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 lawmakers raise concerns over budget cuts to vital services, impacts on property tax relief

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, April 4

 

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – House and Senate Democratic-NPL lawmakers held a press conference Monday calling attention to the impact of budget cuts on North Dakota citizens. Specific impacts addressed at the press conference included cuts to higher education and state employment, reductions in funding for rural infrastructure, and unmet needs in behavioral health and addiction services. Dem-NPL lawmakers also sounded warnings over potential increases in property taxes due to reduced funding for services and reductions in the 12 percent property tax buydown.  

Cuts to Services:

“At the beginning of the session, lawmakers began work on HB 1040, a bill aimed at addressing North Dakota’s behavioral health crisis,” said Sen. Tim Mathern (D-11, Fargo). “This bill recommended $28 million in funding for unmet behavioral health needs and addiction services. But by the time the bill passed the House, funding had been reduced to just $200,000, less than one percent of the original recommendations. This reduction means we won’t make anywhere near the same level of commitment to addressing suicide prevention, alcoholism, addition and abuse, all of which result in long-term costs for our communities.”    

“Deep cuts to higher education mean the loss of 600 or more positions in North Dakota’s university system,” said Rep. Kathy Hogan (D-21, Fargo). “But these cuts have even farther-reaching consequences, like reductions to entire programs, increases in tuition, more student debt, and fewer opportunities for cutting-edge research, which helps diversify and power our state’s economy.” 

“Rural communities could be especially hard hit by the closure of Department of Transportation ‘station shops,’ which help ensure roads are properly maintained and cleared of snow, ice and other obstructions during inclement weather,” said Senate Dem-NPL Leader Joan Heckaman (D-23, New Rockford). North Dakota has over 7,400 miles of state highways, nearly 20,000 miles of county roads, 56,000 miles of township roads, and 5,000 bridges, all of which must be maintained in safe and acceptable condition. Reductions in state funding mean less frequent maintenance and fewer dollars for upkeep of this infrastructure, added Heckaman.

Reduced Revenues & Property Taxes:

Senator Jim Dotzenrod (D-26, Wyndmere) emphasized the policies enacted by the Republican legislature during previous sessions, which substantially lowered revenue collections and contributed to North Dakota’s budget mess.  

“Over the last several sessions, our legislative leaders pushed through tax cuts for oil companies and reduced corporate taxes in a very large way,” said Dotzenrod. “Most of the benefits from these tax cuts went to individuals and corporations that are doing quite well and don’t need help from the government. Now that commodity prices and sales tax collections are down, we should be in an environment of shared sacrifice, which is a term we’re hearing very frequently in the halls of the Capitol. But those who have benefited the most from these earlier tax cuts are not being asked to give up any of the advantages or gains they’ve been given by the legislature. Instead, the legislature is talking about enacting cuts that primarily affect those on the lower end of the economic scale.”   

House Dem-NPL Leader Corey Mock (D-18, Grand Forks) discussed how the Republican supermajority is attempting to balance the budget and the long-term implications of their approach.

“As difficult as this budget is, future budgets will be even more challenging because we don’t have the ongoing revenue to support this approach – it’s just not sustainable,” said Mock. “Right now, we’re balancing our budget by draining all of our savings accounts, which are funded by the same oil taxes that have been slashed. We’re not going to have these savings accounts to draw on in future years. This approach will come back to haunt us, and we’re highly concerned that the next item on the chopping block is the property tax relief that’s been promised to our citizens. North Dakotans may see higher property taxes by next year, and that would be a clear violation of the promises this legislature has made.”

# # #

Cramer’s silence on Russia is deafening

Will Congressman Cramer stand up for North Dakota and call for nonpartisan investigation on Russia?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 31, 2017

 

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – We learned over the past week that Devin Nunes, Chair of the House Intelligence Committee, raced to share with President Trump and the media – prior to sharing it members of his own committee – intelligence regarding the House’s investigation into ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. We learned further that his sources for this information came from within the White House. He has canceled future Committee hearings, effectively halting the investigation. Even Republican Senator John McCain has questioned the credibility of the panel.

In light of these revelations, Robert Haider, Executive Director of the Democratic-NPL Party, released the following statement:

“Our country’s intelligence agencies confirmed Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. election, and now the head of the House Intelligence Committee has shown his conflict of interest and halted the committee’s investigation into the matter. This is an issue of national security.

“Where is Kevin Cramer? His refusal to acknowledge the importance of an unbiased investigation into the connection between the Trump campaign and Russia is telling. From everything that’s come to light over the past week, it’s clear that we need unbiased investigations into these ties. Cramer needs to do what’s best for the country and join the call for Nunes to recuse himself and for nonpartisan investigations, rather than staying silent.”

# # #

House Dem-NPL leader Corey Mock on overriding Gov. Burgum’s veto of HB 1153

 HB 1153 limits excessive bonuses for state employees

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, March 29 

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Speaking on the House floor today, House Democratic-NPL leader Corey Mock (Grand Forks) urged lawmakers to override Governor Burgum’s veto of HB 1153, a bill limiting excessive bonuses for the governor’s staff and appointees:

“If we allow this veto to stand, and if the governor feels the need to give bonuses in excess of $5,000 per year, we will be doing this at a time when this very legislative body is eliminating approximately 1,400 full-time employees (FTEs) across the state. There’s no pay increases for any public employee, and there’s even a request from Governor Burgum for public employees to pay 5 percent of their health insurance premiums, a change public employees are simply not prepared for.

“So when you look at this, if we do not override this veto, we will have eliminated nearly 8 percent of public employee positions, given no pay raises – and you can even argue there’s a pay decrease – and yet we will be allowing the governor to pay bonuses in excess of $5,000 to his staff and appointees.

“So, Mr. Speaker, we all have to make some sacrifices. This is a difficult budget. But is it fair for the snowplow drivers, the teachers, the public employees, the nurses – who also work tirelessly for the people of North Dakota – to sacrifice their pay and then be treated differently than the governor’s own staff, who receive excessive bonuses?”  

HB 1153 sets limits on the dollar amount the governor is allowed to give his staff in retention bonuses, as well as bonuses he is allowed to offer other political appointees. The bill was a response to bonuses offered by former Governor Dalrymple to his staff, including bonuses between $20,000 and $32,000. Several of the staff in Gov. Dalrymple’s office who received bonuses were also retained by the Burgum administration. 

# # #

DEM-NPL statement on Cramer and Hoeven’s votes to gut broadband privacy protections

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2017
CONTACT
Robert Haider
(701) 255-0460
DEM-NPL statement on Cramer and Hoeven’s votes to gut broadband privacy protections
 
(BISMARCK, ND) – Kevin Cramer voted on Tuesday to allow Internet Service Providers (ISP) to sell without permission the Internet browsing history of North Dakotans. John Hoeven voted last week to gut the protections. In response, Dem-NPL executive director Robert Haider released the following statement:
“Kevin Cramer took nearly $72,000 from ISP special interests and then voted to allow those same ISPs to sell North Dakotans’ online information to the highest bidder. We believe that North Dakotans should have the final say in how their private online information is used and shared. North Dakotans value their privacy – why don’t Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven?”
# # #

After dozens of votes to repeal ACA and over four years in Congress under Kevin Cramer’s leadership, GOP still has no healthcare plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 24, 2017

(BISMARCK, ND) – After the House leadership’s decision to pull Rep. Kevin Cramer’s plan to take away coverage from 24 million Americans, the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party released the following statement:

“Kevin Cramer has voted dozens of times to repeal the ACA over his four years in Congress. He sat on the committee that drafted a bill that would have negatively impacted tens of thousands of North Dakotans, and he still doesn’t have a workable solution for healthcare. If Cramer’s healthcare bill was enacted, it would result in nearly 34,000 North Dakotans losing their coverage. Further, it would result in higher premiums and less security for the 25,000 people age 50 to 64 who purchase insurance on the marketplace.

“In an attempt to placate the most extreme elements of the House GOP, the original bill was made even worse and Republicans moved to eliminate Essential Health Benefits from Americans’ coverage. If enacted, insurance companies would have no longer been required to cover the following services:

– Outpatient care
– Emergency services
– Hospitalization
– Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care
– Mental health and substance use disorder
– Prescription drugs
– Rehabilitative and habilitative services
– Laboratory services
– Preventive care
– Pediatric services, including oral and vision care for children

“After those requirements were stripped and other changes were made to the bill, the CBO found that the bill became far more expensive while also taking away health insurance from 24 million Americans. Despite Kevin Cramer’s best efforts, this inadequate bill did not have the votes to pass.

“Rep. Cramer should work across the aisle, on behalf of all North Dakotans, to find real, workable solutions to the challenges facing our healthcare system. Doing so will help improve affordability and coverage for his constituents and all Americans.”

# # #

Amid unstable oil prices, reduced budget forecast, Dem-NPL lawmakers urge volatility study of state budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, March 14

Amid unstable oil prices & reduced budget forecast, Democratic-NPL lawmakers urge volatility study of state budget


(BISMARCK, N.D.) – Amid increasingly volatile oil prices and a reduced budget forecast released late last week, Democratic-NPL lawmakers introduced a resolution calling for the North Dakota Legislative Management to study the volatility of state revenue sources and develop proposals that help ensure the stability of the overall state budget.

“Let’s be clear, our state is facing a budget crisis,” said Representative Ron Guggisberg (D-Fargo), the primary sponsor of the resolution. “Each time a new revenue forecast is released, we’re told our state will have to swallow even more severe cuts than we previously thought. These cuts aren’t abstract; they’re tangible and they’re jeopardizing our ability to fund higher education, provide behavioral health and addiction services, and keep our promises on tax relief for working families.”  

On Thursday, state budget officials released a revised revenue forecast, projecting $46 million less in the current 2015-17 biennium, and $103 million less in the coming 2017-19 biennium, than previously expected. Since the beginning of the legislative session, lawmakers have confronted a $1.4 billion revenue shortfall, and now must contend with an additional $150 million in reduced revenue in the current and next biennium. 

“North Dakota’s budget crisis isn’t due to circumstances alone,” said Senator Erin Oban (D-Bismarck), a cosponsor of the resolution. “It’s a self-inflicted crisis that lawmakers brought on our citizens as they slashed revenues, increased spending and tied their own hands when it comes to accessing funds that could prevent some of the painful cuts we’re facing. Yes, we are an energy and agriculture-based economy, but lower commodity and oil prices are simply adding to a problem the legislature created over the course of the past decade.”

Last week, when the revised budget forecast was released, lawmakers received small but encouraging signs of an uptick in North Dakota’s oil production, although oil prices remained low. Yesterday, however, the global market for crude was experiencing a sharp increase in volatility, with CNBC writing: “After months of relative price stability, with WTI oil prices pinned between $50 and $55 per barrel, the floodgates of selling opened wide […] Prices for WTI will likely fall steadily back to the November lows near $42 per barrel over the next few weeks. The real test comes after that. Could we retrace the entirety of the gains off the February 2016 low at $26.05? It is quite possible.”

Last week’s revised revenue forecast was based on an assumed oil price of around $54 per barrel (WTI), or $47 per barrel after the North Dakota discount, with production estimated between 925,000-950,000 barrels per day.

“As lawmakers, our ability to curb the pain of these cuts, and ultimately balance the budget in a way that is sustainable for the future, depends on an accurate assessment of current and future revenues,” added Guggisberg. “That’s the aim of this resolution, and I hope the majority in the House will join us in taking steps to address some of the volatility in our revenue projections.”

Democratic-NPL lawmakers previously introduced similar legislation in the Senate during the 64th legislative session. That bill was opposed by the majority and failed in the Senate on an unrecorded vote.


# # #

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.”

# # #

Rep. Boschee requests bipartisan amendments for non-discrimination bill

HB 1386 provides basic protections for LGBT North Dakotans

Rep Boschee: “Since Day One, we’ve been ready and willing to work in a bipartisan fashion to pass this bill” 

(BISMARCK, N.D.) – On the House floor today, State Rep. Josh Boschee (D-44), the primary sponsor of HB 1386, requested his bill be returned to committee to provide additional opportunities to work with Republican lawmakers on amendments that would strengthen bipartisan support for the bill and, ultimately, allow it to pass the House.      Boschee

HB 1386 would provide basic anti-discrimination protections for LGBT North Dakotans in the areas of housing, employment and public services.

Boschee’s request to return the bill to committee was voted down 32-59. Twenty Republicans joined Democratic-NPL lawmakers voting in favor.

Representative Boschee then attempted to amend HB 1386 on the House floor to limit the scope of the bill’s provisions to apply only to government employment and government-provided services – not services provided by the private sector – in another attempt to address concerns raised by Republicans. The amendment, which required unanimous consent to be considered under House rule 333, was also rejected by a voice vote.

“Since Day One, we’ve been ready and willing to work in a bipartisan fashion to pass this bill,” said Boschee. “We cannot let perfect be the enemy of the good when it comes to providing basic protections that are so important to so many of our citizens. Passing a bill that provides these protections – even if it doesn’t include every single provision we want – is better than not passing any bill at all.”

“We remain committed to working with our colleagues across the aisle to build enough support to finally pass this commonsense, and vitally important, legislation,” added Boschee.

This is the fourth time anti-discrimination legislation has been introduced to the North Dakota Legislature. Nearly identical bills were introduced, and voted down, during the 2009, 2013 and 2015 legislative sessions. Throughout the committee hearing for HB 1386, Rep. Boschee worked with Republicans to offer amendments that addressed their concerns in order to strengthen bipartisan support for the legislation.

The Forum editorial board, the Bismarck Tribune editorial board and Republican Governor Doug Burgum have all expressed their support for anti-discrimination legislation.  

When identical legislation was considered during the 2015 legislative session, the Forum wrote: “It’s time for North Dakota to join some 40 other states that have stopped discriminating in jobs and housing based on sexual orientation and gender identity.” The following month, Burgum told the High Plains Reader: “Every policy the legislature is considering should be viewed through a lens of supporting workforce development in the state […] Any laws we have that discriminate against or limit the rights of any citizens based on gender orientation create a barrier for recruiting and retaining talent in our state.”

Earlier this week, the Bismarck Tribune wrote: “Businesses and civil servants shouldn’t be allowed to refuse services to people because of their race, age, gender or sexual preferences […] Passing HB1386 would be a positive step for North Dakota and the nation. It would signal the state believes everyone is equal under the law.”

“Elected leaders talk all the time about building a stronger and more vibrant economy, and investing in our communities,” said Boschee. “Yes, this bill is about providing basic protections for all North Dakotans, but it’s also about making our communities more open for investments, innovation and entrepreneurs. Simply put, making our communities more welcoming is good for business – and this should be a goal we can all get behind, regardless of party affiliation.”        

Following Rep. Boschee’s request to return his bill to committee, and his request to amend the bill on the floor, HB 1386 was voted down, 22-69, with 10 Republicans joining all Democratic-NPL lawmakers voting in favor.

# # #

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.”