforts to fuel the work. GoodChange is a fantastic tool that helps us do exactly that—and we’ve already increased our bottom line with them,” said North Dakota Democratic-NPL Executive Director Cheryl Biller.

GoodChange Cofounder Emily Wineland said, “North Dakota Democrats are fortunate to have trailblazing leaders at the helm, looking for the best ways to meet donors where they are. For a state party to thrive, providing flexible tools that can effectively serve a diverse audience is crucial. We are inspired by the North Dakota Democratic-NPL’s forward-thinking approach, and know they will go far because of it.”

This partnership reflects a broader shift in the democratic tech space, as campaigns adopt more agile and more affordable tools to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Any District Committee, County Committees, or candidates who want to explore using GoodChange are encouraged to sign up for a demo here.

More about GoodChange:

GoodChange is the intersection of responsive financial technology and relational fundraising. Combining the latest fintech and financial management innovations with proven fundraising strategies, GoodChange provides the power to reach, convert, and engage new and existing donors with ease.

CONTACT:
Cheryl Biller
Executive Director
cheryl.biller@demnpl.com

Laura Dronen
Communications Director
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

Fedorchak votes for Big, Ugly bill, putting billionaires above North Dakotans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 22, 2025

FARGO – This morning Julie Fedorchak voted for the big, ugly budget bill that includes the largest cuts to health care and food assistance in American history to offset the cost of tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy. Rural areas are set to be hit the hardest by these cuts.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “Julie Fedorchak can mindlessly parrot the House Republican talking points, stick her head in the sand, and pretend this bill isn’t as horrible as it truly is. North Dakotans know that this is a giant handout to out-of-state billionaires. North Dakotans know that Julie Fedorchak is gutting rural healthcare and taking food off their tables. North Dakotans know that Julie Fedorchak is exploding the national debt. The Democratic-NPL will continue to fight for working families and hold every Republican loyal to billionaires over them accountable at the ballot box.”

Here is the Impact of this Big, Ugly Bill and who it hurts:

–This bill adds $3.8 trillion to the national debt.

–Over half of North Dakotans who are on Medicaid live in rural areas.

–One in every two nursing home residents in North Dakota uses Medicaid to pay for care in a nursing home.

–Rural hospitals are at risk of closing because of this bill.

–This bill adds red tape for the 72% of Medicaid adults who are working in ND.

–24,000 North Dakotans are covered by Medicaid expansion, which North Dakota implemented in 2014.

–This bill overrules state and local laws regarding carbon capture pipelines

–More than 66% of North Dakota SNAP participants are in families with children

–More than 32% of ND SNAP participants are in families with members who are older adults or are disabled

–More than 43% of ND SNAP participants are in working families

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

Fedorchak puts North Dakotans’ lives at risk to fund Billionaire tax cuts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 20, 2025

FARGO/EDGELY – In the middle of the night tonight, Congressional Republicans will take the next steps to pass a budget that includes the largest cuts to health care and food assistance in American history to offset the cost of tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy. Rural areas are set to be hit the hardest by these cuts.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “It’s outrageous that Fedorchak supports this bill. While she’s giving a giant handout to out-of-state billionaires, Fedorchak wants to force working-class families through even more hoops to get health insurance. House Republicans are ramming this bill through in the middle of the night because they know how shameful it is to take food away from hungry children and rip healthcare away from millions of Americans. Democratic-NPLers will always keep fighting to expand access to healthcare.”

District 28 Democratic-NPL Co-Chair Mary Schlosser remarked, “I’m deeply concerned about how this budget would affect the working poor and North Dakotans with disabilities. One in every two nursing home residents in North Dakota uses Medicaid to pay for care in a nursing home. How are we going to keep our rural hospitals open, and how do we keep those communities alive if they shutter? Will we as a state be able to fill in the gaps in coverage? Reducing access to SNAP and other food security programs not only takes food off North Dakotans’ tables, but further reduces markets for its agriculture producers – farmers, ranchers, and dairy producers. I don’t think we should be paying for tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy on the backs of working families.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

Democratic-NPL House Leaders Remark on the Passing of Rep. Cynthia Schreiber-Beck

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 19, 2025

WAHPETON – Representative Cynthia Schreiber-Beck (R-Wahpeton) has passed away.

District 25 Representative Alisa Mitskog (D-Wahpeton) remarked, “I am deeply saddened at the sudden loss of my legislative partner and dear friend. Cindy loved our community and worked tirelessly for our neighbors in southeast North Dakota. From K-12 and higher education to agriculture and aeronautics, Cindy gave her all to move our state forward. North Dakota will miss her leadership, and I will miss my friend.”

House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) added, “We’re devastated by the untimely loss of Representative Schreiber-Beck and extend our deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones. Cindy always put the good of her district and our state over party or self-interest. In a time plagued by political division, she and Rep. Mitskog formed an inseparable partnership that delivered time and time again for Richland County. I will remember Cindy as a steadfast champion for public education, and I will cherish my final memory with her as she explained details of the K-12 funding formula to me in the early morning hours of the last day of session.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

North Dakota Dem-NPL offers prayers as Biden cancer diagnosis announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 18, 2025

FARGO – On Sunday, Former President Joe Biden’s office announced he has an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “For a half century, through personal and political triumphs and setbacks, President Biden sacrificed of himself to do what’s right for our country. This announcement is heartbreaking. Our prayers of healing and strength are with President Biden and his family.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

North Dakota Democratic-NPL re-elects Goldwyn, Breker, Hart to respective leadership positions, elects Tyulyandin as Vice-Chair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 3, 2025

BISMARCK – The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Policy Committee voted to re-elect Adam Goldwyn as Chair, Kari Breker as Secretary, and Pat Hart as Treasurer. Heather Tyulyandin was elected Vice-Chair. The previous vice-chair, Lisa Finley-DeVille, did not seek re-election.

Goldwyn said, “There are many challenges ahead, and the people are asking us to fight. They are asking us to fight this destructive Trump agenda nationally and a destructive Republican agenda here in North Dakota. For those joining us at the governors dinner tonight, we will have as keynote speaker Harry Dunn, a Capitol police officer who literally put his body and his life on the line for this nation on one of its darkest days. We had all hoped that those dark days were behind us, but they’re not, and we will need his example, a nation of tens of millions of Harry Dunns, engaged in daily small acts of resistance to hold our democracy together and fight for a better future for all Americans. We cannot fail. We must not fail. What we are doing today, what we do tomorrow, what we do every day for the next two and four years is our contribution to that fight, so I thank you for being here. Let’s get to work.”

Tyulyandin remarked, “I live in West Fargo now, but I’m from rural Dickey County and have ties to the community still. I pledge to be accessible and responsive.”

Mark Casler, Trygve Hammer, Jessica Hawkes, Joan Heckaman, Signe Snortland, Olivia Schloegel, Sarah Grossbauer, and Terri Hedman were elected to serve as Regional Representatives on the Democratic-NPL Executive Committee.

The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Policy Committee is composed of each Legislative Democratic-NPL District Chair and a second representative, representatives from each of the 8 Democratic-NPL Regions, DNC Committeeman, DNC Committeewoman, Dem-NPL Chair, Dem-NPL Vice Chair, Dem-NPL Treasurer, Dem-NPL Secretary, Dem-NPL Senate Leader, and Dem-NPL House Leader.

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

As the 69th Legislative Session gavels out, Dems warn chaotic national policies, future cuts will hurt North Dakotans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 3, 2025

BISMARCK – The 69th Legislative Session adjourned early in the morning on Saturday, May 3.

Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan (D-Fargo) remarked, “Democracy is messy, but it is the best form of government there is. It only works when we have structures and rules that allow us to move from complex ideas or philosophies to a system that balances individual freedoms with the essentials to make a community and state that can function. To be a healthy community, we need to protect the most vulnerable, including children, those with serious disabilities and illnesses, and those facing the end of their lives.”

House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks said), “There are significant storm clouds on the horizon. The rule of law is at risk. The national economy is facing perilous times. Future cuts to the detriment of our state seem all but certain. Across North Dakota, our neighbors are asking what’s next. I urge each of us to use our influence and voices to stand up for our fellow citizens.”
——
Democrats successfully advocated for significant property tax relief for homeowners and improved access to affordable healthcare for patients across the state. On many issues–like private school voucher proposals that would use state tax dollars to fund private school tuition and a resolution that sought to overturn marriage equality–Democrats were the deciding votes needed to stop those bad bills from becoming bad laws.

Despite being part of a governing coalition that helped pass good policies and defeat bad ones, Democrats also championed important ideas that ended up being missed opportunities this session. Those missed opportunities included insufficient investments in public schools and affordable housing and failing to expand no-cost school meals to all students. It also included important policy proposals that would have protected access to IVF and contraceptives in state law and provided better protections for the state’s renters.

Democratic-NPL Wins

HB 1260 (Hager, Marcellais) – improvements to mule deer bow hunting license availability

SB 2360 (Hogan) – interim study of geothermal energy

SCR 4006 (Boschee) – resolution urging Congress to protect the wild horse herd at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

HB 1252 (Dobervich, Brown, Davis, Finley-DeVille, Mitskog, Marcellais) – allows Tribal Nations to use tribal care coordination funds for capital construction projects

HB 1535 (Davis, Finley-DeVille, Schneider, Brown, Braunberger) – creation of “feather alert” system for missing indigenous persons

HB 1545 (Finley-DeVille, Brown, Davis, Dobervich, Marcellais, Mathern) – renames First Nations Day to Indigenous Peoples Day in North Dakota

HB 1563 (Davis, Brown, Finley-DeVille, Foss, Ista, Marcellais) – interim study of tribal land taxation

HB 1564 (Davis, Brown, Finley-DeVille, Hogan) – technical corrections to the 2023 state law codification of the Indian Child Welfare Act

HB 1581 – (Finley-DeVille, Brown, Davis, Ista, Mathern) – tribal tourism grants

HB 1603 (Brown, Davis, Finley-DeVille, Ista, Boschee, Braunberger, Mathern) – $500,000 in state funding to assist state institutions in complying with the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act

HB 1518 (Hager) – removes requirement to use turn signal when exiting traffic circle (the bill was defeated only because the same policy was adopted in SB 2371)

SB 2229 (Boschee) – improves the process for transfer or real property in an established HOA or condo development

SCR 4018 (Boschee) – encourages a new memorial on the Capitol grounds to honor EMS who lost their lives in the line of duty

SB 2326 (Boschee, Schneider) – improvements to SARO/DVPO procedures (the bill was defeated because the policy was included in HB 1336)

SB 2171 (Mathern) – improvements to the emergency mental health petition process

HB 1219 (Mitskog) – allow perpetual care cemeteries to use more of their reserve funds for maintenance and operational expenses

HB 1403 (Schneider, Davis, Hager, Marcellais) – designates POW/MIA Day as a state holiday

HB 1410 (Schneider, Dobervich, Hager, Hanson, Conmy, Davis) – interim study of state laws relating to criminal conduct against children

HB 1504 (Schneider, Boschee, Marcellais) – enables veterans organizations to donate federal to postwar trust fund for homeless veterans services

HB 1564 (Davis, Brown, Finley-DeVille, Hogan) – improvements to state Indian Child Welfare Act

HCR 3005 (Schneider, Hager, Hogan, Marcellais) – encourages the names of the crew members of the U.S.S. Frank E. Evans to be included on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

SB 2198 (Boschee, Schneider) – removes waiting period for newly hired public employees needing to use 20 days of paid military leave

SB 2238 (Braunberger, Foss, Schneider) – allows for sealing of eviction records after 7 years if the subject has had no additional adverse eviction actions and provides additional protections to survivors of domestic violence who were subject to an eviction proceeding related to that violence

SB 2262 (Braunberger) – improves the ability of the K-12 Coordination Council to enter into contracts

SB 2305 (Hogan, Dobervich) – $7.3M for a family paid caregiver service pilot program

HB 1108 (Hager, Mathern) – allows use of SUD voucher across state lines

HB 1217 (Dobervich, Conmy, Ista, Schneider, Braunberger) – removes felony criminal liability for transmission of HIV and treats transmission of HIV like every other communicable disease

HB 1567 (Schneider, Brown, Davis, Finley-DeVille, Mitskog, Hager, Hogan) – interim study of Medicaid coverage/availability for dental care

HCR 3029 (Dobervich, Ista, Davis, Braunberger, Boschee) – interim study of healthcare/treatment solutions for neurological disorders that may address issues of recidivism, frequent hospitalization, and homelessness in that population

SB 2200 (Hogan, Dobervich) – funding for 988 crisis hotline

SB 2377 (Boschee) – preferred provider arrangements for dental care services

SB 2282 (Hogan, Mitskog) – creates an employer child care tax credit to offset income tax liability for employers who make child care expense contributions to their employees.

HB 1438 (Hanson, Foss, Boschee) – state grant for Fargo Theater (funding included in Commerce budget–SB 2018)

HB 1577 (Mitskog) – interim study of wastewater infrastructure grant funding

SB 2254 (Boschee) – $2M in grants for fixed route city paratransit and an interim study of the fixed route city transportation services funding

SB 2332 (Boschee, Mitskog) – grant funding for emergency services and public safety

SCR 4024 (Mathern) – resolution urging construction of legislative office building

HB 1238 (Ista, Hager, Boschee) – lowers teacher eligibility for lifetime license from 30 years to 25 years

HB 1331 (Mitskog) – $1.75M for NDSCS

HB 1529 (Schneider, Conmy, Dobervich, Hager, Boschee, Hogan) – makes persons who have completed service as a Peace Corps volunteer eligible for in-state tuition

HB 1530 (Schneider, Conmy, Davis, Hager, Hogan, Mathern) – interim study of special education teacher shortage

SCR 4019 (Boschee) – interim study of reading and math proficiency rates among disabled students

HB 1099 (Conmy) – requires ballots to list the first and last names of presidential candidates

HB 1410 (Schneider, Dobervich, Hager, Hanson, Conmy, Davis) – interim study of state laws relating to criminal conduct against children

North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities staff layoffs show that “every North Dakotan is on the chopping block for this administration” says Dem-NPL Chair


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 1, 2025

MINOT – As a direct result of the Trump-Musk federal budget cuts, nearly two dozen employees with the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities have been laid off.

Assistant Senate Minority Leader Josh Boschee remarked, “This is not what North Dakotans voted for this past presidential election. The Center for Persons with Disabilities plays an impactful role in ensuring North Dakotans are able to live independently and participate in the workforce. They have quality group living, well-trained staff, and advocate for smart policy to improve the quality of life for our family, friends, and neighbors living with a disability. This is absolutely devastating.”

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “North Dakota is losing critical services for folks with disabilities because of Trump and Musk. They are butchering everything from Social Security to Farm Service Agencies to veterans’ jobs. Every North Dakotan is on the chopping block for this administration.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

In light of Holmberg case, Sen. Mathern Proposes Bill to Make Lawmakers, Higher ed Employees Mandated Reporters of Crimes Against Children and Renew Call to Empower Ethics Commission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 28, 2025

BISMARCK – Today, Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) proposed legislation to require elected officials and employees of higher education institutions to report knowledge of crimes against children. He and House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) announced this legislation at a press conference at the Capitol this morning. They also renewed their call to empower and fully fund the the North Dakota Ethics Commission. The House rejected the Senate’s proposal to add a full-time staffer. They also added an arbitrary cut-off for the length of investigations in violation of the state constitution’s prohibition against hampering the work of the Ethics Commission.

Mathern remarked, “Ray Holmberg committed the most heinous crimes against children. He bragged about it. Holmberg was the longest-serving state Senator in the country when he was in office. He walked the halls of this Capitol as one of the most powerful men in North Dakota. He said it himself—that he would be in power as long as he wanted to, unless he was caught. He emailed his friend Bruce Gjovig, ‘no one is ever (too) young’ in 2011. Holmberg served for another full decade after he said that. That’s outrageous.”

Mathern continued, “This would be a step toward justice as we continue to process Holmberg’s vile crimes and uncover more information on what has become the most egregious scandal in our state’s history.”

Ista said, “But we have learned that Holmberg actually did share his true self with close associates years earlier. This was not from rumors and gossip or even news reports–and it was not just off-color jokes or crude talk amongst friends–it was words directly from Holmberg himself in which he revealed himself to be a monster who preys on boys and vulnerable young men. To receive that information and do nothing to stop it is a complete moral failure.”

Ista continued, “Even now, it is hard to fathom that a hidden predator was in our midst for so many years, roaming these very halls. It is inconceivable that anyone who had reason to know the real Ray Holmberg failed to stop him. Now we face a choice: be paralyzed by disbelief or take action. We owe it to the people of North Dakota to act now so this never happens again in our state.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

Representative Lisa Finley-DeVille’s Statement on Legislature’s Failure to Advance Study on Oil and Chemical Spill Risks on Fort Berthold Reservation Highways.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 16, 2025

BISMARCK – House Bill 1611, introduced by Representative Lisa Finley-DeVille, which would have initiated a legislative study on the environmental and public health risks of oil and chemical spills on state highways within the Fort Berthold Reservation, did not advance out of the House Agriculture Committee.

The bill proposed collaboration between the North Dakota Legislative Management, the Three Affiliated Tribes, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and the Department of Health and Human Services. Its goal was to ensure better understanding and preparedness regarding the potential impacts of spills in a region that sees significant industrial transport activity.

Committee members expressed concern that similar studies may already exist. However, Rep. Finley-DeVille sought verification of that claim through a Freedom of Information request to the DEQ. The agency responded that it does not conduct risk assessments but rather focuses on spill response and cleanup.

Additionally, a researcher from North Dakota State University—referred by the DEQ—confirmed that their prior work was limited to the Tioga oil spill and did not address broader spill risks on Fort Berthold reservation highways.

“This study was meant to open the door for collaboration and a data-informed approach to environmental safety,” said Rep. Finley-DeVille. “It’s important that we base policy decisions on current, site-specific information—especially in communities that face direct exposure to these risks.”

The proposed interim study would have helped identify gaps, assess long-term health and environmental outcomes, and provide actionable recommendations to the 70th Legislative Assembly.

“Although HB 1611 did not move forward, I remain committed to bringing awareness and attention to these issues,” Rep. Finley-DeVille added. “There is still important work to do to ensure the health and well-being of all communities impacted by energy development.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
laura.dronen@demnpl.com

ND House Votes to Kneecap Ethics Commission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 14, 2025

BISMARCK – Today the ND House voted to cap Ethics Commission investigations to 180 days and removed a proposed new staff position who would have educated our lawmakers on how to follow our ethics laws.

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn said, “How can House Republicans claim to care about corruption, fraud, and abuse when they just voted to kneecap the watchdogs? This vote is a rejection of the will of the people of North Dakota: You voted to enshrine the Ethics Commission in our constitution. And you voted to enshrine it because you saw a Republican supermajority incapable of behaving ethically, from Jason Dockter, to Luke Simons, to Nico Rios, to Ray Holmberg. If our lawmakers don’t have the integrity to prove that they are following our laws, they shouldn’t be making them.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
laura.dronen@demnpl.com