House Dem-NPL Leader Corey Mock introduces resolution honoring UND hockey for 8th national championship

“North Dakota, here’s to you.”

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – House Democratic-NPL Leader Corey Mock (Grand Forks) today introduced a resolution honoring the University of North Dakota hockey team for its eighth NCAA Division I National Championship and its outstanding overall 2016 season. (The full resolution can be found here.) 

“We all know North Dakota has a long and proud tradition of athletic excellence, and one of the hallmarks of this excellence is the University of North Dakota hockey team,” said Mock. “This resolution honors UND hockey’s continued accomplishments and their remarkable 2016 championship season. We look forward to UND hockey leading the way to many more national championships in future seasons. North Dakota, here’s to you.”

House Concurrent Resolution 3035 formally recognizes UND hockey’s 5-1 National Championship win over Quinnipiac University on April 9, 2016. It also recognizes their impressive season, which was completed with 34 wins, 6 losses and 4 ties, as well as the leadership of Coach Brad Berry who “molded a team of outstanding individual athletes into a cohesive, unselfish team with balanced and explosive offense, unyielding defense, and stalwart goaltending.”

In presenting the resolution, Rep. Mock bantered with Assistant Republican Leader and NDSU alumnus Don Vigesaa (Cooperstown). “You know, the only way to get this through the delayed bills committee was to promise the three-out-of-five members who are Bison fans that I’d acknowledge the significance of NDSU’s five nationReps Corey Mock and Don Vigesaaal championships as well,” added Mock. “We can always find bipartisan cooperation when it comes to recognizing North Dakota accomplishments.”   

According to the resolution: “The 2015-16 team, which proudly claimed the eighth University of North Dakota hockey national championship, is an exemplar of the hockey program’s enduring fighting spirit and it’s opulent, unwavering, and extraordinary heritage.”     

Reps. Mock and Vigesaa also expressed their shared enthusiasm for the renewed rivalry between UND/NDSU football beginning Sept. 7, 2019 in Fargo.  

 

 

Senators Heckaman, Mathern to introduce amendment restoring $7 million in behavioral health funding

Amendment would also secure additional $7 million in matching federal funds for behavioral health

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, April 6

 

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Democratic-NPL Senators Joan Heckaman (New Rockford) and Tim Mathern (Fargo) will today offer an amendment on the Senate floor restoring $7 million in state funds for behavioral health services – and securing an additional $7 million in matching federal dollars – to House Bill 1040.

The bill, which comes from the Interim Human Services Committee, originally recommended $28 million in funding for unmet behavioral health needs in North Dakota. However, due to the tightening of budgets across the state, the final version of the bill passed by the House included only $200,000 for behavioral health, less than one percent of the original recommended funding.

“There are very few things we place higher in our lives than the well being of our spouses, children, grandchildren and loved ones,” said Heckaman. “Our whole beings are elated with the joy they bring us, which is why it is so painful when a loved one is suffering from addiction, abuse or other mental health needs that too often go unaddressed here in North Dakota. The unfortunate fact is that too many families across our state are suffering without the care they need.”

“This funding is absolutely necessary to address our state’s crisis in behavioral health care,” said Mathern. “The funding that is restored in this amendment would provide case management services, which essentially means providing families with the full range of care they need to keep children with behavioral health needs out of the hospitals and in their own homes.”

HB 1040 encompasses the recommendations of the Schulte Report and was drafted by the interim committee with numerous hours of stakeholder testimony that mental health services in North Dakota are insufficient given the level of need across the state. The bill is the only legislation during the 65th session that includes funding for children under 21 years old suffering from Serious Emotional Disturbances, about 3,917 children across the state. Currently, funding is only available to provide services to 645, leaving over 3,200 children and families without the care they need. Of that unmet need, roughly half would qualify for the case management services funded by this amendment.    

“Too often, when it comes to our state’s budget situation, we hear lawmakers say: ‘The sky isn’t falling; trust us, we’ll work it out,’” added Mathern. “Well, for parents whose children are suffering from addiction, depression, or who are at risk of suicide, the sky really is falling, especially when they’re not getting the care they need.” 

Dem-NPL legislators outline key areas of concern with Measure 5 implementation bill

Areas of concern represent significant departures from original intent and spirit

A document detailing the nine key areas of concern identified by Dem-NPL legislators can be viewed by clicking this link.

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Democratic-NPL legislators today released a detailed list of their concerns regarding SB 2344, the medical marijuana implementation bill. These concerns refer to specific provisions in SB 2344 that differ significantly from the original intent and spirit of Measure 5.

“North Dakotan voters knew what they were doing when they overwhelmingly approved Measure 5 at the ballot box,” said Senate Dem-NPL Leader Joan Heckaman (D-23). “While the wording of the measure was imperfect, the intent was clear. As elected leaders, we have an obligation to preserve that intent and spirit as we move forward with implementing medical marijuana across the state.”

“The reality is that there are people in our state who are suffering from serious medical conditions that adversely impact their daily lives,” said Rep. Pamela Anderson (D-41). “For thousands of North Dakotans, medical marijuana means long sought-after relief from pain and suffering, and it means a chance at a better quality of life. That’s why we have to get it right when it comes to implementing Measure 5. We cannot use the implementation process as an excuse to water down Measure 5 or compromise the measure’s original purpose.”

Measure 5 – also known as the Compassionate Care Act – was approved in the November election by nearly 65 percent of the vote. Out of North Dakota’s 47 legislative districts, not a single district voted against Measure 5. The measure legalized medical marijuana throughout the state, opening the door to long-sought relief for patients with serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions like epilepsy, cancer and PTSD.

Unfortunately, implementing all of Measure 5’s provisions verbatim proved problematic for state regulators. Some of the measure’s provisions were ambiguous; others were unenforceable. For example, the measure did not include decriminalization language, which means patients could still be prosecuted for using marijuana for medical purposes. That’s why Republican and Democratic-NPL legislators worked together to pass SB 2154 to delay implementation of Measure 5 until no later than July 31, 2017.

Now, the state legislature must consider SB 2344, which lays out the specifics of how Measure 5’s provisions will be implemented. Like the delay bill, the implementation bill requires a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers to pass. But there are several areas of serious concern that have been raised by Democratic-NPL legislators regarding the implementation requirements set forth in SB 2344. These areas of concern are outlined at this link.

“The need to delay implementation was evident to members of both parties,” said House Dem-NPL Leader Corey Mock (D-18). “That’s why 140 out of 141 lawmakers voted for it. However, as we’re moving forward with implementing Measure 5’s various provisions, our first priority must be to ensure that medical marijuana is safe for everyone, effective for those who need it, and accessible to all North Dakotans for whom it could mean a better quality of life.”  

“It simply was not possible to implement Measure 5 word-for-word, which is why we supported the delay bill,” said Rep. Kathy Hogan (D-21). “But many of us are especially concerned that delaying implementation will now be used to undo what the people voted for. That’s why we went through SB 2344 line-by-line and examined each provision that differs significantly from Measure 5. The people deserve to know each way in which this bill differs significantly from what they voted for, and my sense is that our caucus would certainly not support this bill in its current form.”

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First responders, Dem-NPL legislators highlight importance of collective bargaining rights for law enforcement, firefighters

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Democratic-NPL legislators were joined by firefighters from across the state at a press conference Monday to highlight the importance of HB 1401, legislation that would establish collective bargaining rights for North Dakota’s law enforcement officers and paid, full-time firefighters.

“I think people have a high degree of respect for police and firefighters, and genuinely appreciate their sacrifices,” said Rep. Mary Schneider (D-21), the primary sponsor of HB 1401. “I think many people would appreciate the opportunity to help our first responders improve their working conditions by allowing them to negotiate the terms of their employment.”

“When you look at the core values of a firefighter, you find that we have a lot of ownership in our communities,” said Bill Bush, president of Fargo Firefighters Local 642. “We’re committed, we’re dedicated, we protect and serve without prejudice, and we make a positive impact in peoples’ lives. This legislation is about firefighters and law enforcement officers, from Williston to Fargo, having the opportunity to negotiate based on their immediate needs and priorities.”

Currently, North Dakota is one of only a handful of states that does not allow public safety employees, including law enforcement officers and full-time firefighters, to negotiate a contract. HB 1401 would bring North Dakota in line with nearly all other U.S. states that afford these rights to public-sector first responders.

Approximately 20 firefighters from Bismarck, Mandan, Minot and Fargo joined Reps. Schneider and Ron Guggisberg (D-11) to speak about the importance of HB 1401. Several first responders were joined at the press conference by their children and families.

“For me, this bill is about elected officials matching their words with actions when it comes to standing up for first responders,” said Guggisberg, who is also a Fire Capitan in Fargo. “Elected officials often pay lip service to first responders, but when the cameras go away, they’re on their own. This bill would allow public safety employees to take the politics out of their work and have a say in the conditions of their employment.”

Grant Benjamin, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, provided a letter of support for HB 1401, which read in part:

“We are only asking for the opportunity to have a say in open conversations with our agencies to discuss working conditions. This bill is much needed. To pass this bill would allow law enforcement officers to represent our members in matters of employer and employee relations. Currently, we have officers and deputies who are willingly placed in a position of danger by the commissioners they work for. Deputies and sheriffs have requested additional funding for resources only to be denied. Our members are working close to 900 square miles per deputy. This places the deputies and communities they protect in danger. This bill would allow us to work with our commissioners to request and come to reasonable terms to add more resources to keep our communities safe.”

Dem-NPL legislative leaders issue statement on Gov. Burgum’s decision to include continued funding for Medicaid expansion

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Senate Democratic-NPL Leader Joan Heckaman (D-23) and House Dem-NPL Leader Corey Mock (D-18) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Burgum’s decision to include continued funding for Medicaid expansion in his executive budget proposal:

“As we review and evaluate the details of Gov. Burgum’s executive budget proposal released last night, we are encouraged by the governor’s decision to include continued funding for Medicaid expansion, which is absolutely critical to ensure access to affordable health care for tens of thousands of North Dakotans,” said Heckaman. “Eliminating this funding – as some have proposed – would mean doing away with health coverage for more than 18,000 North Dakotans, an outcome that would be detrimental for so many of our fellow community members, neighbors and loved ones.”  

“Failing to continue funding for Medicaid expansion would mean taking away health coverage from thousands of North Dakotans in rural communities across our state,” said Mock. “It would compromise much-needed funding for rural hospitals and health clinics, and it would make it more difficult for rural North Dakotans to access the services they need when dealing with serious, and sometimes life-threatening ailments like cancer and opioid abuse.”

“Of course, we have many concerns about the details included in the governor’s budget, especially when it comes to cuts to education, a nursing home tax that shifts costs onto senior citizens, and the lack of an inflationary adjustment for Medicaid providers,” added Heckaman. “Nonetheless, we are encouraged by the governor’s inclusion of continued funding for Medicaid expansion, and we remain committed to working with Gov. Burgum and our colleagues in the legislature to make sure we get it right when it comes to solving North Dakota’s budget crisis.” 

President Obama endorses Josh Boschee for District 44 House

(BISMARCK, ND) – President Barack Obama has endorsed Josh Boschee for North Dakota House in District 44. Boschee is among a select group of state legislative candidates from around the country to receive the President’s endorsement.

“This election isn’t just about defeating extreme Republican candidates. It’s also about electing strong Democrats, like Josh Boschee,” says President Obama in a radio endorsement recorded for Boschee. “I know Josh Boschee will fight to defend the progress we’ve made over the past eight years.”

“We’re thrilled that Josh has received President Obama’s endorsement,” said Dem-NPL Executive Director Robert Haider. “It’s a recognition of how important the District 44 legislative race is to building on the progress we’ve made in recent years, both here in the North Fargo community and across the country. We’re extremely proud of the hard work Josh has been doing canvassing his community, speaking with voters, and putting forth a positive message about how to make our community and state even stronger.”

Boschee is running alongside fellow Dem-NPL House candidate Karla Rose Hanson and state Senate candidate Merrill Piepkorn in District 44. The D44 legislative race has caught national attention due to the community’s shifting demographics and the important local issues being highlighted by Boschee, Hanson and Piepkorn, including K-12 education, community safety, behavioral health services and property tax relief. Last month, Hanson also received the national spotlight when the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee designated her as an “essential race candidate.”

In rare move, Minot Daily News endorses Democratic House candidate A.J. Schultz

(BISMARCK, ND) – In a rare move, the Minot Daily News on Friday endorsed Dem-NPL House candidate A.J. Schultz, saying Schultz has “a wealth of personal and professional experience to bring to public service and has ably presented himself as post-partisan.”

Endorsing a Democrat is a bold move for the Minot Daily News, which tends to have a staunchly conservative editorial perspective. Going back at least a generation, it is highly unusual for the paper to endorse a Democratic candidate. aj-endorsement

“As a veteran, a gun owner, and a small business owner, this election is about more than partisanship to me,” said Schultz. “Since Day One, I’ve done my best to focus on the local issues that are important to our community. How do we deal with Minot’s drug problem? How do we ensure better flood protection for our families? How do we get our state budget in order to protect funding for human services and K-12 education? I’m humbled to receive the Minot Daily News endorsement, and I think it’s an acknowledgement of the important issues we’ve been raising in our campaign.”

“We’re extremely proud of the work A.J.’s been doing canvassing neighborhoods, speaking with voters, and putting forth a message focused on the issues affecting the Minot community,” said Dem-NPL Executive Director and Burlington native Robert Haider. “It’s because of hard-working, dedicated candidates like A.J. that the Dem-NPL is so confident in our ability to offer voters a substantive, forward-looking agenda in North Dakota.”

Schultz is running to represent District 40 along with fellow House candidate Heidi Rintoul and state Senate candidate Phil Franklin.

Statement on Donald Trump’s vulgar comments about women

(BISMARCK, ND) – North Dakota Democratic-NPL Executive Director Robert Haider released the following statement on NDGOP candidates’ continued support for Donald Trump following the release of Trump’s abhorrent comments about women recorded in 2005:

“Donald Trump was recorded on camera bragging about actions that amount to sexually assaulting women, then called it ‘just locker room talk.’ How in the world do John Hoeven, Kevin Cramer, Doug Burgum, and North Dakota’s Republican candidates the rest of the way down the ticket continue to ignore this man’s vile comments as he seeks the most important job in the world? If his perceived entitlement to women’s bodies doesn’t stop Republican officials from supporting him, will anything?”

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