Roughrider Roundup – January 24, 2022
Happy Monday!
Dear Fellow Republicans,
We wanted to provide you with a roundup of everything you might have missed from North Dakota’s great Republican leaders this past week. Please share with family and friends!
– Perrie Schafer, NDGOP Chairman
North Dakota
State of the State address rescheduled in February at Fargo Theatre
AM 1100 The Flag
The North Dakota Office of the Governor announced Friday he will deliver the rescheduled 2022 State of the State Address. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum says the address will happen in Fargo at 10 a.m on February 16th at the Fargo Theatre.
North Dakota officials approve ‘world’s largest carbon capture facility’
KPVI
The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved a carbon storage facility for Minnkota Power Cooperative’s Project Tundra. Dubbed the “world’s largest carbon capture facility,” the $1 billion project was made possible by an investment from the Milton R. Young Power Station in Oliver County, according to a news release from the commission. The station will capture 90% of its carbon dioxide, which amounts to 4 million metric tons annually, according to the commission. Gov. Doug Burgum serves as chairman of the three-member commission that also includes Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring.
Westhope’s Lyndsi Engstrom named to state education board
KX News
Lyndsi Engstrom, a member of Westhope’s school board, has been appointed to the North Dakota Board of Public School Education. Engstrom succeeds Maria Effertz Hanson, Velva, who resigned last month. Gov. Doug Burgum appointed Engstrom to complete Hanson’s six-year term, which ends June 30, 2024. Engstrom will represent Benson, Bottineau, Cavalier, McHenry, Pembina, Pierce, Ramsey, Renville, Rolette, Towner, and Walsh counties on the board.
PSC denies another extension for a wind farm lighting system
Prairie Public Newsroom
In its request for a waiver, Sunflower told the Commission it was waiting for FAA approval of another light mitigation system. That didn’t happen. So Sunflower asked for an extension of time to install the approved “Aircraft Detection Lighting System.” “Seventeen facilities using the same available vendors, and under the same deadline, were able to install ADLS by the Dec. 31st, 2021 deadline,” said PSC chairman Julie Fedorchak. “Sunflower had four years to install ADLS.”
ND taxable sales report shows continued growth
Knox Radio
North Dakota’s taxable sales and purchases for the third quarter of 2021 climbed 12.1% compared to the same timeframe in 2020. Taxable sales and purchases for July, August, and September of 2021 were $5.32 billion.Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus says the upward trend in the third quarter shows economic growth. “I am optimistic that the trend will continue, as the economy stabilizes from the impacts of the pandemic.”
Minot City Council approves intermodal agreement with Minot Area Chamber EDC
Minot Daily News
The City of Minot has agreed to loan $1.56 million to a subsidiary of the Minot Area Chamber EDC to purchase city-owned land used for an intermodal facility. The loan would be forgivable if employment projections and other stipulations in the five-year business incentive agreement are met…He referenced letters of support for the five-year agreement in letters from state Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and James Leiman, commissioner of the N.D. Department of Commerce.
Hettinger Public School violated open meeting law, AG determines
KX News
Hettinger Public School violated the open meetings law by not properly describing the subject of the executive session at the meeting, an inadequate announcement before the executive session began and by talking about topics outside of those announced, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said in a Jan. 19 opinion.
AG says unreasonable delay in Stark County providing requested records
KX News
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem says the Stark County Board of Commissioners didn’t provide requested records within a reasonable time and failed to communicate with the requester in a Jan. 19 opinion. On Oct. 27, 2020, the requester asked Stark County for records concerning finalist applications for a human resources position. After receiving no response, the requester sent a reminder 13 days later, according to Stenehjem.
Howe announces run for secretary of state
KFYR TV
Howe is a Republican from Casselton who lives in West Fargo and works as a managing partner of Howe Seed Farms. He has served in the House of Representatives for District 22 since the 2017 legislative session. Incumbent Al Jaeger, who will retire at the end of his term in 2022, will exit the office as the second-longest serving secretary of state in North Dakota history.
NDSU professor Mark Strand tells of plans for term on ND State Health Council
NDSU Spectrum
Appointed by North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, NDSU’s Mark Strand, a professor in the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Public Health at NDSU, will serve a three-year term on the North Dakota State Health Council. The council establishes standards, rules and regulations necessary for the maintenance of public health and monitors the quality of health care in North Dakota. It serves as the North Dakota Department of Health’s governing and advisory body.
ND Grain Dealers Association Reviews Updates to ND Grain Regulations
Red River Farm Network
A measure approved in the 2021 state legislative session gives the agriculture commissioner more discretion of who gets grain licenses. North Dakota Ag Commissioner Doug Goehring outlined the changes in a townhall at the North Dakota Grain Dealers Association Convention.
Audit petitioners announce they have enough signatures to force a state audit of Williston Basin School District
KFYR TV
Audit petitioners in Williston say they have enough signatures to make State Auditor Josh Gallion in charge of an audit of the Williston Basin School District. With more than 900 signatures recorded out of the required 707, organizers say they expect to turn in the petition to the state later this week. Once it is finalized, petitioner Dawn Hollingsworth says the auditor’s office will take control of any ongoing audits and proceed with their own investigation of the district. She also says she believes this audit will provide unbiased answers as to the state of the district’s financials.
North Dakota to appeal ruling in royalty dispute with oil company
Grand Forks Herald
The state of North Dakota will appeal a ruling rendered last year that favored an oil company in a longstanding dispute over old royalty payments, Land Commissioner Jodi Smith told Forum News Service. A western North Dakota judge ruled in favor of Newfield Exploration and against the state in October, but the three-page judgment in the extremely complex and potentially precedent-setting case left major questions unanswered. The Board of University and School Lands, which includes Gov. Doug Burgum and four other statewide elected officials, recently decided to appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court, Smith said.
Newly appointed tax commissioner to run in 2022 election
KFGO
Less than a month after he was appointed North Dakota tax commissioner, Brian Kroshus said he plans to run for the post in the 2022 election. Kroshus, a Republican, was appointed tax commissioner by Gov. Doug Burgum and started on Jan. 4. Kroshus previously served as a member of the Public Service Commission.
Another push to crack down on robocalls
Knox Radio
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem has joined a bipartisan group of attorneys general in urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adopt measures to help stem the tide of foreign-based illegal robocalls. Stenehjem says every day his office receives reports from victims of these scam calls. According to Stenehjem when consumers unwittingly respond to the calls they may lose thousands of dollars.
Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program extended through 2034
Prairie Public Newsroom
The U-S Interior Department has extended the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program through the year 2034. In North Dakota, the program is used to reclaim old underground coal mines. At times, sinkholes have developed because of those mines. The Public Service Commission is responsible for abandoned mine reclamation. Commissioner Randy Christmann said the extension is good news. Christmann said North Dakota’s abandoned mine lands program has worked very well.
North Dakota beekeeping business to serve top US honey states
The Bismarck Tribune
North Dakota leads the nation in honey production, and together with Montana and South Dakota produced nearly half of all U.S. honey in 2019, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department. The project was backed by local and state incentive programs. It is expected to create 12 full-time jobs. “As the No. 1 honey producer in the nation, North Dakota is a fitting hub for beekeeping supplies and is home to many residents who rely on our state’s ability to remain a competitive leader in the honey market,“ North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said.
Washington, D.C.
“We got it all” – FM Diversion receives full funding from federal government
Prairie Public Newsroom
The Fargo-Moorhead Diversion project is now fully funded, and Cass County Commission Chairman Chad Peterson says he could hardly believe the news. Peterson serves on the FM Diversion Authority. He says when Senator John Hoeven called to tell him about it, he was blown away. “Senator Hoeven said, ‘Chad, what do you think the number is?’ And I said, ‘Sir, I’m hopeful that it’s in excess of a hundred million, but I’ll take whatever you’ve got. It’s far more than I expect, but I’m hopeful.’ And he said, ‘We’ve got it all.’ I said, ‘We got $180 million? I can’t hardly believe it!’ And he said, ‘No, Chad. We got it ALL.’ I said, ‘Is there any way they can take it back?!”
North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer speaks in support of March for Life
AM 1100 The Flag
North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer is speaking in support of pro-life demonstrators taking part in Friday’s March for Life in Washington D.C. “I’ve always promised the people of North Dakota that I would fight for life at all stages and I will always fulfill that promise. This is an issue of women’s rights and it’s one of the most important issues of our day, perhaps the most important,” said Cramer.
Last hurdle for Coal Creek sale cleared and more things to know in energy this week
The Williston Herald
Sen. Kevin Cramer highlighted the Bakken in recent remarks at the nation’s Capitol, where he pressed Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve nominee Lael Brainard on her views when it comes to the Federal Reserves role in energy and climate. “The Bakken is cash-starved quite honestly and some of that is because of the signals they’re getting from banks and the banks are getting from others that investing in oil production is persona non grata. Now the demand is going up, the supply is being held down by both rhetoric and policy. Most of it is not your policies, but the President’s,” Cramer said.
Cramer meets with Ukrainian President Zelensky
KFYR TV
Cramer traveled to Ukraine with six other U.S. Senators in a bipartisan effort to demonstrate the United States’ commitment to freedom in Ukraine. Cramer says the U.S. delegation’s goal was to send a strong message to Russian president Vladimir Putin. “The mission was basically to demonstrate to Ukraine’s leadership, the Ukrainian people, and of course Vladimir Putin and Russia, that the United States, including the United States Senate, including members of both political parties from various parts of the country, stand united in their opposition to Russian aggression and in support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and their love of freedom,” said Cramer.
Cramer optimistic after visiting North Dakota farmer in Ukrainian prison
KVRR
Sen. Kevin Cramer says there’s cause for optimism following his meeting with a North Dakota farmer being held for an alleged assassination plot against a member of the Ukrainian president’s cabinet. Kurt Groszhans of Ashley is in a Kyiv prison. He’s been charged with attempted murder, attempted extortion and attempted kidnapping.
‘Build Back Better’ Hit a Wall, but Climate Action Could Move Forward
The New York Times
Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota said he preferred solutions like support for technologies to capture carbon dioxide from the air and it store it underground. The Build Back Better Act does include billions of dollars for research and development of so-called “carbon capture,” a technology that is not in use at any commercial scale because it is prohibitively expensive. Mr. Cramer recently joined with former President Trump’s national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, in calling for the United States and Europe to impose a carbon fee on imported goods as part of “a trans-Atlantic climate and trade initiative.”
Federal funds of $61 million designated to Minot flood protection
Minot Daily News
A federal contribution of $61.45 million toward flood protection in Minot and the Souris River Valley has been secured, Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND, announced Wednesday. Hoeven reported he worked with the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, Shalanda Young, to secure the funds from money appropriated by Congress for infrastructure. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, received the funds to complete phase 4, the Maple Diversion Channel and levees north of Minot, from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Plan approved by Congress. Completion of the Maple Diversion will tie the previous three phases together and complete flood protection for 60% of residents.
GOP pushes Germany to stop Nord Stream 2 over Russia’s threat to invade Ukraine
The Washington Examiner
“I think passing something is better than passing nothing. I think passing Menendez instead of Rubio is not as good as passing Rubio. That said, I think if we can get the two parties together, and we ought to work on it now, and we ought to work on it hard, and we ought to work on it fast,” Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota said at the press conference.
GOP senators say it’s high time to ‘bloody’ Putin’s nose, call for unified action
Fox News
Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., described the White House meeting as an “instructive and construction discussion.” “I don’t think we surprised the president or Mr. Sullivan or anybody in the administration with what we said. Quite honestly we listened as much as we spoke,” he told Fox News Digital. “We want to have strong bipartisan sanctions,” he continued. “But…enough has been done to punch back a little bit. Right now Vladimir Putin is saying ‘thank you Mr. President but words are cheap’ and it’s time to demonstrate some action.”
USDA awards $875,000 to help ND producers cover costs of federal conservation compliance
Minot Daily News
Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., recently announced the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) awarded $875,000 to North Dakota Agricultural Mitigation (NDAM), Inc., a partnership between six North Dakota commodity groups that helps agriculture producers cover the costs of establishing wetland banks to meet federal conservation compliance requirements.
Supreme Court to hear Ted Cruz challenge to campaign finance law
Roll Call
A group of five Republican senators — Roy Blunt of Missouri, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota and Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker of Mississippi — told the justices that the limit is “a significant restriction on one of the most important sources for campaign funding.” The Texas Republican’s lawsuit brings the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act — also known as the McCain-Feingold law for its principal sponsors, the late Sen. John McCain and former Sen. Russ Feingold — back to the high court, which has been sharply divided along ideological lines over the past two decades as it struck down as unconstitutional other provisions of that major 2002 law.
BURGUM: Burgum to deliver rescheduled State of the State Address on Feb. 16 at Fargo Theatre
BISMARCK, N.D. (JAN. 21, 2022) – Gov. Doug Burgum announced today that he will deliver his rescheduled 2022 State of the State Address at 10 a.m. Feb. 16 at the Fargo Theatre in Fargo.
The address was initially scheduled for this week but was postponed due to the governor having laryngitis. The venue has changed to the Fargo Theatre due to a scheduling conflict with the previously scheduled venue at North Dakota State University. Additional information about the rescheduled address, including electronic media setup, will be provided in the coming weeks.
The address will also be livestreamed from the Governor’s Office website at www.governor.nd.gov.
CRAMER – Commerce Dept. Awards $682k for North Dakota Economic Development
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) announced the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded the following three grants totaling $682,500:
- $227,500 to the Souris Basin Planning Council to support Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville, and Ward counties.
- $227,500 to the Lewis and Clark Regional Development Council to support Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan, and Sioux.
- $227,500 to the North Central Planning Council to support Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Ramsey, Rolette, and Towner, including the Spirit Lake Nation and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa reservations.
All of the funds will be used to establish an economic development planning framework, process, and strategy to support private capital investment and job creation in the regions.
BURGUM – Burgum statement on Supreme Court blocking Biden’s vaccine mandate on private businesses
BISMARCK, N.D. (JAN. 13, 2022) – Gov. Doug Burgum released the following statement today after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Biden administration did not have authority to impose a vaccine mandate on private businesses with 100 or more employees.
“Today’s ruling reaffirms what we’ve said from the beginning: This misguided vaccine mandate was blatant federal overreach by the Biden administration,” Burgum said. “Vaccines and boosters remain the best defense against COVID-19 severe illness, hospitalization and death and are readily available to all North Dakota residents, and we encourage those who haven’t been vaccinated to consult with their trusted medical provider.”
The Supreme Court upheld 5-4 a separate vaccine mandate on employers who receive funding through federal Medicare or Medicaid programs, affecting an estimated 17 million health care workers. Burgum expressed his disappointment that hospitals and long-term care facilities won’t be allowed to make their own vaccine decisions as private employers.
Roughrider Roundup – January 11, 2022
Happy Monday!
Dear Fellow Republicans,
We wanted to provide you with a roundup of everything you might have missed from North Dakota’s great Republican leaders this past week. Please share with family and friends!
– Perrie Schafer, NDGOP Chairman
NDGOP Thanks Rep. Pollert for “Exemplary” Service to North Dakota
BISMARCK – Today, Perrie Schafer, Chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party (“NDGOP”) issued the following statement in response North Dakota House Majority Leader Chet Pollert’s announcement that he would be retiring at the end of term:
“On behalf of the entire North Dakota Republican Party, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Representative Chet Pollert for the over two decades of exemplary service he has given to our state in the legislature. As a true conservative leader, Chet has been an important advocate for our agricultural sector while also being a steward of our taxpayers’ money. While we will miss his leadership dearly, we wish him and his family nothing but the very best in this new chapter of their lives.”
NDGOP Mourns Loss of Long-Time Republican Representative, George Keiser
NDGOP Chairman Perrie Schafer released the following statement on the passing of state Rep. George Keiser of Bismarck.
“We are saddened to learn of this loss and we offer our prayers and deepest condolences to the Keiser family. Rep. George Keiser was a wonderful leader in the state of North Dakota for many years, and his public service has not gone unnoticed; he will be greatly missed in the halls of the Capitol.”
Roughrider Roundup – December 20, 2021
Happy Monday!
Dear Fellow Republicans,
We wanted to provide you with a roundup of everything you might have missed from North Dakota’s great Republican leaders this past week. Please share with family and friends!
– Perrie Schafer, NDGOP Chairman
Programming Note: We’ll see you in 2022! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Please note ** NDGOP will be closed starting at noon on Thursday, Dec. 23rd-26th for Christmas, and we will also be closed Friday, Dec. 31 for New Years.
North Dakota
NDGOP Holds Successful State Committee Meeting.
“I want to thank the hardworking members of the NDGOP State Committee who took the time before the holidays to form an easy quorum and vote to continue the past tradition of holding a Republican endorsing convention in the spring; add a few additional requirements for candidates seeking the NDGOP’s endorsement at its convention, and continue to consider party resolutions through a modified process,” said Chairman Schafer.
North Dakota’s unemployment rate at 3.2%
KPVI
North Dakota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 3.2% in November, down from 3.3% in October, according to information from the Labor Market Information Center at Job Service North Dakota (LMIC).
Goehring offers tips for Kentucky aid
The Bismarck Tribune
“The agriculture community always comes together to help each other in times of need,” he said. “If you want to help impacted Kentucky farmers and ranchers, there are several ways to do so.”Money donations may be made to the Kentucky Agriculture Relief Fund at https://www.gofundme.com/f/
Wardner, a champion for the West, announces retirement
The Williston Herald
“Today we offer our deepest gratitude to Senator Rich Wardner for his more than three decades of service to the people of District 37 in Dickinson and his 10 years as Senate majority leader,” Gov. Doug Burgum said. “Senator Wardner continues to demonstrate the qualities of a true statesman who fights for the betterment of all North Dakotans. Wardner is and has been a servant leader within both chambers and also an educator and passionate coach. His dedication to improving infrastructure, especially during the Bakken boom, supporting K-12 career academies, higher education and tribal partnerships, and advocating for those working for the state will have a positive impact for generations to come.”
Longtime North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem announces retirement
The Jamestown Sun
Burgum said Friday that Stenehjem is the “epitome of a dedicated public servant,” adding that his “chief concern has always been the safety and well-being of North Dakota citizens.”
State agency food drive competition donates nearly 6,000 items to Bismarck Food Pantry
KX News
A bit of friendly competition between a few state agencies is helping put food on tables this holiday season. For the first year ever, the state Auditor’s Office challenged other departments to see who could collect the most food items. Among the six offices that participated, the Governor’s Office came in first…While the Auditor’s Office didn’t place first, they say they’re happy to contribute what they can. “We were a strong second. The Governor’s Office did a fantastic job, couldn’t be more proud of what they were able to contribute. But I’m also really proud of what the Auditor’s Office did. We were in solid second place,” State Auditor Josh Gallion said.
Water Commission Approves Various Water Projects at December Meeting
Valley Views & News
The largest cost-share approval today was $11.5 million for construction of the Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS), South Prairie Reservoir and Hydraulic Control Structure. Progress continues to move forward on several phases of the NAWS project through local, state, and federal cooperative efforts. The state’s total investment in the project is nearly $66 million and is anticipated to be completed in 2030. NAWS is designed to provide water to over 80,000 people in north central North Dakota…The 10-member Water Commission consists of Burgum as chairman, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, and eight members appointed by the governor to serve six-year terms.
Burgum to deliver 2022 State Of State in Fargo
AM 1100 The Flag
Governor Burgum will deliver the address the morning of January 19th in Festival Concert Hall on the campus of North Dakota State University. The speech will also be broadcast on his office’s website.
Burgum, Dohrmann visit North Dakota soldiers serving on the southern border
The Bismarck Tribune
“From the southwest border to our shared northern border with Canada, border security affects every state in the nation, from ensuring the safe and efficient flow of goods and services to stopping illegal immigration and drug and human trafficking,” said Burgum, who serves as commander-in-chief of the state Guard. “We’re deeply grateful to our North Dakota soldiers for doing their part with courage and professionalism to support the efforts to end the humanitarian crisis and secure the southwest border.” Burgum and Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, the Guard’s adjutant general, received briefings from Customs and Guard officials and met with the soldiers.
One wind farm granted lighting waiver while North Dakota regulators reject extensions for others
The Bismarck Tribune
A wind farm near intercontinental ballistic missile silos in central North Dakota will not have to install a system to keep the lights atop its turbines from blinking all night…Commissioners denied two other companies’ requests for more time to comply with the end-of-year deadline spelled out in North Dakota’s law surrounding the light mitigation systems. The PSC has yet to make a decision in two other cases…Commissioners denied the companies’ requests, saying that 10 wind farms had already managed to comply with the year-end deadline, which they had known about since the law passed in 2017. “I find it disappointing given a four-year window that these companies chose so long to wait to get the ball rolling,” Commissioner Randy Christmann said.
Hydrogen hub, Coal Creek projects among those recommended for state funding
The Bismarck Tribune
Proposals to establish a hydrogen hub in North Dakota and to retrofit Coal Creek Station with a carbon capture system are among the projects recommended for funding assistance via a new arm of state government focused on clean energy…The three-member Industrial Commission, chaired by Gov. Doug Burgum, will have the final say over which projects receive funding. The commission is expected to make those decisions when it meets on Monday. Future funding rounds slated for 2022 are meant to allocate $17 million in remaining grant dollars and $115 million in loans.
Specialty crop grant applications
Tioga Tribune
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has announced that applications are now being accepted for 2022 Specialty Crop Grants. “We encourage organizations, institutions and individuals to submit proposals on their own or in partnerships,” said North Dakota Ag Commissioner Doug Goehring. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) will distribute the funds through a competitive grant process.
North Dakota attorney general warns of recent gift card scams
The Dickinson Press
North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem is warning residents to be mindful of fraud during the holiday season after a recent spate of gift card scams racked up tens of thousands of dollars. The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection division reported that it received nine reports of gift card fraud totaling $45,000 over the last two weeks. Stenehjem advised residents to buy gift cards only as presents for family or friends, noting “gift cards are a favorite tool of scam artists.”
Washington, D.C.
Sen. Marshall’s effort to limit consequences of military vaccine mandate passes Congress
American Military News
Marshall was able to add language to the National Defense Authorization Act — the bill that funds the military — to say that people fired from the military for refusing the vaccine must be honorably discharged or discharged under honorable conditions…“We’re just taking that worst case scenario off the table,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer, a Republican from North Dakota, who cosponsored the amendment. “That relieves the commanders, it relieves the Department of Defense, it relieves even the joint chiefs of staff from making a different decision. And they should be relieved with that relief.”
Hoeven and Tester Press USDA to Expedite Disaster Help
KFGO
“Our producers are still facing challenges from this year’s severe drought, and need to know what to expect from this disaster assistance and when it will become available as they plan for next year,” said Hoeven. “We encouraged Under Secretary Bonnie to get this relief out to our farmers and ranchers as quickly as possible to help them recover and maintain their operations following a tremendously challenging year.”
Wardner, a champion for the West, announces retirement
The Williston Herald
“Rich Wardner is the best. He is the true gentlemen of North Dakota’s legislative history and we are better off because of his servant leadership to our great state. With an educator’s and coach’s heart, he gives being a Senator a good name,” Sen. Kevin Cramer said. Sen. John Hoeven said Wardner’s efforts have left North Dakota a better state. “He has been an educator, coach and farmer – truly a range of experience that touches many central aspects of our state” Hoeven said. “Through his decades of service, hard work and leadership, he has helped shape our state for the better.”
Biden’s China ambassador confirmed after passage of Uyghur forced-labor bill lifts Rubio hold
The Washington Examiner
President Joe Biden’s nominee for ambassador to China was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday after a top Republican senator agreed to drop his hold on the nomination and allow a vote following the passage of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act…Despite allowing a vote to move forward on Burns, Rubio still opposed him and voted against his nomination on Thursday, along with Republican Sens….John Hoeven[.]
Cyber Workforce Bill Clears Senate
NextGov
“Our legislation will help retain our existing cyber-workforce while also boosting collaboration between agencies to ensure our nation is better equipped to deal with threats,” said Hoeven, a member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Committee. “Given the increase in cyber threats and the growing complexity of these attacks, it’s vital our federal workforce has the knowledge and skills to fight back.”
Northrop Grumman To Repurpose EQ-4Bs as Range Hawks
Aviation International News
One of the drivers behind the SkyRange program is North Dakota Senator John Hoeven. “With divestment of the Global Hawk Block 20s, we’ve worked to secure a real opportunity to leverage the expertise we’ve built at Grand Sky and repurpose these aircraft to support hypersonic missile testing,” he said. “Doing so will save the armed forces time and money in developing these new missiles, as the new Range Hawks will be much more efficient than the current ship-based test range and support additional options for conducting tests.” Hoeven is continuing to make the case for bringing the Air Force’s RQ-4B Block 30s to Grand Sky after they have been retired from service, which is likely to happen in the coming year or two. This plan could cement the facility’s position as the hub of TRMC’s SkyRange program.
Legislation authorizes nuclear modernization programs at Minot AFB
The Minot Daily News
Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, said, “The NDAA is about showing our support for the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to defend our nation. At the same time, it shows strength to our adversaries by authorizing important programs for our national defense. That includes ensuring we continue to modernize our nuclear forces, which is critical for the missions at Minot Air Force Base, support our Global Hawk mission at Grand Fork Air Force Base, as well as authorizing important projects and priorities for our National Guard. As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, we’ll continue working to fund these national security priorities.” The legislation passed the House on Dec. 8. “Support for our military is important to the security of our nation and of North Dakota,” said Congressman Kelly Armstrong. “The 2022 NDAA provides critical funds for a strong defense and a pay raise for the men and women in our armed forces. I am pleased that the final bill is bipartisan, as supporting our troops should be.”
Senators request vaccine mandate exemption for cross-border truckers
Land Line
Fourteen U.S. senators want truck drivers from the United States and Canada to cross the border without being subject to a COVID-19 vaccine mandate. [T]he letter was signed by:…Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D…Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.
Navy Awards $2.5 Million for Research to Improve Solar Cells & Military Asset Mobility at NDSU
The Valley City Times Record
Senator John Hoeven today announced that the Office of Naval Research (ONR) has awarded $2.5 million to Dr. Philip Boudjouk at North Dakota State University (NDSU) to develop silicon-based materials for use in solar cells. The goal of the project is to create cells that can produce electricity in low-light conditions, including in moonlight, cloud cover, indoors and underwater. This would support greater mobility for military assets and provide flexibility to a variety of missions, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operations. At the same time, the research seeks to develop methods for producing new silicon alloys at lower temperatures than required for existing technologies, allowing solar cells to be produced more efficiently and at a lower cost.
GOPers slam State Dept. for letting Nigeria off religious freedom hook
New York Post
Seven Republican senators urged the Biden administration Monday to restore Nigeria to a State Department list of countries that systematically violate the religious freedom of their citizens after it was removed last month.“Religious people in Nigeria face severe persecution at the hands of radical terrorist groups and even their own government,” read the letter, which was signed by…Kevin Cramer of North Dakota.
Legislation Introduced to Protect U.S. Sheep Producers from Harmful Imports
Northern Ag Network
The legislation introduced by Rep. Pfluger in the House and Senator Barrasso in the Senate will provide the domestic sheep and lamb industry the information we need to assess the potential impacts of increasing exports and inform this conversation going forward.” Sen. Barrasso’s legislation is cosponsored by…Kevin Cramer, John Hoeven[.]
GOP reps rip Disney over ‘deplorable’ scrubbing of ‘Simpsons’ China episode
New York Post
A group of Republican lawmakers have demanded that Disney’s CEO explain why an episode of “The Simpsons” that includes a joke about the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre was removed from the Hong Kong version of the Disney+ streaming service…In addition to Duncan, the letter was signed by…Kelly Armstrong (R-ND)[.]
Burgum appoints PSC member Brian Kroshus to be North Dakota’s next tax commissioner
BISMARCK, N.D. (DEC. 21, 2021) – Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed Brian Kroshus to serve as North Dakota’s next tax commissioner, citing his experience as a business leader and his background in defending the public interest as a member of the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) for approximately five years.
Kroshus was appointed to the PSC by Burgum on Feb. 28, 2017. He was elected by voters in 2018 and then re-elected in 2020. He previously was a division leader and executive team member for Lee Enterprises, including serving as group publisher for Mandan-based Lee Agri-Media, the nation’s largest network of agricultural newspapers across a 15-state region, and as publisher of the Bismarck Tribune from 2005 to 2015.
“With his combination of private sector experience in leading a complex business operation and public sector experience in looking out for the best interests of consumers, Brian Kroshus is well-suited to fairly and effectively administer the tax laws of North Dakota,” Burgum said. “We are deeply grateful for his outstanding service to our citizens as a public service commissioner and look forward to his continued commitment to taxpayers as state tax commissioner.”
Kroshus will begin leading the Office of State Tax Commissioner Jan. 4. The agency currently has budgetary authority for 118 permanent team members and hires about 25 additional team members on a temporary basis for each income tax filing season.
Kroshus will serve out the remaining year of the unexpired four-year term of current Tax Commissioner Ryan Rauschenberger, who is resigning effective Jan. 3
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead the highly capable team in the Office of State Tax Commissioner and look forward to serving North Dakota citizens in this new capacity,” Kroshus said. “Treating taxpayers with fairness, transparency and efficiency will be my top priority, understanding that this office and its duties are administered with the people’s money. We’ll also continue to work across state government and with our tribal and private sector partners to create and maintain a stable tax and regulatory environment that will support economic growth and prosperity for all.”
Kroshus, a Fargo native, earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science and economics from North Dakota State University in 1987. He spent 10 years with Forum Communications in Fargo before joining the Bismarck Tribune in 1997. He was promoted to group publisher for Lee Agri-Media in 2004.
Kroshus has served on the board of directors of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce, Bismarck-Mandan Development Association and the United Way, and on the board of trustees for the Bismarck State College Foundation, Sanford Health Foundation and Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation.
DISTRICT 47 RE-ELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rep. Lawrence R. (Larry) Klemin [pron. Kle-meen] and Sen. Michael A. Dwyer announce that they will run for re-election in 2022 to represent District 47 in the House of Representatives and the Senate in the North Dakota Legislature. Klemin, who has represented District 47 since 1998, served as the Speaker of the House during the 2019 Session and chaired the House Judiciary Committee during the 2021 Session. Klemin has also been a member of the House Political Subdivisions Committee and was previously Chairman of that committee. Klemin is also currently Chairman of the North Dakota Commission on Uniform State Laws, a Commissioner on the National Uniform Law Commission, and a member of the North Dakota Commission on Juvenile Justice. During the interim between the Sessions, Klemin serves on the Government Administration Committee and the interim Judiciary Committee. Klemin is a lawyer with the Bismarck law
firm of Schweigert, Klemin & McBride, P.C. Dwyer, first elected in 2018, served as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and was also on the Senate Transportation Committee in his first term. In the recent Special Session, Dwyer was appointed to the Joint Technical Corrections Committee, which heard many of the bills considered by the Legislature. During the interim between the Sessions, Dwyer serves on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and the Water Topics Overview Committee. Dwyer and his son are partners in the Dwyer Law Office. Dwyer coached varsity boys basketball for many years at Shiloh Christian School.
Dwyer and Klemin have strong pro-life voting records and were both named Chamber Champions for business by the Greater North Dakota Chamber of Commerce for supporting private business during the 2021 Session.
“We look forward to continuing to represent the great people of District 47 when we are re-elected,” they stated in making their announcement, “and continuing to work for those Republican policies which make Bismarck and North Dakota one of the best places to live, work, and raise families.” Chet Pollert, House Majority Leader, stated “Representative Larry Klemin is extremely effective and highly respected in our Chamber. His thorough knowledge of the law is valuable in making sure the laws we pass are clear and consistent with our conservative principles.” Rich Wardner, Senate Majority Leader, also praised Dwyer. “We are fortunate to have Mike Dwyer in the Senate” stated Wardner. “He has been an effective advocate for conservative principles, and his coaching, education, business, and law experience are very helpful.”
Dwyer and Klemin express gratitude for the work and many years of service of retiring Representative George Keiser. George has been a mentor, colleague, friend, and a devoted public servant. We wish him well. The legislative endorsing convention for the District 47 Republican Party will be held on February 23, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at Century High School. More information later.
Rep. Lawrence R. Klemin
lklemin@bis.midco.net
(701) 471-5802
Sen. Michael A. Dwyer
mdwyer@ndwaterlaw.com
(701) 400-6075
Karl Lembke, District Chairman
lembkekarl@gmail.com
(701) 391-3405