Tag Archive for: Dem-NPL

NDGOP & Gov Burgum Gut Unemployment Benefits and Security for Workers of North Dakota

Bismarck, ND –  Yesterday, Gov. Doug Burgum announced the state will pull out of four federally provided programs that offer extra compensation and longer eligibility to unemployed North Dakotans. Burgum and the entire NDGOP coordinated to tell the working class of our state that they are livestock to be ushered back to historically underpaying, underprotected minimum wage jobs. The NDGOP continues to hinder North Dakota’s ability to recover from the pandemic, maintaining their commitment to vicious, violent animosity towards the men and women who build our state.

Dem-NPL Chair Patrick Hart commented on the NDGOP’s decision to gut benefits:

“As a small business owner the greatest thing I get to do for the community is to serve them and their needs. Hard work for a fair, livable wage is what built North Dakota and what continues to drive the innovation we see in our state. What is not a part of our North Dakota values is kicking people when they are down and treating them viciously, instead of with unmatched kindness. When the pandemic fractured our communities, killed our loved ones, and forced businesses to close, how did the NDGOP respond? They fought science with conspiracy theories, they voted to make the rich even richer, and they wasted our tax dollars on unconstitutional nonsense instead of helping out our neighbors. That is the issue we should be talking about.”

Chair Hart continues:

“We are asking Governor Burgum to sit down with business owners, workers, unemployment recipients and union reps, and have a dialogue about this issue. As Rep. Boschee and countless other North Dakotans have asked, where was the analysis done for this decision? Was it rooted in sound fiscal policy, or was it informed by the feedback loop of fringe right-wing media to legislators and back? What is the average wage for open jobs? What communities are these jobs even available in? What non-lobbyist groups gave input on this decision? These choices have a massive impact on the lives of real North Dakotans and we demand answers, and accountability, from the entire NDGOP.”

NDGOP & Gov Burgum Gut Unemployment Benefits and Security for Workers of North Dakota

Bismarck, ND –  Yesterday, Gov. Doug Burgum announced the state will pull out of four federally provided programs that offer extra compensation and longer eligibility to unemployed North Dakotans. Burgum and the entire NDGOP coordinated to tell the working class of our state that they are livestock to be ushered back to historically underpaying, underprotected minimum wage jobs. The NDGOP continues to hinder North Dakota’s ability to recover from the pandemic, maintaining their commitment to vicious, violent animosity towards the men and women who build our state.

Dem-NPL Chair Patrick Hart commented on the NDGOP’s decision to gut benefits:

“As a small business owner the greatest thing I get to do for the community is to serve them and their needs. Hard work for a fair, livable wage is what built North Dakota and what continues to drive the innovation we see in our state. What is not a part of our North Dakota values is kicking people when they are down and treating them viciously, instead of with unmatched kindness. When the pandemic fractured our communities, killed our loved ones, and forced businesses to close, how did the NDGOP respond? They fought science with conspiracy theories, they voted to make the rich even richer, and they wasted our tax dollars on unconstitutional nonsense instead of helping out our neighbors. That is the issue we should be talking about.”

Chair Hart continues:

“We are asking Governor Burgum to sit down with business owners, workers, unemployment recipients and union reps, and have a dialogue about this issue. As Rep. Boschee and countless other North Dakotans have asked, where was the analysis done for this decision? Was it rooted in sound fiscal policy, or was it informed by the feedback loop of fringe right-wing media to legislators and back? What is the average wage for open jobs? What communities are these jobs even available in? What non-lobbyist groups gave input on this decision? These choices have a massive impact on the lives of real North Dakotans and we demand answers, and accountability, from the entire NDGOP.”

Dem-NPL Elects New Chair, Patrick Hart, Announces New Party Leadership

Bismarck, ND –  Today, at the Democratic-NPL Statewide Reorganization Meeting, Dem-NPL Leaders from across the state elected Patrick Hart to serve as the new State Party Chair. Also elected were Vice Chair Kari Breker, DNC Committeeman Adam Goldwyn, Treasurer Tracey Wilkie, and Secretary Birgit Pruess.

Dem-NPL Chair Patrick Hart Commented On The Election:

“I am honored that my fellow Dem-NPL members across the state have chosen me to take on this important role and lead our party to create a new, expansive vision for North Dakota. Together, we’ll fight for the North Dakotans that build our state. From the teachers, well technicians, farmers, and more, I am excited to build this party around you and your families’ needs.

I look forward to the challenge of building on the foundation of the Dem-NPL that Chair Kylie Oversen built with the help of many others. The Dem-NPL has been a big part of my life for many years and I’m glad to be afforded the opportunity to help grow our base and lead our party into the future. I am humbled by the confidence given by my peers and will ensure that anyone who wants to be involved will be welcomed to the table. Myself and Kari Breker were elected because we have the right ideas and are committed to growing the party & winning elections and we look forward to hitting the ground running.”

Outgoing Chair Kylie Oversen Commented On Today’s Elections:

“Serving North Dakota and the Democratic-NPL has been one of my life’s greatest honors, but I am excited for the bold future that Patrick and the leadership team will create for North Dakota. With Patrick in charge, North Dakotans will have a champion for workers that will carry the fight in each & every election. My heartfelt thank you to all those who have supported me through this role over the years, and my best wishes to Patrick.”

About Patrick Hart: Patrick Hart is a small business owner and resides with his family in Bismarck. He previously served as the Dem-NPL Vice Chair.

Chair Oversen Releases Statement on President Biden’s 100 Days in Office.

Bismarck, ND –  Dem-NPL Chair Kylie Oversen released the following statement on President Biden’s first hundred days in office.

“North Dakotans are grateful to have a leader in the White House. A leader that champions working class families and cherishes our shared values as Americans. When President Biden took the oath of office, there was a shroud of darkness cast over the country with most of us still reeling from a violent insurrection, but still we as a nation pressed forward under his administration’s guidance.

“Now the results are demonstrable. In just 100 days we have seen a robust commitment to ending the COVID-19 pandemic with more than 200 million shots being given to Americans and $1,400 checks – that both North Dakota Senators opposed – going to help support small business owners, teachers, and working class North Dakotans.

“As we move beyond President Biden’s first 100 days, the writing is on the wall for Republicans like Senators Hoeven and Cramer who stand in the way of progress for North Dakotans; get in or get out of the way. The momentum and popularity that President Biden’s agenda has is unmatched in history. Americans are ready for the American Jobs Plan to give us good paying, union jobs. North Dakotans are ready for the American Families Plan, which will aggressively invest in our children and their futures. There is no time to waste and we at Dem-NPL look forward to the fight and bright future to come.”

The First Amendment Is Under Attack From The NDGOP

Bismarck, ND –  With the passage of SB 2030 the NDGOP has made it abundantly clear that the most sacred right enshrined in the Bill of Rights can be cast aside in the name of a 21st Century witch hunt led by Sen. Janne Myrdal (R-Edinburg). 

The NDGOP turned what began as good legislation to fund important and necessary research into a bill that will strip academic freedom from universities, faculty, and students. The bill will undoubtedly drive away students, faculty, and their economic support from our state. The fate of the bill, and academic freedom, now sits on the Governor’s desk.  

Democratic-NPL Executive Director Michael Taylor spoke on the anti-American legislation; 

“What this bill does is strip away academic freedom for the next generation of leaders in North Dakota. If a supermajority of NDGOP legislators are willing to blatantly strip First Amendment rights, what right will they take away from you next? The leadership of this party, from Governor Burgum to our leaders in the United States Senate, are failing you and your family and allowing a frothing group of right-wing zealots – who view a serial sexual harasser as a martyr – to overtake our state government.”

Taylor continued;

“To each and every North Dakotan: I urge you to look at what is happening to our state. The NDGOP has had opportunity after opportunity to create legislation that improves your life. Instead, every single time they have chosen to pass laws that objectively make your life harder, less safe, or outright spit in the face of the Constitution. This cannot stand for one more day. How many Constitutional rights are you willing to give up for elected officials that give you nothing, while taking your tax dollars and killing jobs in your communities?” 

Rep. Schneider and Dem-NPL Call for Executive Moratorium on Evictions and Rental Fees

FARGO, ND — For many North Dakotans, rent is due in only a few days even though many are suddenly without work or a paycheck because of COVID-19 disruptions. Some landlords have been proactive in providing relief and many utilities have promised not to shut off their services. Other landlords sent out letters directing renters that regardless of illness or lost employment, rent is still due on April 1. Some of these letters directed renters to choose between online-only payments or paying a new credit card charge while also saying they will delay maintenance services as a COVD-19 prevention measure.
Today, Rep. Mary Schneider, D-Fargo, sent a letter to the governor respectfully urging him to sign an executive order temporarily halting evictions, foreclosures, utility shut-offs, and related late fees and interest. The moratorium would create consistency for North Dakotans and correlate with directives from President Trump as well as bipartisan initiatives at the city, county, and state levels nationwide. 

This call follows leadership by advocates and organizers like High Plains Fair Housing Center who are working to protect the significant number of North Dakotans who are at risk. Over 44% of Cass County residents are renters (2017 American Community Survey – US Census). Statewide, in 2017, 37% of citizens rented, according to the American Community Survey (US Census).

Rep. Mary Schneider, whose constituents are particularly vulnerable during this crisis, said in her call to the governor:

“Through no fault of their own, people have lost their jobs, had their paychecks eliminated or reduced, and have limited or no resources to withstand the crisis. They are petrified about losing their housing and having to find alternative and affordable shelter during a pandemic—or possibly becoming homeless. They are additionally afraid of not being able to recover financially from extra costs, fees, deposits, and penalties from late payments and court actions, even after they are working again. When those folks asked me what I was going to do about their desperate circumstances, I said I would ask you to help.”

The Democratic NPL-Party Chairwoman Kylie Oversen, whose law practice includes social security disability and employment law, said:

“The Governor constantly says that we need to focus on Facts over Fear. Right now, it is a fact that our neighbors are losing their jobs and won’t be able to pay their rent when April 1 rolls around. It is a fact that too many working families are worried about losing their shelter at a time when they need it most.”

“Many of my clients are constantly at risk of losing their homes under normal circumstances. Now, when facing a global public health crisis, the risk is even greater and more alarming. We urge the Governor to take immediate action to ensure all North Dakotans can at least rest assured that they won’t be evicted and left without their basic need of shelter.”

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Settlement Shows Progress, But North Dakota Must Keep Working For Equal Voting Rights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

February 13, 2020

 BISMARCK, ND — The settlement for a long-fought Voter ID lawsuit was announced on Thursday, just days after a federal judge denied Secretary of State Al Jaeger’s request to dismiss it. The lawsuit by the Spirit Lake Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and individual plaintiffs challenged a law passed by the Republican majority and enacted by Jaeger without any evidence of the voter fraud they claimed it would prevent.

Rep. Ruth Buffalo, an enrolled member of the M.H.A. Nation who is originally from Mandaree, said:

“It’s 2020, and we have to do better to make sure everyone has equal access to the ballot box. Perhaps North Dakota needs a statewide voting task force to ensure all levels of government are communicating and all unjust barriers are removed.”

House Minority Leader Josh Boschee said:

“It’s great to see progress continue toward addressing the negative impact the voter ID law has had on Tribal communities. The Republican majority passed this law, and Secretary Jaeger implemented it, even though it was apparent the law would keep citizens from voting. It’s a shame it took North Dakota years of taxpayer-funded lawsuits to get to this point.”

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