Roughrider Roundup – March 7, 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
Roughrider Roundup – February 28, 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
Roughrider Roundup – February 21, 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
SAVE THE DATE: The NDGOP Convention will take place April 1-2, 2022 in Bismarck, ND at the Bismarck Event Center. More information to come.
Photo of the Week
North Dakota
Leiman: North Dakota is well on its way to taking No. 1 GDP per capita in the nation
The Williston Herald
With some $30 billion in new value-added projects announced in North Dakota recently, the state is well on its way to positioning itself as having the highest GDP per capita in the nation. The West has already been a beneficiary of some of the largest of these new economic opportunities, including Cerilon’s $2.8 billion gas-to-liquids plant in Trenton, and a $1.9 billion cryptocurrency facility that’s already under construction in Williams County. North Dakota Commerce Commissioner James Leiman told the Williston Herald on Friday he already has just over $30 billion in value-added or diversification projects right now. And he’s working on even more.
Joseph Heringer to lead North Dakota Department of Trust Lands
KX News
Bismarck attorney and investment manager Joseph Heringer was chosen Thursday to lead the Department of Trust Lands as commissioner. The unanimous vote came from the five-member North Dakota Board of University and School Lands (Land Board), which consists of Gov. Doug Burgum, State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler, State Treasurer Thomas Beadle, Secretary of State Al Jaeger and Attorney General Drew Wrigley. Heringer has 14 years of experience in the trust and investment industry. He currently serves as a senior wealth manager for Bravera Wealth in Bismarck, and on the company’s Investment Committee, according to a press release.
DON’T QUIT fitness campaign to launch in North Dakota schools
KX News
Three North Dakota schools will receive state-of-the-art fitness centers as part of a nationwide program aimed at reducing childhood obesity. Governor Doug Burgum said the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils (NFGFC) selected North Dakota for the 2022 DON’T QUIT campaign, which will be anchored around the three fitness centers. Burgum said elementary and middle schools in the state can submit applications to be one of the three centers. Interested schools should go to natgovfit.org/nominate-your-school/ and click on the North Dakota state seal to download the application.
Burgum proposes more tax relief in state of the state address
The Center Square
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum pushed for tax relief across multiple sectors Wednesday during his state of the state address, calling it a key priority for his administration over the next 10 months. Burgum highlighted a two-year income tax credit approved in November that he said will save taxpayers about $211 million. He also mentioned the recent elimination of the state income tax on Social Security income that will save seniors about $15 million over the next two years. “We’ve made progress on tax relief, but we can’t stop there,” the governor said. “We need to continue finding ways to simplify our tax code. We need to create a better business tax environment, particularly now when we’re competing. We need to make sure that we’re cutting red tape and cutting regulation to make sure that people that want to live in our state can. And we have to make sure that any attempt at state funded property tax relief actually finds its way to the citizens rather than being slowly eroded through property value increases and fiscally uneconomic premature growth of public-funded infrastructure on the edges of our city.”
U.S. Govs, Canadian Premiers Call On Biden, Trudeau To Drop Cross-Border Vax Mandate For Truckers
The Daily Wire
A coalition of Canadian premiers and U.S. governors are calling on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden to discard a vaccine mandate for cross-border travel for truckers…The letter was signed by…Doug Burgum of North Dakota[.]
Burgum congratulates NDSU on raising $586.7M to benefit students, faculty, programs and facilities
Devils Lake Journal
Gov. Doug Burgum joined officials at North Dakota State University to announce that the university’s six-year “In Our Hands” fundraising campaign raised a grand total of $586.7 million. The governor joined NDSU President Dean Bresciani, NDSU Foundation President John Glover, campaign co-chairs Robert and Sheila Challey and Steve and Mary Anne Swiontek, and others at the event.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum announces $10 million match grant for Grand Farm
AgWeek
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum on Feb. 14, 2022, ceremoniously announced that the “Grand Farm,” based in Fargo, will receive $10 million matching grant from the Commerce Department. The money will help build an “Innovation Facility” — a field test center, where researchers and developers will advance“autonomous agriculture” and other technology.
Washington, D.C.
Cramer, Hoeven ask AG to reject airline’s no-fly list request for unruly passengers
KVRR
U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven are among eight senators asking Attorney General Merrick Garland to deny Delta Airlines’ request to create a “no-fly” list for airline passengers convicted of any “on-board disruption.” In a letter to the attorney general, the senators say the majority of recent incidents on airplanes has been in relation to the federal mask mandate from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). “Creating a federal ‘no-fly’ list for unruly passengers who are skeptical of this mandate would seemingly equate them to terrorists who seek to actively take the lives of Americans and perpetrate attacks on the homeland,” the letter says. “While we strongly condemn any violence towards airline workers, there is significant uncertainty around the efficacy of this mandate.”
Former President Donald Trump discusses Clinton allegations, state of nation on North Dakota radio show
Grand Forks Herald
Hennen was joined in the conversation by U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., who referred to Trump as a friend and mentor. Trump described Cramer as a respected voice in Congress who has “made some incredible decisions.” On the state of the country today, Trump maintained that the United States has gone from being the strongest it has ever been when he left office to being weak. “I don’t think we’ve ever had a fall so fast. It’s bad, it’s just really bad,” he said. At one point in the interview, Trump spoke directly to North Dakotans, stating: “I want to say hello to the people of North Dakota. They’re incredible people.” As the interview wound down, Trump said he wanted to leave on a “a little bit of optimism,” stating, “We can do it again. We can bring it back and we’ll bring it back even stronger.”
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: President Donald Trump joins Talk Radio Town Hall with Sen. Kevin Cramer
AM 1100 The Flag
Listen here.
GOP Fed blockade has Democrats worried about other nominations, including Supreme Court
The Washington Post
But Republicans say Raskin has not fully and directly answered questions about her interactions with Fed officials on behalf of Reserve Trust. The fact pattern, they say, suggests Raskin engaged in the type of “revolving door” behavior that Democrats have routinely criticized in the past…“It only adds to the uncertainty and the questions and adds, frankly, to the ethical cloud that she’s under,” Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) said.
Senator Cramer seeks prosecutorial independence for special counsel John Durham
AM 1100 The Flag
North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer is among more than 40 senators seeking assurances from Attorney General Merrick Garland to respect the prosecutorial independence of special counsel John Durham. “The findings include the highly concerning, really potentially criminal manipulation and exploitation of federal law enforcement resources to target American citizens including not just a presidential candidate, or a presidential opponent based upon this fabricated evidence, but on the president himself,” said Cramer in an audio statement provided to WDAY News First.
UND awarded funds for flood research
Grand Forks Herald
UND received more than $440,000 from the National Science Foundation, according to a release form, the office of Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D. The funds will be used to conduct research on precipitation in the northern Great Plains, and on flood events over the last three decades. According to the release, researchers will study the relationship between surface water storage and hydrologic processes during a complete dry-to-wet — drought to deluge — or wet-to-dry — deluge to drought — cycle.
We’re doing the administration a favor by delaying Raskin’s vote, says Sen. Cramer
CNBC
Watch here.
Red River senior accepted into the U.S Air Force Academy
Grand Forks Herald
Campbell Dorsey, a senior at Red River, was nominated to the academy in November by Rep. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D. According to a release from Armstrong’s office, Dorsey was accepted into the USAFA for the fall 2022 semester on Wednesday, Feb. 16. “We are proud of Campbell for her admission to the U.S. Air Force Academy,” Armstrong said. “Her dedication to her studies, extracurriculars, and community have earned her this honor. I am confident she will represent North Dakota and our country well.”
Rep. Armstrong presses Capitol Police on surveillance controversy
KFYR-TV
“Capitol Police’s job is to keep members of Congress safe. We recognize that. There’s 435 of us. But at the same time, civil liberties are very important, they’re important to everybody. Spying on American citizens without probable cause is wrong all the time. It also has a potentially real chilling effect if they’re doing it you’re petitioning your member of Congress,” said Representative Armstrong. As a result of concerns raised by Armstrong and six of his Republican colleagues, the inspector general for the Capitol Police will investigate the force’s practices. Despite agreeing to the investigation, Capitol Police denied any wrongdoing in a letter sent to lawmakers in January.
Former Celtics player Kanter Freedom attends Senate GOP lunch
The Hill
Former Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter Freedom, an outspoken critic of the Chinese and Turkish governments, attended Senate Republicans’ closed-door lunch on Wednesday. The 10-year NBA veteran received two standing ovations from Republican senators who hailed his advocacy for human rights and criticism of China’s government as “very inspiring” and “amazing.”…Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) said, “He’s an amazing person standing up for human rights.”
Cramer says rift between Ukraine’s president and Ag Minister could help imprisoned North Dakota farmer
KVRR
Sen. Kevin Cramer says the developments could potentially be favorable for Groszhans. “I think it’s pretty clear that President Zelensky has a problem on his cabinet” Cramer said. “When you look at Roman Leshchenko’s pattern, as it relates to…allegations that are part of Kurt Groszhans’ lawsuits against him…it all just sort of adds up to an ugly picture. My hope is, that it tilts the scales of justice, at least, in Kurt’s favor. It’s hard to know for sure, but it would be hard to look at it and not see it as at least a recognition that Roman Leshchenko is probably bringing a lot more baggage to the Zelensky administration than he is value. “We talked to the Deputy Secretary of State and emphasized that everything possible needs to be done to ensure his safety,” Senator John Hoeven said. Hoeven says he and Cramer are in almost daily contact with the State Department, Ukrainian officials and Groszhan’s family. Groszhans remains jailed in Ukraine. Cramer says diplomatic efforts to free Groszhans are continuing.
ND Senators push Biden admin on Keystone pipeline job losses
KFYR-TV
Senators Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven wrote a letter to the Biden Administration seeking information about the jobs lost due to the closure of the Keystone XL Pipeline. The U.S. Department of Energy was supposed to publish the jobs loss report by Sunday, February 13. Construction had already begun on the pipeline but was shut down when Joe Biden took office in January 2021. The senators noted it employed more than 1,500 workers. The ND senators also wrote: ”Knowing the full impact of the President’s actions is important to the American people. We urge you to complete your obligation under the law and release your report to Congress immediately.”
GOP decries cost of Pentagon anti-extremism and diversity training
Roll Call
“We face real threats across the world, yet the Biden administration is more focused on promoting its leftist social agenda in the military instead of countering China, Russia and Iran or creating an effective counterterrorism plan,” said…Kevin Cramer of North Dakota[.]
Senate Republicans boycott vote on Federal Reserve nominees
CNNRepublican Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota said Raskin’s rhetoric is “radical” and that she has “ethical problems” that have “yet to be completely looked into.” “Her nomination is becoming a tremendous problem, I think, for the Biden administration,” Cramer added. “I would hope that he would pull her and then let us move forward with the others.”
North Dakota Senators Hoeven and Cramer respond to allegation Clinton Campaign spied on Donald Trump
AM 1100 The Flag
North Dakota Senators Kevin Cramer and John Hoeven are responding after special investigator John Durham filed court documents alleging the Clinton campaign spied on Donald Trump during the 2016 campaign and spied on Trump after he became President. “This is why the American people are so fed up. I mean they are fed up with this other class of citizens that call themselves the Clintons and of course their friends their universe that are never, never held accountable for their own criminal activities, and now it looks like maybe they will be,” said Senator Cramer. ..“The Durham investigation’s latest court filing raises serious questions regarding surveillance of both the Trump campaign and the Trump White House by the Clinton campaign. The Clinton campaign needs to provide answers on exactly what happened,” said Senator Hoeven.
Senate Republicans push resolution to reopen Capitol to the public
Fox News
A new resolution from a group of Republican senators calls for the U.S. Capitol Building and Senate office buildings to once again be open to public visitors after nearly two years of restrictions that were put in place during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic…[T]he senators who are attached to the resolution are…Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., John Hoeven, R-N.D[.]
Kroshus Announces 2022 Run for Tax Commissioner
BISMARCK, N.D. — Jan. 17, 2022 — North Dakota Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus announced today that he will seek the public’s vote for tax commissioner in the 2022 election.
Kroshus, a Republican, was appointed tax commissioner by Gov. Doug Burgum at the end of 2021. Kroshus previously served as a member of the Public Service Commission, appointed to the position by Burgum in 2017, elected by voters in 2018 and re-elected in 2020. He was chair of the PSC in 2019 and 2020.
“It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of North Dakota, and I’m asking voters for the opportunity to continue working on their behalf,” Kroshus said.
In addition to public service, Kroshus has 30 years of private-sector business leadership experience managing business units throughout the United States. He was a division leader and executive team member for Lee Enterprises, including serving as group publisher of Lee Agri-Media, the nation’s largest network of agricultural publications, and as publisher of the Bismarck Tribune from 2005 to 2015.
“I look forward to continuing to do my part as we work together toward building a stronger North Dakota,” Kroshus said, “one both current and future generations benefit from.”
As tax commissioner Kroshus’ priorities are:
- Effectively and fairly administering North Dakota tax law.
- Education and outreach.
- Tribal engagement.
- Fiscally responsible government.
Kroshus was born in Fargo and is a graduate of North Dakota State University. In addition to his business and state roles, he has served on numerous volunteer boards, including with the Missouri Slope United Way, Bismarck State College, Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce, Bismarck-Mandan Development Association, Sanford Health Foundation and Capital Gallery.
Kroshus served as president of the Bismarck State College Foundation in 2012-2013 and co-chaired the United Way Missouri Slope Areawide Annual Gift Giving Campaign in 2009.
In addition to professional life, Kroshus values family and faith, is the owner of a grain and cattle operation in western North Dakota and is an avid outdoorsman.
FOR MEDIA AVAILABILITY AND INTERVIEWS CONTACT:
Brian Kroshus, 701-471-7965, Brian@BrianKroshus.com
Roughrider Roundup – February 14, 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
BURGUM – Burgum appoints utility board chair Sheri Haugen-Hoffart to open seat on ND Public Service Commission
Burgum today appointed Capital Electric Cooperative Inc. board chairwoman Sheri Haugen-Hoffart of Bismarck to an open seat on the three-member North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC), effective immediately.
Republican Mike Motschenbacher running for District 47 House seat
KFYR Article – By: Maddie Biertempfel
https://www.kxnet.com/news/top-stories/republican-mike-motschenbacher-running-for-district-47-house-seat/
With North Dakota primary elections happening in June, several candidates for the state legislature have already announced they’re running.
KX spoke with District 47 Republican candidate Mike Motschenbacher about his campaign.
Motschenbacher graduated from Washburn High School but has been in Bismarck for most of his life.
He spent 30 years as general manager of Expressway Inn and Suites, and currently is the executive director for the North Dakota Gaming Alliance.
Motschenbacher says if elected, he aims to improve the business climate in the state.
He has four kids and says he intends to be tough on crime, supporting longer sentences for repeat offenders.
Motschenbacher also says he hopes to work across the aisle to get legislation passed.
“I don’t know that we’re doing a service to our taxpayers if all we do is fight. I would try to bring that calming presence to the legislature and say hey basically can’t we all just get along,” Motschenbacher said.
This isn’t Motchenbacher’s first time as a candidate. He ran for Bismarck City Commission in 2006 and 2014.
Motschenbacher will seek the endorsement of the ND GOP next month at its endorsing convention.
BURGUM – Burgum appoints former U.S. attorney, lieutenant governor Drew Wrigley to serve as attorney general
BISMARCK, N.D. (FEB. 8, 2022) – Gov. Doug Burgum today appointed former U.S. attorney and lieutenant governor Drew Wrigley to serve out the remainder of Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s term after his sudden passing on Jan. 28. The four-year term ends Dec. 31. Wrigley plans to take the oath of office at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Capitol.
Wrigley served as North Dakota’s U.S. attorney from 2001 to 2009, having been appointed by President George W. Bush, and again from 2019 to 2021 after being appointed by President Donald Trump. Wrigley served as lieutenant governor for six years under former Gov. Jack Dalrymple, having been appointed to the role in 2010 and winning election to a four-year term with Dalrymple in 2012.
“Having twice served as North Dakota’s chief federal law enforcement officer leading the U.S. attorney’s offices in Bismarck and Fargo, and six years as lieutenant governor, Drew Wrigley brings highly relevant state and federal experience to the role of North Dakota Attorney General. He has a deep knowledge of the law, extensive background in public safety and broad experience with the intersections of local, state and federal law enforcement. His knowledge of the federal government is especially valuable at this time, with federal overreach a frequent threat to states’ rights. Our state will be extremely well-served by Drew’s legal skills and steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of North Dakota citizens,” Burgum said. “We also continue to mourn the loss and honor the legacy of Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, a dedicated public servant who served the State of North Dakota with integrity for more than 45 years, leaving an indelible mark on the Attorney General’s Office.”
Wrigley was born in Bismarck and grew up in Fargo. He earned bachelor’s degrees in economics and philosophy from the University of North Dakota in 1988 and his law degree from American University’s Washington College of Law in 1991. He completed a year-long judicial clerkship in Delaware and served for five years as an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia, prosecuting a variety of crimes. After moving back to Bismarck in 1998, Wrigley served as deputy chief of staff for then-Gov. John Hoeven in 2000-2001. Most recently, he worked as counsel with his family’s Fargo contracting firms, Wrigley Mechanical Inc. and BDT Mechanical LLC.
“I am deeply humbled by the faith that Governor Burgum has placed in me, and I pledge to work tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of North Dakota,” Wrigley said. “During my service, I will always be mindful of the outstanding work of my friend Wayne Stenehjem, and I will keep his memory near as we all navigate the path ahead.”
The Attorney General’s Office consists of 13 divisions: Administration, Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), Civil Litigation and Natural Resources & Indian Affairs, Consumer Protection and Antitrust (CPAT), Crime Laboratory (Crime Lab), Criminal and Regulatory, Criminal Justice Information Sharing (CJIS) and Information Technology (IT), Finance, Fire Marshal, Gaming, Lottery, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), and State and Local Government.
The Attorney General represents the state in all legal matters where the state is named as a party or the state may have an interest in the outcome of the litigation. The Office of Attorney General also enforces the state’s open meetings and open records laws and issues opinions in response to complaints that a public entity has violated those laws. The office is authorized for 253 full-time team members and has a budget of $91.8 million for the 2021-2023 biennium.
Roughrider Roundup – February 7, 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
Roughrider Roundup – January 31, 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
In Memorium – Attorney General, Wayne Stenehjem (1953 – 2022)
“We are devastated to learn of Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem’s tragic passing. His record of service to the State of North Dakota and commitment to the constitution was second to none. He had the courage to stand up for us and to protect our liberties in the face of government overreach. We offer our deepest condolences and prayers to his wife Beth, along with his entire family. May God Bless his memory.” – Perrie Schafer, NDGOP Chairman
Funeral services for Stenehjem to be held Thursday
The Bismarck Tribune
Funeral services for Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem will be held this week. The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at the Bismarck Event Center Exhibit Hall. Visitation will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the North Dakota State Capitol Great Hall. Both are open to the public. Further arrangements are pending with Bismarck Funeral Home…Gov. Doug Burgum directed all government agencies to fly the U.S. and North Dakota flags at half-staff until further notice in honor of Stenehjem’s longtime service to the state, and he encouraged residents to do the same at their homes and businesses.
Governor Doug Burgum
“Wayne embodied public service, both as a dedicated legislator and the longest-serving attorney general in our state’s 133-year history. As the top law enforcement officer in North Dakota for over two decades, Attorney General Stenehjem always put the safety and well-being of our citizens first. North Dakota is a safer place because of his unwavering commitment to law and order, his loyalty to his team members and his utmost respect for our men and women in uniform.”
Senator John Hoeven
“Attorney General Stenehjem spent four decades serving the people of North Dakota, and was a fierce advocate for the rule of law and the rights of our state’s residents. As our state’s longest-serving Attorney General, he worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe and took great pride in supporting our law enforcement officials. We will remember Wayne as a true friend and colleague, who will be greatly missed. Mikey and I send our sincerest condolences to Beth, Andrew and the entire Stenehjem family. We will continue praying for all of his loved ones.”
Senator Kevin Cramer
“Kris and I are saddened to hear of the passing of North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. I considered him a close friend and trusted colleague. Wayne was a true patriot, dedicating his life to public service and our great state. He always fought for what was right. My thoughts and prayers are with Beth and his family. Wayne will be sorely missed by all,”
Congressman Kelly Armstrong
“Tonight, my friend Wayne passed on. I am devastated. My heart hurts for Beth, Andrew, and the entire Stenehjem family. Wayne loved North Dakota as much as anyone I have ever met. He was smart, compassionate, and had the most down-to-earth approach to public service. He taught me how to turn legal knowledge into smart policy. I would not be where I am today without Wayne’s friendship. I know for an absolute fact that I am not alone in that statement. But above all else, Wayne was a loving husband and a proud father. I am going to miss Wayne so much. I love you sir. Godspeed my friend.”
SAVE THE DATE: The NDGOP Convention will take place April 1-2, 2022 in Bismarck, ND at the Bismarck Event Center. More information to come.
North Dakota
Ensuring schools still receive milk despite milk truck driver shortage in ND
KFYR TV
In response to the milk truck driver shortage, Governor Doug Burgum signed an executive order on Monday to allow milk truck drivers to work more hours. Additionally, he is working with Department of Transportation officials to speed up the process of getting a commercial driver’s license. Today, the average wait time for a CDL test is 10.5 days, down from an average of 80 days in 2019.
Pat Bertagnolli appointed to North Dakota Job Service’s Executive Director
AM 1100 The Flag
“Having spent much of the last decade recruiting and retaining workers in the fastest-growing area of the country, Pat Bertagnolli has the right experience to lead Job Service North Dakota as we tackle our state’s significant workforce challenge – our No. 1 barrier to economic growth,” Burgum said. “We are deeply grateful for Pat’s service on the Workforce Development Council these past eight years and look forward to his leadership at Job Service in connecting jobseekers with employers and removing barriers to employment.”
Xcel seeks over 10% rate hike for natural gas delivery in North Dakota
Grand Forks Herald
“Quite honestly, the timing is really unfortunate,” said Public Service Commission Chair Julie Fedorchak, who said state regulators will vet Xcel’s request and look for ways to cut it down in the upcoming rate case.
Goehring pushes back on trucker vaccine mandate
KFYR TV
More than 32,000 truckers coming from Canada to the U.S. may not be allowed to cross the border due to a recent COVID-19 vaccine mandate. North Dakota’s Agriculture Commissioner, Doug Goehring, is pushing the White House to life the mandate. The mandate, that went it affect Jan. 22, blocks unvaccinated truckers from entering the U.S. from Canada. Canada also has a similar ban preventing unvaccinated truckers from entering the country. Truckers had been previously exempt under essential worker status in the U.S. “Forcing this vaccine mandate on the industry will hurt the livelihoods of truckers, create further supply chain disruptions and cause price increases in essential goods,” Goehring said in a statement Friday.
Burgum to attend national meeting of governors
The Bismarck Tribune
Gov. Doug Burgum will be in the nation’s capital Friday through Monday, attending the National Governors Association Winter Meeting. Governors will be discussing issues around infrastructure, cybersecurity and computer science education, according to Burgum’s office. The second-term Republican and former software executive will attend a business session of the meeting set to be held at the White House.“The National Governors Association offers a unique bipartisan forum for governors to share ideas, discuss best practices and highlight policy successes and solutions to the challenges we have in common,” Burgum said in a statement. “We look forward to connecting with state, national and international leaders on topics that affect North Dakotans and advocating for federal policy that respects states’ rights and supports economic growth, including in our two biggest industries, agriculture and energy.”
MDU electric customers will see a small reduction in their monthly bills
Prairie Public Newsroom
MDU electric customers will see a small reduction in their monthly bills, beginning in February. The North Dakota Public Service Commission approved the new “renewable rider.” It includes cost of power from three wind farms – two in southwestern North Dakota, and one in Montana. Commissioner Randy Christmann said it also includes the installation of a new lighting system at the North Dakota wind farms, and the repowering of the Montana wind farm. That repowering will bring with it production tax credits, and that helps to lower the rider costs. “The monthly billing impact, with this update, for the average residential customer, will be a decrease of $1.20 per month,” Christmann said. MDU is planning to use existing turbine blades for its repowering of the Montana wind farm. “The blades will be taken down, laid on the ground, and re-coated,” said PSC Chairman Julie Fedorchak. “It certainly saves the landfill from all these big fiberglass blades, and it makes a more affordable option.”
Gov. Doug Burgum to Grand Forks/East Grand Forks residents: ‘You’re doing the right things, so keep it up’
Grand Forks Herald
Gov. Doug Burgum told attendees at the annual Grand Forks-East Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce dinner that the community has emerged as a statewide leader in development, saying “you’re doing all the right things, so keep it up.”…The governor spoke for more than 40 minutes, discussing an array of goings-on throughout the state, with the focus almost entirely on economic development and business activity. When he spoke of Grand Forks specifically, he seemed especially pleased with recent business developments.
Burgum announces large-scale, $1.9 billion data center in development for Williston
KFYR TV
Embracing new technology to enhance communities has become a goal for state and local officials in northwest North Dakota. On Wednesday in Williston, Governor Doug Burgum announced an exciting new project that he says he hopes will make the state a leader in a relatively new field. Williston is now the home of the Atlas Power Data Center, a $1.9 billion project that is expected to be one of the largest in the world. It will provide opportunities for mining valuable cryptocurrencies and advanced computing operations.
Proposal to add climate risk to ag lending metrics gets a rise in North Dakota
The Williston Herald
Gov. Doug Burgum issued a statement urging the National Credit Union Administration to remove language from its proposed 2022 to 2026 strategic plan that advises credit unions to prioritize climate risks when making agricultural loans. North Dakota has 34 credit unions with 214,000 members, Burgum noted in the statement. Collectively they hold $748 million in agricultural loans, and those loans are roughly one-quarter of credit union loan portfolios, on average. “Given our administration’s goal of North Dakota becoming a carbon neutral state by 2030, we appreciate NCUA’s concern about climate change,” Burgum wrote to the NCUA Board. “However, carbon neutrality can be achieved only through innovation, not regulation – and certainly not by limiting access to credit for agricultural operations with natural carbon storage capacity.”
As tax season opens, North Dakota filers will be looking at a tax credit
Prairie Public Newsroom
As North Dakotans begin filling out their income tax forms, they will also see lower tax bills, thanks to the income tax credit passed by the Legislature. It will be a deduction from a filer’s tax liability of up to $350 for single filers, and $700 for joint filers. First, Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus said filers have to figure out their tax liability, which is easy enough to do. “Once they determine what their tax liability is, the tax credit will be deducted from their liability,” Kroshus said.
Washington, D.C.
Grand Sky looks to future growth in 2022
Grand Forks Herald
On the list of new things to watch for this year at Grand Sky, an unmanned aerial systems business and aviation complex, is the possibility of additional tenants…“Grand Sky is the place to be for all things UAS and this new expansion, which is already fully leased, proves just that,” Sen. John Hoeven said in a statement at the time of the grand opening in October. “The multi-tenant building enables companies of all sizes to be part of the incredible UAS ecosystem we’ve worked to develop in Grand Forks.”
In Ukraine crisis, region’s Midwest leaders urge ‘peace through strength’
Grand Forks Herald
“There are a lot of questions going on around that, but number one, we should never put our troops in an unwinnable situation,” Rep. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D., said. “That absolutely has to be first and foremost as our priority.”…“It certainly doesn’t mean moving troops to Ukraine,” said Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., who joined a congressional delegation to Ukraine amid the crisis earlier this month. “But it would certainly mean, at the very least, an increase in providing weapons — lethal weapons that will have an impact on Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.”…“Putin’s military buildup represents the most serious security threat to the region in decades,” Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said in a statement provided by his office. “We should adhere to the principle of peace through strength to deter Russia, that includes utilizing strong sanctions as well as working through NATO to shore up the alliance’s eastern flank. We need to ensure Putin never finds a weak spot to attack the most successful security alliance in history.”
‘National School Choice Week’: As School Lockdowns and Mandates Persist, Most Parents Want New Options
Christian Broadcasting Network
Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), along with Sen. Lankford, introduced a resolution to recognize the need to stand up for parents’ choices in their children’s education during School Choice Week. “School choice allows parents to make decisions that put their children in the best position to succeed,” said Sen. Cramer. “Unfortunately, parents across the country have been given the cold shoulder, even equating them to domestic terrorists. Your zip code shouldn’t define your quality of education. Our resolution recognizes and protects the parents’ freedom to choose the best educational environment for their child’s success.”
Letter: Please do not leave my brother behind in Ukraine
Bismarck Tribune
On a visit to Ukraine last week, Sen. Kevin Cramer took time to visit and pray with Kurt in custody and then met with Kurt’s legal team and U.S. Embassy officials. But Embassy support for Kurt could end soon, as State also noted, “U.S. citizens in Ukraine should be aware that Russian military action anywhere in Ukraine would severely impact the U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide consular services, including assistance to U.S. citizens in departing Ukraine.”
New funding important to move ahead with flood protection
Minot Daily News
Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND, was in Minot on Wednesday for a celebration of sorts. The senator was here to meet with city representatives to talk about securing $61.5 million in federal funds designated for Minot flood protection. Sixty-one million dollars is a big deal for a project to protect this city from future floods like the 2011 flood that devastated so many residents’ homes and businesses. Hoeven had a big hand in working with Shalanda Young, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the St. Paul office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to secure the funds, and that is appreciated.
Tucker: Biden has ‘enabled’ an ongoing assault on our national sovereignty
Fox News
ARMSTRONG: Well, you absolutely can’t, and I think it’s important to recognize that without the bravery of rank and file members of the Capitol Police and good reporting, we probably wouldn’t know about this. But it is a leadership change. It started prior — it started last fall. It obviously got brought into full swing after January 6th, in the spring, and they are literally collecting all kinds of information on our constituents, our donors, our supporters and that doesn’t mean — they have to sign a book, if they come into the Capitol, we don’t know where that information goes. And they’re obviously doing it to our constituents and at meetings we’re having at home, and I mean, listen, it doesn’t matter who you’re meeting with, if the police are spying on you without probable cause that is a terrible thing. But it’s even more chilling when people are redressing their grievances with their Member of Congress. That’s one of the things our country is founded on, and this is really, really scary and it is really, really inappropriate. And I stand by what I said in the article, whoever is in charge of this program should resign or be fired.