There are a number of challenges facing rural North Dakota. Over a series of upcoming posts on ND xPlains, I’d like to highlight some of those challenges including what may help mitigate some of the issues. The closing of rural ...
With this week’s Associated Press reporting “North Dakota oil drillers are falling far short of the state’s goals to limit the burning of excess natural gas at well heads, five years after the state adopted the rules to reduce the ...
The December 2017 tax reform created a new tax incentive called “opportunity zones.” The new program will provide tax benefits to investors who spur economic development in a designated eligible area. Under the law, Governors are given authority to designate ...
I’ve been critical of the power grabs and resilience to independent oversight in the latest North Dakota session. From constant complaints from legislators about being forced to create an ethics commission to changes to citizen-led measure it’s been frustrating. The ...
Governor Doug Burgum and area lawmakers are attempting to publicly blame Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney for the state’s failure to fully commit requested funding to the FM Diversion. The finger-pointing began after the Legislature had already decided to cut back ...
The elimination and scaling down of funding for NDSU buildings is the latest example of the ND House’s anger towards the Fargo area. Early last week, I wrote that Fargo faces more than just “funding fatigue” from lawmakers. The week ...
North Dakota lawmakers were caught holding a meeting about the Department of Human Services budget behind a locked door in Bismarck. The meeting was exposed by Forum Communications’ John Hageman and the Associated Press’ James McPherson. You can read Hageman’s ...
North Dakota Land Commissioner Jodi Smith recently revealed that $137 million was shorted from two constitutional funds dedicated to the state’s public schools. Days later, State Engineer Garland Erbele told a Senate committee that a third constitutional fund, the resources trust ...
The North Dakota Legislature has declared February 25th, 2019 as “Bank of North Dakota Day.” The resolution, sponsored by legislative leaders in both chambers and from both parties is to congratulate the BND on its 100th year. It passed the ...
Elected leaders in Bismarck claim “confusion” from voters make changes necessary when it comes to ballot measures. Because of that “confusion” our State Constitution has become “vulnerable” according to State Senators. Therefore, they continue to approve changes to the constitutional ...