Roughrider Roundup – August 8, 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

Photo of the Week

Chairman Schafer and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee at the RNC Meeting in Chicago. 

RNC

WATCH: Update from Chairman Schafer at the RNC Meeting in Chicago!

NDGOP

NDGOP Chairman Schafer’s Response to “Bidenflation” Bill

BISMARCK – Today, Perrie Schafer, Chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party (“NDGOP”), released the following statement in response to new details emerging about the Manchin-Schumer “Bidenflation” bill:

“Americans were not fooled by the White House’s recent attempts to change the definition of ‘recession,’ and they certainly will not buy the Biden Administration’s desperate attempt to revive their Build Back Broke spending plan. Plainly stated, this is a terrible bill both for our country and for North Dakota,” said Schafer.

He continued, “When Joe Biden ran for President, he promised over and over again that he would not raise taxes on those making under $400,000 a year. By 2031, this scam plan will shift the new tax burden to up to two-thirds of Americans making less than that, completely violating his campaign promise. The bill will also add $80 billion to the IRS, and $288 billion in subsidies for Obamacare. Instead of investing in the clean and safe domestic energy production that we do here in North Dakota, this bill once again favors Green New Deal-style policies that will enact a new natural gas tax that could take away 100,000 jobs and increase the Royalty Rate on federal lands,” 

Schafer concluded, “From the very first day of his administration, Joe Biden cruelly gutted thousands of North Dakota jobs in canceling the Keystone XL Pipeline, and every decision he has made since then has hurt the people of our state. I commend Senators Cramer and Hoeven, along with Congressman Armstrong, for their leadership in opposing this terrible legislation.”

North Dakota

The high costs of a green economy
Inforum
Fedorchak, a supporter of an “all of the above” energy policy, clearly addressed the impacts of an overly aggressive and forced transition to renewables. She testified, “Our electric rates are also rising, transmission costs in North Dakota have increased 388 percent since 2003.” Saying further “Our utilities have aggressively pursued green energy, assuring customers that it will save them money, and yet their bills are rising. So, my first plea to you is this: we need to be honest with American citizens. Transitioning our grid to 100% renewable energy may be achievable and, for many, desirable, but it is not going to lower costs for anyone, especially in the next 25 years.” Fedorchak also addressed reliability issues for our electric grids and other factors caused by pedal to the metal transition timeline coming from Washington.

Governor seeks nominations for the 2022 Main Street Awards
The Valley City Times Record
Nominations for the 2022 Governor’s Main Street Awards, a program of North Dakota’s Main Street Initiative (MSI), are now being accepted through Sept. 2, 2022. “The Main Street Awards are an excellent opportunity to express gratitude and recognition to North Dakotans who demonstrated a unique and innovative approach in enhancing the quality of life in their community by applying the principles of the Main Street Initiative,” Gov. Doug Burgum said. “These exemplary efforts showcase the tangible benefits that an engaged community can create for everyone.”  

Tribune editorial: Fufeng plant review needs to be thorough
The Bismarck Tribune
Last week, Gov. Doug Burgum, a strong supporter of the plant, asked government officials to expedite the review. Burgum endorsed the review in a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. He said in his letter that national security has top priority. At the same time he pointed out the economic importance of the proposed plant to Grand Forks.

Baesler names new superintendent’s student cabinet
The Williston Herald
State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler on Tuesday named her new Superintendent’s Student Cabinet, a 25-member group that will advise her about ways to strengthen North Dakota’s K-12 education system…“Since the Superintendent’s Student Cabinet program began, its members have provided me a great deal of valuable advice and opinions, and helped to shape public education policy,” Baesler said. “They have helped build my understanding of what our students need, and to learn what is going well in our schools and what can be improved.”

Republicans denounce budget reconciliation bill amid fears of worsening inflation
KFYR-TV
Governors Doug Burgum (R-ND) and Greg Gianforte (R-MT) are also concerned about how the bill would affect working families. “The Democrats’ solution to 40-year high inflation is passing another reckless tax and spending spree to the tune of $740 billion, affecting Americans in every tax bracket. While denying recession, Democrats want to raise taxes on businesses and manufacturers, which will force higher costs onto consumers, worsen inflation, and aggravate shortages,” the governors said in a joint statement.

Industrial Commission Statement on Supreme Court Decision in Northwest Landowners Association vs. State of North Dakota
American Ag Network 
The North Dakota Industrial Commission (Commission), consisting of Gov. Doug Burgum, Attorney General Drew Wrigley and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, issued the following joint statement today in response to the North Dakota Supreme Court’s decision in Northwest Landowners Association vs. State of North Dakota: “The Industrial Commission has consistently advocated for landowner rights while supporting policies that encourage responsible growth of our oil and gas industry. Although the Supreme Court ruling struck down portions of Senate Bill 2344, the remaining portions of the bill that the court upheld are a victory for both landowners and industry. We appreciate the court’s acknowledgement that the Industrial Commission has administrative authority to regulate underground injection, and we remain committed to ensuring that underground saltwater injection wells are managed for the benefit of landowners as well as the oil and gas industry.”

State announces pandemic food aid for children
The Morton County & Mandan News
About 46,000 North Dakota children will be receiving a new round of food assistance this summer, according to State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler and Department of Human Services Executive Director Chris Jones. The Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer program helps families whose children have been eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, and households that receive benefits under SNAP, the federal food stamp program.

FMWF Chamber Foundation receives $9.62 million workforce training grant
Inforum
“Our administration was pleased to support the Ignite Initiative Regional Workforce Training System to provide innovative training opportunities for workers in the high-demand fields of agriculture, advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity,” Burgum said. “Congratulations to the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber Foundation and its education, business and nonprofit partners on securing this grant, which will allow our state to support workers in finding good-paying jobs they want, and help employers find the skilled workers they need.”

Red Trail Energy celebrates month of carbon capture and storage operations in Richardton
The Dickinson Press
North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring complimented Red Trail for their innovation and creativity in supporting the state. “As an investor in Red Trail, I’ve had the opportunity to watch you guys start with a little groundbreaking, all the way to the beautiful facility out here,” Goehring said. “We thought about trying to save our coal plants. Carbon sequestration is going to be a part of that.”

North Dakota Ag related funds announce grants
AM 1100 The Flag
Two North Dakota ag-related funds are announcing grants. Nodak Meats will receive 45-thousand dollars for equipment for its Steele custom meat plant from the Agricultural Diversification and Development Fund. South 40 Beef in Mott is getting 200-thousand for expansion, and the Tharaldson Ethanol Plant in Casselton will receive 250-thousand for technology to increase production from the same fund. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring says North Dakota’s Agricultural Products Utilization Commission is giving 445-thousand to six projects involving research marketing, farm diversification, and agriculture tourism and technology.

Father of North Dakota first lady dies
The Jamestown Sun
Maynard Helgaas, the father of North Dakota First Lady Kathryn Helgaas Burgum, died on Tuesday, Aug. 2, of complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 87…”Words can hardly express my gratitude towards this incredible man, my Dad,” Burgum said. “Thank you for your sacrifices, inspiration, support and love.”

Border business owners want hours of operation at area ports restored
Journal & Tioga Tribune
Despite repeated requests from Gov. Doug Burgum and North Dakota’s Congressional delegation, many U.S.-Canadian border crossings across the state continue operating under reduced hours. Business owners like Deb Glasoe at Bootlegger’s in Noonan are not happy. “Business is down about 50 percent,” Glasoe said.

Williams County Commission to form committee on becoming a second amendment sanctuary
KFYR-TV
The Williams County Board of Commissioners is looking into becoming a second amendment sanctuary. The decision comes following a request by a group known as the Sons of Liberty, wanting commissioners to sign a proclamation that they say would protect gun rights from federal or state overreach. The Sons of Liberty is a non-profit organization with a goal of protecting constitutional rights as well as increasing public awareness of what is going on in government…Governor Doug Burgum designated North Dakota as a Second Amendment Sanctuary State in April 2021. McKenzie, Stark, and Emmons Counties have passed similar resolutions.

Dickinson to consider city employee wage increases amid unrelenting inflation
The Dickinson Press
Perrie Schafer, North Dakota Republican Party chairman, said that depressed wages are leading to suffering. “Joe Biden and the Democrats in Congress have created an economic nightmare for American families. From skyrocketing prices to depressed wages, we are suffering because of the far-left’s grip on the Democratic Party,” Schafer said. “Make no mistake about it: voters will remember who is responsible for this recession come November.”

Washington, D.C.

North Dakota Congressional Delegation wants hours of operation at border restored
AM 1100 The Flag
North Dakota’s Congressional delegation wants hours of operation at the U.S.-Canadian border restored to pre-pandemic levels. Governor Doug Burgum says reduced hours at several North Dakota port crossings hurt the state. U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven and Congressman Kelly Armstrong recently sent a letter to Customs Commissioner Chris Magnus to request a return to pre-pandemic hours at ports. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has rejected previous requests, citing a reduced traffic level at crossings.

North Dakota senators speak up about views on Inflation Reduction Act
Valley News Live
North Dakota Senator John Hoeven says he’s voting against the Inflation Reduction Act because he says it’s reckless spending and will worsen inflation. Earlier, Hoeven spoke on the Senate floor and called on his colleagues to reject the legislation. ’We have the resources and the capabilities to…reduce that inflation, to address the stagnation. This tax and spend bill is not the way to do it,” he says. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer says he also votes against the bill. In a statement today, “This bill is fiscally irresponsible, needlessly bureaucratic, and damaging to every sector of the American economy from energy to agriculture to pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. It’s going to put a dent in every American’s bottom line,” said Cramer.

Red Trail Energy celebrates month of carbon capture and storage operations in Richardton
The Dickinson Press
In a video message to attendees, U.S. Sen. John Hoeven offered his congratulatory support for Red Trail Energy and everyone involved in the project. “Over more than a 15 year time-span, we’ve worked to get carbon capture and sequestration. We’re the first state in the country to be able to permit a plant like this,” Hoeven said. “This is incredibly exciting. It’s a testament to your foresight on the hard work you’ve done; and a great example of marrying up agriculture and energy here in North Dakota — something that I think we’re leading this country in doing.”

More than a million could die waiting for green cards as U.S. immigration buckles amid COVID
Los Angeles Times
Both chambers of Congress have introduced legislation that would reduce the green card backlog. Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) introduced the Eagle Act on July 20, which would phase out caps for employer-sponsored green cards and raise the per-country limit for family-sponsored green cards. Other proposals include reclaiming unused green cards and exempting immigrants with advanced STEM degrees from country caps.

Changes mulled to sweeping budget package as debate nears
The Fresno Bee
GOP panel member Kevin Cramer of North Dakota said he’s “not overly optimistic” about his party’s chances of knocking out the EPW provisions focused on reducing methane emissions “because it is a fee and it is revenue.”

Cramer changes vote on PACT Act
KFYR-TV
Cramer says he wasn’t against the bill that helps veterans receive care for injuries suffered from burn pits. Rather, he and other Republicans were against the Democrats using the bill to increase the budget for non-Veterans Affairs uses. Cramer also wanted there to be amendments added to the bill, so that later on, changes to help veterans could be made. “Furthermore, what they were really doing in terms for not allowing amendment votes was trying to prevent us from making it a better bill,” U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer said. “So, all of that said, I didn’t vote against the bill, what I did vote against was a procedure to move to final passage on the bill without amendments.”

‘They Will Never Do It’: Here’s How Manchin’s Payout In Dem Bill Can Be Easily Tossed
Daily Caller
Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota also expressed doubts about Manchin’s pipeline permitting deal in a podcast last Friday. “Here’s the problem with permitting reform, it takes 60 votes not 50 to pass…even if we had a vote on it,” said Cramer. “You cannot trust the Left with permitting reform… they will never do it,” he continued.

Sen. Cramer blocks Homeland Security nominees due to separation case
KVRR
Senator Kevin Cramer is blocking Department of Homeland Security nominees because of an immigration case in North Dakota. A family is separated after the mother, a Canadian, inadvertently overstayed her visa. She has been barred from entering the U.S. for 10 years. Cramer says the woman received poor advice during the COVID pandemic which led her to remain in Canada. He says the family continues to “comply with every unnecessary request our government has thrown at them for more information.” “My holds on DHS nominees will remain until this case is resolved. I’ll add, Mr. President, if there’s no meaningful change soon, these holds will expand to other agencies involved in this case. I’d like to state the obvious. It shouldn’t take a United States Senator personally calling agencies and the administration while holding up nominees to get the so-called public servants to actually serve the public,” Cramer said. Cramer thinks the Biden Administration is wrong for allowing this to happen on the northern border while thousands of people enter the country illegally through the southern border.

North Dakota medical facilities continue to rely on traveling nurses
Prairie Public
Steps taken to combat the issue include a failed bill by the North Dakota Nurses Association to create an in-state traveling nurse agency, as well as a bill recently proposed by Senator Kevin Cramer that would require the Government Accountability Office to investigate the business practices of traveling nurse agencies, who are the middlemen between hospitals and nurses. But for now, medical facilities remain reliant on travelers even as the pandemic quiets down.

North Dakota, Minnesota senators split along party lines on proposed assault weapons ban
Inforum
Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said his vote on the legislation is “a firm no.” “I also reject the notion that any firearm is an assault weapon based on anything other than how it’s used,” Cramer added. “A car that’s used to run over people is an assault car. There isn’t a special thing you put on to make it an assault car, it’s the driver that makes it an assault weapon.” A spokesman for Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said the senator opposes the bill and “believes the right approach to preventing violence is to enforce our existing laws, while doing more to secure our schools, address mental health issues and ensure law enforcement has the training and resources they need.”

North Dakota Congressional Delegation wants hours of operation at the border restored
AM 1100 The Flag
North Dakota’s Congressional delegation wants hours of operation at the U.S.-Canadian border restored to pre-pandemic levels. Governor Doug Burgum says reduced hours at several North Dakota port crossings hurt the state. U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven and Congressman Kelly Armstrong recently sent a letter to Customs Commissioner Chris Magnus to request a return to pre-pandemic hours at ports. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has rejected previous requests, citing a reduced traffic level at crossings.


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