Tag Archive for: unemployment

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.”

The Wait Continues for Unemployment Benefit Payments

BISMARCK, ND — Today Gov. Burgum said unemployment benefit payments for those impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic might finally be sent to North Dakotans next week.

Last month, groups of distressed renters, advocacy organizations, nonprofits, and the Dem-NPL urged the governor to sign an executive order and moratorium on evictions, late rental fees, and foreclosures. Renters asked for security to know that they could stay in their homes through the pandemic and that they wouldn’t go into debt while they’re out of work through no fault of their own.

On March 30, Burgum declined this request and told renters they would be in better shape after federal relief programs took effect. During that time, many small business owners and independent contractors have been unable to access PPP loans and many others have been unable to receive unemployment payments leaving them worried about their financial security.

Democratic-NPL Chairwoman Kylie Oversen said:

“Job Service has a challenging job and we know they’re working hard with an outdated system, but many North Dakotans are hanging on by a thread. A month ago, the governor indicated support was on the way, but today he said to keep waiting. Our workers and families deserve something tangible.”

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